UNIDEN BCT15 Update Procedure

As part of Uniden's commitment to the continued support of the BCT15, Uniden has, from
time to time, issued firmware updates. This update contains major enhancements to the
BCT15 that directly reflect requests from our customers. Please take a few minutes to read
all of these instructions before applying the update.
Notes:
This update is cumulative...it incorporates all improvements made in all previous updates.
You need only apply this update.
Most update problems are caused by serial port issues. See the troubleshooting hints in the
Update Troubleshooting section if you have problems.
Two great forums exist for sharing information about this scanner within the user
community:
The RadioReference forums (http://www.RadioReference.com/forums)
The BCT15 Yahoo! Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BCT15)
What is Changed by This Update?
Support for rebanded Motorola Trunked Systems
Make the AGC settings in normal menu items
Improve the RSSI PC report-out performance
Add a 30-second option to Fire Tone-Out
Other minor bug fixes
Previous Version v1.03.04
This firmware update made the following improvements to your BCT15 scanner.
Add compatibility for the BC-RH96 Remote Head.
Fix "Stops on Control Channel" issue for Motorola systems.
Other minor bug fixes.
Backing Up Your Scanner
While it doesn't happen often, it is possible that applying a firmware update could affect
some of your scanner's programmed settings or systems. We recommend you make a full
backup of your scanner's programming and configuration before you apply the update.
Follow these quick steps to make a backup of your BCDT15 programming using Uniden
Advanced Scanner Director (UASD):
Install (if necessary) and run UASD.
From the main menus, select "Scanner View".
At the top of the window, select Setup --> Options.
Set the COM port to the port you've connected the BCT15 to and select the baud rate that
matches your scanners Settings-->Set Serial Port-->Set Baud Rate-->Front Port setting and
then click OK.
Select "Read from Scanner" from the top function bar.
The software will begin to read the contents of your scanner.
When UASD finishes reading from the scanner, select "Save to Data Base" from the top
function bar.
Make sure the check boxes next to "Save Configuration", "Save Location Alert Systems",
"Save Selected Systems", and "Replace existing files with same names" are checked, then
enter a name for your configuration in the text box next to "Save Configuration as:", then
click OK.

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UNIDEN BCT15 Update Procedure

Applying the Update

Before applying the update, you need to download two files. The following files are required
for this update:
BCT15_V1_06_00.zip - this is the compressed scanner firmware file
BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.zip- this is the application that applies the new firmware to your scanner. If
you have already installed this version, you do not need to d/l and install again.
Navigate to the location where you saved the above files and unzip the files (they will be
BCT15_V1_06_00.scn and Install_BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.exe).
If you have not previously installed the BC_VUP firmware updater, run the
"Install_BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.exe" program. This installs the firmware version updater on your
PC. (Note: If you have previously installed this version, you do not need to install it again.)
Run the installed application. When prompted, select "BCT15_V1_06_00.scn" in the
directory you used in Step 1.
Since this update does not change the major version number, you do not need a registration
code to apply this update.
Update Troubleshooting
Follow these tips to troubleshoot any update problem you encounter:
When prompted, be sure to turn off the scanner and hold down both the L/O and 6 buttons
while plugging in the AC adapter. The orange backlight should come on and remain on until
the end of the update.
If an error occurs during the update, simply repeat all steps, including removing power,
holding down L/O and 6, and plugging in AC power. Even if the backlight is already on, you
need to repeat this step if you restart the update.
Almost all update error messages are caused by:
Incorrect COM port selection: Be sure you have selected the COM port that the scanner is
plugged into.
COM port software conflicts: No other software can be running that uses the COM port. Be
sure to close UASD and any other scanner control software. Also, if you have ever used a
PDA with this PC, there is probably synchronization software running all the time that takes
over the COM port. You can usually stop that software by right-clicking on its icon in the
lower right side of your PC screen, then selecting "Quit" or "Exit."
If your PC does not have a COM port, you can use a USB-->RS232 adapter. Uniden sells such
an adapter specifically for this scanner (Model USB-1). Or, you can use many other adapters
that are available at computer retailers. Note that some adapters do not work, or require
updated drivers. Uniden only supports the USB-1.
UASD After the Update
While you can continue to use UASD after the update, note that the new features
incorporated into this update have not yet been applied to UASD. So, new settings are only
available through direct entry at this time.
Adjusting AGC Parameters
To access these settings:
Turn on the AGC function.
Tap F then hold VOL for two seconds. The scanner displays the current ANALOG AGC
RESPONSE TIME parameter setting (see below for option details).
Rotate the scroll control to change the setting.

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UNIDEN BCT15 Update Procedure

F+rotate the scroll to select another setting.

Parameters:
AUDIO AGC RESPONSE TIME
Range: -4 to +6 (0 is default)
This parameter determines how frequently the AGC factor updates. Decreasing this value
makes AGC respond faster, but could result in "pumping." A higher value decreases the
response time.
AUDIO AGC REFER GAIN
Range: -5 to +5 (0 is default)
This parameter determines the reference level that AGC attempts to adjust the volume to.
AUDIO AGC GAIN RANGE
Range: 0 to 15 (6 is default)
This parameter controls the total dynamic range of the AGC adjustments. A larger value
allows a wider variation in volume.
Motorola 800 Custom Band Plan (Rebanding)
This update adds the ability to create a Motorola 800 MHz site using a custom band plan.
When you create a site that has been rebanded to use the frequencies newly added for use
by the FCC, you have the option now of selecting 800MHz Custom as the Motorola site type.
Once you create the site, you can set the custom band plan as follows:
In the Site setting menu, select Edit Band Plan.
Select the band plan entry to edit.
Set each of the following entries for the band plan:
Set Base Freq (Upper and Lower)
Set Offset
Set Spacing
For standard rebanded systems, you need to set Band Plan 1 and Band Plan 2 as:
Band Plan Base Freq (Lower) Base Freq (Upper) Offset Polarity Spacing
1 851.0250MHz 854.0000MHz 440 + 25 kHz
2 851.0125MHz 868.9875MHz 0 + 25 kHz
BCT15 PC Control Reference
BCT15_PC_protocol_V1.06.pdf
Attachments
I Attachment Action Size Date Who Comment
PDF BCT15_PC_protocol_V1.06.pdf manage143.6 K 10 Feb 2009 - 17:47 PaulOpitz
Revised Protocol
Compressed Zip archive BCT15_V1_06_00.zip manage702.3 K 11 Dec 2008 - 23:00
UnknownUser
Compressed Zip archive BC_VUP_v2.0.0.7.zip manage4583.1 K 09 Feb 2009 - 21:14
PaulOpitz Firmware Updater for BearCat Scanners
Topic revision: r7 - 08 Feb 2016 - PaulOpitz
A World Without Wires

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