Just wanted opinions on using "ZIP scanner" to program my BCD436HP. Unfortunately I'm unable to program my BCD436HP myself with sentinel, I live in a rural area with no internet providers I'm at the mercy of t-mobile internet wich is spotty at best. Having said that, I was thinking about ZIP scanner to do the programming for me.The programming will be on a SD CARD wich all I would do is put SD CARD in scanner and boom there it is. Is it that simple? They will charge (of course) , my question is, has anyone here used ZIP scanner for programming? If so, was it, is it worth it? Also would the latest upgrade be included? Any opinions or suggestions is greatly appreciated.
BCD436HP/BCD536HP: BCD436HP "expert" programming by ZIP scanners
- Thread starter Mikeyb101
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Do you own a laptop or have a friend or family member that does? If so, load Sentinel on it and go to public library, or anywhere else that offers free wifi. I have used all of the following from in the parking lot. Walmart, MacDonald's, Target, local food store. Update the full database and then bring it home or program in the parking lot. Internet connection is not needed to create favorites lists and write to the scanner. Just needed for updating full database and doing firmware updates.
Firmware upgrades are generally done thru Sentinel and usually need to see the scanner connected to download the correct files. There are ways to get the updates onto the sd card without Sentinel to apply to the scanner. I have never done it that way but others have. Not sure if zip scanners would do that or not.
Digital upgrades, like NXDN, DMR and Provoice, can be done the cheapest directly from Unidens site. All the others tack on to that price.
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engine183
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I purchased an SDS100 with programming from ZIP scanners about 3-4 years ago. It all was fine and they did a good job in the programming. They also provided me with some phone support as well.
Having said that, I agree with "dave3825" as the self-programming is easy. Learning to use Sentinel is fairly easy and if you are like most scanner folks, you will want to "adjust" or change your FAV list from time to time. So having/using Sentinel is the best way to do so. Good luck!
Having said that, I agree with "dave3825" as the self-programming is easy. Learning to use Sentinel is fairly easy and if you are like most scanner folks, you will want to "adjust" or change your FAV list from time to time. So having/using Sentinel is the best way to do so. Good luck!
I've said it before & I'll say it again; Don't waste your money on third party programming. Sentinel is easy to use & there are plenty of resources right here on the forums to help you along the way. There may be a "Captain Code Plug" or two willing to create a favorites list for you for free but it's still much better to learn to do the programming yourself should something change in your area or if you accidentally press a button you didn't mean to. That way you won't be at someone else's mercy to reprogram / fix your scanner.
Sentinel BCD436/536HP/SDS Software Manual
Sentinel BCD436/536HP/SDS Software Manual
I think his main obstacle is poor internet service in his area.
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A point to make is that you don’t necessarily need to update the database weekly. Therefore you could install Sentinel now, have it update the database, and prepare your programming while waiting for the device. No Internet access required to program, only to download database updates.
It makes me wonder: anyone ever update the database manually, outside of Sentinel?
It makes me wonder: anyone ever update the database manually, outside of Sentinel?
This really the place to go into it in depth but if you are having problems with T-Mobile home internet look at some of Nate Tater's videos.
https://www.youtube.com/c/natertater/videos There are things you can do to help it.
https://www.youtube.com/c/natertater/videos There are things you can do to help it.
You can manually load the Database files to the scanners SD card in Mass Storage Mode...
The catch is... You would still need the Database files copied from somebody elses Sentinel's Database (Or scanners Database) to do it to have the proper format...
I just did it on my SDS100.... The last Database update on it was back in August of 2023... Now it's at 1/14/2024...
Just a note... You have to delete the Database files in the HPDB folder on the SD card before you copy the new ones there...
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I was thinking someone with spotty Internet could take a thumb drive to the local library and download it or similar. I may have to see if this is possible (and of course, unsupported).
I REALLY appreciate everyone's feedback on this matter. I will keep everyone abreast of my progress. However I don't have the time right now, being I have a two year old and a VERY rambunctious 9 month old German shepherd/ Alaskan malamute puppy to deal with. Lol 😃
Unfortunatly you need Sentinel to pull the Database download in the proper format for the scanner to use it...
What would be interesting to see is if the library would let you load Sentinel on one of there computers... They are usually locked by a group policy to prohibit software from being loaded onto it by patrons...
Akuriko
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if they allow a thumb drive libraries usually allow you to download it to a thumb drive then you take it home and you install it on your computer, the other idea is some towns have internet cafes, or a 3rd idea is too have a friend download it to a thumb drive or removable SSD and do it that way.
But you still need Sentinel to get the Database downloaded...
You can't (As far as I know) just download the Database files directly from the Uniden servers without using Sentinel...
Akuriko
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the first rule of a sds 100/200 or hp 426/536 is to download Sentinal, then install Sentinal then download the database once Sentinal is installed, the best fix is for a laptop and wifi at the library, easy peassy.
maybe sentinal has a special offline mode? i will research it and get back to you
maybe sentinal has a special offline mode? i will research it and get back to you
If the OP has a laptop he can take there, well sure... You can do that...
He didn't say what he has...
He didn't say what he's posting here with... Other than his connection is spotty...
I would post where you are at and what depts you want to program into your radio.
You probably could get the same, or better programming help (vs. Zip Scanners) here for free.....
Also, there are state specific forums (your state) that you could ask for help in.
But, I very much concur with the advice of getting to know how to do this.
An understanding of how it's done can come in REAL handy in the future.
You probably could get the same, or better programming help (vs. Zip Scanners) here for free.....
Also, there are state specific forums (your state) that you could ask for help in.
But, I very much concur with the advice of getting to know how to do this.
An understanding of how it's done can come in REAL handy in the future.
The OP's post says he is using T-mobile and is in a rural area with not great coverage...
Isn't T-mobile one of those with FTP issues...
Isn't T-mobile one of those with FTP issues...
Think so. That said, couldn't imagine not have interwebz.
I would ask....
VZW there - (almost certainly better coverage than TMo...)?
AT&T?
Local/regional tier2 carrier?
Again, post your location please.
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They are. There also VPN providers to overcome that.
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