User manual UNIDEN BCT15

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 or 32 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 monaural earphone or a stereo headset of the proper impedance (32 ). 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. 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. Astro® , DPL® , Digital Private Line®, Motorola ® , PL®, PRIVACY PLUS ® , Private Line® , SMARTNET® , and SMARTZONE® are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc. 2 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. Trunk TrackerTM, Trunk TrackingTM, and Close CallTM are proprietary trademarks of Uniden America Corporation. Other trademarks used throughout this manual are the property of their respective holders. Power Related Issues Important: To prevent memory from being corrupted, do not unplug the AC adapter during the time the memory is accessed for programming or auto store. Notes: · If when you connect the AC adapter the [VOL] /Power Switch is ON, the scanner may not power on. Should this occur, simply turn the control OFF, then ON again. · If the scanner loses power (as when you turn off your car's ignition with the scanner's power switch on), it can lose some system settings such as display color and backlight. To ensure that such settings persist, either change the setting using the scanner's menu or power the scanner off then back on using the power switch after making such setting changes. · When you turn off the scanner using the power switch, the scanner remembers the last settings and mode. When you turn power back on, it resumes the previous mode. Precautions 3 Table of Contents Precautions .......................................................................................................................................... 2 Power Related Issues....................................................................................................................... 3 The FCC Wants You to Know ............................................................................................................. 9 Scanning Legally ................................................................................................................................. 9 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Feature Highlights ............................................................................................................................. 13 General........................................................................................................................................... 13 Trunk Tracking................................................................................................................................ 15 Searches and Scanning.................................................................................................................. 16 GPS................................................................................................................................................ 17 Weather .......................................................................................................................................... 17 Memory Storage Limits...................................................................................................................... 18 Search Lockout Limits ....................................................................................................................... 18 About This Manual............................................................................................................................. 18 How the Scanner's Controls Are Represented in This Manua.......................................................l 18 A Short User's Guide to Assist the First-Time Scanner Enthusiast ............................................. 20 Understanding Scanning and the BCT15 ........................................................................................ Understanding the Scanner's Memory.............................................................................................. Understanding Quick Keys................................................................................................................ What is Scanning?............................................................................................................................. What is Searching? ........................................................................................................................... What is CTCSS/DCS?....................................................................................................................... Conventional Scanning...................................................................................................................... Simplex Operation............................................................................................................................. Repeater Operation........................................................................................................................... What is Trunk Tracking?.................................................................................................................... Trunked Scanning ............................................................................................................................. Startup Configuration......................................................................................................................... Multi-Site Trunking............................................................................................................................. Types of Trunking Systems ............................................................................................................... Motorola Trunking........................................................................................................................... EDACS Trunking............................................................................................................................. LTR Trunking.................................................................................................................................. Where To Get More Information........................................................................................................ Information On The Internet............................................................................................................ Setting Up Your Scanner ................................................................................................................... Base Station ...................................................................................................................................... Setting Up an Audio Recording Device or Computer Recording....................................................... Vehicle Installation............................................................................................................................. Mounting Using the Bracket............................................................................................................ Mounting Using the Optional DIN-E Sleeve.................................................................................... Removing the Scanner from the DIN-E Sleeve .............................................................................. Mounting Using ISO Technique...................................................................................................... Removing the Display Sticker......................................................................................................... Connecting an Optional Antenna....................................................................................................... 22 22 22 23 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 27 28 29 30 30 32 32 34 34 34 35 37 37 38 38 Included With Your Scanner ............................................................................................................. 31 4 Controls, Keys, and Functions.......................................................................................................... 40 A Look at The LCD Display ................................................................................................................ 47 Tones ................................................................................................................................................... 49 Operation............................................................................................................................................. Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch.............................................................................. Setting the Display Backlight.............................................................................................................. Setting Alert Mute............................................................................................................................... Temporary Alert Mute...................................................................................................................... Continuous Alert Mute..................................................................................................................... Entering Text Within A Menu Option.................................................................................................. Startup Key Operation........................................................................................................................ Conventional.................................................................................................................................... Trunked ........................................................................................................................................... Service Range................................................................................................................................. Custom Range................................................................................................................................. Introduction to BearTracker Operation ............................................................................................ Using BearTracker Scanning............................................................................................................. The BearTracker Scanning Icons....................................................................................................... Using the BearTracker Warning System............................................................................................ Using the Menu ................................................................................................................................... General Operations............................................................................................................................ Display Format................................................................................................................................... Editing a Name................................................................................................................................... Editing A Frequency........................................................................................................................... First and Second Menu Levels........................................................................................................... Programming General Settings......................................................................................................... Setting and Using the Display Backlight............................................................................................ Setting the Dimmer.......................................................................................................................... Adjusting the Key Beep...................................................................................................................... Setting the Audio AGC....................................................................................................................... Setting the Display Orientation........................................................................................................... Adjusting the Display Contrast........................................................................................................... Setting the GPS Format..................................................................................................................... Setting the BearTracker Options........................................................................................................ Set Hold Time.................................................................................................................................. Set Delay Time................................................................................................................................ Set Attenuator.................................................................................................................................. Set Alert Level ................................................................................................................................. Set Alert Tone.................................................................................................................................. Set Record....................................................................................................................................... Max Priority Scan ............................................................................................................................ BearTracker Shortcut Options......................................................................................................... Setting the Serial Port Speed............................................................................................................. Displaying Scanner Information......................................................................................................... Viewing Memory Used..................................................................................................................... Viewing the Firmware Version and Electronic Serial Number......................................................... Initializing the Scanner's Memory ...................................................................................................... Connecting Your Scanner to a Personal Computer........................................................................... 50 50 50 50 50 50 51 51 51 51 51 52 53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 59 59 59 60 60 60 60 61 61 61 62 62 62 62 63 63 63 64 64 64 64 65 65 5 Volume/Squelch with PC Control .................................................................................................... 65 Wired Cloning..................................................................................................................................... 66 Programming Your Scanner .............................................................................................................. 68 System Settings............................................................................................................................... 68 System Options ............................................................................................................................... 69 Site Option Settings ......................................................................................................................... 70 Channel Option Settings.................................................................................................................. 70 Programming Conventional Systems................................................................................................. 71 Programming Trunked Radio Systems .............................................................................................. 71 Programming System Settings........................................................................................................... 72 Editing the System Name ................................................................................................................ 72 Specifying the Correct System Type ............................................................................................... 72 Editing the System Name ................................................................................................................ 73 Programming System Options ......................................................................................................... 73 Assigning a Conventional System to a State................................................................................... 78 Programming Sites............................................................................................................................. 81 Assigning a Trunked System to A State .......................................................................................... 86 Programming Channel Groups .......................................................................................................... 87 Setting Up a Channel Group ........................................................................................................... 87 Editing a Channel Group Name ....................................................................................................... 87 Editing Channels ............................................................................................................................. 88 Locking Out Channel Groups .......................................................................................................... 88 Deleting Channel Groups ................................................................................................................ 88 Programming Channels ..................................................................................................................... 89 Creating a Channel.......................................................................................................................... 89 Editing the Channel Name (Alpha Tag) ........................................................................................... 89 Editing Frequencies ......................................................................................................................... 90 Editing the Talk Group ID ................................................................................................................ 90 Selecting CTCSS/DCS Tones ......................................................................................................... 91 Quick CTCSS/DCS Save ................................................................................................................ 91 Setting Channel Modulation Method ............................................................................................... 91 Setting Channel Attenuation ............................................................................................................ 92 Setting Channel Priority ................................................................................................................... 92 Setting Channel Alert....................................................................................................................... 93 Set Record......................................................................................................................................... 93 Searching and Storing ....................................................................................................................... 96 Service Search................................................................................................................................... 96 Quick Search...................................................................................................................................... 97 Custom Search .................................................................................................................................. 97 Editing a Custom Search Range........................................................................................................ 98 Search With Scan .............................................................................................................................. 99 Set Delay Time................................................................................................................................. 100 Set Attenuator.................................................................................................................................. 101 Set Record....................................................................................................................................... 101 Assigning a Search Range to a Search Key .................................................................................... 101 Saving a Found Channel (Quick Save)............................................................................................ 101 Auto Search and Store..................................................................................................................... 102 Selecting a System........................................................................................................................ 102 Conventional Search and Store..................................................................................................... 102 6 Trunked Search and Store ............................................................................................................ 