Uniden DMA FAQ

Welcome to the Uniden DMA FAQ; here we'll start from scratch, and take you through some of the most basic of questions, and (in many cases) what things mean and how to find information. A word of explanation; if a word or phrase appears in blue and/or underlined, then it's a link; clicking it should take you to another article in our wiki, another part of our website or perhaps a different website.

What Models Does This FAQ Cover?

This FAQ covers the Uniden models that utilize 2 tier DMA memory architecture, specifically those shown in the table below. We have additional, separate FAQs for the DMA 3 tier Uniden products, though many things listed below, are directly applicable;

• For the HomePatrol-1 and HomePatrol-2, see the Uniden Home Patrol FAQ
• For the BCDx36HP Series, see the BCD436HP and BCD536HP Scanner FAQ
• For the SDS100 and SDS200, see the SDS100 and SDS200 FAQ Page

Non-XT	XT	P2
SC230	BC346XT(C)	BCD325P2
BC246T	BCD396XT	BCD996P2
BR330T	BCT15X
BCD396T	BCD996XT
BCT15
BCD996T

The Nuts and Bolts

• If you're a newcomer, you've probably already discovered that there's a huge amount of terms that seem unfamiliar to you. Our Glossary has lots of these terms, along with definitions. Just click on the term you wish to view.

• When looking at frequencies in our database, float your mouse over the column header, and you should get a balloon with a brief description of the terms and abbreviations that are used there.

• The biggest hurdle for many is the concept of trunking. Our Trunking Basics article will get you started, as well as this PDF file written by UPMan. Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat or a compatible reader (such as Foxit) to read it.

• With the exception of the P2 scanners, the others can't be upgraded for any of the newer protocols that are appearing; these include Project 25 Phase II, DMR, MOTOTRBO, EDACS Provoice and NXDN

Connecting via USB

T and XT Scanners

• Connecting Scanners via USB-Uniden section
• Generic USB-Serial Converters

P2 Scanners

• The drivers for the P2 scanners for use with their supplied cable can be found here
  • Uniden BCD325P2 Wiki Page
  • Uniden BCD996P2 Wiki Page

General Instructions for installing uniden_usbser

1. Download and unzip the below driver.
2. Plug in the scanner using a USB cable.
3. Right click on the Windows Launch icon (bottom left corner) and select "Device Manager."
4. The device shows up with a yellow triangle.
5. Right click on device and select "Update Driver Software."
6. Select "Browse My Computer for Driver Software."
7. Navigate to the folder where you have unzipped the above driver.
8. The driver installed is assigned as: Uniden Serial Port (COMx)
   1. (x) will be replaced with the actual port number.

Dynamic Memory Architecture (DMA)

• What is Dynamic Memory Architecture?
• What are Uniden Scanners Systems, Sites and Groups and how do they relate to each other?
• What are Quick Keys? (PDF)
• DMA_Scanners_and_Trunking
• Uniden Scanner Comparison
• Understanding Uniden DMA Programming Scanner School podcast

Features and Functions

• Uniden DMA Scanner Features and Functions

Firmware Updates

• For firmware updates and Rebanding please see our Updating the Firmware in Uniden DMA Scanners article
• Firmware Upgrade (Uniden DMA Scanners)

Issues

• Uniden DMA Scanner Issues

Nothing to Scan

• I see the Nothing to Scan error message or
• I turned off all my Favorites, Systems, or Groups off. What Should I do to re-enable Quick Keys?
  • Please, see our Nothing to Scan article.

Relevant Resource Material

• Uniden DMA Resource Page

Software

• Uniden DMA Software Support