BC246T Gets Even Better!

[UPMan]

BC246T Gets Even Better!

Uniden has released firmware version 2.05.01 for our hugely successful BC246T Compact Trunking Scanner. This firmware release includes major enhancements to the BC246T’s operation. We continue to listen to our customers for ideas on how to improve our current and future product line-up. This update:

• Improves Trunked System Scanning Speed – shortens the time the scanner dwells on a trunked system. Now, if no control channel signal is present the BC246T moves on to the next system immediately.
• Adds UHF TV Screen – automatically screens out TV station transmissions during Close Call and search operation.
• Allows Multiple CTCSS/DCS Auto Store – if the scanner detects different CTCSS or DCS on the same operating frequency during auto store, it stores the hits in separate channels, capturing all the variations being used in your area.
• Updates to preprogrammed systems – brings the preloaded systems up-to-date based on the latest data available.
• Adds Frequency Step option for Trunked Systems – allowing you to enter the exact frequency even for systems that use frequency spacing other than the scanner’s default step.
• Increases Close Call Pause to 10 seconds – making it easier to capture hits from nearby transmitters.
• Adds the CTCSS/DCS setting to the default channel name
• Changes the “All Locked” error message to “Nothing to Scan” to clarify the actual fault condition.
• Changes the Data Skip default to Off.
• Improves I-Call Lockout – now, if you use the i-Call wildcard (i0), when you press lockout, only the current i-call is locked out, not the wildcard.
• Improves CTCSS/DCS Detection during Autostore
• Fixes “Clear All L/O ID’s” bug – scanner no longer reboots if you clear L/O ID’s with more than 11 ID’s locked out.
• Fixes Close Call w/Repeater Find bug – scanner now saves the correct CTCSS/DCS and modulation settings.
• Fixes Weather Alert bug – scanner now unmutes audio after a weather alert if you press SCAN or HOLD during the alert.
• Fixes Weather Scan bug – scanner now unmutes audio if, while in Weather Scan mode you press F+SCAN for quick search mode.
• Fixes SCAT display bug – scanner now displays the frequency on the 2nd line of the display while receiving voice on a SCAT system.
• Improves Close Call/Weather Priority operation – scanner now performs Close Call and Weather Priority checks even if it is receiving only the control channel on and EDACS system or receiving voice on a SCAT system.
• Improves memory erase time
• Improves ESD tolerance

To apply this update, customers should download the firmware updater from Uniden’s web site (http://www.uniden.com/rn_productsupport_downloads.cfm?product=BC246T). Unzip the files to a directory, then run “Setup.exe” to install the software. Run the software, and follow the on-screen instructions.

 

[b52hbuff]

Great job Uniden! Thanks for adding value to a radio I already own.

One special thanks for changing the 'nothing to scan' message, but leaving the functionality alone. I really like to be able to get the radio to a 'known condition' of everything disabled and then being able to enable what I'm interesed in at the moment.

I apologize for asking this...

...but can you let us know when these enhancements are available for the 396?

 

[AndrewC75]

HOLY FREAKIN' CRAP! This rules! Thanks Uniden

(now where's my PC cable!!)

 

[WX5JCH]

Upman, you have made a lifetime customer very happy!!! Keep up the good work!

 

[UPMan]

Most of these (the ones that apply) are already in the 396. Was there one in particular?

 

[scanfan03]

Thanks for this very useful update Uniden, thumbs up for you!!!

 

[b52hbuff]

Most of these (the ones that apply) are already in the 396. Was there one in particular?

I'll have to check the CTCSS on autostore....

 

[DaveIN]

This firmware upgrade makes the best TrunkTracker III available, even better!

 

[loumaag]

Most of these (the ones that apply) are already in the 396. Was there one in particular?

I'll have to check the CTCSS on autostore....

I am curious about this also. And I don't have enough conventional activity where I am to judge, please report back about it. (I asked on the 396T thread but apparently Paul didn't see it.)

 

[oregontreehugger]

Thank you Uniden, and thank you Paul!

This explains why Uniden continues to get my money and the other brands do not.

 

[sammycookie]

I apply the new firmware but the choice for the close call pause is just 1,2,3,4,5 sec or off. The relase note indicate 10 seconds ?????

 

[SCPD]

Battery Drain with Firmware Updates

Just wondering the last firmware update (the one before the one described above), did anyone see a drastic decrease in battery life ?

I am using the original firmware (1.36) as I found that the last one (1.42 or similar I think) was terrible for draining the batteries much faster than the original firmware.

I am wondering if this latest firmware (2.05) addresses this as I dont see anything about it above. (I have noticed this in Edacs mode .. as this is what my 246T is used almost exclusively for)

Has anyone had any similar experience with this .. ?

 

[Otto]

thanks for the update. Thanks for posting it here, otherwise I may have never looked for myself on the uniden site for it.

i love the idea that I can udate the scanner!! Keep it up uniden and this scanner might actually serve out a long life!!

Thanks!

