Help with my uniden bc796d

[import2ner]

Hello,
First off I wanted everyone to know that I'm a complete newbie to this scanner stuff, so I apologize in advanced if my questions seem stupid.
I was recently given a used uniden 796d scanner from a friend and I'm trying to figure out how to even use this thing. I looked all over the internet and found alot of information about frequencies and programming, but I don't understand a single word of it. I tried to enter the frequencies for my local fire and police divisions, but was unsuccessful in my attempts. I got a copy of ARC250 and try to figure out how to use that, but again so unsuccessful. If anyone could please spare some of their valuable time and help me out by giving me some information about how to program this scanner it would be so appreciated.

Thank You

[ka3jjz]

It would help a lot if you would say precisely what you are trying to hear, and where you are(city/county/state is fine). That way locals can jump in to help

We have a database with tons of frequencies and other information. Go up to the blue toolbar under the site title, float your mouse over Database then select Frequency Database. Use the various pulldowns and maps to get to your desired location. C'mon back with the URLs so folks can start to help you

As an additional bit of information, we have a cheat sheet on programming those radios here (anything in blue is a link)...

Programming Shortcut BC785D - The RadioReference Wiki

Even tho this is for the earlier model 785D, the programming method should be nearly identical

Mike

[import2ner]

Thanks ka3jjz for taking time to help out a newbie. I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, i was intrested in listening to my local police, fire, ambulance, TTC and OPP radio broadcast just to keep informed and entertained about what is happening in my area and around my cottage.

Pardon me if this is incorrect but I did what you said about the database and this is the URL I found Toronto County, Ontario (ON) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference.

I began playing around with the ARC250 software and after a few hours of messing around I finally got to hear some of the emergency services, but they were not from my local area. They were from the entire city and I didn't know exactly where, so if anyone can help out a newbie with any information I will be entirely greatfull for your help.

Thank You.

[Clark]

The BC796D is a great scanner and is one of the easiest to use and program. It sounds as if you don't have the manual for it.
Go here and download it.
APCO 25 Capable Base / Mobile Scanner - Scanners at Uniden

Clark

[import2ner]

Thanks Clark for the link,
I downloaded the manual, but I can't figure out what any of it means. I'm completely new to this and don't understand any of the terminology. I'm slowly learning, but I don't understand the basics yet, so everything seems completely strange to me. I finally got some transmissions on the scanner, but can't seem to tune into my local police department, it just goes all over the city and I can't seem to just focus on one station. When I tried to hold the station it just goes blank and the transmission that comes back wasn't the one I was listening to. I tried to put in my talkgroup for the division I want to hear but its completely blank and only works when I scan a bunch of channels but none are the one I tried to program.

[ka3jjz]

The terminology is well defined in our wiki here - just select the term you want to define

Category:RR Glossary - The RadioReference Wiki

I would suggest getting a premium subscription (cheap) - it will allow you to download data from our database into ARC250. Much of the programming will be done for you - you then would need to edit the data to fit your needs, then upload it. This link describes how to get a subscription

Premium Subscription Information Page

For locals in the Ontario area, I'd go down to our Ontario forum and ask there. Local help is often the best way to get started

Ontario - The RadioReference.com Forums

HTH...Mike

[import2ner]

I just subscribed to a premium account and began trying to download the database, but I need a little help with what to do with the .CVS File and how I load them into the ARC250 program..

Thank You

[captclint]

Originally Posted by import2ner

I just subscribed to a premium account and began trying to download the database, but I need a little help with what to do with the .CVS File and how I load them into the ARC250 program..

Thank You

You don't use the CVS. You log onto the database and download what you chose into ARC250. Select "Internet, RR", and login. Then select you state and county, and click on the Blue Conventional. Select the agencies you want, and click the import button at the bottom right. You will have to tell the program what bank and channels you want to use for all your selections at the bottom left. If you have any trunking systems, click on Trunk Systems, and select the site(s) and talkgroups and import.

[import2ner]

Thank You Very Much for taking the time to explain it to me. I'm gonna go and try playing around now and see if I can get it to work. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Thanks!

[scannerfreak]

Continued here:

Help with my uniden bc796d programming TPS