Features:

  • Favorites List, System, Department/Site Quick Keys and temporary avoid
  • Enhanced dynamic memory with narrowband reception and location-based scanning
  • Preemptive trunking priority and multi-site system support
  • S.A.M.E weather alert with USA/Canada radio database and fire tone-out alert
  • Close Call RF capture with 4GB of memory ; 8-Hours Operation on 3xAA Batteries.USB Connectivity
Awesome scanner!!

I have had this for a day and I am so impressed!! I have had a BCD396T since 2006 and this is soooooo much better. i've been missing so much! This scanner is VERY sensitive in comparison. I can hear Birmingham Alabama APCO25 system at home now almost 30 miles away where I live on the outskirts!! And that's with a 800Mhz rubber antenna!! The programming is very easy too. It only took a couple of hours playing with this and I've already got a handle on this. The "Favorites" are different but easy to understand after thinking about it a little. Also the "system", "Dept", and "Chan" buttons are nice and it is logical. Just some background on my scanning history: I had my first scanner almost 35 years ago and have had many since. Had a PRO43 and PRO2005 and an ICR3 and the latest was the BCD396T which I had for 8 years. If you are new to the hobby it may be a little longer figuring it out but the ZIP code feature will get you by until then. It is a great feature especially for travelers and long commuters. I know this is after 1 day but I will add to this if I change my mind or think of any issues. Right now I have NO NEGATIVES

It's the best!

I've had this scanner for 1 year exactly, and I couldn't be more pleased. I started with portable 4 channel crystal scanners in the mid 70s, but when they all went digital, that left everyone off line until the manufactures came up with affordable digital scanners. I had a programmable scanner in the 90s, (you still had to program every frequency) so I was slightly aware if the complexities even back then. Well, digital is a LOT more complex in one sense , but much less complex in another. Example: If you're a scanner geek, you'll love the 50,000 options that you can make with this scanner. But if you're like most of us, who just want to hear our local emergency services, all you have to de is put in your Zip Code and start listening! There ARE a couple of options you'll want to choose however, like the distance you want the scanner to pick up. Most of us who live in the cities choose zero. If you live further out, you might choose 3 5 8 miles (or whatever that option allows) The other option you'll need to know is how to delete radio transmissions that you dont want to listen to, like the buses or trains. The absolute MAIN thing you'll want is to download the software from Uniden, set up you channels there, then download them into your scanner. This isn't absolutely necessary, but it does make things a whole lot easier. The SECOND main thing is watch the videos on YouTube about this scanner! They will help you more than anything!

Great scanner for novices and pros alike

I have owned several handheld scanners and this one is my favorite. Why? because I didn't have to program it! And program it again every time I go somewhere! Wherever I go I just punch in a zip code and I am scanning. And in my truck I can attach the optional GPS antenna and I don't even have to do that. Of course there are advanced programming options that you can do from the scanner, from the Sentinel software or you can buy the ARC536 software. So far in my experience I have been able to do everything that I want in the Sentinel software. Also, and my main reason for buying this scanner over the Homepatrol II or the Whistler offering, is because I was able to purchase upgrades for ProVoice and DMR systems. For example I visit Miami FL occasionally and public safety is all ProVoice there. I also have fun listening to the DMR stations in my area. But if you just want to start scanning you can be up and running within ten minutes of opening the box. I have seen some people say that this radio is hard to program but I cannot possibly agree with that or even understand it. It could not be easier. The only possible negatives I find are the display, it's like a light blue and I preferred the orange on my PRO96. Also, the PRO96 felt a little more substantial physically, and I prefer its ergonomics. But those things are nothing really. This is a scanner for both the novice who just wants to listen to things around them to the pro who will install the ProVoice and DRM upgrades and deep program it. PS - don't waste your money on a third party antenna. The reception of the BCD436HP is great out of the box. I tried a Radio Shack 800mhz and a Diamond, just to see what would happen, and returned both. There is no need for them.

For A Busy Dad, This Plug & Play Scanner is Perfect

With over 700 reviews of this product, there is a lot of material out there. If you're like me and have limited time to read reviews, let me sum this product up for you: 1. It is plug & play. Enter your zip code and it knows what frequencies to scan in your area. Game on! 2. If you travel, buy the Uniden-brand GPS unit available on Amazon (Uniden BC-GPSK Serial GPS Receiver for Scanner and Marine Products). The reason to buy the Uniden unit is A) As you travel, the GPS feeds your location into the scanner and the scanner updates the frequencies it is scanning to those near you and B) because it is also plug & play. Mine arrived with the necessary cords to plug directly into the scanner, and it worked from that moment. Perfect! 3. You can connect the scanner to your PC to update the firmware and the frequency database from Uniden. It is easy. No need to buy a third-party web database. Uniden regularly updates their database. I purchased my unit in 9/2014 and used it nine months before performing updates. It works fine out of the box. 4. The scanner has two batteries, a main battery for scanning and a secondary battery for the clock. Charge the main battery first, then turn on the scanner to charge the secondary battery. Oddly, the clock battery charges when the unit is on. 5. On trips, an external antenna will extend your range. I purchased a magnetic mount antenna on Amazon for about $30 (ASIN B004HM9RHE) and it works great. Almost a plug & play device, you do not need an SWR meter as it is pre-tuned. Plug & play caveat: You will need a BNC Female/SMA Male Adaptor (ASIN B00CLFFM4G) to plug the antenna into the scanner. 6. When using in a vehicle, know the law. In Michigan where I reside, you need permission from the state police to have a police scanner in your car. I have been told by the Ontario Provincial Police it is legal to have a scanner in a vehicle in Canada but have not been able to find the law on the books. 7. That's it. This scanner is as simple or complex as you wish it to be. For a busy dad, the simplicity is welcome and the Plug & Play No Fuss Ready-to-Use attributes actually let me enjoy the thing without brushing off my kids to learn how to make it work. It reminds me of the original Apple MacIntosh computer: A product so smart you can turn it on and use it without devoting hours of study to get it to function :-)

