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Uniden BCD396T Firmware Revision Notes 3.02.02

Contents

Installation Steps

We recommend you make a backup of your scanner's programming before applying the update. See the instructions for doing this later in these release notes.

Here is what you need to do to apply the 3.02.02 update.

If your scanner is at version 1.13.17 or earlier:

1. Download: BCD396T_ESN_Loader_V1_20_13.zip
2. Downoad BCD396T_V1_Information.pdf then read and follow those instructions. This update will apply an Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and ESN checksum to your scanner so that you can register for the V3.02.02 update.
3. Proceed to the next section.

If your scanner is at version 1.20.13 or higher:

1. Log in at http://my.uniden.com/
   • If your scanner has not yet been registered, click on "Register a Product" and add your scanner, including its ESN and checksum.
   • If you have previously registered your scanner, update that scanner's registration to include the ESN and checksum if you have not previously done so.
2. On your "All My Scanners" page, click "Get V3 Registration Key" next to the scanner. Make a note of the key assigned to the scanner (it will also appear on your "All My Scanners" page).
3. On your "All My Scanners" page, click "Get v3.xx.xx Firmware." (This will not appear until you get a key.) Alternatively, you can download the update by clicking BCD396T_V3_02_02.zip and download the latest version of BC_VUP (the firmware update tool) by clicking BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.zip.
4. Unzip both of the files you downloaded in Step 3 to your desktop. Then run BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.exe to install the firmware updater. (If you previously installed a version of BC_VUP, be sure you delete the old install files before reinstalling. These files are in a "BCSS" directory.)
5. Run the BC_VUP application you installed in Step 4. Follow all on-screen instructions. If you are updating from version prior to V3.00.00 you must enter the V3 Registration Key when prompted. If you are updating from V3.00.00 or 3.01.00 to this version, you do not need to enter the key. When prompted, select the BCD396T_V3_02_02.scn file you unzipped in Step 4.

Notes:

• This update is cumulative...it includes all improvements made in all previous updates.
• You must have applied the v1.20.13 ESN Loader update prior to applying this update.
• You must have entered your ESN and ESN Checksum on the My Uniden web site and received a Version 3 Registration Key for this update. This key is not the same key as was used for the Version 2.x update! If you previously applied version 3.00.00 or 3.01.00, you do not need to reapply the registration key for this update.
• Most update problems are caused by serial port issues. See the troubleshooting hints in the Update Troubleshooting section if you have problems.
• Two great forums exist for sharing information about this scanner within the user community:
  • The RadioReference forums ( http://www.RadioReference.com/forums)
  • The BCD396T Groups.io page (hhttps://uniden.groups.io/g/BCD396T)

What is Changed by This Update?

This update makes the following changes to your BCD396T scanner:

• Correct an issue where a the scanner will stop on a false Radio ID in some cases.

Previous Update 3.01.00

• Restored autotracking of Motorola 800 Standard systems in Control Channel Search mode.
• If backlight is set to infinite, it will no longer turn off after receiving a Close Call hit.
• P25 test mode setting defaults to 3 for best decoding performance.
• Communications will no longer be locked up between the scanner and the remote head if AGC settings are accessed.
• Fixed the CSC command to no longer return to the menu after CSC,OFF is received.
• Fixed the CSC command to properly report out all RSSI levels for all frequencies.
• Scanner no longer resumes scanning after pressing "." then the first digit of a SQK

Previous Update 3.00.00

• Added a Custom Band Plan to 800 MHz systems to support rebanded Motorola systems (see instructions for use later in this document).
• Automatic support for EDACS systems that use ESK. No settings are needed for this support; ESK systems are automatically detected and tracked.
• Improved P25 decoding on systems operating outside of the P25 industry specification.
• Added P25 Waiting Time to the Settings menu. This is no longer a hidden menu item.
• Added Digital End Code to the System options. This is no longer a hidden menu item.
• Added AGC tweak settings to the Settings menu. These are no longer hidden menu items.
• Added a 30-second delay option to the Fire Tone-Out menu.
• Added Close Call Do-Not-Disturb to the Close Call modes (see instructions later in this document).
• Updated the PC protocol to support all operation changes.

Previous Update 2.00.07

• Improved decoding on P25 Multipacket Systems.
• Improved P25 Baseband decoding - this will improve the digital decoding quality on all P25 channels...those on P25 systems, Motorola Type II systems, and conventional channels.
• Improved digital noise rejection
• Improved EDACS channel end detection (reduced "EDACS beeping")
• Improved auto-threshold adjustment. The settings remain in the menus to maintain compatibility with UASD, but the setting itself is just a placeholder now.
• When you resume from holding on a channel with the BCD396T, the scanner will now start from the next channel, not back to the first.
• Trunked systems are released faster when the scan hold time is set to 0, resulting in a faster scan rate.
• ESN, QSC, CSC, and PWR added to the PC protocol. See the separate protocol document for syntax.
• Added P25 Wait Time hidden menu. See separate instructions later in this document.

