First BCD396XT Has arrived, first look and discussion!

[AZScanner]

Anyone in Phoenix got one yet? Wanna know how it does on the PRWN or RWC or WTH ever they're calling our digital system this week.

-AZ

 

[Forts]

Has anyone had a chance to try this on Fleetnet yet in Ontario?

 

[W6KRU]

For 99% of P25 systems, all of the bandplan information is included in the control channel.
(The exception being a couple of military systems for which you need to enter a band plan.)

The P25 type system is not actually new, BTW. In previous models it was under Motorola (because no one else had any widespread installations). The BCD396XT properly splits it out as its own system type, not tied to Motorola.

You should note, however, that neither San Diego system is a P25 system. (I'm assuming from your location that is the system you were referring to). The DOD system is P25, but UHF.

P25 Standard did not work for the San Diego RCS Paul. I had to change the system type to Mot Type II/P25 and then set the sites for Mot 800MHz Splinter (Type II).

 

[UPMan]

Precisely what I said. Neither San Diego system is P25.

 

[atoms2009]

Not sure what you mean here, but the Close Call tune sometimes get a false hit on a strong signal 5KHz off. Custom or Service search is right on :wink:

Actually, by my term Auto Tune (center freq): I am wondering if the scanner automatically tunes to the correct center frequency (or the step increment closest to the correct center frequency), as opposed to unmuting faster on a detected signal while it may not be on the correct center frequency.
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P25 decoding sounds the best it has ever. It sounded as if the person speaking was in the next room. That clear.

GREAT
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Sensitivity, unfortunately hasn't changed, at least on my 396XT vs. the classic.

That Is unfortunate.
Does it still seem one might pick up more communications from an'other' unit with less features?
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The digital only setting works well for stored talkgroups on ID Scan (for Motorola Mixed Mode Systems) and the new NAC search addition is great.

How about Automatic detection of digital signals, whereas no special programming would be required to Discover digital traffic.
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Again, I'm just a newbie who has come to these questions from much research.
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[UPMan]

If you specify a channel as "BOTH" the scanner will stop on either analog or digital traffic on the channel and automatically decode if digital.

In search mode, as long as you don't have CTCSS/DCS search turned on (which forces the scanner to analog only) the scanner will automatically detect/decode digital.

 

[K5RYA]

Yay! ScannerMaster is now showing in stock on the 346XT. Placing my order now!!

 

[W6KRU]

Precisely what I said. Neither San Diego system is P25.

I see that now Paul. Did you throw in that part with the edit? Or did I sped red over it. It's all good, I'm a happy camper now.

 

[UPMan]

I didn't cheat (this time).

 

[atoms2009]

Summary & Clarification # 2

Hi All,

As this thread is destined to be Long, here is our Summary & Clarification # 2

Not too shabby
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Audio / Sound Quality - - CHECK

One immediate observation is that it's loud! One of my biggest pet peeves with the audio of the classic 396 was its quality, or lack thereof, at low volumes. There seems to be improvement in this area.

And I also agree about the volume. Heck I can have it sitting in one room and hear it in another. Great Volume.

The volume/squelch algorithms must have been improved, it seems to work better than the 396 classic.

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Digital Decoding - - CHECK

P25 decoding has improved...

Concerning P25 decoding, I have yet to hear any motorboating here... I am hearing a lot of P25 traffic not normally received. Signals are weak or non-existent on the signal meter, but decode is excellent...

I can't remember the last time I had motorboating on my 396XT... decode is better than my old Pro 96 and the "Classic" 396t...

P25 decoding sounds the best it has ever. It sounded as if the person speaking was in the next room. That clear...

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DSP (auto detect digital signal) - - CHECK

In search mode, as long as you don't have CTCSS/DCS search turned on (which forces the scanner to analog only) the scanner will automatically detect/decode digital.

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Dropouts / Sensitivity -

Weak signal is usually the cause of my dropout on P25. Do you think the sensitivity or selectivity has changed at all? I think mine is about the same.

I concur that it is about the same, perhaps a little bit better...

Sensitivity, unfortunately hasn't changed, at least on my 396XT vs. the classic.

