New BCD536HP Seeks Programmer

[mike360000]

I got a Uniden BCD536HP last week. From reading I understood that programming it was a chore to be learned. However after several days of fumbling and not making the progress I had hoped, I find it would be more practical for me to pay someone to program the thing.

Even if I took the time to learn the programming I could never retain this much specific information on programming it again in the future, as I would simply forget. This system is not logically friendly and takes specific memorization to learn its use. Its now understandable why there are so many questions listed in needing help by so many people.

I've owned several scanners in the past, though this is my first one in about 15 years, and boy have they really changed! I like this scanner and it appears to be very functional. But all I needed was a scanner that I could program and basically forget. I will not be playing with it often, just listening.

I need to hire someone to program this thing. I'm thinking it could be done by someone already owning this model and they simply making a new Micro SD card for me to replace the one that came with my scanner. I would also have several questions that I would need to ask in order to make sure I'm understanding what I am understanding correctly.

If anyone wishes to do the job I will be happy to discuss and pay a mutual agreed upon price. I know it was offered when I purchased the scanner by the seller, but I didn't have any idea that it was this involving, even when people were saying so.

PM or post a message in responding.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[hiegtx]

I got a Uniden BCD536HP last week. From reading I understood that programming it was a chore to be learned. However after several days of fumbling and not making the progress I had hoped, I find it would be more practical for me to pay someone to program the thing.

Even if I took the time to learn the programming I could never retain this much specific information on programming it again in the future, as I would simply forget. This system is not logically friendly and takes specific memorization to learn its use. Its now understandable why there are so many questions listed in needing help by so many people.

I've owned several scanners in the past, though this is my first one in about 15 years, and boy have they really changed! I like this scanner and it appears to be very functional. But all I needed was a scanner that I could program and basically forget. I will not be playing with it often, just listening.

I need to hire someone to program this thing. I'm thinking it could be done by someone already owning this model and they simply making a new Micro SD card for me to replace the one that came with my scanner. I would also have several questions that I would need to ask in order to make sure I'm understanding what I am understanding correctly.

If anyone wishes to do the job I will be happy to discuss and pay a mutual agreed upon price. I know it was offered when I purchased the scanner by the seller, but I didn't have any idea that it was this involving, even when people were saying so.

PM or post a message in responding.

Thanks,
Mike

Welcome to RadioReference, Mike

There are a number of members on this site that can help to walk you through the programming process for your scanner, either for you to do it yourself, or to create a file for you to use, With your 536HP, if you load Sentinel on your PC, and update the database both in the software and also writing the update to the scanner, you can get a good start with just your location & the selection of service types that interest you.

As for somebody creating a file specifically for you, that would be more successful if you indicate what area you are in. City (or County) and State are essential in that regards. Someone trying to create a starter file for you would be much more successful if that person is in, or at least familiar with, the area that you are wanting to monitor. You might find that you would be better served by having your thread moved to the regional forum that covers your area.

Someone there might have information of any upgrades or changes planned for the systems in use. To do that, do not create a new thread. Instead, click on the red outlined triangle in the upper right corner of your original post, and request that a moderator move your thread to the regional forum for your area. Someone in the area would be more likely to see it there.

 

[twotoejoe]

I got a Uniden BCD536HP last week. From reading I understood that programming it was a chore to be learned. However after several days of fumbling and not making the progress I had hoped, I find it would be more practical for me to pay someone to program the thing.

Even if I took the time to learn the programming I could never retain this much specific information on programming it again in the future, as I would simply forget. This system is not logically friendly and takes specific memorization to learn its use. Its now understandable why there are so many questions listed in needing help by so many people.

I've owned several scanners in the past, though this is my first one in about 15 years, and boy have they really changed! I like this scanner and it appears to be very functional. But all I needed was a scanner that I could program and basically forget. I will not be playing with it often, just listening.

I need to hire someone to program this thing. I'm thinking it could be done by someone already owning this model and they simply making a new Micro SD card for me to replace the one that came with my scanner. I would also have several questions that I would need to ask in order to make sure I'm understanding what I am understanding correctly.

