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Uniden BC246T Scanner User Manual

1. State County City System Ohio Cuyahoga _ Glenwillow Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Highland Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Highland Hills Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga _ Hunting Valley Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Independence Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Lakewood Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga ___ Linndale Parma EDACS Ohio Cuyahoga __ Lyndhurst Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Maple Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Mayfield Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Middleburg Heights Brook Park MOT Ohio Cuyahoga __ Middleburg Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Moreland Hills Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Newburg Heights _ Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ North Olmsted Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga _ North Randall Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ North Royalton Brook Park MOT Ohio Cuyahoga __ North Royalton Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Oakwood Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga _ Olmstead Falls Brook Park MOT Ohio Cuyahoga Olmsted Falls Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Olmsted Township Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Orange Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Parma Parma EDACS Ohio Cuyahoga __ Parma Heights Brook Park MOT Ohio Cuyahoga __ Pepper Pike Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Richmond Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Rocky River Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Seven Hills Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Shaker Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Solon Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ South Euclid Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahog
2. Contents Priority SCAN a ves se ceases cscedetccdapadeasansecsastetesnacstguisetececegddcazs cescsiaetstasiusneeaiseniitededen 45 Using the Backlight 3 Initializing the Scanner s Memory Using the Menu Programming Radio Systems Programming Conventional Systems Entering Editing Conventional Channel Groups Entering Editing Conventional Channels Programming Motorola Systems Setting System Frequencies Entering Editing Motorola Channel Groups Entering Editing Motorola Channels Programming EDACS Systems Setting System Frequencies Entering Editing EDACS Channel Groups Programming LTR Systems Setting System Frequencies Entering Editing LTR Channel Groups Entering Editing LTR Channels Programming Editing Optional ales System Level Settings Editing the System Name Editing the System Quick Key Setting System Lockout Setting the System Hold Time Setting the Channel Delay Time Setting ID Scan Search Trunked Systems Only Setting Data Skip Conventional Systems Only Editing the Fleet Map Motorola Systems Only Setting the Motorola Status Bit Motorola Systems Only Setting the End Code Operation Motorola Systems Only Setting I Call Motorola and EDACS Systems Only Setting Emergency Alert Motorola and EDACS Systems Only ha Setting the EDACS ID Format cococccicconoccconcconcccnnncconcninncnancnanos 68 Setting Control Channel Only Mot
3. Key Name Description Hold Hold Holds the scan or the fre quency search Func Quickly turns the Close Call feature on or off see Setting Close Call Options on Page 84 Scan Srch Scan Scans the stored channels Func Srch Starts quick search or quickly accesses the search menu Setting Up Your Scanner 35 Key Name Description L O L O Lets you lock out a selected channel or skip a specified fre quency Func L O Locks and unlocks a selected system in Scan or Scan Hold mode and reviews search lockout frequencies in Search or Search Hold mode Y O Turns the display backlight on or off Func rr Locks and unlocks the keypad 6 Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to turn the scanner on or off Press quickly to cancel a prompt 1 9 0 1 9 0 Enters a frequency enters quick key numbers and selects a custom search range in Custom Search mode Selects systems by quick key in scan mode Func 1 9 0 Selects groups by quick key in scan mode 1 Pri 1 Enters a 1 Func Pri Selects the priority mode in scan hold mode 2 Wx 2 Enters a 2 Func WX Selects the weather function in the menu in the Hold mode Setting Up Your Scanner 36 Key Name Description
4. SYS shows the currently activated system appears with numbers 0 9 The currently active system indicator flashes ATT appears when the attenuation feature is turned on see Setting System Attenuation Trunked Systems Only on Page 68 PRI appears when the priority feature is turned on see Priority Scan on Page 45 appears when you lock the keypad see Locking Unlocking the Keypad on Page 45 alerts you when the battery power gets low GRP shows the currently activated group appears with numbers W EJ The currently active group indicator flashes AM FM NFM appears to show the type of transmission L O appears when you manually select a channel you locked out or a skip frequency appears when you hold down Func to select a function appears when the scanner is set to a Close Call feature mode see Using the Close Call Feature on Page 83 Setting Up Your Scanner 38 Using Menu Menu Press Menu on the left side of the scanner to enter the menu See Using the Menu on Page 47 for more information about the scanner s menu options Using Func Func To select the function labeled below a key on the front of the scanner hold down Func on the left side of the scanner then press that key To hold on a system while scanning or temporarily stop on a channel while searching press Func
5. lt 14 4 Enters a 4 Func lt Moves the active char acter to the left while editing data 6 gt 6 Enters a 6 Func gt Moves the active char acter to the right while editing data 7 Rel 7 Enters a 7 Func Rel Displays a series of prompts to quickly select a specific channel in the scan hold mode No Rev e Enters a decimal point or dash in a frequency or talk group ID enters an i for l Call input At a prompt answers No Func Rev Monitors the cur rently tuned frequency s reverse frequency E Yes Att E Press to select input and menu items to quickly edit a channel in Scan Hold Mode and store a fre quency into memory in Scan Hold mode At a prompt answers Yes Func Att Turns the scanner s attenuator on or off for the current channel for conventional systems or system for trunked systems Setting Up Your Scanner 37 A Look At The Display SYS1234567890ATTPRI O GRPHABAEENEEIN AM NFM L 0 The display has indicators that show the scanner s cur rent operating status The display information helps you understand how your scanner operates The dark area shown above the icons in this illustration is the text dis play area Information about the currently tuned fre quency appears here
6. Adjusting the MENU key beep Key Beep on ADJUST KEY BEEP options Page 45 Set up Turning MENU battery save Power Save SET BATTERY SAVE options On or Off on Page 45 View Displaying MENU information System SEE SCANNER INFO about your Information scanner on Page 45 Transfer Installing the MENU information Demo XEER INFORMATION between itand Software on your personal Page 34 Using the Menu 48 Programming Radio Systems Your BC246T comes preprogrammed with the major analog systems used in the 25 most populous counties in the US However to get the most enjoyment from your scanner especially if you do not live near one of these counties you must customize the programming for your area To edit an existing system use the menu to navigate to the system setting you want to change This section assumes you are programming a new system Programming radio systems is completed in two major steps Don t skip either step 1 Plan the system 2 Program the system into your scanner according to the plan you prepared in Step 1 To make planning easier planning worksheets are included in the back of this manual for each system type Copy the worksheets or download this manual from the Uniden America Corporation website and print extra sheets then use them to plan out how you will program the scanner Important Before you start programming your scanner make sure the batteries
7. Note The scanner defaults to AUTO Setting Channel Lockout MENU gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt EO Select the group gt E EDIT CHANNEL gt EO Select the channel gt E SET LOCKOUT gt E This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this channel when its system and group are enabled Select your setting then press E LOCKOUT the channel is not scanned UNLOCKED the channel is scanned Notes The default setting is Unlocked e You can also lock or unlock a channel by selecting it while scanning or holding then pressing L O See Basic Operation on Page 40 Programming Editing Optional Settings 76 Deleting Channels Menu gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt EO Select the group gt E EDIT CHANNEL gt EO Select the channel gt E DELETE CHANNEL gt E The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion To confirm press E To cancel press No Note Deleted channels cannot be restored You must re enter them Copying Pasting Channels To copy a channel including all settings Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDT GROUP gt EO Select the group gt E EDIT CHANNEL gt EO Select the channel gt E PODV CUONNC COPY CHANN L gt E The scanner copies the channel into a copy buffer To paste the channel into the same or another syste
8. To accept an entry press E or press down on the scroll control Feature Highlights 16 Understanding Scanning This section provides you with background on how scanning works You don t really need to know all of this to use your scanner but some background knowledge will help you get the most from your BC246T Understanding the Scanner s Memory Your scanner s memory is organized in an architecture called Dynamic Allocated Channel memory This type of memory is organized differently and more efficiently than the bank channel architecture used by traditional scanners Dynamic Allocated design matches how radio systems actually work much more closely making it easier to program and use your scanner and determine how much memory you have used and how much you have left Instead of being organized into separate banks and channels your scanner s memory is contained in a pool You simply use as much memory as you need in the pool to store as many frequencies talk group ID s and alpha tags as you need No memory space is wasted and you can tell at a glance how much memory you have used and how much remains With a traditional scanner when you program it to track a trunked system you must first program the frequencies Since you can only program one trunking system per bank in a traditional scanner if there were for example 30 frequencies the remaining 70 or so channels in the bank are not used and therefore wasted Also
9. To select a system in Scan or Scan Hold mode hold down Func and rotate the scroll control Using the Scroll Control Scroll Control Turn the scroll control on top of the scanner to select a channel or frequency in Hold mode select menu items in Menu mode and to select a character while editing a name You can also press the scroll control down instead of pressing E on the keypad to select an item Setting Up Your Scanner 39 Basic Operation Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch Note Make sure the scanner s antenna is connected before you turn it on _ Turn Sql fully counterclockwise N Press and hold amp for about 2 seconds to turn on the scanner then turn Vol clockwise until you hear a hiss ing sound 3 Turn Sql clockwise until the hissing stops Scanning Systems To begin scanning programmed systems press Scan The BC246T scans all unlocked systems in all activated quick key groups Notes If no systems are programmed or all systems are locked out an error message appears Program a system or select a system to scan When scanning multiple systems the BC246T scans systems according to the assigned quick key Sys tems assigned to quick key 1 are scanned first then 2 3 4 etc Systems not assigned to a quick key are scanned last Within a quick key systems are scanned in the order they were assigned e Within a system channel
10. Priority Preprogrammed Systems 119 Data used for the preprogrammed information was supplied courtesy of http www radioreference com the Internets premier scanning resource RadioReference is not affiliated with Uniden America Corporation State County City System Arizona Arizona Maricopa Avondale Maricopa Conv Arizona Maricopa Capitol Maricopa Conv Arizona Maricopa Chandler Chandler MOT Arizona Maricopa Chandler Maricopa Conv Arizona Maricopa El Mirage Maricopa Conv Fort McDowell Arizona Maricopa Indian Community Maricopa Conv Arizona Maricopa Goodyear Maricopa Conv Salt River Indian Arizona Maricopa Community Maricopa Conv Arizona Maricopa Scotsdale Maricopa Conv Arizona Maricopa Tempe Tempe MOT Arizona Maricopa Tolleson Maricopa Conv Arizona Maricopa Tonopah Maricopa Conv Arizona Maricopa Wickenberg Maricopa Conv California California Alameda Alameda Alameda MOT California Alameda Albany Alameda Conv California Alameda East Bay Park Alameda Conv California Alameda Fremont Alameda MOT California Alameda Hayward Alameda MOT California Alameda Newark Alameda MOT California Alameda Oakland Oakland EDACS California Alameda Piedmont Oakland EDACS California Alameda San Leandro Alameda MOT California Alameda Union City Alameda MOT California Los Angeles Alhambra Los Angeles Conv Califor
11. The scanner has a built in circuit that lets you recharge batteries while they are in the scanner To charge the bat teries set ALKALINE RECHARGEABLE inside the bat tery compartment to RECHARGEABLE install the batteries in the scanner and connect the supplied AC adapter to the scanner s DC 6V jack see Using AC Power on Page 32 WARNING Do not connect the AC adapter to the scanner if non rechargeable batteries such as alkaline batteries are installed in the scanner and ALKALINE RECHARGE ABLE is set to RECHARGEABLE or if you are unsure of the switch s position Non rechargeable bat teries will get hot and can even burst if you try to recharge them Setting Up Your Scanner 31 Before you use rechargeable batteries for the first time charge them for 14 hours to bring them to a full charge Discharged batteries take about 14 hours to fully recharge Using AC Power You can power the scanner using the supplied 6V 500 mA AC adapter To use the scanner on AC power plug the AC adapter into a standard AC outlet If rechargeable batteries are installed and ALKALINE RECHARGEABLE is set to RECHARGE ABLE the adapter powers the scanner and recharges the installed batteries at the same time Connecting the Antenna To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the connector on the top of your scanner align the slots around the antenna s connector with the tabs on the scanner s BNC connector Then slide t
12. on Page 53 Programming EDACS Systems Menu gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O NEW SYSTEM gt EU amp 005 gt E Next rotate the scroll control to select the type of EDACS system you will program then press E e LUIDE Use for wideband EDACS systems NARRULU Use for narrowband EDACS systems e SCAT Use for EDACS SCAT Single Channel Autonomous Trunking When the scanner prompts CUNFIRM press E to accept the settings The scanner creates an empty EDACS system with a default name of SYSTEM NNN E NNN increments as you add new systems The indicates that this is an EDACS system Next refer to the appropriate section to set system wide options For most settings you can accept the default However for the items in bold you must enter nformation in order for your scanner to scan the system See Editing the System Name on Page 61 See Editing the System Quick Key on Page 62 See Setting System Lockout on Page 62 See Setting the System Hold Time on Page 63 See Setting the Channel Delay Time on Page 63 See Setting ID Scan Search Trunked Systems Only on Page 64 Programming Radio Systems 55 See Setting I Call Motorola and EDACS Systems Only on Page 66 ee Setting Emergency Alert Motorola and EDACS Systems Only on Page 67 See Setting the EDACS ID Format on Page 67 See Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies on
13. since some trunked systems might have hundreds of talk groups you would have had to enter those types of systems into multiple banks in order to monitor and track all the ID s What is Scanning Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations most two way communications do not transmit continuously Your BC246T scans programmed channels until it finds an active frequency then stops on that frequency and remains on that channel as long as the transmission Understanding Scanning 17 continues When the transmission ends the scanning cycle resumes until the scanner receives another transmission What is Searching The BC246T can search each of its 21 bands and up to 10 bands together to find active frequencies This is different from scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmed into the scanner When you select frequency bands to search the scanner searches for any active frequency within the lower and upper limits you specify When the scanner finds an active frequency it stops on that frequency as long as the transmission lasts If you think the frequency is interesting you can program it into the scanner s memory If not you can continue to search What is CTCSS DCS Your scanner can monitor systems using a Continuous Tone Control Squelch CTCSS and Digital Coded Squelch DCS system which allow squelch to open only when the tone you have programmed with a specific frequency is r
14. the scanner uses FM frequency modulation for the frequency Programming Editing Optional Settings 74 NFM the scanner uses narrowband FM for the frequency Note The default setting is AUTU Setting Channel Attenuation Conventional Channels Only Meng PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU DIT GROUP gt EO Select the group E DIT CHANNEL gt EG Select the channel gt E SET ATTENUATOR gt E This setting controls whether the scanner attenuates signals on this channel Select your setting then press E GN the channel is attenuated by about 18 dB ac GFF The channel is not attenuated Notes e The default setting is UFF For trunked systems the attenuation is a system level setting e You can also toggle this setting by holding on the channel and pressing Func and E ATT Setting the Frequency Step Conventional Channels Only Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt EO Select the group E EDIT CHANNEL gt EO Programming Editing Optional Settings 75 Select the channel gt E SET STEP gt E This setting selects the frequency step used for setting the channel s Select your setting then press E AUTE the step is based on the band see the table at the front of the manual 50 KHZ 625 KHZ 75 KHZ 100 KHZ 125 KHZ 150 KHZ 25 0 KHZ 500 KHZ 1000 KHZ The scanner uses the selected step
