UnidenBCD536HP Bearcat Digital Base/Mobile Scanner

So, I’m an old school scanner buff that is trying ( going) to get back into scanning.I originally bought this because I was going to use this for a recent air show practice to hear communications with a military demonstration team that uses a digital frequency that more than likely can’t be heard on your typical analog scanner.At first blush, a lot of features to go through. If you know the frequencies you want to listen to- you can manually enter them in a Custom channel and scan.You do need the manual for a bit until you get used to the scanner functions. I initially had to reset the scanner back to factory settings and re- try programming ( a few times) after screwing something up during programming.I have had this for a few weeks and I am still learning the scanner. Once you get through the intricacies of the scanner- you’ll be using the manual less and less but it takes time.Get this scanner if you want to delve into digital scanning- if you’re area is going to the digital realm for radio transmissions ( a little research will go a long way). The price is not terrible, but it is an investment.

What it is, is a pre-programmed scanner, I set it up the night I received it & was getting plenty of content scanning, all my local frequencies without looking up and inputting all the local frequencies, like my old Radio Shack Scanner....which was semi-easy but still a pain. This was ready to go with just a few menu selections....and mileage radius selections. Love it! I also bought the BCD436HP hand held portable.....for listening out in my yard... I first ordered through UNIDEN that was a mistake, weeks later they had to return my money, so then I Ordered it through Amazon an got really quick, just a few days.

I just use the zip code feature and i'm getting my county and the county around me the only thing i wish is that i could manually put frequency in. But all in all very nice scanner

Expensive but, it first seems like a really good scanner... and, perhaps for certain locals it actually is?!As it turned-out, my local PD apparently utilizes a "simulcast" radio frequency and this scanner does not do "simulcast" radio frequencies. So, I had to send it back and ultimately get the Uniden SDS200 (even more expensive).That was a whole other experience I could have done without but, the end result is the SDS200 fits the bill for my particular circumstances.

This is a very nice scanner. You can start scanning right away by inputting your zip code to listen to stations that are within your area. It is more difficult and time consuming to really learn all of the features that the Uniden BCD536HP has to offer which I find is the scanners only con and only a small con.