Probramming BC796D

[nx8lgary]

Isn’t there a guide to programming scanners for dummies? I have a new BC796D, I have lots of conventional frequencies programmed in but I don’t think I have the Trunking system working. I have the Butl software but need more pictures etc. I see where you can send in your scanner and they will program it for a fee, I don’t want to give up yet.

Thanks
gh

 

[seamusg]

I have a 796 and use the software it came with. I've not had any problem - what system are you trying to program?

 

[nx8lgary]

I'm trying to put in Warren County Ohio system. There are the 6 frequencies which I beleive are the control channels. I don't think I put in the talk groups correctly as I don't see anything coming up on the scanner for those groups.

Thanks
Gary

 

[fmon]

The CC's for Warren are
857.7625
858.7625
859.7625
860.7625
If you are going to program in CC only mode, you will need to set the scanner to CC only Plan 1. To do this in ARC250,
click on TRUNK
select System Settings
click on the Tab for your bank
in Trunk Type Pulldown verify the system is Motorola Type II-800 Mhz
in Control Channel Pulldown, select Plan 1
click Close on the bottom of settings dialog window

This shortcut is for the 785D but the programming is the same for the 796D.
http://www.radioreference.com/wiki/index.php/Programming_Shortcut_BC785D

 

[ofd8001]

Trunking programming

You might also be sure that you are on the ID SEARCH operation as compared to the ID SCAN.

ID Search looks for any talkgroup that is on the air (unless you have already locked it out). That way you don't have to wonder if you have programmed talkgroups properly.

ID Scan, however, only looks for those talkgroups that you have entered. Plus you have to be sure the appropriate scan lists for the appropriate bank are turned on.

So until you feel comfortable with programming, I suggest sticking with the ID Search.

To select one or the other, wait until the scanning is scanning the system, the press the SCAN button. It's a toggle between ID Search and ID Scan.

You may also wish to check and see if there is a Yahoo group for the area your are interested in. They may have already set an SSD file up for the area, and you won't have to do any programming. Just use the wheel they have already invented.

Lastly, you may try entering the trunk channels as if they were conventional channels and see if you hear anything. That will tell you whether you are in range of the system, as well as finding out which is the control channel.

 

[matthewtomek]

Does the 796 programming cable and/or computer control cable plug into a serial port or USB port?

 

[fmon]

Does the 796 programming cable and/or computer control cable plug into a serial port or USB port?

Serial but most USB to serial adapter will work with ARC software.

 

[Al42]

Serial but most USB to serial adapter will work with ARC software.

ALL USB->serial adapters that are designed correctly will if used with the correct driver. The software doesn't care what the hardware is, as long as Windows sees it as a serial port.

 

[matthewtomek]

Ok, I'm looking at buying a 796 and using it w/ my laptop. Laptop does not have a serial port. Thanks.

 

[Al42]

Get a Belkin F5U409, IOGear or Radio Shack adapter. They've all been reported to work by posters on RR. (You should download the lateest driver.)

 

[ofd8001]

I have not had any luck with a USB/Serial adapter with my 796, however, the USB/Serial adapter works fine with my 780 and 396. All Butel software, all on the same computer. Go figure.

 

[Al42]

I have not had any luck with a USB/Serial adapter with my 796, however, the USB/Serial adapter works fine with my 780 and 396. All Butel software, all on the same computer. Go figure.

Get the latest driver for the adapter, uninstall the existing driver and install the new one.