I've had this scanner for 1 year exactly, and I couldn't be more pleased. I tried a Radio Shack 800mhz and a Diamond, just to see what would happen, and returned both. The reception of the BCD436HP is great out of the box. PS - don't waste your money on a third party antenna. 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. Also, the PRO96 felt a little more substantial physically, and I prefer its ergonomics. The only possible negatives I find are the display, it's like a light blue and I preferred the orange on my PRO96. I have seen some people say that this radio is hard to program but I cannot possibly agree with that or even understand it. But if you just want to start scanning you can be up and running within ten minutes of opening the box. I also have fun listening to the DMR stations in my area. For example I visit Miami FL occasionally and public safety is all ProVoice there. 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. So far in my experience I have been able to do everything that I want in the Sentinel software. 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.
And in my truck I can attach the optional GPS antenna and I don't even have to do that. 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. I have owned several handheld scanners and this one is my favorite. But they are all encrypted so they either are hiding something, or don't want the public or media aware they might be entering a dangerous situation that really doesn't require encryption.
My tax dollars paid for those radios so I should have access as a hobbyist and would like to know, ahead of time, if a car chase is coming down my street. I understand the PD encrypting 'tactical' channels, but normal every day activity should be available. But I still listen to the Sheriffs, Fire/Ems and any other happenings in my area. Unfortunately my local police department is encrypted, why I don't know. This one has advantages and disadvantages like any other digital scanner, but I think this one will grow on me the more I use it and discover more features. So I ordered this one and the software is very similar so the 'frustration factor' is not the same as someone who never used the Sentinel software. Uniden offered to replace the screen for about $100 and several weeks of wait time. If you ever owned one, you know you cant do a thing without the touchscreen. I had the HomePatrol 2, that worked great until a static discharge ruined the touch screen.
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