Below is the programming FAQ for the HomePatrol-2 only.
Programming is challenging, learn how to program Uniden police scanners here.
Or, let our experts program your scanner & skip this rigmarole.
We HIGHLY recommend letting our experts program your scanner.
Programming issues are, by FAR, the #1 reason for...
- Returns
- 99% of any negative comments about the HomePatrol-2 you'll read while researching
- 99% of any negative comments about us
- Our receding hairlines
Basically, you're about to spend hundreds of dollars on a snappy new gadget, might as well spring a few extra bucks so it will actually work right out of the box.
What is "One Touch Start Up"?
Adding this with programming allows our technicians to make hardware, software & frequency updates prior to shipping your scanner. You can buy only the programming, which will give you everything needed to listen in your area, but 'one touch start up' ensures a smooth experience right from the start with zero technical know-how. 'One touch start up' is a popular gift item as this allows the scanner to simply 'work' by powering on.
Air, Rail & Race programming?
Each of these will count as "1 County." If you want to listen to Air and Rail you would buy "2 Counties" of programming and in the text area, type the name of the Airport and Rail you'd like to hear.
How long does this take?
Programming adds 1-2 additional business days to delivery.
What if this does not work?
We have a 100% money back guarantee if you’re not happy with your programming.
How are you so much cheaper than other scanner programming places?
We’re awesome.
Can you program X, Y, Z?
We can program anything that is in Radio Reference. If you have frequencies that are not in Radio Reference, as long as you can put them in a CSV file, we can program them.
What if I need help?
We’re always here to help.
Self Programming
Can I program on my own?
We created a programming decision tree as well as programming videos (above) to help you decided on whether you should include professional programming with your scanner, but we HIGHLY recommend adding programming.
Can't I just punch in my zip code for programming?
When you type in your zip code, it scans EVERYTHING in your area, which is kinda like getting the phone book thrown at you. This is why over 95% of orders include programming & why we highly recommend. Our professional programming filters the junk out so you don't have to listen to things such as the dog catcher, repo guy, power company & such.
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.
While scanner programming is much easier than the days of crystal scanners, there is a learning curve like any other electronics purchase. Some scanner enthusiasts are highly technical and want to learn the ins and outs of programming, but others simply want their scanner to just ‘work’ right out of the box.
95% of all scanner sales include programming, so 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 having your scanner 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 it works right out of the box.
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, love to do so. We made how to videos and can help point you in the right direction, but we will not teach programming.
