I feel that the referenced thread should be here so thats why I am replying to it here, http://forums.radioreference.com/un...uctions-bizarre-software-faulty-controls.html
I have used BCD536HP since "day 1". I didn't have any experience with a Home Patrol type Uniden scanner before this. My last Uniden scanner before the 536 was a BCD996T. I bought another 536 yesterday even though I'm not too impressed with the P25 Phase II decoding but I think that to have 100% P25 Phase II decoding would have sent the price a bit higher which for me would be a justification not to buy 1 let alone 2
I did start using Sentinel when it was released. I had some questions that were answered here on RadioReference. To me just using Sentinel was for the most part fairly easy. I have since gone in and changed programming of my favorites in order to refine the operation of scanner.
I feel that to program this scanner without the software would be difficult unless you were to use the locations based programming. But that requires an additional purchase.
It took me a couple of days to get used to the programming and nuances of the new scanner BUT I would not make a statement that this scanner is not suitable for professional use. I for one wouldn't even entertain using this scanner or my other previous scanners for professional use. That's why Motorola and Harris make public safety communications equipment and they cost $2000+ for handheld units.
I do use one of my older Uniden scanners, a BC796D, at work in order to monitor a Public Safety agency that sometimes causes interference to our VHF Land/Mobile system. But this is very much more for connivence than anything else. Plus I had it just sitting around gathering dust. My BCD799T will replace it tomorrow.
But to use a consumer grade product for actual professional use and to expect it perform as a professional piece of equipment is just right. I know that my 536 is not the same as the 436 but from what I have read here on RadioReference programming is essentially the same.
I have used BCD536HP since "day 1". I didn't have any experience with a Home Patrol type Uniden scanner before this. My last Uniden scanner before the 536 was a BCD996T. I bought another 536 yesterday even though I'm not too impressed with the P25 Phase II decoding but I think that to have 100% P25 Phase II decoding would have sent the price a bit higher which for me would be a justification not to buy 1 let alone 2
I did start using Sentinel when it was released. I had some questions that were answered here on RadioReference. To me just using Sentinel was for the most part fairly easy. I have since gone in and changed programming of my favorites in order to refine the operation of scanner.
I feel that to program this scanner without the software would be difficult unless you were to use the locations based programming. But that requires an additional purchase.
It took me a couple of days to get used to the programming and nuances of the new scanner BUT I would not make a statement that this scanner is not suitable for professional use. I for one wouldn't even entertain using this scanner or my other previous scanners for professional use. That's why Motorola and Harris make public safety communications equipment and they cost $2000+ for handheld units.
I do use one of my older Uniden scanners, a BC796D, at work in order to monitor a Public Safety agency that sometimes causes interference to our VHF Land/Mobile system. But this is very much more for connivence than anything else. Plus I had it just sitting around gathering dust. My BCD799T will replace it tomorrow.
But to use a consumer grade product for actual professional use and to expect it perform as a professional piece of equipment is just right. I know that my 536 is not the same as the 436 but from what I have read here on RadioReference programming is essentially the same.