BCD396T/BC996T: BCD996T - Useless?

[wyrmzr72]

I've been handed a BCD996T, which had the original firmware. After some research, I've managed to get the firmware upgraded, but it seems that the system still isn't picking up the digital channels that my local PD has moved to.
It does find some kind of signal, but it's just static/white noise. I'm in Floyd County, IA, and it hasn't been that long ago they moved to digital. Does anyone have any tips/tricks for this particular scanner, or am I looking at a V1/V2 signal difference?

 

[dave3825]

If your trying on the Iowa State Trunked system, the site in Floyd County is Simulcast. Not sure how that scanner will do with Simulcast. In any event, there is only mention of firmware being updated. How did you program the scanner and what software did you use? White noise/static could mean its not programmed correctly.

 

[dave3825]

Actually, that scanner wont work on Iowa Statewide System as its P25 Phase 2 and that scanner does not seem to support that.

 

[wyrmzr72]

I programmed it with the Uniden Software, the BCD996T_UASD is what it seems to call itself. I used the online interface from that program. It is set APCO P25, Dynamic Scanning, I'm new to the digital side of things, but have the programming cable, obviously.

 

[wyrmzr72]

Actually, that scanner wont work on Iowa Statewide System as its P25 Phase 2 and that scanner does not seem to support that.

That would figure. The old analog channels still exist, but are not being used by the PD, of course. So they're out of luck just due to the age of the system.

 

[dave3825]

Based on what's online, that scanner will not decode a P25 Phase 2 system, which Iowa State is.

Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS) Trunking System, Statewide, Multi-State

Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS) Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

Supported systems here, BCD996T - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[wyrmzr72]

OK, thank you for the info. Looks like they'll need an upgrade.

 

[dave3825]

The SDS series is recommended for simulcast systems but others with other models have had some success. Maybe ask in the Iowa forum and see what others are using.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

There are very few counties on Iowa's system that a 996T will work in, only those with FDMA talkgroups (mode "D") will work. Unfortunately the OP's county isn't one of them. Add simulcast distortion to the mix and that may bring the "working" county number down even further. I'll echo Dave's recommendation for an SDSx00.

Welcome to the forums, wyrmzr72
I wouldn't go as far as calling the 996T "useless", though there isn't much analog documented in your county I'm sure if you tune around the bands you may hear something of interest. Perhaps Aviation, Railroads?

 

[StoliRaz]

What might be useless to one man is still very useful to another. Still tons of analog and P25 phase 1 near me. I use my 996T almost daily. You could always sell it and put the funds towards a phase 2 capable scanner.

 

[bearcatrp]

Keep it for airband scanning and buy the SDS100/200 for P25.

 

[hiegtx]

I programmed it with the Uniden Software, the BCD996T_UASD is what it seems to call itself. I used the online interface from that program. It is set APCO P25, Dynamic Scanning, I'm new to the digital side of things, but have the programming cable, obviously.

While, as already noted, you should look at an SDS100 (portable, hand held) or desk/mobile SDS300, which is how your 996t is categorized), you might look at downloading and installing FreeScan. While that is abandoned software, as noted in the Wili as well as referenced in multiple posts, It does have better support for your 996t than the UASD Software, and, if I recall correctly, can import program files created in the UASD software.

 

[kc2asb]

Keep it for airband scanning and buy the SDS100/200 for P25.

+1. My 996T seems to be hot on VHF-air and marine.

 

[hiegtx]

Keep it for airband scanning and buy the SDS100/200 for P25 desk/mobile scanner. Looking at my earlier reply, I see I typo

the model number of the desk/model. My typo was SDS300. Bearcatrp has the correct unit, which is the model SDS200.

 

[wyrmzr72]

Thanks, all. I've just informed the owner of this system that it won't do what they had hoped.
It's been a while since I did a deep dive into the world of scanners; that was back when you could get signals that you weren't "supposed" to. Like, cordless phones, your neighbor's hearing aids, transmissions from the Commie Martians down the street...
My last scanner was an analog handheld cheap Chinese variant. I made it easy on myself by getting the programming cable, as I can do almost anything with a PC (been building/repairing them for 30 years).