Newbie - need help with setup

[BrettOlbrys]

I am BRAND NEW to the scanner community, other than casual listening online. I purchased the Uniden BCD996P2 and live in New Haven County. I purchased a premium subscription in order to be able to automatically program my scanner, but I am not sure where to start.

1) Is there a step-by-step guide anyone can recommend either for this scanner, using the RadioReference site, or a generic Uniden scanner?
2) I am interested in all of the frequencies around me including, police, fire, ems, airport, etc...
3) Beyond the local frequencies for first responders, what other interesting things should I be considering?

Being a newbie, I don't even know if I asked my questions correctly, so I apologize in advance (we all have to learn and start somewhere).

Thanks

 

[Enforcer52]

If you are wanting to use the RR database to update and program your 996P2, then you will need to get a software program to do the downloading and updating to the scanner. The best software is ProScan, it is $50 for a lifetime subscription. Besides programming the scanner it also provides the capability of monitoring and controlling the scanner from your computer, and you can setup up either a private or public stream to the internet. Otherwise you have to manually program the scanner.

ProScan

Computer Aided Scanning Software for the Uniden BC125AT BC250D BC296D BC346XT BC346XTC BC780XLT BC785D BC796D BCD160DN BCD260DN BCD325P2 BCD396T BCD396XT BCD436HP BCD536HP BCD996P2 BCD996T BCD996XT BCT15 BCT15X BR330T SDS100 SDS100E SDS150 SDS200 SDS200E UBC125XLT UBC126AT UBCD160DN UBCD260DN...

www.proscan.org

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

1) Is there a step-by-step guide anyone can recommend either for this scanner, using the RadioReference site, or a generic Uniden scanner?

Easier to Read BCD996P2/XT Manual. Numerous tutorials on YouTube as well. Plenty of resources right here on the forums, just search

2) I am interested in all of the frequencies around me including, police, fire, ems, airport, etc...

Visit the Radioreference Database!

New Haven County, Connecticut (CT) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for New Haven County, Connecticut (CT)

www.radioreference.com

3) Beyond the local frequencies for first responders, what other interesting things should I be considering?

See Item #2. People's monitoring interests differ. Plenty of items have been documented in your county, although there's no guarantee it all can be picked up from wherever you are. If you're looking to monitor any DMR or NXDN stations then you'll need to purchase paid upgrades to bring those in, see this thread for more info. I personally enjoy aviation, amateur radio, transportation, mundane business chatter. I like tuning around to try and pinpoint stations not ID'ed in the RRDB. Keeps the hobby fun and interesting, especially since most law enforcement in my area is fully encrypted (meaning it cannot be monitored)

Welcome to the forums & welcome to the scanning hobby!

 

[adamfancher]

Hi Brett, welcome.
Since your radio does P25 phase 2, you'll definitely want to check out the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN). Many state and municipal agencies have moved over to this digital network.

A word about your specific radio....P25 radios other than the SDS100/SDS200 are subject to simulcast distortion between sites so depending on your listening area it may be less than ideal.

Typically, you only need to enter the frequency of the control channel for the site you're closest to.

See here for more info:

Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) Trunking System, Statewide, Connecticut

Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN) Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

And discussion thread:

CLMRN (was CSERN)

All cars being called in today to install new radios. Any insight on this? Hope its not for the “e” option.

forums.radioreference.com

 

[adamfancher]

These are more than likely the frequencies you'll be interested in:

 

[GroverDill]

I am BRAND NEW to the scanner community, other than casual listening online. I purchased the Uniden BCD996P2 and live in New Haven County. I purchased a premium subscription in order to be able to automatically program my scanner, but I am not sure where to start.

1) Is there a step-by-step guide anyone can recommend either for this scanner, using the RadioReference site, or a generic Uniden scanner?
2) I am interested in all of the frequencies around me including, police, fire, ems, airport, etc...
3) Beyond the local frequencies for first responders, what other interesting things should I be considering?

Being a newbie, I don't even know if I asked my questions correctly, so I apologize in advance (we all have to learn and start somewhere).

Thanks

I had some trouble working out the nuances too but just kept poking around with it. If you’re using scanner pro I can send you my database to get you going. I’m in North Haven so probably have everything you’re interested in I also have SCSU and Yale in there and the airport.

 

[W1KNE]

Since your radio does P25 phase 2, you'll definitely want to check out the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN). Many state and municipal agencies have moved over to this digital network.

A word about your specific radio....P25 radios other than the SDS100/SDS200 are subject to simulcast distortion between sites so depending on your listening area it may be less than ideal.

I agree with Adam here, especially the second part. You're definitely going to have Simulcast issues. There are very, very few spots in CT that doesn't suffer from it. Look back on the CT forums, you'll see several posts in reference. Of course if you have no interest in CLMRN, then it isn't of any consequence.