The best there is for scanner enthusiasts. Compare to Home Patrol if you just want set-and-forget.

As many have said, there is a bit of a learning curve in getting this baby set up. But once you get the hang of it (and it's not THAT hard), you won't ever second-guess yourself for having bought it. Some say the audio on the digital channels is better on the Radio Shack model, but I have listened to both and can't hear any difference whatsoever. The range is impressive too. I upgraded the antenna to a Watson 801 for even better reception. (There is also a Watson 881, but it is much longer.)

One of the best scanners available today.

Love this scanner. Added the Provoice Upgrade and now I can hear all the action. Out of the box the first thing you have to do is update the software and database then you should be good to go. I recommend you go look at Youtube videos on this scanner to learn how to use the scanner as its not as simply as older scanners are. Once you understand list management then you are good to go, the audio recording and playback feature is great since you can playback the last couple of messages that you might of missed or record all the action and download it for latter review. There are so many features packed in this one scanner it will take you a while to master this device but you will lover it once you do.

Easy to use for someone new

I'm a relatively new ham and definitely new to scanners. While I definitely needed to learn a lot about scanners and still need to learn a lot more, it wasn't too hard to figure things out myself. While there appears to be a lot of good information how, I'm still trying to figure out a lot of the "whys". Thankfully radioreference.com and other resources have great information. Unlike what everyone likes to say, YouTube does not have it all. I've found many of the videos I needed to be inadequate or non-existent. With my scanning habits and setting. I'm really only able to get one day of solid use out of a set of batteries. It's no big deal. I always have a second set on-hand.

Very good scanner with a learning curve.

As of this writing, I've had this scanner for 8 months. Works well but there is a learning curve regarding programming/operation. Even having owned scanners (Radio Shack and a couple Unidens), it took me a Sunday to understand how to program/how this scanner 'thinks'. But once you get it, with a computer its easy to program/set-up. Antenna could be better (I'm in SoCal and the OEM antenna was pitiful. I replaced the OEM antenna with this and it made a noticeable difference - Its a Diamond SRH77CA that can be found on Amazon for about $25 - http://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Original-SRH77CA-Dual-Band-Handheld/dp/B00K1JJWFO?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00). To summarize, it's a great scanner. Invest a day to learn how to program and operate the unit and it will pay dividends for your scanning pleasure.

Amazing scanner if you take the time to learn its features and options

This is an amazing scanner with a multitude of features. For those new to this scanner, it will take time to familiarize yourself with this radio and the numerous menus and options. It may seem frustrating at first, but, as I learned, it is well worth the time and patience it takes to fully appreciate this scanner and what it can do. For those living in a rural area, away from, or on the fringes of, a major metro area.......be prepared to invest in a good quality replacement antenna. I live 30 miles north of the Kansas City downtown metro, and the scanner will not pick up anything but the Highway Patrol channel if I am on the first floor of the house.......on the second floor, it will pick up all available channels in the main database that are in use in my area. Battery life is not good, 6-8 hours max. I noted that the rechargeable AA batteries that came with the unit are 2300MA..........all rechargeable batteries, no matter what the size, have different MA ratings...there may be 5 brands of rechargeable AA batteries out there, all with different MA ratings, so be sure to use 2300 MA. I purchased a kit with the recharging base and 8 AA batteries, so I always have an extra set available, with no down time.

Powerful handheld scanner

The 436HP is by far the best police scanner I have owned. If you are familiar with the homepatrol line of Uniden scanners the 436 HP will be no problem for you to set up. The software is inside the guts of the 436 just use the included USB cable and it will download to your PC. Within 10 minutes after all the downloads you should be scanning the emergency departments in your area. The audio booms on this scanner. YOu can customize this scanner with the included software. I am listening to calls in a 45 mile radius on this scanner (never a dull moment). This scanner is slim and lightweight made of molded plastic. I have NO negatives to say about the build of this unit. You will not have to spend much more money on this purchase as it includes the PC USB cable, software, frequency database, and rechargeable batteries ($75 savings).

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