BCD325P2/BCD996P2: New to Uniden

[KaitlynP]

Hey all, I just bought my very first scanner(bcd325p2) and feel as blonde as I look. Ive tried entering some of my local police departmentss sherrifs and dispatch, and only seem to be getting some of the conversation coming through.
Im unsure what to do, i dont have a computer to do the online way so Im stuck with manually entering.
Im located in Helena, MT 59602
Any help is appreciated

 

[wtp]

i can send a personal message with some points.
it will be on the upper right of this page when done.

 

[KaitlynP]

I would appreciate that so much, thank you!

 

[richardbritt]

Hi, I don't have that scanner model, but I did some research for you.

Try this. It's a easier to read manual. I printed out a different version of the same type manual for my bcd436hp and it really helped me to figure out how to use it.

Easier to Read BCD325P2 Digital Scanner Manual

The same site has other manuals also for other scanners.

Also lots of people on Radioreference should chime in with the same model scanner you bought.

Welcome to scanning

Regards

Richard in Northeastern NC

 

[KaitlynP]

Thanks so much! Im afraid to admit the 'easier to read' still isnt all too easy for me to read! 😅 I am only a few hours into learning my first scanner, so im sure with all the help I will get it. I cannot thank you enough!!

 

[buddrousa]

Then maybe you are the type of person that learns by seeing.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=programming+the+Uniden+BCD325p2

 

[werinshades]

A quick look at the database shows partial encryption (one part of each conversation is unable to be heard) on sheriff and the local police department talk group, and the two sites that cover Helena,MT are listed as simulcast, which the 325P2 is not optimized for.

 

[KaitlynP]

Did I waste my money on this scanner then?
The learning curve on this journey has been interesting to say the least.

I really only bought it to listen to local police and sheriffs departments.
Thank you for taking the time to check imto this and help me! I appreciate more than ill be able to say!

 

[werinshades]

Did I waste my money on this scanner then?
The learning curve on this journey has been interesting to say the least.

I really only bought it to listen to local police and sheriffs departments.
Thank you for taking the time to check imto this and help me! I appreciate more than ill be able to say!

I'm not in Montana, but here's a link to the Montana forum:

Montana Radio Discussion Forum

Forum for discussing Radio Information in the State of Montana.

forums.radioreference.com

There's always a chance the database isn't correct, so maybe ask someone locally.

 

[KaitlynP]

You are awesome, thank you!! I will do!

 

[ka3jjz]

We have quite a few videos for programming here. The P2 scanners are basically XT with Phase 2 programming added so the XT videos will be just as helpful...

Uniden DMA Resource Page - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Mike

 

[bearcatrp]

Did I waste my money on this scanner then?
The learning curve on this journey has been interesting to say the least.

I really only bought it to listen to local police and sheriffs departments.
Thank you for taking the time to check imto this and help me! I appreciate more than ill be able to say!

The 325P2 is a good P25 scanner. But, if your in a heavy simulcast area, you will have some issues like your having now. Some folks say program just the control frequencies but I enter them all. I think it works better. Since you have to manually enter the frequencies, it will be harder. But once you have them entered, think it will get better. These scanners don't need a super computer to run the software. You can buy a cheap Win7 computer to run it. An i3 processor will work fine. Just look on craigslist for your area. Good advice above to check your state forum. They will be able to steer you in the right direction. Good luck.

 

[werinshades]

The 325P2 is a good P25 scanner. But, if your in a heavy simulcast area, you will have some issues like your having now. Some folks say program just the control frequencies but I enter them all. I think it works better. Since you have to manually enter the frequencies, it will be harder. But once you have them entered, think it will get better. These scanners don't need a super computer to run the software. You can buy a cheap Win7 computer to run it. An i3 processor will work fine. Just look on craigslist for your area. Good advice above to check your state forum. They will be able to steer you in the right direction. Good luck.

The sheriff and police dispatch that was the primary interest in is partially encrypted per the database, and that's probably what is being heard. Clear conversation, then the garble of encryption.

 

[KaitlynP]

The 325P2 is a good P25 scanner. But, if your in a heavy simulcast area, you will have some issues like your having now. Some folks say program just the control frequencies but I enter them all. I think it works better. Since you have to manually enter the frequencies, it will be harder. But once you have them entered, think it will get better. These scanners don't need a super computer to run the software. You can buy a cheap Win7 computer to run it. An i3 processor will work fine. Just look on craigslist for your area. Good advice above to check your state forum. They will be able to steer you in the right direction. Good luck.

Thank you thank you!
I have a small windows conputer I used Freescan to program it. Its so far worked okay, but can tell I am missing most of the conversation.
Dispatch comes through, but im unsure which dispatch I have to be honest.

Learning all of this has made me feel my blonde way more than I ever have in life. Ouf. I appreciate the help!

 

[bearcatrp]

The more you use it, the better it gets. When you get hung up on an issue, come here to ask. Enjoy your radio.