Official BCD996T Prerelease Thread

[n4voxgill]

“The BCD996T, the first GPS-enabled model in the scanner industry, is another milestone in the evolution of scanning,” said Paul Opitz, product manager at Uniden America Corporation. “These new features will provide an efficient way for agencies that need compatibility in multiple geographic areas to use the scanner without having to reprogram the equipment for each location.”[/font][/size]

This is really a step forward. A scanner with the entire US database included in it and a way to access that database without even touching a button. I am sure that the database will have talkgroups for trunked systems and non-trunked frequencies identified. Surely they will be keep these updated with frequent downloads.

 

[garys]

A couple of things that really would be nice that I haven't heard (yet):

1. Detachable/Remote mount control head
2. USB Programming
3. Large enough display for mobile environment
4. Large enough buttons for mobile environment

I hope that Uniden has been listening and time will tell. Itdoes sound like some neat features, but the DIN mounting reminds me of something the size of the PRO2096.

You raise some good points. A detachable control head would be really nice. Even nicer would be a detachable control head that uses a commonly available cable, like ethernet, USB, or even a DB9 serial cable. Size is an issue which could be partially addressed by being able to mount most of the radio under a seat or somewhere else. That way the display could be large enough to read easily and not a major production to mount in a vehicle.

Of course Uniden has to make some design compromises because this is going to be both a base and mobile product.

Gary

 

[h8tdigitalradio]

How about 380-400mhz...trunking.

If you are suggesting 380 MHz P25 Trunking Support , the 396 is capable of it. While the 996 is not a clone, there is no reason the base won't continue to support it.

73

Dave AKA The Tripzter

 

[DaveIN]

A detachable control head would be really nice. Even nicer would be a detachable control head that uses a commonly available cable, like ethernet, USB, or even a DB9 serial cable. Size is an issue which could be partially addressed by being able to mount most of the radio under a seat or somewhere else. That way the display could be large enough to read easily and not a major production to mount in a vehicle.

Of course Uniden has to make some design compromises because this is going to be both a base and mobile product.

Gary

That's something that if enough people want it, may show up as an aftermarket product like the remote head from Scannermaster for the 780/785/796.

If the existing line of Trunktracker IV scanners supports VHF and UHF tracking, then any new model will most likely cover it as well, with an option to upgrade the firmware when the FCC rebanding dust settles next year. Why would you go backword in features with your top of the line base scanner.

 

[John_M]

What is "Multi Site Trunking"? If Uniden is going to use the RR database for the GPS feature, don't you think RadioReference deserves a cut??? Right now you can only import systems if you are a donating member.

 

[John_M]

UPMan Wrote:

“

These new features will provide an efficient way for agencies that need compatibility in multiple geographic areas to use the scanner without having to reprogram the equipment for each location.”

Sounds to me that this scanner was not really aimed towards the general public.

 

[AndrewC75]

A couple of things that really would be nice that I haven't heard (yet):

3. Large enough display for mobile environment
4. Large enough buttons for mobile environment

So let's look at an enhanced version of Paul's avatar. Can't really see the buttons, but the display looks relatively large (with both backlite colors):

 

[rdale]

" Sounds to me that this scanner was not really aimed towards the general public."

I think that's exactly who this is for... Scanner dweebs have never had much of a problem turning on/off banks as they move around. Newbies will make a lot of use of this feature!

 

[John_M]

rdale Wrote:

" Sounds to me that this scanner was not really aimed towards the general public."

I think that's exactly who this is for... Scanner dweebs have never had much of a problem turning on/off banks as they move around. Newbies will make a lot of use of this feature!

We'll see.

 

[rdale]

I did not write that the scanner was not directed towards the general public. I'm not sure what your response means in any case...

 

[John_M]

rdale Wrote:

I did not write that the scanner was not directed towards the general public. I'm not sure what your response means in any case...

Response means absolutely nothing.

What I meant was we will see where most of them go to when they start selling them. Not so sure on how to go about this.

Maybe you can clue me in on what is meant by "Multisite Trunking"?

 

[SCPD]

I'll try, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm not entirely correct.
Some systems have multiple tower sites. Units communicate with whatever site they are closest to. Somewhat like a cellular phone would. So you might be in an area with 2 or more active sites. Right now, you'd have to (depending on what scanner you have) either put each site + talk groups in a different bank or system in order to monitor it. Takes up a lot of memory and not the greatest way to have to monitor. It means that somehow this unit will be able to keep track of multiple control channels from the same system.

Hope that's clear enough to give you an idea.

As far as donating to RR, I believe you'll see that Uniden's official rep Paul is a donating member. How much is not really any of our business is it?

What is "Multi Site Trunking"? If Uniden is going to use the RR database for the GPS feature, don't you think RadioReference deserves a cut??? Right now you can only import systems if you are a donating member.

 

[Jay911]

Maybe you can clue me in on what is meant by "Multisite Trunking"?

Smartzone. And associated systems where more than one tower/"system" simultaneously broadcasts the same talkgroups. In addition to the Smartzone system here, I have at least one LTR system in town that does this. As well, there's an MPT1327 system the same way.

For many of us, this will be one of the bigger "O.M.G. No more calls please, we have a winner!" moments of this new radio.

