Just joined the family

NHdave · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2013, 6:23 PM

Been scanning for about 30 years, have had any number of RS/Uniden scanners, but have only owned Radio Shack/GRE as far as digital goes (have a Pro-106). My systems are simple single analog and digital frequencies, not in range of any trunked systems. The current RS sale finally inspired me to get a base unit, and I went with the 996XT over the Pro-197, even though the 197 was quite a bit cheaper, the display on the 996 looks better/larger, and I wanted to try a Uniden anyway.

I'm currently playing with FreeScan, quite a bit different from how RS/GRE and Win500 are laid out, luckily I have a few days before it arrives to try and get the hang of it. Any tips are welcome

ka3jjz · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2013, 7:32 PM

This article from our wiki has just about everything you'll need to know to get started (note that anything blue is a link)...

Program your DMA Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki

Step one is to not use the manual supplied by Uniden - go get the Easier to Read manual, the links for which are at the bottom.

HTH...Mike

NHdave · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2013, 7:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ka3jjz

This article from our wiki has just about everything you'll need to know to get started (note that anything blue is a link)...

Program your DMA Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki

Step one is to not use the manual supplied by Uniden - go get the Easier to Read manual, the links for which are at the bottom.

HTH...Mike

Yeah, I'm all over that manual, luckily I've been scanning for ages and online almost as long so it's easy for me to find stuff, just not so easy to wrap my head around the Uniden programming after using RS scanners and software, but I think I'm gettin it

NHdave · #4 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 6:49 AM

Well, apparently the family doesn't want me, just got an email from RS saying they canceled my order even though they still show in stock on the website??

awattam · #5 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 9:00 AM

Hi NHdave and welcome. I live in NH and would be glad to help you get your future Uniden scanner working with one of my many Freescan files. Sorry to hear about RS canceling your order.

NHdave · #6 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 9:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awattam

Hi NHdave and welcome. I live in NH and would be glad to help you get your future Uniden scanner working with one of my many Freescan files. Sorry to hear about RS canceling your order.

Thanks, I spent most of yesterday on the wiki and the easier to read manual trying to wrap my head around the Uniden method of programming, and building a file in FreeScan, I think I've got it for the most part but won't know for sure until I have a scanner to upload to.

Amazon has the 996 on sale for the same price as RS, but it's also out of stock, but I can order it at the sale price and get it when it's back in stock, unlike RS that doesn't do rainchecks, so I'll probably go that route.

awattam · #7 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 9:45 AM

Personally I only buy Uniden scanners at two places, Ham Radio Outlet and Scannermaster. HRO has the BCD996xt for $470 but its not in stock in Salem but it does have free shipping. HRO in Salem does however have a PRO-197 for $250 on consignment.

RonnieUSA · #8 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 9:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NHdave

Thanks, I spent most of yesterday on the wiki and the easier to read manual trying to wrap my head around the Uniden method of programming, and building a file in FreeScan, I think I've got it for the most part but won't know for sure until I have a scanner to upload to.

Amazon has the 996 on sale for the same price as RS, but it's also out of stock, but I can order it at the sale price and get it when it's back in stock, unlike RS that doesn't do rainchecks, so I'll probably go that route.

Found 3 place that are $30.00 dollars more, and in stock.
Uniden BCD996XT
Get a Uniden BCD996xt at BearcatWarehouse.com For Less
Uniden Bearcat BCD996XT Digital Scanner BCD-996XT

Plus this one, its only $25.00 more
BCD996XT, DIGITAL TRUNKING APCO P25 plus ANALOG - UNIDEN BEARCAT MOBILE BASE SCANNER - Scanner World - The Largest Dealer of Scanning Radios in the World

NHdave · #9 (**permalink**) 02-24-2013, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awattam

Personally I only buy Uniden scanners at two places, Ham Radio Outlet and Scannermaster. HRO has the BCD996xt for $470 but its not in stock in Salem but it does have free shipping. HRO in Salem does however have a PRO-197 for $250 on consignment.

I like supporting local business, but $470 is a bit much, even for a non sale price. I don't mind waiting a week or two to save 50 bucks, it took me months to decide I was gonna buy one, couple more weeks won't kill me.