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

This product is what every review says, type in zip code and go. No programming…..easy set up

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).

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 my second one. I havent figured out how to hook an external antenna to it for when I am living in my basement vacation home but in my urban area, you cant beat it. I personally think it is one of the easiest to use and best on the market. I bought because my 2010 model died and just for kicks, I loaded the new software on my old unit and now I have two units that both work. I bought my sister one when I got my first one and we are both very happy with the units.

I received this and set it up and it worked perfectly for about 2 weeks. Then it stopped working completely. I contacted them and set up a return and replacement. I am waiting on the replacement to show up. If it works and does not go dead on me, I would give this a 5 star rating. Till I can see the results of the replacement, I cant. For the time it did work, it worked really well. Tracked all my local agencies as well as civil and military air in the area. It also tracked all the train traffic in my area. Easy to set up and get running. Dissapointed with the replacement as it was missing the stand and was an apparent return, not a new unit. Was programed for wisconsin, not from a virgin state. Lowered my rating on this seller.

I own both the Home Patrol 1 and 2. This is a super easy way to listen to your local police, fire, EMS activity. No more keying in frequencies as all data is periodically updated from a free download site. Connect your HomePatrol-2 to your PC using the included cable and you can update frequencies as well as any firmware fixes from Uniden. The interface is a little bit tricky to get used to but once you do, you are able to navigate listening to exactly what you need to hear (town by town) is easy. I use the sleep timer which will turn the scanner off after up to 3 hours of listening. Handy for listening at night before bed. Device uses batteries (seem to last 6-8 hours though I have not tested thoroughly) as well as an included AC Adapter. I typically keep it plugged in. This is a great choice for anyone who wants to listen to the emergency services without having to guess at what the most recent set of frequencies is.

I lover the scanner. It is very easy to use as long as you put in your zip code and then update the software. Took me two days of fiddling with it to see where someone else wrote it works great when you update the software. Loaded and updated the software and immediately had lots of local law enforcement, rescue and fire channels. I put them in my favorites folder and now all I do is turn on the scanner and all my channels start broadcasting. There are cheaper scanners available however they wont work if your law enforcement etc. are broadcasting digitally.

I got it because it was on sale, Im sorry I did.

Following the start-up instructions, I had to find an old PC to plug into for what was supposedly a DB update. (We purged PCs from our home a few years ago.) Never got that to work. But it turns out the existing flash/ROM installed DB was just fine. The catch is, as a default it wants to scan EVERYTHING. So if you enter your ZIP code, it will give you ALL the frequencies you could possibly want... the entire state, your county, and your locals. With all that scanning, youll get nothing. So a quick trick is to use the FAVORITES option (easy to find and setup). Quick lookup online for your local and of-interest frequencies, manually enter them as favorites, and it finds the matching names in its database. Then youll have a nice, short list, of frequencies that you care about, and it will cycle through them quickly. And NOW youll enjoy all the features too. Very happy with this device. Sound quality is excellent. I wish the stand would lock in place though. Its a flimsy gravity-based shelf-type holder, entirely inappropriate for a $400+ device.

Why in the world would you spend $450 for a scanner that wont even allow you to put in your own channels manually - something a $20 one can do. Loved the zip code thing. I tried to check out the Extreme upgrade, if thats what I need to accomplish this manual entry feature, but the link is always broken on the Uniden site. Not to mention most of the links for help and support are also broken. I wish I had sent it back. It was a Christmas Present for my husband, and he hates it.