Uniden serial protocol questions

[DaveeCom]

Hi,

I'm a new RR member and this is my first post.

Does anyone else here write their own Uniden serial access code that is reading this? If so, can you tell me where I can get a copy of the latest serial protocol?

My plan is to buy a BC246T (soon...?) and connect it to my PC so I can use it to develop the interface code that will allow my program to read the frequency or workgrp during an audio recording.

At this point in time, I have no knowledge of how to read any information from the Uniden scanner. I have a document that I found that shows some protocol information for the BC895XLT and BC245XLT. Where it came from, I don't know. I'm not even sure if the frequency can be accessed on the fly while scanning.

Also, I am hoping that my plan to buy one type of receiver (BC246T) for development of the interface code will allow other Uniden models to work also. Does anyone know if this is possible?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[davidmc36]

http://info.uniden.com/twiki/pub/Un...otes/BC246_Remote_Command_Reference_V2.60.pdf

 

[DaveeCom]

Thanks davidmc36. Got it.

 

[cpuerror]

Don't buy a 246. The BC346XT is coming out soon, it will be a far superior scanner for the about the same price. The 246 is really not that great for logging either lacking many of the features of its bigger brothers.

 

[KE4ZNR]

Don't buy a 246. The BC346XT is coming out soon, it will be a far superior scanner for the about the same price. The 246 is really not that great for logging either lacking many of the features of its bigger brothers.

Ummm...I don't know where you are buying radios but the 246 is NOT the same price as the 396xt is going to be...the 246 averages around $200 while the 396xt is gonna average in the $500 range. So if he is looking for a moderate priced analog only trunktracker the 246t is a good choice.

Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[cpuerror]

You are thinking of the BCD396XT, the 346 is expected to be around the same price.

 

[KE4ZNR]

You are thinking of the BCD396XT, the 346 is expected to be around the same price.

correct. My bad cpuerror. Uniden needs to quit making their dang radios sound so much alike. *sigh*. I still recommend picking up a 246t because it will be awhile before the 346t is released and you can find a 246t for a good price on the secondary markets. And it is a great little radio.
Happy Holidays & Happy Monitoring!
Marshall KE4ZNR

 

[DaveeCom]

I want the 396 too but I might buy cheaper just to get to the programming goal I want. But I read about it and I love the way its display looks while it is operating! (saw it on youtube).

I appreciate all the opinions on what radio to buy, because I'm on the fence on what model to buy and I *do* like to see all the first-hand knowledge on these things from folks that own them. That's why I asked it here.

Thx.

 

[davidmc36]

I want the 396 too but I might buy cheaper just to get to the programming goal I want. But I read about it and I love the way its display looks while it is operating! (saw it on youtube).

I appreciate all the opinions on what radio to buy, because I'm on the fence on what model to buy and I *do* like to see all the first-hand knowledge on these things from folks that own them. That's why I asked it here.

Thx.

The 246 is a great little radio and I love mine. There are two things I could say against it, no ability to do multiple sites for a system and the memory is actually a little small for what the radio is capable of doing. I have mine stuffed right full and have to have a couple of files stored on my computer for upload.

I love how compact it is and the display is very nice. With the new firmware and the addition of Close Call DND it improved an already great feature. It seems to lock onto control channels well and the audio is clear, but not a lot of volume as the speaker is a little small. It is not a problem under normal listening conditions in your living room and the like and I always use headphones or the stereo input when outside or in the car anyway.

I would give it an 8.5 out of 10 overall when comparing it will all seven of the scanners I have.

 

[cpuerror]

My $0.02

It just makes no sense to buy a 246 anymore. Wait about a month, and for the same money get the 346, with 9000 channels, 4 line display, RSSI, multi site memory, better logging capabilities (246 will only allow you to log trunked systems reliably) and so on.

 

[DaveeCom]

You convinced me. No way am I going to buy a 246 now. I just hate to wait, but I might try to get the 396XT when it comes out...if I find I can afford it at the time.

 

[cpuerror]

Glad I could be of help...