New BCT15X user

bct15xuser · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2012, 5:49 PM

I just bought my first scanner, a uniden BCT15X. I wanted to get some input from people that may have had this or still have this scanner. Please be honest about your experiance with this system. As I have been trying to figure out this system it has been a rough start. Even the easier to read manual isnt the best. The scanner seems to have many features. I live in Minot, ND, Ward County. So far this Forum has been great. Thanks!

Redneck0410 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2012, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bct15xuser

I just bought my first scanner, a uniden BCT15X. I wanted to get some input from people that may have had this or still have this scanner. Please be honest about your experiance with this system. As I have been trying to figure out this system it has been a rough start. Even the easier to read manual isnt the best. The scanner seems to have many features. I live in Minot, ND, Ward County. So far this Forum has been great. Thanks!

Currently have a BCT15X. I would strongly recommend you use software like FreeScan FreeSCAN - Sixspot Software (follow this link). It will save you a lot of time when you go to program your scanner. In order to use it, you will need a DB9 (serial port) to USB cable to hook up to your computer. I love this scanner, but I am wanting a 996 scanner as a lot of the traffic I want to listen to is P25. The scanner is relatively easy to program with software. Just follow the easier to read manual one step at a time and it will become real easy for you to use this scanner.

ka3jjz · #3 (**permalink**) 10-06-2012, 7:02 AM

The Easier to Read manual is indeed the place to start, and it does take time to grasp all the new concepts, as the previous poster mentioned. We have an article in our wiki with a number of additional links that will also help, including our DMA FAQ, a link to our Glossary, and information on USB cables, and how to use Device Manager to help with connection issues..(anything blue is a link)

Program your DMA Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki

HTH...Mike

Highpockets · #4 (**permalink**) 10-06-2012, 1:16 PM

If this is the county you live in, look in the Mode Column, if there is a P25 listed, you'll need a scanner that will decode digital, also in the Description Column you'll see the word Encryption, no scanner will decode that. The other modes you'll have no problem with if the info in the database is correct.

Ward County, North Dakota (ND) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Bob3655 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-06-2012, 6:14 PM

I never even opened mine up--way too hard and the guy that was going to program it on Long Island,NY..his wife is in I.C.U. for over a week now. I put it up for sale at $182.95 plus shipping costs. Everyone sells them for $199.95-$219.95. It is very hard to set up..your NOT the only one. You need computer software, dude.

Bob

bct15xuser · #6 (**permalink**) 10-06-2012, 7:31 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies and answers. I think after a few days of playing around with the scanner I'm finally starting to understand it. Again great responds, thanks gents.

eriepascannist · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2012, 11:48 AM

I have had my 15x for almost a year and have finally started to use it more frequently. The task of programming it looked so disheartening with all these new concepts to grasp. Thanks to the easier to read manual aka my lifesaver from insanity, I got it up and running. I still don't know or understand all its features and since there is no trunking or digital around here I still use my simpler BCT8 more often, but I do love the 15x as well once I got started. It does seem hard at first but once you get the new organization concepts down it becomes quite simple actually. The more you play around with it, the easier it gets, so don't be afriad to hit a few wrong buttons along the way.

Good luck!

Bob3655 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2012, 2:45 PM

I can help you get it going but only conventional channels as I just learned that. You can respond back to me or the group but if you need trunking in it...please pass up on me here.

Bob

Techy · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2012, 3:03 PM

I felt the same when my BCT15X arrived. But I had my old usb-serial adapter I kept from my 396T days. Updated the drivers for it and found the recommended Free-Scan software from RR here, and it worked great. I found it simple to set up my Counties TRS with Free-Scan.
I just took my time and read the info about the software and the 15X. A real great scanner. My last scanner I used was a non-rebandable model which was the 895XLT. I was so used to the banks and how easy it was to program. But now we can listen to both Conventional and Trunked at the same time which is great.

Bob3655 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2012, 4:04 PM

Got mine up an running,finally! It is NO LONGER for sale! I am only using it in conventional mode but I will sell my Uniden BCAT-125 non-trunking analog handheld scanner(One week old) w/alpha-tagging, ctcss/dcs,close call captioning,call counter, signal meter, and coverage is 25-512mhz. I have everything that came with it. Email me or look on handheld scanners for sale posted today. I will even set it up for someone locally in the Metro New York area.

Bob(Westchester County, NY)

bct15xuser · #11 (**permalink**) 10-08-2012, 5:36 PM

Thanks again for all the replies. I had a few questions about the antenna that came with the system. Is the one it comes with the best to use? I do not have the ability to run any antennas outside. But the scanner is on the top floor and next to a window. Also I herd on the scanner a local station talking then they told the other person to go to a different channel then they were gone. does anyone have any input on why my scanner didnt pick them up anymore?

Rt169Radio · #12 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 8:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bct15xuser

Thanks again for all the replies. I had a few questions about the antenna that came with the system. Is the one it comes with the best to use? I do not have the ability to run any antennas outside. But the scanner is on the top floor and next to a window. Also I herd on the scanner a local station talking then they told the other person to go to a different channel then they were gone. does anyone have any input on why my scanner didnt pick them up anymore?

Well for a better antenna you could try a mag-mount antenna that is on something metal, or you could get a BNC right angle connector and put that on your scanner with a Diamond RH77CA attached to it. Or you could get a suction window mount and put the Diamond RH77CA on it and attach it to your scanner.

bct15xuser · #13 (**permalink**) 10-09-2012, 5:51 PM

If you dont mind me asking where did you buy the Diamond RH77CA Antenna from?

Rt169Radio · #14 (**permalink**) 10-10-2012, 8:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bct15xuser

If you dont mind me asking where did you buy the Diamond RH77CA Antenna from?

Well here are three places you could get it from.

Ham Radio Outlet | DIAMOND RH-77CA | 2M/440 HT ANT+ RX 120/300/800MHZ

AES Price list

Diamond RH77CA Amateur HT Antenna

bct15xuser · #15 (**permalink**) 10-10-2012, 8:52 PM

Thats great, Thanks. I'll be getting me one of those antennas real soon. the other day i was listening to a local station and they were talking about an automobile accident. Well they were talking for a minute then one person told the other person to switch to channe 5. Then they were gone. Is this like a private channel that my scanner cant pick up? Not trying to be too nosey, but i did buy the scanner to keep up with the crime increase (public safety) in my local area. Just wondering if any of you seasoned scanners had input on this?

ka3jjz · #16 (**permalink**) 10-11-2012, 4:07 AM

It's utterly impossible for anyone to help you without knowing where you are (county/state will do) - it could be a low power simplex channel that you would need to be real close to hear, or it might be something else entirely. Did you check the database to see if it's listed there?

We have numerous state by state forums - this is something that, if it's not in our database, someone there knows, and just hasn't submitted it...Mike

W8RMH · #17 (**permalink**) 10-11-2012, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bct15xuser

Thats great, Thanks. I'll be getting me one of those antennas real soon. the other day i was listening to a local station and they were talking about an automobile accident. Well they were talking for a minute then one person told the other person to switch to channe 5. Then they were gone. Is this like a private channel that my scanner cant pick up? Not trying to be too nosey, but i did buy the scanner to keep up with the crime increase (public safety) in my local area. Just wondering if any of you seasoned scanners had input on this?

I see on your county page that Minot PD 5, 154.740 is P-25 digital, and encrypted.

Even if you had this frequency programmed into your BCT15X it will not decode digital signals, and you can not, physically or legally, decode encrypted signals on this or any other scanner.