Programming 396 for STARS

LEH · #1 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 02:42 PM

Folks, I've rummaged through the various threads trying to find the answer here. So far, nothing is working.

I have a BC396 and now that STARS is emerging in my area, I guess it is time to get it up and running. So far, no luck.

If I try to load the band plans, of course the step and offset are not supported, even with the latest firmware installed. Just using the P25 doesn't seem to help.

Other than the Uniden software, I am doing this pretty much by hand.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

LEH · #2 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 02:49 PM

I may have answered my own question right after I hit the submit button, but I'll still take any help just to be sure.

What I hadn't done was go into the band plan AFTER setting the system up as P25. Still haven't heard anything, but I'll keep playing with it.

dtscho · #3 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 03:04 PM

You don't need to do anything with the bandplan with the 396. The scanner will read the information it needs from the control channel.

Dave

fmon · #4 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 07:13 PM

Hi Lynn, hain't heard from you in a while. Though did note your check in to the roll call.

This is where ARC396 will help you very quickly. Fact is, it's fully functional for import and loading to the scanner right after download.

tuttleje · #5 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 08:01 PM

I have a BCD-396T and a BCD-996T. Make sure you have the control channel for Williamsburg (152.0675) or Hampton (152.5775 or 152.7575) programmed into the radio. That's all you really need to do under a P25 system. Depending on where you are in York County, you might received Hampton better. Unlike the Pro-96, the Uniden will set the correct tables (I also have a Pro-96). As you might have figured from reading the other posts regarding STARS, it is a challenge to receive.

W4UVV · #6 (**permalink**) 08-23-2007, 10:57 PM

For type of system you must select "Motorola APCO 25" to properly receive STARS. If not already installed, be sure to download and install the latest 396 firmware upgrade to correctly process the STARS' multi-packet data streams. Otherwise you will experience periodic partial or total missed dispatcher/mobile or mobile/mobile comms.

rvawatch · #7 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W4UVV

For type of system you must select "Motorola APCO 25" to properly receive STARS. If not already installed, be sure to download and install the latest 396 firmware upgrade to correctly process the STARS' multi-packet data streams. Otherwise you will experience periodic partial or total missed dispatcher/mobile or mobile/mobile comms.

which would be 1.13.17, right? just making sure

gcgrotz · #8 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuttleje

I have a BCD-396T and a BCD-996T.........

(Off Topic, sorry)
Perhaps you could help us with a question, assuming you are using BuTel software, are the .mem files interchangeable between the '396 and '996?, or how about the program itself-will it do both radios? I'm going to try to help CVASSB with a problem he is having with getting his '996 up and running here in the C'ville area.

Thanks!

tuttleje · #9 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 12:22 PM

The software is not interchangeable. I have never tried to cross files from one radio to another (sorry). I use them for two different functions (portable and stationary) and have them structured in different formats. For example, I have different channels assigned to different talkgroups in the 396 than in the 996 (on the WMBG/JC/YC system). Also, each STARS tower is set up as separate systems in the 396 rather than one system with different sites in the 996. As a result, it is easier for me to download the files from the RR database and then manipulate them to fit my needs.

My setup on the 996 is that I use a null modem cable to connect the rear 9 pin serial port on the radio to the serial port on the computer (works great). With the ARC996 software it logs all the transmission and through the "rec" jack on the 996, it connects to the computer to record all the audio to a 380 gig USB drive (which I dump every day). I also use a Pro-96 with Pro96com to monitor the control channel on the P25 system (WMBG/JC/YC). Therefore, I can "see" all activity with the Pro96com and hear/record with the 996. It makes for a great combination to analyze a system, or follow an incident. If I want to lock in on one talkgroup, I can hold and record on the 996 and scan all the other talkgroups with the 396.....all the time letting Pro96com display all activity on the system. It works great to have Pro96com on the computer display and the ARC996 virtual control superimposed at the bottom of the screen. Attached is an image of what it looks like. Sorry if I got carried away.

W4UVV · #10 (**permalink**) 08-25-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvawatch

which would be 1.13.17, right? just making sure

I don't know the version. I have the 996T. The firmware upgrades for both wer released around February of this year.

tuttleje · #11 (**permalink**) 08-25-2007, 06:30 PM

According to Uniden:

BCD396T Announcement
01/04/2007 10:19 AM

v1.13.17 Firmware Update Available

LEH · #12 (**permalink**) 08-25-2007, 08:26 PM

One thing you may want to do is to look at the actual data file in an ASCII editor. I don't know how the 996 files look in comparison to the 396 files, but UPman told me once that there were only minor differences in the header files between the 396 and 246. So for the real guts of a file, it may be very easy to copy and paste.