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Uniden BCT15X Firmware Update

Uniden updates the operating software (firmware) of its scanner product from time to time to add or change features, fix bugs, and overall to keep our products up-to-date with the latest rules and technologies. Follow the instructions on this page to apply the latest firmware to your BCT15X scanner.

Contents

Installation Steps

Download, unzip, and install BC_VUP_V3_03_00.zip. Run the BC_VUP3 utility and follow the on-screen instructions.

Notes:

• Most update problems are caused by serial port issues. See the troubleshooting hints in the Update Troubleshooting section if you have problems.
• The update can only be applied using the scanner's front serial port.
• Two great forums exist for sharing information about this scanner within the user community:
  • The RadioReference forums ( http://www.RadioReference.com/forums)
  • The BCT15X Groups.io page (https://uniden.groups.io/g/BCT15X)

Firmware Changelog

1.07.00 - Released 10/8/2021

Housekeeping update to accommodate revised hardware - No functional change from 1.06.03.

1.06.03 (Released 2020)

This update makes the following changes to your BCT15X scanner:

(Info pending)

1.05.03 (date TBA)

This update makes the following changes to your BCT15X scanner:

(Info pending)

1.03.00 - Released 9/3/2015

This update makes the following changes to your BCT15X scanner:

• Add support for storing Unit IDs in channels with alpha tags.
• Fixed a problem where corrupted memory caused by a bad PC programming upload would make the scanner lock up on the copyright screen.
• Save Hold status immediately instead of at power-down.
• Add ATT indication in Close Call Only mode.

Using the Unit ID Feature

The Unit ID (UID) feature lets you see the unit ID of the radio currently transmitting on Motorola and EDACS systems. To see the Unit ID, you need to first turn on the global Unit ID option in the Settings menu.

1. Press MENU.
2. Scroll to SETTINGS and press E/yes.
3. Scroll to Disp. Unit ID and press E/yes.
4. Scroll to On and press E/yes.

When turned on, in Display Modes 1 and 2 the scanner will alternate the current channel information and the Unit ID information in Line 2 of the display. In Display Mode 3, the scanner will display the Unit ID information on Line 3 of the display.

If you program a Unit ID into a channel, you can assign an Alpha to the Unit ID. You program a Unit ID just like an iCall ID (press ./no then the Unit ID).

Notes:

• In some cases where you catch a transmission already in progress you will not see the Unit ID.
• In some cases where a second party responds to a transmission before the channel is released, you will not see the second party's Unit ID and will continue to see the first party's Unit ID.

Update Troubleshooting

Follow these tips to troubleshoot any update problem you encounter: * 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 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 any running 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.

Revised Protocol

This protocol document revises and replaces the protocol published in The Complete Reference.

BCT15X_v1.03.00_Protocol.pdf