Police scanner how to program
Some digital police scanners come with software. View the chart below to see if your police scanner comes with software and frequencies:. There are some options to buy software and frequencies together. What software you need varies depending on what police scanner you have. There are several options, but we show the largest on the market:. Frequencies can be entered by hand but, depending on where you live, this may not be realistic.
Most police scanner users prefer to purchase a frequency list which they can upload to their scanner using software. There are a several frequency sources to choose from ranging from homemade regional lists that users pass around to professional lists that you can purchase. Below we show some for the larger frequency resources:. Now that you know what is required to program your police scanner, you can either have us do this for you or program on your own.
To find instructions on how to program your specific police scanner, visit the product page for your police scanner as there are several links, videos and guides. Are Scanners Legal? The most appropriate method for your scanner radio depends on the make, model, and type of scanner. Some scanner models are simple and easy to program, and do not have to be manually programmed, like the Bearcat BCDHP.
To program and load scanner codes into this Uniden scanner you simply enter in the zip code of your location. The scanner automatically loads all available police, fire, and emergency medical services EMS channels and scanner frequencies. Another scanner model that does not require any programming knowledge to load scanner frequencies is the Bearcat BCDHP model. Related Articles. Author Info Last Updated: February 8, Part 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
Read the manufacturer's information. When you purchase a scanner at an electronics or hobby store, it should come with a brochure that will provide the details for its particular make and model. Each scanner make and model is set up a bit differently, so it's a good idea to follow individual directions. Find frequencies. Various regional agencies use different frequencies or "channels" for communication purposes, and you can find the frequencies for the agencies you would like to follow in your area.
A frequency is the number you will need to program in your scanner to listen to the specific service provider you would like to hear. Since scanners work by radio waves, you can only receive signals from local frequencies, just as you can only listen to local radio stations that broadcast in your area. To find local frequencies, search online for the information, or inquire at the retailer where you purchased your scanner.
You can also try www. As you find frequencies you want to program into your scanner, write their reference numbers in a list. You'll need the list to be easily accessible as you program the scanner, so place the list where you can see it. Connect the antenna and plug in the scanner. You can go ahead and turn it on now to make sure that its working with no problems.
Because you have not yet programmed any local frequencies, don't be surprised if you only hear white noise. This is totally normal. Locate the programming button. Depending on your scanner model, it might be labeled "Prog" or "PGM. Ask your retailer to show you the location if it is difficult to find, or look at your user manual. Press the programming button. You may need to hold down the button briefly to activate the programming function.
Look at the top of the screen. On most models, you will see "CH" flashing on the display, to indicate it is ready to program a channel. Insert the channel number. A channel is where you store your frequencies in order to easily access them when you need them. Think of it like the preset buttons on your car radio. Enter one of your frequency numbers. You should do this directly after you have entered your channel number, as this will locate that particular frequency within that particular channel.
The frequency number is usually five or six digits long and contains a decimal point. Use the numeric keypad to enter the digits. For example, if your number is You can organize the channels and their frequencies as you like, but one method is to use a particular channel for emergency agencies like police, fire, etc.
Keep a running list of where you put everything to make it easier to find later. Press "Enter. Now the frequency you entered is in that channel. Re-program the scanner if the test was unsuccessful by using the same process. Repeat the process with all frequencies you would like programmed in your scanner until you have the frequencies organized among the channels to your liking.
When you are finished programming the scanner, hit your programming button "Prog" or "PGM" again to exit programming mode. Part 2.