BC246T locked in some program mode

[K9DUO]

I downloaded Unidens firmware update for the 246T. I followed the installation instructions exactly as they told me to--plugged the computer cable into the scanner, removed the batteries, plugged in the A/C adapter while holding down the L/O and # 6 button. Unfortunately I didnt set the baud rate on the scanner 1st, which it appears you have to do everytime you upload or download to the scanner. Since the scanner was unable to communicate with the computer, it locked up my scanner and I cant do anything with it. I called Uniden for help and their senior technician wont be back till next week, the only one that knows this scanner inside and out. Just my luck. Anyone have any ideas how to do something like a total system reset on this thing. Keep in mind, none of the keypad is operational at this time. Everything is frozon up in this "program" mode.

 

[oregontreehugger]

I know it's probably already been done, but have you tried unplugging the scanner from power completely? How about putting in a set of alkaline batteries and leaving the scanner unplugged from everything, and trying to power up? Does the power button on the scanner even work?

Man, that's a major bummer -- good luck. Maybe someone else on here has run into the same thing with their 246 and can shed some light.

 

[K9DUO]

Ive tried everything possible. If I unplug everything and put the batteries in, the only response I get is from the power button, and it just momentarily turns the backlighting on as long as the button is pushed down. Nothing else works.

 

[rdale]

Sounds like dead batteries? In any case you don't need to set the baud rate on the radio - just make sure you set the Port (hit the P) in the upgrade software.

 

[pro92b]

You do not have to set baud rate for firmware update. Try the procedure again, following each step exactly. You may have to select the comport in the firmware program if you are using something other than COM 1. To do this click on Comport (P) in the upper left corner. Select the correct port and start the program. You can run the program as many times as necessary to get a successful update.

 

[K9DUO]

Ive done it about 15 times now. Doing it exactly like the instructions say too. And I'm using the correct com port. Bottom line is the scanner is toast right now. Its locked up in that mode and it wont respond to anything. I'm afraid when I talk to the technician Monday that my 1 day old scanner is going to have to go back to Uniden, which is a real crock.

 

[pro92b]

It should be recoverable without sending it back. I had a bad flash once too and just re-ran the program. There was one report of a computer that just wouldn't run the firmware program. If you can, try a different computer. It is always better to use one with a real serial port rather than a USB adapter.

Exactly what does the program display when you start it? Do you see a progress bar?

 

[K9DUO]

I am using a serial port for the connection. When I click on the "start" button, it just sits there and after about 15 seconds is says communication error..

 

[pro92b]

OK, then it is not finding the comport. If something is keeping the port tied up that will happen. The most common problem is HotSync software for a Palm Pilot. If you have that running, turn it off. I've also heard of Quicken jamming up ports, not sure of the details on that.

 

[safetyobc]

i would try another computer, like at your work, a friend. that might help????? Good luck.

 

[jastx]

the only response I get is from the power button, and it just momentarily turns the backlighting on as long as the button is pushed down.

What message appears on the scanner's display? If the display reads "Remote Mode Keypad Lock", the power button should still turn off the scanner when held down for a few seconds - not just a simple press. Powering it back up should put the scanner into the normal state.

 

[K9DUO]

There is nothing on the display. When the A/C adapter is plugged in the backlighting stays on as its supposed to when downloading the updates, but no text in the display. It was doing just like it is supposed to, but it is locked up in that mode, I cant get it out of the update mode.

 

[rdale]

Did you try another computer yet? Prior to this were you able to use the programming software?

 

[EricCottrell]

Hello,

I would try another computer and follow the instructions again. The Blank display sounds like the scanner is detecting a bad or missing flash image and going into flash programming mode. The flash programming section of the firmware is usually kept separate from the main firmware in case things like this happen.

73 Eric

 

[lmno]

I have encountered the same problem two different times.

The first time I reinstalled the 1.36 firmware.

The second time was when I got the 1.42 update to work. I had to re-unzip the files, and I used the 'checkout' (I think that is what it is called) uption to unzip the update.

 

[UPMan]

1) Try a different computer.

2) Make sure you have set the COMMPORT in the software to match the port you've plugged the scanner into.

3) When you retry, repeat all steps (even L/O + 6 while plugging in AC) in order to reinitialize the firmware load sequence.

4) The Menu setting in the scanner for PC Control has no affect on the update. PC Control can be OFF and the update will still work.

5) If you are using a USB --> RS232 converter, be sure you have the latest driver for the converter. Earlier drivers did not properly emulate the RS232 port and could cause some problems.

6) If the update fails, please make a not of how it fails (any messages on the PC, etc). Difficult to troubleshoot without knowing this.

7) When you unzip the d/l from Uniden, be sure to unzip it with directories. If you just copy/paste the files into a directory the software won't run properly (it won't find the files/directories it expects to find).

Michael forwarded me your question, but I did not get to see it until late Friday evening, so he hasn't had a chance to see my reply.

 

[K9DUO]

Everything that everyone is suggesting I try I have done numerous times. The problem is, the scanner is locked. If I apply power to it via the A/C adapter, the back lighting comes on and stays on as long as power is applied to it. If I disconnect the A/C adapter and put batteries in it, the only response I get whatsoever is from the power button, and it makes the backlight come on al long as the button is pushed. That is the only button that will respond in any way. After I initially tried to download the update, it locked the scanner and I cant do anything with it. None of the buttons respond to anything, and there is no display at all. The only thing that works is the backlighting.

 

[rdale]

Are you sure you did everything step-by-step listed in the above message? It seems you didn't post answers (like a different computer, exact error message, commport you are using, etc.)

 

[lmno]

Did you re-unzip the file to a different location and then use the checkout feature of the uninstall program? That is what worked for me.

Otherwise go back to the previous version so it works for now.

 

[pro92b]

Your scanner will remain unusable until you successfully flash the firmware. If you don't have immediate access to another computer, try running V 1.36 firmware to go back to the original shipped state. If that works, you can uninstall 1.42, reboot, and install 1.42 again to see if it will work.

The communication error does suggest a hardware problem though. Have you verified the comport's function (use a serial mouse for example)? Is the cable securely plugged at both ends? In the bios is the comport enabled? Does the Device Manager indicate the port is ok with no conflicts? If you have a modem does it have a different port assignment than the serial port number? I haven't tried to run the firmware program in safe mode and don't know if it should work, but it might be worth a try.