Uniden BCD436HP Scanner Review: Is It Worth Your Money?

By: Jeremy Neisser

Are you in the market for a digital handheld scanner that covers the USA and Canada? Look no further than the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. This scanner is the first to incorporate the HomePatrol-1 ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. Plus, Uniden's exclusive Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis and Discover Modes put the most advanced scanner features ever right in the palm of your hand.

I recently got my hands on the Uniden BCD436HP and was impressed with how simple it was to operate. No programming was needed. All I had to do was turn it on, enter my zip code, and TrunkTracker V did the rest. This user-friendly digital scanner immediately began receiving communications used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more. With a scan speed of 85 channels per second, I was able to stay informed on everything happening in my area.

The Uniden BCD436HP also features the largest display on the market and more advanced features, making it a superior unit for the scanner enthusiast. With Instant Replay, I was able to play back up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the most recent transmissions. Plus, the Custom Alerts feature allowed me to program my scanner to alert me when I received a Channel or Unit ID, a Close Call hit, an ID is transmitted with an Emergency Alert, or a Tone-out hit. For each alert in the scanner, I was able to select from 9 different tone patterns, 15 volume settings, 7 colors, and 3 flash patterns.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a digital handheld scanner that is easy to use and covers the USA and Canada, the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner is definitely worth considering. Its user-friendly interface, advanced features, and large display make it an exceptional choice for scanner enthusiasts. 

Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner Overview

As someone who has used the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner, I can confidently say that it is one of the best scanners out there. The scanner is incredibly simple to operate, as it requires no programming. All you need to do is enter your zip code and TrunkTracker V does the rest.

This user-friendly digital scanner immediately begins receiving communications used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more. The scanner's 85 channels per second scan speed is impressive, and its Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis, and Discover Modes are all top-notch features that make monitoring systems in the USA/Canada a breeze.

The BCD436HP is the first scanner to incorporate the HomePatrol-1 ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. With the largest display on the market and more advanced features, the BCD436HP is an excellent choice for the scanner enthusiast. Its instant replay feature plays back up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the most recent transmissions. You can also program your scanner to alert you when you receive a Channel or Unit ID, a Close Call hit, an ID is transmitted with an Emergency Alert, or a Tone-out hit.

Overall, the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner is a fantastic scanner that is well worth the investment.

Key Features

As someone who has used the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner, I can confidently say that it is an excellent device that comes with a range of features that make it stand out from the competition. In this section, I will highlight some of the key features of this scanner that make it worth considering.

HomePatrol-1 Ease of Use

One of the most impressive features of the BCD436HP is the HomePatrol-1 ease of use, which is incorporated into a traditional handheld scanner. This feature makes it incredibly simple to operate, and you don't need any programming knowledge to use it. All you have to do is turn it on, enter your zip code, and the TrunkTracker V does the rest. This user-friendly digital scanner immediately begins receiving communications used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more.

Close Call RF Capture Feature

Another impressive feature of the BCD436HP is the Close Call RF Capture feature. This exclusive feature from Uniden allows you to detect and tune to nearby transmissions with ease. This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from Radio Reference with Uniden's patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems in the USA/Canada.

Extra-Large Display

The BCD436HP comes with the largest display on the market, which makes it easy to read and use. Whether you're across town or across the street, this scanner keeps you informed. The display is bright and clear, making it easy to read in any lighting condition.

Instant Replay and Custom Alerts

The Instant Replay feature of the BCD436HP allows you to play back up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the most recent transmissions. This feature comes in handy when you miss an important transmission and need to catch up on what was said. Additionally, the Custom Alerts feature allows you to program your scanner to alert you when you receive a Channel or Unit ID, a Close Call hit, an ID is transmitted with an Emergency Alert, or a Tone-out hit. For each alert in the scanner, you can select from 9 different tone patterns, 15 volume settings, 7 colors, and 3 flash patterns.

In conclusion, the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner is an excellent device that comes with a range of features that make it stand out from the competition. The HomePatrol-1 ease of use, Close Call RF Capture feature, Extra-Large Display, and Instant Replay and Custom Alerts are just a few of the features that make this scanner worth considering. If you're looking for a reliable and user-friendly scanner, the BCD436HP is definitely worth checking out.

