Official BC-RH96 Remote Head Pre-Release Thread

[jpjohn]

I agree on the red backlight, but I won't complain until I see it. Maybe it will be better (wishfull thinking on my part).

One other issue that I forgot to ask, however it maybe can't be answered yet, is the estimated cost of the unit.

 

[Dubbin]

I agree on the red backlight, but I won't complain until I see it. Maybe it will be better (wishfull thinking on my part).

One other issue that I forgot to ask, however it maybe can't be answered yet, is the estimated cost of the unit.

scannermaster is guessing around $200. If it was around $100 I would buy one but $200 is out of the question.

 

[jonny290]

If it was around $100 I would buy one but $200 is out of the question.

that's pretty ridiculous. This thing would be impossible to build at 100 bucks, and even if it wasn't, it'd be a cheap piece of crap.

Think of how small the 330/396/996 market is, relative to the US population, and how small the sub-market for the RH96 is.

Now think of how much R&D is needed to rip the front end out of a 996, serialize all of the control data and have that control the rigs. Add in a mounting system, power circuitry capable of filtering garbage 13.8 into steady volts for the electronics , a new case/chassis mold, cabling and any sort of FCC/UL acceptance.

I'll take a higher initial price over 'not having a broken toy in 18 months'.

 

[Dubbin]

that's pretty ridiculous.

No its not. All I said is thats what I would pay for one. If you want to pay $200 then thats your choice and I don't think you are ridicules for doing it...

 

[wolter]

I'm also curious about why red was chosen, considering that red's contrast visibility is proven to be poor.

Is it a true red, or does it appear more orange?

 

[iMONITOR]

that's pretty ridiculous. This thing would be impossible to build at 100 bucks, and even if it wasn't, it'd be a cheap piece of crap.

Think of how small the 330/396/996 market is, relative to the US population, and how small the sub-market for the RH96 is.

Now think of how much R&D is needed to rip the front end out of a 996, serialize all of the control data and have that control the rigs. Add in a mounting system, power circuitry capable of filtering garbage 13.8 into steady volts for the electronics , a new case/chassis mold, cabling and any sort of FCC/UL acceptance.

I'll take a higher initial price over 'not having a broken toy in 18 months'.

I don't think $100.00 is out of line. The BCT15, with basically the same front panel, sells for just over $200.00 retail, for the entire scanner. If you've ever looked inside a BCD996T you'll find most of the work is already done, as if that expansion was planned from day one. There is very little, component wise, to the front panel of a BCD996T. It's a total design departure from the earlier BC780-XLT, BC796D type scanners.

 

[Asmitty0010]

any updated photos?

 

[xanlexian]

I've been researching and researching for the last couple of months. I'm going to be selling a bunch of my ham radio gear and picking up a good scanner.

I'm actually going to get two scanners and a HT (Yaesu VX-7R). One I've already settled on, the AOR-8200MkIII/B (specifically for the range -- lower as well as upper) -- the other one I have been widely undecided on -- the 996 or the 396.

This RH96 just sealed the deal for me. 396.

Excellent work, Uniden! I've had some of your scanners over the years since I was a kid (I remember my LAST scanner said something like "200 Twin Turbo" or some such on it.)

The RH96 just looks too cool. I vote for green as well. But then again, if it breaks, I can fix it myself. I'll probably just replace the LEDs anyway.

 

[hotdjdave]

Color: red - WHY?

2. Display is red.

Why is Uniden insisting on red? I know that you listen to us (customers). Here is what we have said:

Red/Orange - 0 (zero)
Yellow/Amber - 1
Blue (like the 396) - 6
Changeable (like the 996) - 6
Green - 20
​

These results were taken from this thread. A few people voted for more than one (usually one color and/or changeable).

If so many people want any color other than the one you are reporting will be in the unit, why would you use that color? Note the count for the color you say will be in the unit - ZERO.

Why not use the same LCD and LED parts from the 996/15?

Seems to me that the color you are reporting will be in the unit is not a favorite, or even wanted, amongst the people who will be buying it.

 

[KT4HX]

I agree - why red? I have used the different colors on my 996 mobile and always wind up using green for all times of day/night. I have yet to find the green messing up my night vision. However, all that being said, it being red is not a show stopper for me. Anxiously waiting deployment.

 

[hotdjdave]

Update or News?

Are there any updates or news about the BC-RH96 Remote Head?

Any comment about what I listed below about the "people" wanting any color other than red?

Why is Uniden insisting on red? I know that you listen to us (customers). Here is what we have said:

Red/Orange - 0 (zero)
Yellow/Amber - 1
Blue (like the 396) - 6
Changeable (like the 996) - 6
Green - 20
​

These results were taken from this thread. A few people voted for more than one (usually one color and/or changeable).

If so many people want any color other than the one you are reporting will be in the unit, why would you use that color? Note the count for the color you say will be in the unit - ZERO.

Why not use the same LCD and LED parts from the 996/15?

Seems to me that the color you are reporting will be in the unit is not a favorite, or even wanted, amongst the people who will be buying it.

 

[UPMan]

Initial production samples look quite good...first sales units still slated to arrive in February.

No changes in product configuration have been possible for quite a few months, now, so the display is still red.

 

[Dubbin]

Initial production samples look quite good...first sales units still slated to arrive in February.

Well since thats only a month away I'm sure you guys have a price range. Mind sharing that with us so we can stop guessing?

 

[Boomeranger]

Sorry to hear about the "Remote Redhead!" How about just black text on a white background with a bunch of different color cellophanes and some clear tape?

Andy
Scannist

 

[jpjohn]

Has anyone seen anything on the FCC website regarding this product? If I remember correctly something was said by UPMan regarding FCC approval needed. Wouldn't the same info (pictures, owers manual, etc) that was posted prior to BCD996T's release need to be posted for this product also? We are a month or two away so I would think it would be showing up very soon - unless this add-on takes a different path.

As you can tell I'm getting anxious and hope that it turns out like I want it to!! I've even switched to a red display on my BCD996T to prepare myself.

 

[Dubbin]

I've even switched to a red display on my BCD996T to prepare myself.

We now need a picture of that so we can get an idea of what this is going to look like.

 

[jonny290]

UPMan, a question:

On the 'bearcat mobile scanner platform' (the best way I can group the 396, 15 and RH-96), could you tell us what determines the display color?

It may be feasible for those who desperately want a different color to (void their warranty and) put a filter or change the LED colors somehow, unless it's an EL backlight. However, I'm pretty confident that it lights up with SMD LED's (as most devices do these days) - can you confirm?

Also, I'm having dreams about this thing, tell 'em to hurry up already

 

[UPMan]

SMD LED's would be correct. Production start in 10 days...

 

[mancow]

No green for you!

sorry

 

[DaveIN]

Has anyone gone to the Consumers Electronics Show in Vegas to see UPMan and the BC-RH96, yet?

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070108/20070108005293.html?.v=1

Scanners:
BC-RH96 Remote Control Head: This product allows users to access and control the functions of a scanner from a remote location, including volume and squelch. The Uniden BC-RH96 allows complete remote operation of several of the company's key scanners, including the BCD996T Digital Mobile Trunk Tracker IV, BCT15 BearTracker Mobile, BCD396T Digital Handheld Trunk Tracker IV, or BR330T Handheld Trunk Tracker III.