15. 174 0 Federal Government 400 0 405 9875 Unknown 406 0 419 9875 Federal Land Mobile 420 0 449 9875 70 cm Amateur Band 450 0 469 9875 UHF Standard Band 470 0 512 0 UHF TV Band 806 0 823 9875 Public Service 800 Band 849 0125 868 9875 Public Service 800 Band 894 0125 956 0 Public Service 800 Band Specifications 102 1240 0 1300 0 25 cm Amateur Band Above bands in 12 5 kHz steps 108 0 136 9750 Aircraft Band Above band in 25 kHz steps Operating Temperature 20 C to 60 C Scan Rate 100 channels per second conventional mode Search Rate 300 steps per second 5 kHz step only Scan Delay 0 5 seconds Audio Output 2W nominal into 8 ohm internal speaker Power Requirements 12 VDC 500mAh AD140U AC adapter Antenna 50 ohms Impedance External Jacks Antenna Jack BNC Type Ext Speaker Jack 3 5mm Line Out Jack 3 5mm DC Power Jack 5 5mm Remote Jack D sub9 Pins Size 101 2 in W x 7 s in D x 31 2 in H Weight 3 8 lbs Features specifications and availability of optional accessories are all subject to change without notice Specifications 103 ptional Accessories Contact your local Uniden Dealer or call the Uniden Parts Center at 800 554 3988 8 00AM to 5 00PM 246TEST Monday through Friday for information about ordering these optional accessories Betty Bearcat Frequency Directory Local Directories PC Software BC246T SS Available b
16. 5 551 071 5 5 710 992 5 859 875 6 025 758 6 034 573 Contains ac Uniden America
17. 823 9875 849 0125 12 5 NFM Public Service Band 868 9875 894 0125 12 5 NFM Public Service Band 956 0000 1240 0000 12 5 NFM 25 cm 1300 0000 Amateur Band 10 Introduction Feature Highlights General Close Call RF Capture Technology you can set the scanner so it detects and provides information about nearby radio transmissions See Using the Close Call Feature on Page 83 for more information Dynamically Allocated Channel Memory your scanner s memory is organized so that it more closely matches how radio systems actually work making it easier to program and use your scanner and determine how much memory you have used and how much you have left Preprogrammed Systems your scanner is preprogrammed with over 400 channels covering police fire and ambulance operations in the 25 most populated counties in the US A complete list of the scanner s preprogrammed systems is in on Page 119 Quick Keys You can set the scanner so you can select systems and groups by pressing a single key This makes it easy to listen to or quickly lock out those systems or groups you don t want to scan Pager Screen You can set the scanner so it ignores hits generated by common pager frequencies while using the Close Call or search features Ten Service Searches frequencies are preset in separate public safety news amateur radio marine railroad air CB radio FRS GMRS racing and special se
18. Angeles Inglewood Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Irwindale Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles LA County Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles La Habra Heights Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles La Verne Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Lakewood Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Lancaster Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Lennox Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Lomita Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Long Beach Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Lost Hills Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Manhattan Beach _ Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Marina Del Rey Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Maywood Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Monrovia Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Montebello Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Monterey Park Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Norwalk Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Pasadena Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Pico Rivera Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Pomona Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Redondo Beach Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles San Dimas Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles San Fernando Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Santa Clarita Valley Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Santa Monica Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Signal Hill Signal Hill MOT California Los Angeles South Bay Los Angeles Conv California Los Angele
19. CB RADO FRS GENRS RACING SPECIAL The scanner searches the service you selected stopping on any transmission it finds and displaying the frequency Turn the scroll control to change the search direction An arrow appears showing the current search direction To hold searching press Hold To resume searching press Func then press Scan Srch or Hold To lock out a frequency found while searching press L O SEARCH LOLKUUT appears Press E to lock out the frequency or No to continue monitoring Searching 81 Notes e If all frequencies in the search band you selected are locked out ALL LOCKED appears and the scan ner does not search the band e Ifthe service you select uses channels such as CB radio or marine the scanner displays the service channel number Quick Search Quick Search lets you search from the currently tuned frequency if you are scanning a conventional system or sets the system to ID search if you are scanning a trunked system If you are on a conventional system or channel press Func and Scan Srch to start quick search BUICK SEARCH appears Press E to start quick search or No to go to the search menu CTCSS DCS Search CTCSS DCS Search lets you search for CTCSS or DCS tones when it finds an active frequency in search and Close Call modes You can identify up to 50 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes Turning this option on lets the scanner search for CTCSS DCS tone
20. E This setting controls how many seconds the scanner waits after a transmission ends before resuming scanning Enter a value from 1 5 or UFF then press E Notes The default setting is 2 seconds for each system This setting applies to all channels within the system Programming Editing Optional Settings 63 Setting ID Scan Search Trunked Systems Only Meng PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDT SYS OPTION gt EJ ID SCAN SEARCH gt E This setting controls how the system will be scanned Select your setting then press E 0 SCAN the scanner only stops on channels you have programmed into the system iJ SEARCH the scanner stops on any transmission for unlocked talk group ID s Note You can also change this setting by pressing Scan while scanning the system Setting Data Skip Conventional Systems Only Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EO SET DATA SKP gt E This setting controls how the scanner behaves when it stops on a channel that has a constant level signal GN the scanner stops briefly on the channel but then immediately resumes scanning automatically GFF the scanner remains on the channel until the transmission stops Notes e This setting is ignored for AM channels e The default setting for this feature is ON Programming Editing Optional Settings 64 Editing
21. Page 86 See Setting Channel Attenuation Conventional Channels Only on Page 75 See Deleting Systems on Page 69 See Copying Pasting Systems on Page 69 See Setting System Frequencies on Page 56 See Entering Editing EDACS Channel Groups on Page 56 Setting System Frequencies SET FREQUENCIES gt E gt O gt NELU FREQUENCY E Input a system frequency then press E The scanner then prompts you to enter the LCN for the entered frequency Enter the LCN then press E To enter additional frequencies press Menu scroll to NEW FREQUENCY then repeat the above Note The scanner only accepts a single frequency and no LCN for SCAT systems Entering Editing EDACS Channel Groups To enter channels in a system first set up a channel group or groups to hold the channels Then enter the channel and channel parameters in the group s Setting Up a Channel Group O gt EDIT GROUPS E gt O gt NELU GROUP E Programming Radio Systems 56 The scanner creates a group with a default name of GROUP NN NN increments by one for each new group you create within a system Next refer to the appropriate section to set group wide options e See Entering Editing the Group Name on Page 70 e See Setting the Group Quick Key on Page 70 See Deleting Groups on Page 71 e See Editing the Channel Name on Page 71 Entering Editing EDACS Channels O gt EDIT CHANNEL
22. Radio Systems 51 Programming Motorola Systems Menu gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O NEW SYSTEM gt E gt MIT E Next rotate the scroll control to select the type of Motorola System you will program then press E BOOTH STANDARD Use for 800 MHz systems that use the standard band plan BUGITIHZ SPLINTER Use for 800 MHz systems that use the splinter band plan typically near international borders SUCITIHZ BAND Use for 900 MHz systems VHF BAND Use for VHF systems UHF BAND Use for UHF systems Next refer to the appropriate section to set system wide options For most settings you can accept the default However for the items in bold you must enter information in order for your scanner to scan the system See Editing the System Name on Page 61 See Editing the System Quick Key on Page 62 See Setting System Lockout on Page 62 See Setting the System Hold Time on Page 63 See Setting the Channel Delay Time on Page 63 ee Setting ID Scan Search Trunked Systems Only on Page 64 See Editing the Fleet Map Motorola Systems Only on Page 65 must be set up for Type I systems See Setting the Motorola Status Bit Motorola Sys tems Only on Page 65 See Setting the End Code Operation Motorola Sys tems Only on Page 66 See Setting I Call Motorola and EDACS Systems Only on Page 66 See Setting Emergency Alert Motorola and ED
23. are fresh or fully charged Losing power while programming the scanner might damage the scanner s memory General Notes You can store up to 200 channels per system You can store up to 20 channel groups per system Total channels are limited to about 2500 e Channels that have text tags use more memory than those that do not If you use a text tag for every channel total channels are reduced from 2500 1600 is typical Programming Radio Systems 49 Programming Conventional Systems Menu gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O NCL CVETEM PONUENTINO NEW SYSTEM gt E gt CUNVENTIUNAL gt E gt CONFIRM gt E The scanner creates an empty conventional system with a default name of SYSTEM NNN E NNN increments as you add new systems L indicates that this is a conven tional system Refer to the appropriate section to set system wide options See Editing the System Name on Page 61 See Editing the System Quick Key on Page 62 See Setting System Lockout on Page 62 See Setting the System Hold Time on Page 63 See Setting the Channel Delay Time on Page 63 See Setting Data Skip Conventional Systems Only on Page 64 See Deleting Systems on Page 69 See Copying Pasting Systems on Page 69 See Entering Editing Conventional Channel Groups on Page 50 Entering Editing Conventional Channel Groups To enter channels in a conventi
24. for the items in bold you must enter informa tion in order for your scanner to scan the system See Editing the System Name on Page 61 See Editing the System Quick Key on Page 62 See Editing the System Quick Key on Page 62 See Setting the System Hold Time on Page 63 See Setting the Channel Delay Time on Page 63 See Setting ID Scan Search Trunked Systems Only on Page 64 See Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies on Page 86 See Setting Channel Attenuation Conventional Channels Only on Page 75 See Deleting Systems on Page 69 See Copying Pasting Systems on Page 69 See Setting System Frequencies on Page 58 e See Entering Editing LTR Channel Groups on Page 59 Setting System Frequencies Programming Radio Systems 58 Input a system frequency then press E The scanner then prompts you to enter the LCN for the entered frequency Enter the LCN then press E To enter additional frequencies press Menu use the scroll control to select NEW FREGUENCY then repeat the above Entering Editing LTR Channel Groups To enter channels in a system first set up a channel group or groups to hold the channels Then enter the channel and channel parameters in the group s Setting Up a Channel Group O gt EDIT GROUP E gt O gt NELU GROUP E The scanner creates a group with a default name of GROUP NN NN increments by one for e
25. its Close Call settings about once every 2 seconds Turn scroll to display an option then press E You can also toggle this setting by pressing Func then e CC AUTOSTORE Lets you select whether the scan ner automatically stores Close Call hits into chan nels If you turn this option on the scanner starts Close Call mode and stores any Close Call hits up to the maximum you specified in the Max Auto Store setting If the scanner stores more hits this setting it stops Autostore operation Turn scroll to display an option then press E Close Call Hits When the scanner detects a Close Call hit it alerts you according to the Override and Alert settings in the previ ous section While listening to a Close Call hit you can press Hold to hold on the hit frequency press E to quickly save the frequency into memory press L O to lockout the frequency from Close Call and Search operation or wait for the transmission to end If you are in Close Call Only or Close Call Override mode and you do not press any key the scanner returns to its previous operation after the transmission ends and the set delay time expires If you are holding on the frequency press Hold again to resume the previous operation Using the Close Call Feature 85 Search and Close Call Options The settings in this section affect custom searches service searches and Close Call operation Managing Locked Out Frequencies While s
26. scanner rounds all received ID s down to the next interval of 16 YES the scanner treats all received ID s as unique ID s Note The default setting is iGNGRE Setting the End Code Operation Motorola Systems Only Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EU T ENN PAN SET END CODE gt E This setting determines how the scanner handles the transmission end code sent by most Motorola systems Select your setting then press E 4ES the scanner immediately returns to the control chan nel when it detects the end code ISNURE the scanner does not return to the control channel until the carrier drops Note The default setting is YES Setting I Call Motorola and EDACS Systems Only Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EJ ET CALL E ja I calls are direct individual radio calls made from one radio to another This setting determines how your scan ner treats I calls while ID Searching Programming Editing Optional Settings 66 A 7 q _ _ __ ___ ___ GN the scanner tracks I calls GFF the scanner ignores I calls ONLY the scanner only tracks calls and ignores other radio traffic on the system Note The default setting is OFF Setting Emergency Alert Motorola and EDACS Systems Only Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EO SET EMERGENCY
27. select a specific channel by choosing the system group and channel Scan Search Delay You can set the scanner so it remains on a frequency up to 5 seconds after the last transmission to wait for a possible reply Text Tagging You can name each system group channel talk group ID custom search range and SAME group using up to 16 characters per name Unique Data Skip Allows your scanner to skip unwanted data transmissions and reduces birdies Duplicate Frequency Alert Alerts you if you try to enter a duplicate name or frequency already stored in the scanner Memory Backup If power is lost or disconnected the scanner retains the frequencies you programmed in its memory Feature Highlights 12 21 Bands Includes 21 bands with Aircraft and 800 MHz Note The scanner s frequency coverage is not continuous and does not include the cellular telephone band Trunk Tracking Trunk Tracker Operation Follows conversations on analog Motorola EDACS EDACS SCAT and LTR trunked radio systems The scanner can scan both conventional and trunked systems at the same time Control Channel Only Scanning If the scanner is set to scan Motorola trunking frequencies you can set it so it scans using only control channel data You do not have to program voice channel frequencies into memory in this mode Weather Weather Search Lets your scanner receive your local NOAA weather transmission SA
28. the frequency ranges to search The scanner prompts you to enter the upper and lower search limits SET DELAS TIME lets you set the amount of time the scanner will delay before continuing to search after a transmission ends SET MODULATION lets you set the custom search a s modulation type T ATTENUATOR lets you set whether the scanner or attenuate reception by 18dB during search SET BATA SKIP lets you set whether the scanner will skip data transmissions during search SET STEP lets you set the custom search range s step the gap between frequencies Select the option you want to change for the custom search range you selected then press E gt Searching 80 Service Search Service Search lets you quickly select and search the scanner s preprogrammed search ranges During service search the scanner searches starting with the lowest frequency in the search range you select to the highest frequency in the range 1 N om Press Menu then turn the scroll control until SEARCH FOR appears Then press E Or press Func and Srch then No The search feature options appear Turn the scroll control until SERVICE SEARCH appears then press E to select it Turn the scroll control until the type of service search you want appears then press E to select it The following search bands appear PUBLIC SAFETY NET I MENO HAM RADIO MARINE RAILROAD AR
29. the assigned voice channel and the user Understanding Scanning 23 can begin speaking This all typically takes place in about a second the person transmitting hears a beep from their radio when the channel is assigned and then it is OK to start talking The systems in use are Motorola Type the radios send the radio ID the fleet and subfleet talk group ID to the control channel each time they transmit To program a Type system you need to know the system s fleet map The most common fleet maps are included in Preset Fleet Maps on Page 105 You can also find fleet map resources on the web Motorola Type II the radios only send the radio ID and radio channel code to the control channel The central computer keeps a database of radio ID s and which talk group is assigned to which channel code for each radio so with this system the user s radio sends only about 1 3 the data as a Type system with each transmission Type ll systems do not use Fleet subfleet talk groups instead they use a 5 digit ID for each talk group Type lli Hybrid these systems support a mix of both Type I and Type Il users Like Type systems you must know the system s fleet map to ensure proper tracking EDACS Trunking EDACS trunking works in much the same way as Motorola trunking with a couple of major differences In an EDACS system each frequency used by the system is assigned a Logical Channel Number LCN so that less d
