BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Serial Mode

[ausscan]

Hi all, we've just had an adapted version of the BCD436HP released in Australia and I'm thinking they may have taken out the option to run it in serial mode.

I'm under the understanding that there should be a popup when the radio is plugged in that asks Serial/Charging? which this version does not. Is that the case or am I overlooking something?

 

[Voyager]

When plugged into a PC, it asks MASS STORAGE or SERIAL MODE.

 

[u2brent]

When plugged into a PC, it asks MASS STORAGE or SERIAL MODE.

For 15 Seconds, Then defaults to serial mode. (With Latest Firmware Installed)

(Just a message on the radio display; not an actual pop up message on the PC)

http://info.uniden.com/UnidenMan4/BCD436HPFirmwareUpdate

 

[ausscan]

I wonder if the firmwares are compatible? Earlier UBCD396T/BCD396T and UBCD396XT/BCD396XT weren't. Is there and easy way to test without bricking my radio?

 

[RandyKuff]

If you plug the USB cable into a computer port or an AC (Mains) adapter first. Then plug it into the scanner (With the scanner on and running) the display on the scanner should read.

USB Cable Detected
Select USB mode

Mass Storage = "E" (Press the "E" key for Mass Storage mode... Used with Sentinel)
Serial Port = "." (Press the "." key to enter the Serial mode)

If you have the latest firmware version 1_10_02 if you do not select anything the scanner will default to Serial mode in 15 seconds. Otherwise it will just sit there until you select one or the other.

 

[RandyKuff]

I wonder if the firmwares are compatible? Earlier UBCD396T/BCD396T and UBCD396XT/BCD396XT weren't. Is there and easy way to test without bricking my radio?

Firmware on the 436 is updated thru the sentinel software.

The firmware from those radios is not compatible.

 

[u2brent]

I wonder if the firmwares are compatible? Earlier UBCD396T/BCD396T and UBCD396XT/BCD396XT weren't. Is there and easy way to test without bricking my radio?

Why would it brick your radio? I just did the update today. I am glad I don't have to hit the button every time the cord slips out. Now by default it switches to serial mode after 15 seconds rather than sitting there "all dumb and s*** waiting for somebody to wipe its butt" (figuratively speaking of course) "I mean wearing out the NO Button". Follow the link in my previous post, it explains exactly what is in the newest update. No harm will come to your BCD436HP. Only thing that it effects is whether you really wanted mass storage mode, then you have 15 seconds to stop serial mode from kicking in.
You only have to pay $ if you wish to upgrade the Provoice feature. The new firmware fixes are free.

If You really need to go back; I'm sure you can get the fix from a RR member. But you won't need too.

 

[RandyKuff]

Why would it brick your radio? I just did the update today. I am glad I don't have to hit the button every time the cord slips out. Now by default it switches to serial mode after 15 seconds rather than sitting there "all dumb and s*** waiting for somebody to wipe its butt" (figuratively speaking of course) "I mean wearing out the NO Button". Follow the link in my previous post, it explains exactly what is in the newest update. No harm will come to your BCD436HP. Only thing that it effects is whether you really wanted mass storage mode, then you have 15 seconds to stop serial mode from kicking in.
You only have to pay $ if you wish to upgrade the Provoice feature. The new firmware fixes are free.

If You really need to go back; I'm sure you can get the fix from a RR member. But you won't need too.

Just an FYI.... If you want to save the firmware update... Make a copy of it from the firmware folder BEFORE you restart the scanner to apply it. That's were it puts it for the install on restart... But after you restart it's deleted...
I have all but the 1_02_03 version.

It's very easy to revert back to an older version...

 

[ausscan]

Typically in the past Uniden America and Uniden Australia's firmwares were not compatible. The Australian XT series would not accept the US firmware, and as there were many updates in USA there was only 1 in AU.

 

[ausscan]

I think I've answered my own question. US version of Sentinel doesn't see the UBCD436PT so can't apply a firmware update as per instructions.

 

[u2brent]

I hope Uniden gets the fixes out to the ROW!!

I think I've answered my own question. US version of Sentinel doesn't see the UBCD436PT so can't apply a firmware update as per instructions.

I'm sorry, I Could of sworn you said bcd436hp, I did not know Aussie versions were any different, Till you just now mentioned it.

I hope Uniden gets the fixes out to the ROW!! (Rest Of The World)

 

[ausscan]

Main differences on the UBCD396T/XT and UBCD996T was the inclusion of the 800 that is cut out for cell in the USA and the BCD436HP and UBCD436PT appears to be mainly firmware. Little things are missing and they have come pre programmed with the state's fire service system loaded in.

 

[RandyKuff]

Main differences on the UBCD396T/XT and UBCD996T was the inclusion of the 800 that is cut out for cell in the USA and the BCD436HP and UBCD436PT appears to be mainly firmware. Little things are missing and they have come pre programmed with the state's fire service system loaded in.

Did a little digging into this model... Looks like it is not for the general public... At least not yet...
Looks like they are for CFA use (Country Fire Authority) and come preprogrammed (I'm sure on the SD Card) with what the CFA uses.
And yes the cell phone range would not be locked out like in the US.

Other than that I really don't see any other difference.
Under the menu..."Settings"... "See Scanner Information"... "Firmware Version"... What version is it showing?

Addition--- If you don't see what I posted in #5 then it has been altered... More than likely in the firmware though.

 

[u2brent]

Do you have an Aussie equivalent to The USA/CANADA Sentinel software? Wonder if ARC536 would be compatible? Just curious. Or do you do everything manually through the radio menus?

 

[ausscan]

Yeah sorry I hadn't replied earlier. We have our version called UBCDx36_Sentinel for programming. I didn't get a chance to try Butel before it went out of date. FW version is 1.06.01

 

[Butelsoftware]

The PT models do not have the serial mode.
Next release of ARC536 will support the PT models for programming only.

Gommert
Butel Software

 

[ausscan]

Thanks Gommert.