BC346 - Setting squelch

[s-skerker]

I'm new to the BC346 - so far I really dislike this scanner. I've owned scanners for 30+ years and this is the most difficult program I've ever owned and I program compuers for a living (when I'm not playing newspaper reporter/photographer).

Anyway - I've read everything I can get my hands on - it's all poorly written and I can't figure out how to adjust the squelch on this unit. Everytime I turn the top knob, I turn on a custom frequency bank that I didn't want or even know was there. Then I have hook the unit up to my pc and reprogram. Thank goodness I still own a Windows 7 and older pc, as the programming cord doesn't wasnt to work with windows 8, despite all the instructions and hours of trying I've played with.

(Bill Gates - please bring back dos.... That's a joke....)

Thanks, for any help anyone can suggest. I really want to throw this thing against the wall. And I really wish GRE was still around so I could sent my old unit in for repairs.

Thanks,

 

[kayi4cle]

Press BOTH the Function key (top one on the outside left) and Scroll Control key (tall one on top right) at EXACTLY THE SAME TIME and that takes you to the Squelch Control Mode. All it takes is a quick press and release of the two keys together. You will now see a little bar at the bottom of the display indicating the level at which your squelch is set. You can twist the Scroll Control key to adjust your squelch higher or lower (mine is set at 3). Now wait and it will automatically exit the squelch mode. Hope this helps!

 

[s-skerker]

Thanks,

That's what I think I've been trying for weeks. But when I do the exact sequence you outlined, it brings me to "Select a System". I have never been able to find the squelch settings.

I'm perplexed by the engineering of this scanner. When working in the field, you usually only have one hand free, if lucky. Using the sequence outlined by you and all of the documentation that I've seen, you need two hands and to eyeball the unit. If the keypad is locked, you first need to unlock it. Poorly designed.... I would love to meet with the engineers that don't live in the real world. Where was the usability testing.....

And I still can't figure it out...

Where oh where is the squelch.

Worst designed radio I've ever worked with.

When I'm at a fire or accident I don't have time to mess with the controls of a radio. I have other things that need my attention. Like getting interviews. Working a camera. The scanner is a tool. This scanner wants to be the center of the universe. And the folks who created the documentation should be fired. In my

 

[UPMan]

Actually, tap F, then tap the scroll (in that order, not at the same time). I don't know offhand what you are hitting to get "Select a system"...maybe you are hitting MENU and not F?

 

[kayi4cle]

Thanks Paul. I tried that yesterday but had more luck when pressing both together. Today both ways work fine. I had forgotten how to adjust the squelch and have now relearned I remember checking it when I first got my radio a few years ago, and it has never needed to be reset. With the 346 the squelch won't accidentally be moved during handling of the radio like on some of the older models where you have to keep checking it to see if it has unintentionally gotten set too high. I love my 346. It's one of the best radios I've ever had and I hope the OP will enjoy the portability and great performance that I have enjoyed.