30. ACS Systems Only on Page 67 e Programming Radio Systems 52 See Setting Control Channel Only Motorola Sys tems Only on Page 68 See Setting System Lockout on Page 62 See Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies on Page 86 See Setting System Attenuation Trunked Systems Only on Page 68 See Deleting Systems on Page 69 See Copying Pasting Systems on Page 69 See Setting System Frequencies on Page 53 See Entering Editing Motorola Channel Groups on Page 53 Setting System Frequencies SET FREQUENCIES gt E NEW FREQUENCY gt E Input a system frequency then press E To enter additional frequencies press Menu use the scroll control to select NEW FREGUENCY then repeat the above Note If you select Control Channel Only mode see Set ting Control Channel Only Motorola Systems Only on Page 68 you only need to enter the frequency s that can be assigned as the control channel this is usually notated on the available frequency lists Otherwise you must enter all of the frequencies Entering Editing Motorola Channel Groups To enter channels in a system first set up a channel group or groups to hold the channels Then enter the channel and channel parameters in the group s Programming Radio Systems 53 Setting Up a Channel Group O EDT GROUP gt ED NEW GROUP gt E The scanner creates a group with a default name of GROU
31. ALERT gt E This setting determines how your scanner handles radio traffic that has the emergency flag set Select your setting then press E ALERT the scanner sounds an alert beep to notify you of the emergency transmission IGNORE the scanner does not alert you to emergency transmissions Note The scanner defaults to IGNORE Setting the EDACS ID Format EDACS talkgroup ID s are commonly provided in one of two formats AFS and Decimal This setting determines how you enter EDACS ID s and how the scanner displays them AIFS FORMAT the scanner uses AFS format for talkgroup ID s DECIMAL FORMAT the scanner uses decimal format for talkgroup ID s Notes Programming Editing Optional Settings 67 The scanner defaults to AFS agency fleet subfleet format the format used in most EDACS systems See EDACS Trunking on Page 24 for more information about the AFS format Setting Control Channel Only Motorola Systems Only Meng PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EO SET C CH ONLY E This setting determines the frequencies you need to enter for Motorola systems Select your setting then press E GFF you must enter all voice and control channel frequencies GN you only need to enter control channel frequencies Note The scanner defaults to GFF Setting System Attenuation Trunked Systems Only Meng gt PROGRAM SYST
32. AM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt E gt O Select the group gt E MCI CTE FO I DELETE GROU The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion To confirm press E To cancel press No Note Deleted groups cannot be restored You must re enter them Channel Level Settings These settings affect only the channel you are programming Editing the Channel Name Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU DT GROUP gt EO Select the group gt E EDIT CHANNEL gt EO Select the channel gt E EDIT NAME gt E Follow these steps to enter edit the channel name 1 Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter Programming Editing Optional Settings 71 2 Press Func then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter 3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the channel name Then press E or press down on the scroll control to accept the setting Hints Each channel name can be up to 16 characters Abbreviate as necessary to fit The channel name appears on the second line of the display when the scanner stops on a channel If you do not enter a channel name the scanner dis plays the frequency for conventional systems or the talk group ID for trunked systems when it stops on a channel Press twice to delete the current character Press three times to clear the entire alpha tag Channel names take u
33. EMS gt E O Select the system gt EU SET ATTENUATION E This setting controls whether the attenuator will be on or off for the current system Select your setting then press E OFF the attenuator is off ON system frequencies are attenuated by about 18dB Notes Turn on this setting if you are near other strong signal sources Attenuation sometimes helps to reduce Programming Editing Optional Settings 68 interference and desensitization that strong signals create e You can also turn this setting on or off by holding on a trunked system then pressing Func E Deleting Systems Meng PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU DELETE SYSTEM E The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion To confirm press E To cancel press No Notes Deleted systems cannot be restored You must re enter them You cannot restore preloaded systems Copying Pasting Systems To copy a system including all settings groups and channels Men gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU COPY SYSTEM E The scanner copies the system into a copy buffer To paste the system Men PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU PASTE SYSTEM gt E Then edit the system you copied to give it a unique name and other settings Note The paste option appears only if you have previously copied a system Programming Editin
34. Garland MOT Texas Dallas Grand Prairie Grand Prairie MOT Texas Dallas Highland Park Dallas Conv Texas Dallas Highland Village Lewisville MOT Texas Dallas Hutchins Dallas Conv Texas Dallas Irving Irving EDACS Texas Dallas Lake Cities Lewisville MOT Texas Dallas Lancaster Dallas Conv Texas Dallas Lewisville Lewisville MOT Texas Dallas Mesquite Mesquite MOT Texas Dallas Richardson Richardson EDACS Texas Dallas Rowlett Garland MOT Texas Dallas Sachse Garland MOT Texas Dallas Seagoville Dallas Conv Texas Dallas Sunnyvale Dallas Conv Texas Dallas University Park Dallas Conv Texas Dallas Wilmer Dallas Conv Texas Harris Arcola Starnet MOT Texas Harris Baytown Starnet MOT Texas Harris Brazoria County Starnet MOT Texas Harris Cy Fair Harris Conv Texas Harris Cypress Creek Harris Conv Texas Harris Fresno Starnet MOT Texas Harris Ft Bend County Starnet MOT Texas Harris Fulshar Starnet MOT Texas Harris Galena Park Starnet MOT Texas Harris Harris County Starnet MOT Texas Harris Humble Starnet MOT Texas Harris Jersey Village Starnet MOT Texas Harris Katy Starnet MOT Texas Harris Kendleton Starnet MOT Texas Harris Meadows Starnet MOT Texas Harris Needville Starnet MOT Texas Harris Pasadena Starnet MOT Preprogrammed Systems 127 Texas Harris Pecan Grove Starnet MOT State County City System T
35. ME Weather Alert Lets your scanner alert you when a SAME weather alert is transmitted on a NOAA weather channel The scanner also displays the transmitted alert type This helps you quickly find out about severe weather in your area and lets you avoid false alarms Search Service Search Lets you quickly select and search the scanner s preprogrammed frequencies Custom Search Lets you program up to 10 custom search ranges You can search any of these ranges simultaneously CTCSS DCS Search Lets the scanner search for CTCSS or DCS tones You can identify up to 50 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS tones Feature Highlights 13 Quick Search Lets you search from the currently tuned frequency if you are searching a conventional system or from the currently tuned trunk ID if you are searching a trunked system Auto Store Frequency AutoStore Automatically stores all active frequencies within a system you select Talk Group ID AutoStore Automatically stores all new talk group ID s into a system you select Priority Priority Scan Priority channels let you keep track of activity on your most important channel s while monitoring other channels for transmissions Priority Plus You can set the scanner so it scans only the priority channels Backlight and Power LCD Back Light Makes the display easy to see in dim light You can adjust the back light so it turns on when you press a key when squelc
36. MHz UHF 400 0000 512 0000 MHz Boa HZ 806 0000 956 0000 MHz Use the scroll control to select a band press E then use the scroll control to select UN or UFF and press E Turning off undesired bands speeds up Close Call operation The Close Call feature does not work for frequencies greater than 956 MHz SET CC ALERT Lets you select how the scanner ales yu when it receives a Close Call signal You can select any of the following options Beep Light the scanner beeps and the backlight turns on when it receives a Close Call signal Light the backlight turns on when it receives a Close Call signal Beep the scanner beeps when it receives a Close Call signal None the scanner does not alert Turn scroll to display an option then press E SET CC OVERRIDE Lets you select how the Close Call feature works with other scanning activities If you turn this option off when the scanner detecls a Close Call signal LE 4i t and 77 1157 Using the Close Call Feature 84 appear for about 3 seconds Press E when this appears to jump to and hold on the frequency If this option is turned on the scanner overrides the current channel and goes to the Close Call hit The scanner displays CC FOUND PRESS ANY KEY When you press a key the frequency is displayed Turn scroll to display an option then press E e SET CC MODE Lets you select the Close Call mode If you turn this option on the scanner sets itself to
37. MO New York Suffolk Northport SuffolkCounty MO New York Suffolk Ocean Beach SuffolkCounty MO New York Suffolk Riverhead SuffolkCounty MO New York Suffolk Sag Harbor East Hampton MO New York Suffolk Sag Harbor Village East Hampton MO New York Suffolk Smithtown SuffolkCounty MO New York Suffolk Springs East Hampton MO New York Suffolk Suffolk County SuffolkCounty MO Ohio Ohio Cuyahoga _ Bay Village Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Beachwood Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Bedford Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Bedford Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Bentleyville Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Berea Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Bratenhal Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Brecksville Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Broadview Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Brooklyn Parma EDACS Ohio Cuyahoga __ Brooklyn Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Brookpark Brook Park MO Ohio Cuyahoga _ Chagrin Falls Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Cleveland Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga _ Cuyahoga Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Cuyahoga Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga _ East Cleveland Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Euclid Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Fairview Park Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Garfield Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Gates Mills Cuyahoga Conv Preprogrammed Systems 125
38. Meng gt J SRCH CLOCALL OPT gt E O This setting determines whether the scanner automati cally ignores transmissions found during searching or Close Call operation that are on common paging system frequencies GN The scanner skips known paging system frequencies GFF The scanner stops on any detected transmission including paging systems Notes e The default setting for this feature is ON The frequencies include paging systems and also the NOAA weather frequencies Even with the feature on you might hear some pag ing systems Some frequencies are shared between business radio systems and paging systems If the scanner stops on a paging system even with this feature turned on manually lock it out by pressing L O Finding Repeater Output Frequencies wen gt UD SROH CLOCALL OPT gt EU REPEATER FIND gt E This feature sets whether the scanner tries to tune toa repeater output frequency when it detects a transmission on a repeater input frequency Since you can normally only hear one side of a conversation when you listen to an input frequency transmission turning this feature on can let you hear both sides of the conversation Search and Close Call Options 87 UN The scanner automatically applies repeater reverse to detected transmissions If the scanner detects the trans mission on the output frequency it beeps and displays Repeater Found and remains on the output frequency until
39. P NN NY increments by one for each new group you create within a system Next refer to the appropriate section to set group wide options See Entering Editing the Group Name on Page 70 See Setting the Group Quick Key on Page 70 e See Deleting Groups on Page 71 See Copying Pasting Systems on Page 69 See Entering Editing Motorola Channels on Page 54 Entering Editing Motorola Channels Enter the Talk Group ID for the channel then press E Notes e Motorola Type 2 Talk Group ID s are entered as 5 digit numbers e Motorola Type Talk Group ID s are entered as two numbers separated by a hyphen Use the decimal point to enter the hyphen To enter an Call ID press then enter the ID The e displays as when entering the ID but as when it is active on a Type 2 system Then refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting See Editing the Channel Name on Page 71 See Setting Emergency Alert Motorola and EDACS Systems Only on Page 67 Programming Radio Systems 54 See Setting Channel Lockout on Page 76 See Deleting Channels on Page 77 See Copying Pasting Channels on Page 77 To program another channel within the same group press Menu then repeat the above To create another channel group and enter more channels press Menu twice then proceed from Entering Editing Motorola Channel Groups
40. San SanBernadinoB California Bernadino Chino MOT San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino Colton MOT San SanBernadinoB California Bernadino Fontana MOT San SanBernadinoB California Bernadino Greater Highland MOT San SanBernadinoB California Bernadino Loma Linda MOT San SanBernadinoC California Bernadino Lucerne Valley MOT San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino Montclair MOT San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino Ontario MOT San SanBernadinoB California Bernadino Rancho Cucamonga MOT San SanBernadinoB California Bernadino Redlands MOT San SanBernadinoB California Bernadino Rialto MOT San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino San Bernadino MOT State County City System San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino Twin Peaks MOT Preprogrammed Systems 122 San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino Upland MOT San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino Wrightwood MOT San SanBernadinoB California Bernadino Yucaipa MOT California San Diego Camp Pendalton San Diego MOT California San Diego Del Mar San Diego MOT California San Diego Escondido San Diego MOT California San Diego Inland San Diego MOT California San Diego __ Monte Vista San Diego MOT California San Diego National City National City MOT California San Diego North County San Diego MOT California San Diego Ran
41. T Washington King Auburn Seattle MOT Washington King Bellevue Seattle MOT Washington King Bothell Seattle MOT Washington King Des Moines Seattle MOT Washington King Eastside Seattle MOT Washington King Enumclaw Seattle MOT Washington King Federal Way Seattle MOT Preprogrammed Systems 128 Washington King Issaquah Seattle MOT Washington King Kent Seattle MOT State County City System Washington King King County Seattle MOT Washington King Kirkland Seattle MOT Washington King Mercer Island Seattle MOT Washington King Muckleshoot Seattle MOT Washington King Normandy Park Seattle MOT Washington King Port PortOfSeattle MOT Washington _ King Redmond Seattle MOT Washington King Seattle Seattle MOT Washington _ King Snoqualmie Seattle MOT Washington King Tukwilla Seattle MOT Washington King Waterfront PortOfSeattle MOT Preprogrammed Systems 129 Important Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty service WARRANTOR UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION Uniden ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY Uniden warrants for one year to the original retail owner this Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below WARRANTY DURATION This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect 12 months after the date of original retail sale The warranty is i
42. Trunk Tracking Trunked Scanning Types of Trunking Systems PP Motorola Trunking u 23 EDACS Trunking LTR Trunking Where To Get More Information Information On The Internet Using a Computer to Control Your BC246T Included With Your Scanner Setting Up Your Scanner Using Internal Batteries Using Rechargeable Batteries Using AC Power Connecting the Antenna Connecting an Optional Antenna Connecting an Earphone Headphone Connecting an Extension Speaker Attaching the Belt Clip Installing the Demo Software A Look At The Keypad A Look At The Display Using Menu Using Func Using the Scroll Control Basic Operation Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch Scanning Systems Preprogrammed System Tips Selecting Systems to Scan Selecting System Channel Groups Locking Unlocking Systems Locking Unlocking Channels ID Scan ID Search Mode Temporarily Holding On a System Holding On a Channel Quickly Storing an ID During ID Search Quick Storing Channels Quickly Recalling Channels Other Settings Displaying System Information Viewing Memory Used Viewing the Firmware Version Adjusting the Key Beep Locking Unlocking the Keypad Pa Turning Power Save On or Off uuenneesseessneensnnennnnnnnnennnennnnnnnnennnnnnnnen nn nn
43. Uniden BC246T OWNER S MANUAL OWNER S MANUAL Precautions Before you use this scanner please read and observe the following IMPORTANT This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune to the radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 as amended makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept cellular or cordless telephone transmissions or to market this radio when altered to receive them The installation possession or use of this scanning radio in a motor vehicle may be prohibited regulated or require a permit in certain states cities and or local jurisdictions Your local law enforcement officials should be able to provide you with information regarding the laws in your community Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Uniden or operation of this product in any way other than as detailed by this Operating Guide could void your authority to operate this product EARPHONE WARNING Be sure to use only a monaural earphone with this scanner You can also use an optional 32 ohm stereo headset Use of an incorrect earphone or stereo headset might be potentially hazardous to your hearing The output of the phone jack is monaural but you will hear it in both headphones of a stereo headset Set the volume to a comfortable audio level coming from the speaker before plugging in the mona
