Updates are Coming

[gregmoss]

There's no need for that!! :>)

 

[Boomeranger]

Based on context, I presumed "memory" referred to "area used to hold executable code", not "area where user's programmed data is stored".

Right! An EPROM or PROM (programmable ROM) chip.

Andy

 

[rdale]

And there's nothing that indicates they'll run out of space.

 

[UPMan]

Neither scanner is "running out of space." I cannot find where I said what I am attributed to having said, but if I did indeed say something that could be taken as that, I humbly apologize for my misstatement.

 

[epersson]

You never said it...

You never said that any scanner was running out of space or anythine else close to it for that matter. This has turned into a nasty game of telephone, where one person tells the next and pretty soon the message is completely convoluted and mass hysteria prevails. I want this upgrade (and others free as I paid a significant price for this scanner) as much as anyone else but until then it has gotten to the point where the posts on this site are way out of control. I hope it comes out soon and I hope it works as anticipated. But, in the longer term, thanks for your input on the subjects, it is appreciated. Cooler heads need to prevail on this thread.

 

[Boomeranger]

Neither scanner is "running out of space." I cannot find where I said what I am attributed to having said, but if I did indeed say something that could be taken as that, I humbly apologize for my misstatement.

I just posed the question how much memory is on the 396T (in my case) PROM chip.

Others following chimed in with "UPMan said..."

What exactly is the capacity of the 396T and 996T PROMs the firmware is written onto? That's not proprietary and should be stated for our curiousity, if nothing else.

Andy
Scannist

 

[Statevillian]

Neither scanner is "running out of space." I cannot find where I said what I am attributed to having said, but if I did indeed say something that could be taken as that, I humbly apologize for my misstatement.

UPMan,

I think you have explained everything in a very understanding and practical fashion every step of the way. I have understood everything you have said. It's not you, it's them.

Not a booty smoocher though!

 

[UPMan]

Andy

That information has never been important to anything I do, so I don't have it handy. In any case, that wouldn't tell you how much is "left" or how much code space would be required for a particular feature, etc. Now don't by this think that I am not a fan of useless trivia (catch me on NTN Trivia tonight if I get away from work in time)...

Now, unless there is a disaster on the web front (which I don't expect) we are still on schedule for a 4/10 firmware release. I think rdale will be able to collect on his bet. Now, where can I get a piece of that action?

 

[bayrisch]

396T/Value/UPMan

I've seen a lot of posts where individuals complain about the price they paid for their 396T. I now have two of them. They are both worth every penny that I paid for them. The 396Ts are actually the first radios I've ever owned where the company (Uniden) actually provides firmware updates. From what Lou has said, those updates were frequent when the radio was first introduced to the public. I purchased my first 396T about a year ago and I'm thrilled that an update is becoming available. Even without updates, I consider these radios a bargain when you consider what they are capable of doing. I well remember the time when there was no trunking option for scanner enthusiasts as one analog system after another converted to digital. I thank Uniden for the research and expense which went into developing this radio. I'm even more grateful for the updates. If the next update doesn't fix the P25 popping and the EDACS beeps, I can live with it, based on everything the scanner does. I have a hunch that those items will be fixed in the next update, along with the motor boating, considering how important this is to members of the group.

Also, a note regarding UPMan. Here's a guy who provides a real service to all of us, by representing Uniden and being there to provide information and answers to our questions. A lot of the time, certain members of our group are rude and without conscience with respect to comments directed toward him. I would suggest that we show more respect and appreciation to UPMan. You'll notice that he always takes the high road. I would hope we all would choose to do the same. It's alright to bring up suggestions and point out things which are wrong with the radio. After all, I think that's what UPMan is here for. He's going to take the things he reads on these boards and report back to his company. We need to remember that he's just one person and doesn't make all the decisions. Thanks again, UPMan. We appreciate what you do.

 

[Boomeranger]

That information has never been important to anything I do, so I don't have it handy.

Well you're in the thick of it. Dial around Uniden and get back to us in a couple minutes.

In any case, that wouldn't tell you how much is "left" or how much code space would be required for a particular feature, etc.

I did ask that a dozen or more posts prior. Not feature by feature but update by update. It is vital information. Sorry you don't think so.

I think rdale will be able to collect on his bet. Now, where can I get a piece of that action?

