Difference between revisions of "Uniden DMA FAQ"

Latest revision as of 21:07, 1 June 2023

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

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
Connect your scanner and PC

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

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 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 BCDx36HP Series, see the [[BCD436HP and BCD536HP Scanner FAQ]]
 * For the [[SDS100]] and [[SDS200]], see the [[SDS100 and SDS200 FAQ Page]]
 {{UnidenDMAScanners}}
@@ Line 17: / Line 19: @@
 *The biggest hurdle for many is the concept of trunking. Our [[Trunking Basics]] article will get you started, as well as this [[Media:Trunking description.pdf|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]]
-==DMA Scanner Topics and Terms==
-* What is [[Dynamic Memory Architecture]]?
-* What are [[Uniden Scanners Systems, Sites and Groups]] and how do they relate to each other?
+==Connecting via USB==
+; T and XT Scanners
+* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Connecting_scanners_via_USB#Uniden_Scanners Connecting Scanners via USB-Uniden section]
+* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Connecting_scanners_via_USB#Generic_USB_to_RS-232_serial_converters Generic USB-Serial Converters]
+; P2 Scanners
+* The drivers for the P2 scanners for use with their supplied cable can be found here
+** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD325P2 Uniden BCD325P2 Wiki Page]
+** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996P2 Uniden BCD996P2 Wiki Page]
+* [[Connect your scanner and PC]]
-* How does [[DMA Scanners and Trunking|Trunking]] work with these scanners?
-* What is [[Uniden Multi-Site Trunking|Multi Site Trunking]]?
+==Dynamic Memory Architecture (DMA)==
+* What is [[Dynamic Memory Architecture]]?
-* What is the [[Uniden Close Call|Close Call]] feature?
+* What are [[Uniden Scanners Systems, Sites and Groups]] and how do they relate to each other?
+* What are [[Media:Uniden Scanner Quick Key Instructions DMA.pdf|Quick Keys? (PDF)]]
+* [[DMA_Scanners_and_Trunking]]
+* [[Uniden Scanner Comparison]]
+* [https://www.scannerschool.com/understanding-uniden-dma-programming/ Understanding Uniden DMA Programming]   Scanner School podcast
-* What is [[Digital End Code detection]] and why do I want to use it?
-* What is [[Control Channel Only]] and what does it apply to?
+==Features and Functions==
+* [[Uniden DMA Scanner Features and Functions]]
-* How do I use the [[Fire Tone Out]] & Fire Tone Out Search feature?
-* What does [[Location Based Scanning]] do for me? How does it work?
-==General Categories==
-* For the following issues, please see our [[DMA Scanners and Software]] article
-** Connecting the scanner to the PC
-** Programming questions
-** Software packages
+==Firmware Updates==
 * For firmware updates and [[Rebanding]] please see our [[Updating the Firmware in Uniden DMA Scanners]] article
+* [[Firmware Upgrade (Uniden DMA Scanners)]]
-* For audio issues (P25 decoding sounds bad, broken-up, unintelligible etc.) please see our [[DMA P25 Decoding and Audio Issues]] article
-* For display, miscellaneous function and battery voltage and battery tips and related issues, please see our [[DMA Scanner Functions and Batteries]] article
-* For undocumented hacks, please see our [[DMA Scanner Hacks]] article
-* For basic test modes typically technicians use to access hidden features, any user could try and see what might work, please see our [[Uniden scanner test modes]] article.
+==Issues==
+* [[Uniden DMA Scanner Issues]]
-* [[Uniden Scanner Comparison]]
-==Popular Questions==
+==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.
-*I press the power button, but my Handheld i.e. (BCD396t BCD436HP) won't turn On, What gives?
-**You must press and HOLD the Power Button for a full two seconds to turn the radio On (or Off). This is a safeguard, to prevent turning the scanner On or Off accidentally, such as: when you're carrying it in your pocket or on a belt.
-* '''Why does audio cut out every 2 or 5 seconds?'''
-** You have one of the following modes turned on:
