BCD436 having issues with Select Service Types

[Analogrules]

I just received my new BCD436 in the mail and still learning how to operate it correctly. It took some time, but I was already able to download the database for my area and got the scanner running. My two major problems I've been experiencing so far is that when I got to Select Service Types in the Main Menu, it simply will NOT let me turn on any of the other service types that have not already been turned on as a default. So, only EMS dispatch, fire dispatch, etc.. are turned on. If I try to turn on EMS-Talk, I just here double beep sound and it doesn't do anything. I tried turning the switch on top and also pushing E for enter. (same double beep sound). I also noticed that when I downloaded the DB for my area, it left out ALOT of frequencies that I know for a fact have been in the RR database for years, even before the scanner came out. I find myself entering a lot of talkgroups manually (which has been working). But, I am wondering if anyone else has had similar problems and what I am doing wrong?

 

[UPMan]

It sounds like you might be running from a Favorites List. When doing that, the Service Type menu is only going to let you turn on service types that exist in the FL and within the current geographic selection.

 

[Analogrules]

Ok, assuming that's true, how do I initiate service types to function properly? No matter what I do, it won't allow me to to turn on any other service types, aside from the default settings. It seems to be locked. I seriously recommend anyone who uploads the db via zip code on this scanner to review every single site, departments, and talkgroups to make sure everything you want is programmed into your scanner. This scanner uploaded several systems way outside my area under a 0.0 range. Yet, left out the majority of talkgroups for the systems I actually want to monitor.

 

[phask]

Not knowing the process you used to create a favorite list, it's impossible to answer. Then your statement of " scanner uploaded several systems way outside my area under a 0.0 range." indicates you are either using the entire database, or created a favorite using - add channels on range.

You need to explain how you created the favorite.

Ok, assuming that's true, how do I initiate service types to function properly? No matter what I do, it won't allow me to to turn on any other service types, aside from the default settings. It seems to be locked. I seriously recommend anyone who uploads the db via zip code on this scanner to review every single site, departments, and talkgroups to make sure everything you want is programmed into your scanner. This scanner uploaded several systems way outside my area under a 0.0 range. Yet, left out the majority of talkgroups for the systems I actually want to monitor.

 

[UPMan]

a) Use the main database.
b) Be sure there are channels of the service type you want in your Favorites List(s).

 

[Analogrules]

The main database in my scanner seems to lack several frequencies that were in the rr db for years. For example my town's local PD uses two conventional frequencies, yet the scanner's built in DB only had the one. I had to add the second frequency in manually. I used the exact process as this you tube video demonstrates, the same video many seemed to have used. Uniden BCD436HP creating a favorite list - YouTube

The very first thing I attempted to do after setting the clock, was to adjust the service types. It wouldn't let me then, and still doesn't now. Do I have to turn my favorite list off and turn the db back on (to scan)? I love the scanner, but Uniden definitely could've done a better job to make it more user friendly.

 

[fxdscon]

The very first thing I attempted to do after setting the clock, was to adjust the service types. It wouldn't let me then, and still doesn't now. Do I have to turn my favorite list off and turn the db back on (to scan)?

If any of the service types are not selectable, the sole reason for that is because what ever is being scanned at that time (the master database, a single favorites list, multiple favorites lists, or any combination of those) does not contain any of those service types. Either nothing in those lists are of those service types, or those service types are excluded from scanning because of location and/or range settings.

Items manually added to a favorites list are assigned "Custom 1" as a service type by default. Is "Custom 1" selectable as a service type when you are scanning your favorites list? If so, turn it on.

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[Analogrules]

Ok, that makes sense. Can the scanner on close call mode still pick up a service type that is not "turned on"? For example, let's just say that someone nearby transmitted on a CB radio, will the scanner still pick it up and alert you?

 

[hiegtx]

Ok, that makes sense. Can the scanner on close call mode still pick up a service type that is not "turned on"? For example, let's just say that someone nearby transmitted on a CB radio, will the scanner still pick it up and alert you?

"Close Call" is only monitoring for a nearby transmission. It has no idea what the appropriate service type might be. As long as the band is turned on, you'd hear it. You can select, or lock out, specific sections of the radio spectrum either in Sentinel (the "Broadcast Screen" tab under your profile), or under "Srch/CloCall Opt" directly on the scanner. Mainly, that's to lock out the portions used by paging, FM radio, TV, or Weather.

 

[Analogrules]

Ok. Thank you. So if I'm understanding correctly, the scanner only knows the service types for the frequencies already in the DB, however will always stop scanning/pick up anything programmed manually or via close call mode.

 

[fxdscon]

Ok. Thank you. So if I'm understanding correctly, the scanner only knows the service types for the frequencies already in the DB, however will always stop scanning/pick up anything programmed manually or via close call mode.

Anything in a favorites list has a service type assigned to it... as do items in the master database. As mentioned before, manually added items in a favorites list will be assigned "Custom1" as a service type. Those service types must be enabled in the scanner when the favorites list(s) is uploaded to be able monitor them.

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