Universal Radio Selling Uniden Homepatrol for $509.95

 

 

Thanks, Paul:

Now available for purchase at Universal Radio for $509.95:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/scanners/0738.html

Description on Universal Radio:

The Uniden Homepatrol is a whole new approach to scanning the VHF-UHF spectrum. Clearly a product of "clean slate" thinking, the new Homepatrol promises ease of use, performance and features previously not available. And programming is as simple as keying in your zip code! When you enter your location, the HomePatrol searches its databases for channels within a specific distance from that location. If you enter your zip code, HomePatrol-1 searches within a 10 mile radius of the center of that zip code. If you enter the city, that range is 20 miles from the center of the city. If you use the AutoLocate feature, that range increases to 30 miles. If you manually enter your latitude and longitude (or connect an accessory GPS receiver (not included), your HomePatrol-1 will select channels that apply to your precise location. Is that cool or what?! The new form factor permits use of the scanner as a base or portable unit. And coverage is great you can monitor manyservice types from 25-54, 108-512 and 758-960 MHz (less cellular) in AM, FM and FM wide modes. TrunkTracking EDACS (N/W), LTR, Motorola (analog/mixed/digital) and APCO P25 is supported. If you have a compatible GPS (not included), this radio will even know where it is and have the appropriate frequencies available. A micro SD card is included to store your favorite frequencies!

The Replay feature can instantly replay the transmissions you have just heard. You can set how long a period Replay will record for instant playback. This period can range from 30 seconds to 240 seconds (4 minutes). The Record function allows recording longer intercepts for later review. Another innovation is the touch-screen that is state-of-the-art.

Although the initial set-up is very easy and automated, you can also use a configuration menu to fine tune the radio to your operational preferences. The Homepatrol-1 comes with:  SMA antenna, AC adapter, car adapter, base stand, computer cable and four rechargeable NiMH AA cells. A single sheet Quick Reference Guide is also included in the box. The Sentinel software can be download from the Uniden website (which includes the complete Owner's Manual).

 

Comments

[Ed S.]

How is this different from equipping my ipod touch with a free Scanner Radio app? And the ipod costs $225.

[Shawn Patrick]

Ed S, depends on the area you live at. You can make the same argument, only much better, why buy any radio when you can listen to streaming online in great quality? I live in a small town where there is no online scanner.

500 bucks for a scanner that can pick up ACPO-25 digital is a fair price. That's about what they cost at the Shack.

Also the thing about having your own scanner, is you can TUNE and find kinds of interesting stuff, not just police. Baby scanners, Ham operators, drive through windows, electric companies, private UHF services, NOAA weather etc, even older wireless phones inside of houses. Listening to aircraft bands is always superior in a scanner than on a shortwave radio.

Also trying to DX long distance police, fire, and EMS is fun also.

I have a few police scanners, but none that are APCO-25 capable, for I don't need it.

USing an ipod restricts you to only what is available via streaming. Sure, it has some advantages, like being able to listen to police departments several 100 or 1000 of miles away.