Uniden BC246T ( help )

[Orbital75]

I just purchased a Uniden BC246T and have no idea how to program it. I had a Uniden SC150B for years but decided to get a new scanner because I noticed that I couldn't get the full conversation because of the trunking they have now. My old scanner was easy to program, you just choose the bank 1-10 and then entered the freq. After this you would just hit E and then move on to the next freq. This new scanner is very confusing and I just can't figure out where to start. I went to RadioReference and found the Type of system we're on and all the Primary/Secondary and Trunking freq. but I have no idea how to put them in. I've read the manual but lets just say it's very lacking in "How TO" instructions. I would like to set up the scanner where each bank number is a different service. For example, Charlotte Police would be button 1, Charlotte Fire would be button 2, and Charlotte EMS would be button 3. I may do the same for a few surrounding countys such as Cabarrus County. This is the way I have my old scanner set up, each service is in a different bank. I feel this way I can turn off fire or EMS if i decide I just want to hear police. However, I'm not sure if it's called banking any longer. I read something about Talk Groups but don't really understand. I just want to set up the scanner where I can turn on and off different sesvices.... Could some one help me on programing this thing, I'm sooo lost with this new stuff.
Here is a link to my freqs on RadioReference.

http://www.radioreference.com/module...ame=RR&sid=282

[crazyVOLVOrob]

Read the manual and you will figure it out. Took me a couple minutes to prgram mine till i got good at programing

[SpeedyGuy]

is this a good scanner to buy?
i see that i can buy this for $196 (after shipping) is that a good deal or not?
thanks

[Orbital75]

Learned to program it about a week ago and it works great. It took awhile to figure out because I had never programed a trunking scanner before. After you learn how to do it, it's very easy....... I called Unidens free tech support and one of their Scanner Support techicians walked me through programing a system. After that it was cake from there on..... I would recommend it, great Scanner.......

[SpeedyGuy]

so.... do u have to make mods to it to be able to listen to police freq. or does it come automatically able to be able to listen to them (just have to find the rite channel)?
thx

[Synbios]

IMHO the best way to program channels is through a serial cable and the programming software. It's sooo much easier to just copy/paste lists of channels into your scanner then trying to type them in manually.

Just grab the correct RS-232 serial cable at your local radio shack, bring your scanner with you if you're not sure what type of connection you need.

Since some computers these days no longer have serial ports, you can also pick up a USB -> Serial converter.

You won't pay more than $20, and compared to what you paid for the scanner this should be negligable. It's definitely worth it.