Uniden HomePatrol 2 Review

Do you love two-way radio scanning but have found many models are too difficult to program? If so, you are going to be interested in reading this uniden homepatrol 2 review. This two-way radio was released a few years ago by Uniden, to take care of the programming woes many scanning enthusiasts have experienced over the years with other models and brands.
Whether you are new to scanning or have been loving it for years, using an easy two-way radio like this model brings back the fun, without the headaches. Uniden refers to this model as a “Simple Program Scanner” so we decided we had to check it out. In this review, we will cover all the details, helping you to decide if this is a two-way radio you want to pick up.
- Description of the Uniden HomePatrol 2
- What About Programming and Setup?
- What Kind of Software Is Offered?
- Features of the Uniden HomePatrol 2
- What Comes in the Box?
- What We Liked Most About the Uniden HomePatrol 2 Radio
- The Best of Both Worlds
- Pros & Cons
- Tips for Caring for the Uniden HomePatrol 2
- What About the Warranty?
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Description of the Uniden HomePatrol 2
This two-way radio is black and rectangular. The dimensions are 4.2 x 3.8 x 6.4 inches. Because it weighs just about a pound and is so compact, it is perfect for road trips, backpacking, and more.
What About Programming and Setup?
If you are looking for a simple setup and programming process, this radio is for you! Before you can get started, you are going to need to charge the two AA NiMH batteries, which are included in the box. You will charge these using a USB cable.
You will also need to attach the flexible antenna. This is a breeze and takes just seconds. Once you have the batteries charged and the antenna attached, it is time to turn the unit on.
When you turn the unit on for the first time, you will be prompted to input information. Be sure to put in your zip code carefully because this is the information the radio will use to find your local channels.
What Kind of Software Is Offered?
The Uniden HomePatrol 2 comes with free Sentinel Software. This software package is powerful and is offered on all Uniden two-way radios.
With this software, you can connect your radio to a personal computer and do some programming. We recommend you do the following if you want the best experience with this model.
- Add trunk systems
- Add talk groups
- Add frequencies
- Customize alpha tags
- Customize subtones
- Change the service types
While the above steps are not required for enjoying the basics of the Uniden HomePatrol 2, they will give you more options that allow you more control over your channels.
Features of the Uniden HomePatrol 2
For such a small package, we feel that the Uniden HomePatrol 2 is packed with features that make scanning fun again. The following are some top features we have come to love from this model.
Sentinel Software
This software is free and allows you to program your radio from your personal computer with ease. You can add tags, make groups, and edit your favorites.
This radio is also compatible with some other types of software programs, but these are typically not free. If you choose another software program, be careful about research.
Record & Replay
This device comes with a MicroSD card that allows you to record your transmissions and play them back later. Recording and playback are very simple and straightforward.
Weather Alerts
Many people use two-way radios to gain information about weather events in their area. Staying informed is important since some parts of the year can lead to unexpected severe weather.
With S.A.M.E, individuals can receive important weather alerts right away, so they can act quickly and protect their families.
Digital Capability
Because many stations are moving to digital, only-analog radios do not allow you to hear everything that is going on in your area. Thankfully, this HomePatrol 2 has digital capability.
It can receive all the unencrypted non-proprietary types, including the following.
- APCO-25 Phase I
- APCO-25 Phase II
- Motorola
- EDACS
- LTR
- P25 Digital
- Conventional Analog
Mountable
Although this is a highly portable radio, you do have options for mounting. You can mount the Uniden HomePatrol 2 in your car and hook it up to your car speakers.
GPS
This radio has a GPS hookup that allows you to connect your GPS device and receive location-based channels. GPS syncs beautifully with this radio, making the process easy.
Touchscreen (Color)
On the front panel of the Uniden HomePatrol 2, you will find a large touchscreen. Here, you can go through the menu selections. You will find buttons for recording, replaying, and muting.
The display is satisfactorily bright, so you will be able to use it in all light conditions. The display is multi-color and easy on the eyes.
Selection Bar
With the Uniden HomePatrol 2, you can select your range in two-mile increments. This allows you to fine-tune the performance of your two-way radio, so you can get the most benefit from it as you scan for channels.
What Comes in the Box?
If you are like most buyers, you want to know what comes in the box, so you can be prepared. The following are what you can expect to see in the box when you open the Uniden HomePatrol 2 radio.
- One Uniden HomePatrol 2 radio
- One flexible antenna
- One USB cable
- Four AA NiMH rechargeable batteries
- One SMA to BNC adapter
- Owner’s Manual
- Instructions
It is important to note that an AC adapter is not included. These can be purchased separately if you want the option of plugging your two-way radio into a wall outlet.
