Yes this scanner is new to me and tricky. I have never programed a trunking digital scanner before
Have you installed software to use in programming your 996P2?
As long as you don't need DMR (AKA MotoTRBO), or NXDN, FreeSCAN can handle basic programming for your area.
Sixspot Software (FreeScan)
FreeScan User Guide - The RadioReference Wiki
FreeSCAN is free to download & use.
There are two DMR & one NXDN trunked systems listed for your county. Bit these appear to have mostly business users, along with some school district users.
Other software packages that work with your 996P2 include
ProScan &
ARC-XT. Both have a 30 day free trial period. After that expires, you would need to either purchase a license to continue using the one you prefer, or discontinue use, as it will quit functioning.
If you want to try & program without using software, you can find step-by-step instructions in the Easier to Read manual for your scanner.
However, for a new user (new to either the hobby, or new as regards the model just acquired, which uses a different programming system than earlier models), software has several advantages. First & foremost, when programming, you can see just about all of the needed information at one time. That makes it much easier to spot minor errors & omissions that need correcting than it would be if you were programming using only the keypad, and have to cycle through various menu screens to see what was entered, or what needs to be corrected. Also, using software, if you get stuck, you can post your programming file and another member on the site can take a look & suggest what needs to be changed. Also, if you get
really stuck, someone can post a file for you to load & use. This not only can get you back on track, but also gives you an example of how certain things need to be handled.
Should you elect to become a Premium Subscriber, you can use software to import channels & systems directly from the database. However, both FreeSCAN and ProScan have an option to essentially cut & paste from the database page for your county & trunked system, to get what you need into the software. (I don't have ARC-XT, so I can't confirm whether or not ARC-XT can do the same,)