Previous Update 1.20.13

• Add ESN (electronic serial number) and ESN checksum to the scanner

Previous Update 1.13.17

• Add compatibility for the BC-RH96 Remote Head.
• Add WACN display to P25 systems. Hold on a P25 control channel and press FUNC. The <nop>SysID is replaced by the 5-digit hex WACN code.
• Fix "Multi Packet" issue on some P25 systems.
• Fix "Stops on Control Channel" issue for Motorola systems.
• Fix the "Ghost Talkgroups" issue where the incorrect talkgroup can be displayed for P25 systems.
• Improve rejection of close call hits on nearby frequencies when the signal level is weak.
• Change alpha tag advance method to use "<4" and "6>" to move left and right during text entry; add display to indicate this.
• Improve P25 audio performance in the Auto Threshold mode.
• Improve digital audio performance with AGC when the person transmitting suddenly speaks loudly.
• Make the squelch control more logarithmic to more closely emulate analog control.

Previous Update 1.11.03

• Add P25 band plan setting for Implicit Mode systems.
• Improve Audio AGC.
• Adjust the Volume Table for smaller increments at low volumes.
• Change P25 Individual Call display format (Source and Destination) ([Before] DST - SRC; [After] SRC - DST (as same as analog individual call)
• Fix an issue where EDACS beeps are sometimes not detected and suppressed.
• Fix an issue where, If you are doing an ID Search or Scan with the 396T on an EDACS Wide system (and just that one system), once it acquires the system and shows you the control channel, it will NEVER lose that indicator that it's locked on. The problem occurs only if system hold time is 0 or 1. The problem goes away if hold is set to 2 or higher.
• Fix an issue where Close Call and Wx Priority do not work when in ID SCAN/SEARCH Mode if there is no TGID information on control channel (no traffic on the system).
• Improve scanning when there are adjacent strong signals.
• Adds a Digital End Code option (unofficial)
• Adds AGC Parameter Adjustments (unofficial)

Backing Up Your Scanner

While it doesn't happen often, it is possible that applying a firmware update could affect some of your scanner's programmed settings or systems. We recommend you make a full backup of your scanner's programming and configuration before you apply the update. Follow these quick steps to make a backup of your BCD396T programming using Uniden Advanced Scanner Director (UASD):

1. Install (if necessary) and run UASD.
2. From the top menus, select Setup --> Options.
3. Set the COM port to the port you've connected the BCD396T to and select the baud rate that matches your scanners Settings --> PC Control setting and then click OK.
4. Select Connect to Scanner from the left function bar.
   The software will begin to read the contents of your scanner.
5. When UASD finishes reading from the scanner, select Save from the top function bar.
6. Make sure the check boxes next to Save Configuration, Save Selected Systems, and Replace existing files with same names are checked, then enter a name for your configuration in the text box next to Save Configuration as:, the click OK.

Update Troubleshooting

Follow these tips to troubleshoot any update problem you encounter:

• If you do not select "Enable Major Version Up" or if you enter a registration key for a scanner other than the one you are updating, your scanner will be disabled after the update. You must successfully complete the above steps using the correct registration key in order to apply the update. If the update fails, repeat the above process to reapply the update using the correct information.
• When prompted, be sure to turn off the scanner, remove the batteries, and hold down both the L/O and 6 buttons while plugging in the AC adapter. The blue backlight should come on and remain on until the end of the update.
• If an error occurs during the update, simply repeat all steps, including removing power, holding down L/O and 6, and plugging in AC power. Even if the backlight is already on, you need to repeat this step if you restart the update.
• Almost all update error messages or faults that result in the scanner powering up with a blank display the the backlight on after the update are caused by:
  • Incorrect COM port selection: Be sure you have selected the COM port that the scanner is plugged into.
  • COM port software conflicts: No other software can be running that uses the COM port. Be sure to close UASD and any other scanner control software. Also, if you have ever used a PDA with this PC, there is probably synchronization software running all the time that takes over the COM port. You can usually stop that software by right-clicking on its icon in the lower right side of your PC screen, then selecting "Quit" or "Exit."
    
    If your PC does not have a COM port, you can use a USB-->RS232 adapter. Uniden sells such an adapter specifically for this scanner (Model USB-1). Or, you can use many other adapters that are available at computer retailers. Note that some adapters do not work, or require updated drivers. Uniden only supports the USB-1.
  • Interruption during the update.
• For all of the above conditions, you can restore normal scanner operation only by successfully applying the update. Restart the update from the beginning and ensure that you've followed all steps correctly.
• If some or all of your systems do not scan as expected, restore your scanner's programming using UASD. Select "Write to Scanner" from UASD's main menu and select the backup you created before you performed the firmware update. (You will need to register UASD in order to write all systems back to your scanner.)

UASD After the Update

While you can continue to use UASD after the update, note that the new features incorporated into this update have not yet been applied to UASD. So, new settings are only available through direct entry at this time.

