Updating 996 to v3.01.00 from 1.04.12

[protias]

So I'm following the directions, and after I select BCD996T_V3_01_00.scn, select the baud rate, put in my registration key, ok, I hit L/O + 6, turn the scanner on, then I get the error:

Communication Error!!
Check the following:
*Check the cable connection between your Scanner and the PC.
*Did you select the correct COM port number on your PC?
*Did you remove the batteries from the Scanner?
*Did you apply AC power to the Scanner while simultaneously holding both 'L/O' and '6' keys?
*The Scanner firmware file may be corrupted. Download a new Scanner firmware file and try again.

I've tried on COM1 with baud rate 38,400, 57,600, and 115,200 both on the scanner and computer. I even downloaded the firmware again to make sure that wasn't the problem.

Is this because I have to apply the v1.20.13 ESN Loader update prior to applying this update? I have no idea where to find this.

Just a side note, my BCT15s updated fine on this computer.

 

[UPMan]

That error message usually means you didn't select the correct COM port. It is unusual (not unheard of, but very unusual) for COM 1 to be assigned to a physical port. It is usually reserved for the mouse or internal modem.

If you are certain COM 1 is correct, then I'd suspect the physical connection (cable) to the scanner. You must use the front port to do firmware updates.

The scanner must be at at least 1.04.12 before applying this update (since you have to get a registration key in order for the 3.01.00 update to work...and you have to enter your scanner's ESN and ESN Checksum before you can get that key...and the ESN Checksum isn't displayed until you apply v1.04.12).

Buy you say you have the key, and if you tried an update without the key (or with an incorrect key) you'd still not have gotten that error message.

Link speed set in the scanner doesn't matter. Firmware updates are applied based on the speed you select in the updater, and it doesn't have to match anything in the scanner.

The complete instructions are online at:

http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996T301Update (the link you provided above was for the BCD396T's update)

 

[protias]

I tried those instruction, same error. My computer is using PS/2 connectors so I would be surprised that computer using the COM port for my mouse or keyboard. Since my BCT15s updated just fine, I don't know why the 996 would have this issue.

I have the checksum and registration key.

 

[UPMan]

One other: Make sure no other software is running that would use the COM port.

Try doing the update after a fresh reboot.

 

[protias]

I have no peripherals attached to the computer besides the keyboard and mouse. Just did a reboot and same error message.

 

[UPMan]

Can you still connect to the BCT15 using UASD or ARC (or one of the other control programs)? If so, reconfirm that it is COM 1.

Can you describe in detail the physical connection you are using? (i.e. DB9 on the PC or USB adapter...connecting using the cable supplied with the scanner or some other cable...etc).

Confirm that you do the L/O + 6 every time you attempt to do an update (even if it still looks like it is in that mode from a previous attempt).

Confirm that you have unzipped the firmware load (BCD996T_V3_01_00.scn) to a real directory (like your desktop) and are not opening it directly from the compressed (zip) directory.

Confirm the version of BC_VUP you are using.

 

[MFD4305]

Did You Mean?

Please forgive my uninvited comment. Protias wrote "...I hit L/O + 6, turn the scanner on...." Did that mean you held down L/O and 6 while concurrently powering up?
That's mandatory...

 

[bobin]

Confirm that you have unzipped the firmware load (BCD996T_V3_01_00.scn) to a real directory (like your desktop) and are not opening it directly from the compressed (zip) directory.

That's the mistake I made. I got the same error 10 times or so before I overcame my blonde gene and actually looked at what I was doing. Once I unzipped it, it installed as advertised.

Part of the problem is that the BC VUP will attempt to update the scanner even if no legitimate file was selected, giving the same error message protias received. The other part was my blonde gene.

 

[protias]

Can you still connect to the BCT15 using UASD or ARC (or one of the other control programs)? If so, reconfirm that it is COM 1.

BCT15 works.

Can you describe in detail the physical connection you are using? (i.e. DB9 on the PC or USB adapter...connecting using the cable supplied with the scanner or some other cable...etc).

USB connector to the front of the scanner.

Confirm that you do the L/O + 6 every time you attempt to do an update (even if it still looks like it is in that mode from a previous attempt).

I do.

Confirm that you have unzipped the firmware load (BCD996T_V3_01_00.scn) to a real directory (like your desktop) and are not opening it directly from the compressed (zip) directory.

I was doing that.

Confirm the version of BC_VUP you are using.

2.0.0.6

Please forgive my uninvited comment. Protias wrote "...I hit L/O + 6, turn the scanner on...." Did that mean you held down L/O and 6 while concurrently powering up?
That's mandatory...

Yes, that is what I meant.

 

[protias]

Ok, so now I am able to connect with Arc996Pro and BCD996T_UASD. Just not sure why I cannot update the firmware yet. Still getting the communication error.

