Uniden 396 / 996 & EDACS...
This guide will help you in programming up the Uniden 396T & 996T for use on the Tasmanian EDACS Trunking Network, now while both are very similar in programming and usage there can be a slight difference in key strokes when accessing some menu's.
Where there is a difference in programming between the two there will be seperate instructions listed for each one, please make sure you follow the guide precisely for which ever scanner you have as a Trunking Network needs to be setup properly in order for you to be able to hear all conversations on the network.
If for some reason you find your constantly not getting both sides of a conversation or you think your missing some then make sure to go back over your setup and double check all settings, make sure you have not accidentally locked out any Talk Groups, ID's or even frequencies for the EDACS site you have programmed up, also be sure to follow the proper LCN (Logical Channel Number) order as set out for the site your programming in, this is vital for things to work.
Programming Frequencies In:
First up, turn on your 396T / 996T.
Press the MENU key - then using the dial select Program System, then push the E/Yes Key on the keypad.
Then choose the following (using the dial to select):
For The 396:
– New System, E/Yes
– EDCS, E/Yes
– WIDE, E/Yes
– Confirm, E/Yes
SET FREQUENCIES, E/Yes
NEW FREQUENCY, E/Yes
For the 996:
– New System, E/Yes
– EDCS WIDE/NARROW, E/Yes
– Confirm, E/Yes
– Edit SIte, E/Yes
– New SIte, E/Yes
– WIDE, E/Yes
SET FREQUENCIES, E/Yes
NEW FREQUENCY, E/Yes
Now you need to choose which frequencies to program in, this will depend on your location and what EDACS site is close to you, for a list of these sites and their frequencies please see the EDACS section on this site.
In this example we will use the Mt Barrow site in Launceston which is set out like the following on this site:
Input the first frequency which us 865.2875MHz, E/Yes
INPUT LCN: 1, E/Yes
MENU, choose NEW FREQUENCY
Input the second frequency in the list which is 866.2875MHz, E/Yes
INPUT LCN: 2, E/Yes
Repeat the above steps for ALL the channels of the EDCAS site you wish to listen to, making sure you increase the LCN by 1 for each frequency.
You must make sure that you program in the frequencies in the exact same order as shown in the lists on the site or you will miss conversations or it may not work at all, we cannot stress this enough!
Setting system options:
Press MENU button, then use the dial to choose – Program System – press E/Yes - select the system you want to change the settings for – press E/Yes – then use the dial to choose edit sys option – then press E/Yes.
Options To Set:
Set Quick Key (0..9) Choose any key from 0 to 9 to make it easier to activate or deactivate that bank..
Set hold time (2)
Set delay (2 Sec)
ID Scan / Search (ID SEARCH)
Set I-Call (on or off) - This is a personal preference and allows listening of Radio To Radio Calls. (Not used on Police Radios)
Emergency Alert (on or off depending if you want to be alerted to activity or not)
EDCS ID Format (AFS Format)
Ok so now press MENU 4 times and you should be well on your way to listening in the site you programmed in above, if not make sure that your 396/996 is actually scanning, if not push the Scan/Resume button to start it scanning.
This is only a quick guide and it is much easier to program them via your pc and the software you can get free from the Uniden site,, this is designed for the times you need to do it by hand.
***Please note that some of the options above are only available in Trunking Mode only***
If your having trouble programming up your scanner or would like some help please drop us a line here.