User:Ka3jjz

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

Relevant Resource Material

• THIS IS A NEW PAGE

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?

Trunking

• How does Trunking work with these scanners?

• What is Multi Site Trunking?

Features and Functions

Undocumented Features

• 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.

• What is the Close Call feature?

• What is Control Channel Only and what does it apply to?

• What is Digital End Code detection and why do I want to use it?

• How do I use the Fire Tone Out & Fire Tone Out Search feature?

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

• What does Location Based Scanning do for me? How does it work?

• 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.

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

1. While these radios can be programmed manually, you will need a boatload of patience with all the keystrokes that will be needed. Using software is the method many use, and we have a cross reference by model and software package of everything known to support these radios. The Uniden DMA Software Support article lists only those packages that support multiple models; click on the model number to be taken to that scanner's home page, where software that is specific for that radio will be listed
   1. FreeScan is a popular freeware package that works with all the (non-HP) DMA scanners. Its user guide can be found here or can be accessed from within FreeScan from the toolbar. Click on Help / Online Help

• 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

Issues

Access Channel Directly?

• 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

Audio Cuts Out

• 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.

Batteries

• What are the best batteries for the (insert handheld model)?
  • See the Best Batteries for the 325P2 Thread

Connection Issues

• The drivers are installed and cable connected but I cant connect to my software
  • See the BCD396XT Cable Communication Error Thread
• Unless you're using an older home PC, serial ports are a thing of the past. You will need a USB-serial converter to connect the PC and scanner. While Scanner Master sells the USB-1, there are several other off the shelf ones that are known to work. See the Connecting scanners via USB article for a list of examples, along with an explanation on how to use Windows Device Manager to diagnose connection issues. Many desktop "Business PCs" still have serial ports.
• Each scanner has a specific setup procedure to set the baud rate on the scanner's port(s) . This article summarizes the necessary steps

FM Broadcast Interference

• 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 FM Bandstop Filter Comparison Thread

Power button

• 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.

BCD325P2 and BCD996P2 only

DMR and MOTOTRBO

• Programming the P2 Scanners for DMR / MOTOTRBO

NXDN

• Programming the P2 Scanners for NXDN

Serial Port Drivers

• Where can I find the serial port drivers for my P2 scanners?
  • BCD325P2 page Uniden TWiki
  • BCD996P2 page Uniden TWiki