Uniden Bearcat BCD996P2

[AA6IO]

Too many things Voyager mentioned in post #38 that I would miss compared to my x36HPs. On the other hand, I concur with Boatanchor in post #39 about the excellent receive performance of the x96XTs. The decoding for me is a bit better on the x36HPs, but I still like the audio on the 996XT better, and I still have to give sensitivity a slight edge to the x96XTs.
In fact, I had a 536HP running the LAPD on a ProScan feed a few weeks ago, then switched that to my 996XT, and a few folks said they like the audio better on the 996XT, which I still have running that feed.
So for me, it is a toss up. That said, I am always one to want to decide for myself, so there is probably a BCD996P2 in my near future. Do we know for sure whether you can use the remote head?
Steve AA6IO

 

[Boatanchor]

It's been said repeatedly that there is no way to make a firmware update create new hardware, which is what it would take to make a 996T/XT do phase 2, or even phase 11.

It is possible that Uniden have simply incorporated a slightly more powerful x36HP flavor CPU into the x96xt that will handle the Phase 2 decoding. However, if this is all they have done (aside from updating to a USB port on the front panel), they have really only done half the job IMO.

If Uniden have gone to the trouble of inserting a higher spec CPU into the x96xt and then re-writing the firmware so that the new CPU mimics the x96xt user interface and memerory architecture, then it begs the question, why does the unit still only have 25,000 memory positions? And, is the unit still handicapped by the same 500 item system limit?

Regardless, it will be interesting to see the price point on this unit. My bet is a RRP of $399 based on the current discounted prices on the 536HP.

The timing and release of this unit is interesting because it is obviously intended to take sales away from the WS-1095. The fact that the 996XT P2 will also take sales away from Uniden's 'flagship' product probably doesn't matter since any sale is better than none.

 

[AA6IO]

My comment above forced me just now to again compare my 996XT and 536HP head-to-head on some P25 digital and 800 Mhz trunking systems. First thing that strikes me is the fantastic display on the 536HP (but do wish it had different colors). Also, the decoding is better on the 536HP. Finally, although the 996XT may be a bit better sensitivity on high VHF (maybe), the 536HP beats it on all the 800 Mhz weaker stuff.
So may be I will pass on the new 996P2.
Steve AA6IO

 

[ShyFlyer]

This is fantastic news! While I was initially excited about the 536HP, I was really disappointed that in the name of advancement, Uniden seemed to have thrown away all that made the x96XTs so great to use. Thankfully, there aren't any Phase II systems in my area so it's been easy to pass on Uniden's latest offerings.

Hopefully, the folks behind FreeScan will make the necessary updates to the thier software.

What would really be nice is if the P2 gave us the ability to define a square area for the GPS rather than a radius around a point.

 

[ratboy]

If, and only if, the new 996p2 works as well in every other area as the old one, I will probably buy one. I will not even consider the 536hp though. Too many issues, and I don't need the headaches, I just want a scanner that scans and actually receives without drama, something the X36hp radios have difficulty with.

 

[Voyager]

It is possible that Uniden have simply incorporated a slightly more powerful x36HP flavor CPU into the x96xt that will handle the Phase 2 decoding. However, if this is all they have done (aside from updating to a USB port on the front panel), they have really only done half the job IMO.

They would need a different VOCODER to decode Phase II. Likely the CPU is upgraded as well - much like the models that decode Phase II.

If Uniden have gone to the trouble of inserting a higher spec CPU into the x96xt and then re-writing the firmware so that the new CPU mimics the x96xt user interface and memerory architecture, then it begs the question, why does the unit still only have 25,000 memory positions? And, is the unit still handicapped by the same 500 item system limit?

Because that's the target spec? They don't want to compete with the x36 line.

The timing and release of this unit is interesting because it is obviously intended to take sales away from the WS-1095. The fact that the 996XT P2 will also take sales away from Uniden's 'flagship' product probably doesn't matter since any sale is better than none.

That's the first logical thing you've said in a long time.

 

[Voyager]

Uniden seemed to have thrown away all that made the x96XTs so great to use.

Like what?

First thing that strikes me is the fantastic display on the 536HP (but do wish it had different colors).

I love the new alert light over the changing colors of the backlight - especially the blue which made the black text hard to read.

 

[AA6IO]

I predict that if this new 996P2 turns out to be as good as its older cousin the 996XT, then between the 536HP and 996P2, this will probably satisfy a good percentage of scanners who need PI and P2. The 536HP obviously has great features, in fact I'm using the dongle/RH/VLC with a cheap WinBook right now and working great. But the XTs, as we all know, have their advantages as well. Now that the WiFi is working, I think some who were on the fence regarding the 536HP have probably pulled the credit card trigger. Those wanting more of what the 996XT has, may have that in the 996P2 (of course, that remains to be seen in the real world of scanning by all of us).
So what is my point? Whistler, you better get that 1095 out pronto. If not, a lot of those wanting phase 2, will already have it. I have to hand it to Uniden for their marketing strategy.

