New 396XT 1.11.01 Firmware Available

[w2csx]

Like others here, I have noticed that the garble stuff is gone.Huge improvement! Thank you Uniden!!!

[Bucko]

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[W8RMH]

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[ofd8001]

Look for a file called "BC_VUP_V3.exe". Double click it and follow the instructions. . . about all you'll need to know is which COM port your scanner is connected to.

This updater program is a whole lot easier to use than the previous versions.

[W8RMH]

Originally Posted by ofd8001

Look for a file called "BC_VUP_V3.exe". Double click it and follow the instructions. . . about all you'll need to know is which COM port your scanner is connected to.

This updater program is a whole lot easier to use than the previous versions.

I found it, thanks. It was easier than the older one.

It also cleaned up the reception of our county Motorola Type II Smartnet multi-site simulcast system. No more static.

[Steve]

No joy here with the update. After doing anything that has been mentioned here, I still get "internet access failed operation timed out". So apparently my ISP is not coo-operating with the Uniden FTP site. Hopefully I can access a different location later this week and try again.

[SCOTTER]

Wow ! What happen ? My XT err rates are about 22 to 39 I installed it 2 times to be sure. What levels are you guys using?. The other firmware I had it set at 12 and 40 and got rates at 4 to 19 then back to 0 to 3. It would still go choppy now and then but not this much. Anyone got any thoughts ? THANKS

[scruggsy]

Originally Posted by SCOTTER

Wow ! What happen ? My XT err rates are about 22 to 39 I installed it 2 times to be sure. What levels are you guys using?. The other firmware I had it set at 12 and 40 and got rates at 4 to 19 then back to 0 to 3. It would still go choppy now and then but not this much. Anyone got any thoughts ? THANKS

what is an "err rate"?

[W8RMH]

Originally Posted by scruggsy

what is an "err rate"?

Error rate.

[DDan]

Originally Posted by scruggsy

what is an "err rate"?

It is an indication of the decode accuracy. Hold function and press the scroll control twice.

[W8RMH]

Originally Posted by SCOTTER

Wow ! What happen ? My XT err rates are about 22 to 39 I installed it 2 times to be sure. What levels are you guys using?. The other firmware I had it set at 12 and 40 and got rates at 4 to 19 then back to 0 to 3. It would still go choppy now and then but not this much. Anyone got any thoughts ? THANKS

I would reset back to the defaults and start over.

[DDan]

Originally Posted by W8RMH

I would reset back to the defaults and start over.

That is kind of drastic considering we don't even know what we should expect from this release.

[kbehning]

Vast improvement in the update process, ESPECIALLY the instant availability of the files from the fast web page. Last time I had to try for hours to get a copy of the files. I updated through a usb to serial converter without problems. I'm impressed with the update process improvement. Seeing how many people had trouble with the old update method, I'd say you've made the process more fool proof. There are still a few issues with ISP's or people who are unable to download, uncompress and execute an installer... Hopefully Marshall's instructions with pictures helps more people get through the update successfully.

I'll be going to test out the update tomorrow on the system that is in the next county south of me. Hoping it clears it up, as I've previously gotten less than 1% success in hearing any voice from that system. The county I live in is going to be transitioning to the same simulcast P25 trunking system this year, run by the same people, so this update will probably make or break my ability to monitor the new system. Anyone have any reports from Johnson County, Iowa on the 396XT firmware update?

Upman's comment about "everybody go out and buy a Homepatrol because that firmware update is already available" really got me thinking about a Homepatrol for travel. I'm really interested in the GPS option of automatic system selection it offers. I've spent many hours programming my 396XT for vacation, even with the ARC-XT SW and a premium membership on RR. Once the Homepatrol hits my pricepoint (on sale) from a reputable online retailer, I'll be ordering.

I had a chance to spend some quality time over the holiday season preening the programming of my 996XT, 396XT and 15X while awaiting this update. It reminded me how great these scanners really are. I remember back when I had the old PRO-42 and BC-245XLT and if it was anywhere near a computer it was overcome by noise/birdie type issues. These radios are science fiction compared to the older scanners. Also, I'd like to thank Upman and Uniden for making the 396XT use AA's that I can program in my own charger. 2x per day I swap my batteries and am so happy that I know exactly how charged they are and how long they'll last, unlike waiting hours and hours for the old scanners to charge from the wall supply. I have no doubt in my mind that Uniden cares about our satisfaction and is working to make improvements and earn our business. Keep up the good work!

One possible reason that the 996XT firmware isn't available yet is that they wanted us to be able to compare new 396 vs old 996 to provide more useful comparison data back to Uniden.

[Diggie]

UPMan,

Although the upgrade experience is smooth (at least, for those who don't have problems with FTP), I prefer to save a copy of the firmware for upgrade/downgrade purposes later, e.g. in case any problems arise after some testing, or Uniden stops making this version available in future, and thus I also like a loader that lets you choose to load firmware from file. I'd prefer not to have to spend time on workarounds to achieve this. Please consider providing more options next time around.

