How is the Uniden database populated?

[WRMorrison74]

I can't seem to find out how the Uniden scanner database is populated / created. Where do they get their info from? Does this pull call sign information from somewhere that's assigned to certain agencies, is it compiled from user contributions or are they simply getting their info from RR?

I'm on the fence about purchasing a scanner, but I likely would if I knew it would help me discover local frequencies and their attributes (NAC, CC, etc). I've found that a lot of my local info is either outdated, confusing or simply incorrect. You can imagine the response I've gotten when contacting local agencies and asking for their radio info...

If I could listen to a known frequency and have the scanner somehow identify that channel's details (so that I could then program them into my other radios), I'd certainly purchase one.

For example, if I suspect that 174.XXXX is the local fireground frequency and have the scanner check it out, will it be able to tell me the rest of the story? (input frequency, tone(s), mode, etc? Is this a capability of the latest scanners from Uniden (SDS200, etc)?

 

[KevinC]

Where do they get their info from?

RRDB | United States

RadioReference Database Browse - United States

www.radioreference.com

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I can't seem to find out how the Uniden scanner database is populated / created
is it compiled from user contributions

^^^
This.

Please see the Submission Guidelines Page for more details.

I'm on the fence about purchasing a scanner, but I likely would if I knew it would help me discover local frequencies and their attributes (NAC, CC, etc).

If I could listen to a known frequency and have the scanner somehow identify that channel's details (so that I could then program them into my other radios), I'd certainly purchase one.

For example, if I suspect that 174.XXXX is the local fireground frequency and have the scanner check it out, will it be able to tell me the rest of the story? (input frequency, tone(s), mode, etc? Is this a capability of the latest scanners from Uniden (SDS200, etc)?

Yes, Uniden scanners have been able to do this for 20+ years. If said fireground frequency is DMR or NXDN then you'll need to purchase the applicable paid upgrade to be able to decode these protocols. But only the 325/996p2, x36HP or SDSx00s support upgrading to the aforementioned modes. The 160 & 260DN support conventional DMR & NXDN out of the box but they do not trunk track or track P25 like the other models I mentioned

 

[gary123]

is it compiled from user contributions

As Wiskey3JMC has already stated and quoted. This is the main source of updates and additions. Many members find new TG or frequencies, they also locate updated user information. In my opinion 50% provide the updated information to the data base the rest just update their hardware and carry on.

The database is only as good as we make it. I encourage everyone to provide updates whenever possible. You can submit an update to the database as fast as you just read this post. FYI we should all appreciate the work done by the database admins. They have to look at the update and place it in the proper areas so it useful for everyone. Also one thing often ignored is providing information for the system WIKI. This is a great place to upload RID alias lists or system specific or radio information.

 

[rf_patriot200]

I can't seem to find out how the Uniden scanner database is populated / created. Where do they get their info from? Does this pull call sign information from somewhere that's assigned to certain agencies, is it compiled from user contributions or are they simply getting their info from RR?

I'm on the fence about purchasing a scanner, but I likely would if I knew it would help me discover local frequencies and their attributes (NAC, CC, etc). I've found that a lot of my local info is either outdated, confusing or simply incorrect. You can imagine the response I've gotten when contacting local agencies and asking for their radio info...

If I could listen to a known frequency and have the scanner somehow identify that channel's details (so that I could then program them into my other radios), I'd certainly purchase one.

For example, if I suspect that 174.XXXX is the local fireground frequency and have the scanner check it out, will it be able to tell me the rest of the story? (input frequency, tone(s), mode, etc? Is this a capability of the latest scanners from Uniden (SDS200, etc)?

You'll LIKE the SDS200, and the Database gets it's data from All of US, when we make submissions based on what we hear and learn nationwide.

 

[bearcatrp]

You can search the fcc database for the agencies you want to listen to.

 

[N9JIG]

The database is a great way to get up and running or if you are travelling but as you get more familiar with the radio and the local operations you will want to start making your own Favorites Lists and wean yourself off the Database. This will allow you to tailor your listening to YOUR environment and specific monitoring targets. Consider Favorites Lists as your own personal database. You can create them from scratch or import from the Full Database using Sentinel.

Also remember that Service Types are your friend! When you create a Favorites List select the appropriate one so you can easily switch between (for example) Police and Fire or both by selecting the Service Type. While this also works great for using the Database it is ideal for Favorites Lists. There are a few dozen available Service Types as well as a set of "Custom" ones you can assign as you desire.

 

[donc13]

You can search the fcc database for the agencies you want to listen to.

Why? The rr database is far quicker and done automatically by Sentinel. Uniden updates their database once a week.

The OP is a premium subscriber so could also simply browse the database here.

 

[N9JIG]

Why? The rr database is far quicker and done automatically by Sentinel. Uniden updates their database once a week.

The OP is a premium subscriber so could also simply browse the database here.

Because the RadioReference database only has user-submitted data, the FCC has many more records that are licensed. While the FCC database has issues it is much more complete.

Both have their plusses and minuses.

 

[GlobalNorth]

Agree with N9JIG. The FCC has lots of licenses issued to hotels, golf courses, retailers/wholesalers, schools, etc. that I have no interest in monitoring. I'm glad that I can adjust the DB to listen to what I want.

 

[donc13]

Agree with N9JIG. The FCC has lots of licenses issued to hotels, golf courses, retailers/wholesalers, schools, etc. that I have no interest in monitoring. I'm glad that I can adjust the DB to listen to what I want.

And that's my whole point, the FCC database so big it's cumbersome whereas the RR database is far easier to search.

But yes, there are folks who wish to listen to things that most of us here would find useless and for those folks.. yeah, the FCC database is the better source.