Programming help please

[rrush76]

I have the uniden bcd436 and the bcd536. when I scan by zip code I pick up the local sheriff's dept. but also pick up a lot of other stuff as well. It is to much to avoid each of them. I tried to program just the sheriff's dept. using sentinel. I then write to the scanner but when I scan I don't hear anything but on the other scanner using the zip code I hear the sheriff's office. I spoke to a couple of people and they are telling me I need to use sentinel to program the scanner to receive the repeater or tower in my area. I have looked for hours on end in the sentinel software and googled and youtubed, but still don't see anything about how to program a repeater or tower. Please help, about to pull my hair out. Thanks in advance.

 

[troymail]

Programming for your interests using Sentinel is the way to go to avoid all the other "crap".

However, you can try to get some control of your zip code programming monitoring and do some listening while you take the time you need to play with and learn Sentinel.

First - make sure you have the latest database downloaded (via Sentinel) and copied onto your scanner.

Then, in addition to entering your zip code, you'll want to do some of all of the following (all can be done via the scanner's buttons and menus):

• change your "range" to something smaller than the default 20 miles - I use 0 but you can try different values - just use something smaller.
  
• SERVices - disable the services that you aren't interested in hearing - public works, aircraft, etc.
  
• disable "Nationwide" frequencies
  
  
• when you hear a channel you aren't interested in, press AVOID (once for a temporary lockout, double-press to "permanently" lock it out).... Note that you can AVOID enter systems and departments as well by pressing SYSTEM or DEPARTMENT first and then AVOID.

You'll want to take some time to learn Sentinel. You won't get it right the first few times - but in the long run, the more time you take playing with and learning any radio programming software, the better experience you will have in the long run.