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Uniden BCD996T Firmware Revision Notes 3.02.00

Contents:

Installation Steps

Prior to applying the update, we strongly recommend that you backup the programming in your scanner. See the instructions later in these release notes.

Here is what you need to do to apply the 3.02.00 update.

If your scanner is at version 1.03.11 or earlier:

1. Download: BCD996T_V1_04_12.zip and BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.zip
2. Unzip, then run BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.exe to intall the updater software. (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.)
3. Unzip BCD996T_V1_04_12.scn and save it to a place you'll be able to easily find (like your Desktop).
4. Run the BC_VUP application. When prompted, select the BCD996T_V1_04_12.scn file you saved in Step 3. Follow all other on-screen instructions to complete the update. Since this is not a major update, no registration key is required.
5. Proceed to the next section.

If your scanner is at version 1.04.12 or later:

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 its registration (if necessary) to include its ESN and Checksum.
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 udpate by clicking BCD996T_V3_02_00.zip and download the latest version of the firmware updater 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 BCD996T_V3_02_00.scn file you unzipped in Step 4.

Notes:

• You must use the front port to apply all updates. The rear port does not work for firmware updates.
• This update is cumulative...it incorporates all improvements made in all previous updates.
• You must have applied the v1.04.12 update prior to applying this update.
• You must have entered your ESN and ESN Checksum on the My Uniden web site and received a Registration Key for this update. This key will not be the same as the key used for the V2.x update! If you have already applied version 3.00.00 or 3.01.00, you do not need the key to apply this update
• Most update problems are caused by serial port issues.
• Two great forums exist for sharing information about this scanner within the user community:
  • The RadioReference forums ( http://www.RadioReference.com/forums)
  • The BCD996T Groups.io (https://uniden.groups.io/g/BCD996T/)

What is Changed by This Update?

This firmware update makes the following change to your BCD996T scanner:

• Correct an issue that can cause the scanner to lock onto a false i-Call ID in some cases.
• Add the numeric display of the volume and squelch levels when using a Remote Head (BC-RH96).

Previous Update 3.01.00

• Restored autotracking of Motorola 800 Standard systems in Control Channel Search mode.
• 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 Version 3.00.00

• Added a Custom Band Plan to 800 MHz sites to support rebanded Motorola sites (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.
• Updated the PC protocol to support all operation changes.

Previous Update v2.00.06

• 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 BCD996T, the scanner will now start from the next channel, not back to the first.
• Added "P25 Waiting Time" as a hidden menu item.
• Added ESN, QSC, CSC, and PWR to the PC protocol. See separate PC protocol for details.
• Corrected a condition where a digital channel would unmute if it was received right after an analog channel.
• Scanner will display the approximate volume and squelch level in the upper right corner of the display when making these adjustments.
• Trunked systems are generally released faster when the scan hold time is set to 0, resulting in a faster apparent scan rate.

Previous Update 1.04.12

• Add ESN Checksum

Previous Update 1.03.11

• Add compatibility for the BC-RH96 Remote Head.
• Add WACN display to P25 systems. Hold on a P25 control channel and press FUNC. The 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.
• Fix the issue that causes the display backlight to unexpectedly change from Low to High.
• Improve P25 audio performance in the Auto Threshold mode.
• Improve digital audio performance with AGC when the person transmitting suddenly speaks loudly.

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 BCD996T programming using Uniden Advanced Scanner Director (UASD):

1. Install (if necessary) and run UASD.
2. From the main menus, select "Scanner View".
3. At the top of the window, select Setup --> Options.
4. Set the COM port to the port you've connected the BCD996T to and select the baud rate that matches your scanners Settings-->Set Serial Port-->Set Baud Rate-->Front Port setting and then click OK.
5. Select "Read from Scanner" from the top function bar.
   The software will begin to read the contents of your scanner.
6. When UASD finishes reading from the scanner, select "Save to Data Base" from the top function bar.
7. Make sure the check boxes next to "Save Configuration", "Save Location Alert Systems", "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:", then 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 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 resulting in the scanner powering up with a blank screen and with the backlight on 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."
  • The update was interrupted before it was complete.
• The solution for any of the above faults is to reapply the update, following all instructions as provided.
• 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.
• 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 the 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 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. Tap F+VOL two times. The scanner displays the current DIGITAL AGC RESPONSE TIME parameter setting (see below for option details).
3. Rotate the scroll control to change the setting.
4. 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. Tap F+VOL two times. The scanner displays the current ANALOG AGC RESPONSE TIME parameter setting (see below for option details).
3. Rotate the scroll control to change the setting.
4. 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 you have set to an audio mode of "All" 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 and Motorola (non P25) systems.

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

Set the waiting time from 0 to 1000 mS.

Note that all analog transmissions on channels set to "All" will lose the first part of the transmission (up to the time you select using this menu setting).

Motorola 800 Custom Band Plan (Rebanding)

This update adds the ability to create a Motorola 800 MHz site using a custom band plan. When you create a site 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 site type.

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

1. In the Site setting menu, select 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 (Upper and Lower)
   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	854.0000MHz	440	+	25 kHz
2	851.0125MHz	868.9875MHz	0	+	25 kHz

Revised Protocol

BCD996T_PC_Protocol_V3.02.pdf