Chris45
Member
- Joined
- May 26, 2004
- Messages
- 144
I have read many inquiries and comments regarding the post release experiences of those having the BCD436HP and the BCD536HP. Many folks have become immensely, and rightfully, frustrated in the learning process of getting their scanners to perform. I share their frustration, After many hours of reading the available material and familiarizing myself with both the Sentinel software and BCD436HP as best possible, I had to just walk away from it all.
But there is a relatively quick and easy method to start enjoying your scanner.
1. You need to remember that the heart of operation is the SD card.
2. Get the latest version of Sentinel for your computer.
3. Update and write to scanner the latest entire database.
4. Enter Select Service Types you want to on the scanner, and save them.
5. Enter Set Scan Selection/Select Lists to Monitor and turn on Full database.
6. Enter Set Your Location and enter and save your zip code.
7. Set Range for 20 miles.
INTERMISSION - Now spent some time listening to the full Database. Scan your set area and range. This helps you to understand the scanner. While doing this practice with the hold keys for System, Department, and Channel. (Forget the System Tags and Quick Keys!) They are optional, and this means they are not required. You can command and control you scanning very well using the System, Department, and Channel keys only. Keep it simple.
8. Favorite Lists are refined aspects of the full database and Sentinel should be used. Use the Edit Favorites Icon to create your templates. Create and save your list names within Sentinel.
9. Once you have created and saved your Favorite Lists titles, open the database on Sentinel that is applicable for your scanning. This is a “drill down” process that will help you identify the Systems, Departments, and Channels for your Favorites Lists. It may require some practice.
10. Find your Systems, Departments, and Channels for your lists. For the lists I suggest removing, rather than avoiding, the departments you do not wish to hear. Remember that you can hear everything while scanning the full database. Remember to always save all changes you make. Use the gold star icon in the sentinel menu to append your scanning data to the appropriate Favorite List. Save it, then check to ensure all the information is saved within the Favorite List.
When you have programmed and saved your favorites lists, make sure that you turn them on using Set Scan Selection/Select Lists to Monitor. When you turn your scanner on it must boot-up like a computer, and you will see the database and Favorite List data loading on the screen It is possible to scan your favorites list with the main database turned off. It seems reasonable, that by reducing the data being scanned will provide more responsive scanning for your targeted systems.
Like the other folks on the Forum, I hope this is helpful.
But there is a relatively quick and easy method to start enjoying your scanner.
1. You need to remember that the heart of operation is the SD card.
2. Get the latest version of Sentinel for your computer.
3. Update and write to scanner the latest entire database.
4. Enter Select Service Types you want to on the scanner, and save them.
5. Enter Set Scan Selection/Select Lists to Monitor and turn on Full database.
6. Enter Set Your Location and enter and save your zip code.
7. Set Range for 20 miles.
INTERMISSION - Now spent some time listening to the full Database. Scan your set area and range. This helps you to understand the scanner. While doing this practice with the hold keys for System, Department, and Channel. (Forget the System Tags and Quick Keys!) They are optional, and this means they are not required. You can command and control you scanning very well using the System, Department, and Channel keys only. Keep it simple.
8. Favorite Lists are refined aspects of the full database and Sentinel should be used. Use the Edit Favorites Icon to create your templates. Create and save your list names within Sentinel.
9. Once you have created and saved your Favorite Lists titles, open the database on Sentinel that is applicable for your scanning. This is a “drill down” process that will help you identify the Systems, Departments, and Channels for your Favorites Lists. It may require some practice.
10. Find your Systems, Departments, and Channels for your lists. For the lists I suggest removing, rather than avoiding, the departments you do not wish to hear. Remember that you can hear everything while scanning the full database. Remember to always save all changes you make. Use the gold star icon in the sentinel menu to append your scanning data to the appropriate Favorite List. Save it, then check to ensure all the information is saved within the Favorite List.
When you have programmed and saved your favorites lists, make sure that you turn them on using Set Scan Selection/Select Lists to Monitor. When you turn your scanner on it must boot-up like a computer, and you will see the database and Favorite List data loading on the screen It is possible to scan your favorites list with the main database turned off. It seems reasonable, that by reducing the data being scanned will provide more responsive scanning for your targeted systems.
Like the other folks on the Forum, I hope this is helpful.