scanSydney

Hi everyone,

im after some feedback about digital handheld scanners. Im currently using a Uniden 396t and as im sure your all aware the digital audio isnt the best. im tossing up between the new uniden 396 xt which fixes the popping issue on p25 digital grn or is it best to go for the PSR 500. As i havent played around much with the 396t perferring to set it up with software which i believe you can get for both of these.

i would really appreciate any feedback. Im located in the south fo sydney.


Brett

I have the 500, and I've been pretty happy with it. It's probably a case of Holden vs ford, however I haven't played with the new xt model
But I'm sure one of the other users will report.

matthewn1983 wrote:I have the 500, and I've been pretty happy with it. It's probably a case of Holden vs ford, however I haven't played with the new xt model
But I'm sure one of the other users will report.

Matthew hit the nail on the head, do you like Ford or Holden, Both represent good value for money, both have more features than you will ever use. As to the best performance this is a subject issue. Now where are my Toyota keys???

It is no secret that I prefer Uniden, and to compare the 396T to the 396XT is like comparing a VL to a VX. I have used both, I find the PSR500 a pain to operate, it limited in its programming options and too big for pocket use. The 396XT with close call is deadly piece of gear, carry one with me almost everywhere. The GRE frequency finder equivalent is no where near as good. But, each unto his own. As to the P25 audio, someone of the criticisms levelled at both the GRE and Uniden are unjustified, I think it takes a while to train the ear to P25, once done, you almost forget you a listening to a digital signal. That response probably hasn't answered your question, but I feel better because of it.

Russell

The PSR500 audio and P25 decode is definitely much better than the 396T and 996T IMO,

But how does the PSR500 audio/P25 decode compare to the Uniden XT models? The 396 definitely does have a much nicer size and form factor, but I had one of the early model 396t's and the RF performance, and P25 C4Fm decode was dogshit.

I'll add to that, the GRE is still supported, and I posted just recently that a firmware update was available, I know the unidens had issues with providing customers with updates, but that might of changed with the release if the xt in oz

matthewn1983 wrote:I'll add to that, the GRE is still supported, and I posted just recently that a firmware update was available, I know the unidens had issues with providing customers with updates, but that might of changed with the release if the xt in oz

I've discussed it before on these forums, but the 'popping audio' issue was rectified (along with a number of other 'annoying' issues) in the US version of the 396T by updates, but never implemented by Uniden Australia. It's likely any support for the Aussie 396XT will only last as long as the 396T/996T did.

Having said that, and having used both the GRE and 396T (but only owning a 396T), I would choose the Uniden. Mostly for the reasons already posted by others, but for me it is the smaller size, better frequency detection (close call) and enhanced programming options. I use an external speaker, so P25 sounds the same to me no matter what I'm listening to it on.

Hi all, for me much of a muchness. i own 2 PSR500's and reckon there great. yes there are downsides (which ill list) but plenty of upsides.

The digital decode is excellent and never has an issue, external speaker or not.
the 'Favourites' scan list works well for me(i dont want to do the entie scan list on my regular area)
the different modes on scanning trunk systems(first available site, all available sites or strongest available site) is a winner.
the 'wildcard' listing on trunking as well s your regular TG's.
restore last scanned object(where hitting 'man' takes scanner bck to last stopped object)

thats just some there are plenty more

the downsides
GRE's 'close call' is just woeful, only thing ive found is to take antenna off and put squelch up and thats only sometimes.
no 78mhz support.
gets overwhelmed in high RF environments
wont mute on encrypted signals, gets painful.

I cant comment on a XT as ive never operated one.

cheers
Matt

thanks for the feedback really appreciate

Brett

Holdenracer wrote:thanks for the feedback really appreciate

Brett

What did you end up choosing, if you don't mind me asking?

I've got a bit of extra dosh to spend and I'm now looking at upgrading to either a 396XT or maybe the newer PSR800. 396XT seems like the winner, but finding it a harder choice than I thought!

I have acquired a PSR800 and while still learning how to "fly" it I found it can perform a pretty good party trick in "search" mode
PSR800 can display in a instant Talkgroup (if applicable), NAC and Radio Ids on conventional standalone encrypted P25 (as well as trunked)
This is in addition to the normal CTCSS and DCS instant display on transmissions


Grant