You might have to update the scanner if you know that your targets have changed systems or perhaps they disappeared and you no longer hear them on the channels that once used.įor non-ZIP Code type scanners it is a little more difficult. If you go on a trip and are bringing your ZIP Code scanner with you update the database before you leave. Other areas have changed frequencies or systems several times over the last couple decades.įor ZIP Code scanners we normally suggest that you update the database when you buy the radio and perhaps once or twice a year after that. There are some places using the same channels they have for 20 years or more, the Chicago Police Department for example is using the same radio channels they were in the 1970’s for the most part. The third question relates to whether you actually need to change it or not. Scanner Master sells programming software for almost all the current scanners and most older ones.

If you have access to programming software then you can update these easily whenever needed. On other modern scanners, such as the various Uniden, Whistler, GRE and Radio Shack digital radios (and some analog ones) they can be programmed by computer with the appropriate software and cables. 8G Micro SD Card Upgrade For Whistler TRX-2.8G Micro SD Card Upgrade For Whistler TRX-1.8G Micro SD Card Upgrade For Uniden Database Scanners.

We sell fully programmed and ready to go SD Cards for your Uniden or Whistler ZIP Code enabled scanner for just $59.95. If you do not have a Windows computer or do not want to do this you can always let Scanner Master do the work for you. Remember that updating the database does not update the Favorites Lists that you may have so if you are using Favorites Lists check them for any changes.

With a Windows computer these can be updated as often as you like at no charge just by running the software and sending the updated data to the radio. ZIP Code type scanners, such as the HomePatrol, x36/SDS type or the Whistler TRX and WS types are pretty easy to update with the free Sentinel or EZ-Scan software. The type of scanner you have is the first question we always ask. The answer to that depends on a few things, including what kind of scanner you have, the resources available to you (computer, software etc.) and what is happening in your area. One of the questions we get here at Scanner Master is how often one should update the programming on their scanner.

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