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Updating the Firmware in Uniden DMA Scanners

From The RadioReference Wiki

Please use this article to document issues, problems and resolutions regarding updating the firmware in the Uniden DMA scanners. In general 2 rules seem to apply;

  1. NEVER skip any steps in the process, regardless of how convoluted it seems
  2. ALWAYS use the AC adapter (best) or a freshly recharged set of batteries when applying the firmware. Low voltages can corrupt the process.
  3. Some USB converters seem to work poorly during this process for unknown reasons. At times it seems that it's best to perform this function with an older PC with a serial connection.


The database says my system has been rebanded. What do I need to do to trunk this system correctly?

  • If the system is a Motorola type;
    • If the system voice says APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive then reprogram using just the control channels. On most scanners, Control Channel Only mode is the default when working on these systems. This type of system is only decodable on the BCD396T, BCD396XT, BCD996T, BCD996XT, BCD325P2, BCD996P2, BCD436HP, BCD536HP, SDS100 and SDS200.
    • If the system voice says anything else, look at all the frequencies. If the 4th decimal position is a '5' in every frequency, then you may be able to reprogram without firmware updates or a custom table. If any of the frequencies have a '0' then updating the scanner will be required to properly track this system
  • EDACS type systems will only need to be reprogrammed with the new rebanded frequencies. No firmware fixes are required to track these systems.


How do I find out what firmware version my radio has?

  • MENU --> Settings --> See Scanner Info
  • You can find this information with special keystrokes. See the Uniden scanner test modes article for more information


How do I get to my uniden com to retrieve my firmware?


What are the most current firmware releases for the trunktracking radios?

Model Firmware Version Updater Tool
BC246T 2.60.00 BC-VUP3.03
BR330T 1.06.02 BC_VUP_V2.0.0.7
BCT15 1.06.00 BC-VUP_V2.0.0.7
BCD396T 3.02.021 BC_VUP_V2.0.0.7
BCD996T 3.02.001 BC_VUP_V2.0.0.7
BC346XT 1.05.002 BC-VUP3.03
BCD396XT 1.11.012 BC-VUP3.03
BCT15X 1.07.002 BC-VUP3.03
BCD996XT 1.07.032 BC-VUP3.03
BCD325P2 1.09.124 BC-VUP3.03
BCD996P2 1.10.023 BC-VUP3.03


Notes
  1. Rebanding support started with version 3 of the firmware; additional point releases refined it. It's recommended that you have the latest firmware available.
  2. These scanners came with rebanding support out of the box (Otb) already installed, but there may be additional tweaks in later firmware releases.
  3. If your scanner's serial number starts with 378A, be sure to use ONLY this (or newer) version. The scanner will stop working using earlier versions. If your scanner's serial number starts with 378Z, you can update to this (or newer) versions.
  4. If your scanner's serial number starts with 379B, be sure to use ONLY this (or newer) version. The scanner will stop working using earlier versions. If your scanner's serial number starts with 379Z, you can update to this (or newer) versions.


Where do I get the firmware updates for my scanner? How do I apply them?


How do I connect my PC and scanner? I don't have a serial port

  • See our Connections section of the DMA Software and Support article


I'm having a lot of trouble upgrading my firmware


I've entered the firmware changes for rebanding. How do I apply the table changes in software?