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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 <font color=blue>blue</font>, 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.   
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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 <font color=blue>blue</font> 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.   
  
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==What is Dynamic Memory Architecture?==
 
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Put simply, [[Dynamic Memory Architecture]] (or DMA for short) is Uniden's proprietary method of allocating channels in memory from a pool of memory locations. 'Banks' as you may have known them before no longer exist. The number of available locations depends on the model.
 
  
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==What Scanners utilize Dynamic Memory Architecture?==  
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==What Models Does This FAQ Cover?==
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The following models utilize DMA. You should note that all of them are expected to be supported when [[Rebanding]] takes place, although no one is yet sure what form that support will take.
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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;
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* [[BCD396T]]
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* For the [[HomePatrol-1]] and [[HomePatrol-2]], see the [[Uniden Home Patrol FAQ]]
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* [[BR330T]]  
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* For the BCDx36HP Series, see the [[BCD436HP and BCD536HP Scanner FAQ]]
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* [[BC246T]]  
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* For the [[SDS100]] and [[SDS200]], see the [[SDS100 and SDS200 FAQ Page]]
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* [[SC230]]  
 
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* [[BCD996T]]
 
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* [[BCT15]]
 
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* [[UBC3500XLT]] (Euro version of the BR330, and not impacted by Rebanding)
 
  
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==How Can I Get Started?==
 
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Your first step begins with an article written by UPMan called [http://www.grove-ent.com/SCANNERPROGRAMMING.htm Scanner Programming;Man Machine Interface].
 
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This article will give you an introduction into how to set up a DMA radio; note that it was written before all the current models were in production, but the basic ideas are still the same.
 
  
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==How do I Lay Out My Groups and Systems?==
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{{UnidenDMAScanners}}
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As suggested in the above article, the use of a spreadsheet or other columnar layouts will help in getting things organized.
 
  
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==How do I Find Out What Frequencies Are Used in my Area?==
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==The Nuts and Bolts==
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RadioReference has an extensive and searchable [http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR database] for many areas of the country. All you need to know to use it is your state, county and sometimes the city of interest. 
 
  
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==What is Trunking?==
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*If you're a newcomer, you've probably already discovered that there's a huge amount of terms that seem unfamiliar to you. Our [[:Category:RR Glossary|Glossary]] has lots of these terms, along with definitions. Just click on the term you wish to view.
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[[Trunked Radio Systems|Trunking]] involves the use of many agencies, sharing a specific set of frequencies. Each agency - or sometimes more than one - are allocated logical addresses referred to as a [[Talkgroup]].
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*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.
  
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==How Can I Determine Whether a Model Will Trunk My System?==
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*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.
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Each scanner's article has a section entitled '''RR System Compatibility'''. This section is designed to mimic, as closely as possible, the listings of system types and voice as found on the database. In general, if your system type or voice is not listed in this section, chances are the scanner will not be able to decode it.
 
  
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The following summarizes each of the DMA scanners, and types of trunking they will handle;
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*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]]
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* [[BCD396T]] [[Motorola]] [[Project 25]] and analog, [[EDACS]], [[Logic Trunked Radio|LTR]] Standard
 
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* [[BCD996T]] same as above
 
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* [[BCT15]] [[Motorola]] analog, [[EDACS]], [[Logic Trunked Radio|LTR]] Standard 
 
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* [[BR330T]] same as above
 
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* [[BC246T]] same as above
 
  
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==What Formats Cannot be Trunked?==
 
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Some of the most common formats include:
 
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* [[EDACS Provoice]]
 
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* EDACS [[OpenSky]]
 
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* [[Logic Trunked Radio|LTR]] Passport and Multinet
 
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* [[MPT-1327]]
 
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* [[TETRA]]
 
  
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==I Want to Program My Scanner via Software. What Packages are Available?==
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==Connecting via USB==
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Each scanner's article (linked above) has a listing for supporting software. However, the most popular packages consistently seems to be Uniden's Advanced System Director (UASD) or the various packages by BuTel software. Many people keep a copy of both on hand, liking one for one set of tasks over another. There is one UASD and BuTel package per scanner. Some of the UASD is freeware; others are commercial and require purchase to unlock all their features. See the bottom of the [[Popular Software for RS/Uniden Scanners]] article for the most popular packages.
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; T and XT Scanners
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* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Connecting_scanners_via_USB#Uniden_Scanners Connecting Scanners via USB-Uniden section]
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* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Connecting_scanners_via_USB#Generic_USB_to_RS-232_serial_converters Generic USB-Serial Converters]
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; P2 Scanners
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* The drivers for the P2 scanners for use with their supplied cable can be found here
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** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD325P2 Uniden BCD325P2 Wiki Page]
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** [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996P2 Uniden BCD996P2 Wiki Page]
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* [[Connect your scanner and PC]]
  
