I am concidering buy a BCD396XT. Are they horrible hard to program if i use software. Is there software out there where i can just import from RR? I own a psr800 and that was so easy to program and i'm wondering if i get one of these rigs am i biting of way more then i can chew?
Thinking about buying a BCD396XT
- Thread starter twoxland
- Start date
- Status
KC8ZEW
Member
I recommend FreeScan for programming any of the recent Bearcat scanners, such as the 396XT. It allows to import the Radioreference database (if you have a paid RR account) or you can cut and paste the data from your browser.
Programming these scanners from a computer makes it way easier than going through the scanner's menu. I have used FreeScan for a number of years and have never had an issue with it.
FYI, I have both the GRE PSR800 and a BCD396XT. Both scanners have their pros and cons, but I like them both.
Programming these scanners from a computer makes it way easier than going through the scanner's menu. I have used FreeScan for a number of years and have never had an issue with it.
FYI, I have both the GRE PSR800 and a BCD396XT. Both scanners have their pros and cons, but I like them both.
Not to hard to do with software. For your scanner, FreeScan is your best bet. To import data from the Web Site to the Software, you'll need a premium subscription ($30 a year).
BEWARE: It will be harder to operate and program then the PSR-800....
I would go ask this in the Uniden Forum, here:
http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-scanners/
Thanks,
Gr8rcall
BEWARE: It will be harder to operate and program then the PSR-800....
I would go ask this in the Uniden Forum, here:
http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-scanners/
Thanks,
Gr8rcall
Last edited:
Granted I've had the 15X for a while before I got the 396XT I jumped right in and had it programmed and scanning* very quickly.
*2 years later I still continue to tweak as my moods go but as far as the initial set up went I thought it was very easy. I still do all my programming by hand though and have downloaded the programming software but never used it so I can't say how hard that would be vs the 800. It was a bit intimidating for the 1st few minutes before I figured everything out but once I did I didn't think it was much harder than programming any of the older model "banked" scanners.
This would also be a good help to you:
http://marksscanners.com/396XT/396xt.shtml
*2 years later I still continue to tweak as my moods go but as far as the initial set up went I thought it was very easy. I still do all my programming by hand though and have downloaded the programming software but never used it so I can't say how hard that would be vs the 800. It was a bit intimidating for the 1st few minutes before I figured everything out but once I did I didn't think it was much harder than programming any of the older model "banked" scanners.
This would also be a good help to you:
http://marksscanners.com/396XT/396xt.shtml
its actually extremely easy to program using software. I have a bcd996xt which is very similar for programming with software. I have both free scan and arc xt both work just great and easy. I prefer arc xt but its not a free software! I haven't scanned in about 15 years before buying this radio so I am pretty much new to current scanner and figured out how to program off this site. In under and hour I had most the frequencies in and ready to rock!
Good luck hapy scanning!
Good luck hapy scanning!
- Status
