Uniden BCD796D

[ArkTex]

So this is my first time owning a Uniden product. I'm just curious how people feel about the BCD796D. I know it's an older model and extremely outdated, but it's all I can afford right now while still retaining some sort of capability.

I got one for $125, which I thought was a good price for a scanner with some sort of P25 capability.

Anyone have any opinions on this model of scanner?

 

[N1EXA]

DId you get it with the APCO P25 Card installed ?
If you turn the radio on it will tell you if its installed.
If not that's a $100+ item on ebay If you can find one.

I have the 785D which is Pre 796D - The difference is on the 796D you can update the firmware to deal with Re-banded Trunk Systems.

You can thumb bump the frequencies in or use a Compatible programming piece of software.

Pete N1EXA

 

[ka3jjz]

If memory serves, the 796D had the p25 card already. It was the 785d that had the optional P25 card which is now as rare as hen's teeth

When / If you want software to run that scanner, run - don't walk - and get ProScan

Mike

 

[ArkTex]

If memory serves, the 796D had the p25 card already. It was the 785d that had the optional P25 card which is now as rare as hen's teeth

When / If you want software to run that scanner, run - don't walk - and get ProScan

Mike

Does the 796D still preform decently for being extremely outdated?

I'm only needing the Phase I stuff anyways since the CO DTRS is Phase I and all sites around me are 800mhz.

Also, you would be correct. Uniden Bearcat BC785D Digital Scanner

 

[ka3aaa]

the 796d works quite well with phase 1 systems

 

[ArkTex]

the 796d works quite well with phase 1 systems

That's good to hear. This one is going to be my backup to my TRX-1 as well as now I'll be able to monitor VHF USFS and BLM comms that the whistler just can't seem to figure out.

Plus for the price of a BC-125AT I'm not complaining especially even though it's used.

 

[hiegtx]

That's good to hear. This one is going to be my backup to my TRX-1 as well as now I'll be able to monitor VHF USFS and BLM comms that the whistler just can't seem to figure out.

Plus for the price of a BC-125AT I'm not complaining especially even though it's used.

Bear in mind that, although the 796D can handle a P25 Phase I system, that is only true if none of the site frequencies are in the 700MHs band. In your location (in your Profile), you list Pope County, AR & Collin County TX. The Russelville site on AWIN (in Pope County) uses 700MHz frequencies. In Collin County, the PAWMCo Simulcast site uses 700MHz, and that system is mostly using P25 Phase II talkgroups, so that system is beyond the 796Ds capabilities.

For DTRS, in Colorado, more that 2 dozen of the sites have at least some, if not all, 700MHz frequencies. Verify that the site you need does not use 700MHz. (You already mentioned that your DTRS sites of interest are only 800MHz, but a few sites use a mix of both 700 as well as 800MHz.)

 

[ArkTex]

Bear in mind that, although the 796D can handle a P25 Phase I system, that is only true if none of the site frequencies are in the 700MHs band. In your location (in your Profile), you list Pope County, AR & Collin County TX. The Russelville site on AWIN (in Pope County) uses 700MHz frequencies. In Collin County, the PAWMCo Simulcast site uses 700MHz, and that system is mostly using P25 Phase II talkgroups, so that system is beyond the 796Ds capabilities.

For DTRS, in Colorado, more that 2 dozen of the sites have at least some, if not all, 700MHz frequencies. Verify that the site you need does not use 700MHz. (You already mentioned that your DTRS sites of interest are only 800MHz, but a few sites use a mix of both 700 as well as 800MHz.)

Currently I'm in Grand Junction, CO for the foreseeable future (6 months), I just haven't updated my location. As stated in my prior post, the 796D is going to be a backup to my TRX1 and is basically going to be used for monitoring analog USFS/BLM fire frequencies that can sub in for the TRX 1 in a pinch. I also don't want to spend hundreds of dollars in batteries for my TRX1 and don't have a suitable space to power the TRX1 when I'm at my rental with wall power.

