Choosing a Uniden Car Scanner can be more complicated than it seems. Several factors need to be considered, especially if you need features like FTO (Follow the Talkgroup) mode and P25 (Project 25) compatibility for seamless mobile use. This article explores the challenges of selecting a suitable Uniden car scanner for vehicle use, focusing on features, compatibility, and user experience.
Key Considerations for a Uniden Car Scanner
A primary concern when choosing a car scanner is its ability to integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s power system. Ideally, the scanner should power on and off with the vehicle’s ignition, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This seemingly simple requirement can be a significant hurdle with some models. For example, the Uniden 436HP presents challenges in this area. Using the USB cable for power while removing the batteries to achieve automatic on/off functionality often leads to the scanner booting into mass storage or serial menu mode, requiring manual selection to enter scanning mode.
Another crucial factor is maintaining operational settings after a power cycle. Specifically, if you rely on FTO mode, the scanner should retain this setting even after the vehicle is turned off and on again. The Uniden 436HP, unfortunately, defaults back to scanning mode after a power cycle, losing the preferred FTO setting. While a firmware update could potentially address these issues, there’s no guarantee Uniden will implement such changes. Conversely, the Uniden 536HP reportedly retains FTO mode after a power cycle, highlighting the differences between models.
P25 Compatibility and Mobile Use
Beyond power management, compatibility with P25 digital radio systems is essential for many users. Ensuring the chosen scanner supports P25 Phase I and ideally Phase II is critical for monitoring specific frequencies and talkgroups used by emergency services and other organizations.
The desire for a compact, portable scanner that can be used both in and out of the vehicle further complicates the selection process. While smaller portable scanners offer convenience, they may lack the robust power management and feature retention necessary for reliable mobile use. This can lead to considering larger, more expensive mobile scanners that are less portable but potentially more reliable in a vehicle environment.
Alternatives and Workarounds
If a suitable Uniden scanner proves elusive, alternatives exist. Using a different scanner model, like the RS Pro 106, is an option, although it may require compromising on desired features like FTO. The trade-off involves potentially dealing with higher traffic on specific frequencies without the ability to filter conversations effectively.
Choosing the Right Uniden Scanner
Selecting the right Uniden car scanner involves carefully balancing features, compatibility, and practical considerations for mobile use. Factors like automatic power on/off, FTO mode retention, P25 compatibility, and portability all play a crucial role. Thorough research and understanding your specific needs are essential for making an informed decision. Consider exploring user forums and reviews to gain insights into real-world experiences with different Uniden scanner models in vehicle environments. This information can help you choose the scanner that best fits your requirements and provides a reliable listening experience on the road.
