Frustrated.... new with BCD 396XT

[stickbow]

have been wanting a scanner for years now and i took the plunge today buying a BCD396XT..... it used to be that they were plug and play... today i got to get humbled REAL quick. Im not real tech savvy at all..... first thing i noted was the computer plug doesnt fit my laptop... so no on line programming for me... real disappointed after spending that money to not be able to plug it into my laptop... Went on to find forums, utube videos, pouring thru quick tips and easier to read guides....


7 hours later.. i have YET to hear this thing crank over with radio traffic..... I cant seem to program it due to so TGID that will not let me program any freq..... all i can seem to scan is alaska.... cant seem to get the other factory ones unlocked.... im about to take this thing back...... anyone have a hour to help me understand how to program this thing? thanks in advance.


Dave

 

[m50steel]

Dave,

From the sound of your post if you have the opportunity to take it back, you probably should. you would probably be happier with the Uniden Home Patrol models where you just enter a zip code and start listening. I have owned Uniden digital scanners for over seven years, I consider myself tech savy and I still have not learned all the features available. I still get frustrated from time to time but consider it a hobby challenge.

A coworker purchased a Home Patrol model and is very happy just listening.

That said if you're stuck with it, I would recommend getting somebody to set up the initial programming. Perhaps send it off to a business that will program it for you because it will easily take more than an hour to get you up to speed.

Finally, it sounds like it is scanning the preloaded systems, the list of systems and quick keys should be in the user documentation. I believe the quick keys start at 23 for the preloaded system Turn systems with quick keys greater than 9 off or on by first pushing the (.No) button and then the two digit number. Do not be surprised if you still don't hear anything because I remember the preloaded systems as mostly out dated and incomplete.

John

 

[W8RMH]

Where are you located and what do you want to listen to?

It can be programmed from the key pad, at least enough to get you started.

On the page below the quick keys are listed for the pre-programmed systems. Press the . (no) button then the 2 digit quick key while the scanner is scanning to turn them on and off.

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD396XT

 

[teufler]

Stickbow:
All is not losted, your problems can be worked out. Sounds like you have a newer computer that does not have a serial port, so if you get a serial to usb converter you are back in business. A momentary hicup well say. After that, Freescan is software that many use, its fairly easy to understand. If you're near a city that has computer stores, they should have usb to serial convertors, ebay has many offered. You can also purchase a usb progrfam cable that you don't have a convertor. You could also go to the 436-536 or hOME pATROL, THEY HAVE USB CABLES, but your 396xt with the right cables work fine. Most have had to adjust to their home computers in some way or the other.

 

[stickbow]

thank you guys!!! i got warren county ohio to come in.... This ID thing that comes up was really getting me until i figured out going conventional group would allow to tap in frequencies. Im on the road a lot so state troopers, ham and local cities i work in are what in after. Plus any good chatter lol....


Ill see if i can locate that cable. Frustrating they don't include one lol.... But for now im content in knowing it works lol.... thank you for the info on how to turn the pre programmed states on and off. there is a serious learning curve in this thing, but, i can see once i get it programmed it will be FUN!!! Thanks again!!!

 

[ka3jjz]

stickbow - this article from our wiki has links (which are always blue) to just about everything you need to know to get started. Trunking, USB cables....they're all linked here...

Program your DMA Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki

At the bottom of this article are the links to the Easier to Read manuals. Don't bother with Uniden's offering.

Mike

 

[AA6IO]

Stickbow
Welcome to scanning. It can be a great hobby. But in today's age of trunking systems and digital, it is not "plug and play." The 396XT is an excellent scanner, but it requires considerable learning. I heartily recommend the "Easier to Read Manuals" suggested by KA3JIZ. If you really want closer to "plug and play," then m50steel's suggestion of a HomePatrol is a real consideration. Much easier to set up for someone who just wants to listen. Good luck and don't give up.
Steve AA6IO

 

[teufler]

warren cty, ohio

STICKBOW:
Here is a Freescan file. You need to load Freescan first, here a link,,,,https://sites.google.com/site/sixspotsoftware//products/freescan
The link that we all read fot he scanner is : Mark's Scanners
when you find your cables and get the cable comport set, you can upload thefile to the scanner.
File is zipped so many of us use 7 zip. 7-Zip