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Difference between revisions of "Updating the Firmware in Uniden DMA Scanners"

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'''The database says my system has been rebanded. What do I need to do to trunk this system correctly?'''
 
'''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 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 and BCD996P2.
+
** 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, AND BCD536HP.
 
** 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
 
** 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.
 
* EDACS type systems will only need to be reprogrammed with the new rebanded frequencies. No firmware fixes are required to track these systems.
Line 18: Line 18:
  
 
'''What are the most current firmware releases for the trunktracking radios?'''
 
'''What are the most current firmware releases for the trunktracking radios?'''
 
 
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
 
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
 
!Model
 
!Model
 
!Firmware Version
 
!Firmware Version
 +
!Updater Tool
 
|-
 
|-
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BC246TFirmwareUpdate BC246T]
+
|BC246T
 
|2.60.00
 
|2.60.00
 +
|BC-VUP3.03
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BR330TFirmwareUpdate BR330T]
 
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BR330TFirmwareUpdate BR330T]
 
|1.06.02
 
|1.06.02
 +
|BC_VUP_V2.0.0.7
 
|-
 
|-
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCT15FirmwareUpdate BCT15]
+
|BCT15
 
|1.06.00
 
|1.06.00
 +
|BC-VUP3.03
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD396TFirmwareUpdate BCD396T]
 
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD396TFirmwareUpdate BCD396T]
 
|3.02.02<sup>1</sup>
 
|3.02.02<sup>1</sup>
 +
|BC_VUP_V2.0.0.7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996TFirmwareUpdate BCD996T]
 
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996TFirmwareUpdate BCD996T]
 
|3.02.00<sup>1</sup>
 
|3.02.00<sup>1</sup>
 +
|BC_VUP_V2.0.0.7
 
|-
 
|-
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BC346XTFirmwareUpdate BC346XT]
+
|BC346XT
 
|1.05.00<sup>2</sup>
 
|1.05.00<sup>2</sup>
 +
|BC-VUP3.03
 
|-
 
|-
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/pub/publish/BCD396XTFirmwareUpdate.html BCD396XT]
+
|BCD396XT  
 
|1.11.01<sup>2</sup>
 
|1.11.01<sup>2</sup>
 +
|BC-VUP3.03
 
|-
 
|-
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCT15XFirmwareUpdate BCT15X]
+
|BCT15X  
|1.05.03<sup>2</sup>
+
|1.06.03<sup>2</sup>
 +
|BC-VUP3.03
 
|-
 
|-
|[http://info.uniden.com/twiki/pub/publish/BCD996XTFirmwareUpdate.html BCD996XT]
+
|BCD996XT  
 
|1.07.03<sup>2</sup>
 
|1.07.03<sup>2</sup>
 +
|BC-VUP3.03
 
|-
 
|-
|[http://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/BCD325P2FirmwareUpdate BCD325P2]
+
|BCD325P2  
|1.06.00<sup>2</sup>
+
|1.09.12<sup>4</sup>
 +
|BC-VUP3.03
 
|-
 
|-
|[http://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/BCD996P2FirmwareUpdate BCD996P2]
+
|BCD996P2  
|1.06.00<sup>2</sup>
+
|1.09.12<sup>3</sup>
 +
|BC-VUP3.03
 
|}
 
|}
  
  
 
;Notes
 
;Notes
#Rebanding support started with version 3 of the firmware; additional point releases refined it. It's recommended that you have the latest firmware available
+
#Rebanding support started with version 3 of the firmware; additional point releases refined it. It's recommended that you have the latest firmware available.
#These scanners came with rebanding support already installed but there may have been additional tweaks in other firmware releases  
+
#These scanners came with rebanding support out of the box (Otb) already installed, but there may be additional tweaks in later firmware releases.
 
+
#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.
 +
#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?'''  
 
'''Where do I get the firmware updates for my scanner? How do I apply them?'''  
* Click on the desired model number in the table above. Follow all instructions as given.  
+
* Click on the desired model number in the table above. Use the version of the updater tool as shown on the Twiki page
 
+
* [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/InstallingBC_VUP Install BC VUP3.03]
 +
* [http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/UsingBC_VUP Using the BC VUP Firmware Updater (3.03)]
 +
  
 
'''How do I connect my PC and scanner? I don't have a serial port'''
 
'''How do I connect my PC and scanner? I don't have a serial port'''
 
* New PCs do not have serial ports, but they have USB. You will need a USB-serial converter. See the [[Connecting scanners via USB]] article for more information
 
* New PCs do not have serial ports, but they have USB. You will need a USB-serial converter. See the [[Connecting scanners via USB]] article for more information
 
* You will also need to set up the scanner's port to the correct speed. This information is summarized in the [[Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC]] article
 
* You will also need to set up the scanner's port to the correct speed. This information is summarized in the [[Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC]] article
* Once all this is done, it's wise to verify that the connection is working. The easiest way to do this is to install [http://www.sixspotsoftware.com/downloads Freescan] (it's freeware), and use the virtual control to view your scanner as it's scanning. The [[FreeScan User Guide]] has the documentation on this.
+
* Once all this is done, it's wise to verify that the connection is working. The easiest way to do this is to install [https://sites.google.com/site/sixspotsoftware/downloads Freescan it's freeware], and use the virtual control to view your scanner as it's scanning. The [[FreeScan User Guide]] has the documentation on this.
  
  
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* Please see the [[Software Support for Uniden Rebanding]] article for the correct data to enter in the tables and software examples
 
* Please see the [[Software Support for Uniden Rebanding]] article for the correct data to enter in the tables and software examples
  
Return to the [[Uniden DMA FAQ]]
+
*Return to the [[Uniden DMA FAQ]]  
 +
*Return to [[Uniden Scanners]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
  
[[Category:Digital Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Analog Trunktrackers]]
 
 
[[Category:DMA Radios Hints and Kinks]]
 
[[Category:DMA Radios Hints and Kinks]]
[[Category:FAQ]]
 
 
[[Category:Programming FAQs and Tips for Uniden Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Programming FAQs and Tips for Uniden Scanners]]
 +
[[Category:Analog Trunktrackers]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners without DMR]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners without MOTOTRBO]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners with DMR]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners with MOTOTRBO]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners without ProVoice]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners with ProVoice]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners without NXDN]]
 +
[[Category:Uniden Scanner Features]]

Revision as of 19:36, 13 August 2021

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, AND BCD536HP.
    • 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


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-VUP3.03
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 1.06.032 BC-VUP3.03
BCD996XT 1.07.032 BC-VUP3.03
BCD325P2 1.09.124 BC-VUP3.03
BCD996P2 1.09.123 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

  • New PCs do not have serial ports, but they have USB. You will need a USB-serial converter. See the Connecting scanners via USB article for more information
  • You will also need to set up the scanner's port to the correct speed. This information is summarized in the Freescan - Connecting Scanner to PC article
  • Once all this is done, it's wise to verify that the connection is working. The easiest way to do this is to install Freescan it's freeware, and use the virtual control to view your scanner as it's scanning. The FreeScan User Guide has the documentation on this.


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?