 

[cws]

Instructions say:
Applying the Update
The following files are required for this update:

BC_VUP_v2.0.0.3.exe - this is the firmware updater software. If you have installed a previous version, this will automatically replace that version.
BCD996T_V3_01_00.zip - this is the firmware load for your scanner

But, you said you have 2.0.0.6. Maybe that's correct, and the instructions are not?

You said you can "connect" with UASD. Did you actually read from the scanner, and write to the scanner, with that program? With the same cable, too?

 

[cws]

Not to beat a dead horse, but you said:
"after I select BCD996T_V3_01_00.scn, select the baud rate, put in my registration key, ok, I hit L/O + 6, turn the scanner on, then I get the error:"

Someone tried to question that, and you said:

Yes, that is what I meant.

Well, I just want to point out that you did NOT say "plugged the power adaptor into the scanner". You should be doing that. You do NOT, at this point, "turn the scanner on". As the other poster said, this is a critical point.

The instructions must be followed exactly, not just "sort of". My appologies, it you are following them "exactly", and we are simply failing to communicate. (No pun intended.) Hope this helps.

 

[UPMan]

I've updated the online instructions to say "BC_VUP_v2.0.0.3 (or any later version)".

I just caught that you said that your connection was "USB connector to the front of the scanner." Now I'm even more confused...USB adapters are really never assigned to COM 1. Usually they start out at COM 5 (or higher). Every USB port on your computer will have a different COM port assigned to that cable, so if you happen to plug the cable into a different USB you'll have a different COM assignment.

Go into Device Manager and confirm the COM port assignment.

(Device Manager is found in Control Panel --> View Hardware and Devices in Vista...slightly differently named for other versions of Windows, but still accessed from the Control Panel.)

Which USB adapter are you using? Some adapters don't handle the RS232 emulation very well (so could work for UASD but not for BC_VUP). These adapters are generally pretty old, though (or at least their drivers are pretty old). Check for new drivers for your adapter, too.

 

[robocop80]

If you are using ARC then go to the menu up top and select BCD396T then select the RS232C Setup and click auto detect scanner. This will let you know which port you have the scanner selected to. I am only giving you these instructions in case you are not that familiar with the PC and confirming your ports. I just found this to be a very easy way and it also tells you the baudrate. Once you have confirmed your port and buadrate settings make sure you close out of ARC completely and try connecting your scanner with those settings and follow update instructions.

Maybe it will help maybe it won't just trying to give you some more suggestions that might help you.

James

 

[protias]

I've updated the online instructions to say "BC_VUP_v2.0.0.3 (or any later version)".

I just caught that you said that your connection was "USB connector to the front of the scanner." Now I'm even more confused...USB adapters are really never assigned to COM 1. Usually they start out at COM 5 (or higher). Every USB port on your computer will have a different COM port assigned to that cable, so if you happen to plug the cable into a different USB you'll have a different COM assignment.

Go into Device Manager and confirm the COM port assignment.

(Device Manager is found in Control Panel --> View Hardware and Devices in Vista...slightly differently named for other versions of Windows, but still accessed from the Control Panel.)

Which USB adapter are you using? Some adapters don't handle the RS232 emulation very well (so could work for UASD but not for BC_VUP). These adapters are generally pretty old, though (or at least their drivers are pretty old). Check for new drivers for your adapter, too.

Ya, sorry, I'm still learning all the different terms. I am using the cable that connects via the serial on the back of the computer and the front port of the scanner (RS232?).

I am using XP SP3.

If you are using ARC then go to the menu up top and select BCD396T then select the RS232C Setup and click auto detect scanner. This will let you know which port you have the scanner selected to. I am only giving you these instructions in case you are not that familiar with the PC and confirming your ports. I just found this to be a very easy way and it also tells you the baudrate. Once you have confirmed your port and buadrate settings make sure you close out of ARC completely and try connecting your scanner with those settings and follow update instructions.

Maybe it will help maybe it won't just trying to give you some more suggestions that might help you.

James

Baudrate is 115200.

 

[johnmac]

BC_VUP_v2.0.0.3.exe

I have looked everywhere for this updater file, can someone please tell where I can download it.

Thank you,

John

 

[ka3jjz]

John, you must follow these instructions (posted on the Uniden wiki, linked below) EXACTLY, without shortcuts or deviation. You can't get the VUP updater until you have completed several steps.

http://info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD996T301Update

73 Mike

 

[johnmac]

Mike,

Thanks for the help, but those instructions are not the same as what appears at the website.

I have registered my scanner and the only option I have is to generate the software key and then a link to download v3.xx, which is a zipped .scn file.

I have version 2.x at this time. There is no other information on the registartion page that I can find to download.

I must be missing something.

Thanks for your help.

John

 

[UPMan]

You can apply the update using BC_VUP 2.0.0.3 or later (i.e. 2.0.0.6 or 2.0.0.7 also work just fine). The link Mike provided is for the latest instructions. Follow those instructions and you should be in good shape.

 

[protias]

Solution:

I purchased the USB cable and was able to update my scanner. I wonder why the serial one was not able to update my 996?