Uniden BCD996P2 Review
The Uniden BCD996P2 is packed with a wide range of features that you will be sure to find extremely useful in a number of ways. If you are looking for an advanced police scanner, this one has much to offer. There are quite a few things about this device that separate it from many of the other on the market, and we’ll look into that through this Uniden BCD996P2 review.
Design
It is important to keep in mind that the Uniden BCD996P2 is not designed for beginners. Like the BCD325P2, this device has a more advanced design that is best suited to experienced users. It doesn’t come with any software or frequencies. While it might not be the easiest scanner to use, it does have a fairly attractive modern design. Measuring 11 by 3.8 by 8.5 inches with a weight of 5.9 pounds, it doesn’t take up a ton of space.
This scanner’s advanced digital decoding system and large memory bank make it a very powerful device. It features a mini USB port as well as a standard 3.5 millimeter audio jack for stereo sound through your vehicle. There are a number of soft push buttons as well as a selection knob on the front panel. The LED backlit display provides you with detailed information that is always highly visible at any time of the day or night.
The buttons on the right side of the front panel include PRI, WX, GPS, MENU, and L/O. This provides you with quick and easy access to a wide range of functions. There are also Volume and SQ dials on the left side that make for easy adjusting. Simply turn the volume dial all the way to the left to turn off the device.
There are a number of programming software updates for the Uniden BCD996P2 that you will have to choose from. These include the DMR Uniden software upgrade, PROVOICE EDACS Uniden software upgrade, and the NXDN software upgrade. Each of these options costs $75 and provide you with enhanced overall functionality to match your needs.
If you are fairly new to police scanners and would feel more at ease starting with no programming, the BCD536HP from the same brand may be a better option. You can find read our comparison of the Uniden BCD536HP VS BCD996P2 next.
Table of Contents
Features
Advanced Dynamic Memory System
The Uniden BCD996P2 police scanner uses an advance dynamic memory system with a convenient recall function. It makes it easy for you to switch over to the settings you want at any given time without any unnecessary hassle.
25k Channels
You will have 25,000 dynamically allocated channels to choose from, making it easy to always find one that works well for your purposes. There aren’t many other police scanners on the market that offer such a huge selection of channels.
NOAA Weather Transmissions
The NOAA weather transmissions this device offers will allow you to stay on top of severe weather as it develops. This provides you with the opportunity to get to safety in the event of a tornado alert or some other type of severe weather.
GPS Optional
You can connect this police scanner to a GPS receiver to stay informed at all times while you are on the go. The location based scanning will provide you with an added level of convenience that you will be sure to appreciate on a regular basis.
TrunkTracker V Technology
The TrunkTracker V Technology that this device uses will lets you track voice traffic on P25 Motorola EDACS and LTR Trunked systems. You will be able get entire conversations across multiple frequencies, which can certainly be useful.
- Powerful design: The advanced digital decoding system that this scanner uses makes it incredibly powerful as a whole.
- Easy to mount: When you purchase this police scanner, you will receive a three wire harness, mounting bracket and hardware. It is very easy to mount inside your vehicle regardless of the make or model.
- Tons of channels: The 25,000 channels that you will have to choose from will provide you with more than enough options at any given time.
- Support for digital systems: This police scanner offers full support for digital systems, including APCO Project 25 Phase II systems.
- Versatile: There are business/industrial radio, utilities, marine and amateur ham radio options available.
- Durable: The metal construction of this police scanner makes it extremely durable and long lasting.
- The sophisticated design of this device is not intended for beginners, but it does come with a detailed user’s manual.
- Software is not included and must be purchased separately.
BCD996P2 vs. Whistler TRX-2
The Uniden BCD996P2 is often compared to the TRX-2 desktop digital scanner radio, which is made by Whistler. While the TRX-2 is significantly smaller than the Uniden scanner, it has a much simpler design and isn’t nearly as powerful. You also don’t get the same extensive set of features that you do with the BCD996P2, which is worth considering. It is also significantly more expensive, which can be a big turnoff for those who are on a budget. For those on really low budget you can get one of these best scanner apps for your smartphone: https://www.ratedradardetector.org/police-scanner/best-app/.
BCD996P2 vs. BearTracker 885
Uniden BCD996P2 is also somewhat comparable to the Uniden BrearTracker 885, which has a similar overall design. While both of these devices are made by the same company, the 885 isn’t quite as impressive overall. It doesn’t give you the comprehensive selection of features that the BCD996P2 does. You will, however, be able to use both of these devices with GPS. These devices both offers weather alerts as well. The 885 model is a better option for beginners who don’t have much experience with this type of technology. It is also a bit smaller, which makes it well-suited for compact vehicles. Here’s another good model from the brand that we reviewed: Uniden BC125AT.
Uniden BCD996P2 Review Conclusion
If you are looking for a solid police scanner with an advanced design, the Uniden BCD996P2 is an excellent choice. It is very easy to mount in just about any vehicle, providing you with everything you need to get started. You will receive an AC power adapter, vehicle accessory power cord, three-wire harness, mounting bracket and hardware, antenna, owner’s manual and USB cable. This means that you will be able to start using this device right out of the box without any problems. It has a very powerful design that makes it perfect for a wide range of possible applications. Read more about police scanners on this page.
William Johnson is the owner and founder of RatedRadarDetector.org. He writes about car accessories, with his passion stemming from a deep enthusiasm for all things automotive. His website, RRD, focuses on in-depth reviews of car accessories to help people find the best and latest products in the market.