Guys new to where I worked came in with all kinds of "stupid questions".

chowdogz

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
May 26, 2011
Messages
2
Location
Port Richey, FL
For example:
Is there a URL for a literal step by step list on how to download Conventional frequencies into my "new to me" Uniden BCT15X. I have
"FreeSCAN" on my laptop and would like to get this puppy up and running "easily"......
 

RaleighGuy

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Jul 15, 2014
Messages
14,017
Location
Raleigh, NC
Quick search of Youtube shows there are a bunch of vids, searching google is quicker than asking on here since you want quick.

 

n1chu

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Oct 18, 2002
Messages
2,726
Location
Farmington, Connecticut
There aren’t any stupid questions, just stupid answers. But I understand your frustration with those that are too lazy to do a little research and actually know where to look. Those queries usually go in the dumper or I offer advice on having the outlet where they got the scanner do everything for them… some decline which causes me to thing they ain’t as stupid as they appear… maybe just cheap! Ha!
 

hiegtx

Mentor
Premium Subscriber
Joined
May 8, 2004
Messages
11,287
Location
Dallas, TX
For example:
Is there a URL for a literal step by step list on how to download Conventional frequencies into my "new to me" Uniden BCT15X. I have
"FreeSCAN" on my laptop and would like to get this puppy up and running "easily"......
In addition to the video that RaleighGuy noted, there is a User Gide for FreeSCAN in the wiki, that has step by step information.
FreeScan User Guide - The RadioReference Wiki
 

Omega-TI

Ω
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Aug 12, 2021
Messages
1,744
Location
Washington State
I have a different take. Sometimes newbies don't know enough to ask the proper questions and are very happy to find this place that is truly filled with knowledgeable people. What is disheartening is that some with over inflated egos will belittle them instead of ignoring them and letting someone else that is happy to help do so. Really if one cannot be nice, why say anything at all as it can drive people away. Also this site can be overwhelming at first to a newbie and they might not even find the search function the first time on. Arrogance and patronizing does nothing positive for those new here.
 

rrobinso84

Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2022
Messages
128
Location
Phoenix, AZ
I have a different take. Sometimes newbies don't know enough to ask the proper questions and are very happy to find this place that is truly filled with knowledgeable people....Arrogance and patronizing does nothing positive for those new here.
I spent the better part of my first day with my new SDS200 looking for the MENU button! Then, the SCAN button. So it does help when someone can guide us newbies without attitude!
 

werinshades

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Jan 21, 2002
Messages
6,018
Location
Chicago , IL
You should be researching anything prior to purchasing, and should have a knowledge on basic operations, really no excuse not to do so. If you decide to buy a non-simulcast scanner (to save some dough), and people here are telling you not to because you're in simulcast hell, then return here to complain because the scanner is showing simulcast distortion symptoms, don't debate us when we tell you that's the issue. You Tube has many videos on operations of these scanners, so if you don't have a working knowledge of basic operations. I'll just be sitting this one out. "Hand holding" is frowned upon, and is just exhausting. Have seen all these scenarios here too many times. Willing to help when I read you're really trying on your own.
 

Omega-TI

Ω
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Aug 12, 2021
Messages
1,744
Location
Washington State
You should be researching anything prior to purchasing, and should have a knowledge on basic operations, really no excuse not to do so. If you decide to buy a non-simulcast scanner (to save some dough), and people here are telling you not to because you're in simulcast hell, then return here to complain because the scanner is showing simulcast distortion symptoms, don't debate us when we tell you that's the issue. You Tube has many videos on operations of these scanners, so if you don't have a working knowledge of basic operations. I'll just be sitting this one out. "Hand holding" is frowned upon, and is just exhausting. Have seen all these scenarios here too many times. Willing to help when I read you're really trying on your own.
I cannot fault that! I asked all kinds questions when I finally went on the hunt for a modern scanner. I took everyone's advice and got a scanner that honestly was more than I could handle at first... yes I'm man enough to admit it! Now I've always purchased items with "growing room" in mind because (to me) nothing is worse than dumping money on something I'd immediately outgrow or does not fill my needs. Could the next step down have filled my needs? Probably, but I'm ready for the day that I'll need simulcast capability.

