BCD436HP/BCD536HP: BCD436HP GPS on but not updating location

[caylorman]

I have recently found that when connecting my BCD436HP to the BC-SGPS kit via the Uniden connector, that while GPS is displayed on the screen, my location is not being updated. I have ensured that location control is set to on, and serial port is set to 9600.

With my Indiana-based favorite list on and GPS unplugged, I set the zip code to CA (90210) and verified on the screen that there was nothing able to scan. I then connected the powered GPS to the scanner, an observed the GPS indicator come on. However, there was no change, and the scanner still displayed nothing to scan. I let it set for some time to make sure that the GPS receiver had locked.

Is there a possibility that the GPS puck has died? I would assume that the GPS indicator on the screen wouldn't come on if it was not receiving data. In fact, one test I did was to disconnect the cable from the puck while it was connected to the scanner, which cause the GPS indicator to go away.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

 

[RMason]

The GPS icon shows on the display when the gps is connected, it doesn't necessarily mean the GPS has satellite lock.

Does your system load when you set the zip code to your local location with GPS disconnected?
Also, make sure that location control is enabled for your Indiana favorite list.

Menu -> Manage Favorites -> <Your Indiana Favorite List> -> Use Location Control -> ON​

An accepted method to quickly check that the GPS is working is to turn on the full database and set your zip code to a distant place (I use 90210...Beverly Hills). Wait for the California stuff to load, then plug in the GPS. Within a few seconds you should see the database load your local area.

Make sure the bcd436hp is set to scan the full database​

Menu -> Set Scan Selection -> Select Lists to Monitor -> Full Database -> ON​

 

[dave3825]

In addition I believe it can also show gps icon even if the incorrect baud rate is set. What is yours set to and have you tried any others?

 

[doctordialtone]

I have ensured that location control is set to on, and serial port is set to 9600.

What is yours set to

 

[rnehls]

Try setting the baud rate to 4800. I did that with mine and that solved my GPS issues.

 

[tvengr]

Try setting the baud rate to 4800. I did that with mine and that solved my GPS issues.

From Uniden: NOTE: Uniden scanners are typically set to 4800bps. Be sure to set your scanner to 9600bps when using the BC-SGPS. GPS. Module. Converter.

 

[caylorman]

The GPS icon shows on the display when the gps is connected, it doesn't necessarily mean the GPS has satellite lock.

Does your system load when you set the zip code to your local location with GPS disconnected?
Also, make sure that location control is enabled for your Indiana favorite list.

Menu -> Manage Favorites -> <Your Indiana Favorite List> -> Use Location Control -> ON​

An accepted method to quickly check that the GPS is working is to turn on the full database and set your zip code to a distant place (I use 90210...Beverly Hills). Wait for the California stuff to load, then plug in the GPS. Within a few seconds you should see the database load your local area.

Make sure the bcd436hp is set to scan the full database​

Menu -> Set Scan Selection -> Select Lists to Monitor -> Full Database -> ON​

System loads correctly when zip code is set to system location without GPS connected.
Location control is set to ON for the Indiana Favorite List.
GPS serial port set to 9600.

With the GPS disconnected, I turned on the full database and verified that the correct stations in the loaded zip code were being scanned. I then changed the zip code to 90210 and verified that the scanner was now scanning Los Angeles area channels. I plugged the GPS in and observed the GPS icon come on...... but the scanner continued scanning California channels.

If the GPS icon comes on when GPS is connected, is the scanner just looking for a power flag on the GPS cable? If so, that makes me think that either the puck or the converter is dead.

 

[ofd8001]

Noting that the GPS device has been updated since the writing of the 436 manual, here is what the 436 manual says about baud rate:

For the BCD436HP, use the 4-pin mini plug to connect to the scanner using a NMEA compatible
GPS device. The BCD536HP has a 9-pin RS232 male serial connector and you should select a
baud rate of (4800 bps) for the serial port.

Any chance you might have cut off the 12 V plug and wired it direct? I did that once and burned up the GPS device.

You might also check your cables for damage (found that out the hard way too).

And I'm sure you have double checked all the connections for cleanliness and snug fit, as well as the GPS device having a good view of the sky.

 

[donc13]

The GPS icon lights if you have a GPS connected, it does not sense whether GPS "sentences are being received. Using the lat/long display will tell you the GPS has a lock on the satellites and is communicating with the scanner. The SGPS manual I have says to set the baud rate to 4800bps for all except the SDS200 which requires 9600bps.

Obviously the GPS Puck must have a relatively clear view of the sky.