? on BCD396XT Features

[Greenie]

This unit has APCO-25 automatic decoding and is GPS capable. How much easier is this unit to program than a 396T because of these features? Just what do they do that a user would have to do on the older unit? I am thinking of upgrading to one. I am having trouble programming my statewide APCO-25 system because I'm a newbie and the new one has it preprogrammed.

 

[ILikeHatchChili]

If and when you get the XT, I suggest you first get FreeSCAN (a free software, donations welcome, but not required), if you have not already, and

1. download all the contents of the new 396XT into FreeSCAN; save the file for future reference or use
2. download the contents of your 396T into FreeSCAN;
3. modify/update the 396T file as you wish, such as including your statewide APCO 25 system from the file in step 1 above; save file.
4. then upload the saved/modified 396T file into your new 396XT (choosing option in FreeSCAN to delete what’s in the 396XT before FreeSCAN uploads into scanner.)

There are some new features in the XT that the T does not have, such as programming multiple sites in one system.

Only thing you might have to do to make things easy is to get the Uniden USB-1 transfer cable (USB to Uniden mini USB), if you are not already using it. Be sure to download and install the most resent driver for the USB-1… ; install driver FIRST, then plug in USB-1 cable, as per instructions.

The beauty of FreeSCAN is that it can be used interchangeably for both Uniden scanners (and for some of the other Uniden scanners).. That is, for example: what you have in the 396T can be loaded into directly into the 396XT without any changes in the 396T’s programming, but from 396XT to 396T, you may have to make adjustment,… like the 396T does not do multi-site programming.

For myself, (I do not know if anyone else has to do this) I have to save and CLOSE FreeSCAN after making any modifications, then open the file before uploading into scanner, otherwise, I get an upload error.

 

[rexgame]

In addition, if you're really stuck with set-up, FreeScan connects perfectly to RR. Just select the system, and bam good to go.

 

[Greenie]

I have FreeScan. I tried loading the system WyoLink both manually and with FreeScan and get nothing. Glad to know if I upgrade to the new model I can transfer stuff. I only have about 20 local law enforcement freqs in it. I can get everything I want, but the highway patrol and aid.

I would like to upgrade to the new model, but I would like to know what the APCO-25 automatic decoding and GPS will do for me first. Just how much more is automatic? The new model has WyoLink preprogrammed.

 

[ka3jjz]

'Getting nothing' is not very descriptive. There seems to be quite an active thread on WyoLink here...

http://forums.radioreference.com/wyoming-radio-discussion-forum/125295-wyolink-updates.html

(note: all links are in blue)

I see on the database description that some multi table entries are required, presumably just for the PRO-96 and 2096. Whether the Unidens need these entries, I have no idea. That's where local folks are better versed in handling issues like this. I suspect they may also want to see your .996 file to diagnose any additional issues...73 Mike

 

[Greenie]

Please ignore any references I made in regards to programming WyoLink. I really am just wanting to know what APCO-25 automatic decoding and GPS capability will do for me that my 396T won't do.

 

[rexgame]

I'm not sure, I would actually say neither would affect programming? If you purchase a separate GPS unit, you can plug it into the scanner, and set up to receive certain things only when near specified coordinates. As for APCO-25, AFAIK the BC396T already handles it.

 

[eaf1956]

For myself, (I do not know if anyone else has to do this) I have to save and CLOSE FreeSCAN after making any modifications, then open the file before uploading into scanner, otherwise, I get an upload error.

Never had to do that! I use FREESCAN with a 996T and a 996XT and I have never had to Close and open. I just D/L ed from the 996T then uploaded to the 996XT

 

[davidmc36]

Please ignore any references I made in regards to programming WyoLink. I really am just wanting to know what APCO-25 automatic decoding and GPS capability will do for me that my 396T won't do.

The APCO decoding was always in the "T" models but it is greatly improved in the "XT" line, much clearer audio.

The GPS feature is what makes me swear I will never carry any other ytpe of scanner mobile. It will turn on and off different frequencies that you have programmed as you move around nearer and closer to the transmitter locations that you programm into the scanner.

 

[ILikeHatchChili]

Never had to do that! I use FREESCAN with a 996T and a 996XT and I have never had to Close and open. I just D/L ed from the 996T then uploaded to the 996XT

If I did just downloading my 396XT into a new FreeSCAN file, and then uploading that new file into the 996XT, then it would be okay... but, if I, say made a change in a name tag, or a frequency, or added something extra, I would have to close and open and upload. Maybe it is my computer. Thanks for the comment. I'd like to think someone else is having the same "problem", not just I.

 

[ka3jjz]

As for what GPS (and it's associated function, Location Based Scanning) does for you, those topics are discussed here...(note: all links are blue)

Uniden DMA FAQ - The RadioReference Wiki

Simply click on the GPS and Location Based Scanning links in blue in the FAQ

LocationBasedScanning < UnidenMan4 < TWiki

This gives a more comprehensive description of LBS, particularly with the XT scanners which have a few more neat features

73 Mike