BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Turning Scanner On

[TexScan780D]

When I turn the BCD436HP scanner on the scanner displays loading full database my state and nationwide, then USB cable detected select USB mode. I then have to select serial port. I just like to turn the scanner on and the scanner starts scanning without going through this rigmarole.

 

[joeuser]

When I turn the BCD436HP scanner on the scanner displays loading full database my state and nationwide, then USB cable detected select USB mode. I then have to select serial port. I just like to turn the scanner on and the scanner starts scanning without going through this rigmarole.

I would just leave it on all the time then

 

[Jay911]

"All this rigmarole" is what allows the scanner to start scanning, so the answer is no, you can't get around it.

 

[rwier]

I would just leave it on all the time then

Before ~'78 I couldn't afford an actual scanner, and I made do with tunable radios. That first ~'78 scanner was a RS "something" (Pro-?) and, with the exception of a few power outages, stayed on continuously near my pillow for 18 years. I recommend external power (not batteries), turn 'em on, and leave 'em on. They will last forever, lol.

 

[TexScan780D]

Before ~'78 I couldn't afford an actual scanner, and I made do with tunable radios. That first ~'78 scanner was a RS "something" (Pro-?) and, with the exception of a few power outages, stayed on continuously near my pillow for 18 years. I recommend external power (not batteries), turn 'em on, and leave 'em on. They will last forever, lol.

Sure do bring back some memories. Back in the early 70's my Dad took me to Radio Shack and brought me a AM/FM/VHF/SW tunable radio because I wanted to listen to the local police. Since then there were several RS crystal scanners and my first programmable scanner was the BearCat 210 then onto RS/GRE scanners. I have not had an Uniden in sometime until I brought theBCD436HP a few weeks ago.

 

[TexScan780D]

"All this rigmarole" is what allows the scanner to start scanning, so the answer is no, you can't get around it.

For many years and many scanners I have been used to just turning on the scanner power and the scanner scans. I had to a new scanner because my local government is going to p25 Phase II.

 

[Voyager]

For many years crystal scanners with no CTCSS/CDCSS worked, too.
(and things cost more than they used to, and kids tramp on lawns)

 

[TexScan780D]

I had a 16 channel RS crystal scanner with was a lot of fun. I still have my 4 channel Sears crystal scanner which I think Uniden made and still works.

 

[stingray327]

I remember when Radio Shack used to cards you could put into scanners to get different frequencies.

 

[joeuser]

I remember when Radio Shack used to cards you could put into scanners to get different frequencies.

I never saw those growing up but I seen a couple from Sears on eBay, ohhh I was tempted!

 

[stingray327]

I never saw those growing up but I seen a couple from Sears on eBay, ohhh I was tempted!

looked like punch cards then you insert them into scanner. Radio Shack had them.

 

[oldgoat25]

I recently purchased the BCD436HP. I have a Home Patrol 1. When I turn on the HP1 it doesn't go through the database loading like the 436 does, except if a power outage occurs. The loading of the database with everything turned off except my local fire departments in one county seems to take forever. Is there any work around for this?I've been monitoring since the early 1970's. One more question: Does the usb cable act as an A/C adapter when connected to a operating PC/Laptop?

 

[W8RMH]

I recently purchased the BCD436HP. I have a Home Patrol 1. When I turn on the HP1 it doesn't go through the database loading like the 436 does, except if a power outage occurs. The loading of the database with everything turned off except my local fire departments in one county seems to take forever. Is there any work around for this?I've been monitoring since the early 1970's. One more question: Does the usb cable act as an A/C adapter when connected to a operating PC/Laptop?

Create a Favorites List with just what you want to monitor.

I switched to a Class 10 card which seems to load faster. Yes, the USB cable acts as a A/C adapter.

 

[ShyFlyer]

The loading of the database with everything turned off except my local fire departments in one county seems to take forever. Is there any work around for this?

I'm assuming that your monitoring the Full Database with only the Fire "service tags" active and Location Control (inputing your zip code)? If so, what you can do is create a Favorites List with just your local Fire Departments.

For reference, my 436 loads about 22 favorites lists (only one monitored at a time) and it's up and scanning within about five seconds.

Does the usb cable act as an A/C adapter when connected to a operating PC/Laptop?

Yes. You can also connect it to any powered USB port.

 

[jonwienke]

If you ignore the startup menu prompt, the scanner will choose Serial after a few seconds and start scanning. If your scanner isn't doing this you need to update the firmware.

 

[rwier]

If you ignore the startup menu prompt, the scanner will choose Serial after a few seconds and start scanning. If your scanner isn't doing this you need to update the firmware.

Just checked my 436. Turn on / rigamarole / start scanning = 21 seconds. Leaving the scanner on or off for long periods time ..... the delay is hardly noticeable. However, when occasionally engaging in a intense session where minor changes are made to the programming, then sent to the scanner, and the scanner then observed for the desirability of the changes, this delay gets old pretty quick.

 

[oldgoat25]

Thanks for the replies! I will attempt to create a favorite list. Since all the PD freqs are encrypted, the only use for this scanner is for fire and weather alerts.

 

[oldgoat25]

I somehow managed to create my favorite(s) list from the software on my laptop, uploaded all nine fire battalions and the 2 remaining conventional PD freqs to the scanner and reset to scan from the list vice the data base. All without throwing a $400.00 radio out the window. The scanner now starts scanning in less than 5 seconds from turning it on. I hope this is the last scanner I buy. Being the knuckle dragger that I am.
Thanks for all the responses and help!
Fair Winds