Any S/E Michigan BCD396T Users?

[wjf]

I just picked up one of these units and would like to bounce a few questions off you...

For starters, conventional frequencies sound great - no complaints. Love the computer hook-up, too.

Digital, however, has me concerned. Using only the pre-programmed frequencies for MPSCS and picking up, say Shelby and Chesterfield, I notice a lot of distortion - almost an "underwater" sounding reception. Compared to conventional frequencies, it's almost barely worth listening to. I have read and applied the settings that Shawn has posted in the Uniden forum.

Here's my questions:

- Is this what P25 normally sounds like on a BCD396T?
- Does anyone else have the same problem?
- Are there settings that I'm just not aware of from the manual or postings in the Uniden section of RR?
- and lastly, is it possible I have a bad unit?

Advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[DaveIN]

Try a digital auto setting of 6 or 7.

Also what firmware version are you using? Current version is 1. 11.03.

[wjf]

Originally Posted by DaveIN

Try a digital auto setting of 6 or 7.

Also what firmware version are you using? Current version is 1. 11.03.

I upgraded the firmware to the latest right out of the box.

When you say digital auto setting, are you referring to AGC, P25 Level or something else?

Sorry - the nomenclature is new to me.

[jagr707]

He means APCO 25 decoding level (Hold FUNC while pressing the knob down twice, the number to the left of AUTO will go up or down when turning the knob).

Other than that the only advice I have is to get rid of all the preprogrammed stuff and get the info from here. I had the same issue and when I did that a whole new world opened up. Granted your location might not be good either. Where are you exactly?

Other than that, digital DOES sound a bit funny compared to analog. Voices seem to be missing part of their normal range with a bit of clicking and well, "burping" added in.

Hope this helps.

J

*edit* Donate to the site and try using ARC396 by butel. The program will download from this site (freq AND alpha tags to match *YAY!!!*) but only of you are a donating member. Trust me, its worth it.

[wjf]

Originally Posted by jagr707

He means APCO 25 decoding level (Hold FUNC while pressing the knob down twice, the number to the left of AUTO will go up or down when turning the knob).

Other than that the only advice I have is to get rid of all the preprogrammed stuff and get the info from here. I had the same issue and when I did that a whole new world opened up. Granted your location might not be good either. Where are you exactly?

Other than that, digital DOES sound a bit funny compared to analog. Voices seem to be missing part of their normal range with a bit of clicking and well, "burping" added in.

Thanks. I eventually figured out optimizing the decoding threshold, but again, thanks for replying.

I'm in the north end of Clinton Twp.

Perhaps it's just a matter of what I'm used to hearing with analog, but digital still sounds goofy to me. A quasi "underwater/robot" sound, if you can relate.

[seamusg]

Originally Posted by wjf

Thanks. I eventually figured out optimizing the decoding threshold, but again, thanks for replying.

I'm in the north end of Clinton Twp.

Perhaps it's just a matter of what I'm used to hearing with analog, but digital still sounds goofy to me. A quasi "underwater/robot" sound, if you can relate.

Most of the digital I get on MPSCS sound real clear, the only ones that sound bad are the units that are on the edge of "going digital". I'm using both a BC796D and a PRO96 and both sound close to me, the only difference between them is the speaker. Have you tried scanning Warren?

[wjf]

I just now programmed Warren in. Sounds about the same, but I also notice that I only get one or two bars, so maybe that has something to do with it.

Originally Posted by jagr707

*edit* Donate to the site and try using ARC396 by butel. The program will download from this site (freq AND alpha tags to match *YAY!!!*) but only of you are a donating member. Trust me, its worth it.

I hear you, but for now I need some distance from the $500 price tag of the scanner!

[KD8FSJ]

I own a 796D and if I don't have atleast 4 signal bars on the control channel, the signal may start to go digital. Try a better antenna, the Unidens seem to need all the help they can get in the 800 reception department.

[wjf]

Originally Posted by palzeke

I own a 796D and if I don't have atleast 4 signal bars on the control channel, the signal may start to go digital. Try a better antenna, the Unidens seem to need all the help they can get in the 800 reception department.

Picked up one of the $16 RS 800's today. Things are MUCH better.

Thanks for your help.

[wogggieee]

Originally Posted by wjf

Picked up one of the $16 RS 800's today. Things are MUCH better.

Thanks for your help.

Antenna was the first thing that came to mind when i started reading your post. With digital it is all about decode rate. If you have a poor signal you have a poor decode rate. That is/was likely the source of your issues. The stock antenna with the radio is junk. Getting a better antenna is your best bet.

[wjf]

Originally Posted by wogggieee

Antenna was the first thing that came to mind when i started reading your post. With digital it is all about decode rate. If you have a poor signal you have a poor decode rate. That is/was likely the source of your issues. The stock antenna with the radio is junk. Getting a better antenna is your best bet.

Just to tie a bow on this thread, I also reflashed the firmware to v1.10 (downgrade) and now it sounds even better.