bcd396t
Member
i now have a bcd396t and it works excellent and i am thinking about selling it and upgrading to the bcd396xt just wondering if anyone has any comparisens between the two radios and if it is worth my while to upgrade to the xt .
to upgrade to xt or stay with t
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I can see that one downside of an upgrade would be that your user name would also need to be upgraded. 
bcd396t
Member
I can see that one downside of an upgrade would be that your user name would also need to be upgraded.
hahah funny that is true, i dont know why i used that, guess it was the first thing that came to mind that day but yes im going to try an change that anyhow.
check the extra features of the XT on the radio wiki..
BCD396XT - The RadioReference Wiki
if you dont need those options that are in bold .. (NAC, more memory, multi-site temp lockout, ind channel volume being some of my key points)...
then stick with the old one if its working excellent for you
BCD396XT - The RadioReference Wiki
if you dont need those options that are in bold .. (NAC, more memory, multi-site temp lockout, ind channel volume being some of my key points)...
then stick with the old one if its working excellent for you
I did upgrade from the BCD396T to the newest BCD396XT and I am more then
happy that I did. The P25 audio is 100% times better on the XT, but maybe that's
just my ears and now everyones.
73,
happy that I did. The P25 audio is 100% times better on the XT, but maybe that's
just my ears and now everyones.
73,
safetyobc
Member
It depends on your area and needs. Multi-Site would be the selling feature for me. LOVE IT!
scannersnstuff
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let's put it this way.imho, the bcd396t is roseanne barr.the bcd396xt is julia roberts. there's no comparison.what a great friggin' radio.i'm sad everytime i have to put the bcd396xt to bed.
I have both and I like the XT way better...
Display mode 2, Bandscope, Multi-colored backlights, Multi-Site functionality, Temp Lockout, NAC decode.
To me, everything sounds better on the XT... including digital.
I definitely recommend the upgrade.
Display mode 2, Bandscope, Multi-colored backlights, Multi-Site functionality, Temp Lockout, NAC decode.
To me, everything sounds better on the XT... including digital.
I definitely recommend the upgrade.
GTO_04
Member
Go for the upgrade, you will not regret it. The audio is a lot better and that alone is reason enough to upgrade! The ability to designate TGs as analog or digital only is a great feature if you monitor MOT mixed-mode 3600 baud systems.
GTO_04
GTO_04
That better P25 audio could have been delivered via a firmware update, instead you blew your money on a radio that is aesthetically the same, inside and out. Same thing goes with the 996t, the firmware update that everyone hoped for is being delievered via the new xt radio. It doesn't take a genius to realize why, money. It is comical to read these people who have and are going to throw their money towards the same radio with just a few new features.
Regardless of whether the xt could have been just a t firmware update the 396xt is the best handheld scanner I have ever owned. However, if you are happy with the 396T the XT may just be a luxury. In my case the XT has rectified some deficiencies in the T that hindered my monitoring. My T had birdies on 155.25 and 155.655, which happen to be primary channels for a nearby county sheriff and the local state police troop as well as Pitkin County Colorado where I ski. The XT receives these channels with no problem. Also, I have found the XT's sensitivity much better than the T. This is important here as we still have a lot of simplex radio systems here and our terrain is hilly.You can tell the difference just by comparing NOAA weatherradio reception. The improved sensitivity extends across all the bands. The ability to determine fire toneout tones is a great feature as well. I haven't had a chance to travel with it yet to really test it in various urban areas I frequently visit.
If you are able to clearly monitor everything you want to hear with the 396T you may want to save your money. But, in my situation the XT is clearly the superior radio and I am very happy I purchased it. \
MVS
If you are able to clearly monitor everything you want to hear with the 396T you may want to save your money. But, in my situation the XT is clearly the superior radio and I am very happy I purchased it. \
MVS
scannersnstuff
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well unless it's just my imagination,the sensitivity's much better on the 396xt too.
sjlamb
Member
I didn't blow any of my $$. I bypassed the 396T and went straight to the 396XT. Regardless... the opinions of those who have owned both seem pretty unanimous. All report significant improvements in the new 396XT platform. I have yet to read a report from anyone who feels they "blew" their money by upgrading to the new model.... and that fact speaks volumes. The jury is in and the masses have spoken.
Few on this forum are buying based on inside and out "aesthetics". Their paying for improved performance across an entirely new platform; and getting what they paid for at that.
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sjlamb
Member
Over the past year, I read MANY posts regarding sub-standard audio quality in the 396T. While I never listened to one; I can say without hesitation that the audio on the XT is very clear and with plenty of volume punch without distortion. I very rarely have to set it beyond "7" to hear it with crystal clarity throughtout the room that it's sitting in. Audio decode is right on (and automatic) and the sensitivity meets or exceeds any handheld that I've ever owned... and I've owned a few.
sjlamb
Member
They were supposedly introducing the new XT software at the Dayton Hamvention on May 15th so, we might be seeing the ARC XT software available online sometime this week. I thought, however, that they would make it available the same day that they introduced it at Dayton but, apparently not the case.
FreeScan is a great alternative in the interim and has done quite well by me in setting up my XT.
GTO_04
Member
The new speaker grille design on the XT has resulted in a noticeable improvement in the audio compared to the T. The audio is louder and more clear, without the fuzziness at lower volume levels. This is a separate issue from the digital decoding, which also seems to be better on the XT.
GTO_04
GTO_04
kayleesdad
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why settle for an inferior prototype? the 500 tgids is nice for lock outs, the multi-site makes it easier to lock out undesirable channels faster, audio is better, p25 is great and so far as good or better than the psr500/pro106. with the same factory antenna, the xt picks up distant conventional channels the t can't pick up (well if you consider 12 miles distant with buildings, tv stations and radio stations nearby). and then there is price and resale value to consider into the equation. b oth are great, though.
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