BC796D: Question regarding BC796D...blast from the past..I know

[John_S]

But just wanted to add something for basic conventional P25 scanning and got a decent deal and..fingers crossed..it came with the card. Wanted to check firmware but it seems like there's no way to do this and I was nervous about updating and the possibility of bricking this radio. Got some stuff programmed in...although the card may need some tweaking for audio. Have to wait and see. Radio was last used by California Office of Emergency Services. Is it risky to update the firmware?

 

[ka3jjz]

Unfortunately I suspect that whether it's 'risky' is a call you'd have to make for yourself. However I did find the firmware update page from the Uniden website here

Uniden | A World Without Wires

And I would also mention that ProScan supports the BC796D

ProScan

Computer Aided Scanning Software for the Uniden BC125AT BC250D BC296D BC346XT BC346XTC BC780XLT BC785D BC796D BCD160DN BCD260DN BCD325P2 BCD396T BCD396XT BCD436HP BCD536HP BCD996P2 BCD996T BCD996XT BCT15 BCT15X BR330T SDS100 SDS100E SDS200 SDS200E UBC125XLT UBC126AT UBCD3600XLT UBCD436PT...

www.proscan.org

And from a real old posting - to check your firmware press 2, 4 and 9 together while turning the scanner on

Mike

 

[ka3jjz]

You do have some conventional freqs in your area (see the db listing below) but they're mostly Narrow FM. In such cases the audio level is likely to be lower than what you are used to, but should still be OK...

Saratoga County, New York (NY) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Saratoga County, New York (NY)

www.radioreference.com

Mike

 

[N9JIG]

Since the digital trunking systems the 796D supports are limited (800 MHz. Phase 1 or P16 only) and most of the analog systems are gone these days there probably isn't any reason to try to upgrade the firmware anyway.

The last firmware update allows the 796 to work with rebanded 800 MHz. systems, this version is 2.0.0.7, so if your firmware is older than that and you need to listen to 800 MHz. P25, P16 or Type II trunking systems I wouldn't risk it.

 

[John_S]

Thanks for the help. I've got 536HP for the trunked stuff..just wanted to have something to try monitoring the Fed frequencies without tying it up. Did the Vulcan salute and found v3.27. I'm thinking I may just leave it alone. I burned a lot of luck buying this and not knowing if it had the card or if it worked at all...but had a good feeling about the source.

 

[tvengr]

The last firmware update allows the 796 to work with rebanded 800 MHz. systems, this version is 2.0.0.7,

2.0.0.7 is the latest version of the BC_VUP firmware updater. The latest version of firmware with rebanding support is 3.60.

 

[wtp]

the manual, for those that have not found it,

https://www.uniden.info/download/ompdf/BC796Dom.pdf

 

[tvengr]

I have the manual, three 796's, the BC_VUP firmware updater, and v3.60 firmware. If you remove the screw from the EXPANSION SLOT cover on the rear of the scanner, you will be able to see if the digital card is in the scanner. The card has its own firmware. If you frequently get a CARD ERROR message, there is a card firmware update to eliminate that. I also have the card firmware updater.

 

[ofd8001]

I'm running a 796D in my office, scanning the Kentucky State Police P25 conventional system. It is doing fine. It has been in use ever since they came out.

It is running the V3_60 firmware, which was done in 2009.

 

[ka3aaa]

mine chugs along right beside its big brother the 996p2 and the firmware has never been upgraded in any of my scanners.

 

[John_S]

I have the manual, three 796's, the BC_VUP firmware updater, and v3.60 firmware. If you remove the screw from the EXPANSION SLOT cover on the rear of the scanner, you will be able to see if the digital card is in the scanner. The card has its own firmware. If you frequently get a CARD ERROR message, there is a card firmware update to eliminate that. I also have the card firmware updater.

Oh..believe me..that was the first thing I did when it arrived yesterday. Second thing was to plug in the power supply from my old BC780. Feeling quite lucky to have scored on both the card and watching it light up. Popped in a few fed frequencies from the Albany area and it seemed to work ok. The card seems to get recognized with no problem...I didn't even touch it. Hmm, I still have an old XP pc with serial port, but has anyone had luck with a reliable USB to serial adapter? Thinking about programming alternatives. Thanks again for the help here.

 

[John_S]

One more question....are there any issues with the aftermarket power supplies I'm seeing? If needed I can always run it off my Alinco ps.

 

[N9JIG]

Radios will take whatever voltage you give them so as long as the voltage is proper (12VDC but in reality 12 to 15 will work fine). As long as you get at least the rated minimum amperage (probably around 800 mw, or 8/10's of an amp if memory serves me) you will be OK.

 

[tvengr]

Has anyone had luck with a reliable USB to serial adapter?

This is the adapter that I use: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insign...rolific-chipset-black/5883029.p?skuId=5883029 It will plug directly from, USB A port on computer into the 9-pin D connector on the scanner. If you need a longer cable, just add a 9-pin D connector extension. I have never had problems using this adapter with any computer, software, or scanner. The power supplies for the 780 and 796 are both rated at 13.8vdc @ 700ma.

 

[John_S]

Perfect...you guys are the best. Thanks again.

 

[tvengr]

The AC adapter must have (+) on the center pin, outside diameter 5.5mm, and inside diameter 2.1mm (size M connector).

 

[John_S]

I ended up just running a spare power cord over to the Alinco PS...it has 2 pairs of low amperage connectors on the front. I did make sure to check the polarity of the plug though.

 

[stephous]

One issue that comes up a lot: Some early 796Ds LCDs have debonding issues. The seal on the LCD fails and then the electrodes become intermittent. The LCD has to be replaced. People reported whacking the radio to temporarily get the electrodes to reconnect. More than mobile radio shock I believe this was a quality problem with the LCD manufacturer. It appears that later models don't seem to have this problem.