Uniden BCD536HP/Sentinel software

[cruiser45036]

I recently purchased the Uniden BCD536 home scanner, Im having one Heck of a time using the Sentinel software, to me the software isnt the easiest to use. When i purchased the scanner a friend of mine had gave me a microSD card that was already programmed but im wanting to add to and subtract some of the frequencies. I guess what im asking is " could someone please tell me how to use Sentinel. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Peerlessk]

Your probably going to get some responses that say “read “ or search . However that’s the nature of some around this place . With that being said . I assume you know how to use sentenial software somewhat . I would clear user data from the radio . Creat a favorites list in sentenial. Update data base . Check for update pertaining to the 536 .

 

[TailGator911]

There are lots of youtube vids that are very helpful. Start with this one, then check out the others to follow, setting up Favorites Lists, how to import frequencies and systems via Radio Reference, your settings, etc etc

JD
kf4anc

 

[cruiser45036]

Your probably going to get some responses that say “read “ or search . However that’s the nature of some around this place . With that being said . I assume you know how to use sentenial software somewhat . I would clear user data from the radio . Creat a favorites list in sentenial. Update data base . Check for update pertaining to the 536 .

Thanks for the advice, I was wondering if you could clear and start over. I will start with your advice. Thanks again.

 

[cruiser45036]

There are lots of youtube vids that are very helpful. Start with this one, then check out the others to follow, setting up Favorites Lists, how to import frequencies and systems via Radio Reference, your settings, etc etc

JD
kf4anc

Thanks for the advice.

 

[dfw1193]

If you search google for the easier to use bcd536 manual there is a whole section in there on profiles, favorites lists etc. that is good reading and may assist you along with the videos.

 

[hiegtx]

Thanks for the advice.

There's a separate 'manual' on the Easier to Read' site for the 436HP/536HP version of Sentinel.
BCDX36HP Sentinel Software Manual

If you have not already done so, I would advise against clearing the already programmed memory card until after you saved it's comments to your PCs hard drive. Or, keep that card as a semi-spare, and start fresh with another new card. With the database scanners, both Uniden & Whistler (as well as the ones manufactured by GRE), it's always a good idea to have a spare card handy,

In Sentinel, you can add additional systems by appending them from the main database. You can remove a system, or only parts of it that are of no interest (or are out of range) either by using the Favorites list editor, or by right-clicking the item to be removed in the opening Sentinel screen, then selecting Remove from the pop-up menu. If removing portions of a trunked system, like a series of talkgroup IDs. be sure not to accidentally remove the site you need to monitor. Using Sentinel's Favorites list editor, you can add or modify channels (conventional systems) or talkgroups (for trunked systems) without having to completely start over.

If you can be a little more specific as to what's giving you a problem, then some would be able to provide more useful suggestions.

While you'll always need Sentinel for firmware updates, as well as database updates, there are two third party (paid) software packages that work with the 536HP, ProScan and ARC536. Of the two, I prefer ProScan, but both have a 30 day free trial period so that you can test drive them before having to purchase a license.

 

[ofd8001]

Thanks for the advice, I was wondering if you could clear and start over. I will start with your advice. Thanks again.

That "Clear User Data" will "erase" anything that is there on the card. It is exactly what you would want to do if you wanted to start from scratch. Everything is erased with this option - you won't have anything to add to or delete from.

I'd suggest formatting the SD card before doing that, so the slate is wiped really clean.

Sentinel is computer software. I've messed with all types of computer software over the years. There was some kind of learning curve with all of them. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine. Be patient and give yourself permission to do as we all have - make mistakes. You won't hurt anything with bad programming, just frustrating that's all.

 

[palmerjrusa]

I was pretty confused at first but persevered and at some point Sentinel's underlying logic became clear, then it clicked, and the more I used it the better I liked it, it does much more than I initially thought.

Just through trial and error I managed to pick up the basics and, as others have said, watched some of the YouTube videos for help.

If there's one thing that's essential to know about Sentinel it's this; you create one master Favorite List (FL) and then you can create as many profiles as you want drawing on that list by selecting in the profile editor what you want to download and monitor, it could be one FL or all of them. Also remember, deleting an FL will delete that FL from all the profiles that select it for download. Also, only one profile can be read into the scanner.

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to use "tags" and keep track of things...