Is my BCD396T capable of receiving the new system? I have tried unsuccessfully to reprogram it.
Yes it will. I have one in my car and it does receive the new system. HOWEVER, remember it is a simulcast system in which all ten towers broadcast at the same time and because they are all different distances from you, your scanner gets confused by the signal coming in milliseconds apart. Your mileage will vary based on numerous factors--distance from towers, towers down for maintenance, etc. You will NOT receive every transmission consistently regardless of what scanner you are using. There is NO scanner on the market that works consistently with a P25 Phase II system. I also have a HP-1, 436, and 536. My 436 and 536 are programmed the same and sit next to each other. Sometimes one works and the other one is dormant--then vise versa and for no reason. The HP-1 is worse than the 436 and 536--they seem to work the best.