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This scanner is exceptionally capable and has features in it that I will probably not live long enough to learn. Uniden packed in so many features and ways to scan & search that you really, really, need to take the time to learn it all otherwise you may find yourself enabling something somewhere in the menus only to have inadvertently locked yourself out somewhere else. So many times I have the scanner telling me it has nothing to scan because I flipped off an agency type or a scan group or didn't enable the quick key or whatever. If you're used to the old school scanners - this scanner is NOT that. However, that all said, if you have patience or are otherwise an expert the scanner is very good. I have P25 phase 2 systems, simulcast systems, conventional systems around me and I can get it all with reasonable consistency. The speaker is a little weak if there's a lot of background noise but its workable. One big upside is the fact that you can download updated national database via the Sentinel software for free and you scan that entire database without having to key in any data on the radio itself. In short, happy with the radio but could do without some of the fancy gingerbread features that make the radio more complicated for me than it needs to be.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This unit does more than I need .....and can not really rate the unit itself as my main problem is with the so-called manual that comes with it. It is worthless as has no complete info on setting the unit up. I did plug in my zip code and it started receiving right away. But was getting everyone for ( I found out later that 20 miles away was default) 20 miles and never caught any broadcast from my own town. I changed it to zero miles and still did not receive any broadcast from my police dept. I spent days watching you tube video's and after so many attempts was able to create a Favorites list with my towns fire and police. So $500 for that. Still trying to find something in print (White paper) on how to do more with this unit.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I have read the manual multiple times, logged many hours on You-tube how to videos, and I'm still baffled and bewildered how to use some of the features. The manual starts out explaining certain names and what they mean, but, to only later use abbreviations to make it better and shorter for the writer, only to make it more confusing for the reader to always have to stop and go back to try and remember what the abbreviations stand for. This make a person frustrated trying to take it all in and make it difficult to program it. Always second guessing the proper steps and protocol to program it. Writing from the computer software to the scanner is not very complete on instructions leaving you to guess if you have done it right or not. Words like "Un-mounting" Then the write options "Erase" or "Force Write" database. Thankfully it has the feature to just enter in your zip code and in minutes your able to hear agencies in your area, making it feel like you just didn't drop $400.00 on a scanner and not be able to use it. I've been listening to scanners as a hobby for over 30 years and the technology is getting better, but more difficult for the general public to program it to get all the added features, and to justify the large price tag. I also have the bcd536hp model and it too is just as difficult to program. I have invested over $1000.00 in 2 scanners and so grateful for the Zip Code quick entry. This was the sole reason I purchased the second model. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
One of the lowest best prices for the radio. I got the newer run of the models and it is great. I have discovered many talkgroups and unlisted frequencies in my area and I have department issued equipment that did not have it all. If your use to old scanners it may seem confusing at first but you'll learn quick. It is very handy with the store and record discovery options. The reception is on mine at least equal to my issued APX and xts portables. It really surprised me. I even pick up a NOAA station almost 100 miles away. Trunking is really good for a scanner. Very satisfied. I only reccomend to download the online pdf you can find while purchasing waiting so you can learn it. Then if needed read the included manual when it comes. Another advantage is the the optional pro voice key and DMR key from uniden which is a paid upgrade but worth getting it now as both are about 50 each and they are more of if you live in areas with DMR and Pro Voice which isn't all over. But out of the box the scanner is good and great to go if you do not use those 2 formats. Included is p25 formats phase 1 and 2. Nac tone and ctcss decoding. Overall 10 of 10 rating. Only minor issue I have is no squelch tail elimination but not many scanners ever have that feature which is a commercial gear feature in conventional analog however trunking and digital does not have squelch tail so it's good. If your finicky about that minor irrelevant analog squelch tail in conventional a whistler would be your choice but the bcd436hp has a keypad while whistler brands do not. The custom search features is smoother to me then whistler models. Just make sure when getting your scanner to copy all the sd card data to a folder on pc so you have a backup. Then after that use the free uniden software found on uniden site with the included usb charging cable to edit or add banks which now are called favorites lists. Also update connected to the internet your uniden sentinel software and frequency database to latest. Trust me it's nice to have a entire known database where you just enter the zip code. Also update the firmware on scanner to latest using the free software from uniden website. Overall I love this scanner as I can leave my work radios off while off duty now and just use the scanner to monitor more in my area. If your a leo I would suggest the bcd436hp handheld and the bcd536hp desktop mobile for office home or unit to monitor clear trunked systems. Ymmv depending on how well your agencies system is built but I am very happy and I think you will be too.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
If you're new to scanning, or travel a lot, this scanner is perfect. Just enter your zip code, turn on/off service types (fire, ploice, ems, etc), setup your desired scan receive range (1-20 miles, 20 is default), and the scanner loads all the frequencies & channel ID codes into memory & begins scanning. You may have to delete (using aviod button) certain channels that you don't want, but beyond that, works well. Custom programming is very tricky, the supplied program is pretty much worthless & very difficult to work with, better to spend about $40 & purchase the Butel programming software which is much better & easier to work with thru your PC. However, this unit has had it's issues; one of the current issues is the clock battery going bad, & having to reset the internal clock every time the scanner is powered on. There is a repair campaign under way by Uniden to fix that problem. Also, there is no AC chharger included, you have to use a USB AC type charger. There is a cable that acts as a serial cable for data uploads & downloads, and also as the charging cable when plugged into the USB AC charger, but you cannot charge the batteries while the radio is on, only while it;s off. So if you plan on being portable at lot, you'll need an extra set of rechargeables on hand (takes 3), and a separate nicad charger. The unit gets about 8 hours on 1 set of batteries, use a good name brand nicad battery. Beyond all that, still a good unit.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
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