Use the correct Sentinel edition and make a backup.

An HPE file is a HomePatrol-style Favorites List export. It is imported into Sentinel first; it is not copied straight onto the scanner’s memory card.

1Install the Sentinel version intended for your scanner family.
2Keep the downloaded file unchanged with its .hpe extension.
3Read from the scanner in Sentinel to back up its current programming.

Important: Uniden’s BCD160DN and BCD260DN do not use Sentinel HPE files. Choose their dedicated option at checkout to receive the correct native setting file.

Import, check and write the Favorites List.

  1. 1

    Back up your scanner

    Connect the scanner by USB, choose Mass Storage mode and use Sentinel to read from the scanner before changing anything. This preserves your current profile and Favorites Lists.

  2. 2

    Import the HPE file

    In Sentinel, open File → Import from hpe file. Select the downloaded .hpe file, choose New Favorites List when prompted and give the list a useful name.

  3. 3

    Review the imported list

    Open Edit Favorites List and confirm that the new list contains named conventional channels. Review the frequencies before writing anything to the scanner.

  4. 4

    Check the profile settings

    Make sure the new Favorites List is enabled for both Monitor and Download in the profile you use with the scanner. A correctly imported list can remain hidden if these options are off.

  5. 5

    Write to the scanner

    Connect in Mass Storage mode, choose Scanner → Write to Scanner and select the correct scanner drive. Do not select an option that erases existing Favorites Lists unless you deliberately want to remove them.

  6. 6

    Eject and test

    Let Sentinel finish, safely eject the scanner drive and disconnect the cable. Restart the scanner, enable the new Favorites List and listen for activity.

Check the imported list

List imported

Edit Favorites List shows the new conventional systems, departments and named channels without an import error.

Profile enabled

The new list is set to both Monitor and Download in the same Sentinel profile that will be written to the scanner.

Scanner received it

After safe ejection, the receiver can browse and enable the new Favorites List and display several expected channel names.

Restore your backup: Read the saved pre-change profile or scanner data back into Sentinel, select the correct scanner drive and write that known-good copy without choosing an erase option you did not intend.

If the file imports but the scanner does not show it.

“HPE file is invalid”

Download a fresh copy. Do not edit, unzip, rename from another format or save it through spreadsheet software. Check that the correct Sentinel program is open.

The list is missing

Open the active Sentinel profile and enable the new Favorites List for both Monitor and Download. Write the updated profile to the scanner again.

Nothing is being heard

Confirm that the Favorites List is enabled for scanning. Radio activity is intermittent, and a listed assignment is not a guarantee of a transmission at a particular time.

Wrong scanner software

BCD160DN and BCD260DN users must open their native setting file in BCDx60DN SS. Renaming that file to .hpe will not make it compatible with Sentinel.

What the file contains

A ScanLocal HPE file creates a conventional Favorites List. Depending on your selection, it can contain local public WTR assignments, nearby civil-airfield channels and UK-wide CB, PMR446, amateur, marine, common and permitted military radio channels.

Business assignments are grouped by public WTR licence holder; the other categories have clearly labelled departments. The file does not replace Sentinel’s master database, guarantee activity or build a complete trunked-radio system.

SDS100E / SDS200ECompatibility guide →UBCD3600XLTCompatibility guide →BCD436HP / BCD536HPCompatibility guide →

European models: SDS100E Sentinel ↗ · SDS200E Sentinel ↗ · UBCD3600XLT Sentinel ↗

North American models: BCD436HP / BCD536HP and SDS Sentinel 3.01.01 ↗

Regional software matters: use the European Sentinel download for SDS100E, SDS200E and UBCD3600XLT. Sentinel 3.01.01 is the current BCDx36HP/SDS release for the North American BCD436HP, BCD536HP, SDS100 and SDS200 family. Links checked 11 August 2026.

Common questions

Which scanners use Sentinel HPE files?

ScanLocal UK supplies .hpe files for the SDS100E, SDS200E, UBCD3600XLT, BCD436HP and BCD536HP options. The BCD160DN and BCD260DN use different Uniden software and a different native setting-file format.

Why are some channels set to Auto and All?

Ofcom does not always state an analogue or digital voice mode. ScanLocal also retains tuneable data/other assignments. Those rows use AUTO modulation and a blank Audio Option (All), preserving them as conventional tuning leads without us inventing DMR, NXDN or P25 details.

Why does Sentinel say the HPE file is invalid?

Download the file again and import it without opening or resaving it in a text editor or spreadsheet. Confirm that the filename still ends in .hpe and that you are using the Sentinel edition intended for your scanner family.

Why can’t I see the imported Favorites List on the scanner?

Check that the list is enabled for Monitor and Download in your active Sentinel profile, then write that profile to the scanner. Also check any Favorites List quick key or scan-selection setting you use.

Will importing overwrite my existing programming?

Importing creates a Favorites List inside Sentinel. Writing to the scanner should preserve other lists unless you choose an erase option. A backup is still strongly recommended before every programming change.