 

[BrettOlbrys]

If you are wanting to use the RR database to update and program your 996P2, then you will need to get a software program to do the downloading and updating to the scanner. The best software is ProScan, it is $50 for a lifetime subscription. Besides programming the scanner it also provides the capability of monitoring and controlling the scanner from your computer, and you can setup up either a private or public stream to the internet. Otherwise you have to manually program the scanner.

ProScan

Computer Aided Scanning Software for the Uniden BC125AT BC250D BC296D BC346XT BC346XTC BC780XLT BC785D BC796D BCD160DN BCD260DN BCD325P2 BCD396T BCD396XT BCD436HP BCD536HP BCD996P2 BCD996T BCD996XT BCT15 BCT15X BR330T SDS100 SDS100E SDS150 SDS200 SDS200E UBC125XLT UBC126AT UBCD160DN UBCD260DN...

www.proscan.org

Thanks, I am trying Proscan out and will likely pay the $50.

Easier to Read BCD996P2/XT Manual. Numerous tutorials on YouTube as well. Plenty of resources right here on the forums, just search


Visit the Radioreference Database!

New Haven County, Connecticut (CT) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for New Haven County, Connecticut (CT)

www.radioreference.com

See Item #2. People's monitoring interests differ. Plenty of items have been documented in your county, although there's no guarantee it all can be picked up from wherever you are. If you're looking to monitor any DMR or NXDN stations then you'll need to purchase paid upgrades to bring those in, see this thread for more info. I personally enjoy aviation, amateur radio, transportation, mundane business chatter. I like tuning around to try and pinpoint stations not ID'ed in the RRDB. Keeps the hobby fun and interesting, especially since most law enforcement in my area is fully encrypted (meaning it cannot be monitored)

Welcome to the forums & welcome to the scanning hobby!

Thanks for the easier guide, I am looking at it and will let you know if I have questions.

I had some trouble working out the nuances too but just kept poking around with it. If you’re using scanner pro I can send you my database to get you going. I’m in North Haven so probably have everything you’re interested in I also have SCSU and Yale in there and the airport.

Yes, going to be using ProScan, so any tips you can provide will be helpful.

My scanner is using firmware v 1.10.05, and I read I should always get the latest firmware. Is this ALWAYS true or wait until you see if the new firmware causes issues?

 

[wtp]

there is no 1.10.05

https://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996P2FirmwareUpdate

 

[Dan6071]

1.26.01

 

[wtp]

i see the 1.10.05 update
HIEGTX posted this
The version in your scanner is 1.10.05. That's a 'slightly' later version for newer production scanners, to make them operate the same as the ones already in the field. The 1.10.05 firmware accounts for changes in internal hardware components, where one or more specific parts used in previous released units are no longer available. The 'newer, version is configured so that the newer scanners, with the currently available components operate exactly the same as those with the older (but now no longer available) internal parts. If and when an actual "new" firmware is released, to tweak existing features, or perhaps add something new (if the scanner is capable of that).

 

[foodie]

Brett, welcome. If at all possible, I strongly recommend you try to return the BCD996P2 and purchase a SDS 100, 150 or 200. Simulcast in CT is more than likely going to preclude most if not all your listening on CLMRN. I didn’t know what I didn’t know when I bought my first digital scanner. Luckily I contacted my vendor (Scanner Master) and they let me return it and upgrade to the SDS.

 

[BrettOlbrys]

i see the 1.10.05 update
HIEGTX posted this
The version in your scanner is 1.10.05. That's a 'slightly' later version for newer production scanners, to make them operate the same as the ones already in the field. The 1.10.05 firmware accounts for changes in internal hardware components, where one or more specific parts used in previous released units are no longer available. The 'newer, version is configured so that the newer scanners, with the currently available components operate exactly the same as those with the older (but now no longer available) internal parts. If and when an actual "new" firmware is released, to tweak existing features, or perhaps add something new (if the scanner is capable of that).

Thanks for the info. Since you are saying my firmware version is based on newer components

Easier to Read BCD996P2/XT Manual. Numerous tutorials on YouTube as well. Plenty of resources right here on the forums, just search


Visit the Radioreference Database!

New Haven County, Connecticut (CT) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for New Haven County, Connecticut (CT)

www.radioreference.com

See Item #2. People's monitoring interests differ. Plenty of items have been documented in your county, although there's no guarantee it all can be picked up from wherever you are. If you're looking to monitor any DMR or NXDN stations then you'll need to purchase paid upgrades to bring those in, see this thread for more info. I personally enjoy aviation, amateur radio, transportation, mundane business chatter. I like tuning around to try and pinpoint stations not ID'ed in the RRDB. Keeps the hobby fun and interesting, especially since most law enforcement in my area is fully encrypted (meaning it cannot be monitored)

Welcome to the forums & welcome to the scanning hobby!

