Uniden just released firmware 1.48 for the Uniden R1 and the Uniden R3.
1.48 brings several changes to help with K band reactivity, laser falses, and detecting multiple signals.
Improvements with 1.48
Improvements to K Band Reactivity against Quick Trigger
Firmware 1.46 introduced a pretty heavy delay against K band with TSF enabled. This delay has been removed so the detector is now very responsive to K band once again, even with TSF enabled.
TSF has also been been improved in general to further help cut down on false alerts from traffic sensors. I don’t know if this also has any unintentional side-effects of helping cut down on BSM falses. There are no changes to BSM filtering otherwise with 1.48.
On a related note, they’ve also improved the K band reactivity delays when MRCD detection is enabled. The detector is now more responsive to K band QT even when MRCD is turned on.
Improved Laser False Filtering
1.48 helps reduce false alerts on laser. I have still seen some false laser alerts when beta testing so it’s not a complete fix, but it should help cut them down.
Improvements when Detecting Multiple Signals
With firmware 1.48, the detector now remembers if it had previously alerted to a signal before and prevents the detector from switching back and forth between signals.
How to Download and Install Firmware 1.48
Click here to download firmware 1.48 from Uniden’s website.
Scroll down and click on the gray “Firmware” button.
You’ll then find links to download 1.48 for the R1 or the R3.
Note: If you’re running a Mac, scroll down to download the Mac update software separately if you don’t already have it. The link for the Mac software currently still comes with 1.46, so you can download 1.48 separately and use it with the software no problem.
Alternatively, here are direct links to download Firmware 1.48 for both Windows and Mac users. (These links include 1.48 for both the R1 and R3. Use only the ones you need.)
Download Firmware 1.48 for the Uniden R1 & R3 for Windows
Download Firmware 1.48 for the Uniden R1 & R3 for Mac
If you need more help with the install, check out my tutorials:
| This website contains affiliate links and I sometimes make commissions on purchases. All opinions are my own. I don’t do paid or sponsored reviews. Click here to read my affiliate disclosure. |
Uniden R9
44 comments
Skip to comment form
Hi how you doing I’m in uk England and have r1 please can you let me know how to set the r1? Please can you do video for us in uk aswell thanks ash
Author
Sorry, but I have absolutely no idea what’s best outside of North America. https://www.vortexradar.com/2017/07/using-american-radar-detectors-around-the-world/ Please ask on the International section of RDF to get better information from others in your area. https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?forums/35/
I can’t get the Uniden download tool 1.1 on my mac to detect my radar detector. I have the latest data cable, latest mac OS, etc. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Author
Do you have the driver installed?
I had the same issue and found if you go into settings and turn off firewall and filevault it will recognize your detector!
Yes, I installed the drivers first.
Author
I’m not sure then. Drivers, cable, software, latest OS X, and plug it in, and it should work. You can always hop onto the forums for further troubleshooting.
Thank you for your response. I just used Parallels and Windows and it worked with no problem with the latest download tool and firmware. I wish it worked the same on my (2017) iMac.
I’m still running the original firmware 1.26 on my R3. Am I going to have to install all of the previous updates before I can install this latest one? I’m using a Mac, but have access to a PC.
Author
Nope, you can jump right to any version you want.
Hi Vortex I wanted your opinion on this latest update. I am experiencing K alerts where it doesn’t ramp up but jumps right to 2 bar warning. I tested at several known sources and was the same. I switched back to firmware 137 and it ramps up normally starting with one beep and ramping up.
I also forgot to mention that I played with settings TSF and K filter etc to see if that had any effect and that was a negative.
Not sure if they are tweeking the new stuff and forgetting to check how it affects ramp up..Thanks for your work!
Computer is not recognizing radar thinking its the USB cable? Also when i try to open the firmware my computer says its unsafe doesn’t allow me…help…1.37 here in Connecticut
Author
For tech support, your best bet is to hop onto the forums. https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?forums/169/
Just found your website. It is really great. Your videos are very simple, clear and thorough. Great job.
Question1: I just purchased the Uniden R3. However, I see that the R7 is due out in March or April (??). I am thinking about returning my R3 and waiting for the R7. What are your thoughts?
Question2: Any better update on when the R7 will be released?
Question3: Where can I find the settings you have for your R3 that you mention in your video?
Again, great job.
Leonard
I have made a custom mirror mount to fit on my Corvette with the R3. Will an R3 mount fit the R7?
Author
We don’t know yet. The mount should be slightly different, but we’ll have to see once the units start showing up.
