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.

Im a HAM radio licensee and have been for 25 years. The programming involves some dedication but was fairly straightforward. The problem is with the reception of those pesky P25 bands. No matter how well adjusted there is no balance in the reception of different units. Error numbers will go from 0 to 47 and the volume is a consistent roller coaster ride. The radio has digital AGC in the menu, but I see no indication it actually works. It was not returned as it is functional with some frustration. I have faith that Uniden will come out with a firmware update to address the problems. They are a good company and have been around for a long time.

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 This scanner with its rich set of features shouldnt be outdated for several years at least.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.

Absolutely awesome scanner! Very easy to get the wifi up and running, and the Siren app works perfect on iPhone and iPad. THe programming software makes this a VERY simple scanner to program. Just find your state, choose what you want, and make your list to send to the scanner. Was completely up and running in 30 minutes and have not used a scanner since the old analog only kind. This takes all of the mystery out of trunking and programming all of that so you can get on with listening. Best part is you can switch your lists very quickly and easily. Radioreference.com is a great site to use for seeing what is in your state and area. A definite recommend on this one.

The easiest software programming interface and process that I have ever used. Have owned several Uniden/Bearcat scanners since the 90s and still have a BCD992 and BCD396XT. I would have preferred more display colors available- similar to my handheld 396 but the white background is fine. The stock telescoping antenna is functional could use a better dual band behind the set BNC connector unit. Just havent found one yet .

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 was time to upgrade a couple of my scanners so I done some research and chose the Uniden bcd536hp. my previous scanners were all radio shacks and were a pain in the neck to program them, even with third party programs. The 536hp is the simplest scanner I ever owned to get up and running. From updating the firmware to frequency database it is a breeze. Having the wifi and gps capability is a plus as well. Although unidens siren app is not as well thought out or implemented as it could be, there are other features that can make use of the wifi ability. I currently have this on my nightstand but will probably buy a second for my vehicle. Im a ham radio operator and a volunteer with local public safety entities. Unfortunately they use three different bands depending on the agency. My single band issued radio just doesnt give all the information I need. This new scanner so far has done a bang-up job of filling the gaps just by simply entering in my zip code. Would definitely (and most likely) by again

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...

This is probably my sixth scanner, and covers all of the analog and digital channels that I was interested in receiving. After several months of using this scanner, it would still be the first choice for purchase. It receives all of our local un-encrypted police and fire channels. Even though I had experience with older generation Uniden scanners, there are a lot of differences that required some education. By far the best source of information was the many YouTube videos available on programming this scanner. A major improvement with these latter scanners is the inclusion of the complete RadioReference US and Canada database. The database is updated weekly with all of the new information. The Uniden Sentinel software works very well, and the scanner accepts MicroSD cards up to 32GB which can be programmed in the scanner using the included USB cable or by inserting the card into a computer. Very easy to back up the programming information. You can have one or more backup MicroSD cards. This scanner also covers P25 Phase II channels which are being used by many police and fire departments. This scanner is a big improvement from my old BCD996T. Much easier to program once I got through most of the learning curve.

Date of manufacturer was 2013, guess they did not move off the shelves. Did not operate on power up, could not find any stations at all. Figured due to date of manufacture, it was obvious to me that it was out of date because the local police and fire frequencies were not correct. Tried to do database update, but the new database required a firmware update before it would load the DB. Did the FW and then the DB and all was well. Set my zip code and we were off to the races. As for the remote SW for my iOS iPad. It works but they really put no effort into doing a great remote app. As for the Sentinal SW for the PC, it uses dated methods of organizing the various functions. This app is in search of a well organized GUI..... Electricly it is a very good scanner, good sensitivity but could use bit more selectivity. Only negative is that when using an external speaker, the plug for external speaker does not turn off the internal speaker. This causes audio level problems and reduces the ability to control the audio in graceful way. Once you get past the growing pains it is a fine performing scanner, but I can’t justify 5 stars.

Although pricey, this is the best consumer grade scanner out there IMO. That said, theres an apparent glitch with SD-card-write-read-memory, meaning that after shutting down the scanner with HOLD settings for the System and Department these settings are lost approximately one of every four boot-ups, making it frustrating to have to take the time to catch the desired System and Department again to put back on hold. Ive experienced this with two brand new BCD536 scanners and Ive discussed this quirk with Unidens technical support to which they agree that this characteristic is not right. If and when they can solve this minor issue I will then give this scanner a highest 5-Star rating.