Why should I buy a 436 now? - I like my 325P2

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neilbell

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I am not able to travel about much and use my scanners at home. I have a 325P2 and a 996P2 and like them and their ease of programming. They decode a large P25 system very well, plus a number of conventional systems. I have about 35-40 systems programmed and listen to about 10 on a regular daily basis.

So my question is what are the real advantages of switching over to the 436 / 536 systems when my current systems are doing okay? I know that the display of longer system-channel names would be nice. What else would be compelling reasons to switch? Spending about $1000 isn't trivial!

Neil Bell, KJ6FBA
 

ofd8001

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Well if you are happy with what you have, then forget about buying something else.

The advantages to the x36 are the bigger capacity (more systems, etc) and easier location based scanning if you don't have a GPS. This is more adantageous to those who travel (which you do not).

Also if you are into recording transmissions for future purpose, the x36 series does that.

Over the very long haul, the x36 could be a little more cost effective, but that's only applicable to someone contemplating buying a 325 versus a 436. To keep the data up to date, you have to continue being an RR premium subscriber. With the x36 you have access to the same data without future cost.
 

DeDawg

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Having a 325 now and for a spell, a 536, no way would I swap my 325 for a 436.

Did not need any of the bells and whistles the x36 series has. Some might.

Swapped my 536 for a TRX-2 and very pleased that I did.
 

marksmith

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Agree.

I have both a 436 and 325. I use the 325 much more often, especially when I use it as a handheld, because of size. I have everything programmed into it that I have interest in and it decodes as well as the 436.

The 436 basically sits in one room and runs 24/7 off AC power at low volume. Because of its size I don't take it out much, and because of the dinky letters on the display compared to the 325, it's not as easy to read.

If the 325 is doing what you want, then recording is really the only thing you are missing and that may not be worth the upgrade, especially if you lose some of the things you like about the 325. The 996 p2 also works as a good companion to the 325, just like the 996xt and 396xt of old (which I still have and use).

Mark
536/436/ws1095/996p2/996xt/325p2/396xt/psr800/396t/HP-1/HP-2 & others
 

Valeriy

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So my question is what are the real advantages of switching over to the 436 / 536 systems when my current systems are doing okay? I know that the display of longer system-channel names would be nice. What else would be compelling reasons to switch? Spending about $1000 isn't trivial!
Neil Bell, KJ6FBA

Regarding the 436, its capability to record anything (above all the Close Call Hits) on the internal microSD card is of the utmost importance.
And, in any case, it can be programmed with many more Systems than the 325.
When it comes on its specs as a receiver instead, I don't know if the 436 is more or less sensitive than the 325.
I can only say that from this point of view it could have been designed a bit better...:)
 
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jonwienke

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Reasons to get a x36 scanner over a P2:

1. If you travel, the x36 series (with a connected GPS) will not bog down toggling systems when processing location updates if you program a large number of systems.

2. If you want full names rather than abbreviations for system, department, and channel labels.

3. If you want the scanner to record traffic.

4. The receiver has better filtering against adjacent channel interference.

5. More likely to be upgradeable with additional digital modes.

6. The 536 allows you to use a phone or tablet (preferably Android) to control the scanner and listen to traffic via WiFi. You can locate the scanner in the room where your antenna coax enters the house to have the shortest coax run, and listen anywhere within WiFi range.
 

yeg_scan

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Regarding the 436, its capability to record anything (above all the Close Call Hits) on the internal microSD card is of the utmost importance.
And, in any case, it can be programmed with many more Systems than the 325.
When it comes on its specs as a receiver instead, I don't know if the 436 is more or less sensitive than the 325.
I can only say that from this point of view it could have been designed a bit better...:)

Frequencies tested (MHz) 127.50, 147.00, 155.00, 420.00, 447.00, 772.00, 868.00 All results in uV

Uniden BCD325P2 0.14 0.14 0.15 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.16
Uniden BCD436HP 0.14 0.12 0.11 0.21 0.14 0.19 0.20
Uniden BCD536HP 0.14 0.14 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.15

Btw .. hated the 436HP (sold it), and the 536HP (overloads and works like **** at my location) but loving my 325P2. The only real advantage .. ability to record. Other than that .. don't waste your money.
 

Nasby

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Let's face it.

It's all about peformance and hearing the sytems and action easily and reliably.

If the scanners you have now are doing that now, don't waste your money chasing that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
 

scannersnstuff

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Mar 31, 2006
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Agree.

I have both a 436 and 325. I use the 325 much more often, especially when I use it as a handheld, because of size. I have everything programmed into it that I have interest in and it decodes as well as the 436.

The 436 basically sits in one room and runs 24/7 off AC power at low volume. Because of its size I don't take it out much, and because of the dinky letters on the display compared to the 325, it's not as easy to read.

If the 325 is doing what you want, then recording is really the only thing you are missing and that may not be worth the upgrade, especially if you lose some of the things you like about the 325. The 996 p2 also works as a good companion to the 325, just like the 996xt and 396xt of old (which I still have and use).

Mark
536/436/ws1095/996p2/996xt/325p2/396xt/psr800/396t/HP-1/HP-2 & others

I echo these word's. I just got my 436hp a few week's ago. It's doing temporary duty as a fire pager.
I do like it, but my 325 is my "go to" portable. The 436 is a behemoth.All and all, pretty happy with both. PS - Still keeping my bcd396xt.
 
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