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BCD996P2 Uniden Police Scanner

Save 10% on any police scanner!
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First sale ever which will go back to regular price shortly, buy now!
Software & frequencies not included
For advanced users with custom programming needs
Lifetime tech support does NOT apply to this scanner due to complexity, unless expert programming is purchased
Trade-in your old scanner
Check Amazon price; buy here for free shipping, no tax* & lifetime tech support

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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.

Compare Base Digital Police Scanners
Manufacturer's SKU or unique product number. Close Model Number	BearTracker 885	HomePatrol-2	BCD536HP	BCD996P2	SDS200	TRX-2
There are two scanner manufacturers: Whistler & Uniden. Close Manufacturer	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Uniden	Whistler
Reception
Scanners are able to monitor 2 formats: Digital Analog Most communication is the US is digital or migrating to digital. Learn More Close Digital	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scanners are able to monitor 2 formats: Digital Analog Most communication is the US is digital or migrating to digital. Learn More Close Analog	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) & all emergency weather communication is broadcast via analog format throughout the US. All scanners can monitor NOAA. Learn More Close Weather & NOAA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ProVoice EDACS is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy an EDACS capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close ProVoice EDACS	No	No	Yes	No	With Paid Upgrade	Yes
NXDN is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy an NXDN capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close NXDN	No	No	No	No	With Paid Upgrade	Yes
DMR is a form of digital. If your area uses this, you must buy a DMR capable scanner to monitor. Learn More Close DMR	No	No	With Paid Upgrade	With Paid Upgrade	With Paid Upgrade	Yes
Scanners pick up frequencies in the 25-1300 Mhz band range. This gets needlessly technical, so we recommend focusing on digital & analog. Basically, digital scanners can monitor the full spectrum (25-1300Mhz) & analog can only pick up segments. Learn More Close Frequency Range	25 MHz - 1.3 GHz	25 MHz - 1.3 GHz	25 MHz - 1.3 GHz	25 MHz - 1.3 GHz	25 MHz - 1.3 GHz	25 MHz - 1.3 GHz
Some scanners are able to pick up AM & FM radio. Close AM/FM Radio	No	No	No	No	No	No
Number of channels (frequencies) that can be saved in scanner. Close Channels	Virtually Unlimited	Virtually Unlimited	Virtually Unlimited	25,000	Virtually Unlimited	Virtually Unlimited
In a simulcast system, multiple transmitters on separate towers simultaneously broadcasting on the same frequency. If what you want to hear is affected by simulcast you must buy a simulcast capable scanner. Learn More Close Simulcast	No	No	No	No	Yes	No
Features
GPS capable scanners allows frequencies to autoload while driving GPS receiver (sold separately) required to use. Learn More Close GPS Capable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Alpha tags are short descriptions, under 12 characters, used to label frequencies & talk groups. Learn More Close Alpha Tags	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Network Access Code (NAC) is a user programmable 12-bit code that prefixes every packet of data sent (including voice packets). NAC codes minimize co-channel interference & allow repeater addressing. Example: 156 = DEA, 330 = FBI Learn More Close NAC	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Allows scanner to operate in standby mode (no sound) & only respond to fire tone-outs, which are audible tones that alert specific resources. In this setting, no radio transmissions are audible until a specific set of tones are broadcast. Learn More Close Fire Tone-Out	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
Location-based scanning allows control of which systems/sites & channel groups are scanned based on location. No need to manually enable & disable channel groups or systems when moving locations. Learn More Close Location Based	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rapidly detects & monitors frequencies close by. Used to pick up nearby transmissions when on-the-go. Learn More Close Close Call/Stalker	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Record transmissions while listening. Close Record & Playback	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Programming
All scanners can be programmed via PCs only. Close PC Program	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
All scanners can be programmed via PCs only. There is no Mac compatible software. If you have a Mac, we can program for you. Close Mac Program	No	No	No	No	No	No
Most digital scanners come with software which allows programming & software updated via a PC computer. Close Software Included	No	Sentinel	Sentinel	No	Sentinel	EZ Scan
US & Canadian frequencies come on scanner. Radio Reference is the database used. Close USA & Canada Database	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
More
Software (data & storage) lives on an SD card which goes in the scanner (hardware). Close Storage (GB)	4 GB	4 GB	8 GB	Dynamic	8 GB	4 GB
Simple & older scanner models have dynamic memory. The memory of newer digital scanners is driven via an SD card, which has many benefits. Close SD Card	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Estimated scanner reception range without antenna upgrade. Scanners work on line-of-sight, not satellites, so topography makes a large difference. Anything from a tree, hill, or a strong breeze can affect reception. Close Range (mi.)	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.	30mi.
Battery Type	Not Applicable	AA	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Fully charged. Close Battery Life	Not Applicable	8 hours	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Size (inches)	TBD	6 x 3.25 x 1.25	7.25 x 2.25 x 6.5	5.75 x 10.75 x 3.75	7 x 5 x 3	1.75 x 7 x 5.5
Weight (oz.)	TBD	32	96	96	96	33.5
All Whistler & Uniden scanners have a 1 year manufacturers warranty. Close Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Launched	Summer 2017	Fall 2014	Fall 2013	Spring 2015	Winter 2019	Summer 2016
Key Feature	Scanner & CB Combo	Color Touchscreen	WiFi & Siren App	Software Not Included	Ethernet connectivity for remote streaming & control	NXDN & Removable Face

AC Adapter
DC Adapter
Three-wire Harness
Quick Start Guide
Mounting Bracket (fits most vehicles)
Antenna
Serial Programming Cable
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.