44. a Strongsville Brook Park MOT Ohio Cuyahoga __ University Circle Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga University Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Valley View Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Walton Hills Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Warrensville Heights Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga __ Westlake Cuyahoga Conv Ohio Cuyahoga Woodmere Cuyahoga Conv Pennsylvania Pennsylvania_ Philadelphia_ Temple PD Philadelphia Conv Texas Texas Bexar Alamo Heights Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Balcones Heights Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Bexar County Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Castle Hills Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Hollywood Park Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Kirby Bexar Conv Preprogrammed Systems 126 State County City System Texas Bexar Leon Valley Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Live Oak Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Shavano Park Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Terrell Hills Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Universal City Bexar Conv Texas Bexar Windcrest Bexar Conv Texas Dallas Addison Carrolton MOT Texas Dallas Carrolton Carrolton MOT Texas Dallas Cockrell Hill Dallas MOT Texas Dallas Coppell Lewisville MOT Texas Dallas Dallas Dallas Conv Texas Dallas Dallas Dallas MOT Texas Dallas Desoto Dallas Conv Texas Dallas Duncanville Dallas Conv Texas Dallas Farmers Branch Carrolton MOT Texas Dallas Flower Mound Lewisville MOT Texas Dallas Garland
45. ach new group you create within a system Next refer to the appropriate section to set group wide options See Entering Editing the Group Name on Page 70 See Setting the Group Quick Key on Page 70 See Setting Channel Lockout on Page 76 See Deleting Groups on Page 71 See Copying Pasting Systems on Page 69 e See Entering Editing LTR Channels on Page 59 Entering Editing LTR Channels O gt EDT CHANNEL gt E gt O gt NEW CHANNEL E gt INPUT TGD Enter the talk group ID for the channel then press E Note Press No to enter a hyphen Programming Radio Systems 59 Then refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting See Editing the Channel Name on Page 71 See Setting Channel Alert on Page 73 See Setting Channel Lockout on Page 76 See Deleting Channels on Page 77 e ee Copying Pasting Channels on Page 77 To program another channel within the same group press Menu then repeat the above To create another channel group and enter more channels press Menu twice then proceed from Entering Editing LTR Channel Groups on Page 59 Programming Radio Systems 60 Programming Editing Optional Settings This section details the instructions for each of the optional programming steps referred to in Programming Radio Systems on Page 49 Use the instructions in the appropriate sect
46. ad section of http www uniden com productsupport cfm and download the worksheets there Appendix 110 All worksheet instructions assume that you have completed the critical Step 1 collecting the system information Don t skip this step Use a pencil to fill out the worksheets This lets you change information if necessary Filling Out The Conventional Scanning Worksheet System Name and Quick Key Fill in a name that describes the system you want to cre ate For example you can enter Dallas Police or Ama teur Radio here If you want to store more than one type of frequency you can enter Mixed Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate deacti vate the system You can assign the same quick key to multiple systems Group Name and Quick Key Each worksheet documents the settings for one channel group within a system If you have fewer channels in the group than fits on the page you can skip a line and enter an additional group of channels enter the group informa tion in the line you skipped If you have more channels for the group than will fit on the page use additional pages Fill in the key you want to press with FUNC to quickly acti vate deactivate the channel group You can assign the same quick key to multiple groups within a system Frequency Alpha Tag Priority CTCSS DCS Fill in the details for each channel you want to store in this channel group Appendix 111 Fi
47. ain The SYS indicators on the display show the systems that are currently selected To select or lock out a system that is not assigned to a key press and hold Fung while you rotate the scroll control until the desired system is selected Then continue to hold Fung and press L O to either lock out or unlock the system Selecting System Channel Groups Within a system you can assign groups of channels to a group quick key see Setting the Group Quick Key on Page 70 Follow these steps to activate or deactivate a channel group within a system while scanning Basic Operation 41 h Press Func to hold on the system or hold Func and rotate the scroll control to select the system N Continue to hold Func and press the number key corresponding to the channel group you want to activate or deactivate Locking Unlocking Systems Follow these steps to lock out a system so that it does not scan even if its quick key is selected _ While holding down Func rotate the scroll control to select the system 2 Continue to hold down Func and press L O to lock out the system 3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to unlock a system you have previously locked Locking Unlocking Channels Follow these steps to lock out a channel so that it does not scan even if its system and channel group are selected 1 Whil
48. an use the scanner s scroll control to quickly select channels and frequencies and you can automatically program channels in a system using the AutoStore feature Use your scanner to monitor e Trunked public safety systems Police and fire departments including rescue and paramedics NOAA weather transmissions Business Industrial radio e Utilities e Marine and amateur ham radio bands Air band This table lists the frequency ranges default frequency step default mode AM FM or Narrowband FM and type of transmissions you can hear for each range Frequency Step Mode Transmission Range kHz MHz 25 0 26 960 5 AM Citizens Band Business Band 26 965 5 AM Citizens Band Class D 27 405 27 410 5 AM Business Band 27 995 28 0 29 690 10 FM 10 Meter Amateur Band 29 7 49 990 10 FM VHF Low Band Introduction 50 0 54 0 10 FM 6 Meter Amateur Band 108 0 25 AM Aircraft Band 136 9750 137 0 5 FM Military Band 143 995 144 0 5 FM 2 Meter 147 995 Amateur Band 148 0 5 FM VHF High Band 161 995 162 0 174 0 12 5 FM Federal Government 216 0 5 FM 1 25 Meter Amateur 224 9950 Band 400 0 12 5 NFM Unknown 405 9875 406 0 12 5 NFM Federal Land Mobile 419 9875 420 0 12 5 NFM 70cm 449 9875 Amateur Band 450 0 12 5 NFM UHF 469 9875 Standard Band 470 0 512 0 12 5 NFM UHF TV Band 806 0 12 5 NFM Public Service Band
49. and the system must be unlocked Setting System Lockout Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt EU Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EU SET QUICK KEY E This setting controls whether the system is scanned when its quick key is enabled Rotate the scroll control to select your setting then press E ULKED the system is not scanned m UNLOCKED the system is scanned Note You can also lock or unlock a system by pressing Func Selecting the system then pressing Func L O Programming Editing Optional Settings 62 Setting the System Hold Time Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt EU Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EO SET HOLO TIME E This setting controls how many seconds the scanner scans a system before moving to the next unlocked system Enter a value from 0 255 then press E to save the setting Notes e If you select 0 the scanner stays on the system for a minimal time only long enough to check current system activity The default setting is 2 seconds for each system For conventional systems all channels will be scanned at least one time regardless of this setting The scanner moves to the next system after the hold time expires any current transmission ends and the channel delay time expires Setting the Channel Delay Time Mena gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EO SET DELAY TME gt
50. arch To quickly store an active talk group ID during ID search press E You see BUICK TGD SAVE 4108 To save the ID into a channel press E Otherwise press No If you press E the scanner stores the ID into a channel group called HCK SAVE GRP in the current system then resumes normal scanning Basic Operation 43 Quick Storing Channels 1 2 Hold on an existing channel in any system Enter the frequency or talk group ID you want to store press e to enter hyphens in talk group ID s If you enter a frequency the scanner stores it in the OCK SAVE GRP group in a system called EK SAVE CNY SYS These are created if they do not exist Then the scanner prompts you to save other channel settings If you enter a talk group ID the scanner prompts you to rotate the scroll control to select the system where you want to store the ID The ID is stored into a chan nel group named HCK SAVE GRP in the selected sys tem Only systems that match the ID type are shown Quickly Recalling Channels N a om gt a Press Hold to hold on any channel Press Func Rel The scanner prompts you to select the system where the channel is stored Rotate the scroll control to select the system then press E The scanner prompts you to select the channel group where the channel is stored Rotate scroll to select the group then press E The scanner prompts you to select a channel Rotate the scro
51. arches to make it easy to find specific transmissions Lockout You can lock out any system group frequency or channel while scanning If you lock out a system or group any channels belonging to that system or group are also locked out You can lock out up to 200 frequencies The scanner skips locked out frequencies while using the Close Call feature or while searching CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes prevent interference from stations not using the mode you select Feature Highlights 11 Dropout Delay You can set whether the scanner pauses at the end of a transmission to wait for a reply You can set the delay time for each system you scan and while searching and using the Close Call feature Attenuator You can set the scanner s attenuator to reduce the input strength of strong signals by about 18 dB received by the scanner Repeater Reverse You can set the scanner so it switches to the input frequency on a conventional repeater system or trunked system Channel Alert You can set the scanner so it alerts you when there is activity on any channel you specify Memory Check Lets you see at a glance how much total memory is left Frequency Step Lets you select a frequency step 5 6 25 7 5 10 12 5 15 25 50 or 100 kHz for manual mode and chain search mode The scanner s auto step feature lets you set the scanner so it automatically chooses the correct step Quick Recall Lets you quickly
52. ata needs to be transmitted by the control channel Also talk groups are assigned in an Agency Fleet Subfleet AFS hierarchy Also there is one variation of EDACS called SCAT that your BC246T can monitor Logical Channel Numbers each frequency used by the system is assigned an LCN This information is pro grammed into each user radio When a user presses PTT their radio sends their AFS information to the control channel The computer then assigns that talk group to a channel and sends the LCN so that all other radios in that Understanding Scanning 24 talk group will switch to the correct channel To program an EDACS system in your scanner you will need to know both the frequencies used by the system and the LCN for each frequency Agency Fleet Subfleet talk group ID s for EDACS sys tems are assigned in a way that makes it easy to see ata glance the affiliation of the user Each radio is assigned a 2 digit agency identifier from 00 15 For example 01 might be used by the police 02 by ambulance service 03 by the fire department and so on Each agency is then subdivided up to 16 times to provide fleet identification and then 8 more times to identify subfleets For example the complete AFS for the Police Depart ment West District s dispatch channel might be 01 062 01 identifies the agency as the police department 06 identifies the fleet as the West district and 2 identifies the subfleet as the dispatch channe
53. ately you ll track all the Fleet Subfleet combinations used by the system In other words you ll hear complete communications while monitoring a trunked system If you don t already know the size codes used you ll have to guess at them But since you don t have to figure out all the blocks at once this isn t as hard as it seems Select a size code for a block and then press Scan Now listen to the communications If you decide you are receiving most Appendix 107 of the replies to the conversations with ID s assigned to the block you just programmed then you ve probably selected the right size code and can work on the next block ofthe map Finally for most public safety systems there are some size codes which are more common S 3 and S 4 are probably the most common followed by S 10 S 11 and S 12 Size Code Restrictions If you select size code S 12 S 13 or S 14 there are some restrictions as to which blocks can be used for these codes S 12 can only be assigned to Blocks 0 2 4 or 6 S 13 can only be assigned to Blocks 0 and 4 S 14 can only be assigned to Block 0 Since these size codes require multiple blocks you will be prompted for the next available block when program ming a fleet map For example if you assign Block 0 as an S 12 you will be prompted for b2 the next block avail able instead of b1 And if you assign Block 0 as an S 14 you would not see another prompt because it uses all avai
54. atisfactory results while using your scanner or if you want additional information please call or write the Uniden Parts and Service Division The address and phone number are listed in the Warranty at the end of this manual If you would like immediate assis tance please call Customer Service at 800 297 1023 If you have Internet access you can visit http www uniden com for additional information 100 Troubleshooting Specifications Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15 Subpart C as of date of manufacture Dynamic Allocation Capacity e With Name Assigned To Each System Group and Channel Basic 10 Systems 100 Groups 1500 Channels Minimum 200 Systems 500 Groups 500 Channels e With No Name Assigned Basic 10 Systems 100 Groups 2500 Channels Minimum 200 Systems 1000 Groups 1000 Channels Systems 200 Groups 20 per system Channels up to 2500 Channels per Trunked System up to 200 Attenuation 18 dB nominal 10 dB limit Frequency Range MHz 25 0 26 960 Citizens Band Business Band 26 965 27 405 Citizens Band Class D 27 410 27 995 Business Band 137 0 143 995 Military Band 144 0 147 995 2 Meter Amateur Band 148 0 161 995 Specifications 101 VHF High Band 216 0 224 995 1 25 Meter Amateur Band Above bands in 5 kHz steps 28 0 29 690 10 Meter Amateur Band 29 7 49 990 VHF Low Band 50 54 6 Meter Amateur Band Above bands in 10 kHz steps 162 0
55. bleshooting 98 The system you Set the are trying to scanner to scan might be scan LTR or LTR or EDACS EDACS systems Review LTR Trunking on Page 25 and EDACS Trunking on Page 24 Scanner No ID s have Program one won t stop been or more ID s or scanning a programmed use the ID trunked Search mode system The ID s you Wait for the have stored are ID s to become not active active or scan another system Scanner The squelch Adjust the won t acquire might need to squelch the data be adjusted threshold See channel Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch on Page 40 The frequency Check your used for the frequency list data channel for the data might be channel missing Missing The scanner Change to a replies to might need to Type 1 conversations be changed to a Type 1 scanner setup scamner setup 99 Troubleshooting The fleet map Try another might be preset fleet incorrect map or program your own fleet map One or more of Make sure all the system s the system s frequencies frequencies might not be have been entered entered Missing The system you Set the replies to are trying to scanner to conversations scan might be scan LTR or LTR or EDACS EDACS continued systems Review LTR Trunking on Page 25 and EDACS Trunking on Page 24 If you still cannot get s
56. canner In most cases the current menu position appears on the upper line ofthe menu Menu items and a place to input information appear on the lower line of the menu To select amenu item turn the scroll control on top of the scanner clockwise or counterclockwise When the menu item you want to select appears press E or press the scroll control down to select it To back up a level or return to the previous level press mode press Scan Menu To exit the menu This table shows the available menu options and where you can find more information about how to use them Menu Item Lets You See Set up the Programming MENU scanner s Radio PROGRAM SYSTEM scan options Systems on Page 49 Set up the Using the MENU scanner s Close Call SRCH CLOCALL OPT Close Call Feature on option Page 83 Set up the Searching MENU scanner s on Page 79 SEARCH F R search option Set up the Setting Close MENU scanner s Call Options CLOSE CALL Close Call on Page 84 operation Using the Menu 47 computer Menu Item Lets You See Set up Priority Scan MENU priority options on Page 45 SET PRIORITY Set up Using MENU weather Weather Alert LUX OPERATION options SAME on Page 91 Set up Displaying MENU backlight System SET BACKLIGHT options Information on Page 45 Set up
57. canner interrupts every 2 seconds and checks the priority channels in each unlocked conventional system Priority channels in lower priority key num bered systems starting from 1 have highest priority PRI appears when you select this mode PRIORITY PLUS The scanner only scans priority channels in unlocked conventional systems PRI flashes when you select this mode Using the Backlight Meng gt U SET BACKLIGHT gt E 117 DEI 117 SEL The backlight stays on for 10 seconds after you press Y e 7 SEE The backlight stays on for 30 seconds after you press SM LA The backlight turns on when the squelch opens then stays on for 5 seconds EVFKESS The backlight turns on when any key is pressed then stays on for 10 seconds PEIYTE The backlight turns on when you press Y then stays on until you press y again Pressing any key while the backlight is on extends the backlight period Pressing while the backlight is on turns off the backlight Initializing the Scanner s Memory To initialize the scanner s memory turn off the scanner Then press 2 9 and Hold while turning it on Important This deletes all preprogrammed data You cannot restore preprogrammed data that has been deleted Other Settings 46 Using the Menu The scanner s menu lets you select options that let you set up and use the scanner To use the menu press Menu on the left side of the s
58. cat1 com frequency information from National Communications e svartifoss2 fcc gov reports index cfm conventional frequency information on file with the US Government This web site is not affiliated with Uniden Corporation To purchase another copy of the conventional or trunking frequency guide contact your local dealer or Uniden Parts Department 800 554 3988 Hours are from 8 00 a m to 5 00 p m Central Time Mon day through Friday For more information about Uniden and our other prod ucts visit http www uniden com Understanding Scanning 27 Included With Your Scanner Wrist Strap Scanner Batteries Uniden Owners Manual National Public Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide Frequency Guide If any of these items are missing or damaged immediately contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at 800 297 1023 8 00 a m to 5 00 p m Central Monday through Friday Included With Your Scanner 28 Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner If your scanner receives interference or electrical noise move the scanner or its antenna away from the source To improve the scanner s reception use an optional external antenna designed for multi band coverage You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store Ifthe optional antenna has no cable use 50 70 ohm coaxial cable
