I just purchased a 396XT to begin scanning trunked systems in Jasper County, Indiana. As I read some forums, it appears that I am not the only one with difficulty. Anyone got any suggestions on how to make programming a little easier?
While I'm not in Indiana, while you're waiting, this article has lots of links (anything that's blue) to help you get started. Links to explanations on trunking (a concept that trips up a lot of newcomers), our online glossary, the DMA FAQ, the Easier to Read manuals, articles on software and much more can be found below. I would bookmark it, along with the Easier to Read manual.
I just purchased the ARCXT software for programming my scanner. WOW! That is much easier. I was scanning in less than 5 minutes after installation. It still has a lot of features that I have yet to figure out, but at least i am able to scan at this time. I have been scanning for years with analog scanners, but this digital trunking is really confusing.