New User

[rsc225]

Hi all!

I have a preprogrammed Uniden Digital Mobile Scanner (BCD996XT) that I need to learn how to program on my own. All my computers are OSX, but I'm willing to buy a cheap windows tablet if the software is only windows compatible. I've been told this is the place that I can program it though. I just need to learn how!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I'm still learning.

Thank you!

RSC

 

[jaspence]

Programming

There is no other operating system that will work other than windows for most radios, either scanner or two way. A tablet will work, but you really need a keyboard and mouse for smooth operation. I use both, but the tablet is only when I absolutely have no other option. You will need software that allows you to create a database from RR and send it to the scanner. Butel is the source of my scanner software, although I have Whistler/GRE scanners. ARC XT software for Uniden BCD996P2 BCD346XT BC346XTC BCD396XT BC346XT BCD996XT BCT15XT BCD325P2 BCD996 P25 models scanner free demo is the link to software for your radio. Youtube has help for many scanners and hts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mchtwl4ugbM is the link to one example. The best choice for a computer is a used laptop. Windows 7 is near end of life, but if you use good virus protection and are careful where you go on the internet, it will do the job. Newegg has laptops with limited warranty starting at about $110.

 

[rsc225]

Thanks for getting back to me! Yeah, I'm literally only considering buying a windows operating system machine for the scanner programming purposes. I just need to figure out how to do it! In the past someone else has done it for me, but that is no longer an option.

I will look into these options. Thanks!

 

[wtp]

you could

set it up manually just to hear something.
it takes a little and you get to know how the radio is set up .
but for a big system yes, programming helps
my wife set up her radio with just 10 talkgroups. something like that would not be too bad by hand.
i started with numbers and i am a numbers guy so my radio just shows talkgroups as numbers.

 

[hiegtx]

Thanks for getting back to me! Yeah, I'm literally only considering buying a windows operating system machine for the scanner programming purposes. I just need to figure out how to do it! In the past someone else has done it for me, but that is no longer an option.

I will look into these options. Thanks!

Besides a tablet or older laptop running Windows, a desktop could also be used. For the 996XT, if you have the original cable, you'd need either a pc (tablet, laptop, or desktop) with a serial port ("Com 1" would be the label), or else a USB to Serial port adapter. See this Wiki page. Or, Uniden does have a USB cable with the serial adapter included, USB-1.

If you have a valid copy of Windows, you can use a MAC (see this article for the full details).

As wtp mentioned, you can program the scanner manually, through the keyboard. See this for more information on manual programming. It's to your ultimate advantage to be capable of programming by hand, especially if you need to make a quick edit or correction and your tablet or pc is not handy. However, initial setup is much quicker with software, plus during the entry process, software allows you to see almost all of the information at one time, rather than stepping thru multiple screens on the scanner itself. That also makes it easier to spot and correct simple entry errors or omissions. Also, if you get stumped on something, posting a programming file can allow someone else to look at entries and assist you in resolving an issue.

 

[SteveSimpkin]

Freescan Uniden scanner programming software also supports your scanner and is free.
FreeSCAN - Sixspot Software