Upgrading from 396XT to 536HP - Learning curve?

[kg4usk]

First post here!
Anyway, I'm eyeing a 536HP on Craigslist, but I just got the hang of programming and scanning with my 396xt. I've been using my 396 mobile with the RH-96, and I love it, but I'd like to be able to connect a GPS for location based scanning. Apparently you can't have both the remote head and GPS with the 396, hence the reason to change radios.
Now for the questions.........
For those of you that may have experience with both, is controlling the 536hp much different than the 396xt? And does it really come with the entire US/Canada database installed?
If so, will I be able to download the data from the scanner into Freescan so I can modify channels to my liking?
Also, does anyone happen to know if the 536 will fit into a single DIN car stereo slot?

Thanks for the help!

 

[buddrousa]

1. Have not used GPS scanning.
2. I have the BCD436HP and yes it has the complete RR database in it and it can be updated weekly.
3. You can use the free software that comes with the scanner to set it up or do it from the keypad.
4. Both scanners can be controlled with free or paid software it just has to be done certain ways.
5. With a charged set of batteries and a zipcode you can start scanning your local area in less than 5 minutes of unboxing a BCD436HP.

 

[mciupa]

I happen to own both scanners.

The 396XT is easier to navigate using only the Menu and some button pushes.
The 536 does come with both countries complete database.
Rather than Freescan, use Sentinel x36 and copy the Full Database into a favorite list.

This is what I have done. From there, you can edit the favorite list to your liking, which is not an option when you only have the full database loaded.

I leave the 536 at home, but I have the WiFi set up and stream it over my laptop if I move around the house or use the 536HP MkII software to remotely control the scanner wirelessly.

 

[kg4usk]

Cool, thanks for the replies!
I already have my 396xt programmed for my liking and easiest access via Sys/Grp QKs. Just wondering if it was similar for the 536hp. I like being able to turn on/off different channels within a group without having to use L/O.
Also, can the 536hp be updated and programmed using the wifi? Can you update scanner settings just using the SD card? One benefit to the 396 is I can just take it inside and program it, and having a permanently installed scanner would be a PITA to program via computer.

 

[buddrousa]

If I understand your question if the scanner is mounted in a car you just remove the sd card take the sd card in the house update the sd card then put the sd card back in the scanner and you have updated the scanner the answer is yes for radioreference database no if you do a firmware update to the scanner then you have to remove the scanner and take it to the pc or UNLESS THE SCANNER IS IN WIFI RANGE OF YOUR NETWORK OR COMPUTER THEN YOU CAN LEAVE IT IN YOUR CAR.

 

[Voyager]

The two units are fairly similar. I think you know, but in case you don't - you cannot connect the RH to the 536. You COULD buy a 996XT and connect both the RH and a GPS.

That said, the 536 has another level over the Systems called Favorite Lists. FLs can have Quick Keys that can quickly enable/disable several Systems.

The 536 also has three keys to quickly hold not only Channels, but also Departments (AKA Groups in the XT series) and Systems. Those are handy when mobile.

There is an Excel sheet that can convert FreeScan data to Sentinel FL data. You can search for it here on RR.

On the 536, you can just use a card reader to take the SD card inside and read/write it just like you would the scanner. You can even update the firmware that way. Of course, the cards are quite small, so be careful if you do this. I would use a card holder to keep it from getting lost.

Oh, and you can use Department Quick Keys for turning Departments (Groups) on/off. The structure is a little different. Rather than using FUNC-#, the scheme is more specific and can be done when on any System or any FL using FLQK.SQK.DQK

 

[ofd8001]

The learning curve for the 536 compared to the 396 is like going from college basketball to professional basketball. If you have the basics down pretty good it's just a case of learning a few more things.

At some point, hopefully measured in weeks, there will be the Siren App that would allow and iPhone (and down the road an Android phone) that will take the place of the remote head.

Just wondering if it was similar for the 536hp. I like being able to turn on/off different channels within a group without having to use L/O.

Yes - you can turn on groups of channels using quick keys. I think it is easier to do this with the 536 than the 396.

Can you update scanner settings just using the SD card? One benefit to the 396 is I can just take it inside and program it, and having a permanently installed scanner would be a PITA to program via computer.

Yes - just remove the SD card from the scanner and insert it into a card reader slot on your computer, make the changes and return it to the scanner in the vehicle. Another thing I find easier with the 536 than the 396. Far fewer things to disconnect and re-connect or like you say, bring the computer to the vehicle.

 

[kg4usk]

Awesome! Thanks for the help guys!
I have considered the '996xt to save a few bucks, but I think the 536 would be better in the long run, and the SD card and quick replay/record feature seems pretty awesome.
I was planning on just mounting it in the spare DIN slot in my vehicle, so no more need for the RH96. Now I just need to decide if I should sell, or keep my 396xt!

 

[Kingmobileaudio]

I like the 536 over the 996xt for mobile. Having the whole RR database and GPS is a win win for me.

 

[ofd8001]

If your scanning involves any simulcast systems, the 536 is significantly better at decoding them than the 996. I think if someone was to offer me five 996s in trade for one of my 536s, I'd have to think long and hard about that.

I have hung on to my 396XT. It is still a good portable scanner for when I go out of town.

 

[Voyager]

I think if someone was to offer me five 996s in trade for one of my 536s, I'd have to think long and hard about that.

Not sure I would. The 996s go from $200 to $400 depending on T/XT, condition, Etc. So I would take the 996s sell them and buy a replacement 536 or two.