OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for Christmas, don't know
anything about it at all, have batteries in and all charged up.  Now what?  I
have the manual online but do not really understand what they are talking about.
I will oreder the easier manual from ScannerMaster when they are restocked but
meanwhile would like to do something with this, yet I do not want to aggravate
you seasoned users with idiotic questions.  Any suggestions.

Bill

Where are you and what do you want to listen to?

----- Original Message -----
From: "billinchat" <billinchat@...>
To: <BC346XT@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 10:29 AM
Subject: [BC346XT] Help


> OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for Christmas, don't
> know anything about it at all, have batteries in and all charged up.  Now
> what?  I have the manual online but do not really understand what they are
> talking about.  I will oreder the easier manual from ScannerMaster when
> they are restocked but meanwhile would like to do something with this, yet
> I do not want to aggravate you seasoned users with idiotic questions.  Any
> suggestions.
>
> Bill
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

For starters, describe what you are having trouble with.

Joe M.

billinchat wrote:
> OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for Christmas, don't know
anything about it at all, have batteries in and all charged up.  Now what?  I
have the manual online but do not really understand what they are talking about.
I will oreder the easier manual from ScannerMaster when they are restocked but
meanwhile would like to do something with this, yet I do not want to aggravate
you seasoned users with idiotic questions.  Any suggestions.
>
> Bill

Easier to Read
BC346XT Scanner Manual
<http://marksscanners.com/346XT/346xt.shtml>

<http://marksscanners.com>



-----Original Message-----
From: billinchat
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 7:29
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [BC346XT] Help

OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for Christmas, don't know
anything about it at
all, have batteries in and all charged up.  Now what?  I have the manual online
but do not really
understand what they are talking about.  I will oreder the easier manual from
ScannerMaster when
they are restocked but meanwhile would like to do something with this, yet I do
not want to
aggravate you seasoned users with idiotic questions.  Any suggestions.

Bill

Thank you.  I am in Titusville, FL  32780 and would want to listen to
anything in range but also police, fire, etc.  I got the frequencies from
radioreference.com but am having trouble trying to enter them.

Bill

--
*Bill Henderson
2520 Village Lane
Titusville, FL  32780
billinchat@...
423-645-9499*


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

find an application to program your scanner, most of them if not all are
difficult for anyone to program by hand, use a software based programmer and use
the radioreference database to download the frequencies automatically.





--- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, "billinchat" <billinchat@...> wrote:
>
> OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for Christmas, don't know
anything about it at all, have batteries in and all charged up.  Now what?  I
have the manual online but do not really understand what they are talking about.
I will oreder the easier manual from ScannerMaster when they are restocked but
meanwhile would like to do something with this, yet I do not want to aggravate
you seasoned users with idiotic questions.  Any suggestions.
>
> Bill
>

Hi all...

I also got a BC346XT for the holidays. I have some scanner experience (owned and
was moderately successful using my PRO-94 for a while). I have been through the
official and "better" manuals. What I notice seems to be missing is a HOWTO
approach for the relaive newbie. Both manuals are probably fine for someone with
some experience, but it took quite a bit of digging to find out how to do a
simple scan of the public safety bands.

Not being one to simply complain/whine/etc, what I think I will do is try to put
together something for someone with a little less expertise. I hope that I can
find support here for the (many) questions I'm likely to need answered.

If something like what I'm describing already exists, I'd appreciate a pointer
so as to not duplicate the work.

-Steve


--- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, "billinchat" <billinchat@...> wrote:
>
> OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for Christmas, don't know
anything about it at all, have batteries in and all charged up.  Now what?  I
have the manual online but do not really understand what they are talking about.
I will oreder the easier manual from ScannerMaster when they are restocked but
meanwhile would like to do something with this, yet I do not want to aggravate
you seasoned users with idiotic questions.  Any suggestions.
>
> Bill
>

Steve and Bill,

I had the same problem a few years back when I bought a BC246T.  I had no idea
how to program the thing and it set on a shelf for almost two years.  I was
finally able to get some help from the forums and this is what I did to program
my BC346XT...

(1.)  I downloaded the Program called "FreeSCAN" which supports the Uniden
BC346XT and will allow you to program the scanner from a PC.

http://www.sixspotsoftware.com/products/freescan

(2.)  I bought the Uniden USB-1 Scanner Radio PC Interface Cable (about $30
retail from Amazon or Uniden)

This cable can also be used to update the firmware on your BC346XT via a
computer if any updates are available.  (I updated the firmware on my BC246T
using this cable)

(3.)  I paid for a $15 dollar (six month) subscription to Radioreference.  This
will allow you to download the frequencies via "FreeSCAN" from your PC to your
Uniden BC346XT.

