Uniden BCD996P2 Questions before purchasing

[werinshades]

You can experiment, going the "cheap route" first. Get 2 RTL-SDR's, ($60.00), with a 4-inch 700/800mhz stubby antenna each, ($15-30) then load up SDRTrunk (Free). I get 10 times better reception with the SDR's than either of my SDS100/200.

I think the OP's question was about a scanner purchase?

 

[JimD56]

I would like to know if anyone has any experience owning and using the Uniden BCD996P2 scanner here in Michigan and has the Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) P25 Phase 1 programmed in and Muskegon County Simulcast programmed as well.

With that, if you do. Does it work well? Was it easy to set up and program in the frequencies and what program do you suggest for setting it up with above frequencies?

And anything else you can think of that would be helpful for me to know and learn without buying and making the mistake of buying and not fitting the needs I have.

I am doing this to help a friend's dad get set back up listening after Muskegon county deprecated the analog voice system that was previously used.

Feel free to DM me or post here. DM's are greatly appreciated also.

BEFORE making an expensive scanner purchase like a SDS100/200, You can experiment by listening to see if there are indeed "deep simulcast" systems. Going the "cheap route" first. Get 2 RTL-SDR's, ($60.00), with a 4-inch 700/800mhz stubby antenna each, ($15-30) then load up SDRTrunk (Free). I get 10 times better reception with the SDR's than either of my SDS100/200.

 

[werinshades]

BEFORE making an expensive scanner purchase like a SDS100/200, You can experiment by listening to see if there are indeed "deep simulcast" systems. Going the "cheap route" first. Get 2 RTL-SDR's, ($60.00), with a 4-inch 700/800mhz stubby antenna each, ($15-30) then load up SDRTrunk (Free). I get 10 times better reception with the SDR's than either of my SDS100/200.

I understand your advocating to go this route, but the OP has mentioned he's programming it for a "friends Dad". This might work for someone younger that's computer savvy, but if you've ever had to program for any "seasoned person", the computer route won't work in most cases. Sit down, turn it on and listen is probably a more practical solution.

 

[kb7wox]

What's the method to show the PL/CTCSS decoded in a non-flashing mode?

 

[doctordialtone]

What's the method to show the PL/CTCSS decoded in a non-flashing mode?

If you enter the PL/CTCSS in, it won't flash.

It flashes in "Search" mode.

 

[kb7wox]

If you enter the PL/CTCSS in, it won't flash.

It flashes in "Search" mode.

How do you set the digital error rate so the unit will decode the P25 in "Search" mode?

 

[doctordialtone]

How do you set the digital error rate

You don't set it.

Read here:

BCD996P2: - Simulcast Distortion
BCD996P2: - Help with digital reception

 

[kb7wox]

What is the method for setting the unit back to the "right of the box" condition? i.e. "Nothing to scan" display.

 

[doctordialtone]

What is the method for setting the unit back to the "right of the box" condition?

Turn it off then push & hold 2,9,hold at the same time. turn it on.

Factory Reset

 

[kb7wox]

Turn it off then push & hold 2,9,hold at the same time. turn it on.

Factory Reset

Good Luck trying to do that with two hands, it works after some struggle, what's needed is a self test option.
thanks

 

[doctordialtone]

what's needed is a self test option.

Try these test modes.

I'm not sure if they'll work on the P2