BC346XT vs BC246T

[lars128]

What do the owners that have both think of the 346xt vs the 246T? How does it compare in sensitivity, audio, form factor, features, etc? Anything on the 246T you like better than the 346xt?

[chrismol1]

I like everything better for the 346XT. Its loaded.

[acepilot340]

I prefer the separate squelch and volume selection on the 246t, but thats it, lol

[torontokris]

The 246T is slightly smaller,

but I like that the 346xt I can "share" parts from the 396T (since they are the same form factor)

More memory, multi-site and GPS on the 346xt as well.

Unless the 246T is super CHEAP get the 346XT

[Haley]

Own both of them, and still use both of them. Both are very good scanners, but agree totally with the above posters. If it matters to you the 346 does EDACS ESK also. It also has more freq. coverage.

Unless the 246t is around $125 or less, I think I would go with the 346. Mike

[watchguy1960]

Hi to all scanners. My name is Mark and i just purchased my first scanner. Bearcat bc346t. I live in New Jersey and am looking for a little help in getting started with this new hobbie. How to imput? What to imput? And what alot of the terms mean. I am a watch and clock repairman so my brain is always working. Any help from you topgun scanners would be highs helpful. My first question would be how do you upload data to the unit? Thank you for your time.

[captclint]

Originally Posted by watchguy1960

Hi to all scanners. My name is Mark and i just purchased my first scanner. Bearcat bc346t.My first question would be how do you upload data to the unit? Thank you for your time.

Welcome to RR. You will need a cable and software. I am not sure if the 346 comes with a USB cable, but if not, you may need to get a Serial to USB converter if you don't have a serial port. Ask if you need one.

There is a lot of software for this model, but FreeSCAN is FREE, and it is very good.
Once you have cable and software, you go to the File, Import, RR and log onto this site through your software. It will ask for your state and county. Once you enter those, you will see the entire list of frequencies for Atlantic County, NJ. Then you pick all or some of those to download into the software. Once it is in the software, you hit the upload to scanner, and you have a scanner ready to scan whatever you picked.

I suggest you study what's on this page, as you will be asked which things to download.
Atlantic County, New Jersey (NJ) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Once more thing. There are bunch of trunked systems at the very bottom of the page. Your software will ask you whether you want conventional or trunked. Pick conventional first to get acquainted with scanning. Trunking is a bit more involved, so you can come back and download any or all of them at a future date. Go to the NJ forum for any advice on which trunking systems you might want. No doubt, you will want the NJSP, and you will need to know which zones you need. Often, you only need one to hear everything. Like I said, Trunking is a bit more involved

[watchguy1960]

I would like to thank you for the info. It will be a couple of days before i can play with the unit. Yes it come with a usb cable. And i will follow you directions to load my scanner. I tried to find a New Jersey scanner group here but had no luck. this is very overwhelming. I think i should of pick stamp collecting or something. I have little hair left so i guess i'll say goodbye to it when i start this hobbie. Thank you Captclint. hope to talk to you again. Mark

[lars128]

Thanks for the response on the 346 vs 246. You guys pretty much confirmed what I thought - the 346 just seems to be sooooooo much better.

I never had a 246 and I figured I would pick one up cheap after the 346 came out. After seeing a few go for $150+ with a 'good' price being around $120, I think I'll fork out the extra coin for the 346. Can anyone suggest a good place to get one?

[Bigden7456]

I Got My BC346XT,,from Amazon back in August,,,$196.and Change,,with Free 2 day shipping,,Prices Seem To Very From Week To Week,,,as much as 20 dollars,,,I Think There Around $215.00 now.

[Haley]

Universal Radio and Grove have them for around $220. I have ordered items from both of them in the past, they are both very quick to ship. Mike

[captclint]

Originally Posted by watchguy1960

I tried to find a New Jersey scanner group here but had no luck.

New Jersey Radio Discussion Forum - The RadioReference.com Forums

[Scanmikey]

Communications Electronics Inc. - Uniden Bearcat Scanners - Call 1-800-USA-SCAN to order

346XT $214.95... shipped.

[watchguy1960]

Well i'm back here on RR for my first week of programming my bc346xt scanner. What the heck is all this alien wording i never heard of. Don"t have a usb cable guy sent the wrong one so i have to program by hand. Why is there no section that says " Now lets program your scanner". Let see,groups ,channels,etc. all new to me. anybody want to buy this or help a dunce out. Why is this so hard? HELP or i quit. Anyone

[DaveIN]

Take a deep breath. If you look in the box the radio came with a serial cable for programming. If you need a serial to USB adapter, they are cheap and even available at the local RadioShack. Just make sure to download the latest drivers when installing it.

Take a look at this for programming: Scanner Programming

If you are near a major metro area you may already have some of the work done for you: BC346XT - The RadioReference Wiki

Then once get an idea of how to set it up, you can download FreeSCAN to start programming from the computer. ScanNow.org - The Home of FreeSCAN!

Don't forget to read the Wiki for more information and links: BC346XT - The RadioReference Wiki on Radioreference and at Uniden: BC346XT < UnidenMan4 < TWiki

[KF5DCI]

Originally Posted by chrismol1

I like everything better for the 346XT. Its loaded.

+1. My thoughts exactly.