It is very time consuming to program a scanner by hand.  I highly recommend
using a computer if one is available.  Radioreference has a lot of good
information on "FreeSCAN"

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FreeScan_User_Guide

Disclaimer:  If you mess up your scanner, computer, etc... I take no
responsibility for this.  I cannot guarantee that the method I used will work
for others.

I hope this helps,

Very Respectfully,
John


--- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, "sraasch" <sraasch@...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi all...
>
> I also got a BC346XT for the holidays. I have some scanner experience (owned
and was moderately successful using my PRO-94 for a while). I have been through
the official and "better" manuals. What I notice seems to be missing is a HOWTO
approach for the relaive newbie. Both manuals are probably fine for someone with
some experience, but it took quite a bit of digging to find out how to do a
simple scan of the public safety bands.
>
> Not being one to simply complain/whine/etc, what I think I will do is try to
put together something for someone with a little less expertise. I hope that I
can find support here for the (many) questions I'm likely to need answered.
>
> If something like what I'm describing already exists, I'd appreciate a pointer
so as to not duplicate the work.
>
> -Steve
>
>
> --- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, "billinchat" <billinchat@> wrote:
> >
> > OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for Christmas, don't
know anything about it at all, have batteries in and all charged up.  Now what? 
I have the manual online but do not really understand what they are talking
about.  I will oreder the easier manual from ScannerMaster when they are
restocked but meanwhile would like to do something with this, yet I do not want
to aggravate you seasoned users with idiotic questions.  Any suggestions.
> >
> > Bill
> >
>

John, now that sounds like a plan.  I will do it and let all know how it
works.  Thanks.
Bill

--


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have a BC346XT and have the Ontario Fleetnet Zone 1 programmed into it as well
as PEEL REGION. On both systems when running indicate a flashing "ATT" on the
display. When I go into the menu and check it, it indicates that the ATT is off.
I can put the same info into my BC396XT and it runs fine. I have cleared the
memory and reprogrammed the systems both manually and directly from Radio
Reference with the same results. HELP!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Are you checking both the global setting and the setting for that specific
system?




________________________________
From: "wwilkie3999@..." <wwilkie3999@...>
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, January 2, 2012 1:43:07 PM
Subject: [BC346XT] BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.

 
I have a BC346XT and have the Ontario Fleetnet Zone 1 programmed into it as well
as PEEL REGION. On both systems when running indicate a flashing "ATT" on the
display. When I go into the menu and check it, it indicates that the ATT is off.
I can put the same info into my BC396XT and it runs fine. I have cleared the
memory and reprogrammed the systems both manually and directly from Radio
Reference with the same results. HELP!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hold down "ATT" key pad button for two beeps or press Func + hold down "ATT"
button on key pad for two beeps to shut it="Global ATT" off....

--- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, Paul Opitz <pmanu44@...> wrote:
>
> Are you checking both the global setting and the setting for that specific
> system?
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: "wwilkie3999@..." <wwilkie3999@...>
> To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, January 2, 2012 1:43:07 PM
> Subject: [BC346XT] BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.
>
>  
> I have a BC346XT and have the Ontario Fleetnet Zone 1 programmed into it as
well
> as PEEL REGION. On both systems when running indicate a flashing "ATT" on the
> display. When I go into the menu and check it, it indicates that the ATT is
off.
> I can put the same info into my BC396XT and it runs fine. I have cleared the
> memory and reprogrammed the systems both manually and directly from Radio
> Reference with the same results. HELP!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Yup, checked site settings, system and channel settings, same result.

I thought that deleting the system altogether and reinstalling it from RAD-REF
would clear it but no go.



From: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BC346XT@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul
Opitz
Sent: January 2, 2012 16:06
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [BC346XT] BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.





Are you checking both the global setting and the setting for that specific
system?

________________________________
From: "wwilkie3999@... <mailto:wwilkie3999%40rogers.com> "
<wwilkie3999@... <mailto:wwilkie3999%40rogers.com> >
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com <mailto:BC346XT%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Mon, January 2, 2012 1:43:07 PM
Subject: [BC346XT] BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.