-***if you have a BCT15 or BCT15X, you might have the BearTracker feature turned on (press '''HP''' until ''BP'' is no longer on the display to turn it off).
-***If the audio cuts out every 2 seconds regardless of mode, you have Close Call priority turned
-***If the audio cuts out every 5 seconds, you have Weather Priority turned on.
-***If the audio cuts out only when you are scanning a conventional system, you have Priority turned on. By default the audio will cut out every 2 seconds, but this is user configurable from 1-10 seconds.
-* '''How do I jump directly to a channel?'''
-** Use the Number Tag feature. This is available on the [[BCD436HP]], [[BCD536HP]], [[SDS100]], [[SDS200]] and the XT series scanners
-* '''The drivers are installed and cable connected but I cant connect to my software'''
-** See the {{Thread|uniden-forums.82|427188-uniden-bcd396xt-cable-communication-error.html|BCD396XT Cable Communication Error}}
-* '''I suspect I have issues with local FM BCers overloading my scanner. What are some good FM traps to use on these scanners?'''
-** See the {{Thread|splitters-filters-and-multicouplers.204|394943-fm-bandstop-filter-comparison.html|FM Bandstop Filter Comparison}}
-* '''What are the best batteries for the (insert handheld model)?
-** See the {{Thread|uniden-tech-support.248|439085-best-batteries-for-uniden-bcd325p2.html|Best Batteries for the 325P2}}
-* '''Where can I find the serial port drivers for my P2 scanners?'''
+==Relevant Resource Material==
-** [http://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/BCD325P2 BCD325P2 page Uniden TWiki]
+* [[Uniden DMA Resource Page]]
-** [http://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/BCD996P2 BCD996P2 page Uniden TWiki]
-==Additional Resources==
+==Software==
-*''''The Manuals Are Too Confusing. Anyone have anything that's easier to read?'''
+* [[Uniden DMA Software Support]]
-**Uniden did a fine job designing these radios. Too bad one cannot say the same about their manuals. Fortunately, there is another resource - loosely referred to as the 'Easier to Read' series, they have been generally lauded as being much more readable and understandable. As of this writing, the following members are available;
-; Non-XT Scanners
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/996/996.shtml Easier to Read BCD996T/UBC996T Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/BCT15/bct15.shtml Easier To Read BCT15 Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/330/330.shtml Easier to Read BR330T Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/396/396.shtml Easier To Read BCD396T/UBCD396T Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/246/246.shtml Easier to Read BC246T Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/230/230.shtml Easier to Read (U)SC230 Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/3500/3500.shtml Easier to Read UBC3500XLT Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/800/800.shtml Easier to Read UBC800XLT Manual]
-; XT / P2 scanners
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/325/325.shtml Easier to Read BCD325P2 Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/346XT/346xt.shtml Easier to Read BC346XT Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/396XT/396xt.shtml Easier to Read BCD396XT Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/996XT/996xt.shtml Easier to Read BCD996P2/XT Manual]
-* [http://new.marksscanners.com/BCT15X/bct15x.shtml Easier to Read BCT15-X Manual]
-; Printed manuals for sale via Scanner Master
-* [http://www.scannermaster.com/Easier_to_Read_Uniden_BCD325P2_Scanner_Manual_p/47-511901.htm Easier to Read Uniden BCD325P2 Manual]
-* [http://www.scannermaster.com/Easier_to_Read_Uniden_XT_Scanner_Manual_p/47-511554.htm Easier to Read Uniden XT/996P2 Manual]
-; YouTube Videos (via Microsoft Bing)
-* [https://tinyurl.com/2fsjf8fs Bing BCD325P2 Scanner Help]
-* [https://tinyurl.com/yrzy4a6z Bing BCD996P2 Scanner Help]
@@ Line 127: / Line 79: @@
 [[Category:Digital Scanners with MOTOTRBO]]
 [[Category:Digital Scanners without NXDN]]
+[[Category:Digital Scanners with NXDN]]
 [[Category:Digital Scanners without ProVoice]]
 [[Category:Digital Scanners with ProVoice]]