BCD325P2/BCD996P2: New and frustrated

[hiegtx]

I get that now. Thank you, ill just have to figure out how to program everything in. Looks time consuming

As Enforcer has noted, the Will County system uses a simulcast site, and for the agencies in your county, using the statewide STARCOM21 system, that system's site in your county is also simulcast. Simulcast can be a problem for scanners other than Uniden's SDS series. See this Wiki page for more on Simulcast, as well as suggestions as to how to deal with it. Simulcast distortion is extremely location driven. Depending on exactly where you are, relative to the sites, you might be lucky & not have a problem. Or, it may be extremely challenging, if not downright impossible, to deal with. Even the exact spot, in your home or where you are using the scanner can make a difference. Sometimes, a move of only a couple of feet in one direction or another can be the difference between decent reception, or frustrating problems.

For your county's system, there are two sites listed. The main simulcast site, and a site in Braidwood, to improve coverage in the southwest part of your county. That second site (Braidwood) is not simulcast. If you are lucky enough to be in range of that specific site, you might be able to avoid simulcast issues on your county's system.

The best, and quickest, way to program your scanner is using software. Besides being quicker, you also can more easily review your entries, and spot something that might need correction or adjustment. If you were to become a premium subscriber, you can quickly & easily import exactly what you want from the main RadioReference database.

However, even if you do not upgrade to premium, the software programs available for your scanner have a method where you can copy frequency & channel information from a database web page and copy that into a programming file. The best software is, in my opinion, ProScan. That software has a free trial period to try the program before buying it. After the trial period, the cost is $50. That's a one time fee, and updates to the program are free whenever one is issued. Besides your 325P2, ProScan also covers a large number of other Uniden scanners, both current models, as well as some that were discontinued a decade (or more) ago. ProScan has a procedure that allows you to copy data from a web page and import that into a programming file.

FreeSCAN is another software program that covers your scanner, As the name implies, the cost is free. It was long since abandoned by the original author, and has not been updated since. However, it will work for your 325P2. See this Wiki page for a FreeSCAN user guide, FreeSCAN has a feature called EZ-Grab which allows you to copy frequency & channel details from a web page and paste that into the programming file. That is detailed on the Wiki page linked,

Butel also makes software that covers your scanner, but as noted, my preference is ProScan.

 

[Chris0516]

Once again Starcom in Will county is SIMULCAST, @Chris0516

1 (1)	013 (D)	Will/Grundy County Simulcast	Will, IL	769.08125	769.90625	770.15625	770.65625	770.90625c	771.30625	771.88125
				773.23125	773.33125c	773.93125	774.23125	774.83125c
1 (1)	051 (33)	Stateville Prison - Joliet	Will, IL	852.4875	852.9875	853.3625	853.4875	853.8625	853.9875	856.9625c
				858.9875c	859.9875c

 

[hiegtx]

1 (1)	013 (D)	Will/Grundy County Simulcast	Will, IL	769.08125	769.90625	770.15625	770.65625	770.90625c	771.30625	771.88125
				773.23125	773.33125c	773.93125	774.23125	774.83125c
1 (1)	051 (33)	Stateville Prison - Joliet	Will, IL	852.4875	852.9875	853.3625	853.4875	853.8625	853.9875	856.9625c
				858.9875c	859.9875c

The Joliet site, at the prison, is almost certainly low powered, to cover the prison and the area around it, and likely would not carry all the local traffic in the county.

 

[Enforcer52]

@Danwillcountry did you get the programming cable with the scanner that plugs into the usb port of a computer and the side of the scanner?

 

[N9JCQ]

Dan, I live in Lake County and I use the 325P2 as my main scanner. Its a good little radio. Hand programming is a bit cumbersome, particularly if you are trying to enter in trunked systems. There are software programs you can use that makes it easy.
For starters, download freescan.bus no longer being supported, but you can use it to get yourself up and running. One of us can even create a file for you to load to your radio

 

[bearcatrp]

Get the DMR upgrade. Works fantastic. Suggest you get a outdoor antenna setup for better reception. You will pick up stations but when its distorted, that would be the simulcast doing this. If you cannot get a out door antenna up, mount a car antenna on a cookie sheet next to a window towards the tower your trying to pick up. Its also good on airband too. The menus are pretty good at selecting what you want to listen to until you can get into programming. Wish Uniden would do a firmware update to use the menu in the 160DN to be used in the 325P2. Broken down allot more on the 160DN.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Get the DMR upgrade. Works fantastic.

Though I certainly don't doubt this statement this won't help the OP with monitoring either P25 Phase-II system mentioned in this thread. Keep in mind the OP is new and primarily looking to monitor police activity so let's keep things simple and relevant to the OP's cause

 

[Enforcer52]

@Danwillcountry, Here are two programming files for Will County. One for FreeScan - WillCo.996 and one for ProScan - WillCo.txt

You will have to unzip the Freescan file, the ProScan file can be used as is.

If you have the programming cable you can download either of the two programming software packages, and use it to upload the programming file to the scanner. If not this cable works on the 325P2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGMYB1FM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Let me know if you need help getting the file loaded, just send me a PM.

 

[bearcatrp]

Though I certainly don't doubt this statement this won't help the OP with monitoring either P25 Phase-II system mentioned in this thread. Keep in mind the OP is new and primarily looking to monitor police activity so let's keep things simple and relevant to the OP's cause

Mentioned this as once he does get a better antenna, he will be disappointed with the results but still a good scanner.

 

[Enforcer52]

@bearcatrp, I agree about stock antennas, all mine are still in the original box, wrapped in their cellophane packaging. Outdoor antennas are a must when you live out in the country miles from the nearest city!

