First Look @ Uniden HomePatrol | Scanner Master Blog

First Look @ Uniden HomePatrol
By Jonathan Higgins

Release Date: Early Fall 2010 – 09/30/10
Price: $495.00

Uniden HomePatrol
Recently I had the opportunity to see the New Uniden HomePatrol in action. This product is very simple to operate, you can be up and running within 3 minutes or less. No programming needed all you need is your zip code. Once your Zip Code is entered, HomePatrol will load Police, Fire and EMS channels in your area and you have the option to also scan Utilities, Airports, Railroads, Businesses, schools and other services in your area that area listed on the Radio Reference database.

My initial thoughts of the HomePatrol:
This cutting edge technology from Uniden will take the work out of programming. The menus are very straight forward and simple. The reception was amazing with the stock antenna that came with the unit. This product would be ideal for someone just getting into the hobby, or just looking for something that is very simple to operate.

Advanced Users
Advanced users may find the HomePatrol limits your ability to customize the programming. I would still recommend the Uniden BCD396XT or BCD996XT to advanced users. For myself HomePatrol would be great for traveling outside of my listening area, because I wouldn’t need to spend time setting up the programming.

GPS ScanningHomePatrol would be a great for Road Trips too! By connecting a GPS Receiver the system will select all of the agencies in your area and it will keep updating as you travel.

Building Favorites Lists
You can make your own favorites Lists from the database in HomePatrol. If you only like to listen to fire call you can go into the database and select those departments. You can name and save each favorites list. I really like this option because you can customize what you’re monitoring.

Instant Replay
Did you miss a transmission? You can replay radio transmission from the last 30 Seconds to 240 seconds; you can set the replay time through the Advanced Menu options.

Updating HomePatrol
With the HomePatrol Sentinel PC Software you can update the internal database within minutes. When needed HomePatrol may need a Firmware update, these are simple and done through the software. Also with-in the software you can make and save your own custom Favorites Lists.

HomePatrol Appearance and Jacks
Screen:Full Color Touch Screen

Buttons:

Volume Control and Power Buttons
Jacks:

Left to Right – SMA Antenna Jack, Head Phone Jack, and Line Out Jack

Left to Right – GPS Jack, DC 9V Power Jack Jack, and USB – Programming/Updating Jack

In the Box:
HomePatrol will come with Flex Antenna, AC Adapter, DC Cigarette Lighter Adapter, 4 AA Rechargeable batteries USB Cable, Desk Stand, and a quick Start Guide.