STARCOM Help

[TFerg53]

Is it possible to add just ISP Districts 12 & 13 to a Uniden Bearcat BCD536HP using Sentinel without adding all of the ISP districts around the state? And, if so, how?

I can get the ISP if I use our zip code, but when I attempt to add the ISP's STARCOM network using Sentinel to a FL created for it, I get what it appears to be the ISP and it stopping on active channels/frequencies, but no audio. So, I've apparently done something incorrectly.

Even if I have to add the entire system and state, hopefully I can avoid those frequencies that don't apply to our area, or can I?

Thanks!

 

[VASCAR2]

With the way the Starcom system works you’ll only get a few talk groups on a tower/site unless there is mobile or portable voting that site with a different talk group selected. An example might be ISP car to car. Generally in Centralia you’ll hear 12A, 13A, ISPERN, Illinois DOT and maybe Ameran.

The other talk groups usually show up by a mobile affiliating with a tower/site.

It is kind of unusual to have a TG show up on the display without audio unless it is a simulcast system or a encrypted transmission.

Once you have the correct tower frequencies programmed you can program the scanner to lock out any unwanted talk groups.

If you don’t get it sorted out send me a private message I should be able to help you figure it out.

 

[TFerg53]

Ok, that’s logical. I was wondering if you might be able to walk me through what I need to add to my ISP Favorite List using the RR database and the Sentinel software. I’ve “amended” the list several times with what I thought would work without success. I have no experience with TG since our local police and fire frequencies are not digital nor trunked, etc.

Thank you!

 

[VASCAR2]

Uniden BDC536HP

Ok, that’s logical. I was wondering if you might be able to walk me through what I need to add to my ISP Favorite List using the RR database and the Sentinel software. I’ve “amended” the list several times with what I thought would work without success. I have no experience with TG since our local police and fire frequencies are not digital nor trunked, etc.

Thank you!

I just downloaded the user manual for the BDC536HP scanner and I feel sure I can get your scanner working for you. I have helped numerous people by just talking to them over the telephone. I don’t live that far from Centralia and I would be willing to drive to Centralia and meet you at the McDonalds (free wifi). Whether I can help you over the phone depends a lot on your ability to hear over a phone and have a working knowledge of the scanner. By working knowledge I mean feeling comfortable following instructions and going into the menu and telling me what you see on the display.

The newer scanners like the Uniden BDC536HP scanner have many features and are fairly complex. It can be a little overwhelming trying to understand all the features and operation of the scanner. I’m retired so I am very flexable on how I can assist you understanding and using your new scanner. I will not accept any compensation other than hopefully making a new Friend.

If you would like me to try and help you send me a message through this site and give me either a phone number or email where I can contact you. I retired from public safety and have been into radios and scanners since I was about 13 years old. If you want my assistance I don’t have much on my schedule the next couple of weeks.

 

[TFerg53]

Thank you so much, I sincerely appreciate it. I am retired also, and have been working with and enjoying scanners since the late 60's.

My significant other is with her daughter as we speak having a second grandchild and I'm anxiously awaiting word, so it may be a day or two. I would prefer doing it over the phone so I can be at my laptop here with the scanner connected.

The BCD436 & BCD536HP both use software called Sentinel to install frequencies which can be downloaded from the Uniden or this site, I believe. It uses the current database from radioreference.com where you create what are called "Favorite Lists" and then click on the frequency(ies) you want to add to the scanner from the list and choose to "Amend" the list with that group or frequency. Is really fairly easy once you get the hang of it. But, in trunking situations, it is more complicated as there are more variables to get correct and, as you say, Talk Groups. You then write the update list(s) to the scanner and away you go.

I will message you when I see I'm going to have some time, if that is ok?

 

[VASCAR2]

BCD536HP

Sounds good, I think we can probably get your scanner sorted out. I watch for your message. I previously sent you a private message but I didn’t get a response. You might check your profile settings to accept private messages.

 

[TFerg53]

I will do that, thanks again.

 

[TFerg53]

Hi Larry,

I attempted to reply to your private message and got a rejection, and attempted to send an email to the email you listed in the private message, and it came back undeliverable. Do you really exist??

At any rate, I was successful in programming the BCD436 with the ISP for the local area using the Talk Group ID suggestion from an earlier posting. Programming using the Sentinel software is unique once you come around to their way of thinking (or what you think is their way of thinking).

 

[VASCAR2]

BCD536HP

I reviewed my forum profile the other day and I inadvertently clicked the box to only accept moderator and contact messages. I fixed that but I don’t know why the email did not go through. I checked my spam filters and found no messages. I supplied a seperate email in the text message different than the email listed with this forum. I can’t say why either email didn’t work.


At least you made progress on getting your scanner set up. If you listen to my wife I have a selective hearing and attention disorder so maybe in my advanced age the symptoms are occurring in other venues.

If I can be of further assistance we can try again to make contact.