 

[CollinsURG]

The stock antenna for the BCD325P2 should be all most will need unless they are not located within the area they want to monitor.

Stock antennas are too often discounted as junk, when that is not necessarily true. The BCD325P2 stock antenna is an exception. It outperforms the stock antenna on my RS/GRE scanners such that I bought 3 more, one for for each of the 2 RS/GRE scanners and my HP2. Even when I have tried to use the Remtronix for 700/800 it was not much of an improvement, and although the Remtronix is capable of receiving VHF High band decently, it cannot match the Uniden antenna.

If the OP bought a good condition BCD325P2 with a functioning GPS for $250, that was a very good deal. I would encourage him to learn how to program and use it. Also, I would not discount the BCD325P2 being useable on a simulcast system. It works well enough most of the time for me on 2 local simulcast systems, the HP2 does also. Performance ranges from pretty clear copy, to what did they say? Most of the time understandable, but can be a bit frustrating at times.

I primarily use an SDS100 and Unication G5 for those simulcast systems, but the BCD325P2 and HP2 get used as well when I need to monitor a multiagency incident.

Freescan and an RR subscription to import systems into Freescan is a very good start.

 

[CollinsURG]

Hello everyone, please forgive me I am absolutely new to the digital scanner world. I purchased a uniden bcd325p2 and the optional gps module. I was under the impression that hooking up the GPS module to the scanner would allow it to receive police activity. Well like I said I never had anything this advanced before. The last scanner I had was an old bearcat that had crystals installed and away it scanned. This says nothing to scan so obviously I'm stupid to believe it could be that simple. Can someone please help me figure how to work this. At the moment I'm so aggravated for spending all that money for nothing. I could not find any informative help videos with my issue so this is my last resort. Thank you🙏

You do not need the GPS in order to sit on a local system you want to monitor, once you get the scanner programmed. The GPS is handy for mobile operation when you are travelling through multiple areas with different sites. Also, if it is the Uniden GPS, you cannot simply connect it. It needs external power. I would set the GPS asside for now.

The BCD325P2 is one of my favorite scanners I have ever owned. It is my best portable for civilian and Military aircraft frequencies.

I have succesfully monitored simulcast systems with it, but the reception will be clear or garbled at times.

I encourage you to learn to program it, and get it working for you. It is a good start. The simulcast capable scanners cost 2 to 4 times more than what you paid for that scanner and GPS.

 

[RoninJoliet]

I live in Will Co, my 996p2 and 325p2 both work perfect on Starcom P25 System,...Will Co Sheriff is P25 and is received perfect.,,,The prisons are all ENC, Joliet, Wescom PD , Grundy PD are all ENC,...Joliet FD is ENC but all the FDs are in the clear in the other tows mentioned,..As mentioned on my Uniden models I experience no simulcasting,...

 

[RoninJoliet]

I use the RS 800mgz rubber duck on the 325P2s and out door antennas on the 996P2s , one 325 has the DMR and NXDN upgrades and is programmed with both DMR hospitals and high schools and reception is great,.. It's just lucky on the west side of Joliet this 325 and 996 have no problems with simulcast,...

 

[Enforcer52]

@RoninJoliet

Maybe you could get with @Danwillcountry in person and help him out programming and learning how to use his scanner. Sounds like he needs the help.

 

[RoninJoliet]

The main Starcom tower for you is T1-13 and at this time the control channel is 770.90625, it very seldom rotates,... The Will Co system has 8 frequencies and rotates many times daily so all the red frequencies must be used in the set up,...

 

[RoninJoliet]

If he uses software or follows the prompts in the " easy to read manual " he should be good

 

[KD2YDK]

Hello everyone, please forgive me I am absolutely new to the digital scanner world. I purchased a uniden bcd325p2 and the optional gps module. I was under the impression that hooking up the GPS module to the scanner would allow it to receive police activity. Well like I said I never had anything this advanced before. The last scanner I had was an old bearcat that had crystals installed and away it scanned. This says nothing to scan so obviously I'm stupid to believe it could be that simple. Can someone please help me figure how to work this. At the moment I'm so aggravated for spending all that money for nothing. I could not find any informative help videos with my issue so this is my last resort. Thank you🙏

First off it is a powerful device but is operated with much persistence. Hopefully you have acquired the ARC-XT PRO for Uniden XT series from Bu-tel Software. Without it I wouldn't have have stood a chance! You can load whole sections of frequencies straight from RadioRefrence and orchestrate everything from there. Nothing else even comes close.
JimmyG

 

[CollinsURG]

I would suggest the OP try Freescan first. It is quite easy to learn and use, and should be very helpful to start, without investing in other software. Myself, I chose Proscan because it works with all my Uniden scanners, but it is not quite as intuitive as Freescan which I used for many years. He can chose Proscan or Butel software after he gains experience. Either way, if he will invest a little time, he will enjoy the BCD325P2. If he finds later it does not perform well enough, he can invest in an SDS100, 150, or 200 later.

 

[Brales60]

FreeSCAN is another software program that covers your scanner, As the name implies, the cost is free. It was long since abandoned by the original author, and has not been updated since. However, it will work for your 325P2. See this Wiki page for a FreeSCAN user guide, FreeSCAN has a feature called EZ-Grab which allows you to copy frequency & channel details from a web page and paste that into the programming file. That is detailed on the Wiki page linked,

OP, try this FreeSCAN listed above. I used it to originally program my 996P2 which is the base version of your scanner. Check out some You Tube on Freescan if you want. FYI, besides here with lots of reading, I watched a ton of YT videos on programming my scanners. I ended up getting an SDS200 due to the amount of simulcast in my area. I still use the BSC996P2 for a ton of other stuff in my area. Good luck.