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Uniden BCT15 Firmware Revision Notes 1.06.00

As part of Uniden's commitment to the continued support of the BCT15, Uniden has, from time to time, issued firmware updates. This update contains major enhancements to the BCT15 that directly reflect requests from our customers. Please take a few minutes to read all of these instructions before applying the update.

Notes:

• This update is cumulative...it incorporates all improvements made in all previous updates. You need only apply 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)

What is Changed by This Update?

• Support for rebanded Motorola Trunked Systems
• Make the AGC settings in normal menu items
• Improve the RSSI PC report-out performance
• Add a 30-second option to Fire Tone-Out
• Other minor bug fixes

Previous Version v1.03.04

This firmware update made the following improvements to your BCT15 scanner.

• Add compatibility for the BC-RH96 Remote Head.
• Fix "Stops on Control Channel" issue for Motorola systems.
• Other minor bug fixes.

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 BCDT15 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 BCT15 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.

Applying the Update

Before applying the update, you need to download two files. The following files are required for this update:

• BCT15_V1_06_00.zip - this is the compressed scanner firmware file
• BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.zip- this is the application that applies the new firmware to your scanner. If you have already installed this version, you do not need to d/l and install again.

1. Navigate to the location where you saved the above files and unzip the files (they will be BCT15_V1_06_00.scn and Install_BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.exe).
   • If you have not previously installed the BC_VUP firmware updater, run the "Install_BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.exe" program. This installs the firmware version updater on your PC. (Note: If you have previously installed this version, you do not need to install it again.)
2. Run the installed application. When prompted, select "BCT15_V1_06_00.scn" in the directory you used in Step 1.
   • Since this update does not change the major version number, you do not need a registration code to apply this update.

Update Troubleshooting

Follow these tips to troubleshoot any update problem you encounter:

• 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 orange 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 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.

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.

Adjusting AGC Parameters

To access these settings:

1. Turn on the AGC function.
2. Tap F then hold VOL for two seconds. 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:

AUDIO 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.

AUDIO AGC REFER GAIN

Range: -5 to +5 (0 is default)

This parameter determines the reference level that AGC attempts to adjust the volume to.

AUDIO 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.

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:
   • Set Base Freq (Upper and Lower)
   • Set Offset
   • 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	851.0250MHz	854.0000MHz	440	+	25 kHz
2	851.0125MHz	868.9875MHz	0	+	25 kHz

BCT15 PC Control Reference

BCT15_PC_protocol_V1.06.pdf