59. cho San Diego MOT California San Diego _ San Diego San Diego City MOT California San Diego San Diego County San Diego Conv California San Diego South Bay San Diego MOT California Santa Clara _ Gilroy Santa Clara Conv California Santa Clara_ Milpitas Santa Clara Conv California Santa Clara_ Mountain View Santa Clara Conv California Santa Clara _ Palo Alto Santa Clara Conv California Santa Clara_ San Jose Santa Clara Conv California Santa Clara _ Santa Clara Santa Clara Conv California Santa Clara _ Santa Clara Santa Clara MOT California Santa Clara_ Sunnyvale Santa Clara Conv Florida Broward County Florida Broward Broward MOT Florida Broward Coconut Creek Broward Conv Florida Broward Coral Springs Coral Springs MOT Florida Broward Dania Hollywood EDACS Florida Broward Fort Lauderdale Ft Lauderdale MOT Florida Broward Hollywood Hollywood EDACS Florida Broward Margate Coral Springs MOT Broward County Florida Broward Miramar MOT Florida Broward Oakland Park Ft Lauderdale MOT Florida Broward PembrokePines Broward Conv Florida Broward Plantation Plantation MOT Florida Broward Pompano Ft Lauderdale MOT Florida Broward Pompano Beach Ft Lauderdale MOT Florida Broward Sunrise Broward Conv Florida Dade Carol City Dade EDACS Florida Dade Cutler Ridge Dade EDACS Florida Dade Dade Dade Conv Florida Dade Dade Dade Fire EDACS Florida Dade Doral Dade EDACS Florida Dade Hammocks Dade EDACS Florida Dade Homestead Dade Conv State County City Syste
60. coverage area If the signal is lost the scanner resumes searching for a weather transmission Turning Weather Alert On Off In weather alert mode your scanner functions as a severe weather warning radio This is especially useful when your area is expecting severe weather conditions late at night When you set the scanner to weather alert mode it holds on the weather channel but does not play the channel s audio If it detects a weather alert it sounds a tone displays information about the weather alert and turns on the audio so you can hear the weather broad cast Using Weather Alert SAME 91 Men gt U LUX OPERATION gt E O LUERTHER ALERT gt O This setting determines which types of signals will trigger an alert Select your setting then press E ALERT ONLY the scanner alerts when it detects the 1050 Hz tone that accompanies all weather alerts ALL FIPS the scanner alerts and displays information about the weather alert when it receives any FIPS code see Programming a SAME Group on Page 92 SAME 1 5 the scanner alerts and displays information about the weather alert when it receives a weather alert signal that includes any FIPS code you have pro grammed into the specified SAME group Programming a SAME Group You can edit any of the 5 SAME groups in your scanner Each group can have up to 8 FIPS codes SAME Specific Area Messaging System is a system developed by the Natio
61. cy Step Using Weather Alert SAME Searching For a Weather Broadcast Turning Weather Alert On Off Programming a SAME Group Setting WX Alert Priority Care and Maintenance Birdies Troubleshooting Specifications Optional Accessories Appendix eel Preset Fleet Maps User Defined Fleet Maps Type Programming Information Size Code Restrictions Quick Start to Programming Your Scanner 110 Getting Started oooocccocconncconocacoccconcconncnancnonns 110 Conventional Scanning Worksheet Instructions 113 Motorola Trunking Worksheet Instructions 114 LTR Trunking Worksheet Instructions EDACS Trunking Worksheet Instructions Conventional Scanning Worksheet Motorola Trunking Worksheet EDACS Trunking Worksheet LTR Trunking Worksheet Preprogrammed Systems One Year Limited Warranty Contents The FCC Wants You to Know This scanner has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation This scanner generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this scann
62. e holding down Func rotate the scroll control to select the system where the channel is stored 2 Release Func then press Hold within 2 seconds to hold on the system 3 Rotate the scroll control to select the channel you want to lock or unlock 4 Press L O to lock or unlock the channel You can also lock out an active channel by pressing L O while the scanner is stopped on the channel ID Scan ID Search Mode While you are scanning a trunked system the scanner can be in either ID Scan or ID Search mode Basic Operation 42 ID Scan the scanner only stops on talk group ID s that you have programmed into the system ID Search the scanner stops on any unlocked talk group that becomes active To toggle between ID Scan and ID Search press Scan while the scanner is scanning the system Temporarily Holding On a System To temporarily hold on a system press and hold Func To hold on a different system continue to hold Fune and rotate the scroll control to select the system Normal scanning resumes 2 seconds after you release Func Holding On a Channel To hold on a channel press Hold while the channel is active To select a different channel rotate the scroll con trol If you scroll past the beginning or end of the current system the scanner selects channels in the previous or next system To resume scanning press Scan Quickly Storing an ID During ID Se
63. earching or during Close Call operation if you press L O while the scanner is stopped on a frequency this frequency is lockout out of these modes You can lockout up to 200 frequencies Note Locking out a frequency does not lock out a chan nel that contains that frequency Unlocking All Frequencies Mend gt Ud gt SREH CLOCALL OPT gt E OU FREQ LOCKGUTS gt E gt UNLOCK ALL gt E The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion To confirm and delete all locked out frequencies press E Otherwise to cancel press No Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies Meng gt Ud gt SRCH CLOCALL OPT gt E O FREG LOCKOUTS gt E gt RUW SEARCH L D gt E The scanner displays the first locked out frequency and prompts you to unlock the frequency Press E to unlock the frequency Or rotate scroll or press No to select a dif ferent frequency To exit the review press Menu Searching for Subaudible Tones MENU gt SREH CLOCALL OPT gt E O EJESS DOS SEARCH gt E This setting controls whether the scanner will search for a subaudible tone when it stops on a transmission during search or Close Call operation GFF The scanner does not search for subaudible tones Search and Close Call Options 86 UN The scanner searches for and displays any subaudible tone found Note This feature does not operate when the scanner is in AM modulation mode Screening Out Paging Systems
64. eceived along with a transmission CTCSS and DCS are subaudible tone signaling systems sometimes referred to as PL Motorola s trademarked term for Private Line CTCSS and DCS are used only for FM signals and are usually associated with both amateur and commercial two way repeaters These systems make use of a special subaudible tone that accompanies a transmitted signal CTCSS and DCS are used for many purposes In many cases CTCSS and DCS are used to restrict access to a commercial repeater so that only those units which transmit the correct tone along with their signal can talk to the repeater CTCSS and DCS are also used in areas that receive interference where there are several stations with output frequencies close to each other When this occurs you Understanding Scanning 18 might hear multiple communications at the same time The stations might even interfere with each other to the point where it is impossible to clearly receive any of the stations A scanner equipped with CTCSS and DCS like your scanner can code each received frequency with a specific CTCSS or DCS frequency Then when you receive multiple signals you only hear the transmission with the CTCSS or DCS tone you programmed If you do not receive the correct tone with a signal the scanner s squelch remains closed and you hear nothing Local frequency allocation groups set cooperative standards to establish the CTCSS and DCS tone for each trans
65. en select your desired option ON the scanner checks the weather channels every 5 seconds for a 1050 Hz weather alert signal GFF the scanner does not check the weather channels Using Weather Alert SAME 93 Care and Maintenance General Use Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power Always write down the programmed frequencies in the event of memory loss If memory is lost simply reprogram each channel Always press each button firmly until you hear the entry tone for that key entry Location Do not use the scanner in high moisture environ ments such as the kitchen or bathroom Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heat ing elements or vents Ifthe scanner receives strong interference or electri cal noise move it or its antenna away from the source of the noise If possible a higher elevation might pro vide better reception Also try changing the height or angle of the antenna Cleaning e Disconnect the power to the unit before cleaning Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild deter gent To prevent scratches do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents Be careful not to rub the LCD window Do not use excessive amounts of water Care and Maintenance 94 Repairs Do not attempt any repair The scanner contains no user serviceable parts Contact the Uniden Customer Service Center or take itto a qualified repair technician Bi
66. er does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the scanner on and off you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures e Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the scanner and the receiver This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules Operation is subject to the following two conditions 1 This device may not cause harmful interference and 2 this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation Scanning Legally Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departments ambulance services government agencies private companies amateur radio services military operations pager services and wireline telephone and telegraph service providers It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive However there are some transmissions that you should never intentionally listen to These include Telephone conversations cellular cordless or other private means of telephone signal transmission Pager transmissions Any scrambled or encrypted transmissions The FCC Wants You to Know 7 According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act ECPA you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to using or divulg
67. exas Harris Richmond Starnet MOT Texas Harris Rosehill Harris Conv Texas Harris Rosenberg Starnet MOT Texas Harris Tomball Harris Conv Texas Harris Webster Starnet MOT West University Texas Harris Place Starnet MOT Texas Harris Willow Fork Starnet MOT Texas Tarrant Arlington Arlington MOT Texas Tarrant Azle Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Bedford NE Tarrant MOT Texas Tarrant Benbrook Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Burleson Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Colleyville NE Tarrant MOT Texas Tarrant Crowley Tarrant Conv Dalworthington Texas Tarrant Gardens Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Eagle Mount Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Euless NE Tarrant MOT Texas Tarrant Forest Hill Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Forest Hills Fort Worth MOT Texas Tarrant Fort Worth Fort Worth MOT Texas Tarrant Grapevine NE Tarrant MOT Texas Tarrant Haltom City Fort Worth MOT Texas Tarrant Haslet Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Hurst Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Keller NE Tarrant MOT Texas Tarrant Kennedale Fort Worth MOT Texas Tarrant Lake Worth Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant North Richland Hills Fort Worth MOT Texas Tarrant Rendon Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Richland Hills Fort Worth MOT Texas Tarrant Saginaw Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Southlake Fort Worth MOT Texas Tarrant Southlake NE Tarrant MOT Texas Tarrant Watauga Tarrant Conv Texas Tarrant Westlake NE Tarrant MOT Texas Tarrant White Settlement Tarrant Conv Washington Washington King Airport PortOfSeattle MOT Washington King Algona Seattle MO
68. for lead in A mating plug might be necessary for the optional antennas Use an optional mono earphone or mono headset with proper impedance 320 for private listening Read the precautions on the inside front cover of this Owners Manual Do not use the scanner in high moisture environments such as the kitchen or bathroom Avoid placing the scanner in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents Using Internal Batteries You can power your scanner using two alkaline or rechargeable AA batteries Setting Up Your Scanner 29 Before installing batteries set the switch in the battery compartment to match the type of batteries you will use Select ALKALINE for non rechargeable battery types and RECHARGEABLE for rechargeable battery types See also Using Rechargeable Batteries on Page 31 when you use rechargeable batteries 1 Remove the battery cover and set the battery switch 2 WARNING Set ALKALINE RECHARGEABLE to RECHARGE ABLE for use only rechargeable batteries Never attempt to recharge non rechargeable batteries Non rechargeable batteries can get hot or burst if you try to recharge them Setting Up Your Scanner 30 3 Replace the cover When flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds replace both batteries Using Rechargeable Batteries You can also use two rechargeable batteries to power your scanner Before you use rechargeable batteries you must charge them
69. g Optional Settings 69 Group Level Settings The settings in this section apply to all of the channels stored in the current group Entering Editing the Group Name Men gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU Select the group E EDIT NAME gt E Follow these steps to enter edit the group name 1 Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter 2 Press Func then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter 3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the system name Then press E or press down on the scroll control to accept the setting Hints Each system name can be up to 16 characters Abbreviate as necessary to fit The group name and system name alternate in the top line of the display when the scanner stops on a channel e Press e twice to delete the current character e Press e three times to clear the entire alpha tag Setting the Group Quick Key Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt EU Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt E Select the group gt E SET GUCK KEY E Programming Editing Optional Settings 70 After selecting this option press 0 9 to assign the group to a quick key or press No to assign the system to no quick key then press E Hints You can assign as many groups to the same quick key as you want To be scanned a group s quick key must be activated Deleting Groups Meng PROGR
70. get it right the first time You can also seek Appendix 109 Planning out help locally for the systems you want to scan by visiting the forums section of http www radiorefer ence com forums Before you start to program your scanner decide how you want to organize the frequencies you want to scan For example some areas are best organized by geographic location east north south west central etc while others are best organized by agency police sheriff ambulance fire etc You might even find it easier to organize a mixture of frequencies north southeast and west for police but fire all in one group for example 2 Organize the system information using these system worksheets included in this help e Use on Page 115 to organize information about conventional frequencies e Use on Page 115 to organize information about Motorola frequencies e Use on Page 115 to organize information about LTR frequencies e Use on Page 115 to organize information about EDACS frequencies 3 Follow the instructions in Filling Out The Conven tional Scanning Worksheet on Page 111 Filling Out The Motorola Worksheet on Page 112 Filling Out the LTR and EDACS Worksheet on Page 114 and Filling Out the LTR and EDACS Worksheet on Page 114 to program your scanner Tips Before you start make as many copies of the work sheets as you think you ll need You can also go to the downlo
71. gt E gt O gt NEW CHANNEL gt E gt INPUT TGO Enter the Talk Group ID for the channel then press E Notes Ifyou have selected to use AFS format for Talk Group ID s the default use the decimal point to enter the hyphens To enter an I Call ID press then enter the ID If you omit the fleet and or subfleet the scanner treats these fields as wildcards Then refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting See Editing the Channel Name on Page 71 See Setting Channel Alert on Page 73 See Setting Channel Lockout on Page 76 See Deleting Channels on Page 77 See Copying Pasting Channels on Page 77 To program another channel within the same group press Menu then repeat the above To create another channel group and enter more channels press Meny twice then proceed from Entering Editing EDACS Channel Groups on Page 56 Programming Radio Systems 57 Programming LTR Systems Menu gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O NEW SYSTEM gt E gt LI gt E gt CONFIRM gt When the scanner prompts CUNFIRM press E to accept the settings The scanner creates an emp LTR system with a default name of SYSTEM NNN L NNN increments as you add new systems L indicates that this is an LTR system Next refer to the appropriate section to set system wide options For most settings you can accept the default However
72. h breaks during a transmission or manually Low Battery Alert The scanner alerts you if the batteries need to be recharged or replaced Battery Save You can set the scanner so it reduces the amount of power it needs if there are no transmissions Key Controls Key Lock You can deactivate the scanner s keys to help prevent accidentally changing the scanner s pro gramming PC Control and Cloning Feature Highlights 14 PC Control You can transfer programming data to and from your scanner and your personal computer and control the scanner using a computer This helps you find frequencies listed on the Internet and load them into the scanner Clone Mode You can clone all programmed data including the contents of the scanner s memory menu settings and other parameters from one BC246T scanner to another BC246T scanner About This Manual The screen displays used in this manual are representations of what might appear when you use your scanner Since what you see depends on the frequencies and user ID s for your area and the settings you select you might notice some differences between what is in this manual and what appears on your scanner How the Scanner s Controls Are Represented in This Manual To help navigate the scanner s menus the steps shown in this manual show the displays you see and the keys you press or control you operate to get a desired result This example shows you how to
