HP-1: HomePatrol-1 2.06.xx Open Beta

[JamesO]

There is something not right with the latest Beta firmware. Overall, WHEN IT WORKS, it does seem to decode and sound very good, but the problem with the firmware is the scanner goes deaf/fails to decode for some period of time when the scanner is usually first turned on.

I have not had time to screw around with it, but the scanner will stop on a TG and not decode.

Kind of like an earlier version where the scanner was not un-muting, but it is very hard to pinpoint exactly what is going on.

I will try in the next few weeks to see if I can devote any time to the unit, but with the holidays coming, not sure I can.

What seems interesting is there does not appear to be anyone else able to confirm there is something not right with the firmware.

I do believe it is the firmware and something with trunking decoding as I have a few analog frequencies that appear to continue to work even when the trunked services go quiet.

Anyone else seeing some unusual behavior here?

 

[JustLou]

It's time to un-sticky this thread. It's just a reminder that Uniden abandoned this radio and its users.

 

[JamesO]

I have not been using this HP-1 as much anymore, I also think the problem is slightly temperature dependent.

Shooting from the hip, I thing the problem I have been seeing on my HP-1 is fully related to the prior firmware tweak that resolved the problem of the squelch not opening when the radio stopped on a working channel.

I still think there is a minor timing issue that needs tweaking, but nobody else seems to have spoken up about this problem. Maybe they are unaware of what is going on.

The issue is you need to be watching the display, which happens more when I have it mounted on the RAM windshield mount in my truck. I run it on another vehicle and it usually sits low on the console so I do not always have a direct view of the display.

Also the issue seems to happen in slightly warmer temps as I recall, did not seem to be much of an issue during the Winter.

I have a few road trips coming up that I will likely be using it for, so I may have a lot of seat time with the scanner between now and early May.

 

[dmg1969]

What was the last "beta" version of HP-1 firmware...2.06.08? What about the last version of the 2.05 firmware...2.05.03? I have been hopeful to get a firmware version that helps considerably with simulcast issues, but that has not happened. I had 2.05.03 on my computer here at work and just reverted back to that because none of the "beta" versions helped much.

I am not usually one to complain, but it would be nice to know if Uniden intends to finalize a firmware release for the HP-1. I am entertaining the idea of getting an HP-2, but not if Uniden is going to abandon its firmware upgrades in favor of its "latest and greatest". Such a successful company and it appears to not mind driving away customers in droves. Maybe I'll look Whistler's way when it's time for my next scanner.

 

[kaiserfan]

I have not been using this HP-1 as much anymore, I also think the problem is slightly temperature dependent.

Shooting from the hip, I thing the problem I have been seeing on my HP-1 is fully related to the prior firmware tweak that resolved the problem of the squelch not opening when the radio stopped on a working channel.

I still think there is a minor timing issue that needs tweaking, but nobody else seems to have spoken up about this problem. Maybe they are unaware of what is going on.

The issue is you need to be watching the display, which happens more when I have it mounted on the RAM windshield mount in my truck. I run it on another vehicle and it usually sits low on the console so I do not always have a direct view of the display.

Also the issue seems to happen in slightly warmer temps as I recall, did not seem to be much of an issue during the Winter.

I have a few road trips coming up that I will likely be using it for, so I may have a lot of seat time with the scanner between now and early May.

the problem isn't temperature related it's just a very poorly designed scanner

 

[marksmith]

I have an HP-1 and I am unable to confirm your issues. With the exception of simulcast distortion, have never had it sit on a talkgroups and not decode or operate differently in different heat environments, or a timing issue as described.

I've never run any beta firmware in it. Just the updates available in the normal Sentinel process. Radio seems to decode all area digital systems fine. The only issue is simulcast distortion which I receive on all scanners when stationary. Its a location issue. In other locations or even when mobile I don't generally have the problem.

They sold a bunch of them and there are existing beta firmware updates not finalized. They also continue to sell the radio. As such I would expect further firmware updates to occur. I think they have their hands full with the 436/536 radios that appear to have been released before they were squared away. Once they get through that we might see something but the radio works fine for me as is. Enough that I went out and bought a couple HP-2 radios. They are also working great and I am not hearing issues with that radio, unlike all the other radios they have put out over the past year or so.

Mark
536/HP1e/HP2e/996P2/996XT/396XT/PSR800/PRO668/PRO652

 

[JustLou]

I'm opening the beta for the next firmware update for the HomePatrol-1 to any who wish to participate. Several caveats:

1) This will have some settings for testing that won't be in the release version. Similarly, there might be some features missing that will be restored for the release version.

2) I hope you will report your findings, positive or negative, by filling out the performance report at:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...6G49saHNuwy24W_nZvZe3cefvo/edit#gid=227235031

Use the sheet under the 2.06.02 tab.

3) While it hasn't affected anything stored on the scanner thus far in testing, I recommend you back up your SD card (Favorites Lists, at least) before starting.

4) If you don't feel comfortable running test firmware in your scanner, no hard feelings...wait for released firmware.

5) If you do help...thank you.

6) Please treat this as a "flame-free" and "harping-free" thread. Feel free to ask follow-up questions and expand on your reporting, here. Our engineers, who don't speak English as a native language, are also going to try to follow your comments, so simple, clear, concise reports are appreciated. Unlike other threads where I leave moderation policy completely alone, I'm going to ask moderators to strictly moderate this thread to keep it on-topic, helpful, and flame and harp free.

Looking forward to your reports!

Wow. Almost the one year anniversary since UPMan and Uniden lead us to believe that they were going to fix the HP-1 Firmware, only to abandon it without warning shortly afterwards.

 

[forums manager]

Since the beta seems to be dead, not much reason to continue this thread.

UPMan can contact me directly if he wishes to unlock the thread.