Uniden BCD436HP Review
The Uniden BCD436HP is the first-ever traditional handheld radio scanner to incorporate the ease of use of the Home Patrol-1. It’s also a direct relative to the BCD536HP digital/base scanner, which you can check out in our review here.
Uniden definitely put their emphasis on making all their radio scanners easy to use, and the BCD436HP is a prime example. As soon as you pick up the scanner, you can immediately see that you can easily reach all the buttons with one finger and the user-friendly design is what makes this scanner one of the best on the market.
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner
The Uniden BCD436HP is quite tall, reaching 23cm with the antenna, but the high-quality plastic of the casing makes it feel great in your hand. The buttons on the keypad are made of rubber and have clearly marked numbers and letters. Still, the best thing on the outside of this scanner is the big backlit LCD screen, which is one of the largest screens on a handheld scanner.
But of course, we can’t judge this scanner without taking a look at its main features and technical specifications. Let’s dive right in!
But first, if you want to check the price out on Amazon, look here.
Best Features Of The Uniden BCD 436 Radio Scanner
Easy to program
When you first get this scanner, all you need to do is enter your zip code or GPS coordinates and the scanner does the rest for you. In addition, the Uniden BCD436HP comes with a 4GB MicroSD Card containing the entire database of USA and Canada radio systems.
Close Call RF Capture
You can set the scanner to detect and provide information about any transmissions nearby without you doing a thing. This saves you the trouble of scanning by hand through seemingly endless frequencies. In addition, the Close Call Do-Not-Disturb option prevents the interruption of other transmissions by only scanning for nearby channels between transmissions.
GPS Connectivity
If you travel often, you have the option of linking a GPS system to the radio scanner, and it will automatically scan for new channels based on your current location. For easier setup of the GPS, it’s best to buy a GPS model from Uniden. That way, you can just connect the GPS and you’re good to go.
Installed Sentinel Software
The free software included in the scanner means you can easily update both the database and the firmware. In addition, you can also create, edit, and manage your Favorites lists.
Trunk Tracker V Operation
This technology allows you to scan trunked systems, including APCO 25 Phase 1 and Phase 2, X2-TDMA, Motorola, EDACS, and LTR. There’s even a Multi-Site Trunking option with which you can set the scanner to share trunked system TGIDs across several sites without duplicating the TGIDs.
Technical Specs
- Frequency Range: 25-512 MHz; 758-824MHz; 849-869 MHz; 894-960 MHz; 1240-1300MHz
- Frequency Steps: 5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50, 100 kHz
- 4GB MicroSD Card with USA and Canada Database
- Sentinel Software
- Close Call RF Capture
- USB PC Connectivity
- SMA Type Antenna
- Trunk Tracker V Operation
- Audio Recording
- Multicolor Led Alert
For the full list of technical specifications of the Uniden BCD436HP, click here.
What’s in the Box
Purchasing the Uniden BCD436HP means you get the following items in addition to the main radio scanner:
- USB Connection Cable
- 3 AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
- SMA-BCN Antenna Adapter
- Rubber Antenna
- Swivel Belt Clip (Attached)
- MicroSD Card (Installed)
Here’s an unboxing video so you can get the complete look of all the parts:
What Users Love the Most about It
Over 700 customers have left their review of this scanner on Amazon, and most of them are full of praise for the BCD436HP. Even though the responses are mostly positive, some beginner radio users have found it difficult to navigate through all the features the scanner has to offer, but that’s something that can easily be learned over time by just using the scanner.
Let’s take a look at a review from one satisfied customer:
“Before purchasing the BCD436HP I owned a Radio Shack Pro 96 Digital Trunking Scanner, and I can safely say that the BCD436HP is without a doubt much better. It picks up signals with ease, it’s easy to use, compact, and lightweight, the battery life can last up to 8 hours, and it does Phase 2 APCO, which is the main reason I bought it. The only downside I can think of is that you can’t use the scanner while charging, but this is easily solved by rotating the batteries.
Another amazing feature is the replay and record. I can pre-record up to 4 minutes of transmissions, so I can record pretty much everything I hear and not miss anything.
The programming is also extremely easy, especially if you’ve used a similar scanner before. The software that comes with the scanner works great and is one of the best things in this device. Of course, you don’t have to use the software if you don’t want to create a Favorites list, and you can just enter your zip code and the scanner will automatically load all the channels in your area, from which you can choose which ones you want appearing on your screen. “– Aric Aczel
Frequently Asked Questions
What about the GPS function? Is it installed in the radio or is that an additional charge? Also, can you attach a remote antenna to this receiver?
The GPS receiver is installed but you need the plugin GPS antenna that must be purchased separate. (about $100.00). Any antenna can be used with the proper adapter. If you are using an outside antenna you just need to know what type of connector is on the end of the cable coming from the antenna and purchase the proper adapter. The stock antenna is SMA, but it comes with an SMA to BNC adapter. Adapters range in price from 5 – 10 dollars.
How long is the USB cable that comes with the unit?
It’s about 3 feet.
Can this unit be used with an earpiece?
Yes, there is an earphone jack.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a scanner with a host of amazing features, but still one that is easy to use and program, then the Uniden BCD436HP is definitely one to consider. It’s a handheld model so you can carry it wherever you go, and the location-based scanning will always show nearby transmissions that might interest you.
Final rating: 4.5/5
Pingback:Uniden BCD436HP Review | Best Radio Scanners
Pingback:Review Of The Uniden BCD536 | Best Radio Scanners