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Uniden DMA FAQ

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Revision as of 13:48, 15 April 2021 by Ka3jjz (talk | contribs)

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 these show 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.


DMA Scanner Topics and Terms

  • How does Trunking work with these scanners?


General Categories

  • For the following issues, please see our DMA Scanners and Software article
    • Connecting the scanner to the PC
    • Programming questions
    • Software packages
  • 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.


Popular Questions

  • 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?
  • 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.


Additional Resources

Where can I get more information on the XT series of scanners?

The Manuals Are Too Confusing. Anyone have anything that's easier to read?

  • 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
XT / P2 scanners
Printed manuals for sale via Scanner Master