I'm not a gamblin' man.

Andy
Scannist

 

[UPMan]

Each update takes up about 3 MB of EEPROM. So, I'd say that the EEPROM is at least 3MB. "Update by update" can be determined by just looking at the file size of the update "scn" file.

Note that each update overwrites the previous one. There is not a limit to the number of 3 MB updates we could issue...beta testers have applied upwards of 20 or 30 unique updates to their scanner.

I guess I'm missing something that makes this more than trivia.

 

[rhutch]

I too have been a happy owner of the 396 and now the 996, soon to add two more 996's to the fleet (tired of hooking up the 396 when I get in to my vehicles). They have released updates in the past that took care of some of the issues. I don't buy radios based on the number of updates that someone released (updates for the most part fix problems) I'd rather buy a scanner that has the ability to have updates to fix problems and not have to use that feature because there are no problems. It's akin to going out and buying a car because it has more recalls, doesn't make much sense to me. If they choose to add feature I appreciate it, its an added bonus, and nothing I actually expect.

Keep up the good work.

PS the feature I most would like on either a new portable or a an update is the multi-site trunking, It is great for the Bellfleet Net system in Ontario, a real memory saver.

 

[Boomeranger]

Each update takes up about 3 MB of EEPROM. So, I'd say that the EEPROM is at least 3MB. "Update by update" can be determined by just looking at the file size of the update "scn" file.

Note that each update overwrites the previous one. There is not a limit to the number of 3 MB updates we could issue...beta testers have applied upwards of 20 or 30 unique updates to their scanner.

I guess I'm missing something that makes this more than trivia.

OK, NOW we're getting somewhere!

The point is as a baby grows you have to constantly buy it larger shoes! You CAN'T optomize existing code and add features on a 5Mb chip forever.

The potential of a scanner and future updates is ultimately limited by a) hardware (PROM size, which we STILL don't know!), b) features and bug fixes and c) tightly written code (as opposed to bloatware).

No matter, there will be nicer, faster and more capable scanners using full color touch screens on 4/11/2008 anyway. <rib>

Andy
Scannist

 

[rdale]

The point is as a baby grows you have to constantly buy it larger shoes! You CAN'T optomize existing code and add features on a 5Mb chip forever.

If EVERYTHING so far in the firmware can fit on 3MB, I think it's safe to say that 5MB is more than ample for add-ons too...

 

[UPMan]

The potential of a scanner and future updates is ultimately limited by a) hardware (PROM size, which we STILL don't know!), b) features and bug fixes and c) tightly written code (as opposed to bloatware).

d) Budget

 

[Airdorn]

UPman, please advise the exact manufacturing codes for all the screws used in the 996T. I'm adding this to my list of useless scanner info. Thx for the info about the memory, by the way.

 

[W4ELL]

OK, NOW we're getting somewhere!

The potential of a scanner and future updates is ultimately limited by a) hardware (PROM size, which we STILL don't know!), b) features and bug fixes and c) tightly written code (as opposed to bloatware).

My guess is that the engineers at Uniden know EXACTLY how much space they have to work with. If they weren't able to offer new features because of EEPROM space limitations, we wouldn't have seen the announcement of possible new features.

I'm sure they don't expect the 396 to be updateable forever... just until their next scanner models hit the market. Isn't it nice to potentially have a happy medium until then?

No matter, there will be nicer, faster and more capable scanners using full color touch screens on 4/11/2008 anyway. <rib>

Not a bad idea for a future model for sure.

 

[Boomeranger]

d) Budget

Forgive me for saying so but you really ARE dancing around the PROM capacity question for the 396T and 996T!

It's a simple and straightforward question requiring a simple and straightforward answer.

So without further verbal theatrics, will you please answer that question for the membership?

Are you the Uniden Product Manager or the Uniden Promotions Manager?

Andy
Scannist

 

[UPMan]

As I mentioned above, I have never had a need to know that.

 

[Caesar]

Forgive me for saying so but you really ARE dancing around the PROM capacity question for the 396T and 996T!

It's a simple and straightforward question requiring a simple and straightforward answer.

So without further verbal theatrics, will you please answer that question for the membership?

Are you the Uniden Product Manager or the Uniden Promotions Manager?

Andy
Scannist

aka.. if upman doesn't need to know, then you surely can live without knowing....

;-P