UNIDEN BC796D
MANUAL
Frequencies
|
- 25- 512 MHz
- 806- 824 MHz
- 849- 869 MHz
- 894-1300 MHz
|
The Uniden Bearcat BC796D is more scanner than ever before. This model
covers virtually every frequency from 25 to 512 and 806 to 1300 MHz (less
cellular). It receives military frequencies not found on most other scanners.
You get 1000 channels organized in 10 banks. Enjoy TrunkTracker IV technology,
supporting Motorola, EDACS, LTR and EF Johnson systems. Selectable mode allows
you to change the default receiving mode (AM, FM-wide or FM-narrow) to hear all
the action. But clearly the most impressive BC796D feature is the built in APCO
25 digital capability. You will be able to monitor both analog and most
digital radio transmissions (including 9600 baud).
Advanced features include: Two Line Alpha LCD, Delay key (2 seconds), Channel
Lockout, Data Skip (the scanner skips over non-voice channels), backlit display
and 'S.A.M.E.' weather. The CTCSS/DCS feature allows the user to assign analog
and digital sub-audible tone codes to a specific frequency in memory. You also
get: 12 service searches, beep alert, clone feature and S.A.M.E. weather alert.
The menu allows you to tailor many operations to your personal preference such
as: dimmer setting, beep, Enter key lock, displayed information and
APCO25 disable.
The rear panel has external jacks for: BNC antenna, external speaker, line out
and DC power input. There is also a DB-9 RS-232C port to remotely program and
control the radio (required PC cable not supplied). Approximate size: 7 x 2.9 x
6.7 inches 3 lbs. (177x72x167mm 1.33 kg).
Uniden BC796D Review
by: Matt Outlaw aka safetyobc
The BC796D is an excellent scanner. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity
to program 2 of these scanners. I used the UASD796 software that was included to
program the scanner. The 796 software isn't as good as the software that came
with the BCD396T, BCD996T or other newer scanners because it doesn't offer any
copy and paste feature or a way to set other configurations through the software
like SAME and other scanner settings.
The scanner itself though, receives really well. I tested it out on numerous
conventional channels, a few air band and mil air band frequencies, analog
trunking systems, as wells as a Motorola P25 digital system.
Nice audio for indoor use, but I found that in my noisy interior of my Nissan
Frontier the audio was lacking a bit. If it is turned up too loud, it distorts.
But for an indoor base scanner or a less noisy vehicle this scanner works great.
Super fast scanning, excellent digital decode, excellent analog sound. I have
heard people cut this scanner down compared to the Pro-96/Pro-2096 but in my
opinion, there just isn't much difference in audio on my local digital system or
the analog trunked systems I monitored.
The scanner is very easy to use and understand. It is a monster to program by
hand especially for large trunking systems or numerous conventional channels. It
isn't necessarily difficult to program, it is just time consuming inputting all
of the text. It is much easier to input text by hand than on the Pro-2096/Pro-96
scanners though. On the 796, you simply turn the VFO through capital letters A-Z
then lower case a-z, then numbers and symbols. Very easy, just time consuming.
It is much faster to use the software. Butel offers a higher quality programming
software for $39.95 Basic and $69.95 Pro version.
I love the signal meter offered on the BC796D. The 16 character alpha tags are
also nice versus the 12 on the Pro96/2096. The LCD screen is nice and LARGE so
seeing it even mobile isn't a problem. The dark box inside the LCD bothers me a
little. There may be a way to adjust the contrast but I didn't find it.
It is somewhat unfriendly to activate the attuenation (helps block strong
interference) on channels because you must go through the menu to activate this.
I like scanners that offer this attuenation on the keypad.
The 796 offers many add on features as well, like a remote head from
scannermaster.com. I was disappointed that there wasn't a programming cable
included, especially since the software is included. I did happen to find a
standard serial cable at a computer store though very cheap! Scannermaster.com
also offers the cable in either 6' or 25' lengths for a decent price!
When you get your BC796D, you need to perform a firmware update. There are two
updates currently available for the BC796D. One is to fix the digital card error
message that many have been plagued with. You can download both fixes at
Uniden's Download page. Download both the BC796D Update Program and the BCi96D
Update Program and follow the instructions. The BC796D is an excellent scanner.
The BC796D has a lot of great features. However for the price of $500 +, you can
get a more feature packed scanner in the BCD396T or the BCD996T. The age of
banks and channels are going away. Uniden's new Dynamic memory featured on the
BCD396T, BCD996T, BR330T, BCT-15, and BC246T is the wave of the future. Being
able to program multiple systems either trunked or conventional and not wasting
memory is definitely a plus. I am not saying that bank/channel scanners are
obsolete, I own several. But I am saying that the Dynamic Memory design is much
easier to use and keep your agencies separated.
If you can find a good deal on the BC796D and need a digital mobile/base
scanner, then jump on it. It is a good scanner. It has good analog and digital
decode. And has a fast scan rate. All in all the scanner is probably a 7 out of
10 for me.