BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Thinking of getting 436

[Dundee15]

Hello all,

I am looking at getting the 436 scanner and had a few questions. I don't know a whole lot about scanning and all the different systems but will this scanner allow me to listen to Racom systems? Just looking for some feedback as well from someone that has this scanner and how good it is.

Thanks!

 

[Soundman]

I love mine .Yes there is some problems .The clock does not work . But it is easy to program .You get software .You plug it into your computer and it does the work for you and every few week you can update it . If you have problems utube is there to help you .

 

[Dundee15]

I'm not worried about the clock, someone else mentioned something to prevent that issue. I've watched a ton of YouTube videos and seems to be a good one was just looking for some feedback on here. However I do have a question I know it runs on batteries which I have 3 sets of rechargeable batteries but is there anything I can buy to plug it into the wall for when I'm not taking it with me anywhere?

 

[Voyager]

Duplicate post. (hit QUICK REPLY rather than EDIT)

 

[Voyager]

There is also a permanent fix for the clock IF it goes bad. It's not as if there are issues out of the box (well, none that can't be fixed via a firmware update depending how old the unit is). The only ones with issues out of the box are those who didn't charge the RTC battery first.

 

[Analogrules]

The BCD436 does a terrible job decoding Phase 2 transmissions for certain systems.......just a heads up. It works better on some days over others. Some say an upgraded antenna would help, but I still haven't found a reasonable priced one that is guaranteed to do the trick. One guy on ebay was selling them until recently, then suddenly stopped. That is my biggest headache with this scanner.

 

[budevans]

I'm not worried about the clock, someone else mentioned something to prevent that issue. I've watched a ton of YouTube videos and seems to be a good one was just looking for some feedback on here. However I do have a question I know it runs on batteries which I have 3 sets of rechargeable batteries but is there anything I can buy to plug it into the wall for when I'm not taking it with me anywhere?

You can buy USB power adapters at any place that sells cell phone accessories. They are available for home (AC) and also for your car (cigarette lighter plug, DC). Just use the USB cable that comes with the 436.

 

[Dundee15]

Thanks, again appreciate everyone's feedback. One of the first thing I do want to upgrade when I get this piece is the antenna what would you guys recommend? I saw that the RS800 was one that was mentioned often..

 

[ApexMark]

If you're receiving 800mhz the RS800 is excellent. I love this scanner, despite what I consider some very goofy menus it's an awesome piece of hardware for the price. The recording feature is just awesome. It is loaded with features overall. Highly recommended.

On the known issues, I kept mine plugged in 50 hours upon receiving it (presumably to charge the clock battery) & no issues yet. Even so, if it's only used to stamp the recordings & there's a way to turn off the time prompt I don't much care, as I try to keep up with listening to my recordings otherwise it's overwhelming. If it's one I want to save I rename.

On the LCD's, personally I use them on low. Mid, for me, is bright, High is far too bright for my eyes, but I haven't mounted it in a car where perhaps it could be useful. Anyway a fix will come for that soon.

This is an awesome scanner. A few warts and to me it feels cheap and not like a lifetime radio like my old Pro43 but I don't care, it's a beauty, especially for their current price. Buy one!