Uniden HomePatrol-2 Color Touchscreen Simple Program Digital Scanner, TrunkTracker V and S,A,M,E, Emergency/Weather Alert, APCO P25 Phase 1 and 2! Covers USA and Canada, Quick Record and Playback

I recently purchased a Uniden Home Patrol 2 and am sorry to say I am very disappointed with this scanner. Upon setting it up, it required a Sentinel download and an update. When attempting to update the firmware — on two separate computers — It was impossible. When trying to register the scanner, it would not allow me to register because i was unable to upgrade to 2.0. Looking further into the Uniden website, firmware 2.0 could be purchased for $49.99. Seeing the 2.0 came out in 2014, you would think that by 2022 it would come with the latest update. I guess my complaint is that I thought I was upgrading my old scanner, but now I realize I’m no better off after spending $400, even without the $49.99. Reception is no better than my two Realistic Pro 2005’s that are over 20 years old.

This is a great little radio. I was thrilled to finally have a scanner but disappointed to find out many local communications agencies are going to be encrypted so I had to return the radio. The radio is easy to program using your zip code. It gets a little more complicated using your computer to create a favorites list, but there several youtube videos explaining the process. I was really bummed out that I couldnt keep the radio because it is such great product

I got this because my local police recently upgraded their radio system to an unencrypted Project 25 Phase 1 system. This raised my awareness to how many local systems are now digital, and I was looking for a quick solution. The HomePatrol 2 is a nice solution. It was very easy to get going using the ZIP code location setting. The connection with the RadioReference.com database works nicely--it automatically pulled up a LOT of frequencies, and the ability to select by service is very handy. It takes some getting used to if youre an old-school scannerist like me because Im so used to doing all the work! Be aware that, for amateur radio use, this receiver will only decode AM or FM signals in the VHF and UHF amateur bands. If you need something for HF amateur work, this is NOT the unit for you, but it WILL automatically load local repeater frequencies for you. Im not keen on the landscape device format, but the color touch screen and included desk stand are very nice. I also like the ability to pause reception by System, Department or Channel with a single touch. This is great for limiting the scanned channels on-the-fly, but you can also set up favorites for doing this more permanently, The right-angle antenna is a slight annoyance, especially being SMA, but the included SMA-BNC adapter will allow you to connect your favorite scanning antenna. In that case, youll need a right-angle BNC elbow (NOT included) if you want to use a vertical antenna directly on the unit. Although this unit is pretty nice, I decided to return it and get the Uniden BCD436HP instead, which is very similar in functionality to the HP-2, but in a more conventional handheld format with a few extra features (and slightly less expensive). I still recommend the HomePatrol-2 as a great general modern scanner with plenty of capabilities, especially if you like a desktop format (and it can be mounted mobile as well).

Upgraded the rating to four stars after investing in a super antenna and learning how to use this scanner. The lack of supplied antenna quality and an operators manual drops the rating one star. The real key for me was the use of the sentential software and the use of custom user database or favorites. This allows me to load only the frequency/ agencies that I need without the extra frequency alacations the standard database loaded. The use of the Target frequencies makes this scanner much faster, almost as fast as the analog scanners that I have. The addition of a good antenna will made a world of difference in the quality sound, went from garbled sound to reviving crystal clear sound. I have owned scanners since the late seventies and this by far is the worst scanner I have ever owned. This scanner has terrible reception and sound, entering zip code does nothing, reducing the range does nothing. Don’t waste your money on this scanner. The scan speed is so slow that my 17 year old Radio Shack scanner picks up the channel 3 seconds before this scanner locks on. I have no idea how this scanner got all of the 4 and five star ratings with such terrible performance.

The HomePatrol-2 scanner is well worth the investment. The build quality is solid, and the audio crisp and clear. There are several options for customizing your listening experience by specific county, specific service, such as police,fire, or public works, by zip code, or even an option to set a specific radius (in miles) from your current location. Ability to lock out unwanted channels, either temporarily or permanently. There are numerious menus and screens to navigate through, and it takes a while to familiarize yourself with all of the many options this scanner has to offer. Curiously, there is an auto-detect feature which can be used to detect your current location. This would seem to indicate that the unit has built in GPS, but I dont believe it does. There is an optional GPS device available for mobile use, which detects any available channels as you travel across the state, or across the country. There is the ability to save specific channels to a custom bank, as well as the ability to manually enter specific frequencies. You can also hold on a specific channel if so desired. When you first activate the scanner, it gives you the option to download the software onto a P.C. but my unit would not complete the process. I will be contacting Uniden for guidance on this. You will also need to update the software version to 2.0, even though the scanner is brand new. There is now an optional power pack available for home use so you can leave the scanner plugged into the wall instead of having to charge the batteries off of a USB port.

I purchased this because our countywide system switched over to digital a year ago. Because of the lack of frequency updates for this area from Uniden, I am still unable to listen to anything “local”. I can hear the Illinois State Police, but not my county or local police. Do your research before you buy, download the update app, and check your location. I update once a week to check. Would I buy it again? Only if I lived somewhere else.

When something is supposed to be programmed ready to use them I shouldnt have to spend hours and hours trying to figure out how to set it up. I will just be upgrading my old crystal units to ones that I have to program. This unit picks up plenty of air traffic miles and miles from my jurisdictions but nothing at all local. The few bits that were picked up from the local fire department were terribly garbled. Lesson learned for trying to take the easy road. Luckily the local departments are open about frequencies and even offered to help program a newer unit properly.

As someone who loves to stay up-to-date on local news and events, Ive been on the lookout for a police scanner thats both easy to use and packed with features. The Uniden HomePatrol-2 delivers on both counts and more. The first thing I noticed about this scanner is how easy it is to set up and use. The color touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, and the pre-programmed channels and location-based scanning made it a breeze to get started. I was up and running in no time, and quickly began to explore all the different features the HomePatrol-2 has to offer. One of my favorite features is the ability to customize the scanner to my specific needs. With the ability to create custom scan lists and assign priority channels, I can focus on the frequencies that are most important to me. And with the GPS functionality, the HomePatrol-2 can automatically adjust the channels it scans based on my location, making it even easier to stay informed about whats happening in my community. The audio quality is also top-notch, with clear and crisp reception that makes it easy to hear even in noisy environments. And with the ability to record and playback transmissions, I can go back and listen to important broadcasts again if needed. Overall, I highly recommend the Uniden HomePatrol-2 to anyone looking for a high-quality police scanner thats packed with features and easy to use. Whether youre a hobbyist, a journalist, or just someone who wants to stay informed, the HomePatrol-2 is a great investment that will provide hours of listening pleasure.

Easy to program but when you put yr zip code in itll give you everything full data base. So I have a lot of agencies on avoid like DPW Education Freqs bus services corrections high school security utilities company cable and miscellaneous things that come in on the data base. But overall its a gem I love it.

Battery life is excellent. Good national database. Problem is with reception. Scanning local airport channels while next to airport and did not pick up transmission. Same issue scanning local fire and police while at home. Only picks up a transmission once in a while.