I purchased a used scanner at a swap meet and it appears to be programmed for the area I live in. I am looking for advice on programming as it did not come with any manual. I know I can download a manual but advice from users is almost always better for me. Is there recommended software to program from my PC? what do I need to use for cables etc.? Any comments would be apprecieated.
BCD396XT/BCD996XT: New Owner of used scanner
- Thread starter PLT1
- Start date
engine183
Member
I fell that programming from a computer is easier. But everyone is different. I don't have your model, but I understand that a program called Freescan is perfect for programming. You will need a cable that connects to you scanner. Check out Youtube. It has many videos on programming. Good luck and welcome to scanning!
I purchased the predecessor to your scanner new in 2007-08, the BCD996T. I programmed mine by hand, using the manual, but would not recommend it unless you are feeling adventurous. Get the Freescan software as @engine183 said above.
you tube great idea thanks.
I agree, the videos are an excellent way to learn how to program, as suggested above by @engine183.
Proscan. Look no further. One prerequisite is a RR premium subscription if you're looking to import directly from the RRDB. Yes, you'll need a cable for programming
I echo the ProScan choice.
However, before you spend more money, be sure the radio will monitor what you want to hear. So many folks now are buying radios before they research the local systems and the ability of a scanner model to work well with those systems. Often, the older scanners are sold because they can't monitor the newer trunked or digital systems.
chris
However, before you spend more money, be sure the radio will monitor what you want to hear. So many folks now are buying radios before they research the local systems and the ability of a scanner model to work well with those systems. Often, the older scanners are sold because they can't monitor the newer trunked or digital systems.
chris
Great advice in this thread. Have you tried it out yet to see if it's hearing traffic? Even if it won't pickup what you want to hear, it may be worth keeping for other services.
Most important thing is to have fun.
Most important thing is to have fun.
Most Public Safety are on the City, MARCS, and COIRS systems are simulcast which the 396xt and 996xt is not designed for and will cause reception problems or no reception at all. You would need a Uniden SDS100/200 to reliably receive them, or some SDRs and a computer. There are some smaller towns around that are in the listing, you might receive them if their not on the simulcast systems.
Franklin County, Ohio (OH) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference
Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Franklin County, Ohio (OH)
www.radioreference.com
I second this suggestion. The 996XT has pre-programmed "Service Searches" for amateur radio, marine, aircraft, railroad, etc, accessible through the menu. You can try these out to see what else can be heard in your area. You do not need to progam the scanner at all to access these searches.
If you decide to try FreeScan for programming, then scroll down to the bottom of the FreeScan user’s guide. There are two excellent videos that the gentleman explains the programming step by step.
wiki.radioreference.com
FreeScan User Guide - The RadioReference Wiki
tvengr
Well Known Member
If you have a BCD996XT, there is a separate MENU button. To access FUNC, press the Scroll Knob. The instructions are for the BCD396XT.
Go to MENU (Lower half of button on left side of scanner) > Scroll to Search for ... > Press E > Scroll to Set Search Key > Press E > Select Search Key > Press E > Scroll to the desired service > Press E > You can now select the other search keys and services > Press SCAN to exit menu. You must be holding on a frequency or talkgroup to access a search key. Press FUNC (Upper half of button on left side of scanner) and then the search key number to access the service. search. You can press HOLD to hold on a frequency while searching. Press SCAN to exit the search and resume normal scanning.
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Ya the fact I got a 996XT was the reason I tried proscan, took about a day or to and I was paying for it. Money well spent. now I use that for all the scanners I program not only for myself but other "ham radio buddies" too.