If anyone wishes to do the job I will be happy to discuss and pay a mutual agreed upon price. I know it was offered when I purchased the scanner by the seller, but I didn't have any idea that it was this involving, even when people were saying so.

PM or post a message in responding.

Thanks,
Mike

Your post sounds exactly like me a couple of weeks ago. I've still got an old Regency crystal scanner in my garage; When I opened this thing up and started reading the manual it was all Greek to me. But using the Sentinel software and then trying the zipcode programming I got a decent start. It took me about a week piddling with it for a couple of hours each day and now I'm finally listening to what I want to. (Or at least what I was able to listen to. Some departments are scrambled, encrypted, etc.and you can't hear them). Hang in there and you will get it figured out.

 

[mike360000]

Welcome to RadioReference, Mike

There are a number of members on this site that can help to walk you through the programming process for your scanner, either for you to do it yourself, or to create a file for you to use, With your 536HP, if you load Sentinel on your PC, and update the database both in the software and also writing the update to the scanner, you can get a good start with just your location & the selection of service types that interest you.

As for somebody creating a file specifically for you, that would be more successful if you indicate what area you are in. City (or County) and State are essential in that regards. Someone trying to create a starter file for you would be much more successful if that person is in, or at least familiar with, the area that you are wanting to monitor. You might find that you would be better served by having your thread moved to the regional forum that covers your area.

Someone there might have information of any upgrades or changes planned for the systems in use. To do that, do not create a new thread. Instead, click on the red outlined triangle in the upper right corner of your original post, and request that a moderator move your thread to the regional forum for your area. Someone in the area would be more likely to see it there.

I had previously considered most of what you stated. And your suggestions are perfectly sensible.

I've learned several things already, but I've also found more problems in my experiences. I already have updated the Sentinel software and the scanner. That was the first thing I done after the initial startup.

I experiment with creating a Favorites List, and that's where I ran into problem. I added just my county Fire, Sheriff and EMS for starters, but some reason they would never communicate after I created them. They would show in the display as they passed by, but never any sound. I started out using ZipCodes.

Then for some reason after experimenting with the Custom Search I now get scanning in Custom 0-9 all the time. I cannot turn it off in the menu. Even after deleting the favorites and resetting the system back to defaults I still get that Custom Search 0-9. I've spent over an hour and half on this one problem and have not accomplished anything. And with my favorites not working correctly, and the time I spent on experimenting with that, I can see I would be looking into the neighborhood of investing somewhere around 40 hours in me getting this to work. Frankly that is more time than I accounted for. And the layout of the entire system software requires more actual memorization than logical thought. Let's just say my memorization has never been a strong part of my thinking. I'd forget everything I did learn in just few weeks, if I did spend time programming it myself.

I actually live in the corner of 1 of 4 counties, less than 1/2 mile from the line of 1. About 1 mile to the line of the next 1, and less than about 3 miles to the 3rd. I actually live in Rockingham County, NC.

I know I will need Favorites for 4 counties; Rockingham, Stokes, Guildford and Forsyth counties. For the moment I know I will need the Sheriffs dept from 4 counties, along with EMS and Fire. Also the city police for Greensboro, Winston Salem, Eden, Reidsville, and Madison-Mayodan. I need the State Highway Patrol for Stokes and Guilford, with their area headquarters being in Salisbury and Greensboro. Need State Wildlife for Stokes and Rockingham. There are others TBA, but these are the main ones..

It would have been nice if one could have taken the ZIP Code data base and simple turned them into instant Favorites, and then be able to edit out what is not wanted. I did learn how to highlight and copy locations from the Database and paste them to create a new list, but I ran into problems assigning Quick Keys to them, plus I am not sure if anything else was wrong because it never picked up communications, as noted above.

