I just got a replacement 996T Scanner

chris24go · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 09:33 PM

I live in Spotsylvania, VA DC/METRO area. My first scanner was preprogramed for me with PUBLIC SAFETY and DOT/GOVT/FREQ. I am not a techie. And the 996T preprograms are picking up nothing, I also can't hook op to computer with cable supplied I only have a 15 pin and onw supplied is a 10 PIN appreciate any help I can be IM'ED on Yahoo @ chrissefchick

rvictor · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris24go

I live in Spotsylvania, VA DC/METRO area. My first scanner was preprogramed for me with PUBLIC SAFETY and DOT/GOVT/FREQ. I am not a techie. And the 996T preprograms are picking up nothing, I also can't hook op to computer with cable supplied I only have a 15 pin and onw supplied is a 10 PIN appreciate any help I can be IM'ED on Yahoo @ chrissefchick

The cable supplied is probably a 9 pin serial cable. The 15 pin connector on the computer is probably for a video monitor. They are not going to talk to each other. If your computer has no 9 pin serial connector as is fairly common for newer computers, you then, no doubt, have USB ports on the computer. You will need to either get a USB cable for your scanner or an adapter that converts one of your USB ports to a 9 pin serial port. That will allow you to connect the scanner to the computer.

You will then, of course, need appropriate software to enable you to use the computer to program the scanner. If you don't already have that software, let us know and we can point you to some of the programs that will do the job.

Dick

chris24go · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2009, 10:30 PM

When I go to store should I be asking for a usb for the 9 pin or usb to 9 pin adapter? Then is there any free software out that I can use to program? Appereciate your quick reply.

rvictor · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 12:00 AM

What I did was buy the Uniden USB cable for my scanner. That way you know it will work.

You can otherwise ask for a USB to serial converter, but it will usually cost nearly as much and you will have to make sure that it will work for you.

The free programs that I'm aware of that will work with the 996 are Freescan and BCTool. Of course, there may be others that I'm not familiar with.

Dick

loumaag · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvictor

The free programs that I'm aware of that will work with the 996 are Freescan and BCTool. Of course, there may be others that I'm not familiar with.

Add the Uniden UASD software, free to 996T owners.

MFD4305 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 10:40 AM

All 996Ts come with LOTs of pre-programmed systems. I believe they have never been changed/updated since the model was introduced. If your original 996T received some traffic, maybe you just need to assure that the appropriate System Quick Keys are activated?

chris24go · #7 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvictor

The cable supplied is probably a 9 pin serial cable. The 15 pin connector on the computer is probably for a video monitor. They are not going to talk to each other. If your computer has no 9 pin serial connector as is fairly common for newer computers, you then, no doubt, have USB ports on the computer. You will need to either get a USB cable for your scanner or an adapter that converts one of your USB ports to a 9 pin serial port. That will allow you to connect the scanner to the computer.

You will then, of course, need appropriate software to enable you to use the computer to program the scanner. If you don't already have that software, let us know and we can point you to some of the programs that will do the job.

Dick

When I went to Radio Shack they were not aware of such of an adapter. but said if I come back tommorow they would be happy to clone there store model to my scanner. What do i need?

chris24go · #8 (**permalink**) 03-10-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFD4305

All 996Ts come with LOTs of pre-programmed systems. I believe they have never been changed/updated since the model was introduced. If your original 996T received some traffic, maybe you just need to assure that the appropriate System Quick Keys are activated?

VA is programmed as well nationwide. I had my orginal one programmed before delived for the state and D.C..

I got the usb and the freeware from uniden com is know not reading my scanner. Any assistance would be appreciated. i don't mind if someone can go remote to check this our just let me know when to be on-line. I am also on yahoo IM at chrissefchick

loumaag · #9 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris24go

When I went to Radio Shack they were not aware of such of an adapter. but said if I come back tommorow they would be happy to clone there store model to my scanner. What do i need?

I would suggest that you avoid RS. They do have the USB to Serial adapter, but if they don't know it, it probably isn't the place to buy it. They will want too much for it anyway. Try almost any other retailer that sells electronics, even WalMart has one for less than $20.

rvictor · #10 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris24go

When I went to Radio Shack they were not aware of such of an adapter. but said if I come back tommorow they would be happy to clone there store model to my scanner. What do i need?

I would hope that if they are going to do the cloning, they have what's needed to do it. Basically it's the cable, a null modem adapter and a gender changer according to the manual.

Dick

chris24go · #11 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 10:34 AM

Can you possibly point me to a website. Appreciate your help.

n6tgk · #12 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris24go

When I went to Radio Shack they were not aware of such of an adapter. but said if I come back tommorow they would be happy to clone there store model to my scanner. What do i need?

That's Radio Shack for ya'. "You've got questions...we've got dazed and confused looks." As mentioned, go somewhere else. Radio Shack, for the most part, has been reduced to nothing more than a place to get cell phones, plans and accessories.

n6tgk · #13 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris24go

Can you possibly point me to a website. Appreciate your help.

What kind of web-site?

chris24go · #14 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loumaag

Add the Uniden UASD software, free to 996T owners.

I did and I got the software computer is know not recognizing the scanner

chris24go · #15 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 03:46 PM

I got the usb and the freeware from uniden com is know not reading my scanner. Any assistance would be appreciated. i don't mind if someone can go remote to check this our just let me know when to be on-line. I am also on yahoo IM at chrissefchick

chris24go · #16 (**permalink**) 03-11-2009, 10:17 PM

They were unable to clone to my Uniden from Radio shack but I got the USB and free software from uniden. Know my computer will not recognize the scanner. Any ideas. The BAUD rate for fron port is set at the highest (recomended by owners manual.

loumaag · #17 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris24go

I got the usb and the freeware from uniden com is know not reading my scanner. Any assistance would be appreciated. i don't mind if someone can go remote to check this our just let me know when to be on-line. I am also on yahoo IM at chrissefchick

I don't own a 996T but I do know that it depends on which port you are using on the radio to connect to. The front one is used for one thing the back one is used for something else. We need a 996T experienced user to talk you through which one is for connecting a PC to the scanner.

andy404ns · #18 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 02:38 PM

You should be able to use either port to connect to your computer. I use the front one. Anyway if you have a newer computer I'm sure you have multiple com ports. Your best bet is to go to settings, select com port 1 and a middle baud rate, and then hit OK. From there, select ONLINE CONTROL and it will attempt to read your scanner and display what your scanner is displaying. If it says ERROR or something, go back into settings and choose the next com port while leaving the baud rate the same. Try online control again. If you still have no luck, go through the all the com ports until one works. If none of them work, start playing with the baud rates. Try going lower before going higher.

If none of that works one potential issue might be that you have some sort of software that is monopolizing your com ports. Look into software you have on your computer that might be using them.

chris24go · #19 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 03:13 PM

Owner's manuel says use from jack om scanner and use the high BAUD rating. IHow should I go about getting an experienced 996T programmer?

loumaag · #20 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 03:32 PM

Hi Chris,

I suggest that you concentrate your attention on the other thread you started in the Uniden Forum. I feel you will probably get faster and more on point help there, especially since you have already got the Uniden rep answering you there. Just remember to try and be as detailed as you can when stating your difficulty.