What is your opinion about FreeScan vs. ProScan? I was able to follow a video to program my BCD996P2 using FreeScan and I could not find anything using ProScan for this scanner. FreeScan "seemed" to give me the simple ability to import the local frequencies, so what is ProScan needed for if they both basically do the same thing for me, which is giving me the ability to import frequencies?

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

What is your opinion about FreeScan vs. ProScan?

I've made my opinions regarding both apps known ad nauseum here. Search posts containing the keywords "Freescan" & "Proscan" posted by me and you'll find them. Not going to rehash it all here. Go with Proscan, enough said. I'm sure a good bit of $ paid to the author (who is an active member here) for licenses purchased have stemmed from recommendations by me and my "esteemed forum colleagues" for 2 decades.

FreeScan "seemed" to give me the simple ability to import the local frequencies, so what is ProScan needed for if they both basically do the same thing for me, which is giving me the ability to import frequencies?

Usually I stray away from AI aggregations but this one's pretty spot on...

Key Differences at a Glance

	FreeSCAN	ProScan
Cost	Free	$50 (30-day free trial available)
Support & Updates	Discontinued; no longer updated	Actively developed and supported
Advanced System Types	Struggles with newer digital formats (DMR, NXDN, Phase II)	Fully supports DMR, NXDN, ProVoice, and P25 Phase II
Remote Access	None	Powerful Web Server and Client for remote control
Logging & Recording	Very limited	Extensive audio recording and database logging

FreeSCAN
Best for users who only want to load frequencies onto their scanner and do not want to spend money. [1, 2]

• Pros: It is entirely free and uses the same simple file format across supported DMA (Dynamic Memory Architecture) scanners. The interface is relatively straightforward for standard programming.
• Cons: The software has been abandoned by its original developer. It cannot decode or properly program newer radio protocols like DMR or NXDN, and its Google Maps integration is largely broken due to outdated APIs. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

ProScan
Best for power users, DXers, and anyone who wants to control their scanner from a computer or stream scanner audio over the internet. [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Pros: It features a robust, active development cycle. It includes highly advanced utilities (Find Duplicates, Find & Replace), seamless drag-and-drop frequency sorting, and powerful remote capabilities. The built-in web server allows you to control your scanner from a phone or web browser while away from home.
• Cons: It is a paid software (a one-time license fee is required after the 30-day trial). Some users find it has a steeper learning curve than FreeSCAN when it comes to organizing multiple complex systems. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

 

[BrettOlbrys]

I've made my opinions regarding both apps known ad nauseum here. Search posts containing the keywords "Freescan" & "Proscan" posted by me and you'll find them. Not going to rehash it all here. Go with Proscan, enough said. I'm sure a good bit of $ paid to the author (who is an active member here) for licenses purchased have stemmed from recommendations by me and my "esteemed forum colleagues" for 2 decades.


Usually I stray away from AI aggregations but this one's pretty spot on...

Key Differences at a Glance

	FreeSCAN	ProScan
Cost	Free	$50 (30-day free trial available)
Support & Updates	Discontinued; no longer updated	Actively developed and supported
Advanced System Types	Struggles with newer digital formats (DMR, NXDN, Phase II)	Fully supports DMR, NXDN, ProVoice, and P25 Phase II
Remote Access	None	Powerful Web Server and Client for remote control
Logging & Recording	Very limited	Extensive audio recording and database logging

FreeSCAN
Best for users who only want to load frequencies onto their scanner and do not want to spend money. [1, 2]

• Pros: It is entirely free and uses the same simple file format across supported DMA (Dynamic Memory Architecture) scanners. The interface is relatively straightforward for standard programming.
• Cons: The software has been abandoned by its original developer. It cannot decode or properly program newer radio protocols like DMR or NXDN, and its Google Maps integration is largely broken due to outdated APIs. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

ProScan
Best for power users, DXers, and anyone who wants to control their scanner from a computer or stream scanner audio over the internet. [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Pros: It features a robust, active development cycle. It includes highly advanced utilities (Find Duplicates, Find & Replace), seamless drag-and-drop frequency sorting, and powerful remote capabilities. The built-in web server allows you to control your scanner from a phone or web browser while away from home.
• Cons: It is a paid software (a one-time license fee is required after the 30-day trial). Some users find it has a steeper learning curve than FreeSCAN when it comes to organizing multiple complex systems. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Thanks

 

[K9KLC]

I've made my opinions regarding both apps known ad nauseum here. Search posts containing the keywords "Freescan" & "Proscan" posted by me and you'll find them. Not going to rehash it all here. Go with Proscan, enough said. I'm sure a good bit of $ paid to the author (who is an active member here) for licenses purchased have stemmed from recommendations by me and my "esteemed forum colleagues" for 2 decades.

It was at least in part your posting about it that got me to try it. (ProScan) I only had it for about a week before I was getting the license for it. Best move I ever made.

 

[wtp]

there is an 1.11.07