 

[DaveIN]

Just wondering the last firmware update (the one before the one described above), did anyone see a drastic decrease in battery life ?

My 246 operates for 9~10 hours on batteries. Depending on what I use it for (i.e Close Call, backlight on all the time, backlight squelch) it will run even longer.

 

[oregontreehugger]

Not seeing any short battery life here -- then again I'm using Energizer 2500mah NiMH's. Still getting around 10+ hours with no backlight and no close call, scanning mostly conventional freqs.

 

[UPMan]

A couple of clarifications:

1. The Close Call change to 10 seconds is an increase in the time the scanner says "CC Found! Press Any Key" before returning to the previous mode. Not a change in the drop-out delay. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

2. Of course, it is possible for the scanner to still detect a frequency using CTCSS/DCS and store it without the setting. This can happen if the signal is weak/interfered with or if the signal is detected just before carrier drop (not enough time for detection).

3. A couple of people have reported that the update does not provide the option to change the frequency step for trunked systems. Clarification: There is no setting to change the step. The step is automatically detected based on the entered frequency. Try 167.3125; it enters just fine after the update.

4. None of the changes should affect battery life (unless, of course, it encourages you to use the scanner more.

 

[grem467]

Paul, how does the UHF pager screen work, is the range(s) of UHF freqs blocked out, or just the specific video and audio carrier frequencies? The reason i ask, is that my 246 rarely locks on the actual carrier freq, but on adjacent frequencies within the 6mhz window of the TV channel.

outstanding work, i wish my pro-83 could be flashed too.. lol

Thanks!

 

[DaveIN]

Strong Signals: BC246T Firmware Update Experience

I see this guy did not read the supplied instructions for the firmware upgrade. Do not plug the adapter into the 246 until you press and hold L/O and 6.

http://www.strongsignals.net/access/news/news.cgi?type=single&section=tech&entry=1490

 

[loumaag]

I see this guy did not read the supplied instructions for the firmware upgrade. Do not plug the adapter into the 246 until you press and hold L/O and 6.

http://www.strongsignals.net/access/news/news.cgi?type=single&section=tech&entry=1490

No matter how much you lead a horse to water, you cannot make him drink. Remember, instructions are for the people who read them, people who ignore them are prone to post frantic messages about how this or that didn't work properly. :lol:

 

[wesct]

BC246T Gets Even Better!

Uniden has released firmware version 2.05.01 for our hugely successful BC246T Compact Trunking Scanner. This firmware release includes major enhancements to the BC246T’s operation. We continue to listen to our customers for ideas on how to improve our current and future product line-up. This update:

• Improves Trunked System Scanning Speed – shortens the time the scanner dwells on a trunked system. Now, if no control channel signal is present the BC246T moves on to the next system immediately.
• Adds UHF TV Screen – automatically screens out TV station transmissions during Close Call and search operation.
• Allows Multiple CTCSS/DCS Auto Store – if the scanner detects different CTCSS or DCS on the same operating frequency during auto store, it stores the hits in separate channels, capturing all the variations being used in your area.
• Updates to preprogrammed systems – brings the preloaded systems up-to-date based on the latest data available.
• Adds Frequency Step option for Trunked Systems – allowing you to enter the exact frequency even for systems that use frequency spacing other than the scanner’s default step.
• Increases Close Call Pause to 10 seconds – making it easier to capture hits from nearby transmitters.
• Adds the CTCSS/DCS setting to the default channel name
• Changes the “All Locked” error message to “Nothing to Scan” to clarify the actual fault condition.
• Changes the Data Skip default to Off.
• Improves I-Call Lockout – now, if you use the i-Call wildcard (i0), when you press lockout, only the current i-call is locked out, not the wildcard.
• Improves CTCSS/DCS Detection during Autostore
• Fixes “Clear All L/O ID’s” bug – scanner no longer reboots if you clear L/O ID’s with more than 11 ID’s locked out.
• Fixes Close Call w/Repeater Find bug – scanner now saves the correct CTCSS/DCS and modulation settings.
• Fixes Weather Alert bug – scanner now unmutes audio after a weather alert if you press SCAN or HOLD during the alert.
• Fixes Weather Scan bug – scanner now unmutes audio if, while in Weather Scan mode you press F+SCAN for quick search mode.
• Fixes SCAT display bug – scanner now displays the frequency on the 2nd line of the display while receiving voice on a SCAT system.
• Improves Close Call/Weather Priority operation – scanner now performs Close Call and Weather Priority checks even if it is receiving only the control channel on and EDACS system or receiving voice on a SCAT system.
• Improves memory erase time
• Improves ESD tolerance

To apply this update, customers should download the firmware updater from Uniden’s web site (http://www.uniden.com/rn_productsupport_downloads.cfm?product=BC246T). Unzip the files to a directory, then run “Setup.exe” to install the software. Run the software, and follow the on-screen instructions.

paul-
on the first improvement-what happens to a ltr system that has no data channel? does the 246 listen for the data burst?

wesct