Uniden BCD996P2 Scanner Review

Uniden’s BCD996P2 is a digital mobile scanner designed for those who are more serious about their hobby of listening to nearby transmissions. It has a large memory bank and it’s packed full of features exclusive to Uniden scanners, like the GPS scanning.

Uniden BCD996P2 Digital T.T. V Close Call 25000 Ch 4Line Alpha display Base/Mobile Phase 2

The BCD996P2 has an advanced dynamic memory system, allowing you to save up to 25.000 channels organized into different sections. The memory is divided into “Systems” (for the different trunking systems). These systems are then divided into “Sites”, and furthermore into “Groups” that contain all the channels.

On the front of the scanner, there are 3 knobs that produce different results depending on whether you rotate them or press them. Similar to the knobs, all the buttons can have a different action based on what mode you are using at the moment. The LCD screen and all the buttons have 7 color options and 3 different light levels, so you can use the scanner even in dim lighting.

Now that you’re familiarized with the scanner, let’s take a look at all the amazing things it can do.

Best Features

Trunk Tracker V Operation

Thanks to this technology, you can follow conversations on many different trunked systems, such as APCO 25 Phase 1, Phase 2, X2-TDMA, EDACS, Motorola, and LTR, including systems in VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and 900 MHz bands.

Close Call RF Capture Technology

You can now rest assured that you won’t miss out any of the action thanks to this feature. You can set the scanner to detect and provide all the necessary information for stronger nearby radio transmissions. Every 2 seconds the scanner will check for a hit, even while you scan or search for other frequencies. Once it detects a transmission, it will automatically display the frequency.

In addition, the “Do-Not-Disturb” option will make sure that the scanner only checks for close signals when not receiving transmissions.

Location-Based Scanning

If you connect the Uniden BCD996P2 to a GPS unit (not included), you can scan for new systems wherever you are. What’s more, the GPS will also enable alerts based on your current location so you can always keep in touch with nearby points of interest, road alerts, and possible dangers. This is especially useful if you are often traveling outside of your city.

SAME Weather Alerts

In the event of an NOAA Weather or Emergency alert, the scanner will receive a specific code for your location and let you know what’s coming. That way, you can keep yourself and your family safe from potentially dangerous hurricanes or other severe conditions.

Technical Specs

Frequency coverage: 25-512 MHz; 758-823 MHz; 849-869 MHz; 894-960 MHz; 1240-1300 Mhz
Frequency steps: 5 kHz – 100 kHz
Frequency Span: 0.2 MHz – 500 MHz
Scan rate: 100 channels per second
Search rate: 300 steps per second
Number of channels: 25.000

For the full list of technical specifications for the Uniden BCD996P2, click here.

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What’s in the Box

The Uniden BCD996P2 radio scanner comes with the following items in the box:

C Power Adapter
Vehicle Accessory Power Cord
Three-Wire Harness
Mounting Bracket and Hardware
Antenna
Owner’s Manual
APP Form
FREQ Form
USB Cable

What Users Love the Most about It

When looking through customer reviews of the Uniden BCD996P2 one thing is clear – people LOVE it! There were some issues at first with the programming for newer scanner users, but once that was out of the way, the BCD996P2 proved to be a worthy purchase.

“I was looking for a scanner to pick up police and fire broadcasts in my area, and I got one that does that and so much more. Even though some reviews suggest the programming is difficult, I found it very easy by using the FreeScan software. I keep the scanner mounted in my vehicle, but sometimes I bring it inside to listen. So far, I haven’t had any reception problems and all transmissions were clear. The stock antenna works for me – I pick up 3 counties on P25 Phase 1.” – Sean C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this 996P2 radio use the Uniden BC-GPSK Serial GPS Receiver for Scanner and Marine Products to get GPS input?

Yes. This is one of a number of GPS units that can be used.

How can I get the software to program the BCD996P2 ?

To properly program this scanner with the least amount of difficulty you will probably want to join RadioReference (https://www.radioreference.com) and from their links get Proscan Software. Both are not free but they are invaluable when programming a modern digital scanner. You can also go to www.scannerfrequencies.com and find scanner frequencies for every town in America.

How is the BCD996P2 different than the BCD536HP?

The BCD996P2 is the lower-cost alternative to the BCD536HP. The 2 large differences are the BCD996P2 does not come pre-loaded with US & Canada frequencies for quick programming and the BCD996P2 does not have the Siren App.

Conclusion

The Uniden BCD996P2 is for experienced users of radio scanners and has a huge set of amazing features. While it doesn’t come with installed software, you can still find online resources to program it without too much difficulty. In addition, the number of satisfied customers only further boosts the appeal of this scanner.

Final rating: 4.2/5