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Review on πŸš“ Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Scanner: TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming, S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alerts, USA and Canada Coverage. by Randy Bin

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Buyer's remorse!

I have owned many Uniden Bearcat scanners over the years so I always turn to Uniden for quality products. Before that I was one of the first owners of Home Patrol 1, for which I bought all the upgrades. It was an impressive little device. So I didn't have to think twice before deciding on the BCD436HP. I'm considering going back in about a week. I have nothing against Revain and the supplier "Police Scanner Outlet" as the order and delivery was flawless. I wish I could say the same about the scanner. I'm not new when it comes to scanners, however, the user interface of the BCD436HP can only be described as "stupid". It's like a design team sitting down with a case of beer and a dartboard to brainstorm this device. I've done software validation in the medical industry and there is something called "HFE" (Human Factors Engineering) that obviously has NOT been considered for that department. Okay, so I'm finding this out, but this really sucks. On the hardware side, the sensitivity specs seem decent (and even better for the BCD536HP base unit), but in my experience I get better reception with my $20 SDR dongle. Can I buy a "lemon"? I admit that it is possible but I burned myself once and that's enough for me. I'm amazed at the rave reviews for this device, so I try to give it a chance every now and then. Most reviewers are radio amateurs who really know their stuff. but many of them also LOVE complex interfaces because they feel smarter when they master them. My jury is currently deliberating. Oops, and one more thing. A well thought-out "belt clip"! I'm not the type to wear that thing on my belt, which is good. On the 2 or 3 occasions I put it on my belt to get to the car I found it came off at least TWICE and I found the scanner on the floor of the car! Another reason to send it back! On the two or three occasions I put it on my belt to get to the car, I found it came off at least TWICE and I found the scanner on the floor of the car! Another reason to send it back! On two or three occasions when I put it on my belt to go to the car I found it came off at least TWICE and I found the scanner on the floor of the car! Another reason to send it back!

Pros
  • Easy to use, no programming required. Just turn it on, enter your zip code and TrunkTracker V does the rest.
Cons
  • Not sure