NYC, BCD396XT programming help

[kittrav]

I am gifting a Uniden BCD396XT to a friend who occasionally spends time in NYC visiting family, apparently on the east side of Manhattan, somewhere in the 30s or 40s.

The giftee is not familiar with DMA scanners or their programming, and is unlikely to want to take the time to learn about System and Group Keys, Number Tags, Service Search, Close Call, etc., so I want to keep it simple: local police, fire, EMS and perhaps Transit Authority, East River helo traffic and marine VHF, etc. I might also want to include the major airports for when they fly in and out.

Keeping in mind the 396XT receiving limitations -- no DMR, NXDN or P25 p2 -- and programming limitations -- systems, sites, groups, etc. -- can someone suggest what I might program?

I have both ProScam and FreeScan if it is convenient to answer my request with programming files.

Thanks, for a friend.

 

[dave3825]

I want to keep it simple: local police, fire, EMS and perhaps Transit Authority, East River helo traffic and marine VHF, etc. I might also want to include the major airports for when they fly in and out.

Keeping in mind the 396XT receiving limitations -- no DMR, NXDN or P25 p2 -- and programming limitations -- systems, sites, groups, etc. -- can someone suggest what I might program?

First look at the database for the area. Write down all of interest that the radio supports, then using Proscan, import all of what you mentioned. Tell proscan not to import encrypted channels.

I could do a file if needed but it would be closer to the weekend.

 

[Birdwatch66]

I think the keyboard and programming on that scanner can be locked. It's a complex radio - I'd be tempted to use it in that situation.

 

[kittrav]

I think the keyboard and programming on that scanner can be locked. It's a complex radio - I'd be tempted to use it in that situation.

Excellent suggestion, and yes, the 396XT does have a keyboard lock. From Mark's Easier to Read BCD396XT Digital Scanner Manual:
Hold on any channel. Press Func then

to lock or unlock the keypad. The only keys/knobs that work are Func, Hold, and the scroll control for volume.
I also plan to advise on the battery type switch in the battery compartment and advice not to accidentally try to charge alkaline batteries -- I wish there was a Menu option to set charge time to zero hours -- and advise about only using a stereo -- TRS -- connector in the headphone jack, to avoid shorting an audio amp.

 

[kittrav]

First look at the database for the area. Write down all of interest that the radio supports, then using Proscan, import all of what you mentioned. Tell proscan not to import encrypted channels.

I could do a file if needed but it would be closer to the weekend.

Thanks for replying.
Yes, I could check the RR databases, but I was hoping for local knowledge to minimize NY PD and NY FD listings, as well as Transit Authority listings.
I probably will use the database for the major airport frequencies.