Need help programing scanner

satang-52 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 06:21 PM

I reciently purchaced a uniden bcd 396xt. I bought and installed thearc-xt pro software.I purchased the uniden
usb interface cable. I purchased a premium subscribtion to radio reference.I cant seem to load any frequencies
can anyone help,do I have to remove the factory installed frequencies.I want to program the chicago police and
fire frequencies.along with any other area frequencies. I have had scanners since the crystal radio-shack days.
the scanner I am using now is a sc-150. this new 396xt is like a trying to fly a plane compared to the older models. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP THE NEWBY.

rvictor · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009, 11:52 PM

The first thing you'll need to do is to get the computer and the scanner talking to each other. If you haven't already done so, be sure to install the driver for the Uniden USB cable. Then see if you can control the scanner through ARC-XT.

If you run into a problem, let us know what you did and where you had a problem. If all goes well and you've got the scanner and computer talking to one another, let us know that and we can take the next step which would be to download the stuff you want from the RR database into ARC-XT and to transfer it to the scanner.

Dick

325xia · #3 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 10:31 AM

FYI- I could never get my 396xt to talk to my computer. I tried different Baud settings and Com Ports. It always just sat there. So, I ended-up manually inputing the Command Channels and left it on Search for ID's and changed the ID's to known names through this website. Took a couple of weeks of use to get almost all in right. Still have an ID here or there that shows up and I have to cross reference for input. Not that big of a deal. The communication between the computer and scanner is a joke. Should be using firewire or Bluetooth. At least something that resembles state-of-the art. Like this scanner is. Just look at all the Posts from people on here trying to get this to work. Enough said.

AlabamaRS · #4 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 10:44 AM

Did you install the cable with latest drivers?, unplug the cable before you install the drivers, also make sure there is NO syncing programs running at boot up( active sync etc). If you have any suggestions, submit them to Uniden ??:

325xia · #5 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaRS

Did you install the cable with latest drivers?, unplug the cable before you install the drivers, also make sure there is NO syncing programs running at boot up( active sync etc). If you have any suggestions, submit them to Uniden ??:

^^What are we... in the 90's?? Upgrade Drivers? Please. Nowadays it's Plug and Play. End of Story. And Yes, Uniden has been flooded with problems with this. Just do a Search. I described my solution.

AlabamaRS · #6 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325xia

^^What are we... in the 90's?? Upgrade Drivers? Please. Nowadays it's Plug and Play. End of Story. And Yes, Uniden has been flooded with problems with this. Just do a Search. I described my solution.

OK, I tried to help, Ignore it & do not get it working. DOWNload & install latest drivers!! ( this is for the UsB cable)

325xia · #7 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 10:37 PM

Oh I tried with updated Drivers and such. No luck. It's not big deal because I was able to enter the Command Channels on the Trunking System, (four Freq's) and allow the 396xt to Search for ID's. I just followed the names of the Agencies listed here and changed the Id's to names. Took maybe a couple of weeks. Trying to configure the Software, Ports, Baud Rates and now Drivers, was a PIA!! Like I said before... Bluetooth the Frequencies In. That would solve all problems.

dracer777 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 07:29 PM

Wirelessly posted (MOT-QA30/00.72 UP.Browser/7.2.7.5.610 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Not every, and actually very little computers are equipped with Bluetooth or firewire. I do, however, agree that the serial interface is slightly ridiculous. I think it should come with a USB cable for $500. More computers have USB than serial, this is the 21st century.

To the OP, find out if your agencies use conventional or trunked system[s]. Get FreeScan. And import the systems you want. For further help, list if it is a trunked or conventional system.

AlabamaRS · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 07:49 PM

Why pay $500 get an Rs 106 or 197 for $300 or less

dracer777 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaRS

Why pay $500 get an Rs 106 or 197 for $300 or less

Are you addressing me? If so, I had a 106 for about a year, and just wanted to try out a different scanner and finally had the cash to put down on it.

AlabamaRS · #11 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 08:48 PM

was just making an observation

dracer777 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 09:05 PM

Wirelessly posted (MOT-QA30/00.72 UP.Browser/7.2.7.5.610 (GUI) MMP/2.0)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaRS

was just making an observation

I see, well that works. Questioning things is always good.

Songcatcher · #13 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009, 03:07 AM

I just purchased the Uniden BCD396XT along with the ARC XT Pro software and upgraded my subscription on RR today, well yesterday since it is now 2 minutes past midnight. My comp doesn't have a serial port but I do have a serial to USB adapter with drivers already downloaded. I really hope I am not going to have alot of problems with this, if I do I may be asking some questions in the future. I live in Pierce County, Washington State for anyone who might be from my area. Any tips on this would be welcomed.

rvictor · #14 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325xia

^^What are we... in the 90's?? Upgrade Drivers? Please. Nowadays it's Plug and Play. End of Story. And Yes, Uniden has been flooded with problems with this. Just do a Search. I described my solution.

That wasn't really a solution. You gave up and decided to do it the harder and less effective way. From what you posted, it took you two weeks to program one trunked system and you still don't have it all in correctly. If you're happy with that, it's fine, but for most people it's worth the effort to get the scanner and the computer talking to one another so that they can use one of the available programs to get the scanner programmed. That one system would take about 30 seconds with the software and it would be done as completely and correctly as the available data in the database.

Forget what Uniden should have done. The reality is that it's a serial connection. One can either find a computer with a serial port, use a serial to USB converter, or buy the Uniden USB-1 cable which includes a built-in converter. In the case of either the converter or the Uniden cable, it's necessary to install a driver if you expect it to work. If you don't, it won't. Some have had problems, but probably thousands of people have gotten it to work.

And, yes, I understand the value of knowing how to program the scanner manually and can do so. That doesn't mean that doing it with software isn't the easier and better method.

Dick