Pros and Cons

After using the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner for some time, I have come up with a list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Simple programming: With the BCD436HP, you don't need to be a tech guru to operate it. Just enter your zip code, and the TrunkTracker V feature will do the rest.

• Wide range of coverage: This scanner covers both the USA and Canada, making it a versatile choice for those who travel frequently.

• Robust database: The BCD436HP uses a rich radio system database from Radio Reference combined with Uniden's patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems in the USA/Canada.

• Large display: The BCD436HP has the largest display on the market, making it easier to read and navigate.

• Custom alerts: You can program your scanner to alert you when you receive a Channel or Unit ID, a Close Call hit, an ID is transmitted with an Emergency Alert, or a Tone-out hit. For each alert in the scanner, you can select from 9 different tone patterns, 15 volume settings, 7 colors, and 3 flash patterns.

Cons

• Steep learning curve: While the scanner is easy to program, it can take some time to figure out how to use all of its features effectively.

• Complicated manual: The instruction manual is not very user-friendly and lacks a clear index or troubleshooting section.

• Missed transmissions: Some users report that the scanner misses transmissions, which can be frustrating.

• Expensive: The BCD436HP is not the most affordable scanner on the market, so it may not be the best choice for those on a budget.

Overall, the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner is a solid choice for those who want a powerful, versatile scanner with a wide range of features. While it may take some time to figure out how to use all of its features, the scanner's ease of programming and robust database make it a great choice for those who want to stay informed about public safety, police, fire, EMS, ambulance, aircraft, military, weather, and more.

Conclusion

After using the Uniden BCD436HP Digital Handheld Scanner for some time, I can confidently say that this scanner is ideal for scanner techies who have experience with programming. It comes with a range of features, including TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming, and S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert, which makes it perfect for those who want to stay up-to-date with the latest news and alerts.

However, it can be challenging to program, and the instruction manual is not very helpful. It took me some time to figure out how to use it correctly, and I had to spend a lot of time researching online to understand the concept. If you're looking for a scanner that you can start using right out of the box, this might not be the best choice for you. However, if you're a scanner techie who loves to tinker with settings and customize your device, this could be a great option.

Overall, the Uniden BCD436HP Handheld Scanner is a great purchase for those who have experience with scanners and want to take advantage of its range of features. If you are new to scanners, you may want to consider a more user-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions

As I was researching the Uniden BCD436HP scanner, I came across several frequently asked questions. In this section, I will provide answers to some of the most common questions.

What is the frequency range of the Uniden BCD436HP scanner?

The Uniden BCD436HP scanner covers a wide frequency range from 25MHz to 1.3GHz, including all the popular frequency bands used by public safety, police, fire, EMS, ambulance, aircraft, military, weather, and more.

Which Uniden scanner model is considered the best?

The Uniden BCD436HP scanner is one of the best handheld scanners on the market today. It is the first scanner to incorporate the HomePatrol-1 ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. Plus, it has Uniden's exclusive Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis and Discover Modes, making it one of the most advanced scanners ever.

When was the Uniden BCD436HP scanner released?

The Uniden BCD436HP scanner was first released on January 28, 2014, and it has been a popular scanner among scanner enthusiasts ever since.

What is the BCD436HP Search with Scan feature?

The BCD436HP Search with Scan feature is a powerful feature that allows you to search for new channels and frequencies while still scanning your favorite channels. This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from Radio Reference with Uniden's patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems in the USA/Canada.

Where can I find the Uniden BCD436HP scanner for sale?

The Uniden BCD436HP scanner is available for sale on various online marketplaces like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. You can also purchase it directly from the Uniden website.

What are the differences between the Uniden 325 and 436 scanners?

The Uniden BCD436HP scanner is an upgraded version of the Uniden BCD325P2 scanner. The BCD436HP has several additional features that the BCD325P2 does not have, including the HomePatrol-1 ease of use, Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis and Discover Modes, and more. Additionally, the BCD436HP has a wider frequency range and can receive more channels than the BCD325P2.

In conclusion, the Uniden BCD436HP scanner is an excellent scanner that offers advanced features and functionality. It is simple to operate and can be used by anyone, from novice to expert scanner enthusiasts. If you are looking for a scanner that can keep you informed and up-to-date on all the latest communications in your area, then the Uniden BCD436HP scanner is definitely worth considering.