Key Specifications
Prime Delivery • 30-Day ReturnsUniden HomePatrol-2 Color Touchscreen Simple Programing Digital Scanner, TrunkTracker V and S,A,M,E, Emergency/Weather Alert, Digital Capable, APCO P25 Phase 1 and 2, Covers USA and Canada
For people interested in passively monitoring public‑safety communications (police, fire, EMS), air‑traffic, weather alerts, or other local radio traffic — whether out of curiosity, safety awareness, or general interest — HomePatrol‑2 offers a ready‑to‑use, user-friendly solution. Unlike older scanners that require manual programming of frequencies, this model simplifies setup: just enter a zip code (or use GPS) and you instantly get relevant local communications. With its touchscreen interface, portability (runs on AA batteries or USB), and pre‑programmed database, it’s designed for both newcomers and experienced scanner users who want convenience.
Key Features
For people interested in passively monitoring public‑safety communications (police, fire, EMS), air‑traffic, weather alerts, or other local radio traffic — whether out of curiosity, safety awareness, or general interest — HomePatrol‑2 offers a ready‑to‑use, user-friendly solution. Unlike older scanners that require manual programming of frequencies, this model simplifies setup: just enter a zip code (or use GPS) and you instantly get relevant local communications. With its touchscreen interface, portability (runs on AA batteries or USB), and pre‑programmed database, it’s designed for both newcomers and experienced scanner users who want convenience.
Available Colors
Key Considerations
Compatibility with Local Radio Systems — The scanner supports many common trunk‑radio/pro‑safety systems (digital APCO P25 Phase I & II; Motorola, EDACS, LTR trunking; conventional analog). If local services use proprietary or encrypted systems, they won’t be receivable.
Pre‑programmed Database & Ease of Setup — Instead of manually entering frequencies, you input a zip/postal code (or use GPS), and the scanner auto‑loads channel lists for your area — a big convenience for non‑technical users.
Coverage Frequency Range & Trunking Support — The wide frequency coverage (approx. 25–512 MHz, plus extended bands / UHF / other public‑safety ranges) allows listening to a broad variety of radio traffic. TrunkTracker‑V enables decoding many modern digital trunked systems.
Recording & Replay / Archive of Communications — Built‑in ability to record radio traffic (to included microSD card) and replay it — useful if you want to review or keep logs, especially for important transmissions (for example: weather alerts, emergency dispatches, aviation, etc.).
Power & Portability — Operates on rechargeable AA batteries (or alkaline AAs) or via USB/DC power. This allows for portable use (home, car, mobile) or continuous monitoring at a desk/base.
The utility of HomePatrol‑2 heavily depends on whether the local public‑safety and service communications are unencrypted and use systems supported (APCO P25, Motorola, EDACS, LTR, conventional analog/digital). If the services use encrypted or proprietary channels, the scanner will not decode them — limiting its usefulness.
These factors represent the most critical aspects that will impact your satisfaction with this product.
Customer Reviews
If you are not interested in becoming a self-taught radio engineer or working through complex radio system hierarchy programing, then the HomePatrol II scanner is for you. It's as easy as it gets and is a radio scanner for the rest of us.
Like most Unidens of late, the HP-2 is an easy to use scanner that updates the HP-1 to add P-25 TDMA (phase 2) and USB charging/power. You enter your zip code and select what you want to hear. Building favorites lists is easy.