Does it still seem one might pick up more communications from an'other' unit with less features?
How 'bout a better antenna?
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Programming specific LTR LCN order/slots - :|

You may program them in any order. However, you do need to specify the frequency's LCN when you program it in order to properly track the system.

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Auto Tune (center freq) - open

Not sure what you mean here, but the Close Call tune sometimes get a false hit on a strong signal 5KHz off. Custom or Service search is right on

Actually, by my term Auto Tune (center freq): I am wondering if the scanner automatically tunes to the correct center frequency (or the step increment closest to the correct center frequency), as opposed to unmuting faster on a detected signal while it may not be on the correct center frequency.
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Thank You All For Keeping Us Fence Sitters Apprised !
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[W6KRU]

XT audio seems better

I have my 396T sitting on my right and the 396XT on my left monitoring the same system/TGs. The XT audio is cleaner. There is an obvious hiss coming from the T. I do not have the P25 LP filter turned on, on the XT.

 

[wise871]

Dropouts / Sensitivity -

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveIN
Weak signal is usually the cause of my dropout on P25. Do you think the sensitivity or selectivity has changed at all? I think mine is about the same.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KE4ZNR
I concur that it is about the same, perhaps a little bit better...

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveIN
Sensitivity, unfortunately hasn't changed, at least on my 396XT vs. the classic.

Sensitivity was one of the big things I was interested in hearing about. I’m glad to hear about all the positive feedback but the sensitivity being the same as the classic 396 makes me hold off for a few more reviews.

 

[W6KRU]

P25 decoding seems better on XT

With Identical P25 settings on both scanners I can hear a slight amount of SWS (swirling water syndrome :lol: ) coming from the T. Sometimes I hear it from the XT as well but always at a lower level.

 

[mike_s104]

Yay! ScannerMaster is now showing in stock on the 346XT. Placing my order now!!

I called them yesterday and asked what their ETA was on the 396XT. I was told today sometime and that they were on the truck en route.

I called today at 12:30PM and was told the same. The person I talked with said they would be there anytime. He was going through a lot of papers for pre-orders trying to find mine and then gave up and looked on the computer and found it and verified everything.

At 1:20PM I received an email that my card was charged and the order was being processed.

At 4:30PM I received another email with a UPS tracking number. $505 with shipping.

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

The UPS truck dropped my unit off a few hours ago, The Ham Station guys sure turned these around quickly.

Had free scan setup and waiting to go, very simple to program and load on the 396xt. First impressions are good, loving the multiple color display, sensitivity with the stock antenna seems a touch better than my 996 using a RS 800mhz antenna. No motor boating, or decoding issues on the local p25 system, sounds clear as a bell (a really loud bell!). Haven't had the opportunity to use many of the new features but it seems my decision to jump on this new release was a good one.

Thanks are in order for Paul, the fellows at Scannow.org, and everyone who's posts I've been following anxiously.

 

[BigC801]

I got mine today, so far it is good. How do you get it to search and find fire tones. i cant find it in the user guide

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

http://info.uniden.com/twiki/pub/UnidenMan4/BCD396XT/BCD396XT_Complete_Reference.pdf

I think it logs them automatically. Haven't used it yet so I'm not positive.

Look at pg 172 of the link provided.

 

[BigC801]

Thank you.

 

[Forts]

Programming specific LCN order/slots -
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This is kind of a moot point if you ask me. Perhaps I'm mis-understanding but it seems you are hoping that the scanner will automatically determine the proper LCN on EDACS systems and are giving it a strike because it 'still' has to be manually set. Keep in mind that with EDACS systems, this just isn't possible. One of the 'features' of EDACS is that it doesn't broadcast the frequency information like a Motorola system does. If you look at the programming software for a true EDACS radio, even there the frequencies and LCN's have to be explicity defined. LTR is a different animal. I'm not sure if the new Unidens are supposed to be able to sort LTR LCN's out on their own or not (the new GRE/Radio Shack models do). Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to toot the 396XT's horn (I'm a Pro-106 guy) but at the same time I don't want to see knocked down a peg for something beyond it's control.

 

[atoms2009]

Thank you

I have updated my last post to specify LTR on that & gave it a straight face