BC246T Software

[dabigdog]

OK, I've finally brought myself into the world of "modern" scanners (had an 800mhz radio shack scanner from about 18 years ago).

I've just received this new BC246T but have two questions.

- First, before paying for any software, I'd rather use some free software if it will do the job (manually programming is out of the question!). I've downloaded the available software at Uniden.com and installed it on my PC, hooked up the scanner, entered some information and chose "write to scanner"...it's obviously cleared everything else off of my scanner, but that's all i have now...an empty scanner it appears. What am I doing wrong with this software (obviously it's communicating with the scanner as I can control the scanner from the PC as well)?

- Second, when programming frequencies for 800mhz trunked systems (such as Rowlett PD/FD in Dallas County, TX - http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&sid=36 ) first off, which "system type" do I choose? The referenced link indicates it's a Motorola Type II Smartnet, but I've chosen both Motorola 800mhz Type 2 Standard and Splinter and entered some sample frequencies w/o success. Also, since this is a shared system with Garland and Sachse, how do I block out their traffic, in other words, is there a place to enter the DEC and HEX codes?

Thanks in advance guys,
Dabigdog

 

[ka3jjz]

Re the software - apart from the BC246 tool written in TCL/TK, I don't know of anything else to program it - except Clone246 from BuTel (I think that's free...) Anyway, our Wiki has the links to that and more here....

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BC246T

I don't have the UASD - if that's what you downloaded from Uniden - but on that article above, there's a link for a Yahoo group for the scanner where you might be able to get files, and a BC246 website as well. Those might well be good places to start, apart from here, of course. 73s Mike

 

[hiegtx]

OK, I've finally brought myself into the world of "modern" scanners (had an 800mhz radio shack scanner from about 18 years ago).

I've just received this new BC246T but have two questions.

- First, before paying for any software, I'd rather use some free software if it will do the job (manually programming is out of the question!). I've downloaded the available software at Uniden.com and installed it on my PC, hooked up the scanner, entered some information and chose "write to scanner"...it's obviously cleared everything else off of my scanner, but that's all i have now...an empty scanner it appears. What am I doing wrong with this software (obviously it's communicating with the scanner as I can control the scanner from the PC as well)?

- Second, when programming frequencies for 800mhz trunked systems (such as Rowlett PD/FD in Dallas County, TX - http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&sid=36 ) first off, which "system type" do I choose? The referenced link indicates it's a Motorola Type II Smartnet, but I've chosen both Motorola 800mhz Type 2 Standard and Splinter and entered some sample frequencies w/o success. Also, since this is a shared system with Garland and Sachse, how do I block out their traffic, in other words, is there a place to enter the DEC and HEX codes?

Thanks in advance guys,
Dabigdog

The Garland system would be programmed as Motorla 800Mhz Type 2 Standard. Set your trunk options as "contol channel only", and you only need to enter the frequencies in Red (they also have an astterix, * )
To only hear Rowlett, , and exclude Garland, Sachse, & the miscellaneous groups, enter only the Rowlett PD & FD talkgroup ID's you want (in the DEC column), and set that system to scan in "ID Scan" mode.

The "demo" version of the UASD software is extremely limited. It only allows you to download (to the scanner) a system named Motorola, EDACS, Conventional, and LTR. So, basically, one of each. I'm using the full version, and have files for all the local systems (including Garland, Mesquite, Rockwall, etc) for my 246. I took a quick peek at the 246 Yahoo group & did not see Dallas area files posted (might have overlooked them).

Other than the software mentioned by ka3jjz, I'm not aware of any free options either.

You can download Butel's regular program, ARC246, and use it for a limited time as a demo before buying. It allows system creation, editing, and download to the scanner. If you decide to become a premium subscriber to RadioReference, and are using ARC246, you can use it's web import to download system information into the software.

 

[Dubbin]

There is only one answer to software for the radio and it Butels ARC246. You won't regret it.

 

[dabigdog]

Thanks guys, i'm off to work as soon as i post this reply, but when i get back home in the morning, i'll play around with it a bit and will likely consider some of the pay software options.

thanks for making me feel so welcome so quickly!
dabigdog

 

[Dubbin]

thanks for making me feel so welcome so quickly!

No problem. Now GET TO WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mbird97x]

On the question of erasing the preinstalled systems, UASD will do that if you dont "uncheck" a box before writing to the scanner. I have the same software and just bought ARC246 also. Go with the latter if you only can buy one. Subscribe here too so you can use it to download and set up the programming for you. Works excellent.

 

[dabigdog]

as for the preinstalled stuff, the scanner was showing i only had about 25% memory left (which was still probably more than enough), but i guess that was still enough to bother me since i didnt care for any of it.

now, as for the premium membership here...talk me into this - i'm sure i can research more info on it here easily enough, but i got off work early tonight and it's off to bed for me! what are the perks of the premium memberhsip - what REALLY makes it worth it (and how much is it for how long)?

thanks again fellas,
dabigdog

 

[Dubbin]

now, as for the premium membership here...talk me into this - i'm sure i can research more info on it here easily enough, but i got off work early tonight and it's off to bed for me! what are the perks of the premium memberhsip - what REALLY makes it worth it (and how much is it for how long)?

Just do it!!! http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Subscription