I figure I'll have some personal questions to ask also as I get things operating, so I would have to allow the person credit for that time also. They can furnish a decent Micro SD Card and put everything on it. I assume a copy of the original Database and programming also has to be installed? Anyhow I figure we are looking at about 100 dollars for the work, if it is done well. Just my thought, and I could be wrong.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[mike360000]

Your post sounds exactly like me a couple of weeks ago. I've still got an old Regency crystal scanner in my garage; When I opened this thing up and started reading the manual it was all Greek to me. But using the Sentinel software and then trying the zipcode programming I got a decent start. It took me about a week piddling with it for a couple of hours each day and now I'm finally listening to what I want to. (Or at least what I was able to listen to. Some departments are scrambled, encrypted, etc.and you can't hear them). Hang in there and you will get it figured out.

twotoejoe,
Last scanner I got was a Uniden BC200XLT... That says a lot. I think I still have it somewhere. I've always been a Uniden type guy, using their phones, scanners and especially their radar detectors since they came back on the market. Currently the Uniden R3 is the hands down champ in radar detectors. Mine will on occasion pick up at 3 miles. I still find it hard to believe.... but others have said similar. Escort got knocked off its perch HARD, and I had run Escort for years, until Uniden came back on the scene.

But yeah, this new scanner is really beyond the average person just sitting down and programming the thing. And I really don't wish to spend that kind of time learning something that I will forget in a few weeks time.

I even considered trading it back in for another make, maybe a Whistler, since it was claimed they were easy to program. However I don't think the Whistlers can pick up the trunk lines like the Uniden can, and I think they are still analog?

I was disappointed in the way the WiFi read in the ads compared to the way it really works in practice. That seems to be useless to me, as it really doesn't do anything unless you're using it with a cell phone.

Uniden also advertised their DMR and Provoice, both of which is not even available unless you pay extra. Nor do I see a desperate need for them at this time. Although I thought originally it would have been more helpful. I've also looked at other programming software, specifically ARC 536. That doesn't seem to be much better than the Sentinel.

Basically at this point all I need a good scanner with good sound that will pick up trunked radio systems, and I could get by with fewer than 200 frequency systems.

I'm still curious over the Whistler though. That is in spite of the fact their radar detectors aren't so good, and never have been. Plus their support is spotty at best.

If I don't get some offers to program my BCD536HP I may look over the Whistlers, as I can still return my BCD536HP for another 20 days.

All ideas and thoughts appreciated.

Mike

 

[jonwienke]

If you think the Uniden is bad, the Whistlers are worse. Both in terms of ease of programming, and RF performance. Just like their radar detectors.

There's no reason to have someone else program your scanner. All they would be doing is copying stuff from the programming database you already have in the scanner.

To get started, just enter your zip code, make sure the main database is enabled, and press the SERV button to tell the scanner what categories of stuff you want to hear. Make sure the Multi types are on, because that's how channels that dispatch both fire and EMS, or both police and fire, are coded. You'll probably scan some stuff you're not interested in hearing. That's what the Avoid button is for. (hint: if you press SYSTEM or DEPT and then Avoid, you can lock out an entire system, or group of channels within a system AKA a "department" all at once.)

After a few weeks, you'll have a pretty good idea of what you want to hear and what you don't, and you can start working on making a favorite list in Sentinel by copying stuff from the main database to a favorite list.

Be patient. Learning any modern digital trunking scanner takes some time. The x36 scanners are no more difficult than any others, and if you don't try to dig too far in the weeds, are more newbie-friendly than most. Paying someone else to click copy and paste a few times in Sentinel is a waste of your money, and won't help you learn how to use your scanner.

 

[jonwienke]

It would have been nice if one could have taken the ZIP Code data base and simple turned them into instant Favorites, and then be able to edit out what is not wanted.

Sentinel has a tool to do EXACTLY that. Edit - Add Channels On Range in the menu. Make sure the Main Database is enabled, and all Service Types of interest are enabled, and make sure your location is correct. Then it will copy every matching scannable item within the range you specify to a favorite list of your choice.

 

[mike360000]

I need to get the part that says, "Search with scan Custom 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9" turned off!
I have been completely unable to do so. I've tried deleting all the files I created and resetting my machine. I still get the scanning. I had went more than once to "Serv" to check that they were off. I only have about 4 things enabled at this point, but the Custom options all have lines ---- where it would be on or off.

And I still haven't got my problem fixed as to why I can no longer pick up my county services such as Sheriff, Fire and EMS. They are in the main database.

 

[Ensnared]

Volunteer Here

All right, I admit it. I am bored. Yes, I would gladly program your 436HP provided it isn't a statewide program. If you are talking about a U.S. region, then send me your email via PM. Please, included: what area of the country you want me to program; b) what agencies you want to monitor; c) what agencies you don't want me to program.