I have a BC346XT and have the Ontario Fleetnet Zone 1 programmed into it as well
as PEEL REGION. On both systems when running indicate a flashing "ATT" on the
display. When I go into the menu and check it, it indicates that the ATT is off.
I can put the same info into my BC396XT and it runs fine. I have cleared the
memory and reprogrammed the systems both manually and directly from Radio
Reference with the same results. HELP!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks Dataman,
Hit HOLD, FUNC and held down the ATT button for 2 beeps, all is well in my
world.
Thanks All!!


________________________________
From: dataman60435 <dataman60435@...>
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, January 2, 2012 4:17:19 PM
Subject: [BC346XT] Re: BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.


 
Hold down "ATT" key pad button for two beeps or press Func + hold down "ATT"
button on key pad for two beeps to shut it="Global ATT" off....

--- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, Paul Opitz <pmanu44@...> wrote:
>
> Are you checking both the global setting and the setting for that specific
> system?
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: "wwilkie3999@..." <wwilkie3999@...>
> To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, January 2, 2012 1:43:07 PM
> Subject: [BC346XT] BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.
>
>  
> I have a BC346XT and have the Ontario Fleetnet Zone 1 programmed into it as
well
> as PEEL REGION. On both systems when running indicate a flashing "ATT" on the
> display. When I go into the menu and check it, it indicates that the ATT is
off.
> I can put the same info into my BC396XT and it runs fine. I have cleared the
> memory and reprogrammed the systems both manually and directly from Radio
> Reference with the same results. HELP!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Are you checking the global setting in addition to the settings for that
specific system?




________________________________
From: Wayne & Wendy Wilkie <wwilkie3999@...>
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, January 2, 2012 3:41:34 PM
Subject: RE: [BC346XT] BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.


Yup, checked site settings, system and channel settings, same result.

I thought that deleting the system altogether and reinstalling it from RAD-REF
would clear it but no go.

From: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BC346XT@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Paul
Opitz
Sent: January 2, 2012 16:06
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [BC346XT] BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.

Are you checking both the global setting and the setting for that specific
system?

________________________________
From: "wwilkie3999@... <mailto:wwilkie3999%40rogers.com> "
<wwilkie3999@... <mailto:wwilkie3999%40rogers.com> >
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com <mailto:BC346XT%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Mon, January 2, 2012 1:43:07 PM
Subject: [BC346XT] BC346XT "ATT" on even when turned off.

I have a BC346XT and have the Ontario Fleetnet Zone 1 programmed into it as well

as PEEL REGION. On both systems when running indicate a flashing "ATT" on the
display. When I go into the menu and check it, it indicates that the ATT is off.

I can put the same info into my BC396XT and it runs fine. I have cleared the
memory and reprogrammed the systems both manually and directly from Radio
Reference with the same results. HELP!!! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Lately when listening to Phx PD some channels are starting to sound bad. Most of
the time it comes in OK at first, then it starts to sound like the dispatcher is
under water kind of. Phoenix is using digital.I do also notice the signal
strength goes down when the alpha tags switch. Maybe it's a coincidence but
maybe not. Anyone else  experience this type of problem? I bought a pro 96 a
couple years back and it had the same problem but on all the channels. Any help
greatly appreciated.

Check to see if your AGC is on.
That can sometimes cause it.

If they are using digital, you would not
be able to hear any of the transmission.

Joe M.

Jack Sprat 41 wrote:
> Lately when listening to Phx PD some channels are starting to sound bad. Most
of the time it comes in OK at first, then it starts to sound like the dispatcher
is under water kind of. Phoenix is using digital.I do also notice the signal
strength goes down when the alpha tags switch. Maybe it's a coincidence but
maybe not. Anyone else  experience this type of problem? I bought a pro 96 a
couple years back and it had the same problem but on all the channels. Any help
greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 9.0.925 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4122 - Release Date: 01/04/12
02:34:00
>

You might want to post this on the BCD396XT board...

--- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, "Jack Sprat  41" <bigdhoffman@...> wrote:
>
> Lately when listening to Phx PD some channels are starting to sound bad. Most
of the time it comes in OK at first, then it starts to sound like the dispatcher
is under water kind of. Phoenix is using digital.I do also notice the signal
strength goes down when the alpha tags switch. Maybe it's a coincidence but
maybe not. Anyone else  experience this type of problem? I bought a pro 96 a
couple years back and it had the same problem but on all the channels. Any help
greatly appreciated.
>

Ahhh... didn't catch that in the subject.

So, check BOTH AGCs.

Joe M.

