Considering we tend to get left behind, and the fact that the market for "police scanners" has dried up with the widespread introduction of encryption, I don't like the chances.
New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
With the pending release of the two new models (BC346XT and BCD396XT) in the U.S., I have to wonder if there will be an Australian version?
Considering we tend to get left behind, and the fact that the market for "police scanners" has dried up with the widespread introduction of encryption, I don't like the chances.
Considering we tend to get left behind, and the fact that the market for "police scanners" has dried up with the widespread introduction of encryption, I don't like the chances.
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Farsouthscanner
- Posts: 431
- Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2008 10:47 pm
- Location: Far South Coast NSW
Re: New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
I hope your wrong but it wouldn't suprise me if your right.
I don't mind if they don't release all the different models out here but it would be good to have a replacement for the 396 and a new cheaper one. If these were in a desktop and a portable they would be enough. Surely they could come up with 4 scanners, I am no expert but it wouldn't be too hard for them to just modify the software for the US ones and release them here, it probably wouldn't even cost them all that much.
Mark
I don't mind if they don't release all the different models out here but it would be good to have a replacement for the 396 and a new cheaper one. If these were in a desktop and a portable they would be enough. Surely they could come up with 4 scanners, I am no expert but it wouldn't be too hard for them to just modify the software for the US ones and release them here, it probably wouldn't even cost them all that much.
Mark
Re: New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
Unfortunately it's not the software Mark, it's the hardware. Scanners for use in the US must be manufactured so they can't be modified to allow reception of the 800MHz mobile phone allocation over there. The end result is modified hardware to ensure they can't be modified.
I am thinking the added cost of developing hardware for the limited Aus/NZ market is not worth it. It's a shame really. The noticeable lack of support for Australian scanners by Uniden Australia (firmware upgrades in particular) makes me think that Uniden Australia will leave the market.
I am thinking the added cost of developing hardware for the limited Aus/NZ market is not worth it. It's a shame really. The noticeable lack of support for Australian scanners by Uniden Australia (firmware upgrades in particular) makes me think that Uniden Australia will leave the market.
Re: New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
Actually its firmware, not hardware that is changed. No difference in components what so ever between a US 396 and an AU 396.
But it will be market demand that will have Uniden deciding if they should release a model for this region. on't forget the 'UBC's cover the Asia pacific, and not just Australia. On the Radio Reference forum one guy from New Zealand has already asked on there about a UBC model being released.
Frankly, as has been mentioned, I cannot see a huge demand for them and therefore I doubt we will be seeing them. But you never know. Just don't hold your breath waiting.
But it will be market demand that will have Uniden deciding if they should release a model for this region. on't forget the 'UBC's cover the Asia pacific, and not just Australia. On the Radio Reference forum one guy from New Zealand has already asked on there about a UBC model being released.
Frankly, as has been mentioned, I cannot see a huge demand for them and therefore I doubt we will be seeing them. But you never know. Just don't hold your breath waiting.
Re: New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
My understanding was that hardware was the difference, due to US Congress legislating that the scanners could not be modified to receive "cellular" transmissions.
Re: New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
The blocking of the 800Mhz cellular band is still done via secure firmware in the Unidens. I know this from talking with people from Uniden in the past.
Being firmware you can't modify it anyway. Its not like you can just hook it to a PC and reprogram firmware. Its much more secure and complicated then that with scanners.
Being firmware you can't modify it anyway. Its not like you can just hook it to a PC and reprogram firmware. Its much more secure and complicated then that with scanners.
Re: New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
Well there you go! Thanks for the info.
Re: New Uniden handhelds in the U.S.
I wonder what percentage of calls still or in the clear in the U.ASS.A these days and if it is not a real problem any more ? It may just be that they have not changed the law as yet. I am sure that GSM is used over that way. I would be grateful if someone would let me and others know how and why. Thanks, have a great Easter and lets hope we all still have a pulse at the end of the Easter break hi. 73z E=MC2