Uniden BCD436HP GPS Mod

[SquirrelMaster]

Alright so I have been working on an internal GPS mod for my 436hp. I wanted to see if there was any interest from others for this mod so I can know exactly how many final version PCBs and components to order.

Basically it is a fully internal gps mod board that does things rather intelligently.
There are a lot of features on it but I'll mention the top few:

• Automatic switching between internal and external GPS. If for some reason you want to plug in the external GPS, it will detect its presence and shut off the internal one. Also, you won't need to go and change any baud rate settings in the uniden menu.
• Full stealth install. There are no holes in the back for the GPS and no extra buttons or lights. If you wan't, the design does support an external LED or a button/switch. It can also even use the unit's power button on the keypad or the rotary dial on top. Or you can just have it work automatically in the background.
• Intelligent battery saving. The unit will default run with the battery saving logic on. With the logic off, it has the same effect on battery as the standard GPS mod: ~7hrs total runtime. With the battery saver on, it has virtually no impact on battery life at all; ~8hrs battery life. No GPS mod at all ~8hrs.

Basically I am looking for feedback on how many of you would be interested in something like this and what other features/suggestions do you have for it?
it would be around $100 for the mod, the install, and the shipping back.

Here are a couple of photos of the board and how the board slots in:

 

[dchemist]

$100 is a bargain for the functionality you offer. I'm in.

 

[Deacon]

I don’t own a 436HP but plan to in the near future, either that or the SDS100. I absolutely 100% would want this mod and be willing to pay for it. If Uniden offered it as an option, I would’ve checked that box. I’ve never encountered a situation where having GPS enabled would be a problem, so I can’t think of any need for switches and buttons. If the scanner is on, the GPS is on. If it’s off, the GPS is off with it. It seems simple to me.

I guess what I’m saying is I’m willing to be on the hook for one. Even if I end up with an SDS100 instead, which I’m on the fence about (suggestions of vague analog “performance” has me unsure) instead, if someone else doesn’t already jump on it, I’d be willing to eat the cost (or ideally apply it to the SDS100).

 

[mikedotd]

That's awesome. Count me in as well!

 

[surprisinguy]

Glad you're offering it!! Anyone with a 436 should jump on this - there's not a more functional mod and the price is great.

 

[bentvalve3g]

Don't currently own one, but if (let's be honest: when) I owned one, I'd be all over this.

 

[Blindfingers]

I'm in!

 

[hiddencam]

I'd be interested in this. And could you add an LED light to better light up the screen - the built in light sucks balls in certain lighting conditions.

 

[surprisinguy]

It looks from the pic that it's a Uniden board - what is this used in initially, since a GPS upgrade is not offered by them for the 436

 

[SquirrelMaster]

Cool glad to hear there is interest.

I'd be interested in this. And could you add an LED light to better light up the screen - the built in light sucks balls in certain lighting conditions.

I will take a look and see what can be done about the back light

It looks from the pic that it's a Uniden board - what is this used in initially, since a GPS upgrade is not offered by them for the 436

It's the mod board on top of the uniden board. I designed it myself. Just made it black so it would match the uniden pcbs

 

[Deacon]

I do face a lot of analog (~155MHz) and am not aware of major simulcast problems anywhere near me, so it looks like I’ll go with the 436HP over the SDS100, so when that time comes, hopefully in the next couple of months, I’m 100% in.

 

[cognetic]

I'm in... just dusted off one of my 436's and holding in standby for your offering to commence! On another 436, I did DIY a GPS board and love it. On the SDS100, had another party perform the mod.
Internal GPS is a great mod for portable scanners - should be a standard feature. The Uniden nonsense with all the cabled tethering and power management is a symptom of their underdeveloped product design engineering capacity - that and thinking their customers are still from 2+ decades ago (arguably, they may be right about some of the whackadoos LOL)

-cognetic

 

[Got Jeep]

Great work !
Any limitations on placement ? Do you think it would get GPS reception mounted down by the center console shifter ?
I imagine you will be offering this world wide ? (radio reference/Ebay/web)

 

[surprisinguy]

Do you think it would get GPS reception mounted down by the center console shifter ?

On the mod that mine has (the antennae protrudes slightly from a hole cut in the back) there is no problem with a lock sitting in my center console. I wouldnt think there would be a problem with this one since the casing is plastic.

 

[SquirrelMaster]

Great work !
Any limitations on placement ? Do you think it would get GPS reception mounted down by the center console shifter ?
I imagine you will be offering this world wide ? (radio reference/Ebay/web)

Plastic won't affect it. The only reason the original mod had a hole in the case was because poor designing of the mod and couldn't fit it in. One of the things for me was that if I couldnt get the whole thing to fit without cutting or anything like that, I'd scrap the project. Not going to half ass it.

As for reception, it does quite well. My worst case scenario testing resulted in the longest lock time of about 50s. After that initial point, it holds onto its lock very well and from sleep mode, I can relock in about a second.

 

[cognetic]

Plastic won't affect it. The only reason the original mod had a hole in the case was because poor designing of the mod and couldn't fit it in. One of the things for me was that if I couldnt get the whole thing to fit without cutting or anything like that, I'd scrap the project. Not going to half ass it.

As for reception, it does quite well. My worst case scenario testing resulted in the longest lock time of about 50s. After that initial point, it holds onto its lock very well and from sleep mode, I can relock in about a second.

On my 436 and SDS200, there is a superficial exterior GPS antenna attached tightly to the case and square cut-out for the overlying GPS antenna to push through, respectively.

Have you seen the RR thread comparing GPS modules? Current drains, lock-signal effectiveness, efficiencies, etc.? Worth a read for component comparisons.
worth a scroll through the various pages and Jon's comments on performance, placement, etc. Internal GPS Mod Tech Support/Q&A

-cognetic

 

[robbyb413]

I'm trying to buy a BCD436HP now (I'm on my second time paying someone on RR for a unit only to have them not ship it and subsequently have to demand my money back) but as soon as I have one in hand I'd be interested in paying for this mod.

 

[surprisinguy]

The only reason the original mod had a hole in the case

This is true, though there wasnt anyone else at the time that was doing anything like it. Not sure if there was a GPS board that would fit without a cutout at that time or not. Of course non-cutting is preferred but the whole mod that was done to mine was great - not sloppy at all plus the 2 lock leds that were added look factory. I like the on/off switch too, very inconspicuous.
The battery mod that I had done was well worth it also - added 5 hours to a charge and other features.

 

[Deacon]

The battery mod that I had done was well worth it also - added 5 hours to a charge and other features.

What’s all this, then?

 

[jake072]

What’s all this, then?

I’m curious too. I have encrypted radio for the most part near me so this would only be useful on road trips but with a 8 hour battery it seems almost completely useless to me. I figured there was a LiON battery or some way to charge it otherwise what’s the point for long road trips. And AA batteries wtf. For that amount of money there should be something rechargeable.

But maybe I’m missing something.