Total Scanner Noob, help?

[Iknownuthin]

Well like the header sez I'm completely new to scanning.
here's my 1st post http://www.radioreference.com/forums/uniden-scanners/147143-total-noob-bc396xt.html#post1085616
I wanna get scanning ASAP w/ the 396xt but am somewhat overwhelmed at all the functions, etc.
I'm mostly interested in scanning here, Deschutes and Lane county when over that way. As well as Jefferson, etc when heading PDX way.
But mostly around here to start with.
Any help, suggestions, etc. is greatly appreciated.
Thanx joescan and unadan
I'll check out freescan next day or so.

 

[Baker845]

welcome to RR, do you need help programming the 396xt scanner?

 

[Iknownuthin]

i guess.
i haven't even had a chance to get to freescan or plug the scanner into the 'puter.
partially cuz PC is garage and have been busy reading what i can on 396, to see if i can finger it out.
so i'm not sure, but if you've got suggestions
i'm all ears, eyes and fingers.
driving 58 over to ujean it might be nice to hear if the it's messed cuz of another crash.
that kinda stuff + just listening here @ home
thanx

 

[Baker845]

The owners maunal should help you program the scanner. I had bcd396t, which programs the same way 396xt does. If you have or can get promgramming software that help make programming easy. If you still need help programming radio sent me PM, and i see if i can help more.

 

[Iknownuthin]

FINALLY got around to getting freescan goin but now I'm really lost......
do i wanna wipe out all the state's that comes preprogrammed in "program system"?
cuz i don't think i'll ever need most, if not all of them.
plus wouldn't i be able to reup any info via freescan?
do i wanna just have all deschutes county as 1 group?
currently have grabbed, via ez grab, all deschutes county police, fire, etc. and have as a group.
or would it be better if i split it into groups which are based on services?
plus i wanted to get OSP frequencies and didn't see them anywhere.
once i have the info in freescan, do i just upload to "program system" w/ same name on 396 or can i have a different name than the one on freescan file?
plus does this scanning stuff have a steep but hopefully short learning curve?
thanks