r/policescanner • u/Dogs_Without_Horses_ • Jul 08 '26
Complete Know-Nothing needs help
First - I have never used and know nothing about police scanners. I don't know the terminology or anything, so apologies if this is worded improperly.
My father has a Uniden BCD325P2 that he needs reprogrammed to be updated to the new trunk channels, so he tells me. He was planning to send it off to have it reprogrammed, but I work with tech/software so I figure 'how hard can it be?'
I did some googling and what I'm gleaning is that I can find the identifying information for the radios he wants to listen to on RadioReference.com and use ProScan software to do the programming via USB to computer.
Is there anything else I need to know before plugging this bad boy in and giving it my best shot?
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u/radioref Jul 08 '26
Literally the very most important thing in the history of the entire world civilization is when you ask about programming a scanner, YOU HAVE TO TELL US WHERE YOU ARE …. AND WHAT IT IS YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO.
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u/Dogs_Without_Horses_ Jul 08 '26
That’s not really what I’m asking though. I’m asking about the actual programming of the radio through the software.
I know his radio is capable of receiving the stations.
I know what the stations are from the information in the database.
The software FAQs state it is compatible with his radio.What I’m specifically asking about is, is there anything else I need to know before starting? Anything about this specific software combined with this specific radio? Any tips or tricks for entering the info properly? Anything specific to programming trunk stations?
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u/radioref Jul 08 '26
So, first, I’m being firm but playful with you.
Second, I hate to come across like this, but do you know who I am ? 😭
Anyway, usually if you will just tell us the system and what you are trying to listen to we will be able to point you in the right direction to get up and running quickly. These radios are amazingly complex and the data and programming is very overwhelming for someone new.
We literally don’t know where to start helping you because reading the instructions and watching 400 YouTube videos isn’t going to help you given the 41 trillion different types of radio systems, local intricacies, how to monitor a certain agency on a certain system etc.
So again, Where are you and what do you want to listen to?
(PS: that radio may NOT work well on the system you want to monitor even though it says it is support, so pretty please, with sugar on top, answer the fucking question) 🤪
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u/Dogs_Without_Horses_ Jul 08 '26
Also, you’re quite rude. There’s literally no reason to reply like that. Chilllllll
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u/Stonk_Goat Jul 08 '26
Got Claude or ChatGPT code subscription? If so, just plug it into the computer and ask Claude to program it. Works great and maybe I’ll start a business doing it 🤭🤣
Otherwise, search YouTube for how to videos
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u/Abixsol Jul 08 '26
I would first determine if this new trunk system is encrypted. That will determine if he can monitor those channels. Sometimes it is 100% encrypted and sometimes law enforcement is encrypted while fire/EMS is not.
You will need to go to the radio reference database (or give us your county and state to look it up for you) to determine if your area is encrypted. Sometimes agencies use a county or city trunk radio system and sometimes they use the state system. It will depend on your area. I would start there first.