programing the 396 questions

[rugrat5288]

Hi this is my first post here. I am thinking about purchasing a 396 and i'm not quite sure on how it is programed. I am very familiar with all types of radio operation. I'm 48 years old and i'm a general class ham operator (KB1PDG). i'm not familiar with a lot of the newer digital scanner equipment though. I'm under the impression that the best way to program these is by downloading the counties you want. I'm sure this requires purchasing the frequencies. Can they be manually programed for digital frequencies? thanks for any info and input you can provide me with.

 

[petbytes]

There are lots to read about your scanner and about trunking systems right here on Radio Reference (link below). It can be overwhelming at first but as far as programming, it is can be done pretty easily using programs that automate the process for you. BTW, you can search your state, county, etc for databases of frequencies on RR that you may want to program into your scanner (free). To use the download feature, you will need to join RR as a premium member first. You will also need to connect the scanner to your computer via usb or serial cable.

There are a few programs that work for your scanner for various costs. I’m using a free program called FreeScan. Like other programs, once you have the program open and your scanner connected to your computer, you use the software protocol to connect to RR and then you access the data base(s) you want to upload to you scanner.

I’m not very versed in all this as I’m still learning how to program my 396 with FreeSCAN but it’s coming along.

This link should help you a lot:

Main Page - The RadioReference Wiki


Good luck…happy scanning.

 

[ka3jjz]

While it can be programmed manually, it rapidly becomes a royal pain in the arse with all the keystrokes and skipping through menus. You are correct in that using software and a subscription is the best way to go.

Take a look at this article from our wiki...(anything blue is a link)

Program your DMA Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki

This contains links to virtually everything you need to know about programming the DMA scanners. Don't even think about using the Uniden supplied junk they call a manual - get the Easier to Read manual instead (the links are at the bottom of the above article)

I would suggest downloading FreeScan (it's freeware, and the link is in the software article) and getting a file for your area. With your call, I'm going to guess you're in New England - the Scan New England website has several FreeScan compatible files you can download and study. This is sometimes the best way to get started.

Here's the link for the Scan New England Freescan files area...

Freescan - Downloads - Scan New England Forums

HTH...Mike

 

[N2PYS]

The X96XT

I have both the mobile and the base and the RH96 control head with the DMA storage system holding as many as 25,000 frequencies and almost every county in every state having a CSV, file what i did is anyplace i travel to with any regularity i added to my machine with the GPS enabled and spent the 90 bucks for the GPS kit, so the unit 's automatic enable and disable based on my location automatically and with all of that memory available and the ability to hot swap the machines entire profile via your computer the possibilities are endless.

Peace

73 DE N2PYS

 

[Rt169Radio]

Here is the FreeScan site and the "Easier to Read" manual for the BCD396XT.

FreeSCAN - Sixspot Software

Easier to Read BCD396XT Digital Scanner Manual

 

[whacker]

Be sure to distinguish between the BCD396T vs. the BCD396XT when discussing features, manuals, programming options, etc., whether from the OP or the forum-helper's standpoint. Could be crucial.

 

[rugrat5288]

Wow! thanks for the replies all. Perhaps I would just be better served to go with the home patrol. It's to bad that you have to get into a scanner for $400 or $500 + then need to spend so much effort and probably more money just to be able to get it working to your liking. It seems to me that if they could simplify the digital programable scanner they might sell a few more. As computer technology has progressed most stuff like computers and a lot of other electronic products have become easier to use but the scanners seem to be going in the opposite direction. I live in a rural area and if i ended up with 30 frequencies that I actually want to monitor all the time i would be surprised. Seems like overkill for my needs. Unfortunately my local police are digital.

 

[whacker]

Hopefully they're P25 digital and not MotoTRBO or NexEDGE digital.

 

[rugrat5288]

yes I believe all of the main law enforcement frequencies in New Hamshire are P25