Help me help you

[shabec]

Ok I’ve got one for you. While reviewing Data in Discovery in trunking can we have the date/time and the UID info displayed?

 

[JoeBearcat]

I will add that to the list.

 

[Ronaldski]

When all the radios are manufactured, they should be programmed with the latest firmware at the time. Seems from what I saw here, that was done back when the XT's were being made.

Example - Currently bought new P2's have 1.06 in them which is from 2015. So when they come out of manufacture and in turn get in customers hands, they would have the latest firmware from 2019 already installed as of writing 1.08.01 for the P2's.

Im not saying to do this is just for P2's, the 125AT, BC15's, SR30C's, HP2's, 436, 536, SDS' all should have the latest firmware in them when they are manufactured.

Im not talking about recalling scanners to apply updates as you mentioned awhile back, just referring to when they are manufactured.

This could lessen calls to Uniden from customers about updating firmware's as well as forum posts here.

 

[RoninJoliet]

That's a very good point Ronaldski as usually you get charged a hefty price by Dealers to install it and it should already be in the scanner

 

[samcken]

Joe - I thought I had come across messages about this before, and a search and quick scanning of all the posts revealed nothing to me, but it's been a handful of decades and then some. To me the volume control of the 200 is too sensitive. There's no physical stop on the pot, so I assume there is software involved somewhere. I'd like to think a simple scaling fix would be easy with no affect on anything else but who knows. Sometimes 1 "click" increases volume by 1, sometimes it takes 2 clicks. I'm sitting by my scanner and just now 1 click increased volume by 2. I use an external speaker and a change in volume by 1 is certainly noticeable. A minor detail that I don't know how to classify, but it would be nice.

Must be covid brain fog! There is a physical stop!

 

[hiegtx]

When all the radios are manufactured, they should be programmed with the latest firmware at the time. Seems from what I saw here, that was done back when the XT's were being made.

Example - Currently bought new P2's have 1.06 in them which is from 2015. So when they come out of manufacture and in turn get in customers hands, they would have the latest firmware from 2019 already installed as of writing 1.08.01 for the P2's.

Im not saying to do this is just for P2's, the 125AT, BC15's, SR30C's, HP2's, 436, 536, SDS' all should have the latest firmware in them when they are manufactured.

Im not talking about recalling scanners to apply updates as you mentioned awhile back, just referring to when they are manufactured.

This could lessen calls to Uniden from customers about updating firmware's as well as forum posts here.

To add a little to that, when the database scanners ship, also when Sentinel is initially installed, the database in each is well out of date, sometimes for more than a year. While it would be time consuming, and almost impossible, to try to install an "up to the minute" database every time, could the database file being loaded at least get updated every 3 to 6 months? Of course, the first advice given to someone that has first received one of these scanners is to install Sentinel & update it & the scanner, but it would be helpful if this was at least closer to current. (For the scanners, being manufactured in Viet Nam, then shipped via container to the U.S., there will be a lag time, especially with the unloading difficulties on the West Coast, but at least it would not be a year or longer out of date.)

 

[donc13]

To add a little to that, when the database scanners ship, also when Sentinel is initially installed, the database in each is well out of date, sometimes for more than a year. While it would be time consuming, and almost impossible, to try to install an "up to the minute" database every time, could the database file being loaded at least get updated every 3 to 6 months? Of course, the first advice given to someone that has first received one of these scanners is to install Sentinel & update it & the scanner, but it would be helpful if this was at least closer to current. (For the scanners, being manufactured in Viet Nam, then shipped via container to the U.S., there will be a lag time, especially with the unloading difficulties on the West Coast, but at least it would not be a year or longer out of date.)

And who do you propose do the updates? And of course once the box seals are broken, it's no longer "new".

The first steps in every manual I have ever seen is to update to the latest firmware, software, etc.

 

[mwjones]

And who do you propose do the updates? And of course once the box seals are broken, it's no longer "new".

The first steps in every manual I have ever seen is to update to the latest firmware, software, etc.

The ideal thought would be to make the installer for Sentinel "smart" in that it guides the user through downloading the latest master database, connecting the scanner via USB, checking/downloading firmware updates and then updating the firmware and database on the scanner. By "holding the users hand" through that initial startup, its an easy way to improve the "out of box" experience, without making life difficult for the supply chain.

When I bought a new laptop recently, I went to connect it to my existing printer, and the "wizard" guided me through all the steps to make sure that I had the latest driver, and the printer was connected correctly - something I didn't necessarily need since I've been in IT for 26 years, but still it is something I could trust with my computer illiterate relatives to do right.

 

[hiegtx]

And who do you propose do the updates? And of course once the box seals are broken, it's no longer "new".

The first steps in every manual I have ever seen is to update to the latest firmware, software, etc.

You missed my point.

I was suggesting that the database used during the manufacturing process, as well as what is in the Sentinel software installation file, be updated, or at least kept more current. Definitely not suggesting that dealers should update these by opening the box on new items.

And while the "first steps" in the manual does suggest the updates, just skim through some of the 'just got a new scanner & I'm lost' posts and see how many ignore that good advice.

 

[MStep]

If you have not "come up the ranks" through the 436/536 series, you should face the reality of planning on educating yourself and becoming knowledgeable and proficient at doing the Sentinel updates for either the database and/or the firmware. Even if they provided the latest database update, if you want to stay on top of the game, you'll have to do one of those every week. You're essentially making a $700 USD investment. Uniden has done the best they can with Zip Code programming to get you at the starting point, but those not willing to spend the time learning the ins & outs of all the wonderful features and intricacies of the SDS series are not getting a good return on their investment.