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Programming files for these packages can often be had from several different sources;
 
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* Make a request for a file on your state's forum;
 
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* Check the Yahoo group(s) for your state;
 
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* Check the Yahoo group for your scanner. This is listed in every article (usually toward the bottom);
 
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* Check to see if someone has set up a web page with file(s) for your scanner;
 
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* Download data from the RadioReference database.
 
  
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Some of these packages (notably BuTel's as well as the new Trunkstar Elite) support connecting directly to, and downloading data from, the RadioReference database. (Note however, that the Trunkstar package does not allow you to use it for controlling the BC246 from the PC, due to software limitations). This is often the easiest way to get started.
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==Dynamic Memory Architecture (DMA)==
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* What is [[Dynamic Memory Architecture]]?
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* What are [[Uniden Scanners Systems, Sites and Groups]] and how do they relate to each other?
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* What are [[Media:Uniden Scanner Quick Key Instructions DMA.pdf|Quick Keys? (PDF)]]
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* [[DMA_Scanners_and_Trunking]]
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* [[Uniden Scanner Comparison]]
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* [https://www.scannerschool.com/understanding-uniden-dma-programming/ Understanding Uniden DMA Programming]  Scanner School podcast
  
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To use this service, you must be a [[Subscription|paid subscriber]]. The list of applications that are known to be compatible with the Web service can be found [[RadioReference.com_Web_Service|here]]. 
 
  
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If you make a request for a file, be sure to specify which software package you are using. For example, ARC396 can read UASD files as an input source; the UASD cannot directly read ARC396 data.
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==Features and Functions==
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* [[Uniden DMA Scanner Features and Functions]] 
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==Firmware Updates==
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* For firmware updates and [[Rebanding]] please see our [[Updating the Firmware in Uniden DMA Scanners]] article
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* [[Firmware Upgrade (Uniden DMA Scanners)]]
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==Issues==
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* [[Uniden DMA Scanner Issues]]
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==Nothing to Scan==
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*I see the '''Nothing to Scan''' error message or
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*I turned off all my Favorites, Systems, or Groups off. What Should I do to re-enable Quick Keys?
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**Please, see our [[Nothing to Scan]] article.
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==Relevant Resource Material==
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* [[Uniden DMA Resource Page]]
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==Software==
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* [[Uniden DMA Software Support]]
  
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==The Manuals Are Too Confusing. Anyone have anything that's easier to read?==
 
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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;
 
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* [http://myweb.cableone.net/marksscanners/BCT15/bct15.html Easier To Read BCT15 Manual]
 
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* [http://myweb.cableone.net/marksscanners/330/330test.html Easier To Read BR330T/(U)BCD396T Manual] Note that much of this is also useful for the BCD996T
 
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* [http://myweb.cableone.net/marksscanners/246/246.html Easier to Read BC246T Manual]
 
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* [http://myweb.cableone.net/marksscanners/230/230.html Easier to Read (U)SC230 Manual]
 
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* [http://myweb.cableone.net/marksscanners/3500/3500.html Easier to Read UBC3500XLT Manual]
 
  
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==Is There Any Additional Information Available?==
 
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Yes, see category link below for a list of various messages, tips, kinks and how to avoid them.
 
 
[[Category:DMA Radios Hints and Kinks]]
 
[[Category:DMA Radios Hints and Kinks]]
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[[Category:Analog Trunktrackers]]
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[[Category:Programming FAQs and Tips for Uniden Scanners]]
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[[Category:Location Based Scanning]]
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[[Category:Scanners FAQ]]
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[[Category:Digital Scanners without DMR]]
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[[Category:Digital Scanners with DMR]]
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[[Category:Digital Scanners without MOTOTRBO]]
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[[Category:Digital Scanners with MOTOTRBO]]
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[[Category:Digital Scanners without NXDN]]
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[[Category:Digital Scanners with NXDN]]
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[[Category:Digital Scanners without ProVoice]]
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[[Category:Digital Scanners with ProVoice]]

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;


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.


Connecting via USB

T and XT Scanners
P2 Scanners


Dynamic Memory Architecture (DMA)


Features and Functions


Firmware Updates


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?


Relevant Resource Material


Software

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