The only sites I have an interest in are the Grand Mesa and similar sites in Mesa County, CO. As far as I can verify in the database, they are all 800mhz with no 700mhz CC's. Majority of sites in the area that I'd ever really have a chance of receiving are in the 800mhz band only in the database. There is a couple sites that are 700mhz, but I can just ignore programming those sites.

As far as Arkansas and Texas go, that's where my TRX comes in until I have the money for a 996P2 or a SDS 200.

 

[donc13]

Use the Black Ridge Site for DTRS

 

[ArkTex]

Use the Black Ridge Site for DTRS

Appreciate the tip. Wouldn't the Redlands or the GJ Water Plant be better, or is it a moot point?

 

[tvengr]

You can use ARC250 or ProScan software for programming the BC796D. If the scanner has the digital card, APCO P25 Card Installed will quickly flash on the screen during the boot process when you turn on the scanner. If card is missing, it will display APCO P25 Card Not Installed. The digital card is located behind the cover labeled EXPANSION SLOT on the rear of the scanner. If you frequently have problems with CARD ERROR, there is a firmware update for the digital card to correct the issue. The card has its own firmware. The latest scanner firmware is V3.60. If you hold 2, 4, and 9 while turning on the scanner, the firmware version will be displayed.

 

[ArkTex]

You can use ARC250 or ProScan software for programming the BC796D. If the scanner has the digital card, APCO P25 Card Installed will quickly flash on the screen during the boot process when you turn on the scanner. If card is missing, it will display APCO P25 Card Not Installed. The digital card is located behind the cover labeled EXPANSION SLOT on the rear of the scanner. If you frequently have problems with CARD ERROR, there is a firmware update for the digital card to correct the issue. The card has its own firmware. The latest scanner firmware is V3.60. If you hold 2, 4, and 9 while turning on the scanner, the firmware version will be displayed.

The seller isn't selling the card separately, so I'm assuming it's going to come in my scanner. I sent a message so I'm going to find out I guess.

 

[donc13]

Appreciate the tip. Wouldn't the Redlands or the GJ Water Plant be better, or is it a moot point?

The Black Ridge Site gets the most, the water plant is good for GJ police and fire, but I also see them on Black Ridge. GJ Comm Center dispatches public safety for Mesa County. All the Fire Districts, Sheriff's and PD.

I have my SDS200 set for location and 20 mile range so pickup from LAW FIRE and EMS for some of Garfield County, some Montrose County, most of Delta County and all of Mesa County.

 

[ArkTex]

The Black Ridge Site gets the most, the water plant is good for GJ police and fire, but I also see them on Black Ridge. GJ Comm Center dispatches public safety for Mesa County. All the Fire Districts, Sheriff's and PD.

I have my SDS200 set for location and 20 mile range so pickup from LAW FIRE and EMS for some of Garfield County, some Montrose County, most of Delta County and all of Mesa County.

Good to know. I am excited to get a Uniden because the TRX-1 is good but I want to get all the sites I can.

 

[ArkTex]

So I've had proscan recommended, but does ARC250 preform better?

 

[ka3jjz]

I keep on confusing this, but I don't think ARC250 can handle Win10; it likely hasn't been updated in ages, either. ProScan is updated....'nuoff said...Mike

 

[broadcast23]

ARC250 only works in admin privileged accounts in vista-win 11

 

[tvengr]

I keep on confusing this, but I don't think ARC250 can handle Win10; it likely hasn't been updated in ages, either. ProScan is updated....'nuoff said...Mike

ARC250 works with Windows 10. I am presently using it with Windows 11. You may be thinking of ARC780 which wasn't updated.

 

[Butelsoftware]

I keep on confusing this, but I don't think ARC250 can handle Win10; it likely hasn't been updated in ages, either. ProScan is updated....'nuoff said...Mike

Mike do your research before posting false information, ARC250 is Windows 7/8/10/11 compatible: ARC250 PRO software

Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com