@rrobinso84 Yeah, the SDS series are not like the older scanners, they actually require one to read the manual and like @RaleighGuy showed, You Tube videos are great for those who learn better by watching. The Uniden Prospective Owners forum is also a literal gold mine of great information too.
 

APX8000

Sarcastic Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2004
Messages
4,272
Location
AES-256 secured
No shortage of those around these parts! Add to that awful "answers" provided by the ignorant/uninformed, and of course my favorite, the trusty old 'opinion disguised as fact'. 🤡

I find it easier to just ask @GTR8000 in a new thread instead of using the search function to find the multiple threads that he posted a very informative answer to numerous times. Plus it gets his Likes up.
 

kkoether

Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2022
Messages
7
Location
Huber Heights, OH
I got my SDS200 up and scanning by myself in about 1.5 days. When I had a question I would type it in the search box on this forum. I found all the info I needed to get it up and running. I'm a bit of an odd duck though. I enjoy a good mental challange. There is a lot of satisfaction in working through issues and fixing them. It also leads to a better understanding of your equipment to build on.

My opinion of my SDS200 is it's a great piece of equipment because it has so many settings to work through. If it was easy it wouldn't be as good as it appears to be.
 

werinshades

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Jan 21, 2002
Messages
6,018
Location
Chicago , IL

rrobinso84

Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2022
Messages
128
Location
Phoenix, AZ
@rrobinso84 Yeah, the SDS series are not like the older scanners, they actually require one to read the manual and like @RaleighGuy showed, You Tube videos are great for those who learn better by watching.
Honestly, I read the manual a dozen times before getting the radio, and again as many after getting it. It's not written at a level required to get you up and running. Perhaps it's a good reference to remind you what you forgot about it after you figured it out once! And the "easier..." manual suffers a similar fate, just with slightly different words and layout.

I found the SDS200 to be a "learn by doing" experience, with lots of rabbit trails to chase and frustrating dead ends. I think it is because there's a setting for every thing under the sun, and you don't know which one you need until you have it working "some" to start with. Then it starts to make sense. Slowly over time.

I'll bet someone could help the community by writing a real "book" that walks you thru it all systematically and comprehensively, with proper examples and good advice on the myrad options available. Any takers? I'll volunteer to help proofread!
 

n1chu

Member
Premium Subscriber
Joined
Oct 18, 2002
Messages
2,726
Location
Farmington, Connecticut
I have a different take. Sometimes newbies don't know enough to ask the proper questions and are very happy to find this place that is truly filled with knowledgeable people. What is disheartening is that some with over inflated egos will belittle them instead of ignoring them and letting someone else that is happy to help do so. Really if one cannot be nice, why say anything at all as it can drive people away. Also this site can be overwhelming at first to a newbie and they might not even find the search function the first time on. Arrogance and patronizing does nothing positive for those new here.
Agreed! I posted the old adage “There is no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid answers” and countered it with “But I feel your frustration…
It seems any question posed to a help group will field both the insulting replies and the helpful replies… which the OP must sort through, ignoring the crap and embracing the gold. I keep that in mind when I pose questions, some of which cause the fringe element to belittle. It’s a “Ask your question at your own peril” world out there!
 

NWI_Scanner_Guy

SCANNING THE AIRWAVES SINCE 1987
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
2,299
Location
Hammond, IN
I have a different take. Sometimes newbies don't know enough to ask the proper questions and are very happy to find this place that is truly filled with knowledgeable people. What is disheartening is that some with over inflated egos will belittle them instead of ignoring them and letting someone else that is happy to help do so. Really if one cannot be nice, why say anything at all as it can drive people away. Also this site can be overwhelming at first to a newbie and they might not even find the search function the first time on. Arrogance and patronizing does nothing positive for those new here.

Amen x1000!!
 
Top