BC-RH96 Remote Head With BCD396XT

[henryg]

Hello. Has anyone hooked up the BC-RH96 Remote Head with the BCD396XT? Just looking to hear how it works. I heard there was going to have to be a firmware update. Just trying to build a case at home why I need a new scanner and related accessories. Thanks!

 

[spooney]

Mine doesn't work at all. Message on RH reads: Scanner Unconnected.

 

[DaveIN]

Uniden hasn't released an firmware update for the RH yet. Until they do, it's not going to work for the XT models.

 

[UPMan]

The update is in closed beta right now. Patience for a couple of weeks while we do final preps...

 

[mobilejoe]

Any update on the time frame for the release, Thanks in advance.

 

[UPMan]

I should be able to get this released this week.

 

[mobilejoe]

Thank you !

 

[kk4eb]

Will the RH96 update be specific to the 396XT or will it have changes/features for the 396T as well?

 

[KE4ZNR]

Will the RH96 update be specific to the 396XT or will it have changes/features for the 396T as well?

From what I understand the Firmware will only add support so that the BC346xt & BCD396xt can be used with it. No other changes.
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[kenisned]

I can't wait! This is why I bought this scanner. The features make it ideal for mobile scanning. Especially the group based GPS settings.

Now, I just have to reprogram the 1000 groups. LOL

 

[soncorn]

I can't wait! This is why I bought this scanner. The features make it ideal for mobile scanning. Especially the group based GPS settings.

Now, I just have to reprogram the 1000 groups. LOL

You won't be able to use the remote head and GPS with the 396XT at the same time.

This is why some of us are waiting for the next gen mobile unit.

 

[kk4eb]

I'm considering making a unit using a Basic Stamp microcontroller with 3 serial ports to interject the GPS RMC sentences into the data stream between the RH96 and the 396XT. The goal would be to be able to use the RH96 with the GPS as well. Since the data rate for the GPS is at 4800bps and the RH96 runs at 115,200 bps, the GPS sentences would occur at 1/24 the rate of the RH96. The microcontroller would have to queue both the GPS and RH96 serial messages and look for a command response from the radio to know when to send the GPS data (otherwise a data overrun could occur).
Come to think of it, the RH96 has an extra serial port that is only used for upgrades. With a little code change, this could be used as a GPS port and the RH96 could do this 'multiplexing' as well. Upman, are you listening?

 

[1150RT-P]

You won't be able to use the remote head and GPS with the 396XT at the same time.

This is why some of us are waiting for the next gen mobile unit.

Any word on when the next generation Remote Head will be available?

I was hoping to install a 396XT + RH96 setup this summer, so I'm glad I came across this thread.

 

[jnewell]

You won't be able to use the remote head and GPS with the 396XT at the same time.

This is why some of us are waiting for the next gen mobile unit.

Yes indeed...

 

[DaveIN]

There was a firmware update to the BC-RH96 if you missed it:
BCRH96FirmwareUpdate < UnidenMan4 < TWiki

Also it looks like Uniden is discontinuing the BC-RH96, so you better get one soon or start bugging Uniden to update to an RH-XT model.

 

[1150RT-P]

I hadn't seen that, thanks.

 

[torontokris]

Was there a next generation remote head announced?
I think for now its just the current one with the firmware update, pick one up and enjoy

Any word on when the next generation Remote Head will be available?

I was hoping to install a 396XT + RH96 setup this summer, so I'm glad I came across this thread.

 

[KE4ZNR]

Was there a next generation remote head announced?

No.

I think for now its just the current one with the firmware update, pick one up and enjoy

Correct. Pick one up and enjoy!
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[1150RT-P]

Is there a reason why Uniden wouldn't release an updated one? Pour sales on the current model?

 

[garys]

Is there a reason why Uniden wouldn't release an updated one? Pour sales on the current model?

It would seem that way since it's been discontinued and you can find them heavily discounted in some places. Too bad because the concept is good. IF they do come out with a second generation RH, it needs to be able to power down the scanner and have audio routed through the head. Those were the biggest complaints most people had about the current version.