BCD996P2 Uniden Police Scanner

Not for tenderfoot scanner users. The BCD996P2 is the only digital base and mobile police scanner that comes without software and frequencies. While it’s a great scanner that has awesome features like GPS, we only recommend it for scanner pros. Think of yourself as David and this scanner Goliath, except in this version David doesn’t win. I mean, you could figure it out, but wouldn’t you rather spring the extra $50ish and get an easy-to-use scanner?

Are you a scanner pro who finds software and frequency lists unsophisticated? Then this is a very good scanner. You will be satisfied. With over 25,000 channels and dynamic memory, you’ll find a place in your amateur arsenal, and your heart, for the BCD996P2.

The reason this scanner costs less than similar models is because it does NOT include software or frequencies. We recommend the Whistler TRX-2 if you're looking for an easy to use, base/mobile scanner. We do not provide tech support on this scanner as it is difficult to operate and we do not recommend buying unless you are very familiar with scanners, scanner programming, and technology in general.

I need a base digital police scanner, why should I buy the BCD996P2?

This scanner is great for lifelong scanner users who are VERY familiar with amateur radios. Unless you consider yourself an expert, we do not recommend buying this scanner as it is not user friendly.

Will the BCD996P2 go on sale anytime soon?

We don't know. Uniden does not disclose when they will be dropping prices and even when prices do drop, it is usually only $5 to $10. You can sign up for our emails & we'll keep you posted.

What do buyers say?

• Looks great installed in the dash of vehicles and comes with mounting gear.
• No built in GPS (must buy GPS device).
• FreeScan software only takes a few minutes to install.
• You can add frequencies manually.

How is the BCD996P2 different than the BCD536HP?

The BCD996P2 is the lower cost alternative to the BCD536HP. The 2 biggest differences are:

• BCD996P2 does not come pre-loaded with U.S. & Canada frequencies for quick programming.
• BCD996P2 does not have the Siren App.

1. AC Adapter
2. DC Adapter
3. Three-wire Harness
4. Quick Start Guide
5. Mounting Bracket (fits most vehicles)
6. Antenna
7. Serial Programming Cable
8. Owners Manual

Looking to deeeep dive?

We took the time to scour the internet for you.

• Mark's Scanners is an excellent, very detailed website comprised of digital owner's guides for all police scanner radios, including the BCD996P2. We highly recommend this page to all BCD996P2 owners (and potential buyers) as it's loaded with how-to's, screenshots and more.
• Download free BCD996P2 Software. While software is not included with this scanner, this is a free PC software that you can download. Download this software for no extra charge, set up favorite lists, configure for your area & see if you're comfortable operating before you buy. If you choose to buy, you'll already have everything set up & ready to go.
• BCD996P2 Owner's Manual. This is the official BCD996P2 owner's manual, but we highly recommend Mark's Scanners BCD996P2 guide over this.
• Radio Reference is the largest police scanner radio forum with over 850k users. There are several threads about the BCD996P2 where just about every question imaginable has been asked and answered by BCD996P2 owners. As this scanner is new, this may be the best place for answers.
• There are Yahoo Groups for every police scanner radio including the BCD996P2.
• Uniden created a one page sell sheet for the BCD996P2 with specs & features.
• BCD996P2 review on eHam.
• Know of any reviews? Please tell us & we'll add them: zip@zipscanners.com

We do not offer professional programing on this police scanner model.

We DO offer programming on these models which we highly recommend buying over this model. 

Can I program this scanner myself?

We created programming videos to help you decided whether you can program on your own. If you going to program, we highly recommend watching videos and download the free software & programming BEFORE you buy. This will save you a lot of time and frustration. Maybe your programming needs are simple and this is not a big deal, maybe this is a huge program you can avoid.

How long does programming take?

It takes our scanner tech over an hour to program each scanner & this is ALL he does. For new & moderate scanner users we estimate 3-12 hours of programming. Setup time varies wildly based on scanner, area, scanner experience & general tech familiarity.

Programming is the #1 reason police scanners are returned and the root issue with 99.999% of any negative review you'll find.

While scanner programming is much easier than the days of crystal scanners, there is a learning curve like any other electronics purchase. While some scanner enthusiasts are highly technical and want to learn the ins and outs of programming, others want their scanner to just ‘work’ right out of the box.

Unless you’re familiar with scanners, scanner terminology, own a PC (Mac’s do not work), and want to learn the nuances of programming, we highly recommend buying a scanner that can be professionally programmed.

Scanner technology is fairly user-friendly, but scanners are not smartphones or iPads. If you're spending hundreds on a scanner, we recommend springing a few extra bucks so to get one that you're happy with long-term. 

Can't you teach me programming with your lifetime technical support?

No. Lifetime technical support is not unlimited technical support. We are always here to help and love to do so. We made how to videos and can help point you in the right direction, but we will not teach programming.