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 had this up and running within 20 minutes of opening the box. Simple to use and picked up all of the frequencies in my area and began scanning by just hooking it up to my computer (cord was included) downloaded all of the updates and it worked. I took it to a neighborhood watch meeting, set it on the table, turned it on and everyone there was very very impressed. I recommend it!

This scanner is perfect for anyone who is new to the hobby. Only things I do not like about it is that is does not monitor NXDN or DMR.

these work great for someone that cant program them. i had to add a preamp to it so i could get all the local sight towers to come in to work. once set up it does nice, i program and fine tune my scanners, but for someone who doesnt understand how or know what to put in these work good, data base in already on them, put a zip in and range and go, there is a lot of unused stuff but you can trim it down once get the hang of it. using the software it makes it so much better, or even some better software program it right from the beginning, clean, and it will pick up half way decent. i like it. battery will last about 8 hours, so i keep mine plugged in to usb power. it runs 24/7 no problem. if i could have the screen turn off and keep scanning the battery would last longer.

This scanner is great. Very easy user interface with colored touch screen. It literally took me less than 5min to set it up and start listening. Im new to scanners and this is the 4th one Ive tried. The previous ones were all too complicated to setup & get working and even once I did get them set up, I couldnt pick-up the channels I wanted because the scanner didnt support it. The HomePatrol 2 picks up EVERYTHING. The antenna could be better but depending on where you are at you can get a wide variety of channels. I think this is 1 of the best scanners out there right now unless youre a pro and like to have full control over your scanner and do a manual setup. I prefer to let the technology do the work for me. Ha!

The replacement unit is a very nice table top scanner that sets in my living room. Picks up 99% of what I wanted to listen to with just the zip code has a great reciver! I will go in and tune the channel list with the software when I get time. Im very impressed this is not my first scanner its the one that will set by my chair in the living room and will probly get more use then all the other radio equipment in my radio room upstairs! Great for a first time user or and advance user.

Fantastic. First impression was when I opened the smaller than expected box. There were two complex cardboard shapes with everything slipped into carefully designed spaces inside the folds. (I am impressed when someone takes the time to design a simple thing like packaging. I believe this indicates an overall high level of quality that permeates down to the internals of the product.) I installed the four rechargeable AA batteries and found it to be pre-charged to a useable level. I fiddled for a while then plugged it into a USB charger overnight. (The red CHARGE light never did turn green, but the onscreen battery indicator was a solid green.) I got out the quick start guide and dove in. I plugged the included USB cable in my PC and selected NO on the Start Charging screen. This is clever: if you choose YES it accepts a charge current off the USB cable, as one might expect. If you select NO, the PC sees a flash drive with a SETUP folder! I went through the setup process and watched it load the scanners interactive software onto my PC, which downloaded the latest firmware and national+state frequency database. I read up on the use of this software and then loaded the profile from the scanner. I reset my location (zip code) and the services I wanted it to scan. I tweaked the volume, squelch, etc. and saved the profile back to the scanner. (All this can be done on-screen, but its much easier with the PC software.) I held down the power switch for a second or two and it came to life. Im too new at this product to judge yet, but I spent some time fiddling with the attenuation and range controls to get it to find what I wanted to listen to. Ive been learning the HOLD and AVOID functions by trial and error. Im going to read the owners manual (also loaded onto my PC) soon, but Im having too much fun for now. Overall, this is a really sophisticated scanner that comes with local PC software support, which uses an Internet connection to keep the frequency database up to date for me. Ive had scanners before. The early ones required me to use a book to keep my frequencies up to date. Later many of the radio systems went to trunk and digital modes that my little scanner couldnt handle. When the police and news helicopters were nearby over some incident, it was nearly impossible to find out what was happening. That scanner, as nice as it was, sat in a drawer for many years. This one, however, looks like it will prove to be a lot more interesting and informative. And when we go to the local small airport restaurant for lunch, we will be able to monitor aircraft and tower conversations while we watch the takeoffs and landings. The old scanner didnt support that mode.

I bought this scanner used in ‘good condition’. Actually arrived in like new condition and saved a couple of hundred bucks. Works perfectly. Type in your zip code and you are scanning. No programming required. Tons of features. The best scanner I have ever used. I have other uniden scanners that are 25 + years old. I hope this one is as durable.

Works very well. I was surprised to be able to hear so many local public service agencies as they have all gone to digital trunking systems, but fortunately they do not encrypt the dispatcher channels. It is fairly straightforward to use, worked straight out of the box after entering zip code and a few other parameters. I am especially impressed that it receives so well with the stock antenna. I figured it would be the standard crappy rubber duck and Id have to hook it up to a discone or other broadband reasonably efficient antenna to hear very much, but the stock antenna actually works so well I havent had to fool with an external antenna.

For full disclosure, I would not consider myself a scanner junkie or really a big radio enthusiast. But this product as a no fuss scanner is awesome! I have had other scanners, and for some of them the interfaces are just plain clunky to work thru. Those made me feel like I could hardly enjoy the device if I wasnt a scanner hobbyist. This HomePatrol-2 model is really slick. Put in your zip code and go basically if thats all you want to do. Bright and clear display so you know what you are listening to. Lots of customization available if you want to dive deep into what the scanner can do if thats your thing. Im really looking forward to what this device is capable of. I think Uniden sells an ultimate upgrade or something to customize frequencies even further. This really seems to run the gambit if you just want a working scanner without the headaches or want to scratch the hobbyist itch.

This is the first digital scanner I have owned but I have used all kinds of VHF analog scanners. Over time most of the departments have switched over to VIPER or other digital systems and I could not hear them without an online app. Online apps suck! They are delayed and often dont have anything broadcasting. The homepatrol is fairly expensive so I put off buying for a long time. It has a lot of nice features but some of them are difficult to use such as the favorites. Be prepared to update the unit right out of the box because it doesnt have a current database. This in itself was a bit of an undertaking because of some feature in windows that had to be turned on in the system settings. Luckily there was an online tutorial on how to do this. The stand is really nice and the playback feature is awesome. The best way to learn about it is to sit down and explore what it can do. I usually set mine to Viper NC which gives me most everything of interest in my area.