BCT15X: BCT15X question

[TxScanner]

So I’m looking for something that will do good on local VFDs, I know they are not digital. Would this work good for Hardin county Texas?


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[mule1075]

The 15x is a solid well built analog scanner I highly recommend it.

 

[eaf1956]

Ditto

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[TailGator911]

If a system you want to monitor is analog vhf/uhf, then the BCT15X is one of the best on the market. Best of all, it is compatible with ProScan so if you already have ProScan simply copy the .exe file into a separate folder and run it for BCT15X (you choose it from drop down menu) and you are good to go. I use a BCT15X for a couple of analog systems and I have a 'Group' programmed with all of my local vhf fire/emt 911 calls. Great radio!

JD
kf4anc

 

[TxScanner]

What do I need for programming cable, I have a newer Windows 10 Alienware desktop


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[mule1075]

What do I need for programming cable, I have a newer Windows 10 Alienware desktop


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I would get the usb1 cable if you don't want any hassle. You can also look for a usb to Serial cable and use the cable that is included but depending on your skill set it can be a pain.I linked a couple of sources for the cable below.

Uniden USB-1 Programming Cable (BC246/396/330/230/95/996/15/XT)

Uniden USB-1 Programming Scanner Cable

 

[Blackink]

The 15x is a solid well built analog scanner I highly recommend it.

I concur...

 

[KR7CQ]

It's the best reasonably modern analog-only scanner you will find. I use BCT15X's for the bulk of my analog work, and then I have specialized / older scanners that allow me to dig the weaker stuff out of the mud a touch better than the BCT15X can when needed. For instance, the BCT15X can't match my PRO-2006 on UHF, but it's close enough for most work, and it allows me to not hear CW station identifiers every 30 minutes on a half dozen different frequencies. The BCT15X is the go-to analog-only scanner for typical work.

 

[Bob1955]

The 15x is a solid well built analog scanner I highly recommend it.

So I’m looking for something that will do good on local VFDs, I know they are not digital. Would this work good for Hardin county Texas?
TxScanner, The Bearcat BCT-15X is a GREAT analog scanner. You can order it from Bearcat Warehouse in Maryland and their number is 877-568-7226 and tell Paul that I recommended you. They ship fast and have FRESH stock.
Hope this helps you sir.

 

[Bob1955]

It's the best reasonably modern analog-only scanner you will find. I use BCT15X's for the bulk of my analog work, and then I have specialized / older scanners that allow me to dig the weaker stuff out of the mud a touch better than the BCT15X can when needed. For instance, the BCT15X can't match my PRO-2006 on UHF, but it's close enough for most work, and it allows me to not hear CW station identifiers every 30 minutes on a half dozen different frequencies. The BCT15X is the go-to analog-only scanner for typical work.

KR7CQ-You are 100% correct on the "GO TO SCANNER". Only thing bad about it is no instruction manual and not a current computer cable. Anyone purchasing this MUST buy the other cable that the BCD-996P2 comes with and all the rest.

 

[Ubbe]

I believe you can program from the 9 pin serial connector at the back of the scanner and don't need to use the special Uniden connector at the front. You'll need a $9 USB to serial null modem cable for your computer.
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Chipset-CableCreation-Converter-Register/dp/B0769DVQM1/

/Ubbe

 

[ka3jjz]

If you look at our county page, and go to the bottom;

https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=2622

you will see the trunk systems in use in your area. It appears your current trunk system is gradually migrating to a Phase 2 system, which the 15x can't handle. Buying a P2 compatible scanner now is probably a wise move in case your area does decide to go that way. You can find the compatible models here under 'Scanner support for TDMA'...

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/APCO_Project_25

Phase 2 scanners work just fine with analog systems, so you would still be covered....Mike

 

[mule1075]

KR7CQ-You are 100% correct on the "GO TO SCANNER". Only thing bad about it is no instruction manual and not a current computer cable. Anyone purchasing this MUST buy the other cable that the BCD-996P2 comes with and all the rest.

The 996p2 comes with a completely different programming cable.

 

[UPMan]

KR7CQ-You are 100% correct on the "GO TO SCANNER". Only thing bad about it is no instruction manual and not a current computer cable. Anyone purchasing this MUST buy the other cable that the BCD-996P2 comes with and all the rest.

Both my office and home PC have a port the supplied cable plugs directly into. It is unfortunate that may mfr's omit this standard port from their PCs. I can understand on laptops, as they have tight space requirements.

 

[eaf1956]

If you look at our county page, and go to the bottom;

https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=2622

you will see the trunk systems in use in your area. It appears your current trunk system is gradually migrating to a Phase 2 system, which the 15x can't handle. Buying a P2 compatible scanner now is probably a wise move in case your area does decide to go that way. You can find the compatible models here under 'Scanner support for TDMA'...

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/APCO_Project_25

Phase 2 scanners work just fine with analog systems, so you would still be covered....Mike

He has digital scanners

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[TxScanner]

Yeah, thee county is digital, but the vfds are all still the same analog they’ve used far as I can remember. With the exception of Silsbee that added some P25 versions of their current analog channels but they are not using them as of yet


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[dfw1193]

KR7CQ-You are 100% correct on the "GO TO SCANNER". Only thing bad about it is no instruction manual and not a current computer cable. Anyone purchasing this MUST buy the other cable that the BCD-996P2 comes with and all the rest.

I found a protocol manual and the easier to read manual both for the 15x by doing google search plus the original bct15 manual in .pdf format what else would you need control mine using the back 9 pin serial port on a dell desktop running win 8.1 with a real serial port not usb.

 

[mule1075]

I found a protocol manual and the easier to read manual both for the 15x by doing google search plus the original bct15 manual in .pdf format what else would you need control mine using the back 9 pin serial port on a dell desktop running win 8.1 with a real serial port not usb.

Serial cable and a null modem adapter.

 

[TxScanner]

Thanks for the info, i ordered the scanner and cable i needed, appreciate the info


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[mule1075]

Thanks for the info, i ordered the scanner and cable i needed, appreciate the info


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Glad you got it. Enjoy it as said before it is a great unit.