Official BCD996T Post Release Thread

[kikito]

No joy... but thanks for trying.

Did you try to manually adjust the threshold?

 

[lzielasko]

Did you try to manually adjust the threshold?

Yes, I tried increasing and decreasing. I also tried the "default" setting in addition to the auto setting. What drives me nuts is think'n I'm just missing something simple. I hate the thought of returning this otherwise great radio... but it at least needs to pick up the local trunking system as my PRO-96 does. ARGH!!!!!!!!!

 

[lzielasko]

Yes, I tried increasing and decreasing. I also tried the "default" setting in addition to the auto setting. What drives me nuts is think'n I'm just missing something simple. I hate the thought of returning this otherwise great radio... but it at least needs to pick up the local trunking system as my PRO-96 does. ARGH!!!!!!!!!

In addendum to my garbled communications problem... seems as though the problem lies in both trunked and conventional comms... whenever "P25" shows on the display. Any frequencies not indicating "P25" are clear as a bell.

 

[soncorn]

In addendum to my garbled communications problem... seems as though the problem lies in both trunked and conventional comms... whenever "P25" shows on the display. Any frequencies not indicating "P25" are clear as a bell.

Have you messed with the Digital AGC settings at all?
How strong are the P25 signals you are receiving?
Have you totally reset the scanner?

 

[lzielasko]

Have you messed with the Digital AGC settings at all?
How strong are the P25 signals you are receiving?
Have you totally reset the scanner?

No, haven't dabbled with the AGC settings.
The P25 signals are strong, particularly for this city's MOTO2 digital trunking system.
I've reset the scanner, 2+9+HOLD, a couple of times while troubleshooting this.

 

[DaveIN]

No, haven't dabbled with the AGC settings.
The P25 signals are strong, particularly for this city's MOTO2 digital trunking system.
I've reset the scanner, 2+9+HOLD, a couple of times while troubleshooting this.

Try adjusting your P25 automatic settings in the hidden menu as well:
P25 AGC Settings
To access these settings:,
1. Press [HOLD] while turning on the scanner.
2. Turn on the Digital AGC option.
3. Tune to a digital channel.
4. While receiving a P25 signal, hold F then tap the scroll knob. The scanner displays the current
P25 RES TIME parameter setting (see below for option details).
5. Rotate the scroll control to change the setting.
6. F+rotate the scroll to select another setting.
Parameters:
P25 RES TIME
Range: -8 to +8
This parameter determines how frequently the AGC factor updates. Decreasing this value makes
AGC respond faster, but could result in “pumping.” A higher value decreases the response time.
P25 REF GAIN
Range: -5 to +5
This parameter determines the reference level that AGC attempts to adjust the volume to. If
digital/analog volume is not matched, adjust this parameter.

 

[lzielasko]

I'm about at wits end. I've used a Radio Shack PRO-96 for some time now and have NEVER had problems receiving clear comms for Nashua NH's Motorola Type II SmartZone system, listed as an analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface.

Using ARC996PRO, I downloaded the same Nashua system, trying both control channel only and all trunking channels and get only garbled comms once sent to the BCD996T. ARC996PRO shows the downloaded system as MOT Type 2 800 Standard (MOT Type 2 P25) with auto modulation and Apco25 threshold (8). Trunk ID are set to "All" audio type.

The BCD996T configuration is factory default with the exception of the 1.03.11 firmware upgrade.

Weather, conventional, etc. all work fine. Seems to just be a problem with digital freqs.

Anyone's help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks to everyone that took the time to provide assistance! I tried all suggestions to no avail. After a call to Uniden support, it was determined that I likely had a defective unit. I returned the original BCD996T for a replacement and... the new unit WORKS LIKE A CHARM!

 

[garys]

Doe anybody have any recommended settings for the Analog AGC? I've seen and used the ones for P25, but not analog.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[Shootr]

Overkill!

Just ordered my 996t and am as giddy as a schoolgirl waiting for it to arrive. Funny thing is, I must be in the last place on earth that is still all ANALOG!!! Not one trunked or digital freq in the county, at least not posted. But it can only be a matter of time so I'm gonna be prepared.

Safford, AZ 85546
Graham County

If anyone knows differenty, I'd appreciate a heads up.

 

[dennis4513]

BCD996T Front cover

Have any one receive from uniden the small cover for the front serial port on BCD996T ?

 

[UPMan]

There is no such cover.

 

[dwbennett]

How can I only choose a certain system to scan rather than the entire pre-programmed list of systems?

 

[W4KRR]

How can I only choose a certain system to scan rather than the entire pre-programmed list of systems?

Assuming the system is assigned a System Quick Key, simply turn off the systems you don't want to scan. While in scan mode, press the SQK number of the system you want to turn on or off. Example: Pressing "7" while in scan mode toggles System Quick Key 7 off or on. For systems numbered higher than 9, press the decimal key before the number of the system. Example: To turn off or on System Quick Key 25, you would press .25 while in scan mode.

If the system isn't assigned a System Quick Key, you have to go into the menu system, select the system, and either lock it out, or unlock it.

 

[Phe0nix]

Windows Visa

Any projected release date for Vista support on the 996T Scanner software

 

[jf222]

vista support

Since my 996 is in my car, I tried the 396 USAD program to the 396 - connected fine and even allows scanner control - should be no problems with either version of the program under Vista

If you should find something that doesn't work - rightclick on the icon - choose the compatability tab and choose Windows XP - it should work just as it did under XP

 

[DaveIN]

Any projected release date for Vista support on the 996T Scanner software

I assume your talking about the Uniden UASD software? Have you tried using it with Vista? I was of the understanding that it worked ok.

 

[Phe0nix]

vista

If you should find something that doesn't work - rightclick on the icon - choose the compatability tab and choose Windows XP - it should work just as it did under XP

I made this post in an effort to help a friend, so i'm unable to make quick replys. I have forwarded your sugestion, but it was to no avail. After applying this compatibility setting the s/w now reports the following error msg.

"can not open COM1 port. Port may be used by other software"

He doesn't have a serial port on his laptop pc, so he purchased a Belkin Serial>USB adapter from staples. In leu of the replys on the suspected compatibility with vista he plans to return this adapter and purchase Unidens cable. The USB driver and 996T software installs did go flawlessly, so the cable may be defective or incompatible.

I assume your talking about the Uniden UASD software? Have you tried using it with Vista? I was of the understanding that it worked ok.

Yes, the installed s/w is UASD. It is currently installed on his Sony laptop that was shipped with vista.

Thanks

Phe0nix

 

[UPMan]

USB --> RS232 adapters virtually never are assigned as COM 1. If the drivers for that adapter installed correctly, the port will likely be COM 4 or higher.

He did use the drivers specific to his adapter, right? (USB-1 PL-2303 drivers won't work for adapters that use different chip sets.)

If he is using Vista 64, he might have to boot his PC with "Allow Unsigned Drivers" option (accessed by pressing F8 during power up) for the USB adapter drivers to load (that is what I have to do until Prolific comes out with the Vista 64 compatibile signed drivers).

 

[radio126]

Just downloaded 996T UASD software. I then went under SCANNER VIEW and clicked on READ FROM SCANNER and I get a warning box saying-- "This scanner model is not supported!" Does anyone know how to solve this problem?

 

[UPMan]

Usually, the answer is to select the correct COM port.