Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner, 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels, Close Call RF Capture Technology, 4-Line Alpha display, Base/Mobile Design, Phase 2, Location-Based Scanning

This radio works great! This was an upgrade for me from a 396T. I still use the 996T, but I got this to prepare for when Michigan switches to APCO 25 phase 2, currently the U.P. is still in Phase 1 as I write this now in 2016. 2017 looks like phase 2 will come here. Do yourself a favor, get freescan. Very easy to program with that free software. Also, subscribe to radio reference premium. With premium you can import the frequencies using the freescan software, its cheep enough, and well worth it. Depending on what system you are monitoring, I suggest getting an 800Mhz yagi antenna. That will only work for your area if you monitor 800 Mhz in simulcast. Otherwise you are only going to pick up whatever comes off of the tower you are aiming at. Use radio reference as a guide to help you, it can tell you in the forums, or in their database, what type of system is in your area. The scanner even comes with a programming cable, house adapter, and a car adapter.

I gave the scanner 5 stars for easy to use but I warn you, I have been using scanners for 30+ years. If this is your first scanner, it may take a bit of time to get used to it. The days of crystals and two knobs is over. There are dozens of settings to use, many you will never touch. I think this is a great scanner for the price. If you are new to the hobby, give this scanner some time and you too will enjoy it.

While the product itself its top notch, it desperately needs to come with an available programming software. While there are free options this scanner will take hours to program even the simplest database without a bulk import. Very good for APCO but if you are looking to receive a simulcast system, buy a directional antenna or look elsewhere because it struggles with it. I am happy with the purchase but wanted to be blown away.

Have owned this for 2 years, still happy with product. Only complaint is a small one - it was a little difficult to program originally and had a little trouble with reception but I believe this is due to living in a rural area. We just had to find the best spot in the house to position it for the best reception. Now, it works perfectly and we pick up everything.

NOT FOR A NOVICE. RECOMMEND HAVING THE PROS PROGRAM IT. I AM NOT TO THAT POINT YET. I AM FINDING IT IS NOT AS HARD AS SAID, IF YOU MESS UP, GO IN AND RESET TO START AND TRY AGAIN. MINE IS PULLING IN STATE POLICE FROM 150 MILES AWAY WITH A 30.00 OLD RADIO SHACK ANTENNA MADE FOR HIGH FREQUENCY. I RECOMMEND AN ANTENNA DESIGNED FOR DIGITAL SIGNAL. THEY ARE NOT THAT EXPENSIVE.

What can I say? 100% better then bcd536hp. Simulcast works! No garble like the other home patrols. Im using proscan to program. It will take some time to get use to for programing even with proscan. Im so use to home patrols setup. Otherwise its a keeper!!! I dont have to play with p25 threshold. I leave it on auto. Homepatrol I had to change the settings and that would not be 100% at least I got this unit for a lower price like 368 instead of paying into the middle 400s like it was before because of Covid.

Excellent performance on most systems even with the small, cheap antenna that comes with it. I can receive many transmissions from dozens of miles away and in my basement. Programming with software is a must, a subscription to radioreference and programming software will get you running very quickly. Very satisfied with this radio even though I havent completely mastered using it. Using it is difficult to understand at first so if you want a simple scanner (if such a thing exists) get something else...otherwise its probably the best mobile scanner you can buy.

There is a learning curve in programming it. However, it is much easier to program with the Computer and upload the information. I bought ARC-XT Pro to program it, and a Radio Reference subscription. I am happy with both. This scanner is very sensitive, has good quality audio and enables you to listen to almost everything the Police and Fire use. I am also receiving commercial and military aircraft, trains and HAM Radio. With the included antenna I could hear the local police and fire easily in my basement. With an outside antenna I now hear the state.

Nice radio but too difficult to program. Actually had to contact third party to purchase software to program the radio. I will probably get it programmed but if asked. I wouldn’t purchase this again.

This aint your dads scanner where all you had were banks and channels. It has a pretty steep learning curve but I knew that going into it. Watch the videos on line and download a program to aid you in setting it up. There are free ones out there that work fine. Before you buy this, make sure that what you want to listen to isnt encrypted. This will not hear those encrypted frequencies (no scanner will legally).