BCD325P2/BCD996P2: Cannot find control channel

[jwelsh793]

I have had this issue on multiple occasions. After not hearing traffic from organizations for some time I manually scroll to the system and get the message every 2 seconds; "searching for control channel" and after a minute states that it is unable to find control channel.
To fix this I must reconnect the scanner and erase then load all channels again. I have not found any other complaints in the forums that resemble this. The only action I take is turning a system on and off by hitting the 0-9 numbers. Is there a way to prevent this from happening and if it does happen is there an easier way to fix this?

I am away from my radio and unaware of what firmware is currently loaded.

Thank you for your time!

 

[W8RMH]

It sounds like you may be disabling the site quick key when you are pressing a quick key for something else. Make sure you don't have the quick key duplicated. You may be disabling the site when you are pressing that quick key for another function.

To simplify just remove the site quick key if you have one.

Or when you get the finding control channel message go to menu and select that system, site, and see if the site is disabled or locked out.

Or while it is scanning that system press HOLD then E, select Edit Site, select the site, then scroll to Lockout or Set Quick Key.and check that.

 

[jwelsh793]

Thank you for the quick response. I will do this and see if it helps. I figured since no-one else is having this problem that it must be something I am personally doing.

 

[W8RMH]

If you haven't already seen it below is an easier to read manual.

Easier to Read BCD996P2/XT Digital Scanner Manual

 

[ka3jjz]

Another reason that you can get this message is that you are not receiving the control channel very well. I have found that, at least on my 396, if you don't get more than 2-3 bars, chances are your level is going to fail at some point. A better antenna may easily be the solution here.

How strong are you receiving these systems? Mike