My R1 is two updates behind, will I need to install 1.46 before installing 1.48?
Author
Nope. You can upgrade or downgrade to any version at any time. No need to do 1.46 first.
Thanks for the quick response and all the info you provide on your website and YouTube channel. After watching your video on the R1BBY I couldn’t see any reason to not buy it for my first radar detector. As a noob your videos and the set information you provide are fantastic.
I am about ready to return my R3. It seems to not pick up stationary laser speed traps. Is this a major weakness with the detector? I like its form factor and the new firmware update is awesome from a BSM anti falsing standpoint, but here in MD, it seems to not really get the job done w/our laser traps. Thoughts please.
Author
Escort radar detectors do have better sensitivity than the Unidens and that’s pretty well-known. However, against laser, a laser jammer is the appropriate tool.
Sensitivity in laser detection not radar correct?
Author
Correct
Thank you. What about the V1?
Author
The V1 has fantastic sensitivity and lots of false alerts. I’ve heard of people trying to get by with a radar detector in MD and having some luck against the Poliscan, but again, if you want proper laser detection, a laser jammer is the proper tool.
I recently updated my R1 to version 1.48 and used a generic hardwire kit. Now my unit is “silent” even at CVS… I’ve tried reloading firmware to no avail… the unit does power on.. what happened?
Unable to update R3 .There is nothing easy about this updating . I have spent a couple of hrs and called support . I have downloaded driver ..firmware and installer.Cannot get new update to appear on installer. It tells me detector is connected and old version on installer. Box on installer is blank were new version should be. When i first plug detector in to computer i hear a sound put nothing tells me the detector is connected till i open installer.
Author
Post here and people can help you figure it out: https://www.rdforum.org/index.php?forums/169/
I dont even know were to start with forum ,that looks worse than downloading the new version. Can i just send to factory for update.I have updated things on the computer before but that was easier and led you thru the process. The zipped files i think are the problem
Can i send radar detector to factory for update new version
Author
No, it’s something you do yourself.
You use to be able to send unit to factory for update.The part i dont understand and is not on video is about extracting and opening new folder and were to put it. Computer asked me what app to open and i clicked microsoft.This seems to of tagged zipped firmware with microsoft icon.It wont open and i tryed to delete but it wont let me.I was going to reload version and do over.But every time i reload the firmware has the microsoft icon is next to it.
Author
Valentine does that, not other companies. These detectors are designed to be user updatable, saving you time from sending it in yourself. If you’re having issues updating, since I am not tech support, the people on the forum can help you get it up and running.
Thanks for all you do Vortex. You have been an awesome resource in making my RD purchase. I was hoping to ask you something. I picked up the Uniden DFR9 @ $214 total after a lot of research. I was torn between it and the R3 and that sale price grabbed me in the end. Now there is a sale for the Uniden R3 @ $276 out the door. Do you think its worth picking up the R3 since the difference is only ~$60.
I am having trouble finding a direct comparison of the DFR9 and R3. If the DFR9 performance is still similar to that of the DFR7 then I could see the R3 being worth that small of a price difference. Any thoughts?
Thanks again, keep up the awesome work!
I forgot to mention. I drive mainly Highway with a bit of City mixed. Located in the Midwest US so a good all around detector with GPS and lockouts is definitely what I need. This is why you shouldn’t keep looking at deals after you’ve made a purchase lol.
Author
If you can get the R3 for only $60 more, that’s well worth it IMHO. The DFR7 and DFR9 have the same performance. The R3 has even longer range than both, better filtering, MRCD support, and more.
Greetings.
I just picked up a refurb R1 directly from Uniden to replace my Escort X50 (which lacks any BSM filtering) – great deal but they’re lackadaisical about shipping.
It came with older FW, I’ll update that shortly.
Performance wise is the R1 the same as the R3 except without the GPS?
Author
Right, performance-wise they’re the same.
Anyone else notice that MRCD has been removed from the MENU settings?
why can’t I find KA Segmentation when I just updated my R3 to version 1.48 if it was done in a previous update?
Author
Switch from Ka Wide or Ka Narrow to Ka Segmentation and the option to adjust individual segments will show up.
Vortex, not sure if you are aware that there is a new firmware for the R3. Uniden’s website has v1.50.
Author
Uniden releases new updates pretty regularly. The info about 1.50 is on the front page of my website. https://www.vortexradar.com/2019/07/k-block-uniden-r1-r3-firmware-update-150/
Hi,
I have such a radar Uniden R1.
What firmware and settings should I use so it can best detect laser, X band, K band, and MRCD.
Don’t need pop and others.