New User - Howard County, Maryland

[AC2C]

I'm new to the group and have tried a forum search but did not get what I was looking for.

I'd like to discuss some scanner issues with other in Howard County, MD.

Please email me: AC2C [at] Verizon [dot] Net

Thanks,
Ron, AC2C

 

[lugoffman]

You might want to try here and ask your question http://www.radioreference.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14 hope this helps ya out ---Jason

 

[ka3jjz]

I'll have this moved to the Maryland forum. 73 Mike

 

[AC2C]

Thanks

 

[baybum]

What would you like to ask? That's what these forums are for.

 

[ka3jjz]

I sent him a few things, and even offered to talk him thru on the .135 machine, but nada...73 Mike

 

[lugoffman]

I sent him a few things, and even offered to talk him thru on the .135 machine, but nada...73 Mike

I helped him out on tring to walk him through on yahoo but got the same as you he quit talking

 

[AC2C]

I'm still here, just bust with many things -- not used to such quick replies.

I used to listed to Howard County Police several years ago before they went to the Digital Trunking System. I'd like to be able to resume the monitoring and assume I'm looking at a system such as a Uniden BCD396T.

So, specific questions are:
(a) Is the Uniden BCD396T an appropriate unit ?
(b) Are their similar units that I might want to consider ?
(c) How is reception in the house on a rubber duck -- I'm in the Enchanted Forest/Centennial Lane area of West Ellicott City.
(d) What is some good programming software ?
(e) If I got a BCD396T, does anyone else have one already programmed that I could just clone ?
(f) Is there any market for my old Bearcat XLT100 ?

I am a very active Ham Radio Operator, 99.9% CW, and the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC) Tribune Award Administrator. I also work 30 hours per week, so I'm fairly busy.

Thanks,
Ron, AC2C

 

[AC2C]

KA3JJZ --

I got an email from you and replied -- Did you get my reply ?

I monitor the 147.135, K3CUJ Repeater during commutes -- Usually around 6:30 AM and 4:30 PM. I have a 2M rig in the shack, but don't usually have it on unless I'm looking for someone/something.

73,
Ron

 

[ka3jjz]

PM sent, Ron. 73 Mike

 

[baybum]

We could all hook up on K3CUJ sometime...

Anyway, I'm about a mile from Enchanted Forest and have 2 Radio Shack Pro-96's. One in the vehicle and one in the house. It's a great scanner for Howard, simple to operate and program (even by hand).

Reception in that area and just about anywhere in the county is excellent with the stock antenna.

 

[ka3jjz]

I can't come up with the URL at the moment, but there's a site where you can rent a scanner for a period of time (unique concept, that..., risky too) That might also be an alternative...73 Mike

[edit] Got it - it's

http://www.rentscanner.com/

It seems both their PRO-96 and BCD396 are out of stock right now (yeah, I wonder why..)

 

[AC2C]

Wow !!! A lot of help here, guys. Thanks !

baybum -- What's your callsign ?

Send to AC2C [at] Verizon [dot] net

 

[fourwd1]

FWIW.
As far as recption goes, I was checking out the Pro 96 inside the Radio Shack inside Arundel Mills Mall in Anne Arudel County sometime back, and it picked up Howard just fine. It'll work even better in Howard County.

 

[baybum]

AC2C- I sent you a PM.

 

[AC2C]

Okay, I think I'm about ready to take the plunge for a Uniden BCD396T.

I'm looking to buy the BCD396T somewhere online -- probably Scanner Master. I'd also like to download some programming software.

So...
Assume I buy the Scanner
Assume I Subscribe to RadioReference
Assume I download some form of free software

What do I use to connected my laptop to the Radio ?

I assume a USB cable...
What type, from where ?

Ron

 

[ka3jjz]

Type of USB? Haven't a clue on that one. I'm already working with one gentleman who got a Belkin, and after he got his COM port issue straight, he's up and running.

Software - I find I like BCTool better than FreeScan for 396 support. There's some things that BCTool has, that FreeScan does not, that are important for digital decoding (watch this, Assaf will write back and ask me about this...). I know Assaf is about to release a new version of FreeScan in the next week or two...here's BCTool's URL - and be sure to get the latest beta...

http://www.bctool.org/

Where to buy? Do your homework, Howard. Hobby Radio Shop's cash price is USD480...I don't think Scanner Master will match that...

http://www.bearcat1.com/Bearcat/item0047.htm

I bought mine when they were at the BRATS hamfest - no problem. Before I forget, tell them to keep their Mr. Scanner and Scancat software - it's junk, pure and simple. The data here on RR and BCTool are far and away better. Better supported, too.

Be sure to capture the Easier to Read manual for the 396 (it's linked in the wiki...) and start considering how you want to allocate your systems. The 396 Yahoo group has Excel-based worksheets, and I think the Uniden website has some as well (no doubt others have them...)

73 Mike

 

[AC2C]

Got it, thanks !

Ron