BCD436HP/536HP Overview, Features & Specifications

Summary: A tour of the Uniden BCD436HP handheld and BCD536HP mobile HomePatrol scanners: how they work, what’s in the box, the main features and the key specifications of each model.

Two Models, One Manual

This section is based on Uniden’s combined manual for the BCD436HP (handheld, battery powered) and the BCD536HP (mobile/base unit, 12V DC, with a Wi-Fi dongle). They share the same memory structure, menus and most of their operation. Where they differ, each article says which model it applies to.

What They Are

Both are digital TrunkTracker V scanners that Uniden says need no programming: turn on, enter your location and start hearing systems in your area. They use a factory-loaded microSD card holding a database from RadioReference.com, combined with Uniden’s system selection methods, to monitor only nearby systems. They scan APCO 25 Phase 1 and Phase 2, X2-TDMA, Motorola, EDACS and LTR trunked systems, plus conventional analogue and P25 digital channels. P25 encrypted voice is muted automatically.

The built-in database covers the US and Canada only. Outside North America you’ll normally scan your own Favorites Lists instead. See BCD436HP/536HP Loading Frequencies From Squawker PC & Squawker Online.

How Location Works

When you set your location the scanner searches its databases for channels near it:

• Zip/postal code – searches within 20 miles of the centre of that code.
• Auto Locate – finds a nearby Motorola or P25 system it can receive and uses its location; default range 30 miles.
• Manual coordinates or a GPS receiver – selects channels for your precise position; default range 0 miles. You can adjust the range from 0 to 50 miles.

It uses three databases: the Radio System Database from RadioReference.com (frequencies, trunked talk groups and locations across most of North America), a ZIP Code Geographic Database for US and Canadian codes, and the RadioReference SysID Database (system IDs and locations of trunked systems). Uniden says the database holds over 10,000 police, fire, ambulance, business, utility and other agencies, updated weekly. Some communications the public is locked out of can’t be received: scrambled systems and private proprietary systems.

What’s in the Box

• BCD436HP: USB connection cable, 3 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries, microSD card (installed, behind the batteries), swivel belt clip (attached), SMA-to-BNC antenna adaptor, rubber antenna.
• BCD536HP: AC power adapter, cigarette-lighter power cord, USB connection cable, microSD card (installed on the faceplate), Wi-Fi dongle, DC cord with orange wire, mounting bracket with screws and feet, telescopic antenna.

Main Features

• No programming required for US and Canadian systems, plus Scan by Location by zip/postal code, Auto Locate or GPS.
• Favorites Lists – up to 256 lists; scan several lists and the full database together.
• Location-based scanning with a GPS (not included) and Range Control, with rectangles as well as circles for site and department locations.
• Wi-Fi remote control (BCD536HP only) with a dongle and a remote app for a tablet or computer.
• Control-channel-only scanning for Motorola, and multi-site trunking without duplicating IDs.
• Instant Replay of 30-240 seconds and audio recording.
• Custom alerts with 9 tones, 15 volume levels, 7 LED colours and 3 flash patterns.
• Trunking Discovery and Conventional Discovery.
• Scan by Service Type.
• Close Call with DND, Broadcast Screen, Repeater Find, Fire Tone-Out (32 channels), SAME weather alert and priority.
• Priority and Priority DND scan, Priority ID Scan, IFX, channel volume offset, analogue and digital AGC.
• Configurable band defaults for 31 bands; scan delay up to 30 seconds and forced resume up to 10 seconds.
• Data naming up to 64 characters; duplicate input alert.
• 100 Quick Keys for lists, systems, departments and sites; Startup Keys; Number Tags.
• 10 Custom Searches, 3 Search Keys, Quick Search, Search with Scan, and 250 temporary plus 250 permanent search avoids.
• Built-in battery charger (BCD436HP only), charging from a USB port.
• DIN-E and ISO vehicle mounting (BCD536HP only).
• Sentinel software for profiles, Favorites Lists, databases and firmware.
• Scan speed 85 channels per second; search speed typically 80 steps per second (250 for 5 kHz steps).

Key Specifications

• BCD436HP: 2.8 x 1.5 x 6.3 inches (71.1 x 36.9 x 160.9 mm) without the antenna; 12.3 oz with antenna and battery. Power: 3 x AA NiMH 2300 mAh (included), 3 x AA alkaline (not included), or 5V via USB. Display: 192 x 160 dot-matrix LCD with white backlight. Speaker: 24 ohm, 0.8W max.
• BCD536HP: 7.2 x 5.9 x 2.2 inches (184 x 151 x 56 mm); 54.3 oz without accessories. Power: DC 11.0-16.6V; the orange-wire input works on 3-16.6V (under 10 mA). Display: 64 x 288 dot-matrix LCD. Speaker: 8 ohm, 5W max; audio output 5W into 8 ohm.
• Both: 31 bands; 7 weather channels; scan delay 2 seconds; 50-ohm antenna; operating temperature 14 to 140 F (-10 to +60 C), storage -22 to 158 F (-30 to +70 C).
• Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD): typically 0.2 to 0.4 microvolts on most bands for the BCD536HP and 0.3 to 0.4 for the BCD436HP (0.6-0.7 on wideband FM and broadcast FM).