Total Noob and BC396XT

[Iknownuthin]

Hey so I'm a total noob when it comes to scanners, other than I know what they do.
So I got me an 396XT, a week or so ago, but am almost afraid to turn it on for lack of scanner know how.
I also got the RR cd as well as the NW frequency directory along w/ it.
Been lurkin here for a bit and reading up. Doin' searches here came up mostly w/ problems setting up, etc.
I've got spare batteries w/ separate charger, so as to not charge in scanner.
Been reading both the owners and ref manuals, for the 396.
But I figured needed to hit up those in the know 1st, to find out the best steps for a noob to setup the scanner.
Any suggestions getting started so as to not mess up the programming or whatever else I need to do to ?
Thanx

 

[joescanner]

You might get more answers in the Oregon regional forum here at RR. Come on over and introduce yourself, as well as where and what you're interested in monitoring and someone will probably be able to help you!

Welcome to RR!

 

[torontokris]

You can download a trial version of "PROSCAN" I believe its the only software that is currently available that uses the RR CD, for Uniden scanners.
ProScan


I would suggest FREESCAN or BCTOOL and you can program the scanner (both software packages are free).
I dont think they work with the RR CD though... youd need a RR subscription

 

[Unadan]

I do not recommend subscribing to radioreference to help with programming the 396XT. Central OR does not have enough systems to make it worth the $30 in my opinion unless you're a traveling salesman. I use Freescan which has an EZ Grab feature allowing you to copy/paste right outta the RR database - a piece of cake! You won't mess up anything using freescan as long as you stick to the default upload settings. I downloaded all of the preprogrammed systems w/Freescan as a backup to my PC just in case I mess something up.

 

[1150RT-P]

Iknownuthin,

Have you had any luck programming your scanner as a first time user? I'm debating right now on weather or not to get a pre-programmed unit, or dive in on my own.

 

[Iknownuthin]

Iknownuthin,

Have you had any luck programming your scanner as a first time user? I'm debating right now on weather or not to get a pre-programmed unit, or dive in on my own.

when i ordered from scanmaster they didn't list preprogramming as an option, so I got it anywho
I'll probably get around to diving into it this weekend and I'll post more then.

 

[torontokris]

Uniden includes pre-programmed systems in the scanner... is your area in there? Or not enough coverage for central OR?

The idea about using FREESCAN and webpage grab is a good one, try that before spending any other cash..

 

[torontokris]

Or maybe as the other user nicely if he can send you a programmed file that you can load up for your local area

 

[1150RT-P]

when i ordered from scanmaster they didn't list preprogramming as an option

This is probably what I'll do as well.

 

[Iknownuthin]

Uniden includes pre-programmed systems in the scanner... is your area in there? Or not enough coverage for central OR?

The idea about using FREESCAN and webpage grab is a good one, try that before spending any other cash..

I didn't see any preprogrammed OR listings.
Sheesh, this is almost the high desert boondocks.
Bend, biggest town east of the Cascades, is now up to 80K peeps.
Probably 25K when I moved here 13 yrs ago.