Page Type: SYMPTOM

The BAD PROGRAMMING error message means the scanner was unable to accept the remote programming instructions from the Rangecast software. This normally means the scanner was asked to do something that exceeds the technical specifications of the radio. This may adversely affect reception performance on some channels.

In general, this error message should not occur, because Rangecast software is designed to match programming instructions to the technical specifications of each model of supported scanner radio.

However, on occasion, this issue may occur.

Examples of radio channel types not receivable from certain models of radio:

* MotoTrbo trunked systems (trunk type T)

* Channels with "color codes" (shown in PL field with prefix letter Q)

In addition, very old radios (such as the BCT-15) cannot receive some kinds of trunked systems that are easily received with more current scanners.

A frequent cause of the BAD PROGRAMMING error message for scanners near Atlanta is that a Uniden scanner without the MotoTrbo/DMR firmware upgrade is asked to receive the Union City Fire Department. This channel cannot be received on a scanner without this upgrade, and the error message is an indication that the scanner physically cannot do what has been instructed. In general, the best solution is to remove this one channel from the programming.

In the programmer list of towers/freqencies (Trunking tab, third table), a MotoTrbo system looks like this. The MotoTrbo in the column listing the type of trunked system should be viewed as a cautionary warning that the scanner will report BAD PROGRAMMING unless it has received the necessary firmware upgrade. [img-union-city-mototrbo]

An illustration of an RCHAN programming file including the Union City Fire Department: [img-union-city-rchan]

This produces errors on all scanners at the feed site [img-union-city-error]

INDEX

• [FAQ-1279] INDEX - Radio Receiver Site (feed site) - Error messages - rare