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Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner

Curated from 77 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 9, 2025

Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner

Brand: Uniden

Price: $535

Snoop Score:

6.4

Sentiment

5.5

Popularity

5.7

Technical

7.6

Buy on Amazon for $535 See All Radio Scanners Reviews

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Snoop's Take

The Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner is designed to provide seamless access to public safety communications across the USA and Canada. With its user-friendly interface, this handheld scanner allows users to simply input their zip code to start receiving important transmissions without extensive programming. Consumer sentiment around the BCD436HP indicates a strong appreciation for its simple operation and reliable brand reputation. As one user noted, "I've used the Uniden HomePatrol I and II and find them extremely simple and well-designed," highlighting the product's ease of use. However, some users expressed concerns about limited usability due to encryption and the high price relative to older technology, noting that "almost all police chatter is now trunked and encrypted," which may limit the listening experience. Overall, the Uniden BCD436HP is recommended for scanner enthusiasts seeking a user-friendly device, but potential buyers should be aware of encryption issues that may affect its utility. It stands out for its advanced features but may not be the best choice for those interested in monitoring encrypted channels.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Radio Scanners

I've used the Uniden HomePatrol I and II and find them extremely simple and well-designed.
Positive Feedback

I can't see the point of waiting for a next generation scanner where any tech advantages would be moot.
Negative Feedback

6.4

Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner

Buy on Amazon for $535

Emergency Monitoring

7 / 10

Weather Alerts

7 / 10

Hobbyist Listening

5 / 10

Mobile Use

4 / 10

See how this compares to all Radio Scanners

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Simple and user-friendly operation

“I've used the Uniden HomePatrol I and II and find them extremely simple and well-designed.”➕

“It’s perfectly legal to use a scanner.”➕

“I've never heard of anything that is labelled as a scanner having the ability to transmit.”➕

Reliable brand for scanners

“If you only listen to a few channels and want a budget, I suggest a used Uniden or RadioShack scanner from Facebook marketplace.”➕

“If you decide on the 125AT, I uploaded my scanner contents here.”➕

“I just got a uniden bearcat 125 this fall after others on here recommended and had no issues at fall Texas.”➕

User-friendly programming

“I don't want to have to spend time programming my scanner when I can go to the Twin Power booth and they will program for me.”➕

“I have one and really enjoy it.”➕

“It helps for situations where two cars could use the same number, like 6 & 06.”➕

“The Uniden BC125AT is the best new scanner that you can buy for Indycar events.”➕

Easy to use and portable

“It is easy to use, very portable, and for only a couple of dollars extra, you can add a DIAMOND RH-77CA antenna, which really gives the radio great capability.”➕

“It's a bit pricey but it's very, very good.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Limited usability due to encryption

“I can't see the point of waiting for a next generation scanner where any tech advantages would be moot.”➕

“My 396T sits on the shelf because literally every community in the Denver metro is full crypto for police and fire.”➕

“I've realized I really have more interest in amateur radio - and scanning is kinda pointless with all of the encryption now anyway.”➕

“You can pick it up just fine, but it’s just noise.”➕

Older technology may not justify high price

“Is the evolution of digital static enough to justify buying older gear like this?”➕

“I can’t fathom spending money on this.”➕

Concerns over used scanners' reliability

“I’m a little leery of getting a used one, because you don’t know how long the person has had it, and there’s not a warranty.”➕

Limited programming flexibility compared to competitors

“I bought a Baofang and regret it.”➕

Encryption limits listening options in Riverside County

“So you can't.”➕

“Riverside County is not such a place.”➕

Need for expensive scanners for encrypted channels

“I know it seems like a steep learning curve but that's part of the fun, right?”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Scanner	$695	7.2	Details	Buy
Uniden HomePatrol-2 Color Touchscreen Scanner	$442	6.7	Details	Buy
Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner	$398	6.5	Details	Buy
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner	$535	6.4	Details	Buy
Uniden SDS100 True I/Q Digital Handheld Scanner	$649	5.8	Details	Buy
Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner	$90	5.3	Details	Buy
BAOFENG UV-5G PRO GMRS Handheld Radio	$25	3.4	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Some communities still use clear communication

“Just buy it.”➕

Scanners are better at rapid scanning than transceivers

“they are far better at scanning rapidly than any transceiver is.”➕

Scanners are receive-only devices

“If you're looking for a scanner then there is no worry about accidental transmitting.”➕

Digital scanners are necessary for modern police communication

“Now whether or not things are encrypted is a question locals would have to answer.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Limited availability of digital scanners in Europe

“I have to resign myself to listening to the little analogue that remains.”➕

“A majority of American law enforcement and emergency services are on trunked radio.”➕

“The Uniden UBC-125XLT is a solid choice for analog scanning, especially if you’re based in Europe.”➕

User experiences with alternative scanners

“It's really not difficult to do, don't be lazy.”➕

Preference for dedicated scanners over two-way radios

“generally speaking two-way radios make for poor scanners, when compared to actual scanners.”➕

“if you want 'scanner' functionality, you probably want an actual scanner, not a 2-way radio with scanning built in.”➕

Developing an ear for ATC and pilot communication

“buy a better quality dedicated scanner radio, program it for everything in your area, and listen a LOT.”➕

Learning about local police and fire channels requires research

“There are some state agencies like CHP where they are not encrypted and you can listen to them.”➕

“As far as fire is concerned, you are listening to the countywide dispatch channel.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Comparison of radios to scanners highlights limitations

“Radios are for transmitting they make very poor scanners.”➕

Legal aspects of using scanners

“My worst nightmare is accidentally pressing a button and transmitting something from my end.”➕

Software defined radios can decode encryption protocols

“If you have access to a set of software defined radios, UniTrunker can decode a lot of different encryption protocols.”➕

Frequency challenges with modern public services

“Most public services (Police, Fire, EMS, works, etc) have moved to a P25 digital modulation format and are on a trunking system in 700 or 800 MHz.”➕

“I feel like saying 'Most public services' is a little much, at least here in New England and New York, there are plenty of agencies on VHF and UHF, many of which are analog.”➕