Using the P25 Band Plan Setting

The BCD396T includes two operation modes for P25 systems: explicit mode and implicit mode channel assignment. Explicit mode systems include all information needed to determine voice frequencies on the control channel. You must supply the system's band plan for implicit systems for the scanner to correctly determine voice frequencies.

To set the band plan for a P25 system:

[MENU]Program System-->E
Edit Sys Option-->E
Edit Band Plan-->E

Then, follow these steps:

1. Rotate the selector to choose the Band Plan table entry you want to edit and press E.
2. Enter the base frequency for the table entry and press E.
3. Enter the spacing for the table entry (in kHz) and press E. Repeat 1-3 for additional table entries.

Notes:

• For Explicit mode systems, leave all entries blank.
• There is no way to determine the correct entries using the scanner (other than trial and error). You must get this information from another source. Uniden America Corporation does not have this information.

Using the Digital End Code Option

This change adds a Digital End Code Option for P16 Systems Motorola 3600 bps digital systems. It might be a solution to the issue that systems with stuck repeaters hang the scan cycle.

Adjusting AGC Parameters

Digital AGC Settings

To access these settings:

1. Turn on the Digital AGC option and turn off the Analog AGC option.
2. Start scanning.
3. Hold F then tap the scroll knob three times. The scanner displays the current DIGITAL AGC RESPONSE TIME parameter setting (see below for option details).
4. Rotate the scroll control to change the setting.
5. F+rotate the scroll to select another setting.

Parameters:

DIGITAL AGC RESPONSE TIME
Range: -8 to +8 (0 is default)
This parameter determines how frequently the AGC factor updates. Decreasing this value makes AGC respond faster, but could result in "pumping." A higher value decreases the response time.

DIGITAL AGC REFER GAIN
Range: -5 to +5 (0 is default)
This parameter determines the reference level that AGC attempts to adjust the volume to. If digital/analog volume is not matched, adjust this parameter.

Analog AGC Settings

To access these settings:

1. Turn off the Digital AGC option and turn on the Analog AGC option.
2. Start scanning.
3. Hold F then tap the scroll knob three times. The scanner displays the current ANALOG AGC RESPONSE TIME parameter setting (see below for option details).
4. Rotate the scroll control to change the setting.
5. F+rotate the scroll to select another setting.

Parameters:

ANALOG AGC RESPONSE TIME
Range: -4 to +6 (0 is default)
This parameter determines how frequently the AGC factor updates. Decreasing this value makes
AGC respond faster, but could result in "pumping." A higher value decreases the response time.

ANALOG AGC REFER GAIN
Range: -5 to +5 (0 is default)
This parameter determines the reference level that AGC attempts to adjust the volume to. If
digital/analog volume is not matched, adjust this parameter.

ANALOG AGC GAIN RANGE
Range: 0 to 15 (6 is default)
This parameter controls the total dynamic range of the AGC adjustments. A larger value allows a
wider variation in volume.

Adjusting P25 Waiting Time

In order to prevent "false decode" problems (digital noise at the beginning of transmissions) for channels on conventional and Motorola analog or mixed (not P25) systems, a 400 mS delay has been added to such channels. During this time, the scanner will evaluate the received signal and, if it detects P25 data, will open squelch immediately. If P25 is not detected before the delay expires, the scanner will open squelch at the end of this delay. This setting only affects conventional channels that do not have CTCSS or DCS set and channels on Motorola (non P25) systems.

To access the P25 Decode Delay menu, MENU-->Settings-->P25 Waiting Time

Set the waiting time from 0 to 1000 mS.

Close Call Do-Not-Disturb

Close Call Do-Not-Disturb (DND) lets you enjoy the Close Call feature without having other transmissions interrupted every 2 seconds. When you select this mode, the scanner only performs Close Call checks when the scanner is not otherwise receiving an audio signal.

To turn on Close Call DND, press F+HOLD repeatedly until the scanner displays CC DND. Or, set the feature using the menu:

MENU --> Close Call --> Set CC Mode --> CC DND

Motorola 800 Custom Band Plan (Rebanding)

This update adds the ability to create a Motorola 800 MHz system using a custom band plan. When you create a system that has been rebanded to use the frequencies newly added for use by the FCC, you have the option now of selecting 800MHz Custom as the Motorola system type.

Once you create the system, you can set the custom band plan as follows:

1. Edit System Option --> Edit Band Plan
2. Select the band plan entry to edit.
3. Set each of the following entries for the band plan:
   1. Set Base Freq (Lower and Upper)
   2. Set Offset
   3. Set Spacing

For standard rebanded systems, you need to set Band Plan 1 and Band Plan 2 as:

Band Plan	Base Freq (Lower)	Base Freq (Upper)	Offset	Polarity	Spacing
1	851.025MHz	854.000MHz	440	+	25 kHz
2	851.0125MHz	868.9875MHz	0	+	25 kHz

Revised Protocol

BCD396T_PC_Protocol_V3.02.pdf