73. he antenna s connector down over the scanner s connector and rotate the antenna connec tor s outer ring clockwise until it locks into place Connecting an Optional Antenna The scanner s BNC connector makes it easy to connect a variety of optional antennas including an external mobile antenna or outdoor base station antenna Note Always use 50 ohm RG 58 or RG 8 coaxial cable to connect an outdoor antenna If the antenna is over 50 feet from the scanner use RG 8 low loss dielectric coax ial cable You can get a BNC adapter at your local elec tronics store Setting Up Your Scanner 32 Connecting an Earphone Headphone For private listening you can plug a s inch 3 5 mm mini plug earphone or headphones not supplied into the headphone jack on top of your scanner This automati cally disconnects the internal speaker Connecting an Extension Speaker In a noisy area an optional amplified extension speaker positioned in the right place might provide more comfort able listening Plug the speaker cable s s inch 3 5 mm mini plug into your scanner s jack WARNING If you connect an external speaker to the scanner s headphone jack never connect the audio output line to a power supply and ground This might damage the scanner Attaching the Belt Clip To make your scanner easier to carry when you are on the go use the supplied belt clip Use a Phillips screw driver and the supplied screws to attach
74. ies to meet their needs creating a serious problem Trunking radio systems help solve this problem Trunked Scanning While conventional scanning worked great while there were only a few groups wanting to use the frequencies with the advent of smaller lower cost radios more and more agencies and businesses wanted to take advantage of the utility of 2 way radio As a result the bands that were used most became full so new users were not able to take advantage of the technology as quickly as they wanted Trunking solved this frequency shortage by allowing multiple groups to use the same set of frequencies in a very efficient way While each type of trunking system operates a little differently see the next few sections they all work on the same basic premise even in a system with a lot of users only a few users are ever transmitting at any one time Instead of being assigned a frequency as with conventional systems each group is assigned a talk group ID A central computer controls the frequency each group operates on and this frequency selection is made Understanding Scanning 22 each time a user transmits So while on a conventional system queries replies and follow ups are all on a single frequency they could each be on completely different frequencies on a trunked system This semi random frequency assignment made monitoring such a system impossible prior to Uniden s invention of the Trunktracking scanner Not o
75. igan Wayne Dearborn Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Garden City Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Huron Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Northville Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Plymouth Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Redford Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Romulus Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Sumpter Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Van Buren Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne WSU Wayne Conv Nevada Nevada Clark Clark County Clark County MOT Nevada Clark Henderson Clark County MOT State County City System Preprogrammed Systems 124 Nevada Clark Las Vegas Clark County MO Nevada Clark North Las Vegas Clark County MO New York New York New York Bronx New York Conv New York New York Brooklyn New York Conv New York New York Manhattan New York Conv New York New York New York New York Conv New York New York Queens New York Conv New York New York Staten Island New York Conv New York Suffolk Amangansett East Hampton MO New York Suffolk Amityville Village SuffolkCounty MO New York Suffolk Asharoken SuffolkCounty MO New York Suffolk Bridgehampton East Hampton MO New York Suffolk East Hampton East Hampton MO New York Suffolk East Hampton East Hampton MO East Hampton New York Suffolk Village East Hampton MO New York Suffolk Islip Township SuffolkCounty MO New York Suffolk Lloyd Park SuffolkCounty MO New York Suffolk Montauk East Hampton
76. ight Typical repeater systems provide coverage out to about a 25 mile radius from the repeater location What is Trunk Tracking Your BC246T is designed to track the following types of trunking systems Motorola Type I Type Il Type Ili hybrid SMARTNET and PRIVACYPLUS analog trunking systems which are extensively used in 800 MHz communication systems LTR trunking systems EDACS SCAT trunking systems e EDACS trunking systems When tracking these types of systems you might want to remember these important points Your scanner can track more than one trunking system at a time and scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time Understanding Scanning 21 The frequencies for many of the 800 MHz public safety systems are listed in the National Public Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide included with your BC246T scanner Conventional scanning is a simple concept You enter a frequency used by someone you want to monitor into your scanner s memory For example the police in your area might transmit on 460 500 MHz the fire department on 154 445 MHz the highway department on 37 900 MHz etc So when your scanner stops on a frequency you usually know who it is and more importantly you can stop on a channel and listen to an entire conversation This type of scanning is easy and fun However as the demand for public communications has increased many public radio users do not have enough frequenc
77. ing the contents of such a conversation unless you have the consent of a party to the conversation unless such activity is otherwise illegal This scanner has been designed to prevent the reception of cellular telephone transmissions and the decoding of scrambled transmissions This is done to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured so they are not easy to modify to pick up these transmissions Do not open your scanner s case to make any modifications that could allow it to pick up transmissions that are illegal to monitor Modifying or tampering with your scanner s internal components or using it in a way other than as described in this manual could invalidate your warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it In some areas mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit Check the laws in your area It is also illegal in many areas and a bad idea everywhere to interfere with the duties of public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident without authorization The FCC Wants You to Know 8 Introduction Your BC246T scanner is a state of the art scanner radio with TrunkTracking and automatic scanning capabili ties You can store frequencies such as police fire emergency marine air amateur and other communications into the scanner You can carry it with you wherever you go use it at home as a base unit or install it in your vehicle as a mobile unit You c
78. ion to enter or edit a setting System Level Settings These settings apply to the entire system Editing the System Name Men PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU System name you want to edit gt E Follow these steps to enter edit the system name _ Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter 2 Press Fune then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter 3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the system name Then press E or press down on the scroll control to accept the setting Hints Each system name can be up to 16 characters Abbreviate as necessary to fit The default system names include the following letter in the 16th position to indicate the system type Ti Motorola E EDACS L LTR E Conventional Press e twice to delete the current character Press e three times to clear the entire alpha tag Programming Editing Optional Settings 61 Editing the System Quick Key MENU gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EU SET QUICK KEY E After selecting this option press 0 9 to assign the system to a quick key or press No to assign the system to no quick key then press E Hints e You can assign as many systems to the same quick key as you want Preprogrammed systems are set to quick key 9 To be scanned a system s quick key must be acti vated
79. ize Code 4 7 Size Code 4 Appendix 105 Preset Map 9 Preset Map 10 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 4 0 Size Code 0 7 Size Code 4 7 Size Code 0 2 Size Code 0 2 Size Code 0 3 Size Code 0 3 Size Code 0 4 Size Code 0 4 Size Code 0 5 Size Code 0 5 Size Code 0 6 Size Code 0 6 Size Code 4 7 Size Code U 7 Size Code 4 Preset Map 11 Preset Map 12 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 4 0 Size Code 0 7 Size Code 0 7 Size Code 0 2 Size Code 0 2 Size Code 0 3 Size Code 0 3 Size Code 0 4 Size Code U 4 Size Code U 5 Size Code U 5 Size Code U 6 Size Code U 6 Size Code U 7 Size Code 0 7 Size Code 4 Preset Map 13 Preset Map 14 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 3 0 Size Code 4 7 Size Code 3 7 Size Code 3 2 Size Code 11 2 Size Code 10 3 Size Code 4 3 Size Code 4 4 Size Code 4 4 Size Code 4 5 Size Code U 5 Size Code 4 6 Size Code U 6 Size Code 12 7 Size Code U 7 Size Code 12 Preset Map 15 Preset Map 16 106 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 4 0 Size Code 3 7 Size Code 4 7 Size Code 10 2 Size Code 4 2 Size Code TU 3 Size Code 11 3 Size Code 11 4 Size Code 11 4 Size Code U 5 Size Code U 5 Size Code U 6 Size Code 12 6 Size Code 12 7 Size Code 12 T Size Code 12 Appendix U
80. l While these assign ments are somewhat arbitrary and vary from system to system there are many resources on the web for finding the assignments for most systems Because of the logical hierarchy of the AFS system your BC246T lets you assign wildcard ID s that let you for example use only one ID memory to identify all units in either an agency or a fleet EDACS SCAT EDACS SCAT Single Channel Autonomous Trunking systems operate on a single channel and alternate control data with analog voice traf fic While your BC246T cannot track ID s in this system it can eliminate the control data so that all you hear is the voice transmissions when you monitor this type of system LTR Trunking LTR Logic Trunked Radio systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers such as taxicabs delivery trucks and repair services These systems encode all control infor mation as digital subaudible data that accompanies each transmission so there is no separate control channel Understanding Scanning 25 Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talk groups which are identified by the radio as six digit numbers These numbers are in the form AHHUUU where A Area code 0 or 1 H Home repeater 01 through 20 U User ID 000 through 254 When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the LTR mode it first decodes the LTR data included with the transmi
81. lable blocks Appendix 108 Collecting Information Getting your scanner programmed and scanning takes a few steps This help guides you through these steps that will make it easier for you to start scanning 1 Collect information about the system s you want to monitor Do you want to listen to your local police and fire departments How about the highway patrol ambulance service and aircraft You might even want to listen to your local utility company as they track down a break in electrical service in your area Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to then look up the frequencies and systems used by those agencies The Internet is a great source for current frequencies and information about scan ning Here are a few useful sites http www scannermaster com frequency resources and home of Police Call You can also call them at 1 800 SCANNER hours are from 10 00 a m to 5 00 p m Eastern Time Monday through Friday http www radioreference com the Internet s pre mier source for user supported radio system informa tion http www bearcat1 com frequency information from National Communications http svartifoss2 fcc gov reports index cfm conven tional frequency information on file with the US Gov ernment Tips Scanners are designed to monitor complex radio sys tems That means that programming your scanner might seem like a daunting task at first Be patient if you don t
82. ll control to select the channel then press E to hold on that channel Monitoring Trunking Activity Motorola Only Press HOLD when no talk group is active Or press HOLD then scroll to the control channel Talk Group ID s appear as they become active on the system Basic Operation 44 Other Settings Displaying System Information Viewing Memory Used Menu gt J SEE SCANNER NFO gt E O MEMORY USED gt E A bar showing the percent of memory used appears Press a key to returns to the previous menu Viewing the Firmware Version Meng gt O SEE SCANNER INDE Y FIRMWARE VERSION gt E Press a key to return to the previous menu Adjusting the Key Beep Meng gt O ADJUST KEY BEEP gt E e GFF The scanner is silent when you press a key UN The scanner beeps when you press a key Locking Unlocking the Keypad Press Func then m to lock or unlock the keypad Turning Power Save On or Off Meng gt O SET BATTERY SAVE gt E UN The scanner goes into low power mode when you monitor a conventional channel that has no activity DFF Power save is off Priority Scan Meng gt O SET PRIORTY gt E Or while holding on any channel press Func 1 Pri to select one of these priority modes e PRIORITY UFF Normal scanning Other Settings 45 e PRIORITY UN While scanning a conventional system the s
83. lling Out The Motorola Worksheet System Name and Quick Key Fill in aname that describes the system you want to cre ate For example you can enter Dallas Police or Ama teur Radio here If you want to store more than one type of frequency you can enter Mixed Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate deacti vate the system You can assign the same quick key to multiple systems System Type Circle in the type of Motorola system you are scanning Type 1 A fleet map is supplied for this type of sys tem Type 2 800 MHz Standard Used for most 800 MHz systems No fleet map is supplied for this type of sys tem Type 2 800 MHz Splinter Used for some 800 MHz systems near border areas Type 2 900 MHz The supplied frequencies are between 935 0125 MHz and 939 9875 MHz No fleet map is supplied for this type of system Type 2 UHF The supplied frequencies are between 406 MHz and 512 MHz No fleet map is supplied for this type of system Type 2 VHF The supplied frequencies are between 136 MHz and 174 MHz No fleet map is supplied for this type of system e e System Frequencies Enter the frequencies used by the system Motorola sys tems can use up to 30 frequencies Place an asterisk or other mark next to frequencies identified as data chan nels Appendix 112 Fleet Map Type or Type l Type II Hybrid Only Fill in the fleet map used by this agency Band Plan VHF or UHF Only A ba
84. m Preprogrammed Systems 123 Florida Dade Intracostal Dade EDACS Florida Dade Kendall Dade EDACS Florida Dade Miami Miami MOT Florida Dade Miami Beach Miami Beach MOT Florida Dade Miami Lakes Dade EDACS Florida Dade Miccosokuee Dade Fire EDACS Florida Dade Municipal Dade EDACS Florida Dade Northside Dade EDACS Illinois Illinois Cook Alsip Cook Conv Illinois Cook Chicago Cook Conv Illinois Cook Englewood Cook Conv Illinois Cook Evergreen Park Cook Conv Illinois Cook Franklin Park Cook Conv Illinois Cook Hoffman NW Central MOT Illinois Cook Hometown Cook Conv Illinois Cook Merriont Park Cook Conv Illinois Cook Northlake Cook Conv Illinois Cook Northlake Cook Conv Illinois Cook Oak Lawn Cook Conv Illinois Cook Rosemont Cook Conv Illinois Cook Schaumburg Schaumburg MOT Illinois Cook Streamwood NW Central MOT Illinois Cook Veteran s Park Cook Conv Massachusetts Massachusetts Middlesex _ Ashby Middlesex Conv Massachusetts Middlesex Ayer Middlesex Conv Massachusetts Middlesex Belmont Cambridge MOT Massachusetts Middlesex Cambridge Cambridge MOT Massachusetts Middlesex Shirley Middlesex Conv Massachusetts Middlesex Townsend Middlesex Conv Michigan Michigan Wayne Allen Park Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Belleville Wayne Conv Michigan Wayne Canton Wayne Conv Mich
85. m Men gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt EO Select the group 7 E DIT CHANNEL gt EO Programming Editing Optional Settings 77 Select the channel gt E PASTE CHANNEL gt E Then if necessary edit the channel you copied to give it a unique name and other settings Note The paste option appears only if you have previ ously copied a channel from a system of the same type you are currently editing Programming Editing Optional Settings 78 Searching Custom Search Custom Search lets you program and search 10 custom search ranges You can search any of these ranges simultaneously and select each custom search range you set During custom search the scanner searches starting with the lowest frequency in the search range you select to the highest frequency in the range Notes Search ranges are preset See Editing a Custom Search Range on Page 80 to change the range You cannot turn off all custom search ranges _ Press Menu then turn the scroll control until SEARCH FOR appears Then press E Or press Fune Src then select No One of the search feature options appear N Turn the scroll control until CUSTOM SEARCH appears then press E to select it The scanner starts custom search of the custom search range you selected stopping on any transmission it finds and displaying the frequency Turn the scroll cont
86. mitter or repeater You can search for the following CTCSS frequencies and DCS codes CTCSS Frequencies Hz 67 0 693 71 9 74 4 770 79 7 82 5 85 4 885 91 5 948 97 4 100 0 103 5 107 2 110 9 114 8 118 8 123 0 127 3 131 8 136 5 141 3 146 2 151 4 156 7 159 8 162 2 165 5 167 9 171 3 173 8 177 3 179 9 183 5 186 2 189 9 192 8 196 6 199 5 203 5 206 5 210 7 218 1 225 7 229 1 233 6 241 8 250 3 254 1 DCS Codes Octal 023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047 051 053 054 065 071 072 073 074 114 115 116 122 125 131 132 134 143 145 152 155 156 162 165 172 174 205 212 223 225 226 243 244 245 246 251 252 255 261 263 265 266 271 274 306 311 315 325 331 Understanding Scanning 19 332 343 346 351 356 364 365 371 411 412 413 423 431 432 445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503 506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624 627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731 732 734 743 754 Conventional Scanning Conventional scanning is a relatively simple concept Each group of users in a conventional system is assigned a single frequency for simplex systems or two frequencies for repeater systems Any time one ofthem transmits their transmission always goes out on the same frequency Up until the late 1980s this was the primary way that radio systems operated Even today there are many 2 way radio users who oper ate using a conventional system Aircraft e Amateur radio e FRS GMRS users Broadcast AM FM TV sta
