Digital Scanners/Scanning for Dummies?

[vannossc]

I'm reasonably familiar with analog scanners and HAM radio operation but never got involved in the digital side of scanners. Is there a "Dummies" like resource for digital scanning? I'm just about to have a Uniden BCD436HP show up and become scanner #1 AS much of my area is moving to digital (Capital District, NY).

I read the forums but thats running at 100mph already with who's doing this, that, control channels, P25, etc.

Any help as always...

Scott

 

[DickH]

I'm reasonably familiar with analog scanners and HAM radio operation but never got involved in the digital side of scanners. Is there a "Dummies" like resource for digital scanning? ...

Digital scanning is exactly like analog scanning except for the system type - usually P25 AUTO will work. It's similar to AM and FM radio. You tune and listen exactly the same.

 

[QDP2012]

You might have already seen these Wiki articles, but if you go to the RR Wiki Main page, and look in the upper-right area of the page, you should see a blue-shaded box with a list of links for "Newcomers". Even though you are not a newcomer, the information there can be a good review. There are links to Wiki articles about Trunking, links to the glossaries categories (the "RR Glossary" is comprehensive; the "Trunktracking Glossary" and others are more-specific), etc.

In addition to those links on the RR Wiki Main page, you might also find the following useful reading:

• RR Wiki:BCD436HP -- includes links to videos, etc.
• RR Wiki Category:Trunktracking FAQ
• RR Wiki Category:Scanners FAQ
• RR Wiki Categoryrogramming FAQs and Tips for Uniden Scanners
• Marks Scanners: Easier to Read Manual: 436/536
  [*][url="http://marksscanners.com/536/X36%20HP%20Sentinel.shtml"]Marks Scanners: Easier to Read Manual: Sentinel for the 436/536
  [/url]

The above links are only starting points. There is much to learn about trunking, etc. in general; and much to learn about the 436/536 family of scanners. As you bump into issues, be sure to post your questions in the forums. There are many people who are skilled with the 436/536 scanners who can help.

Hope this helps get you started,

 

[vannossc]

Fantastic. This forum never seems to fail. Ty.