 

[tumegpc]

I have both the Uniden 536HP and the Whistler TRX-1 & 2 and the Whistler scanners are by far the easiest to program and use. And Whistler includes DMR and NXDN.

 

[gonefishn1]

Send me a PM. I will help you. I tried to PM you and it says you don't accept PMs.

 

[mike360000]

I have both the Uniden 536HP and the Whistler TRX-1 & 2 and the Whistler scanners are by far the easiest to program and use. And Whistler includes DMR and NXDN.

I have read that twice in other blogs. That they were easier to program, and the dmr. But I'll be honest, I've always had Uniden products, except for when they didn't make radar detectors, and I have the daddy of all radar detectors now, the Uniden R3. I've always had good luck with their products. But I admit this programming of the 36 series is pretty bad. I already know some helpful tips if Uniden would integrate it into their software. And it is not changing the programming itself. I also expect my 536 to do just fine once fully programmed. What I don't like though is Uniden is nickle and diming people trying to sell add services, such as DMR, Provoice and GPS on an already high priced piece of equipment. Plus I have found their advertising is more hype than helpful. The biggest letdown was finding out the wifi is practically useless in the box. They should have made it an extra purchase and added DMR instead.

Mike

 

[UPMan]

Sentinel has a tool to do EXACTLY that. Edit - Add Channels On Range in the menu. Make sure the Main Database is enabled, and all Service Types of interest are enabled, and make sure your location is correct. Then it will copy every matching scannable item within the range you specify to a favorite list of your choice.

The scanner itself has this function, too. One way to make a FL narrowed to your interest is to put in the zip code and scan from the main dB. When the scanner stops on a channel, department, or system you don't want to scan, avoid it. After a while, you will have pared the scan list down to pretty much what you want. Then MENU --> Manage Favorites --> New Favorites List --> (Give it a name) --> Add Current dB Channels

This will create a Favorites List that contains only the channels currently being scanned (i.e. your zip code area minus whatever you have avoided).

Also, to turn off search ranges while scanning (Custom 0-9, etc):
MENU --> Set Scan Selection --> Select Lists to Monitor

Scroll to "Search with Scan" and press E to switch it from ON to OFF.

 

[mike360000]

Send me a PM. I will help you. I tried to PM you and it says you don't accept PMs.

I tried turning it on, but I found only vcard to enable. You should at least be able to get my email address this way.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[UPMan]

You have to have some minimum number of posts before you can PM.

 

[mike360000]

The scanner itself has this function, too. One way to make a FL narrowed to your interest is to put in the zip code and scan from the main dB. When the scanner stops on a channel, department, or system you don't want to scan, avoid it. After a while, you will have pared the scan list down to pretty much what you want. Then MENU --> Manage Favorites --> New Favorites List --> (Give it a name) --> Add Current dB Channels

This will create a Favorites List that contains only the channels currently being scanned (i.e. your zip code area minus whatever you have avoided).

Also, to turn off search ranges while scanning (Custom 0-9, etc):
MENU --> Set Scan Selection --> Select Lists to Monitor

Scroll to "Search with Scan" and press E to switch it from ON to OFF.

"Scroll to "Search with Scan" and press E to switch it from ON to OFF."

That was the one I missed.
Searches are now gone... Thanks.

Now I need to figure why I am no longer receiving Rockingham County Sheriff's Dept, EMS, Fire and other services from Rockingham County. They are still in the main database, and I was getting them at first.

Also I have a similar problem with receiving the NCHP. I have never received transmissions with it. Although I do see the name come up while scanning. I even made a Favorites with some of the patrols frequencies in it, but I have never received any transmissions.

BTW, on the Uniden R3 radar detectors. As soon as you release an updated model with directional pointing, I will immediately buy two of them. Directional pointing is actually needed on the R3s because their pickup range is so great it becomes confusing where the radar signal originates from. It could be on a side street and I would not know the difference. I mean whenever you're picking up radar signals over 2 miles away, well that leaves a lot of room for guessing as to where the signal originates. It is a tremendous help just knowing it is coming from ahead, or to the side. or behind. You get the idea of whether you're running into the radar or not.