87. nal Weather Service to reduce the number of alerts received by consumers by allowing them to hear alerts only for the county ies they are interested in Each alert contains information about the type and severity of the alert as well as the specific geographic locations affected by the alert The geographic locations are designated using FIPS codes Each county or parrish in the US and its territories are assigned a FIPS code In addition certain special regions and wildcard settings can be assigned FIPS codes are in the format nSSCCC n A special subcounty designator For an entire county use 0 SS The state code CCC The county code Using Weather Alert SAME 92 For example Tarrant County in Texas is assigned to FIPS code 048439 0 indicates the entire county 48 indicates the state of Texas 439 indicates Tarrant County To get the FIPS code for your county visit the National Weather Service web site at http www nws noaa gov and search for FIPS Listing Men gt CO LUX OPERATION gt EU PROGRAM SAME gt EU SELECT SAME gt O select the SAME group to edit gt E EDIT NAME enter the name you want to assign to the SAME group you selected DIT COUNTY select the position you want to store the FIPS code into then press E enter the FIPS code and press E again Setting WX Alert Priority Men gt UO LUX OPERATION gt E O nv OUT MODI LLIA Lt PRIORITY E Th
88. nal sources Attenuation sometimes helps to reduce interference and desensitization that strong signals create Setting Data Skip Meng gt YD SROH CLOCALL OPT gt EU SET DATA SKP gt E This setting controls how the scanner behaves when it detects a constant level transmission during quick search or Close Call operation Select your setting then press E GFF The scanner remains on the transmission until it ends GN The scanner quickly resumes searching or Close Call operation Notes e If you are trying to test the Close Call feature with a nearby transmitter and you do not talk into the transmitter the scanner will detect this as data and will skip the frequency when Data Skip is on Turn the feature off or talk into the transmitter The default for this feature is UN Search and Close Call Options 89 Setting the Delay Time Meng gt 5 SROH CLOCALL OPT gt E OU SET DELAY TME gt E This setting determines how long the scanner waits after a transmission ends before resuming quick search or Close Call operation Select your setting then press E OFF The scanner resumes immediately when the transmission ends i 5 SECThe scanner waits the set amount of time after the transmission ends before resuming Note The default setting is 2 seconds Setting the Search Frequency Step Meng gt UD SRCH CLOCALL OPT gt E O SET STEP gt E This setting selects the frequency ste
89. nd plan is required so the scanner can correctly determine the voice channel frequency Fill in the band plan used by this agency consisting of Base frequency Step frequency Channel offset You can enter up to three band plans Group Name and Quick Key Each Motorola System Worksheet 2 documents the set tings for one channel group within a system If you have fewer channels in the group than fits on the page you can skip a line and enter an additional group of channels enter the group information in the line you skipped If you have more channels for the group than will fit on the page use additional pages Fill in the key you want to press with FUNC to quickly acti vate deactivate the channel group You can assign the same quick key to multiple groups within a system Talk Group ID Alpha Tag Priority Fill in the details for each channel you want to store in this channel group Appendix 113 Filling Out the LTR and EDACS Worksheet System Name and Quick Key Fill in aname that describes the system you want to cre ate For example you can enter Dallas Police or Ama teur Radio here If you want to store more than one type of frequency you can enter Mixed Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate deacti vate the system You can assign the same quick key to multiple systems System Frequencies and LCN Fill in each system frequency and its associated Logical Channel Numbe
90. nia Los Angeles Altaden Crest Valley Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Arcadia Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Avalon Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Baldwin Park Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Bell Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Bell Gardens Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Beverly Hills Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Burbank Los Angeles Conv State County City System California Los Angeles Carson Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Century Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Claremont Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles College Transit Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Compton Los Angeles Conv Preprogrammed Systems 120 California Los Angeles Covina Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Crescenta Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Culver City Culver City MOT California Los Angeles Downey Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles El Segundo Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Gardena Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Glendora Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Hawthorn Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Hermosa Beach Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Huntington Park Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Industry Los Angeles Conv California Los
91. nly does your BC246T scan channels like a conven tional scanner it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system Once you know a talk group s ID you won t miss any of the action If you are a new scanner enthusiast you might want to read the first part of this manual and use your scanner in conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking Understanding scanning fundamentals and terminology will make trunk tracking much easier If you are already an experienced scanner operator you might want to go to Programming Motorola Systems on Page 52 Program ming EDACS Systems on Page 55 or Programming LTR Systems on Page 58 now Types of Trunking Systems Trunking systems divide a few frequencies among many different users but the way that each system does this is slightly different This section describes some of the technical data behind Motorola EDACS and LTR trunked radio systems Motorola Trunking While there are different types of Motorola trunking systems they all use the same basic trunking method The system consists of one control channel plus one or more voice channels typically 10 20 or 30 total channels When a user presses Push To Talk PTT to transmit their radio first sends their talk group information to the control channel The computer then assigns that talk group to a specific voice channel and transmits that data over the control channel All radios in that talk group switch over to
92. nt be locked out to scan are not locked out The channel s Make sure the frequency channel s might not be frequency is stored stored in in the scanner s memory memory The channel Wait for a might not be transmission on the active channel Scan You must Press Scan won t press Scan to start scan The squelch Adjust the squelch might need to be adjusted threshold See Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch on Page 40 One or more channels might be locked out Make sure the channels you want to scan are not locked out The antenna Check the antenna might need to connection be adjusted 97 Troubleshooting Weather scan doesn t work The squelch Adjust the squelch might need to threshold See be adjusted Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch on Page 40 The antenna Check the antenna might need to connection be adjusted If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker mode try the following steps Problem Possible Cause Suggestion Scanner The system Scan another won t track a might not be system trunked one your system scanner can scan The data Enter the data frequency might frequency be missing The scanner Change to a might need to Type 1 be changed toa scanner setup Type 1 scanner Review setup Motorola Trunking on Page 23 Trou
93. nvalid if the Product is A damaged or not maintained as rea sonable or necessary B modified altered or used as part of any conversion kits subassemblies or any config urations not sold by Uniden C improperly installed D serviced or repaired by someone other than an autho rized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty E used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufac tured by Uniden or F installed or programmed by any one other than as detailed by the Operating Guide for this product STATEMENT OF REMEDY In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect warrantor will repair the defect and return it to you without charge for parts service or any other cost except shipping and handling incurred by warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WAR RANTY PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER WHETHER EXPRESS IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIM One Year Limited Warranty 130 BURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CON SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES Some states do n
94. onal system first set up a channel group or groups to hold the channels Then enter the channel and channel parameters in the group s Programming Radio Systems 50 Setting Up a Channel Group O gt AN GAP E gt O gt MN GRUP E The scanner creates a group with a default name of GROUP NN NN increments by one for each new group you create within a system Refer to the appropriate section to set group wide options See Entering Editing the Group Name on Page 70 See Setting the Group Quick Key on Page 70 See Deleting Groups on Page 71 See Copying Pasting Systems on Page 69 See Entering Editing Conventional Channels on Page 51 Entering Editing Conventional Channels O gt EDIT CHANNEL gt E gt O 2 NEW CHANNEL gt E gt INPUT FREQUENCY Enter the frequency for the channel then press E Then refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting See Editing the Channel Name on Page 71 See Setting Channel Priority Conventional Chan nels Only on Page 72 See Setting Channel Alert on Page 73 See Deleting Channels on Page 77 See Copying Pasting Channels on Page 77 To program another channel within the same group press Menu then repeat the above To create another channel group and enter more channels press Meny twice then proceed from Setting Up a Channel Group on Page 51 Programming
95. orola Systems Only E Setting System Attenuation Trunked Systems Only Deleting Systems Copying Pasting Systems Group Level Settings Entering Editing the Group Name Setting the Group Quick Key Deleting Groups Channel Level Settings Editing the Channel Name Setting Channel Priority Conventional Channels Only Setting Channel Alert uunsnersneenneenneenneennnnnnnnen Setting CTCSS DCS Conventional Channels Only Setting Channel Modulation Conventional Channels Only Setting Channel Attenuation Conventional Channels Only Setting the Frequency Step Conventional Channels Only Setting Channel Lockout Deleting Channels Copying Pasting Channels Searching Custom Search Editing a Custom Search Range Custom Search When Control Channel Only Mode i is s Selected FE Service Search Quick Search CTCSS DCS Search Contents Using the Close Call Feature Setting the Close Call Mode Search and Close Call Options Managing Locked Out Frequencies Unlocking All Frequencies Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies y Searching for Subaudible Tones 87 Screening Out Paging Systems 5s Finding Repeater Output Frequencies Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value Setting the Modulation Type Setting Attenuation Setting Data Skip Setting the Delay Time Setting the Search Frequen
96. ot allow this exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential dam ages so the above limitation or exclusion might not apply to you LEGAL REMEDIES This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you might also have other rights which vary from state to state This warranty is void outside the United States of America PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY If after following the instructions in this Operating Guide you are certain that the Product is defec tive pack the Product carefully preferably in its original packaging Include evidence of original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it The Product should be shipped freight prepaid by traceable means or delivered to warrantor at Uniden America Corporation Parts and Service Division 4700 Amon Carter Boulevard Fort Worth TX 76155 800 297 1023 8 00 a m to 5 00 p m Central Monday through Friday One Year Limited Warranty 131 One Year Limited Warranty 132 One Year Limited Warranty 133 One Year Limited Warranty 134 One Year Limited Warranty 135 One Year Limited Warranty o One Year Limited Warranty 136 One Year Limited Warranty 137 One Year Limited Warranty 138 One Year Limited Warranty 139 7 40 5 199 109 REGISTER ONLINE TODAY THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT A World Without Wires Uniden nder one or more of th wing U S patents 4 461 036 4 932 074
97. ources Several factors affect Close Call performance however Performance is increased with higher transmit power receive antenna tuned to the target band and a low back ground RF level Other than the antenna you have no control over these factors but they explain why per formance might vary by both location and time The Close Call feature cannot detect satellite dishes or any transmitter with a frequency above or below the frequency ranges listed under Setting Close Call Options on Page 84 The Close Call feature works better with some types of transmissions than others It might not correctly display frequency information for transmitters using a highly directional antenna such as an amateur radio beam antenna or if there are many transmitters operating at the same time in the same area Using the Close Call Feature 83 Setting Close Call Options 1 Press Meny then turn scroll until Close Call appears Then press E Close Call feature options appear N Turn scroll to select the option you want to change CLOSE CALL ONLY Lets you set the scanner only for Close Call searching The scanner does not scan frequencies or channels when this option is turned on To select this option press E PP T CC BANDS Lets you select the Close Call band stings You can turn the following bands on or off VHF LOW 25 0000 54 0000 MHz pd BANG 108 0000 136 9750 MHz VHF HIGH 137 0000 224 9950
98. p extra memory To maximize channels use channel names only where necessary Setting Channel Priority Conventional Channels Only Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt EO Select the group gt E EDIT CHANNEL gt EU Select the channel gt E SET PRIORITY gt E This setting controls whether the scanner treats the chan nel as a priority channel while scanning Select your set ting then press E GN when you turn on the Priority feature the channel will be scanned every 2 seconds F appears at the end of the default name Programming Editing Optional Settings 72 OFF the channel will not be treated with priority Note The default setting is OFF Setting Channel Alert Meng PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt EO Select the group gt E EDIT CHANNEL gt EU Select the channel gt E SET ALERT gt E This setting controls whether the scanner will alert you when the channel becomes active Select your setting then press E UN the scanner beeps when the channel becomes active GFF no alert sounds Note The default setting is UFF Setting CTCSS DCS Conventional Channels Only Men PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT GROUP gt EO Select the group gt E EDIT CHANNEL gt EO Select the channel gt E SET CTESS OCS gt E This setting cont
99. p used for setting the channels Select your setting then press E AUTG The step is based on the band see the table at the front of the manual O KHZ 625 KHZ 75 KHZ 100 KHZ 125 KHZ 150 KHZ 25 0 KHZ 500 KHZ 1000 KHZ The scanner uses the selected step Note The scanner defaults to AUTO Search and Close Call Options 90 Using Weather Alert SAME Your scanner has been primarily designed to be a radio scanner While it incorporates weather alert as one of its features we strongly recommend that you not use the scanner as your sole means for receiving emergency alerts Your local electronics retailer carries several weather radios specifically designed for this function Your scanner allows you to search for a local NOAA weather broadcast and set it to alert when a SAME weather alert is broadcast on aNOAA channel You can also program SAME codes into the scanner and set a weather channel as a priority channel In the following sections you can also access the weather menu from Hold mode by pressing Fune then Wx Searching For a Weather Broadcast Meg gt UD LUX OPERATION gt E gt LUEATHER SCAN gt E The scanner starts scanning the preprogrammed weather frequencies and stops on the first signal If this station is weak rotate scroll to check for other weather broadcasts in your area Note NOAA broadcasts are continuous broadcasts You will only lose reception if you move out of a
100. r LCN Group Name and Quick Key Each LTR EDACS System Worksheet 2 documents the settings for one channel group within a system If you have fewer channels in the group than fits on the page you can skip a line and enter an additional group of chan nels enter the group information in the line you skipped If you have more channels for the group than will fit on the page use additional pages Fill in the key you want to press with FUNC to quickly acti vate deactivate the channel group You can assign the same quick key to multiple groups within a system Talk Group ID Alpha Tag Priority Fill in the details for each channel you want to store in this channel group Appendix 114 Conventional System Worksheet System Name Group Name System Quick Key Group Quick Key Appendix Motorola System Worksheet 1 System Quick Key Frequencies Type II 800 MHz Standard Splinter Type Il UHF Type Il VHF Fleet Map a o Ee g si ES LS E ooo plot E poe looks ee 2 Bock Ben poor Jeena Pian A Jase Frequency step Frequency ore Bang Plans Jase Frequency Step Frequency forse Jeena Piano Base Frequency DO Step Frequency Jor Appendix 116 Motorola System Worksheet 2 Talk Group ID Alpha Tag ke l Appenaix 117 LTR EDACS System Worksheet 1 System Logical Frequency Channel Appendix LTR EDACS System Worksheet 2 Group Name Group Quick Key
101. rdies Allradios can receive birdies undesired signals If your scanner stops during Scan mode and no sound is heard it might be receiving a birdie Birdies are internally gener ated signals inherent in the electronics of the receiver Press L O to lock out the channel Care and Maintenance 95 If your BC246T is not performing properly try the follow ing steps Problem Possible Cause Suggestion The scanner doesn t work The scanner might not be receiving any power Make sure the AC adapter is connected to an AC outlet and the scanner If there is a wall switch that controls power to the AC outlet where you connected the AC adapter make sure it is on Improper reception The scanner s antenna might need to be adjusted Check the antenna connection or move or reposition the antenna Move the scanner You might be in a remote area that could require an optional multi band antenna Check with your dealer or local electronics store Scan won t stop The squelch might need to be adjusted Adjust the squelch threshold See Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch on Page 40 96 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Scan The antenna Check the antenna won tstop might need to connection continued be adjusted One or more Make sure the channelsmight channels you wa