Thanks for the update, it's sounding good so far.

[Ronaldski]

I agree w/Diggie.
What is the link so we can save the firmware locally?

[OriginalJimbo]

Upman and Uniden team, thank you for the work and commitment to the latest 396xt firmware! While I have only run it for a few hours, side-by-side with my 996xt, much improved quality.

Feedback:
1) Having the static page (or whatever changes were made to the download location) made for much quicker and less frustrating access to the update. In the past, the web server's performance (or page performance) was terrible. Much better experience this go-around.
2) Download process was simple, straightforward and worked for me. The VUP tool was simple. For those that are having issues, it does seem like ISP blocking, router/firewall or FTP issues. I wonder if you could use something like Online FTP tester to test out your FTP connection. Granted you need an FTP server to test with but a quick search on the net would turn something up.
3) If there are indeed FTP blocking issues, I wonder if you could use netmon to trace where the VUP tool is trying to pull the firmware from. Grab it manually (from another machine that can FTP) and feed it to VUP. Don't know, just thinking out loud. I
4) The P25 Mode/Level settings that are providing the best quality after the firmware update are different from those that I was using prior to the update (and on the 996xt). I say this because after you update the firmware, ensure the P25 Mode/Level are set back to the default 11/50 settings and begin tweaking from there if you even need to.

I realize someone may throw mud at me for this comment but here goes. I wish Uniden would publically state that they are not working to develop additional updates to the 396t and 996t platform. I am not an owner of either device any longer so I don't have a vested interest but, after reading the numerous "is there going to be an update" comments and threads the past few weeks, it made me consider how I would like Uniden to handle the 396xt/996xt platform. While I don't want to hear it, I would much rather have them state a lifecycle stance than sit and wonder if I will ever see an "issue" or "feature request" addressed. Maybe it has been officially stated, and I just missed it. Before I am flamed, I did search, I did read, I did try.

Finally, other than the forums, is there a good place (wiki, etc) to host a 396xt/996xt wishlist? Maybe it exists already and I am just ignorant. I am sure someone will point that out if it is the case. The forums are not a great place for such a list because of the "me too" threads and format but it would be great if we could host a wiki page that broke out realistic wishlist items for our scanners. A productive place to give Upman and Uniden feedback about the platform, the updaters and future product considerations. Let's face it, hearing from customers/fans are one of the best ways to incubate ideas. I, like many others, would still be willing to pony up $$ for feature firmware updates if that business model was supported by Uniden. Just thought I would throw it out there.

Again, thank you Upman and Uniden for the work! I continue to be impressed by these scanners and the latest firmware update has significantly improved my product satisfaction! Keep up the good work!

[kruser]

Originally Posted by Steve

Has anyone had problems using the Updater with satellite internet? Downloaded the Updater zip file with no problem but after installing the Updater and trying to run the program it responds "internet access failed". My internet connection is active.

I do recall someone on a sat connection having this exact problem. Only thing is I don't recall how long back that was but my guess is a couple years maybe. If you can search back that far, that may give you a clue.
I'm thinking I recall that user going to someone's place that had a regular connection and did his update there.

Good luck either way!

[W8RMH]

Originally Posted by DDan

That is kind of drastic considering we don't even know what we should expect from this release.

I was referring to the digital settings not a total reset.

[kb8rvp]

New update was easy to install once I figured out that I didn't need to also download the firmware (I was looking for the firmware and didn't see it to download) I then noticed it was downloaded during the update process. The install went fine over a cable connection.

New firmware has now made it so on the days I work in Flint Michigan I can pick up the Genesee County Simulcast system both in my car and sitting at my desk at work. Great job Uniden! And thanks, I may have a homepatrol in my future.

In the past I could not pick up anything at my desk on a Pro-96, PSR-800, Pro-106 and PSR-500 and the 396XT and the 996XT and now I can with very little garble at all with 3 bars on the signal strength on the 396XT after the update... Amazing what they can do with firmware... I figured I just had too much interference in the area I work in and Uniden figured out how to make it work. This little scanner had it all along it just needed a tweak. All I can say is "Wow". I have tried everything I could think of and just gave up on listening on the days I work in Flint. Now I will look forward to it.

Thanks Upman...
Mike

[UPMan]

The update affects DSP filtering on LSM systems. The P25 mode and level functions are still available and affect the decoding process.

I recommend that you reset them back to default after applying the update if the result is worse.

We have only announced/released updates for the BCD396XT and HomePatrol-1. It is our policy not to discuss updates that are not immenent. I cannot predict when we will stop supporting any particular model with updates (we issued updates for the BC296D/BC796D over 7 years after they were discontinued...long past any reasonable expectation of support for a dead platform).