The Uniden HomePatrol is a scanner so easy to use almost anyone can operate it. Just enter your zip code and start scanning. It is a digital, trunking and analog scanner that monitors local agencies based on your location. The price is high but well worth it in our opinion. It only takes a few minutes to start receiving news from a source. Using the touch screen or computer interface, enter your zip code and you'll be able to keep up with the police, fire, ambulance calls, weather alerts and much more. The HomePatrol has the capability of creating a "favorites" lists that can be made entirely of police department dispatchers, emergency operations, or any specific city transmissions (this includes special events like car races etc.). Once you've set up your favorites lists, you can copy them to your PC if you need them later.

With one touch of a button you can start recording transmissions with no dead air time. Up to 4 minute sessions (30 to 240 seconds) can be recorded on the included micro SD card. You can record up to 1,000 sessions or until the 2 GB micro SD card becomes full. It is very easy to erase the files.

You can get an instant replay of the last 30 — 240 seconds of the last transmission. This is great if you want to record a transmission that you've just listened to. The scanner also has a Clock/Date feature and can date/time stamp your recordings (format: year, month, day, time with seconds — 2011-01-18_17-10-32). The "Avoid" feature allows you to temporarily block channels that you don't want to receive.

The scanner sensitivity is very good using the included rubber duck antenna but reception can be improved with the use of an outside or external antenna. Connecting an additional antenna may require the use of an adapter to change from the standard BNC adapter to the SMA connector required by the Home Patrol Scanner.

The touch screen can lead you through the initial set up of the scanner so no computer installation is required. If you use a computer then just plug in the USB cable and the scanner tells you what to do next.

It is possible to connect your GPS unit to the Home Patrol and monitor local channels, weather and road conditions while you travel. The unit will re-tune itself by location. If this is a feature you plan on using we will be happy to assist you. Canada only: a radio license must be obtained prior to possession and use of this scanner. Computer interface is not compatible with Mac computers.