102. rol to change the search direction An arrow appears showing the current search direction To turn search ranges on or off press 0 and 1 9 To hold searching press Hold To resume searching press Func then press Scan Srch or Hold again To lock out a frequency found while searching press L O SEARCH LOCKOUT appears Press E to lock out the frequency or No to continue monitoring If you turn off the active custom search range the scanner skips to the next custom search range and continues searching Note If all frequencies in all active custom search ranges are locked out ALL LOCKED appears and the scanner does not search Searching 79 Editing a Custom Search Range You can edit up to 10 custom search ranges The names of the custom search ranges appear on the display The default custom search range names appear as CUSTOM 1 CUSTOM 2 and so on 1 Press Meny then turn the scroll control until SEARCH F R appears Then press E Or press Func and Srch then No One of the search feature options appear N Turn the scroll control until EOT CUSTOM appears then press E to select it en Turn the scroll control until the name of the custom search range you want to edit appears then press E to select it The following options appear as you turn the scroll control DIT NAMIE lets you edit the custom search range s name DIT SRCH LIT lets you view and select
103. rols a subaudible CTCSS or DCS is used for the channel Select your setting then press E GFF any signal opens squelch SEARCH the scanner searches for and displays any CTCSS or DCS tone that accompanies the transmission Programming Editing Optional Settings 73 PTA CTCSS the scanner only opens squelch if the CTCSS tone you select is also present with the signal The scanner then prompts you to enter or scroll to the desired tone DES the scanner only opens squelch if the DCS tone you select is also present with the signal The scanner then prompts you to enter or scroll to the desired tone SET LOCKOUT the scanner does not stop on the channel if the tone you select is present The scanner prompts you to select a CTCSS or DCS tone Notes e The default setting is UFF See What is CTCSS DCS on Page 18 for a com plete list of CTCSS and DCS tones Setting Channel Modulation Conventional Channels Only Menu gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDT GROUP gt EO Select the group gt E EDIT CHANNEL gt EU Select the channel gt E T AAW OTIN SE 11 IODULA7 I I gt E This setting controls the demodulation method used for the channel Select your setting then press E UTO the scanner uses the default modulation for the frequency see the table at the front of the manual AMI the scanner uses AM amplitude modulation for the frequency 11
104. s If the scanner detects the tone it displays the tone s frequency Press Menu then turn the scroll control until 44727227 Likl PT appears Then press E One of the search feature options appear 2 Turn the scroll control until 272147725 SEAKLH appears then press E to select it 3 Turn the scroll control until appears to turn on CTCSS DCS search or until 44 appears to turn it off then press E Searching 82 Using the Close Call Feature Your scanner s Close Call feature lets you set the scamner so it detects displays the frequency of and lets you hear a nearby strong radio transmission You can set the scanner so the Close Call feature works in the background while you are scanning other frequencies turn off normal scanning while the Close Call feature is working or turn off the Close Call feature and use the scanner normally You can set the scanner so it alerts you when the Close Call feature finds a frequency You can also set the frequency band where you want the scanner to look for transmissions To turn background Close Call detection on or off press Func then When the feature is on appears on the display and normal operation is briefly interruped about every 2 seconds Notes e The Close Call feature works well for locating the source of strong local transmissions such as mobile and handheld two way radios in areas with no other strong transmission s
105. s Temple City Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Verdugo Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Walnut Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles West Covina Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles West Hollywood Los Angeles Conv California Los Angeles Whittier Los Angeles Conv California Orange Brea Orange MOT State County City System California Orange Costa Mesa Orange MOT California Orange La Habra Orange MOT California Orange Laguna Beach Orange MOT California Orange Orange County Orange MOT Preprogrammed Systems 121 California Orange Santa Ana Orange MOT California Riverside Banning Riverside Conv California Riverside Beaumont Riverside Conv California Riverside Blythe Riverside Conv California Riverside Cathedral Riverside Conv California Riverside Corona Riverside Conv California Riverside Desert Hot Springs Riverside Conv California Riverside Hemet Riverside Conv California Riverside Murrietta Riverside Conv California Riverside Palm Springs Palm Springs MOT California Riverside Palm Springs Riverside Conv California Riverside Riverside Riverside Conv California Riverside San Jacinto Riverside Conv San SanBernadinoE California Bernadino Adelanto MOT San SanBernadinoD California Bernadino Barstow MOT San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino __ Big Bear MOT San SanBernadinoA California Bernadino Chino MOT
106. s are scanned according to the assigned channel group with the same priority as described above for systems The BC246T scans a system for the duration you set using the System Hold Time option see Setting the System Hold Time on Page 63 For trunked sys tems the scanner moves to the next system after the hold time expires the current transmission ends and the channel delay expires Conventional systems operate similarly but all unlocked channels are scanned at least one time regardless of the hold time setting Basic Operation 40 Preprogrammed System Tips All systems preprogrammed into the scanner are assigned to quick key 9 To turn the preprogrammed systems on or off simply press 9 while scanning You can scan preprogrammed systems more efficiently by preventing the BC246T from scanning systems that are not in your area There are three ways to do this e Lock out the faraway systems see Locking Unlock ing Systems on Page 42 Reassign your local systems to another quick key see Editing the System Quick Key on Page 62 Delete the faraway systems see Deleting Systems on Page 69 Important You cannot restore preprogrammed systems if you delete them Selecting Systems to Scan To select systems to scan press Scan then press the number button corresponding to the quick key assigned to the system or systems To stop scanning the system s press the number button ag
107. ser Defined Fleet Maps Type I Programming Information When a Type system is designed the address informa tion for all the ID s is divided into 8 equal sized blocks numbered 0 7 When you program your scanner to track a Type system you must select a size code for each of these blocks When you have assigned a size code to all 8 blocks you ll have defined the fleet map for the system you are tracking Each size code determines the number of fleets subfleets and ID s each block will have For example a size code of S 4 has one fleet which is divided into 16 separate subfleets and it has a total of 512 individual ID s When a block is assigned a size code the fleet or fleets created within the block are assigned a Type ID The way these ID s display on your scanner depend on the block number and the block s size code When a Type ID appears the leftmost digit represents the block which contains the ID The next three digits identify which fleet is active and the last digit s identifies the subfleet The details concerning how the size codes are selected by a Type System designer are highly dependent on the specific needs of the system s users Some organizations might want many subfleets with only a few radios each while another organization might want only a few sub fleets with many radios each Your task is to program your fleet map with the same size code assignments as the trunked system If you do this accur
108. ssion In the ID search mode the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the display In the ID scan mode the scanner only stops on the transmission if the LTR data matches a talk group ID that you have stored in the talk group ID list and have not locked out LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique user ID Where To Get More Information By itself this manual really only provides part of what you need to know to have fun scanning how to program and use the scanner The two included conventional and trunking frequency guides will give you a good head start on the other part of what you need to know what fre quencies have interesting content Information On The Internet The Internet is a great source for current frequencies and information about scanning Many web sites have lists of frequencies for your area You can use a search engine to find and use them Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to then look up the frequencies and systems used by those agencies Here are a few useful sites http www scannermaster com frequency resources and home of Police Call Understanding Scanning 26 You can also call them at 1 800 SCANNER hours are from 10 00 a m to 5 00 p m Eastern Time Monday through Friday http www radioreference com the Internet s premier source for user supported radio system information http www bear
109. the Fleet Map Motorola Systems Only Meng PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDT SYS OPTION gt EO EDIT FLEET MAP gt E For Motorola Type systems you must enter a system fleet map in order for the scanner to properly track and display talk group ID s The fleet map is usually included in the same resource that provided system frequencies and talk group ID lists Rotate the scroll control to select the fleet map PRESET select from the 16 most common fleet maps see Preset Fleet Maps on Page 105 CUSTOM allows you to enter a custom fleet map Enter the size code for each block Notes If you don t know the fleet map for your Motorola Type system check the Internet This information is commonly posted on sites such as those we reference in Where To Get More Information on Page 26 The default setting of no fleet map is the correct setting for Motorola Type ll systems Setting the Motorola Status Bit Motorola Systems Only Meng gt PROGRAM SYSTEMS gt E O Select the system gt EU EDIT SYS OPTION gt EO SET STATUS BT gt E Motorola systems use talk group ID s in multiples of 16 ID numbers that fall between these ID s indicate special Programming Editing Optional Settings 65 status flags for the system This setting determines how the scanner will handle ID s that are not multiples of 16 Select your setting then press E IGNORE the
110. the clip to the scanner Setting Up Your Scanner 33 Installing the Demo Software You can operate your scanner using a personal computer and the free demo software available at http www uniden com If you have installed the software and it is running select Help by right clicking anywhere on the opening screen A selection popup appears Move the cursor to Help BC246TSS Help appears Then click on BC246TSS Help Download the software then double click on the install package to begin installation The BC246T SS Install pro gram installs the software You must install the software to use the scanner with your computer After you install the BC246T SS Install program start it by double clicking on the desktop icon or by selecting it in the Start Programs list You can upgrade the included software to a full version by purchasing a registration key at http www uniden com Setting Up Your Scanner 34 A Look At The Keypad TRUNKTRACKER III A ID Bove OQOO See Your scanner s keys have various functions labeled on the key tops and below the keys To select the function labeled on a key simply press the key To select the function labeled below a key hold down Func On the left side of the scanner then press the key appears on the display If your scanner s keys seem confusing at first the follow ing information should help you understand each key s function
111. tions Many business radio users When you want to store a conventional system all you need to know is the frequencies they operate on When you are scanning a conventional system the scanner stops very briefly on each channel to see ifthere is activity If there isn t the scanner quickly moves to the next channel If there is then the scanner pauses on the transmission until it is over Simplex Operation Simplex systems use a single frequency for both transmit and receive Most radios using this type of operation are limited to line of sight operation This type of radio is frequently used at construction job sites and with Understanding Scanning 20 inexpensive consumer radios such as GMRS FRS radios The range is typically 1 8 miles depending upon the terrain and many other factors Repeater Operation Repeater systems use two frequencies one transmits from the radio to a central repeater the other transmits from the repeater to other radios in the system With a repeater based system the repeater is located on top of a tall building or on a radio tower that provides great visibility to the area of operation When a user transmits on an input frequency the signal is picked up by the repeater and retransmitted on an output frequency The user s radios always listen for activity on the output frequency and transmit on the input frequency Since the repeater is located very high there is a very large line of s
112. transmissions end If it does not detect a transmission on the output frequency it remains on the original frequency UFF The scanner does not try to find the output frequency Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value Weng gt UD SREH CLOCALL OPT gt EU HIAX AUTO STORE gt E This value sets how many hits the scanner will automati cally store when it is in either Search and Store or Close Call Auto Store mode Use the number keys to enter a value from 1 256 then press E When the scanner reaches the maximum number of hits you set it stops the auto store operation Setting the Modulation Type Meng gt J SROH CLOCALL OPT gt E O T AAW OTIN SE MODULATION gt E This setting controls the modulation type used for quick search and Close Call operations Select your setting then press E AUTE Uses the default setting for the current frequency see the table at the front of the manual MT Uses AM amplitude modulation m 111 Uses FM frequency modulation NET Uses narrowband FM Search and Close Call Options 88 Setting Attenuation Meg gt J SROH CLOCALL OPT gt E O T OTTEN IOTINN SE ATI NUATIUN gt E This setting controls the attenuator for quick search and Close Call operation Select your setting then press E OFF The attenuator is off FIN UN Reception is attenuated by about 18 dB Note Turn on this setting if you are near other strong sig
113. ural earphone or a stereo headset of the proper impedance 32 ohm Otherwise you might experience some discomfort or possible hearing damage if the volume suddenly becomes too loud because of the volume control or squelch control setting This might be particularly true of the type of earphone that is placed in the ear canal Precautions WARNING Uniden does not represent this unit to be waterproof To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not expose this unit to rain or moisture Motorola SMARTNET PL Private Line and PRIVACY PLUS are registered trademarks of Motorola Inc LTR is a registered trademark of E F Johnson Co EDACS is a registered trademark of M A COM Private Radio Systems Inc Uniden and Bearcat are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation TrunkTracker Trunk Tracking and Close Call are proprietary trademarks of Uniden America Corporation Other trademarks used throughout this manual are the property of their respective holders Precautions Contents The FCC Wants You to Know Scanning Legally Introduction Feature Highlights About This Manual How the Scanner s Controls Are Represented in This Manual Entering Text Understanding Scanning Understanding the Scanner s Memory What is Scanning What is Searching What is CTCSS DCS Conventional Scanning Simplex Operation Repeater Operation What is
114. use the scanner s menu to edit an existing system name It shows you the key to press Menu to select a menu option and the option you see PROGRAM SYSTEM when you press Meny lt also instructs you to turn the scroll control shown as VU to view a series of choices then select one choice ELIT NAME Menu gt PROGRAM SYSTEM gt E O gt System name you want to edit or NEW SYSTEM gt E O gt EDIT NAME gt E gt System Name To get the most from this manual review the contents to become familiar with the basic functions available If you Feature Highlights 15 are new to scanning or trunk tracking be sure to read Understanding Scanning on Page 17 for a quick background on the technology The first thing you ll need to do is install batteries in the scanner Then you need to connect the included antenna to the scanner See Set ting Up Your Scanner on Page 28 if you need any help doing this Entering Text To enter a letter turn the scroll control until the character you want appears To enter a number press a number key To enter a decimal point press e To move the cursor to the left hold Func then press lt 4 or rotate the scroll control to the left To move the cursor to the right hold Func then press 6 gt or rotate the scroll con trol to the right To clear a character press No once To clear all characters press No 3 times
115. y download Optional Accessories 104 Preset Fleet Maps Appendix Preset Map 1 Preset Map 2 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 11 0 Size Code 4 1 Size Code 11 1 Size Code 4 2 Size Code 11 2 Size Code 4 3 Size Code 11 3 Size Code 4 4 Size Code 11 4 Size Code 4 5 Size Code 11 5 Size Code 4 6 Size Code 11 6 Size Code 4 T Size Code 11 7 Size Code 4 Preset Map 3 Preset Map 4 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 4 0 Size Code 12 1 Size Code 4 1 Size Code 12 2 Size Code 4 2 Size Code 4 3 Size Code 4 3 Size Code 4 4 Size Code 4 4 Size Code 4 5 Size Code 4 5 Size Code 4 6 Size Code 12 6 Size Code 4 7 Size Code 12 7 Size Code 4 Preset Map 5 Preset Map 6 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 4 0 Size Code 3 7 Size Code 4 7 Size Code 10 2 Size Code TZ 2 Size Code 4 3 Size Code 12 3 Size Code 4 4 Size Code 4 4 Size Code 12 5 Size Code 4 5 Size Code 12 6 Size Code 4 6 Size Code 12 7 Size Code 4 7 Size Code 12 Preset Map 7 Preset Map 8 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 10 0 Size Code 1 7 Size Code 10 7 Size Code 1 2 Size Code 11 2 Size Code 2 3 Size Code 4 3 Size Code 2 4 Size Code 4 4 Size Code 3 5 Size Code 4 5 Size Code 3 6 Size Code 4 6 Size Code 4 7 S

Uniden BC246T Scanner User Manual

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