which model should I purchase?

[tlakey11]

I will be using a GPS unit as I cover all of North and South Carolina and wish to monitor all activities around me ie(highway patrol and county and city resources), however I can not decide on which model will provide me the most bang for buck for my specific needs. All help appreciated.

 

[ofd8001]

I am very happy with my Uniden BCD536HP. It is in my vehicle and connected to a GPS device and this combination has served me well.

Before the 536 I had a BCD996XT. It too worked well, except I was having issues with decoding simulcast systems. The 536 is much better with simulcast systems.

 

[cmjonesinc]

I have a 996xt with a Delorme tripmate and travel between central nc and eastern nc very often and it works very well. As ofd8001 said, it's not so hot on simulcast systems, but I rarely run into them so I'm happy with it. I got my tripmate for 18 bucks on eBay and did a couple mods to make it talk with the 996 and to run in off my trucks 12v instead of AA's, and I couldn't be happier for the price.

 

[cmjonesinc]

And here's those mods if you want to use a tripmate. If you like to tinker it's a quick project that saves some money.
The Delorme Tripmate Self-Start Modification

 

[tlakey11]

what are the main differences between a 400 model and the 500 model of the bearcat hp

 

[cmjonesinc]

what are the main differences between a 400 model and the 500 model of the bearcat hp

For the most part it's just ones a handheld and one is a mobile / desktop. Kinda like the 396 vs 996