Which firmware computer program to use for Uniden 436

[stingray327]

I notice that there are different programs for this scanner. Freeware? and others.
The manual suggests Sentinel PC Software.
If one downloads the Sentinel PC Software from Radio Reference, Scanner Master or Uniden is there any difference or is the Sentinel program the same in all 3 of these websites?

Can you download more than one program for the 436 or is it only 1 program to use and if so which one since there are a few to pick from?

 

[Jay911]

Sentinel is written by Uniden. It's not stored on RadioReference's website as far as I know. I would get it from Uniden before I would try any other site's version.

BuTEL has made a program called ARC536 which also programs the 436, but it does not handle firmware updates nor the weekly database updates. Those functions are only handled by Sentinel. I know of no other software that programs the x36 line.

 

[stingray327]

Went to Uniden website and there doesn't appear to be any download for the BC 436.

Downloads - Product Information at Uniden

 

[Jay911]

Really? I see it right here: BCD436HP < UnidenMan4 < TWiki

 

[stingray327]

Really? I see it right here: BCD436HP < UnidenMan4 < TWiki

Got it thanks now do I also have to download the part Windows Serial Drivers zip?

 

[Jay911]

Got it thanks now do I also have to download the part Windows Serial Drivers zip?

As stated on the webpage, if you intend to connect the scanner to the computer and use the scanner in serial mode.

 

[stingray327]

As stated on the webpage, if you intend to connect the scanner to the computer and use the scanner in serial mode.

tHAT'S what I don't understand. What is serial mode?
I don't want to mess up computer or new scanner.

 

[Jay911]

Serial mode is used to communicate between the radio and the computer for things like remote control. It's not related to programming or firmware. That's done in Mass Storage mode.

 

[stingray327]

Serial mode is used to communicate between the radio and the computer for things like remote control. It's not related to programming or firmware. That's done in Mass Storage mode.

Ok thanks. That Serial mode I probably won't use. Right now just trying to keep everything simple. I will go ahead now and download the Sentinel program into computer.

 

[stingray327]

Really? I see it right here: BCD436HP < UnidenMan4 < TWiki

It appears that I downloaded it into computer but I don't get the prompts to write to scanner or update. All it did was load into the computer. How do you engage program into scanner as I am not getting any instructions as it says you should be getting.

 

[stingray327]

Ok I have successfully loaded Sentinel program into computer. Next will be having to hook up scanner to program and form a favorites list. After I recuperate from this I will check manual on how to do this part.