Wait for latest base scanner or get new handheld?

[captainstress]

I would like to upgrade my current base scanner (BC370CRS) to a top-of-the-line model. I'm looking at base scanners because I don't intend on going mobile with it--I just use it on my desk at home. However, would the latest handheld model from Uniden, BCD396XT, work just as well as a base scanner? Or is there something that makes a base scanner a better performer at home than a handheld?

I was thinking of waiting for the replacement to the BCD996T, but if the handheld model will work just as well, then I don't need to wait.

 

[Eng74]

The base/mobile have a bigger screen than a hand held. If you don't need digital you could go with a BCT-15. Another thing you could do to get the best of both worlods is get the had held and then add a RH-96 remote head which will give you the big screen then you can still go portable with the hand held when you want.

 

[torontokris]

base on average has better reception, but not portable (if u go for walks mall etc)

Might be a wait for a 996xt. So if you want it this year I'd get the 396XT.

Oh well up to you all great scanners

 

[Bill_White]

Well, it might not meet your criteria for a “top-of-the-line model”
But, for $129.97 the RS PRO-160 is a good buy.
PRO-160 1000-Channel Trunking Desktop Scanner - RadioShack.com

 

[captainstress]

Thanks for the replies. By top-of-the-line, I mean a digital trunking scanner. My area uses the VIPER system for state and county services.

 

[davidmc36]

I'm in the waiting camp, with drool running out of the corner of my mouth.:twisted:

 

[KE4ZNR]

Thanks for the replies. By top-of-the-line, I mean a digital trunking scanner. My area uses the VIPER system for state and county services.

Being the person that probably knows more about VIPER than pretty much anyone else at RR.com, my advice would be that it might be prudent to wait a little while longer.
Happy Monitoring!
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[wireless_friendly]

base on average has better reception, but not portable (if u go for walks mall etc)

You sure?

We have done few experiments with mobile and handheld Uniden's when base antenna attached, and didn't notice any differences in reception.

396T and 996T appears very similar, including selectivity, intermediation & etc.

 

[torontokris]

That maybe true but Im sure others would like to see your test results...

If that was true Uniden should just put a 396XT inside a mobile case (taht would act like a remote head).. change the keys and display and they have a 996XT. Would save a ton of money. And you could remove the 396XT for portable purpose as well.

in my own experience with te same basic black rubber duck antennas attached (so the lowest common antenna denominator).. there was a difference.. the 996T picked up the control channel on 2 bars, the 396T did not even pick it up. But thats my own experience.

so maybe the better base antenna is feeding the 396T with enough signal.

You sure?

We have done few experiments with mobile and handheld Uniden's when base antenna attached, and didn't notice any differences in reception.

396T and 996T appears very similar, including selectivity, intermediation & etc.

 

[ausscan]

Think of it this way. A handheld can be a base, can be a mobile and can be handheld. A base scanner will always be a base (or mobile) scanner.

 

[fmalloy]

Think of it this way. A handheld can be a base, can be a mobile and can be handheld. A base scanner will always be a base (or mobile) scanner.

Would be nice to have a specialized dock for a portable, like an iPod. The dock could:

- Connect to AC
- Contain a larger display with more detailed info than can fit on the handheld LCD
- Charge the batteries
- Contain a larger, good-fidelity speaker and possibly an audio amp,
- Bluetooth which could send audio to a headset, and data to a nearby computer
- Have an external antenna connection for large whips, or outside antennas
- Be heavy and substantial and stabilize the unit

Then, when you need to take the scanner, grab and go. No disconnecting of the wall-wart, serial connector, or external antenna. No more scanner falling over.

 

[al95]

A new base scanner will be release you can read about in the following thread.


http://www.radioreference.com/forums/uniden-scanners/144208-996xt-15x-announced.html

 

[ausscan]

Would be nice to have a specialized dock for a portable, like an iPod. The dock could:

- Connect to AC
- Contain a larger display with more detailed info than can fit on the handheld LCD
- Charge the batteries
- Contain a larger, good-fidelity speaker and possibly an audio amp,
- Bluetooth which could send audio to a headset, and data to a nearby computer
- Have an external antenna connection for large whips, or outside antennas
- Be heavy and substantial and stabilize the unit

Then, when you need to take the scanner, grab and go. No disconnecting of the wall-wart, serial connector, or external antenna. No more scanner falling over.

Spot on there. I have thought about trying to mod something I have here, but I can't bring myself to put any holes in the 396

 

[davidmc36]

I have thought about trying to mod something I have here, but I can't bring myself to put any holes in the 396

Once you make the first hole, the rest are easy.:twisted:

http://www.radioreference.com/forum...934-new-install-bc-t15-bcd996t-built-gps.html