It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This!

The Uniden BCD396T is a newer model in a long line of scanners going back nearly 30 years. I have owned several scanners in the past and Uniden has always made a reliable product, usually setting the standard for the mainstream scanner and portable receiver market. In fact, many RadioShack scanners either have Uniden components or are based on a Uniden design in some way or form...

After experimenting with the BCD396T, I was completely amazed at the capabilities of this unit and how far scanning technology has advanced. When I first became interested in scanners, I would use my dad's Realistic crystal-controlled scanner to listen to the local police and fire departments. The radio had 4 channels, controlled by crystals that you had to order at your local radio shack or via mail order catalogs. It would take around 1 second to scan through all 4 channels, which the 396T would do in a nanosecond. In fact, I think it takes the 396T about a second to go through at least a couple hundred channels on estimate, and I have a little difficulty estimating the exact amount because it is going so fast. The 396T doesn't use crystals anymore, rather a very sophisticated and well-engineered microprocessor that really highlights all the great progress scanners have made in the last 20 or so years. This radio can store up to 6000 channels, but under standard configuration, 3000 is more accurate. Many radio enthusiasts would think this is too many, but the 396T is the epitome of thinking big and is ahead of the competition in the mainstream market.

Probably the biggest selling point of this unit would be the ability to receive digital signals, a newer advancement in public service radio transmissions. The 396T not only decodes APCO-25 digital, it also can receive Motorola digital, LTR, and EDACS! There is also a "Close Call" feature which allows the scanner to search for nearby signals based on RF power and proximity. This is an invaluable tool when searching for rogue transmissions, fox hunting, or hunting down the source of a birdie or local interference. The scanner, of course, is equipped with trunk tracking ability has a nice, well-lit display which allows for Alphanumeric naming of your saved channels! The blue backlight illuminates the display in the darkest environments, and the sound is good coming from so small a speaker, which is a pleasant surprise.

Overall, I was very impressed with the BCD396T and would recommend this to any serious scanning enthusiast. The price is still a little prohibitive at around 500$, but it is one of the only scanners that allows for the reception of digital signals. While most major cities and small towns are still utlizing Analog radios in the VHF and UHF range, this scanner would be good for the cutting-edge, early adopting radio fanatic who wants to be able to track all the action out there on the airwaves. I would tell anybody interested in purchasing this scanner to give it a shot and dive right in! The programming can be a little tricky at first (especially trunking functions) but once you get a hang of everything, the radio is a gem and is indispensable. Scanner buffs are guaranteed to LOVE this radio, I hope you do too!