Uniden is rolling out significant firmware upgrades that touch two of its core product lines, giving existing owners new tools without requiring new hardware. The updates arrive just weeks before the company’s planned appearance at SEMA 2026, where it will showcase its latest work with installers and ambassadors.
The Uniden BCD160DN and BCD260DN scanners now support non-encrypted P25 Phase I and Phase II digital voice decoding through a new firmware update.
Uniden’s latest firmware update introduces new Ka Block controls for the R4, R4w, R8, and R8w radar detectors, giving owners more control over alert behavior.
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Firmware updates bring new Ka Block controls to select R-Series radar detectors and P25 digital decoding to the BCD160DN, BCD260DN, as Uniden prepares for SEMA
FLOWER MOUND, TX, UNITED STATES, October 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Uniden America Corporation has rolled out firmware updates for select R-Series radar detectors as well as the BCD160DN and BCD260DN scanners, delivering fresh capabilities to existing customers across two of the company’s main product lines.
Both updates were shaped by input from customers and enthusiasts. Uniden plans to continue that dialogue at SEMA 2026, where it will showcase partnerships with ambassadors and professional installers while outlining its roadmap for 2027.
NEW KA BLOCK CONTROLS GIVE R-SERIES USERS MORE OPTIONS
Drivers face varying signal environments depending on their vehicle and location. Uniden’s latest R-Series firmware update hands users greater control over how their detector handles signals within frequency ranges they define themselves.
The update covers the R4, R4w, R8, and R8w, extending the new features to owners of both current and earlier-generation R-Series devices.
The firmware introduces a new Ka Block setting with four configuration choices: Weak, Mute, adjustable levels from 0.5 through 3.5, and Low Priority (-P).
Each option triggers a different behavior:
– Weak: Within the user-set frequency range, signals at 2 bars or below do not produce an alert. At 2.5 bars and above, the detector responds normally.
– Mute: Signals inside the configured frequency range still show an on-screen alert but do not sound an audible tone.
– Level 0.5–3.5: Users pick a sensitivity threshold. Signals at or below that level are not reported audibly or visually; signals above it are reported normally.
– Low Priority (-P): Signals within the user-defined frequency range get a lower reporting priority than signals detected outside that range. This setting does not mute, reduce, or block those alerts.
For those dealing with low-strength internal vehicle false alerts, Weak can be a practical starting point. According to Uniden’s technical guidance, these false alerts typically show up at one to two bars depending on mounting position and vehicle make and model.
Uniden has also updated R/TACH™ for iOS and Android and PC Tool version 2.26 to support configuration of the new R-Series settings.
Uniden has released an updated R-Series tool for macOS, expanding compatibility to Apple silicon-based Macs (non-Intel) while maintaining support for Intel-based Macs. This release builds on the existing Intel-compatible tool and brings a stable R-Series configuration experience to users of newer Mac systems.
P25 DIGITAL DECODING COMES TO THE BCD160DN AND BCD260DN
Uniden is also expanding what owners of the BCD160DN and BCD260DN can receive and decode.
A new firmware update allows both scanners to decode non-encrypted APCO P25 Phase I and Phase II digital voice transmissions that these models could not previously monitor.
The update is available to current and future owners of the BCD160DN and BCD260DN.
The update adds P25 decoding, not P25 trunk tracking.
The BCD160DN and BCD260DN can receive transmissions from P25 trunked systems, but they do not track talkgroup IDs (TGIDs) or follow calls as they move across frequencies within a trunked system. When users manually enter the required information, the scanners can decode individual non-encrypted P25 Phase I and Phase II digital voice channels.
Owners can install the firmware using the Uniden BC-VUP Firmware Updater. After the firmware update, configuration requires BCDx60DN Scanner Software Version 2.00 or later. The updater and configuration software require Windows.
EXPANDING UNIDEN’S PRESENCE IN ENTHUSIAST COMMUNITIES
The firmware updates reflect Uniden’s ongoing engagement with the enthusiast communities that use its products.
For scanners, the company has stepped up its focus on public safety, weather, aviation, racing, rail & more, where access to radio communications can add information and context to activities enthusiasts already follow.
Uniden has also begun featuring enthusiast-submitted rigs and setups on Instagram, giving customers a way to show how they use and integrate Uniden products while highlighting the knowledge and creativity within the community. Enthusiasts are encouraged to share their own setups with Uniden on social media for a chance to be featured.
Throughout 2026, Uniden has developed educational content, creator partnerships and community activations around these use cases. The work supports its established scanner audience while introducing scanning to people who are new to the category.
Uniden applies the same focus to its automotive business, working with creators, installers and drivers who use the technology in real-world conditions. Their experience helps inform product development and support.
UNIDEN HEADS TO SEMA 2026
At SEMA 2026, Uniden will bring product innovation, community and professional installation together in one place.
The company will showcase its work with North American automotive integration and installation partner MSC, including professional installation and premium vehicle integration. Uniden will also continue developing its Driven by Purpose ambassador program with creators and enthusiasts from the communities it serves.
Visitors can look forward to booth giveaways and other opportunities to connect with the Uniden team throughout the show.
SEMA will also give Uniden an opportunity to discuss its direction and priorities for 2027. Additional details will be shared at the appropriate time.
“The updates we’re announcing give owners new capabilities and reflect how our products are actually being used,” said Juan Gonzalez, President of Uniden America Corporation. “Staying connected with our customers and enthusiast communities is important to us, whether we’re refining product functionality, working with professional installers, or collaborating with ambassadors. We’re looking forward to bringing that work together at SEMA and sharing more about where Uniden is headed next.”
Additional information about Uniden’s SEMA 2026 presence will be announced ahead of the show.
ABOUT UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION
Uniden America Corporation, a subsidiary of Uniden Corporation, is a leading provider of consumer electronics and communications technology. For 60 years, Uniden has developed products designed to keep people connected, informed and aware, with a portfolio spanning radar detection, radio scanners, CB radios, marine electronics and other communication technologies. Uniden serves drivers, professionals and enthusiast communities with products focused on performance, reliability and real-world use.
JD Rico
holMedia – Media Relations for Uniden America Corporation
+1 305-450-9998
jd@hol.media
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Why it matters: These firmware releases extend the useful life of existing Uniden hardware, letting owners unlock new functionality without purchasing new devices. The timing also signals that Uniden is listening to its enthusiast base as it prepares to lay out its 2027 product strategy at SEMA.
