BCD436HP Backlight Issue

[NJParamedic]

Hi guys,

Been having this problem since the radio came out, but never got around to asking the forum. I have my radio powered via USB in my home with no batteries inside it. I use it more at home than portable.

Anyway, I want to set it where the backlight comes on ONLY during open squelch. I have it set that way under options, but it's not working that way. When I turn on the scanner the backlight is off then as soon as there is an open squelch the backlight comes on and never turns off again.

Below is my backlight configuration under the profile settings-

Dimmer- Polarity +(Auto)
Squelch Light- Open Squelch
Keypress Light- Off
Backlight Timer- 10sec

What am I doing wrong here?

Thanks in advance

 

[AZScanner]

Weird... I set mine up exactly the same way you say yours is set and mine is working fine.

The only difference I can think of might be this Dimmer-Polarity setting - what is that? My 436 doesn't seem to have that as an option that I can find.

Of course, silliest question of all but it bears asking: Did you update your firmware to the most current version? Mine (and I would assume most others) have the latest version installed. That could be your issue right there if yours is still running the stock release firmware.

-AZ

 

[W6KRU]

Dimmer Polarity is the polarity for the wire that turns on the dash lights in the vehicle.

 

[jonwienke]

And it only applies to the 536, not the 436.

 

[NJParamedic]

Weird... I set mine up exactly the same way you say yours is set and mine is working fine.

The only difference I can think of might be this Dimmer-Polarity setting - what is that? My 436 doesn't seem to have that as an option that I can find.

Of course, silliest question of all but it bears asking: Did you update your firmware to the most current version? Mine (and I would assume most others) have the latest version installed. That could be your issue right there if yours is still running the stock release firmware.

-AZ

Yes, I do have the most recent update. What is yours set to under [Dimmer]?

Thanks

 

[jonwienke]

I just posted a thread on how to set up the 436 backlight settings from the scanner menu. It should resolve your issue.

 

[AZScanner]

Yes, I do have the most recent update. What is yours set to under [Dimmer]?

Thanks

Under Dimmer I get 3 options: High, Middle or Low (which is where I have it set)

I don't see anything anywhere in this scanner that is talking about dimmer polarity. As others have said, that's a 536-only setting - the 436 would never use it.

Let's try this... go into the menu and choose Settings>See Scanner Information>Firmware Version. It should say 1.03.00. If it says anything else, you're not running the same firmware I am.

-AZ

 

[NJParamedic]

Under Dimmer I get 3 options: High, Middle or Low (which is where I have it set)

I don't see anything anywhere in this scanner that is talking about dimmer polarity. As others have said, that's a 536-only setting - the 436 would never use it.

Let's try this... go into the menu and choose Settings>See Scanner Information>Firmware Version. It should say 1.03.00. If it says anything else, you're not running the same firmware I am.

-AZ

I have triple checked. I am running 1.03.00. Under Dimmer I do have 2 Polarity settings, but I changed it to Low and I'm still experiencing the same thing. The backlight does not turn off when it's scanning. It stays permanently on.

 

[RichardKramer]

436 Backlightissue

I have my 436 set up for open squelch, dimmer on med., mine works fine if there are batteries in the unit; when I take the batteries out and use the USB the light does stay on after a tx. Apparently you need to keep batteries in the unit for the open squelch func to work.

Happy Monitoring,
Rich

 

[Voyager]

I have triple checked. I am running 1.03.00. Under Dimmer I do have 2 Polarity settings, but I changed it to Low and I'm still experiencing the same thing. The backlight does not turn off when it's scanning. It stays permanently on.

Corrupted data?

 

[jonwienke]

Did you try this:
http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-owner-tech-support/301910-bcd436hp-backlight-tutorial.html

Instructions are for the scanner menu, not Sentinel. Changes in Sentinel have no effect until you Write To Scanner.

 

[Jay911]

Are you using Sentinel or some other software to make these settings?

Here's how mine are set, and it operates as you want it to - only lighting up when a transmission is active, or when I touch the keypad.

Dimmer: High (Manual)
Squelch Light: Open Squelch
Keypress: 10 sec
Backlight Timer: 60 sec

 

[SCPD]

436 data

Corrupted data?

I reloaded today with sentinel and my radio is acting like a new radio.Wiped it out ,updated with new RR data and its hopping now.
The funny thing is its all the same channels/frequencies,I dont know,in my opinion if you are not hearing stuff or if its acting weird,rehit the radio with your program.Make sure download list box is ticked off next to each favorites list on mine each list is a system or town

 

[Jay911]

Under Dimmer I get 3 options: High, Middle or Low (which is where I have it set)

I don't see anything anywhere in this scanner that is talking about dimmer polarity. As others have said, that's a 536-only setting - the 436 would never use it.

x36 Sentinel 1.02 r01, in the profile editor, shows dimmer: Off, Low, Middle, High, and then + Polarity and - Polarity in the pull-down menu. At least for me.

 

[NJParamedic]

I have my 436 set up for open squelch, dimmer on med., mine works fine if there are batteries in the unit; when I take the batteries out and use the USB the light does stay on after a tx. Apparently you need to keep batteries in the unit for the open squelch func to work.

Happy Monitoring,
Rich

This has to be it. It probably reacts differently under USB power as oppose to battery.

 

[NJParamedic]

Did you try this:
http://forums.radioreference.com/uniden-owner-tech-support/301910-bcd436hp-backlight-tutorial.html

Instructions are for the scanner menu, not Sentinel. Changes in Sentinel have no effect until you Write To Scanner.

Totally missed your last post. I think this only works on battery power. If it's on USB the light stays on after a transmission.

 

[jonwienke]

The Dimmer Polarity has no application to the 436. It applies only to the 536. I does not appear in the 436 menu in the scanner.

 

[mule1075]

This has to be it. It probably reacts differently under USB power as oppose to battery.

Mine works just fine on USB power so that might not be the case.

Sent from my Z750C using Tapatalk

 

[jonwienke]

This has to be it. It probably reacts differently under USB power as oppose to battery.

Nope. Backlight behavior is the same regardless of the power source.

 

[NJParamedic]

Are you using Sentinel or some other software to make these settings?

Here's how mine are set, and it operates as you want it to - only lighting up when a transmission is active, or when I touch the keypad.

Dimmer: High (Manual)
Squelch Light: Open Squelch
Keypress: 10 sec
Backlight Timer: 60 sec

Sentinel. Are you using this on battery or USB?