o2bad455 said:
I'm a newbie to programmable scanners, and just got a 396T after trying out a 2096 for a month. The 2096 seemed much easier to use, but I'm going to be keeping the 396T due to the close call feature.
I loaded UASD, and can build a config using pre-programmed systems, but don't understand how to enter new systems from the computer. Do the UASD files have to be edited manually using something like WordPad, or is there a better way to do it using the UASD or other software? Also, is there any advantage to the ARC software? I already tried the Scannerbase software, but it didn't solve my problem either. Any advice appreciated.
You don't need to have the scanner connected to do this.
Start UASD.
Click the Date Base tab.
You'll see the two panes, one for configurations, and one labeled "System Data Base".
Under the 'Data Base' pane are several butons: New, Edit, Edit, Delete, and Copy.
To begin a new system, select "New". You'll get a dialog box to begin the setup.
The top line is for a file name for the system, which must be named differently than any others that you already have.
The second line is a drop down for system type. There's where you specify if this is a 'conventiontional system' (not trunked), Motorola Type I, Type II 800, EDACS, etc.
Once you've made your choices, the system editor will be on the screen so that you can begin entering your information.
If it's a trunked system, hit the "Trunk Options" button to access the screen to enter your control channels and set options (control channels only if desired, I-calls, Fleet maps if it's a Type I system). On LTR & EDACS, you'll have the screen to enter your frequencies in their correct LCN slots.
Once you have that set up, then hit the OK button & enter the talk groups you want to monitor. ID Search picks up any talk group, whereas ID Scan only scans the talkgroups that were entered & were not locked out.
You can also assign a System Quick Key, and set system Hold and Delay times. System Hold sets the time the scanner will remain scanning that system before moving on to the next one. Of you use several seconds hold on each one, it will take your scanner a while to go all the way through it's systems. Delay is the usual delay to catch a reply to a call.
On conventional systems, your editor screen will have columns for the channel name, frequency, CTCSS/DCS, lockout, mode, steps, priority, etc.
You can divide conventional or trunked systems further into as many as 20 groups, i.e. Police, Fire, EMS, or for a multi-city trunked system, by jurisdiction.
The alert function can be set to sound a tone when there is activity on the selected channel.
Pull up a few of the pre-programmed systems in the editor screen to see how they are set up. When setting up a system be sure to pay close attention to the system type in the data base.
Once you have your systems set up, add them to a configuration file, or create a new one, Then connect the scanner, select the config you wish to use, & write it.