What We Liked Most About the Uniden HomePatrol 2 Radio
As we were reviewing the Uniden HomePatrol 2, there were many features we really liked, but there was one that truly caught our eyes and made this radio much more user-friendly.
In our quest to find the perfect two-way radio, we have tried a lot of models. Very few of them have large screens that make seeing the modes easy.
It is mainly unheard of to find a two-way radio that offers a large screen, much less touchscreen technology. Being able to use the touchscreen technology makes using this simple radio much easier and even more fun.
With the digital touchscreen, you will have quick access to the transmissions in your area, including local police, fire, and EMT. You will be amazed at how fast you can move from one channel to the next, using the touchscreen functions. With the addition of touchscreen technology, this radio has become much more user-friendly.
We are sure this will become a favorite feature of yours as well. Feel free to reach out to us and let us know! We love hearing from our readers.
The Best of Both Worlds
As mentioned above, many stations and operators are now switching over to all-digital systems. You will find many more digital channels than you will analog.
Although there is still a need for analog, newer technology will likely replace the older completely. We really like that the Uniden HomePatrol 2 offers the best of both worlds.
It provides you with options for accessing both digital and analog. This scanner picks up everything you want to hear, so you will not be left without communication options.
Why would you choose a digital or analog-only radio, when there are options like this Uniden HomePatrol 2? We found this radio to give beginners everything they need to get started on police scanning, whether for information or as a hobby.
Pros & Cons
We try to give the facts as much as possible with our reviews, and this one is no exception. Having access to both the pros and the cons allows for balance and ensures you have the information that will be necessary for making the right purchase decision.
Pros:
- Setup is a breeze with this radio. Once you get the batteries charged and everything put together, the prompts walk you through the entire process, which takes only minutes.
- This radio is highly user-friendly, making it perfect for beginner scanners.
- With the intuitive interface of the touchscreen, users will find it easy to navigate among the features offered by this Uniden model.
- Everything you need to get started is included in the box. Yes, some additional accessories make using this radio even more fun, but they are not necessary for operation.
- This scanner comes with rechargeable batteries, and they are long-lasting, allowing you to use the radio for long periods before needing to recharge.
- The Uniden HomePatrol 2 mounts easily in any vehicle, allowing you to connect it to your car’s speakers, for listening while driving.
Cons:
- This radio does not come with an AC adapter.
Tips for Caring for the Uniden HomePatrol 2
You must avoid exposing the radio to liquids because they can cause major damages and even the risk of electric shock. When it comes time to clean your unit, use a slightly damp cloth.
It is wise to protect your unit by using a case when it is not in use. A case will keep dust out and ensure your radio remains looking new. If the radio does get dusty, you can use a can of compressed air to remove the dust safely.
What About the Warranty?
Uniden is one of the biggest names in two-way radio scanner production. There is a reason they have risen to the top. With a focus on the highest level of quality manufacturing, many people have come to rely on Uniden for their radio needs.
Uniden, like most two-way radio manufacturers, offers a limited one-year warranty on parts and manufacturing defects. This warranty does not cover units that have been modded or misused.
Uniden requires a receipt before they will cover any repairs on their units, so make sure to file it away. If your damages occur outside of the covered time, the company charges for repairs.
FAQ
Because we do a lot of product reviews, our readers submit many questions. It is our pleasure to provide answers to these questions when we can. The following are some top-asked questions regarding the Uniden HomePatrol 2 radio. Please feel free to submit your questions, so they can be answered in one of our reviews.
Does this radio come with Sentinel for MAC?
Unfortunately, Uniden does not offer an option for programming with MAC computers. You can, however, run the software via boot camp and Windows emulation. You can also download a compatible software program.
What is the range of the antenna?
This is not an easy question to answer because it depends on your location and topography. You should have no trouble connecting to local transmissions. If you require a larger range, you can remove the included antenna and hook it up to an exterior one that allows you a much greater range.
Does this radio have the Close Call Feature?
This Uniden HomePatrol 2 does not come with the Close Call Feature. Although many radio enthusiasts rely on this feature, we did not miss it. The radio works perfectly with the included features it offers.
Can I manually enter a frequency that is not in my area?
There is a menu option that allows you to enter a frequency manually. If the frequency is too far away, you may need to purchase an external antenna to be able to pick it up clearly.
Final Thoughts
The Uniden HomePatrol 2 is a radio every new beginner will love, and it is packed with enough features and versatility that even the old pros will appreciate.
If you have never used a two-way radio, this is an ideal model. It is compact and does not require a lot of difficult programming.
While reviewing the Uniden HomePatrol 2 radio, we were quite impressed with the features, and we love the touchscreen option that makes this a truly easy radio to use for all levels of experience.
With our uniden homepatrol 2 review, you are now armed with all the information you need for making a wise purchase. You cannot go wrong with adding this radio to your collection.