Frequency issues
- Thread starter Cobra6222
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tvengr
Well Known Member
What scanner are you using?
K4EET
Chaplain
Hi @Cobra6222 and welcome to Radio Reference! Yeah, if you had some scanner distributor program it for you, its hard to tell what THEY decided to put in it. Using the free Uniden software Sentinel and programming the scanner yourself from the free database here on Radio Reference, you would be a lot better off. It really is not that hard and we are here to help you out if needed. Your county's database is found here:
The Sentinel software, which you will need for firmware updates if released for the Uniden BCD536HP scanner, can be found by starting here:
info.uniden.com
This is the Uniden owner's manual in case you don't have it:
And this is an "Easier to Read" manual that is highly recommended by many of us here at Radio Reference:
Sooooooo... I hope that helps get you started looking at programming things for yourself. Let us know if you have any questions.
Cheers! Dave K4EET
Clinton County, Michigan (MI) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference
Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Clinton County, Michigan (MI)
www.radioreference.com
The Sentinel software, which you will need for firmware updates if released for the Uniden BCD536HP scanner, can be found by starting here:
BCD536HP < UnidenMan4 < TWiki
This is the Uniden owner's manual in case you don't have it:
And this is an "Easier to Read" manual that is highly recommended by many of us here at Radio Reference:
Sooooooo... I hope that helps get you started looking at programming things for yourself. Let us know if you have any questions.
Cheers! Dave K4EET
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I agree with Dave, when a vendor programs your radio you have no idea what they have put in there but I'm sure they put the phase one digital system that Dave pointed out. That's something you could not pick up on your analog radio. As far as what else they put in you just have to look and see.
One thing is for sure you need to get used to Sentinel as you have so many sites and talk groups on that huge phase one system that you see in the database. You are going to need to avoid many of those sites and talk groups. The system is too huge to roll through.
I also saw a lot of interop service types. I've heard several times from people who had radios programmed by vendors that they did not enable all service types which by default are not all enabled when the radio is new.
Press the menu button, scroll down to select service types and press the function knob, make sure every service type that you see is on. After they are all turned on, press avoid once and you will exit the menu.
Dave has done all the prep work for you and has given you links to everything you need. It's a high learning curve. Just read everything you can about it. You might want to go to your state forum and read about the system in the database that was highlighted for you. Good luck.
One thing is for sure you need to get used to Sentinel as you have so many sites and talk groups on that huge phase one system that you see in the database. You are going to need to avoid many of those sites and talk groups. The system is too huge to roll through.
I also saw a lot of interop service types. I've heard several times from people who had radios programmed by vendors that they did not enable all service types which by default are not all enabled when the radio is new.
Press the menu button, scroll down to select service types and press the function knob, make sure every service type that you see is on. After they are all turned on, press avoid once and you will exit the menu.
Dave has done all the prep work for you and has given you links to everything you need. It's a high learning curve. Just read everything you can about it. You might want to go to your state forum and read about the system in the database that was highlighted for you. Good luck.
Yep, its going to take some learning this system, I am used to the old analog were I just key in frequency number and go. I called the distributor I purchased from for tech help. No help at all, said it should work as long as i dont touch any buttons, other than that was like, oh well.
I am reading thru Daves links he sent on the easier to follow manual.
Thanks all for the help.
I am reading thru Daves links he sent on the easier to follow manual.
Thanks all for the help.
K4EET
Chaplain
If it's any help to know, we've all worn your shoes before. As in; "Been there, done that!"
It may look overwhelming but once you get a handle on Favorite Lists, Systems, Departments and Channels; everything will start to quickly fall into place. Several members have written some nice explanations of that hierarchy in layman's terminology within various posts here on Radio Reference. Two of those threads are:
BCD436HP/BCD536HP: - Help me understand site vs department on bcd436hp
What is the difference between a site and a department? I just have so much trouble differentiating the 2. Thanks for your help. I have a bcd436hp
Sites, Talkgroups and Systems
Hello radio gods! I have a rather simple question. I am scanning a Trunked System with multiple sites and numerous talk groups to stay tuned into my fire dispatch as I am a volunteer. When I am at work there is a site that is located 1/2 mile from my office but whenever I try to use that site...
That is sadly a recurring story that we often hear from new folks here at Radio Reference.
Like I said, don't hesitate to reach out for help. We got started just like you are getting started and one day you can return the favor by helping out some other new user. One thing I like to stress is this: There are no dumb questions!!! Use the search button in the upper-right of this webpage and if you can't find an answer to your question, then please ask it here. In all probability there will be others out there with the exact same question.
Great to have you aboard! And by the way, that Uniden BCD536HP scanner of yours is a great scanner! I have one myself and simply love it.
Cheers! Dave
dmchalmers
Member
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You tube has a lot of videos that help an they don't give back rude comments. Sentenel is not beginner friendly
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Who is giving back rude comments?
No one here boss!!!
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Thanks, I didn't think so!
tvengr
Well Known Member
Obviously, you haven't heard from me yet!
dmchalmers
Member
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Found out more instructional videos about sentinel on Youtube than anybodies helped on here.
dmchalmers
Member
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Another good Place is Marks Scanners for beginners
If listening to Clinton County Simulcast then simulcast distortion could be an issue
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Sorry to hear that you've had disappointing experiences with technical support here. Perhaps you just weren't talking to the right people. It's always good to read a thread before contributing.
Did you see how great Post #4 is from Dave. By the way if you had read it you would see that Dave gave a direct link to Marks easier to read guide.
Good luck to you and I hope that you get better technical support on radio reference in the future.
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