I wrote a similar but more detailed reply at Best Radar a few months ago.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[mike360000]

All right, I admit it. I am bored. Yes, I would gladly program your 436HP provided it isn't a statewide program. If you are talking about a U.S. region, then send me your email via PM. Please, included: what area of the country you want me to program; b) what agencies you want to monitor; c) what agencies you don't want me to program.

OK, but I have the 536, which I understand is basically a 436. I wrote a post outlining that I needed 4 counties added, because I live in the corner of one of the four counties.

What I originally thought I would try was to go to the database, look up my state and search for the 4 counties I needed. From there I would make favorites list, 1 for the Sheriff and police, 1 for the EMS, 1 for fire, Each favorite having, police/sheriff, or fire, or EMS. I would use a color code for each county, say red for Rockingham, so regardless to which service came up I would know the county just by color. I had hoped I could make a favorite for the NCHP and use blue for it.

Otherwise I have some miscellaneous such as Wildlife and Forestry, about 3 college campuses, and a few others. They mite could go under one favorite. I would also like to assign the weather radio alert to just one favorite or button.

I thought all this could be put on a second MicroSD card as a backup to the one that came with the scanner. Those things do indeed go bad after a few years. I've changed plenty of them over time.

That's a start. I'll get more detailed as we go forward. What do you think?
You should be able to get my email from my vcard. I turned it on in my account settings.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[UPMan]

Rockingham looks pretty simple...all conventional frequencies. Make sure you have the desired service types enabled.

NCHP is on the VIPER system. You have to do a lot more than just put in their frequencies. (Or a lot less, if you just bring it in from the database.) I'd move VIPER into a FL, make sure the FL has location control enabled, and put in your location (that will disable radio sites that are too far away to receive).

I passed your R3 comments on to the product manager for those.

 

[bob550]

Mike, I certainly feel your pain! I just took delivery of a new 536 two days ago. While I'm no newbie with digital scanners (Uniden BCD996xt, RadioShack PRO-651), I found the 536 to be challenging. It's my belief that part of that difficulty is due to the presence of the entire RR database, together with location-based scanning ability. It adds a level of complexity I didn't find in my 996xt. Programming reminds me of the conditional "If" statement in Microsoft Excel formulas. The final result depends on a string of preconditions being met. If you miss one precondition along the way when programming the scanner, you may not receive what you intend to. That said, take it slow and don't try to accomplish too much. Also keep in mind that you can't hurt the scanner by messing up the programming. In the worst case, you reset the scanner and start over. Although it can be challenging, learning can be fun too. It helps keep the mind young!

 

[mike360000]

"NCHP-- VIPER..." Is that why it wouldn't pick up when using ZIP codes?
As I said, I have never picked up transmissions from the NCHP.

I did do a straight copy and paste from the database when making a favorites list. It never worked, so I thought I done something wrong, and I still could have, I don't know at this point.

I did fix my Rockingham County problem though. It was simple, but it was a guess. I had actually changed ZIP codes about 10 miles further South. I changed it back to my actual ZIP and it now picks up Rockingham County. Undoubtedly Rockingham County is not repeating in Guilford County and I must have been picking up off the Guildford County repeaters.

As for Location Control, I haven't studied that yet. But I would have thought it would have been correctly set in the database?

The problem with the NCHP is they have base offices for regions. Rockingham is covered by the Greensboro Office. Stokes County is covered by the Salisbury Office, which is a good 40-50 miles away.
Then they have car to car, and then all them have repeaters. I guess there is a way to monitor this considering distances, but I know is to try your suggestions.

I guess I'll try and make another favorites, although I'm not enthused about it. I don't particularly care to spend that much time learning something this different in my old age. I'd just forget it anyways.

BTW, it mite be considerable that a help wizard be added in with Sentinel to help newbies as they learn it. Microsoft had a animated help wizard for Microsoft 2000. It helped teach one how to use the main programs such as Word, Powerpoint and Excel. That was really helpful and I learned MS Office with the help of that wizard. I didn't even buy any manuals. Built right into the program.

Thanks,
Mike