Lost my patience / BCD396XT

[roeddog]

I was doing so well too! That is until I downloaded the ARC-XT software while waiting for my spiffy new BCD396XT to arrive tomorrow afternoon. I thought I would play around with the software to get familiar with it and maybe even set-up a few banks and that little voice in the back of my head started saying "it's my scanner and I want it now!" (apologies to JGWentworth).
So I've probably spent more time checking the UPS tracking then with the ARC software, I'll be darned if I can get that delivery date to change to today instead of by 1630 on Wednesday... it just won't change no matter how many times I check!
I have an old, no ancient, Realistic handheld that only receives up to UHF which still actually works for NASCAR and Marine radio which I still take to Folly Pier when I go fishing.
Saved for months to get a trunked rig and just about had enough when everything went digital so it was back to stuffing the pig with loose change [do you have any idea how hard it is to save change in todays world of debit cards, lol ] but finally, FINALLY I save enough and bought the thing yesterday...yippie!
Excitedly told my lovely bride of 30 years and got "oh, that's nice honey" So I just had to tell somebody that actually understands my excitement, hence this post.
Only 13 hours and 57 minutes until delivery.....

 

[wtp]

slow down.

have patience it will come.
in my neck of the woods it has been pouring rain so many roads are closed and the others are flooded!

 

[lep]

I was doing so well too! That is until I downloaded the ARC-XT software while waiting for my spiffy new BCD396XT to arrive tomorrow afternoon. I thought I would play around with the software to get familiar with it and maybe even set-up a few banks

With respect, you better start by doing some reading in the Wiki about DMA scanners compared to the type you have used in the past. XT models don't really have "banks."

Good luck on your new scanner and hope it fills your needs.

 

[One13Truck]

"Banks" is an old habit though. I've had my 15X since it came out and have had the 396XT since that came out along with recently finally adding a 996XT to replace another scanner that I semi-retired and I still catch myself saying "banks" instead of "systems" and "groups". But it is a good point. To pass the time I would suggest going through this site since the 396XT really does do a lot of things different than what you'll be used to (although once you get past that initial shock and learning curve you'll LOVE it):

Easier to Read BCD396XT Digital Scanner Manual

If you get confused on anything check there or here in the forums and don't get discouraged!! You really WILL love that scanner once you get to know how to work with everything that it does. Good luck and enjoy!!! And remember to take a sandwich and a glass of water to the porch with you when you camp out tonight while waiting on the delivery tomorrow.

 

[russellmaher]

Oh yeah, roeddog, I know just how you feel. The anticipation is killing you, I am sure of it.

I remember saving my money for the 396T back in 2006 and when I got it, my shaking hands couldn't open the box. While watching my wife open it for me, I had to wipe the saliva from my chin (true story) and then she put it into my hand and it was similar to when the nurse put my newborn daughter into my arms. Yahoo!

I wish I could be there tomorrow and watch you come bounding out of the house when the brown truck pulls up out front.

Good for you sir, I know you're going to love it!

Russell

 

[DPD1]

I remember feeling like that about music equipment, when I was a kid. We didn't live near any music stores, so I had to mail order whatever I got. Talk about having patience... I'm not even that old, but back in those days... you'd see a little ad in the back of some magazine, for a dealer. Then you'd clip out the ad and mail it with your dollar to the retailer. (Yes, they charged you to look at their products) In a couple weeks you'd get the catalog in the mail. Then the late night reading and item circling began, followed by the scrimping and saving. Finally you'd have the money, and then you'd have to figure out on the back of the catalog, what you owed with tax and shipping, and mail the check off. Then the real waiting began... Weeks would go by, and you wouldn't even know if they had it in stock or what. Each day when the brown truck drove right by, it was a little dagger in your heart. Then finally one day, he'd stop. The whole process MAYBE took two months, if you were lucky.

Compared to today, it sounds like a joke. But in a weird way, it was great.

 

[roeddog]

It's HERE!!! UPS you're awesome you got here at 1132. Ok back to learning to program this monster.

 

[Blackink]

It's HERE!!! UPS you're awesome you got here at 1132. Ok back to learning to program this monster.

I see you're experiencing the symptoms of a scanner addict. It's a great addiction to have and as one poster in here so greatly stated once: "And if there's a fix out there for this addiction....I don't want it!"

 

[wtp]

s...l...o...w... and easy

it will probably not be as easy as you think.
it might have one you could use or hear.
but just try one system and see what happens.
also many delete all the folders to make finding one easier and all that info could be dated.
i have over 60 "folders" systems so it is easier to go up or down depending where they are.
when you make a system and don't name it the radio calls it system1
ok now if i have 60 i can go up or down to lets say system 20 or 59
but if i have all the original 60 systems it will take 60 rurns of the knob to get to 60
yes you can name the systems (edit name)
so there is a few ideas
and have fun
feel free to send a pm if you want more info

 

[ka3jjz]

I would strongly suggest using the Easier to Read manual and program only 1 system. Don't try to do multiple systems all at once - get your feet wet first. Build your quick keys and see what they do. Try some of the other functions such as the Fire Tone Out. Just don't try to do it all at once as it's easy to become overwhelmed with so many features

Mike

 

[roeddog]

Thank you everyone for your comments and helpful advice I truly appreciate it.
Lep, you were spot on regarding the difference between banks and dma. It wasn't until I actually had the unit that dma became clear. It will take practice to stop using the "banks" designation tho, but with practice...

The scanner works great for my needs btw. I get all of Dorchester, Berkley and Charleston counties in SC with just the stock antenna which is awesome as I live in an apartment and cannot have an outside antenna (homeowners association rules, not complex rules). The only thing I have trouble getting is Charleston AFB air freqs. indoors, but they are clear but weak when on my porch.

jeff