Official Uniden BC246T Scanner Thread

[RolnCode3]

Had the 785D about 2 years now, still haven't got it to function on Trunk, got so frustrated with trying to get it to work that I haven't attempted to do so again for last several months.

Dude. You're up in Northern CA, right? I can help you out with that...if you're interested.

Anyways, back to my question- Anyone figured out a mod for a backlit keypad on the 246T yet? Anyone know how to make the number pad with clear #s maybe? Also, when is someone going to make a scanner with a lit squelch and volume (just the line being lit)? I always have to turn on the dome light to check the squelch. (it's just something I'm curious about, I know not everyone will want it).

 

[SCPD]

i do beleive you need to read the manual.

lets face it- the new style of programming is here. the newer generation of MENU driven scanners is also here. the less keys on the keypad, the more menu driven its going to be. the 246 is not hard to program from my point of view- (i have over 30 years under my belt) but like everyone else, i HAD TO READ THE MANUAL!!!

and i also do beleive a cadallic IS bigger than pinto!
when you spend 520 dollars for a receiver and then try to compare it to a 220 dollar reciver, its going to be different! (the more room for band pass filters the better).
if you work with the radio long enough, it will become easier to program.

bill simpson

 

[CZ]

I manually program the 785D because I don't have the software to do so -- a bit too pricey for me at the moment.

And, yes, I have read the Manual and am just as stumped as ever on Trunk programming.

Forget exactly what it was that appeared onscreen -- MOT and a few numbers I think -- but I did get the 785D to do that a couple times, but that has been the extent of my success at Trunking.

 

[safetyobc]

don't worry about learning to program the trunking, after the FCC is finished rebanding your scanner won't trunk anyway. more info on the FCC rebanding thread.

There is lots of info on programming trunked systems on this website. Check them out. Also a lot of info explaining trunked systems:

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=list_pages_categories&cid=1

 

[rdale]

"don't worry about learning to program the trunking, after the FCC is finished rebanding your scanner won't trunk anyway. more info on the FCC rebanding thread. "

Unfortunately Mr BC forgot to add a :wink: in there - he's joking.

 

[safetyobc]

:wink: sorry

 

[CZ]

Version 1.42 Update -- where is it?

Went to Uniden's "Product Support" page, & this is all I could find.

BC246T_UASD.exe 1.0 BC246T Uniden Advanced Scanner Director 9.9 Mb

Are there Installation instructions on the page which has the program?
If not, how is it installed, & how much danger is there of download or setup errors that would make the 246T unuseable & have to return to the factory :?:

 

[Voyager]

Re: Version 1.42 Update -- where is it?

Went to Uniden's "Product Support" page, & this is all I could find.

BC246T_UASD.exe 1.0 BC246T Uniden Advanced Scanner Director 9.9 Mb

Are there Installation instructions on the page which has the program?
If not, how is it installed, & how much danger is there of download or setup errors that would make the 246T unuseable & have to return to the factory :?:

It's installed by running the EXE.

If there were to be an error, just re-DL the file to the scanner. I've never had an error yet.

You can even re-DL the firmware if there is an error, so I would rate the liklihood of having to return it to the factory as very low unless you're doing some hacking on the firmware. :wink:

Joe M.

 

[CZ]

But where on Uniden's site is the update?

 

[JnglMassiv]

I've had this little baby for a few weeks now and its just a wonderful scanner. My trusty BC245xlt is now gathering dust having been surpassed in every way.

Anyway, I have a question about Close Call. I had set up CC to turn on and off with a Quick Key (#0) so that it scanned QK 1, then 2 (both conventional), then go to CC mode and 'scan' QK 0 for a few seconds. I've since made some changes to the profile and can't remember or figure out how to do that again.

When I had it set up like that, was it searching for new close calls or was it scanning the previously found channels in the CC system? How do I get it to work again?

 

[UPMan]

It must have been scanning the previously found cc hits, as the scanner can't be set up to do what you first describe...

To set this up again (to scan previous hits with QK0), press MENU, select PROGRAM SYSTEMS, select the system where the hits are stored (depends on whether you stored a hit by pressing E or by CC Autostore). Change the SYSTEM OPTION --> Quick Key to "0".

To have it actually do Close Call while scanning, press F+HOLD until the Close Call icon appears on the display. The scanner will interrupt what ever it is doing every 2 seconds to check for a hit.

p

 

[Voyager]

But where on Uniden's site is the update?

What update? The firmware update? The UASD is the latest version. If you already have the UASD installed (older version) just install the new version.

Joe M.

 

[CZ]

Finally found the firmware update to 1.42 at http://www.uniden.com/rn_productsupport_downloads.cfm?product=BC246T

and downloaded it at a speedy average of 3.9 Kb/sec Now to look around Uniden website, and the 'net to see what I can find on how this prog.'s set up, then uploaded.....

 

[Voyager]

Finally found the firmware update to 1.42 at http://www.uniden.com/rn_productsupport_downloads.cfm?product=BC246T

and downloaded it at a speedy average of 3.9 Kb/sec Now to look around Uniden website, and the 'net to see what I can find on how this prog.'s set up, then uploaded.....

You install it, then run it with your scanner connected. You will have to do 'the tricks' with your scanner first (remove the batteries, plug in the AC adapter while holding the right keys, etc). It's all described in the software very well - just follow the instructions.

Joe M.

 

[CZ]

Ahhhhrgh.... I thought you could do it with the batteries installed. So, take them out of the scanner, hook up the AC supply, connect to computer, mentally cross fingers and hope for the best.

Odd. Wonder why the AC supply's specified? Be interesting to see if one that came with mine works -- its still wrapped up & taped like it came from factory.

plug in the AC adapter while holding the right keys

Hmm that's going to be interesting -- crawling under the desk to plug it in while holding keys down. Presume I can plug the 246T into the computer after the AC supply is connected though?
Do you have to change the switch in the battery compartment?

 

[Voyager]

Ahhhhrgh.... I thought you could do it with the batteries installed. So, take them out of the scanner, hook up the AC supply, connect to computer, mentally cross fingers and hope for the best.

Odd. Wonder why the AC supply's specified? Be interesting to see if one that came with mine works -- its still wrapped up & taped like it came from factory.

plug in the AC adapter while holding the right keys

Hmm that's going to be interesting -- crawling under the desk to plug it in while holding keys down. Presume I can plug the 246T into the computer after the AC supply is connected though?
Do you have to change the switch in the battery compartment?

(sigh)

So plug in the SCANNER END while you hold the buttons down. :?

Yes, you can plug in the cable after you plug in the power. When you do that, the backlight will come on, but there will be nothing on the display. That is normal and means you did it right. This is all in the instructions that come with the upgrade.

Joe M.

 

[CZ]

with all the button holding, sounds like a person will have to be rather agile to hold multi keys down & plug the power cord into the scanner You can't plug the supply in to the 246T & the power strip then turn the 246T on while holding down how many different keys are required, then?

What I worry about with plugging the power in as it appears like is needed, is the plug accidentally shorting out agaist something.. Power strip is under desk, so have to snake the cable up behind the desk, hopefully find a safe place for the plug, then plug in the supply.
Looks like it would be easier under battery power, but Uniden set it up that way, & I sure won't be attempting any changes.

 

[rdale]

Wow.

All I can say.

Wow...

 

[mn2deep]

CZ....no offense , but have you considered a less stressful hobby? :lol:

 

[CZ]

Well, took me a while to save up the $ to get it, so am wary of doing something that would cause a repair bill, which in turn would cause stress of financial sorts