BCT8 Rebanding

[heckenroth]

Local police have rebanded and I have updated my scanner firmware per the update from Uniden. The update was successful but how can I check that my scanner has in fact received this firmware update. I then reprogrammed the new Motorola type 2 smartzone (E2-800) frequencies into my scanner along with the talk groups. When I go to scan I get NOTHING. Must be doing something wrong but sure don't know what it is. Any suggestions on what to try.

 

[ka3jjz]

Go back and reread the Uniden website on rebanding the BCT-8, There are very specific instructions there on how to manually enter a rebanded system (about 1/2 the way down).

best regards..Mike

 

[heckenroth]

Thanks Mike
Those are the exact steps that I followed. If I could push some buttons to check what firmware version was in my scanner that would be great. Apparently holding in 2,4,and 9 as you turn power on is used in some to check version number but BCT8 is not one of them. That way I could check that my adapter cable RS232 to USB is working and the adapter driver is the latest. I do get an installation is complete when I download the rebanding firmware.

 

[ka3jjz]

Why not just try to change the trunk bank that's giving you trouble to E2-CUS? That way you know without a doubt that the rebanding firmware is now active. If it doesn't then you didn't get a successful update. If it does show up then you know you have to put in the custom table as the wiki page explains.

What 'adapter driver'?? I think you're mixing apples and oranges here. You're likely talking about your USB adapter, which while important, isn't part of the rebanding firmware procedure. I have heard that some USB converters give the firmware update procedure fits, though. Perhaps someone has a serial cable and PC you can borrow to get it done....

best regards..Mike

 

[heckenroth]

Thanks again Mike
I have my PC connected to my BCT8 via a USB to RS232 adapter cable. The cable uses a Prolific chipset. The adapter cable came with a DVD containing the driver. Used device manager to check the
driver and it is the latest. I did change my bank to E2-CUS like you suggested and again nothing. I can see it scaning but it never stops and is always a dead silence. Maybe I need to purchase a RS232 to serial port cable and try again. Any other suggestions ??

 

[ka3jjz]

Did you follow ALL the instructions on the page I gave you and put in the custom table? I suspect that step was missed. What system are you trying to hear? Go to the blue toolbar at the top left and float your mouse over Database Use the pulldowns to get to the state and trunk system. C'mon back with the URL.

If the database doesn't show the new frequencies (it would have a notice about rebanding if it does) then it's simple - subtract 15 mhz from every frequency shown and reprogram. Be sure to send a note to the DBAs via the 'submit' tab (look left when viewing the system) about the rebanded system so the entry can be fixed.

best regards...Mike

 

[heckenroth]

Mike Thanks
The steps I used are as follows:
1.Update the scanner firmware for rebanding per Uniden page
2.Entered Band Plan 1 and then Band Plan 2 (in the middle of the page)- using E2-CUS
3.Entered the Maitland rebanded frequencies 851.2,851.5375,853.525,and 853.7750
4.Entered the Maitland PD and FD talk groups 11824,11856,and 11984
5.Go to scan which is SRCH on the BCT8---scans but NOTHING
In step 3 I tried both ways ie, E2-CUS and also E2-800 since Maitland is Motorola 2 Smartzone
Mike---Did not understand what page you were referring to when you said to put cursor on blue DATABASE

 

[heckenroth]

I found the Database you were referring to

 

[heckenroth]

Mike the URL for the system I'm tring to scan is:

Orange County Public Services (FL) Trunking System, Orlando, Florida - Scanner Frequencies

 

[ka3jjz]

Can you hear the control channel at all? That's the only other thing I can think of - no control channel, no trunking. E2-CUS should be the correct setting for the bank. If you can't hear a control channel, find another site. It will have a very obnoxious sound to it - you will know it when you hear it.

Out of those 3 talkgroups, only 1 should be very active - fire dispatch. The others are tactical, and likely not used unless needed.

Time for a Florida scannist to answer these questions - our Florida forum would be the place to go, if this system has changed and it just hasn't reached the dbas yet (or no one has bothered to submit the changes).

I'm out of ideas....best regards...Mike