Best course of action for 396T

[ONTScan]

Hey all, my 396 should be arriving soon as per FedEx.
After reading through all kinds of info I am curious as to what I should do.
I live in Southern Ontario(GTA-Hamilton) so I will likely clear all the info from my scanner since US frequencies will be useless.
What I am concerned of is this rebanding issue, can I get my scanner rebanded through the Uiden site, also SHOULD I get it rebanded?
I was thinking of doing the following steps once I get the scanner out of the box.
1- read the manuals
2-clear all pre programmed chanels
3-reband, if ppossible\needed(I believe Ontario is on the list to be rebanded)
4-add the most recent Uniden update I think it is V 3 something or other
5-Utilize FreeScan and get it pre programmed

Does that sound about right?
Is rebanding actually required in Ontario now or is it not YET an issue and if that is the case are there any dates set aside?

Thanks, also if there are any good reading materials please let me know incase I may have skipped over some.

 

[davidmc36]

If you do number 4 it will include whatever is necessary to accomplish number 3. It just adds extra functionality to enable you to put in custom banplans for rebanded systems if you have any in your area. It does not take anything away. The first thing I did when programming my 996 was to delete the factory systems to save space. For the most part they are useless for us Canucks unless you are near a border. I would be downloading and reading the manuals now, before you get the scanner. I have found it helpful to have a handle on things before I get the shiny new scanner in my eager hands, the dull old manual seems boring then. lol Your favorite software and premium subscription to RR is just about more important than the manual these days with hundreds of TalkGroups.

 

[mikewazowski]

1- read the manuals

Excellent idea. Too many people rely on software to do the work for them. It's better to understand the basics before using the software. Many times the software will screw up the settings and you'll be left without a clue as to how to troubleshoot it.

2-clear all pre programmed chanels

Good idea

3-reband, if ppossible\needed(I believe Ontario is on the list to be rebanded)

No, rebanding is a United States thing.

4-add the most recent Uniden update I think it is V 3 something or other

I think 3.02.00 is the latest version and depending on what's in the scanner already, v3 is definitely worth it.

5-Utilize FreeScan and get it pre programmed

Sure. You might want to look at a Premium Subscription to the database if you don't already have it. I believe it will allow you to download the systems direct to your scanner using some of the software packages out there.

 

[roots]

A premium subscription to the RR database will help you a lot!

 

[ONTScan]

Ya I have a premium subscription now, I really like it, certainly worth it for the 30 bucks, lots of great info!!
I have downloaded the uniden 396 owners manual, have read through it, and gone over specific areas like quick call, that looks like a neat feature.
Thanks for the advice, glad to see I am on the right track.

 

[EJB]

Hey all, my 396 should be arriving soon as per FedEx.
After reading through all kinds of info I am curious as to what I should do.
This is how I tackled the new style scanners 246/396.

I either got trials or bought via scannermaster, ARC software and had it sent to me in a matter of min via download.

That way, you can always check out files. Many members here will be happy to send you files for pretty much whatever you can imagine. You can see the parameters on your computer, see the settings for each and load away. In the future You learn to 'tweak' and change. Files are also available on this great site:
ScanOnt : Ontario's Best Scanning Resource

You can also follow these instructions above in the sticky. It takes time but is easy to remember & do.

Hope you enjoy your radio, I love mine.

Eric