Should I upgrade?

[SirJ]

I have a Uniden bcd396xt that works just fine, I’ve been wondering if it’s worth upgrading ? I like the new SDS series but is it really worth it. As all my listening is conventional FMN & P25. Would be nice to have a scanner where I pull up a zip code on the said scanner and it starts scanning my choice of pd,fire etc etc

 

[sonm10]

Zip code scanning is not what's is cracked up to be. Something for newbies "to get noise out of the box". If the 396 works for you, stick with that. Doesn't matter anyway unless you take your scanner on trips, or change programming often.

 

[glenn12416]

i bought an sds100 right after i already had a homepatrol 2 and a trx1 i didnt think they were any good since i had programmed them by zip code now that i know how to program all of them with the software both other scanners keep up ,if not better than the sds100 i noticed they all download off the same database which is radio reference . my problem might have been simulcast distortion while zip code scanning but since i programmed them all the way i want the simulcast distortion is gone and i get exactly what i want to listen to. i also changed antenna on all of them and still get the same with the originals after i programmed them correctly

 

[dimab]

I have never used the ZIP code feature on my sds100 - but I don’t see much beneift in upgrading based on your description. Yes it’s a shiny new toy - but it has its drawbacks - slower scan speeds - I don’t like the feel of any of the flat buttons on the front or the weirdly deep seated side buttons. I much prefer the the shape and size of the 396 which I owned as well. Also the sds100 hasn’t had a firmware update in a very long time - leading folks to suspect it’s a development/support been abandoned by Uniden.
If I didn’t have to deal with simulcast, I would own a 325p2 instead.

 

[fredva]

In my opinion, zip code scanning isn't a reason to upgrade from a scanner programmed the way you want it. If one or more of your local agencies upgrades to a new radio system that your current scanner can't handle, and they don't go encrypted when they change over, that is a good reason to upgrade.

 

[wtp]

if you travel A LOT it would make more sense to use the GPS feature. that is if you are driving.
the 396XT does do GPS, but you have to have programmed in all the information to use it beforehand.

 

[MStep]

I have a Uniden bcd396xt that works just fine, I’ve been wondering if it’s worth upgrading ? I like the new SDS series but is it really worth it. As all my listening is conventional FMN & P25. Would be nice to have a scanner where I pull up a zip code on the said scanner and it starts scanning my choice of pd,fire etc etc

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If your 396 is doing the job, stay with it.

 

[rcool101]

If you can afford it then Upgrade. I still have both my 396 models. Simulcast made them useless

 

[SirJ]

Yeah the scanner works fine after all these years. It is pretty beat up. isn't UPman the go to guy for these uniden radios ?


My only gripe there is a 700Mhz system up but I don't know if it is phase one or two and I don't even have any trunking systems around me except for a local Air force and A naval base

 

[nd5y]

isn't UPman the go to guy for these uniden radios ?

You must have missed this.

Paul Opitz passes away at age 59 after his battle with cancer

I just received word that Paul Opitz (UPMan) passed away Saturday from his long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family when he passed. That is all the news I have at this time. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

forums.radioreference.com

 

[SirJ]

You must have missed this.

Paul Opitz passes away at age 59 after his battle with cancer

I just received word that Paul Opitz (UPMan) passed away Saturday from his long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family when he passed. That is all the news I have at this time. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

forums.radioreference.com

Oh wow time to sell the rock I live under and move into a tree. Damn that sucks. Does uniden have another rep for us uniden fans ?

 

[jtwalker]

Oh wow time to sell the rock I live under and move into a tree. Damn that sucks. Does uniden have another rep for us uniden fans ?

Yes, but only on Wednesdays … JoeBearcat

 

[iMONITOR]

Would be nice to have a scanner where I pull up a zip code on the said scanner and it starts scanning my choice of pd,fire etc etc

The Zip Code method of programming works great if you fully understand it. Besure to set your Range and select Services to meet your requirements. Uniden's BCD436HP does this just as well as the SDS100 for a lot less money!