 

[JoeBearcat]

When all the radios are manufactured, they should be programmed with the latest firmware at the time. Seems from what I saw here, that was done back when the XT's were being made.

Example - Currently bought new P2's have 1.06 in them which is from 2015. So when they come out of manufacture and in turn get in customers hands, they would have the latest firmware from 2019 already installed as of writing 1.08.01 for the P2's.

Im not saying to do this is just for P2's, the 125AT, BC15's, SR30C's, HP2's, 436, 536, SDS' all should have the latest firmware in them when they are manufactured.

Often, it is impossible to do this for a number of reasons such as chips ordered with firmware current at the time, updates after the units leave the factory, etc.

Since it is trivial for users to update their firmware to the current (to the day) upon receipt, that is the way to go.

This is much better than adding to the cost of a scanner just to do an update that may be outdated at the time of receipt. Who wants to pay extra for outdated firmware?

In fact, I can't think of a single manufacturer who updates the firmware before shipment save one SDR company who has a distrubutor who ships with the latest. That is done as a courtesy to their customers and because they have to connect the unit to read the ESN.

 

[JoeBearcat]

To add a little to that, when the database scanners ship, also when Sentinel is initially installed, the database in each is well out of date, sometimes for more than a year. While it would be time consuming, and almost impossible, to try to install an "up to the minute" database every time, could the database file being loaded at least get updated every 3 to 6 months? Of course, the first advice given to someone that has first received one of these scanners is to install Sentinel & update it & the scanner, but it would be helpful if this was at least closer to current. (For the scanners, being manufactured in Viet Nam, then shipped via container to the U.S., there will be a lag time, especially with the unloading difficulties on the West Coast, but at least it would not be a year or longer out of date.)

Same reasoning as my last post. When you order programmed chips in small batches, the cost goes WAY up. And even then, you have assembly, shipping overseas, shipping to the dealers, and shipping to the customer. By then the database IS out of date.

 

[donc13]

You missed my point.

I was suggesting that the database used during the manufacturing process, as well as what is in the Sentinel software installation file, be updated, or at least kept more current. Definitely not suggesting that dealers should update these by opening the box on new items.

And while the "first steps" in the manual does suggest the updates, just skim through some of the 'just got a new scanner & I'm lost' posts and see how many ignore that good advice.

Meaning, I suppose, you want the Sentinel setup program to go get the latest database during as part of its install. The only thing I see that may be "iffy" is if there is a difference in what pieces of the master database are used based on the model of scanner. I don't know if they are or aren't different.

As to the scanner... My SDS200 came with no database in it, just firmware thus a "nothing to scan" message when it was first turned on. Perhaps a message saying "Please install Master database via Sentinel" instead?

Or... Simply (as I suggested earlier) a "Quick Start" guide as a separate fold out sheet packed with the scanner that has a step by step process of how to turn on and setup the scanner first time.

😊

 

[RandyKuff]

The SD card has a database on it when you get it... Nothing to scan means you did not have any favorite lists loaded yet or use the zip code function... But who knows how old that database is...

 

[ka3jjz]

Actually the wiki has a link to a thread that discusses what to do when you first get your scanner, tho I agree that Uniden should supply something - on their TWiki, printed manuals are so 80s-on how to get started. See the very first question of the Reported Issues and Questions section of...

SDS100 and SDS200 FAQ Page - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Hell, Uniden ought to pay us for having the wiki they should have had (yeah, right)

Mike

 

[RandyKuff]

Actually the wiki has a link to a thread that discusses what to do when you first get your scanner, tho I agree that Uniden should supply something - on their TWiki, printed manuals are so 80s-on how to get started. See the very first question of the Reported Issues and Questions section of...

Hell, Uniden ought to pay us for having the wiki they should have had (yeah, right)

Mike

 

[garys]

I bought a new TV last week. During the set up process, one of the early steps was to check for and install software updates. I bought a new Win10 laptop in late February. During the set up, the program prompted me to update the software.

Even my 2019 Tacoma has software updates available. Some through the dealer, and some that I could do on my own if I wanted.

Anything that is computer based is going to have updates. At least I hope so.

 

[donc13]

The SD card has a database on it when you get it... Nothing to scan means you did not have any favorite lists loaded yet or use the zip code function... But who knows how old that database is...

Maybe it's a matter of semantics, it didn't try to load a database, I don't have any favorites in it then or now. This is an sds200, not programed by Bearcat Warehouse. I did have the GPS attached but hadn't set the baud rate to 9600 yet. When I turned it on, it showed the startup page, the copyright page and then immediately to the nothing to scan page.

I then set the GPS baud rate, connected to my PC (after installing Sentinel) downloaded and then uploaded the master database. Turned off the scanner unplugged it from the computer and turned it back on. This time after the copyright page, it loaded the full database. So I presume, there was no database to load before I installed it.

I don't recall doing anything more and it started to scan. I then changed service types, etc.

As I said, still haven't saved any favorites.

 

[JoeBearcat]

tho I agree that Uniden should supply something - on their TWiki

The TWIKI is in the process of being updated.

 

[Ronaldski]

Just a thought as well, would this be a good idea? Say if on the zipcode scanners if the installed database is say 3+ years out of date periodically have a popup saying the installed database is out of date and needs to be updated. Give maybe a weblink to a how-to video or a Uniden-Twiki link? Then throw on also about a probable firmware update during that time?

I mentioned 3 years, but certainly if it's 5+ years out of date is definitely a cause for updating.

Twiki put in a link to registering and explanation for how-to on upgrading dmr,nxdn,provoice.