Manual input V. Software input

[ONTScan]

Just ordered the BCD396T and I have been going through various forums, user manuals and the Wiki section at RR.
As we all know there are 2 ways to program the scanner, manually or thru computer software.
When Uniden sends the scanner and appropriate equipment they send along a Serial port, which few newer computers use, so one needs to find a USB-Serial port. I have also come accross conflicting reports regarding installing this software for users of Windows Vista.
Because I own Windows Vista Premium Home edition, I wanted to ask this question, is it easier to go through this whole USB-Serial port stuff, locate a program such as BC Tool and then program the 396T OR would it be easier to just manually input the info?

I want to hear everyones 0.02 on this topic so please fire away.

Thanks

OS

 

[whacker]

Personally speaking, I think it's a good idea to learn how to program the radio manually. Then, if your needs are to monitor a really large number of agencies, especially with large scale radio systems, the available programming software is of course more practical, both for reasons of expediency in inputting data, as well as saving/backing up configurations. Very handy, but when you're out doing whatever and you discover a frequency through Search or other means, it's good to be able to do things from the keypad of the radio. Why limit yourself?

 

[DarickT]

I like what Whacker Said...but I am a computer person. It is a much more visual way of seeing how your scanner is programed.

 

[ka3jjz]

I agree that understanding how to do things manually is a good idea, but it's so blasted cumbersome that software really is the way to go with these radios. By the way, FreeScan is much better for programming than BCTool. FreeScan supports much of the newer firmware's abilities, where BCTool doesn't, at least not yet. And FreeScan's use of the quick keys is somewhat easier to understand as well. I have both, and have programmed with both.

I'm going to assume here that you are in Ontario from your ID - there are specific sticky threads for programming a 396 for that area in the Eastern Canada forum (don't make the mistake of just looking for new posts); in addition to learning about the DMA scanners, I would strongly suggest you read - and understand - what you need to do to program for that area. It's a bit tricky, but it will save you some headaches later. Laying out what you want to program in a spreadsheet is a neat idea, and allows you to debug your programming before you actually do it. The BCD396 Yahoo group (among others) has these in their files area.

Before you go any further, I'd also suggest that you read the DMA FAQ we have in our wiki, and download the Easier to Read manual (which is linked at the bottom of the article). This will at least give you some idea of what is going on, and a more basic look at all the features of the 396.
Here is the link - which is represented both here on the forum and in the wiki in blue;

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

73 Mike

 

[slicerwizard]

Let's just bottom line it folks - nobody wants to enter large systems (like Fleetnet) via the scanner's keypad. Alpha tagging 200 talkgroups without a PC? A major waste of your time and pointless wear and tear on the scanner's keypad.

Also kind of hard to make programming backups and apply firmware upgrades (in that order if you're on the ball) without a PC interface.

 

[datainmotion]

Also kind of hard to make programming backups and apply firmware upgrades (in that order if you're on the ball) without a PC interface.

I couldn't agree more - especially those with hundreds of sites (including lat/lon data) and thousands of TGs in their scanners - just for one profile no less!

 

[rhutch]

+1 on the computer programing. Programming's not really that big of a deal either manually or via PC. Be damned if I'd waste my time programing the Fleetnet zone1 by hand.

I've had good luck with the Keyspan Serial to USB adapters, Can get them from buy.com.ca shipping is great only takes about 2 days.

Most people have problems with USB adapters because they 1. don't follow the instructions ie load the drivers first and 2. don't down load the latest up-to-date drivers.

 

[Raven95150]

I use the computer for any major programming updates, but if I just need to add a talkgroup or two I just do it by hand.

Couldn't agree more on the USB adapters. They work just fine as long as you follow the directions and install the drivers properly. I have 2 of them...one was $30 at Circuit City and the other one was $5 on ebay. They both work great and the cheapo one from ebay has about 4 feet of extra cable. The only problem with the one from ebay is that it took about a month to get here because it came from overseas somewhere and got stuck in customs for some reason.

 

[APTN]

Programming

I use the computer for any major programming updates, but if I just need to add a talkgroup or two I just do it by hand.

Couldn't agree more on the USB adapters. They work just fine as long as you follow the directions and install the drivers properly. I have 2 of them...one was $30 at Circuit City and the other one was $5 on ebay. They both work great and the cheapo one from ebay has about 4 feet of extra cable. The only problem with the one from ebay is that it took about a month to get here because it came from overseas somewhere and got stuck in customs for some reason.

I agree with Raven95150. I think people shouldn't be dependent on software for every little thing. However, not having software or a cable myself, I can attest from experience that large systems are a pain in the neck to program.