Paul O wrote:
> You might want to post this on the BCD396XT board...
>
> --- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, "Jack Sprat  41" <bigdhoffman@...> wrote:
>> Lately when listening to Phx PD some channels are starting to sound bad. Most
of the time it comes in OK at first, then it starts to sound like the dispatcher
is under water kind of. Phoenix is using digital.I do also notice the signal
strength goes down when the alpha tags switch. Maybe it's a coincidence but
maybe not. Anyone else  experience this type of problem? I bought a pro 96 a
couple years back and it had the same problem but on all the channels. Any help
greatly appreciated.
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 9.0.925 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4122 - Release Date: 01/04/12
02:34:00
>

has anyone used this feature? I have the cable that came with scanner, however i
have never used it.

I have it enabled on my radio but have not been able to get unitrunker or
the trunk88 program working correcting on my home desktop. I just got radio
a few days ago so I really just starting. If anyone else has this working
and could share please let us know.



http://www.unitrunker.com/



http://www.trunk88.com/index.php?title=Main_Page#Trunk88



Thanks,

Jeff









[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have UniTrunker running on my home desktop computer (A Gateway computer
running Windows 7).  I was able to get some help from these two places.

(1.)  Look for the question that asks how to get the Uniden XT model to work
with UniTrunker.
http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/UniTrunker#Frequently_Asked_Questions

(2.)  This is also a really good site for UniTrunker help.  The link for this
site is also on the UniTrunker website.
http://utahradio.org/mediawiki/index.php/UniTrunker_Guide

Respectfully,

John

--- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, "jeff" <harrjd@...> wrote:
>
> I have it enabled on my radio but have not been able to get unitrunker or
> the trunk88 program working correcting on my home desktop. I just got radio
> a few days ago so I really just starting. If anyone else has this working
> and could share please let us know.
>
>
>
> http://www.unitrunker.com/
>
>
>
> http://www.trunk88.com/index.php?title=Main_Page#Trunk88
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Menu
Program System
E/yes
New System
E/yes
Conventional
E/yes
Confirm?
E/yes
You can just leave the name "System 44  C" or something like that.
Or you can "Edit Name"
Edit Sys Options
E/yes
Set Quick Key
Scroll to something not used, single digit, like 4
E/yes
Menu
Edit Group
E/yes
New Group
E/yes
You can leave the name "Group 1" or change it, I left it.
Set Quick Key
Scroll to 1
E/yes
Edit Channel
E/yes
New Channel
E/yes
146.62 or some other freq if you like.
E/yes
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
So now you should be out scanning and see
S0:---4------
GRP:1---------

Then if you push
Func
And then the 1 key
It says:
Scan Mode
Nothing to Scan
S0:---4------
GRP:----------

So now this is my problem.
If you push
Func
and then the 1 key it doesn't turn the group back on.
The only way I can get it back on is to edit the group and change the Quick Key
to a . so that it is on.

So am I doing something wrong?
Or is there another way to turn Group 1 back on?

Thanks!

Operator problem.

When you lock out all the Group Quick Keys, the scanner stops scanning
the System, as you've told it there is nothing on it you wish to hear.

To re-enable a GQK after you've disabled them all, hit the FUNC key,
scroll to the system in question (when the SQK shows 4 in your case),
then while the FUNC is still active, hit the '1' button and it will
re-enable that GQK.

The solution to make it easier is to enable the other GQK you want
active BEFORE disabling one you don't want active. That way, you won't
have a situation where they are all disabled. OR, easier yet, just
disable the System Quick Key by pressing the 4 button if you want the
entire system disabled. Then, just hit 4 to re-enable that SQK.

Joe M.

Jerry wrote:
> Menu
> Program System
> E/yes
> New System
> E/yes
> Conventional
> E/yes
> Confirm?
> E/yes
> You can just leave the name "System 44  C" or something like that.
> Or you can "Edit Name"
> Edit Sys Options
> E/yes
> Set Quick Key
> Scroll to something not used, single digit, like 4
> E/yes
> Menu
> Edit Group
> E/yes
> New Group
> E/yes
> You can leave the name "Group 1" or change it, I left it.
> Set Quick Key
> Scroll to 1
> E/yes
> Edit Channel
> E/yes
> New Channel
> E/yes
> 146.62 or some other freq if you like.
> E/yes
> Menu
> Menu
> Menu
> Menu
> Menu
> Menu
> So now you should be out scanning and see
> S0:---4------
> GRP:1---------
>
> Then if you push
> Func
> And then the 1 key
> It says:
> Scan Mode
> Nothing to Scan
> S0:---4------
> GRP:----------
>
> So now this is my problem.
> If you push
> Func
> and then the 1 key it doesn't turn the group back on.
> The only way I can get it back on is to edit the group and change the Quick
Key to a . so that it is on.
>
> So am I doing something wrong?
> Or is there another way to turn Group 1 back on?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Joe, Thanks!

