Whistler TRX-1 VS Uniden BCD436HP
Handheld scanners give truckers and other drivers the freedom to carry these useful devices with them. They have come a long way since and Whistler and Uniden are considered leading pioneers in radio scanners. Both their scanners the TRX-1 and the BCD436HP have garnered a lot of good reviews.
They are two big names products, but is one better than the other? You be the judge after you see what we have to say about each one.
- Multi-system adaptive scanner
- Can monitor some encrypted channels
- Clear sound and reception
- Easy to scan channels
- Easy to program
- Preprogrammed service range
- Tri-color LCD display
- Compatible with standard microSD card
- Internal speaker output of 4W
- Easy to use
- As easy to use as the Home Patrol 1 (but in a handheld version)
- GPS connection
- Large display
- Discover mode
- Impressive range
- Easy setup
- High sensitivity
- Impressive scanning capabilities
- No need to program (just zip code)
Features of Whistler TRX-1 vs Uniden BCD436HP
Handheld Size
While they are both handheld sizes, the BCD436HP is the first scanner to incorporate the easy to understand Home Patrol 1 system into a handheld version. But that doesn’t make the display and operation of the TRX-1 any less impressive.
Display
As far as displays go, they both have pretty easy to read LCD displays, but the Uniden possesses scanner a much larger screen for easy reading.
Programming
They are both winners in the sense that they are hassle-free when it comes to programming. Programming isn’t necessarily even needed for these devices that are automated with the input of the zip code and preloaded with US and Canada Radio Reference Databases (BCD436HP).
Channels
The TRX-1 has the amazing ability to monitor encrypted channels, whereas the BCD436HP does not possess this capability.
Storage
The Uniden BCD436HP has 4 GB of memory in the device, which slightly outmatches the industry standard 2 GB microSD card [1] that comes with the TRX-1. If you want more space to store more audio, we recommend the Uniden BCD436HP.
GPS
The GPS function facilitates scanning in the area. The Uniden BCD436HP has built-in GPS connectivity, which can automate the location scanning. However, that’s not to say the Whistler TRX-1 is any less easy to manage with the zip code input function.
Charging
Uniden BCD436HP has USB connectivity that can be used for charging while the Whistler TRX-1 comes with an adapter. This makes the BCD436HP, which can also be operated with AA batteries, the winner in versatility.
Preloaded Frequencies
The Whistler TRX-1 comes with preloaded USA and Canada Radio Reference databases, which is something the Uniden scanner lacks but with the other features such as zip lock and fast channel scanning, it can more than make up for the difference.
Range
It’s all about the range in the best police scanners. It’s widely agreed upon that the Uniden BCD436HP has an impressive range from 30-100 miles depending on the area. The TRX-1 is slightly behind so we recommend the BCD436HP for long-range communication.
Battery
You can expect up to 8 hours of operation with the lithium-ion battery in the Uniden model. It can also work with 3 double-A batteries. This gives the BCD436HP the upper hand in terms of versatility of charging compared to the TRX-1 that comes with an adapter. Unfortunately, the TRX-1 also possesses a much shorter battery life of only 4-5 hours.
Sensitivity
Both are highly sensitive scanners with the TRX-1 leading slightly with many users claiming it can pick up almost anything. The higher the sensitivity, the easier time you will have when listening to weaker transmissions.
Conclusion: Whistler TRX-1 vs Uniden BCD436HP
After going through the features and briefly introducing each product, I think we have a winner (but not by much). Comprehensively, Uniden BCD436HP is a better choice all around, but this doesn’t mean it’s the right choice 100% of the time.
If you want to make sure you miss nothing and no transmissions get by without you hearing of it, the Whistler scanner is highly sensitive and will pick up most transmissions. Not only do weak transmissions get picked up, but even encrypted ones do too, which is a feature the Uniden BCD436HP lacks.
They both have a variety of other functions including weather scanning, ample storage (with the Uniden scanner leading a bit by 2 GB worth) and both allow you to create favorite lists.
The Whistler scanner is also clearly outmatched in terms of battery function and its need to be near a stationary power source to use the charging adapter.
They are also both very easy to program and the Uniden scanner incorporates their renowned ease of the Home Patrol 1 into a handheld version. Programming is almost non-existent in both scanners due to the automated GPS in the Uniden scanner and the zip code input in the Whistler TRX-1.
Both are great scanners for beginners since they are easy to use and are both highly programmable and customizable. However, if we had to pick a winner, we would say the Uniden scanner is a more cohesive model where everything comes together in terms of elementary to advanced features.
However, if scanning all transmissions and decrypting encrypted channels are important to you, then the Whistler TRX-1 is the clear option.
Want to learn how the Uniden BCD436HP competes against other models from the same brand? You can read how it fares when compared with the SDS100, next.
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.