(Please please pretty please Paul can you guys include MPT1327 this time around? ... )

 

[radio]

BCD996T Features request

I hope this radio has a better way of navigating from one system to another or through the same system without all the headache you get with the 246 and 396. Yes, the new dynamic programming system is great, but why can't this new radio allow a person to construct the banks and talkgroups for each system like you had with the other radios (250, 296, 780, 796, etc) so you can stop scanning and key directly to a system, bank and a talkgroup or conventional channel and back and forth without the above mentioned headache, nevermind carpal tunnel. Also, please put the Activity ID, in fact, put ALL the info on the display as you do with the 250 and 296 and put the Priority feature for trunking back as well. Thanks Paul Opitz, for your attention and cooperation from one who ONLY buys Uniden scanners.

 

[Jay911]

I hope this radio has a better way of navigating from one system to another or through the same system without all the headache you get with the 246 and 396.

I find the 396 fairly simple to navigate between systems - so long as you have both hands free. (No smart comments please! ) Holding FUNC and twisting the knob at the same time is a bit of a chore one-handed. It'd be nice if FUNC had some kind of software 'lock' so it could be 'held down' either for the next keypress or until the user commands it to be released. Kinda like the Scannerbase software does.

The other thing I greatly miss on the 396 is the 'resume' key. If I don't want to lock out a signal but want to move on from it at some point, currently I am hitting Scan, which often, if the transmission is just ending, accidentally toggles the trunk system's ID Scan/Search setting, which I DON'T want. Hitting Hold twice accomplishes the Resume feature, but it takes extra time (and a second keypress).

 

[NINN27]

ive looked and didnt see these questions asked or answered

how is the scanner going to alphatag the talkgroups/frequencies? one has to remember that not everyone has their scanner programed the same way. for instance, if i have Anne Arundel County's fire dispatch channel labeled "1A DISPATCH", joe blow down the street may have it programed as "AACO FIRE DISP" or some other way.

if the idea is to have RR.com upload to the scanner when GPS is in range of a system... how is it connected to the internet if im at the mall or WalMart or something? (in other words, nowhere near a computer, or the internet)

 

[John_M]

wheelchair Wrote:

I'll try, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm not entirely correct.
Some systems have multiple tower sites. Units communicate with whatever site they are closest to. Somewhat like a cellular phone would. So you might be in an area with 2 or more active sites. Right now, you'd have to (depending on what scanner you have) either put each site + talk groups in a different bank or system in order to monitor it. Takes up a lot of memory and not the greatest way to have to monitor. It means that somehow this unit will be able to keep track of multiple control channels from the same system.

Hope that's clear enough to give you an idea.

Thanks. It sounds to me the GPS feature changes CC's according to where you are.

As far as donating to RR, I believe you'll see that Uniden's official rep Paul is a donating member. How much is not really any of our business is it?

Well with this Uniden GPS radio in my opinion kinda changes things. Anyboby with a GPS unit can import systems, donating/ or not donating. It wasn't like this before. Before your radio just came with systems already programmmed. Maybe it is still up to the user with the GPS feature.

 

[Kirk]

We're all in guess mode at this point, but I think people are reading a bit more into the press release than it said.

Many many years ago, a friend of mine designed and built something similar to this. It used a custom PIC type processor, two line LCD display, and controlled his Icom R7100. I think he later added support for Optocom via a PRO-2006.

It's a GREAT concept, and I'm glad to see it come online commercially so people like me that don't have hundreds of hours to spend on developing custom hardware/software can play too.

The press release mentioned 6000 channels. My vision of how this device works is that you program it as normal (like the 396) but add GPS coordinates to systems, then set a radius on each one. If you're within range (as determined by a NEMA GPS feed into the scanner), the system is switched on. As you leave range, it changes systems accordingly.

I suppose someday there could be some partnership with XM or Sirus, where it automagically downloads current data from some source on the fly as you drive across country, but I don't think someday is Spring 2006.

Preloaded systems will likely be similar to those that came with the 396... good enough to get you going, but most hardcore users will replace all of them with their own configurations.

Questions I have are:

Is GPS a Uniden plug in part, or can I use a standard GPS w/NEMA output?

Why oh why didn't you make a remote head option? $250 ham rigs have it, PLEASE consider this in a future model. We don't all drive Suburban's with consoles in the middle.

How about DTMF decode to compliment the two tone decode for tone out?

As it turns out, I'm not in the market for a mobile scanner at this time, but I'm very much in the market for a base. Thought this might be it, but it's not revolutionary enough for me to spend the $$$. I'll likely buy a 330 handheld to use as a base (since I computer control it anyway), freeing up my 396 for portable use.

Off topic: My 396 has been continuously powered on and recording traffic on a large CDF system for three weeks now (there are still a few tone outs that I haven't figured out yet). Works great.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Is GPS a Uniden plug in part, or can I use a standard GPS w/NEMA output?

If you re-read the release it says "GPS not included". I would hope they implement a standard NEMA connection to interface with most popular GPS units on the market.

 

[Kirk]

If you re-read the release it says "GPS not included". I would hope they implement a standard NEMA connection to interface with most popular GPS units on the market.

I hope so too, but you never know. Not included could mean it's an available Uniden accessory, like a digital card for a scanner.