It took me a couple of tries, but that worked.
So yes, I will turn on another group before I turn the last group off.
Or like you said just turn off the site instead.

I have only had the scanner for about a week.
It seems like a really nice one and it is my first trunking one.
So lots to learn.

Jerry

--- In BC346XT@yahoogroups.com, MCH <mch@...> wrote:
>
> Operator problem.
>
> When you lock out all the Group Quick Keys, the scanner stops scanning
> the System, as you've told it there is nothing on it you wish to hear.
>
> To re-enable a GQK after you've disabled them all, hit the FUNC key,
> scroll to the system in question (when the SQK shows 4 in your case),
> then while the FUNC is still active, hit the '1' button and it will
> re-enable that GQK.
>
> The solution to make it easier is to enable the other GQK you want
> active BEFORE disabling one you don't want active. That way, you won't
> have a situation where they are all disabled. OR, easier yet, just
> disable the System Quick Key by pressing the 4 button if you want the
> entire system disabled. Then, just hit 4 to re-enable that SQK.
>
> Joe M.
>
> Jerry wrote:
> > Menu
> > Program System
> > E/yes
> > New System
> > E/yes
> > Conventional
> > E/yes
> > Confirm?
> > E/yes
> > You can just leave the name "System 44  C" or something like that.
> > Or you can "Edit Name"
> > Edit Sys Options
> > E/yes
> > Set Quick Key
> > Scroll to something not used, single digit, like 4
> > E/yes
> > Menu
> > Edit Group
> > E/yes
> > New Group
> > E/yes
> > You can leave the name "Group 1" or change it, I left it.
> > Set Quick Key
> > Scroll to 1
> > E/yes
> > Edit Channel
> > E/yes
> > New Channel
> > E/yes
> > 146.62 or some other freq if you like.
> > E/yes
> > Menu
> > Menu
> > Menu
> > Menu
> > Menu
> > Menu
> > So now you should be out scanning and see
> > S0:---4------
> > GRP:1---------
> >
> > Then if you push
> > Func
> > And then the 1 key
> > It says:
> > Scan Mode
> > Nothing to Scan
> > S0:---4------
> > GRP:----------
> >
> > So now this is my problem.
> > If you push
> > Func
> > and then the 1 key it doesn't turn the group back on.
> > The only way I can get it back on is to edit the group and change the Quick
Key to a . so that it is on.
> >
> > So am I doing something wrong?
> > Or is there another way to turn Group 1 back on?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Yes. The BC346XT is anything but intuitive. I have used
scanners before and seldom needed to consult the manual.
This one makes the simplest tasks difficult.

I kept getting stuck in "Direct Entry" mode -- couldn't find
a way out as there's no Enter key. After some random jabbing
at keys, I discovered that HOLD functions as enter, at least
for direct entry.

It's easy to get stuck in the menus if you press the wrong
buttons. Sometimes power off is the only way out, when all
other keypresses produce that annoying "error" sound.

When I bought the unit, I was interested in the Close Call
feature. I had expected something like a "near-field only"
mode. As far as I can tell, it's just a non-adjustable high
squelch level. Usually it stops on the strongest local FM
radio station. Not very useful.

The FreeScan program looks promising. Its interface is
easier to understand than the menus on the device's tiny LCD.

There are probably good features in the BC346XT, but they
are hard to access.


On 11-12-27 10:29 AM, billinchat wrote:
>
> OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for
> Christmas, don't know anything about it at all, have
> batteries in and all charged up. Now what? I have the
> manual online but do not really understand what they are
> talking about. I will oreder the easier manual from
> ScannerMaster when they are restocked but meanwhile would
> like to do something with this, yet I do not want to
> aggravate you seasoned users with idiotic questions. Any
> suggestions.
>
> Bill
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Threaded...

Jonathan Coles wrote:
> Yes. The BC346XT is anything but intuitive. I have used
> scanners before and seldom needed to consult the manual.
> This one makes the simplest tasks difficult.

Once you get used to DMA scanners, you will say that about all the older
scanners when you had to remember FUNC - 1 - 6 - 3 - 2 to do something.
Menu driven interfaces are where it is at these days.

