Programming BCD996T

[bailagent67]

I've been scanning since 1998 when you had to buy crystals. I bought this Uniden scanning about 1.5 years ago. I paid money to have it programmed and they did a great job.

I moved out of that aream and now I live about 2 hrs away.

I want to reprogram new channels in my new area. WOW, this is new to me.

My research found that I need data cords, software, and who knows what???

ANY HELP, to lead me in the right direction. I'm pretty upset that I spent this kind of money on a scanner that I cant even use when I move.

I never recieved any data cords or software when I bought it.

Please any help or a reference thread?????????????

 

[Clark]

If you purchased the scanner new, you should have received a serial cable that fits the connector on the front of the unit. Any 9-pin null modem cable or adapter will do for the rear connector.

 

[SkipSanders]

You don't NEED anything but your fingers to program the radio, it's just more convenient to use a program, especially for entering a lot of text labels.

Uniden does not make software available anymore, as there are perfectly good ones out there by others, most commonly (unless you want to pay for it) Freescan for this radio.

 

[ka3jjz]

Let's step back a minute and start at the beginning...

Bail let's see what precisely you wish to program. Go up to the blue toolbar under the site title, float your mouse over Database then start using the various selections to get to the area you want. C'mon back with the URLs, because that's really important information.

Next keep in mind anything in blue - both here and in the wiki, where we're going in a moment, is a link.

First stop is the Uniden DMA FAQ

Uniden DMA FAQ - The RadioReference Wiki

Read the first 4 topics for now. Bookmark for future reference.

At the bottom of the FAQ are the links to the Easier to Read manuals. Download the one for the 996T.

A previous poster recommended FreeScan and I concur. The user guide for this software can be found below...

FreeScan User Guide - The RadioReference Wiki

Unfortunately most newer PCs these days have no serial ports, but use USB instead. If you have such a beast, you will need a USB-serial converter, and there are several off the shelf ones that are known to work besides the widely used Uniden USB-1. This article lists several of these, and most importantly, what steps are required to load drivers, which simulates a COM port, to make things work properly...

Connecting scanners via USB - The RadioReference Wiki

Now with Freescan, you have a couple of options. Go to the Michigan forum, let folks know you have a 996T and Freescan, and you want a file for your area (be specific about what area(s) you want). FS can import UASD or BuTel files so if someone offers you one of these, go for it.

Your other alternative is to purchase a premium subscription and let FreeScan import data from our databases. You can read about that here;

Premium Subscription Information Page

Time to get something warm and soothing to drink, and start reading. You're going to be here awhile. Be sure to come back with questions - FreeScan questions to our software forum, Radio questions here, Michigan related questions to the Michigan forum...73 Mike

 

[bailagent67]

Thank you

I needed that. Like I said, I've been around awhile but I think I was getting confused or flustered at the time I wrote the original post.

I have alot of reading and studying to do.

Thank you all