getting started

I am trying to figure out how to program my BCD996T scanner

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996T

Easier to Read BCD996T/UBCD996T Digital Scanner Manual

FreeScan User Guide - The RadioReference Wiki

Click on the links above for the Wiki Page, Free Programming Software, and an Easier-to-Read Manual which should help out a lot.

You may also want to look at the YouTube videos below:

Hand programming (not recommended as it is time-consuming) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmPq4fL0zTk

Freescan programming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QmG4s0bnbE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkQXUPsi_gI

+1 on freescan if you've got a programming cable. You can do it by hand but it's so much easier to program by computer. If you're only needing a few things by hand isn't terrible and it gives you a chance to learn the scanner but if you need a lot of stuff I'd definitely stick to software. The above links are super helpful.

If you decide to go the software route, a simple serial cable can be used to program your scanner. it's not likely there will be any further firmware updates, so an $8 null-modem cable and Freescan will get you where you want to be.

Dynamic Memory Architecture - The RadioReference Wiki
http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Uniden_DMA_FAQ

marcotor said:

If you decide to go the software route, a simple serial cable can be used to program your scanner. it's not likely there will be any further firmware updates, so an $8 null-modem cable and Freescan will get you where you want to be.

Click to expand...

Just a tip here: If need to buy a Serial - USB converter, get the FTDI version!! I originally ignored this advice in the RR forum archives, and learned the hard way that you can't buy any off-the-shelf product. Serial - USB converter's are not passive adapters, they use a chip and the chips are not made equally. I got my FTDI adapter from gearmo.com, it works great and comes with signal activity LED's for every pin.