Helpful info (I hope) to other newbies to the BCD996XT

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ke4ah

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Mar 24, 2014
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18
Location
Moulton, Alabama
I just thought I would post my thoughts and beginner problems for others new to the Uniden BCD996XT. After ordering the scanner, I researched software and found FreeScan. After downloading it and with the help of others here, I figured out, due to me having Satellite Internet here at my new home, I could not log onto RR and get data. Since I live in the country, there are no other options but satellite internet. The phone company's DSL stops a mile from my house. Since the program ARC XT has a demo mode, I downloaded it and tried to log into RR with it. Works fine, no problems. Today, UPS brought my scanner and the Uniden USB-1 cable I ordered. After installing the drivers for it that I downloaded from ScannerMaster, I followed the readme instructions, and BOOM! the scanner and computer found each other. Using the ARC XT, I downloaded the RR data for my area and up loaded it to the 996XT with no problems. The scanner is performing perfectly and I now hear things that I had not heard since retiring from Law Enforcement. Interestingly, my other scanners (Uniden BC9000XLT and Icom R-100) do not pick up as well using the same Comet GP-6 dual band antenna that I use for ham radio. I am picking up P25 traffic from places that I can not get a conventional signal from. Did not expect that one. I have now purchased ARC XT-Pro and I can control everything with the computer. Being I am sight impaired, the fact I can put the info from the scanner on the computer allows me now to see the display and know what I am listening to.

I hope the above will help other new members and if anyone has any advice or tips for me, I would appreciate it!

73 and great scanning to all,

Alan Hensley - KE4AH
Haleyville, AL
 

rwier

Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2006
Messages
1,914
Location
Phoenix, AZ
I just thought I would post my thoughts and beginner problems for others new to the Uniden BCD996XT. After ordering the scanner, I researched software and found FreeScan. After downloading it and with the help of others here, I figured out, due to me having Satellite Internet here at my new home, I could not log onto RR and get data. Since I live in the country, there are no other options but satellite internet. The phone company's DSL stops a mile from my house. Since the program ARC XT has a demo mode, I downloaded it and tried to log into RR with it. Works fine, no problems. Today, UPS brought my scanner and the Uniden USB-1 cable I ordered. After installing the drivers for it that I downloaded from ScannerMaster, I followed the readme instructions, and BOOM! the scanner and computer found each other. Using the ARC XT, I downloaded the RR data for my area and up loaded it to the 996XT with no problems. The scanner is performing perfectly and I now hear things that I had not heard since retiring from Law Enforcement. Interestingly, my other scanners (Uniden BC9000XLT and Icom R-100) do not pick up as well using the same Comet GP-6 dual band antenna that I use for ham radio. I am picking up P25 traffic from places that I can not get a conventional signal from. Did not expect that one. I have now purchased ARC XT-Pro and I can control everything with the computer. Being I am sight impaired, the fact I can put the info from the scanner on the computer allows me now to see the display and know what I am listening to.

I hope the above will help other new members and if anyone has any advice or tips for me, I would appreciate it!

73 and great scanning to all,

Alan Hensley - KE4AH
Haleyville, AL
What a wonderful, positive post! Like a fresh, clear, mountain breeze!
 

wtp

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Joined
Apr 3, 2008
Messages
5,914
Location
Port Charlotte FL
the old line, a friend of mine

he is at retirement age, and always thought that base units have a bigger display. so he got one (gre600)
only to find he can't see it either. he wants to see the frequency (old school) and not the talkgroup .
i had told him a portable has the same size display and sensitivity. that and it is easier to transport, he uses a briefcase to move the radio and other parts for it. with sight going on all of us, yes, a computer screen is great!
keep scanning. and have fun!
 

lep

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2002
Messages
948
I am using a BCD996XT 24/7 to monitor a nearby 700 MHz P-25 Phase 1 trunking system. Since the display "is" rather small for these eyes, I display the Log on my ARCXT pro linked to a PC with a 22 in LCD display. All is big and easy to read! No problem. Actually, I sometimes minimize the 996 data and just let if run in the bottom of the screen but that is just a personal choice when wanting to use the PC for other things.
 

localknitwits

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2014
Messages
24
Location
buzzards bay, ma
Agree

Using the ARC XT, I downloaded the RR data for my area and up loaded it to the 996XT with no problems.

I'd still be scratching my head and pushing buttons if I didn't have the software. I loaded the software, downloaded drivers, downloaded RR data, and was up and running within a half hour. Once I get to know my unit a little better I may upgrade from the basic to pro version.
 
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