Steve AA6IO

 

[b7spectra]

I just want to know if you can use the existing RH96 with it!

 

[Jay911]

I just want to know if you can use the existing RH96 with it!

I'm only guessing, but the mention of a USB port on the front of the radio suggests to me that the mini-serial port the RH96 needs is gone.

 

[SCPD]

So what's the difference between the BCD996P2 and the 536HP? 536 supports zip code programming and 996 does not?

And hopefully it doesn't have the stupid internal clock battery that the 536HP has. My 536HP isn't 8 months old yet and it won't hold a charge for more than four hours even after leaving it running for an entire week. I'm going to send it back under warranty at 11 months and 2 weeks and then sell it to someone else unless Uniden updates the firmware to allow it to be ignored, or at the very least provides a default year of 2013 (the minimum allowed) so that I can hit E a bunch of times to get through the setup each time I start the radio.

Anyway that puts me in the maybe interested in a 996P2 camp but I'm definitely waiting to hear simulcast reports.

 

[W4ELL]

And hopefully it doesn't have the stupid internal clock battery that the 536HP has. My 536HP isn't 8 months old yet and it won't hold a charge for more than four hours even after leaving it running for an entire week. I'm going to send it back under warranty at 11 months and 2 weeks and then sell it to someone else unless Uniden updates the firmware to allow it to be ignored, or at the very least provides a default year of 2013 (the minimum allowed) so that I can hit E a bunch of times to get through the setup each time I start the radio.

You should check out this post by UPMan... it might apply to your issue too.

http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-forums/308441-bcd436hp-bcd536hp-clock-reset-issue.html#post2346054

 

[garys]

Yiu know that there is. a recall on this, right? Uniden is going to fix the very small number of units that have the identified hardware issue.

And hopefully it doesn't have the stupid internal clock battery that the 536HP has. My 536HP isn't 8 months old yet and it won't hold a charge for more than four hours even after leaving it running for an entire week. I'm going to send it back under warranty at 11 months and 2 weeks and then sell it to someone else unless Uniden updates the firmware to allow it to be ignored, or at the very least provides a default year of 2013 (the minimum allowed) so that I can hit E a bunch of times to get through the setup each time I start the radio.

Anyway that puts me in the maybe interested in a 996P2 camp but I'm definitely waiting to hear simulcast reports.

 

[UPMan]

Originally Posted by Boatanchor
The timing and release of this unit is interesting because it is obviously intended to take sales away from the WS-1095. The fact that the 996XT P2 will also take sales away from Uniden's 'flagship' product probably doesn't matter since any sale is better than none.

When we started development Whistler was saying that the WS-1095 was going to ship in August, 2014.

 

[ki6asp]

Can it be programmed with Sentinel?

 

[phask]

NO to Sentinel - Freescan or one of the other 996 programs.

 

[kevino]

MotoTRBO / DMR

I agree 100%! While not widely used in public safety applications, MotoTRBO/DMR (and, to a lesser extent NXDN/NEXEDGE/IDAS) are seeing widely increased business/industrial use. Many hospitals, hotels, corporate headquarters, professional sports teams, etc. (at least in the Chicago area) have moved to these digital modes. In addition, railroads are modifying their licenses to include (and will reportedly be switching to) NXDN/NEXEDGE/IDAS.

The AOR DV-1 receiver AOR AR-DV1 Wideband Communications Receiver (which will do DMR, NXDN, and more) will reportedly be available in the US market (pending FCC approval) some time this year. Unfortunately, it won't do trunking, isn't very portable and is a receiver as opposed to a scanner. Price will likely be an obstacle as well.

P25 Phase II is great, but I personally don't plan on buying a new scanner unless it will receive (at least) MotoTRBO/DMR.

C'mon, UPMan, help a brother out!!!

Que the ... why doesnt it have TRBO DMR etc etc etc

 

[TGP]

Just pre ordered mine.
I have Numerous 996 T and XT scanners and they work flawlessly.
Also have a 436 that works well but still like my 396 T and XT better.
Never turn my GRE on anymore.
Just my opinion.

We'll see how this one works out.
Tom

 

[NRL88]

Vs BCD536HP

So it sounds like the BCD996P2 only difference is having the built in GPS compared to the BCD536HP? Also there is no mention of WiFi like the BCD536HP.. My 536HP is only 2 weeks old and I have nothing but great from it. Between being able to broadcast to my feed wireless instead of having extra wires plus the audio sounds great. I think i'll stay with the 536HP since it does have the WiFi plus the screen and audio sounds great..

 

[fxdscon]

So it sounds like the BCD996P2 only difference is having the built in GPS

Don't know where you heard that, but the BCD996P2 will not have a built-in GPS.

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