Uniden BCD536HP HomePatrol Series Digital Phase 2 Base/Mobile Scanner with HPDB and Wi-Fi. Simple Programming, TrunkTracker V, S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert. Covers USA and Canada.

I knocked off 1 star only due to the high price. This seems like a very high quality product and it seems to work great. I now regret paying extra for the home patrol version as I only used the zip code function for the first hour or so while I figured out how to use the software to create favorites lists from the database.

Sound quality is not great for conventional channels, but that’s just minor. This scanner is very complex at first, but after a day or two it’s really simple. I suggest using the Sentinel software to create a favorites list because the scan speed on a digital system is slower than conventional. I don’t suggest using the “zip” feature. Use the software and create a favorites list, and monitor that list.

Overall this is a great scanner. The Siren app has me frustrated however. It is not completely functional, as promised. I knew this before purchasing the scanner, but I wanted a mobile scanner with the Provoice option, and this was one of two choices. The app is supposed to work, but with very limited function. I would like to see that, as I cannot even get my wifi dongle to connect. All of my other wifi devices connect, just not the 536. Also, there are a few things I dislike about the scanner. I wish you could turn systems on in the database by selecting a drop down menu. This works well in Sentinel (although the way this program is written is also frustrating), but it would be nice to be able to make database selections when a computer isnt available. All in all its a great scanner. But I cant give it a higher score because the Siren app is not functional even though it has been repeatedly promised.

It has been almost 50 years since I owned a police scanner and man have things changed. In my first scanner, you had to add crystals for stations you wanted to receive. A later version was programmable. And now its as simple as typing in your zipcode and letting the scanner determine what channels are available in your area. I love the Uniden BCD536HP but you have to understand that these days there are a lot of frequencies that you cannot listen to anymore. One reason is that many of the state and local agencies are now using ENCRYPTED channels. These cannot be monitored with ANY public scanners. I would also suggest that you consider an external (outside) scanner antenna to increase reception.

super easy to set up an use comes with all the stuff but I did get the external speaker and the gps hook up unit but have not installed them yet..just using what comes in the box..with the scanner ..simple use in home or in car cig lighter plug an go or home unit outlet plug or direct battery hookup all comes in box with the radio...very nice unit have had some scanners in the past that where so difficult to set up I ended up just giving up an gifting the thing to someone else more knowing about them ..I am dumb..this scanner is super easy to use enjoying it 200% cant wait to hook up external aftermarket compliant antenna an speaker an gps..then will really know but like i said out of the box its awesome NO need really for anything extra to get ...being it is a little expensive..but your getting a very high quality piece of tech ..super nice cant stress enough how happy I am with this scanner.ex trucker ex military used to have a bearcat bct7 analog system ..dont know if you can listen to cell phones an stuff with it like that radio..but I imagine a fella could with enough know how to do ...has digital signal pickup analog can download stuff to it ..see how it goes a year from now but I dont feel my 5 stars will change at all could not be happier with my purchase..thanks again hope this review of my dumb real self helps anyone wanting to have a nice scanner ..I was gonna do a scanner page on facebook also...why I did get this type...yes are cheaper ones but I read alot an wanted something that was from a quality company

I have owned Police Scanners for a long time now, just because I like to know whats going on in my neighborhood. But once we moved to Maui a few years ago, my old scanners couldnt pick up the Maui police that uses the P25 system now. So I bought the: Uniden BCD536HP Digital Phase 2 Base/Mobile Scanner... I LOVE it.. It does everything I want a scanner to do... AND I love they way I can just enter my zip code and thats all. The only thing I would like to see is, I wish the Sentinel software that this scanner uses to update firmware and date could be used on a Mac computer.. I went out and bought a small Windows OS laptop just to use with this scanner...

Programing needs the manual. It was nice that they include a separate paper manual. Manual is a must read to get more then 60 percent of the features. Last scanner was a 1999 Radio Shack top of the line. Did a lot, but not any thing like this one. A lot for the money and a computer is needed to make the most of it. This is a desk top, does not use internal batteries. All needed wiring comes for house and car.

Appreciate the unit; however sound and voices are not consistent. Varies from county to county, station

This is truly a fantastic scanner! As others have said, it does have a very steep learning curve but the good news is that it is usable out of the box. Simply enter your zip code and it will find many frequencies used in your area. Obviously, this is only the tip of the iceberg as to what is possible with this unit. Once you become more familiar with how many of the digital systems operate, this scanner will make it possible for you to monitor them. There are also optional, pay to unlock features availiable. Both Provoice and Dmr are systems that you can monitor once unlocked. Using the Sentinel software, included, this scanner is easier to program and both the firmware and databases can be updated. This unit features included Wi-Fi, works great and includes a dongle you just plug into the back. There are tons of menues and this scanner is very customizable. This unit includes a usb cable to connect to a computer. The manual isnt the best but I hear there are better ones out there. YouTube also has many videos on how to operate and program. This scanner with its rich set of features shouldnt be outdated for several years at least. Again, expect to spend some time learning how the new digital systems work and you will be rewarded with a scanner that has all the bells and whistles.

Like the self programming. Dislike sound quality, attached extension speakers did help. Needs a sound leveling system, some channels come in really loude and others I can hardly hear. Try to find a happy medium.