Are you one of those people who want to stay informed about what’s happening around you? Then keeping a radio scanner can be a wise choice. Radio scanners let you hear real-time transmissions of health centers, police, and fire departments. These radio scanners are commonly known as police scanners. Though they are mostly used to listen to frequencies of emergency services, you can always use them for your own purposes as some of these scanners can work with AM, FM, and WFM. And Uniden BCD996P2 and BCD536HP are two of the most popular picks for most people. That’s why we are making this article on Uniden BCD996P2 vs BCD536HP to help you find the best one from these two.
Uniden BCD996P2 vs BCD536HP
Uniden is a name of trust in the industry of mobile and handheld scanners. The Uniden BCD996P2 and BCD536HP are their best inventory till now. With the help of these police scanners, you can always be one step ahead in the local events. Both of these products are quite similar and it’s really tough to distinguish which one you really need. In this article, we have tried to compare these two considering their specifications, features, pros, and cons. Keep reading Uniden BCD996P2 vs BCD536HP to know more.
Uniden BCD996P2 VS BCD536HP: A Face to Face Comparison
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Uniden BCD996P2 Review in Detail
Uniden’s BCD996P2 Digital Base/Mobile Scanner is simply a one-stop shop for both analog and digital signals. This is not a pre-programmed scanner which means you need to input frequency manually. With the help of GPS function, this radio scanner offers location-based scanning. You just need to input your zip code or GPS coordinates to set your location. By activating this function, you can also be notified about the road alerts and imminent dangers of your pre-set location.
The BCD996P2 is capable of detecting nearby radio transmissions without reprogramming. It includes continuous band coverage of 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz. Another good thing that comes with this scanner is it offers the latest APCO Project 25 Phase II systems. With the help of the built-in DMA (Dynamic Memory Access) system, this scanner gets enough space to store 25,000 frequency channels.
But this is not where its facilities end. This mobile scanner radio has other mind-blowing features too. With this device, you will get the chance to enjoy TrunkTracker V technology and Close Call RF Capture Technology. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather access and S.A.M.E. weather alerts that come included with the BCD996P2 work to keep you informed about the weather condition of your location. This police scanner comes packed with a variety of necessary accessories and parts. You will be provided with an AC power adapter, three-wire harness, vehicle accessory power cord, mounting bracket and hardware, USB cable, and an antenna with the Uniden BCD996P2. Moreover, this police scanner gives you more clear notifications having 7 colors LED display.
- Extremely durable
- Capable of detecting strong transmissions due to RF Capture Technology
- Can store 25,000 channels
- Multicolor LED display
- GPS compatibility
- Comes with ample accessories
- Includes S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) Weather Alert
- Programming can be difficult
Uniden BCD536HP Review in Detail
One of Uniden’s chief models is the Uniden BCD536HP. The one thing that makes this scanner stand out from the crowd is it does not require programming. That means, using this device is really a piece of cake for the new users. You just have to enter your zip code or city name to get started. You can control this scanner from your smartphone or tablet device since it offers Wi-Fi capability. It is so convenient that you can access your scanner using your iPads, iPhones, and Android devices from anywhere.
The 536HP comes with a number of discovery modes allowing you to have several options of channels from the frequency ranges to choose from. Also, it includes a 4 gigabytes Micro SD card that lets you store your transmission recordings. Just like the previous model, the BCD536HP also offers S.A.M.E weather alert that warns you about any severe condition by sending a code for your specific location.
The Close Call RF Capture Technology that you can get through this device can automatically detect nearby transmissions even when the frequency is not programmed in any channel. There is also a Quick Key capable design that you will find beneficial. This system lets you maintain a list of over 100 favorite frequencies.
The BCD536HP has a replay feature that can instantly replay the last 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the transmissions. You can record transmission as well for future reviewing. A DC and an AC power adapter, a USB cable, a three-wire harness, mounting brackets, and hardware will be provided with the scanner.
- Wi-Fi enabled (can sync with your mobile devices)
- Free Sentinel software
- No programming required
- High sensitivity for VHF and UHF bands
- Easy setup
- Has recording, playback, and replay feature
- System/Channel Number Tagging
- S.A.M.E. Weather Alert
- Costly
Uniden BCD996P2 VS BCD536HP: Which One to Pick?
Uniden BCD996P2 and Uniden BCD536HP share some common features including size, speed, and receiving modes. Both of them are relatively the same size except the BCD996P2 is a little heavier. The search rate and scan rate of these two are 80 steps/sec and 85 channels/sec respectively. These police scanners are excellent at their job and offer secured transmissions with some advanced technologies like the Close Call RF Capture Technology, S.A.M.E., large LED display, and dynamic memory system. So, you see the Uniden BCD996P2 and Uniden BCD536HP have many things in common in terms of features. But still, there are some extra facilities that make them apart from each other.
In easy words, if you need a police scanner with GPS functionality you should definitely go for the Uniden BCD996P2. It works on more frequencies than the BCD536HP providing you with more channels. It’s a little bit less pricey too compared to the other model. Keep in mind that this unit doesn’t come pre-programmed so new users may face some difficulties using it. But once you have learned operating, you will never be disappointed by its performance.
On the other hand, the Uniden BCD536HP comes with more useful features and offers ease of use as well. But the most important and useful facility of this unit is the Wi-Fi compatibility. It gives you the power to control your scanner using your smartphone or tablet device. In addition, it has customizable lights and alerts for your comfort. Instant Replay/Audio Recording are two other functions that you can get from the BCD536HP. But great features come with a high price tag. So, if you are ready to cough out some extra dollars, why not buy the BCD536HP?
Final Words
When it comes to police scanners, you can never question the built quality and performance of the Uniden. And Uniden BCD996P2 and Uniden BCD536HP have proven themselves in that case. Both of these scanners are reliable and operate on a broad range of frequencies. In spite of having common facilities, these units differ from each other in many ways. In this article on Uniden BCD996P2 vs BCD536HP, we have tried to identify these differences including their pros and cons. Now you choose which one you should purchase according to your necessity.