Control channel

[llwade]

BCD996XT, instructions about programming the scanner, mentions "CONTROL CHANNEL". please explain about the control channel. thank you.

 

[wyomingmedic]

The control channel is the frequency in a trunked system that controls all of the traffic.

So if you look at the database, the control channels are listed in red and the alternate are in blue.

WM

 

[llwade]

control channel explaination

before I purchase the radio, I want to understand programming the radio. I downloaded FREESCAN. very straight forward. seems awfully easy to use. In programming trunked digital channels, I only download what is listed on RadioReference. I do not see it ever grabbing the "control channel. now you have me wondering if I am doing something wrong. when I think I have completed the task, maybe I have not. appreciate you input

73s

 

[rdale]

You should get an HP-1 instead.

 

[MFD4305]

Try This

LL,
The brief explanation of control channel, above, was spot on.
'Hold' on the trunked system in question and make sure the 'mode' on your 996XT is set to display frequency being received. You should see the control channel frequency displayed. When radio traffic begins, the display will change to the voice channel selected by the controller; the display will drop back to the control channel frequency between transmissions.

 

[SkipSanders]

Read up on what Trunking is:

Trunking Basics - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[llwade]

Gentlemen,
thank you for your your info. I see I have more reading to do. I was caught off guard by the remark, telling me to get the HP-1 scanner instead of the BCD996XT. where did that come from ???

 

[rdale]

It came from me. For beginners not familiar with control channels and trunking, it's probably easier to get an HP1 and not worry about it.

 

[Ed_Seedhouse]

seems awfully easy to use. In programming trunked digital channels, I only download what is listed on RadioReference. I do not see it ever grabbing the "control channel.

The scanner will check the control channel only long enough to find out what frequency the next transmission in a conversation will be on. The control channel carries no voice, only digital information that tells your scanner what frequency the conversation is on, or jumps to. Converstations on a trunked system can occur over multiple frequencies, and the scanner uses the control channel data to follow along.

 

[W6KRU]

It came from me. For beginners not familiar with control channels and trunking, it's probably easier to get an HP1 and not worry about it.

Easier? I guess, but you don't learn anything that way. I'm glad I didn't get any advice from you.

 

[rdale]

Easier? I guess

That's the purpose.

but you don't learn anything that way.

I didn't think that was his concern, it sounded more like he was worried about getting the scanner set up and struggled with the basics.

 

[llwade]

this is kind of like a car and a pickup truck. what do you want the vehicle to do.

I am trying to figure out the radio before I purchase it. I am going from a BC350C analog to the 996. Big jump for me. I have been reading the forum and asking question after question . I am just about ready to purchase the radio. i installed FREESPACE and felt comfortable with that program so I ordered the ARC996 software but it hasn't arrived yet. I am looking forward to getting the radio and manipulating all of the data. Something to put my hands on, come the Winter months. I just love to "tinker" with radios.

I appreciate all the info and oppinions everyone is dropping here.

73s
LLWADE

 

[ve1sef]

If your ordering software be sure it's for the right scanner.
Top of the page you mentioned purchasing a 996XT.
If so you need ARC XT software, the ARC996 is for the older 996T model;
and will not on the 996XT.
Freescan will work on either 996 model.

 

[llwade]

Software Error

You are absolutely right, I screwed up and ordered the wrong software.

I got in a hurry .......... I hate it when i do that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sure Scanner master will let me exchange it.
Thank you for the headsup. If I cannot order the right software how can I expect to configure the 996 radio?

 

[rdale]

Use Freescan. It's free, and it works for all the Uniden scanners of that type.

 

[llwade]

I down loaded FREESCAN about two weeks ago.

I have been updating my frequency list getting ready for the radio purchase.
I think I am where i want to be for now. Freescan did an excellent job but I think I would appreciate a software package with a few more bells and whistles. I have read several articles in the Forum by those
already using ARC software. I wont find out if ARC is the software of my choice, until I try it. that's what this is all about for me. twisting the dials and using software to update the radio. when the temperature drops this winter, I think the new scanner will keep me from getting cabin fever.

do appreciate your input though.

73's

 

[rdale]

You might download the trial version of ARC then before committing to buy.

 

[ka3jjz]

Keep in mind FreeScan will import ARC files ... best regards...Mike