> I kept getting stuck in "Direct Entry" mode -- couldn't find
> a way out as there's no Enter key. After some random jabbing
> at keys, I discovered that HOLD functions as enter, at least
> for direct entry.

Yep. That's in the manual.

> It's easy to get stuck in the menus if you press the wrong
> buttons. Sometimes power off is the only way out, when all
> other keypresses produce that annoying "error" sound.

You must not have tried the L/O key.
That exits the menu wherever you are.

> When I bought the unit, I was interested in the Close Call
> feature. I had expected something like a "near-field only"
> mode. As far as I can tell, it's just a non-adjustable high
> squelch level. Usually it stops on the strongest local FM
> radio station. Not very useful.

It IS a near field only mode. That's how near field receivers work -
they lock into the strongest signal. I've found it immensely useful in
finding transmitters in the near field. You might want to try to
Broadcast Screen.

> The FreeScan program looks promising. Its interface is
> easier to understand than the menus on the device's tiny LCD.

Really? You mean people can't understand things like "Program System" or
"New System" or "New Channel" or "Edit Name"? Granted, you can navigate
easier when you can display the contents of multiple channels at the
same time, but nobody said the 346 was as powerful as a Pentium or that
the display was HD quality.

> There are probably good features in the BC346XT, but they
> are hard to access.

There are a lot of good features, and you named several of them. There
is also the huge channel memory compared to older scanners.

Joe M.

I use FreeScan and a USB cord with my BC346XT. The salesman recommended
ProScan, but FreeScan works just as well, and is much easier and quicker. I
have a premium account with www.radioreference.com, but can often use the
EZ-Grab feature (copy and paste). I have to wonder why Uniden is hitching
its wagon to a falling star by supplying a cord 9-pin serial plug when
serial ports are dying. The USB cord is well worth the extra $35 it cost me.


Mark Walton
mark.walton@...

-----Original Message-----
From: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com [mailto:BC346XT@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Jonathan Coles
Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 7:58 PM
To: BC346XT@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [BC346XT] Help

Yes. The BC346XT is anything but intuitive. I have used
scanners before and seldom needed to consult the manual.
This one makes the simplest tasks difficult.

I kept getting stuck in "Direct Entry" mode -- couldn't find
a way out as there's no Enter key. After some random jabbing
at keys, I discovered that HOLD functions as enter, at least
for direct entry.

It's easy to get stuck in the menus if you press the wrong
buttons. Sometimes power off is the only way out, when all
other keypresses produce that annoying "error" sound.

When I bought the unit, I was interested in the Close Call
feature. I had expected something like a "near-field only"
mode. As far as I can tell, it's just a non-adjustable high
squelch level. Usually it stops on the strongest local FM
radio station. Not very useful.

The FreeScan program looks promising. Its interface is
easier to understand than the menus on the device's tiny LCD.

There are probably good features in the BC346XT, but they
are hard to access.

On 11-12-27 10:29 AM, billinchat wrote:
>
> OK, I am brand new to scanners, got a Uniden BC346XT for
> Christmas, don't know anything about it at all, have
> batteries in and all charged up. Now what? I have the
> manual online but do not really understand what they are
> talking about. I will oreder the easier manual from
> ScannerMaster when they are restocked but meanwhile would
> like to do something with this, yet I do not want to
> aggravate you seasoned users with idiotic questions. Any
> suggestions.
>
> Bill
>

Likely because RS232 is a standard for communications while USB is not.
For USB, you need software (drivers) for each ship for each OS.
Currently, that's a couple dozen drivers you need for each product. With
RS232, it's plug-n-play (and it will be for decades).

The sad part is that RS232 is so reliable and cheap, but PC
manufacturers are not adding it to save a buck (literally - one dollar).

Fortunately, you can easily add them to almost any PC. Even my iPad has
an option for an RS232 cable. And from rumors, there is an iOS
application in development for Uniden scanners.

Joe M.

Mark W. Walton wrote:
> I have to wonder why Uniden is hitching
> its wagon to a falling star by supplying a cord 9-pin serial plug when
> serial ports are dying. The USB cord is well worth the extra $35 it cost me.
>
>
> Mark Walton
> mark.walton@...

FreeSCAN for iOS
Current Stage: In Development
<http://www.sixspotsoftware.com/products/freescan-remote-ios>


-----Original Message-----
From: MCH
Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 17:48
To: BC346XT
Subject: Re: [BC346XT] Help

Fortunately, you can easily add them to almost any PC. Even my iPad has
an option for an RS232 cable. And from rumors, there is an iOS
application in development for Uniden scanners.

Joe M.