BCD396XT Questions

[6XssUQ3vE]

Hi Uniden Forum:

I have some nagging questions about the BCD396XT. Since the Uniden website is a triumph of esthetics over utility, the Complete Reference available there is not complete, and there is no manual per se, I bring them to you.

1) On both the 396T and 396XT, if I turn off ALL group quick keys on a system, the scanner won't let me use the GQKs to reopen any of them. At least on the 396T, I could go to the neighboring system, hold, then scroll and reopen groups. But on the 396XT, no matter what I do, I can't seem to reopen any GQK once they're ALL off. What am I missing? Design flaw or user error? This sometimes means I'm locked out of a system until I can get home and reload from ARC XT PRO.

2) On the 396T, you could easily toggle alpha tags with: hold, func + 5. Anything similar on the 396XT? Haven't found it, and I miss it.

3) Is there anything on the 396XT like a "monitor" function, as is usually found on ham HTs, that simply opens the squelch?

Thanks!

 

[Dewey]

There is a solution for this, but I just can't remember it. It might be in the wiki, or search for something like all systems locked out. Sorry, I can't remember exactly where the solution is (I only use SQKs not GQKs), but that does get asked here every once in a while.

Dewey

 

[W6KRU]

Program System > Select System > Edit Group > Select Group > Set lockout > Unlock.

It's actually intuitive if you think about what is happening. You can't scan because all groups are locked out and group quick keys don't work because you can't scan. Upman has a more elegant process but the one above is the one I can remember.

 

[Dewey]

Found the info I was referring to as well. It was in the wiki.

Nothing to Scan - The RadioReference Wiki

I was thinking that your problem was related to bullet #4, "All Groups are disabled".

Dewey

 

[W6KRU]

Disregard my previous post. Dewey is correct. I haven't done that to myself in a while. Press and hold function > scroll to system > Press quick key.

 

[Dewey]

Also.... got so focused on the primary issure, forgot the other two.

Concerning #3; no. There are no "monitor" functions on the 396XT. While "Monitor" will open the squelch on some radios, it also turns off the CTCSS/DCS receive, enabling you to hear all traffic on the frequency. There is no "quick" way to turn off the CTCSS/DCS on frequencies where it has been programmed.

Concerning #2; it is now Func + 6 while you are holding on a frequency/talkgroup. You have three display modes. Take a look here for a visual on the differences:
Easier to Read BCD396XT Digital Scanner Manual mode

Dewey

EDIT: The info on that link is a little outdated. Display Mode #3 will now place the UID (or UID label if programmed) on the line below the talkgroup label instead of the alternating UID/Talkgroup Label line that you get in Display Mode #2.

 

[6XssUQ3vE]

Thanks!

Thanks, DDan and Dewey!

Yes, DDan, I checked if the groups were locked, but they weren't. They were just turned off. Usually I leave a group on, as suggested, but sometimes the fingers slip.

I think I tried the func hold + scroll, etc., but I'll verify it at home when I can just reprogram if necessary. And thanks for the "Easier to Read" manual. Wasn't aware of that.

 

[jaymatt1978]

What do you mean toggle alpha tags? Do you do this while scanning?

Hi Uniden Forum:


2) On the 396T, you could easily toggle alpha tags with: hold, func + 5. Anything similar on the 396XT? Haven't found it, and I miss it.

 

[W6KRU]

What do you mean toggle alpha tags? Do you do this while scanning?

I'm guessing he means switching from displaying the TG # to the TG tag and vice versa. That would be done by pressing HOLD and then pressing 5 while pressing function.

 

[jaymatt1978]

Ah ok makes sense. Just for the 396 scanners I always wish they'd alternate the display between the alpha-tag and the frequencies. They do it with the system and group names

I'm guessing he means switching from displaying the TG # to the TG tag and vice versa. That would be done by pressing HOLD and then pressing 5 while pressing function.

 

[Dewey]

Ah ok makes sense. Just for the 396 scanners I always wish they'd alternate the display between the alpha-tag and the frequencies. They do it with the system and group names

If you're talking about the 396XT, that would be Display Mode 1 for trunked systems, or Display Mode 2 for conventional systems.

Dewey