When tracking these types of systems, you might want to remember that your scanner can track more than one trunking system at a time and scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time.

Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a frequency used by someone you want to monitor into your scanner’s memory. For example, the police in your area might transmit on 460.500 MHz, the fire department on 154.445 MHz, the highway department on 37.900 MHz, etc. So when your scanner stops on a frequency, you usually know who it is, and more importantly, you can stop on a channel and listen to an entire conversation. This type of scanning is easy and fun.

However, as the demand for public communications has increased, many public radio users do not have enough frequencies to meet their needs, creating a serious problem. Trunking radio systems help solve this problem.

Trunked Scanning

While conventional scanning worked great while there were only a few groups wanting to use the frequencies, with the advent of smaller, lower-cost radios more and more agencies and businesses wanted to take advantage of the utility of 2-way radio. As a result, the bands that were used most became full, so new users were not able to take advantage of the technology as quickly as they wanted.

Trunking solved this frequency shortage by allowing multiple groups to use the same set of frequencies in a very efficient way. While each type of trunking system operates a little differently (see the next few sections), they all work on the same basic premise: even in a system with a lot of users, only a few users are ever transmitting at any one time.

Instead of being assigned a frequency, as with conventional systems, each group is assigned a talk group ID. A central computer controls the frequency

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Understanding Scanning

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Uniden UBCD396T owner manual Trunked Scanning

UBCD396T specifications

The Uniden UBCD396T is a highly versatile and compact digital scanner that has gained a reputation among enthusiasts and professionals alike for its impressive features and capabilities. Designed primarily for public safety scanning, this portable scanner allows users to stay informed about local emergency services, including police, fire, and medical operations.

One of the key features of the UBCD396T is its ability to receive a wide range of frequencies. It covers VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz bands, which are commonly used by various agencies. With support for both analog and digital modes, users can enjoy clear audio and access to multiple communication protocols.

The scanner is equipped with Uniden's advanced APCO-25 digital decoding technology, enabling it to receive and accurately decode P25 digital signals. This is particularly beneficial for users in areas where digital trunking systems are in use, ensuring they can access critical communications without the hassle of missing important information.

A standout characteristic of the UBCD396T is its Dynamic Memory Management system, which allows users to create and manage multiple scanning banks efficiently. With 1000 channels and the ability to store additional frequencies, users can customize their scanning experience based on their preferences and needs. The scanner also supports GPS connectivity, enabling location-based scanning that automatically alters the frequency range based on the user's position.

Another notable feature is the scanner's customizable display and backlight options. Users can adjust the brightness and color settings to suit their preferences, making it easy to operate even in low-light conditions. The UBCD396T also boasts a built-in rechargeable battery, providing hours of continuous operation, ideal for users on the go.

Furthermore, the UBCD396T includes features such as a dedicated search mode, allowing users to scan unprogrammed frequencies, and a close call function that detects nearby transmissions instantly. The USB connectivity enables easy software updates, ensuring users can keep their devices up to date with the latest technologies.

In summary, the Uniden UBCD396T is a powerful and flexible digital scanner that offers a suite of features suited for both casual users and serious enthusiasts. Its ability to decode various communication types, along with user-friendly customization options, makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to stay connected to the world around them.