GPS Based Scanning Tips

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Rich Carlson

Several Uniden scanners support GPS based scanning. There are two main ways this works; Database based and Programming Based.

Scanners that support ZIP Code based programming (The HomePatrol and x36 types) can support GPS in both ways. Scanners that do not have the ZIP Code feature only support Programming based GPS.

ZIP Code based GPS scanning allows the radio to reload itself with the local frequencies based on locations provided by the attached GPS receiver. Instead of pulling over to change the ZIP code every once in awhile the GPS receiver sends the location to the scanner and it will update the location on a regular basis and reload the channels for that area.

Since these use the RadioReference database to provide the information, the GPS centers and ranges are set in the database and included when you update the scanner’s database in Sentinel.

Programming based GPS scanning requires that the Systems, Sites and Groups (or Favorites Lists) be programmed with GPS coordinates and ranges. The GPS sends the location to the radio and when the radio determines that you are within the circle drawn based on the location and range it turns on that item. When you leave the circle it turns it off.

If you use your scanner over a wide area a GPS can allow you to automatically turn on and off systems, sites, groups and/or Favorites Lists automatically and without having to punch in a ZIP Code all the time. If you only use the scanner at home or around a small area a GPS wouldn’t help you but if you travel a lot (RV folk, truckers etc.) it can be invaluable.

Most people use the Uniden GPS receiver with their scanners. It works on all Bearcat GPS-aware scanners without needing to configure it. If you want to use another GPS it has to support the older Serial format and the baud rate settings must be set to match that of the scanner. Most GPS receivers these days (Garmin, TomTom etc.) do not support Serial mode so you will likely be better off with the Uniden GPS.

Scanners that support GPS Scanning:

BCT15/BCT15X
BC346XT/BC346XTC
BCD325P2 – [Optional Cable Required]
BCD396XT
BCD436HP
BCD536HP
HomePatrol-I
HomePatrol-2
SDS100 – [Optional Cable Required]

How to connect the Uniden Bearcat GPS Receiver to the Uniden Bearcat BCD325P2 and the SDS100 Scanner with the optional cable.

New Product – Easier to Read Uniden XT Scanner Manual

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Jonathan Higgins

The Product: Easier to Read Uniden XT Scanner Manual
Price: $29.95
For: Uniden Bearcat’s BCT15X, BC346XT, BCD396XT, BCD996XT

Painstakingly created by Marksscanners, this 100 page Easier to Read Scanner Manual takes you deep into the amazing feature set and instructions for the Uniden XT scanners:

BCT15X

BC346XT

BCD396XT

BCD996XT

This is an extremely handy 5.5 X 8.5 perfect-bound book which you can use on your desk, in your car and on the go. The guide is in 4-color with charts, images and super detailed text. This one guide covers all four of these latest Bearcat® XT model scanners and takes you far beyond what you get with the radio (only a CD-ROM and without the detail of Mark’s guide). Go step-by-step through each of the hundreds of features of these scanners and learn what the functions do and how they are enabled and disabled.

Mark takes you through the process of planning systems, sites and groups and then programming your scanner with this information. The Uniden XT scanners are remarkable radios but to get the most out of them you really need this ultimate manual we are proud to offer.

Example Pages:

Scanner 101 – Uniden RH-96 Remote Head Hook Up

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Jonathan Higgins

The Uniden BC-RH96 Remote Head is
only available from Scanner Master!
Using the Uniden BC-RH96 Remote Head
Are you installing a new Uniden base/mobile Scanner in your car or truck? Most new vehicles don’t have a lot of space for a bulky full size scanner, so the Uniden BC-RH96 Remote Head is the perfect fix to any instillation. With the Remote head you can place the scanner under the seat or mount it in the trunk. With the compact BC-RH96 Remote Head you can have full control** of the scanner with full display taking up 75% less space. If you’re installing the BCT15X or BCD996XT in your vehicle, make sure you check out the Uniden Bearcat BC-RH96 Remote Head.

**Note:
When powering down the remote head, it will not power down the scanner itself.
Size:
7.2W x 1.9D x 2.2H in inches (without knobs)

Also In the box:
Mounting bracket with Knobs
10 foot data cable
Cigarette lighter DC power plug
The Owner’s Manual
The Uniden BC-RH96 Remote Head works with the following Uniden Scanners:
BCD996XT / BCD996T
BCD396XT / BCD396T
BCT15X/BCT15
BC346XT
BR330T

Bring the Sound the Front
When purchasing the Uniden BC-RH96 please check out our external speaker options available. You also need to bring the sound to the front along with the controls. The BC-RH96 does not have an internal speaker.
Uniden 4” External Speaker – 10 foot cord
RoadPro 2.75” External Speaker – 6 foot cord

Simple 1,2,3 Remote head to Scanner Hook-Up
Step 1
Hook up the data cable to the scanner via the front PC Port.
Step 2
Hook up the data cable to the RH96 to the Remote port. This cable can be extended by using an optional 6 foot stereo extension cable or 25 foot stereo extension cable.
Step 3
Hook up your cigarette lighter power cord or using the optional Uniden Power Cable (it will plug directly into your fuse block).
Installing Tips
>> When placing the scanner in the trunk or under the seat make sure the scanner is in a location so will will not over heat. Try to avoid tight closed in spots.

>> If you need to extended the 10 foot data cable that comes with the BC-RH96 you can purchase optional 6 foot stereo extension cable or 25 foot stereo extension cable. These cables can be use to extend the speaker cables as well.

>> If your using multipliable cigarette lighter power cords you may want to purchase 12-Volt 3 Outlet Power Port Adapter.
Programmable Function Buttons
With the Uniden BC-RH96 you can program three function buttons.
Options include:

Scan Key

Hold Key

Service Menu Shortcut

WX Scan Menu Shortcut

Goto Tone-out Standby Shortcut

Goto Close Call Only Mode Shortcut

and more!
See the BC-RH96 Manual Pages 19- 21 for more details.