103 Using the Close Call Feature........................................................................................................... 104 Setting Close Call Options ............................................................................................................... 104 Close Call Hits.................................................................................................................................. 106 Close Call Hits with Scan................................................................................................................. 107 Search and Close Call Options ....................................................................................................... 108 Managing Locked-Out Frequencies .............................................................................................. 108 Unlocking All Frequencies............................................................................................................. 109 Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies.............................................................................................. 109 Searching for Subaudible Tones ................................................................................................... 109 Screening Out Broadcast Sources ................................................................................................ 110 Finding Repeater Output Frequencies .......................................................................................... 111 Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value......................................................................................... 111 Setting the Modulation Type......................................................................................................... 111 Setting Attenuation ........................................................................................................................ 112 Setting Data Skip........................................................................................................................... 112 Setting the Delay Time.................................................................................................................. 113 Setting the Search Frequency Step............................................................................................... 113 Setting Record............................................................................................................................... 113 Priority Scan..................................................................................................................................... 114 Using Weather Aler t (SAME) ........................................................................................................... 115 Searching For a Weather Broadcast................................................................................................ 115 Turning Weather Scan Alert On/Off................................................................................................. 115 Programming a SAME Group .......................................................................................................... 116 Setting WX Alert Priority................................................................................................................... 117 Fire Tone-Out Introduction .............................................................................................................. 118 Setting Tone-Out Standby................................................................................................................ 118 Setting Up Tone-Out........................................................................................................................ 118 Tone-Out Multi-Channel Monitoring................................................................................................. 120 Setting Tone-Out Record................................................................................................................. 120 Using the BCT15 with a GPS ........................................................................................................... 121 Device Compatibility......................................................................................................................... 121 Connecting Your Scanner to a GPS Device .................................................................................... 121 Initial Scanner/GPS Operation......................................................................................................... 121 Location-Based (GPS) Scanning..................................................................................................... 122 Another Example of Multiple Site Creation ...................................................................................... 123 Non-Radio Location Based GPS Features ...................................................................................... 123 Setting the Options........................................................................................................................... 124 For POI Only.................................................................................................................................. 125 For Dangerous Xing, and Dangerous Road Only ............................................................................ 125 Deleting a Location .......................................................................................................................... 126 GPS Display Mode........................................................................................................................... 127 GPS Review Location Mode............................................................................................................ 128 Care and Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 129 General Use..................................................................................................................................... 129 Location............................................................................................................................................ 129 Cleaning........................................................................................................................................... 129 Birdies .............................................................................................................................................. 129 7 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................... 130 Specifications................................................................................................................................... 133 Reference.......................................................................................................................................... 136 Preset Fleet Maps ............................................................................................................................ 136 User Defined Fleet Maps ................................................................................................................. 138 Type I Programming Information................................................................................................... 138 Size Code Restrictions .................................................................................................................. 139 CTCSS Frequencies ........................................................................................................................ 139 DCS Codes ...................................................................................................................................... 140 Index...................................................................................................................................................141 One-Year Limited Warranty............................................................................................................. 145 8 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. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this scanner 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: · 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 According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging 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 The FCC Wants You to Know 9 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 and/or portable 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. A license is required to use this product in Canada. 10 BCT15 Quick Start Guide To help you enjoy the features and performance of your BCT15 as fast as possible, follow the steps below. See the content of the manual if you need additional information. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Mount the scanner and connect power. Attach the antenna. Rotate the [VOL] control clockwise past the click to a midpoint. Rotate [SQ/STATE] to its minimum position. Press the [SQ/STATE] knob. Rotate the Scroll Control knob until your state is highlighted. Press the Scroll Control knob to set your selection. You are now set to receive transmissions from your state. Other states are locked out. Using the chart below, press [POL/DOT], or [HP/B] to receive the type of agencies. POL includes Police and Sheriff services. DOT includes the states' Department of Transportation services. HP includes the Highway Patrol, State Police, State Patrol, and State intercity. B activates the BearTracker Warning System and its associated alert feature. BearTracker System Key Options Press X to enable 1X 2X 3X 4X [POL /DOT] POL DOT POL & DOT NONE [HP/B ] HP HP/B HP & B NONE The BearTracker Warning System is a special part of the BearTracker System. This system alerts you to transmissions on frequencies used by `mobile extender' radios as well as by car-to-car, aircraft-to-car, and other special-purpose frequencies. You receive an audible (beep tone) and visual (flashing Alert light) alert whenever you are within an approximate three-mile radius of Highway Patrol/State Police units using a mobile extender unit. BCT15 Quick Start Guide 11 Introduction Your BCT15 scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio with Trunk TrackerTM III and automatic scanning capabilities. You can store in the dynamic memory conventional frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, air, amateur, and other communications. You can store and scan services that use Trunked Radio Systems and so much more. You can 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: · Analog trunked public safety systems (unencrypted only) * · Police and fire departments (including rescue and paramedics) · NOAA weather transmissions · Business/Industrial radio and utilities · Marine and Amateur (ham radio) bands · Railroad · Military and Civilian Aircraft Your scanner can monitor the following bands Frequency (MHz) Lower Edge 25.0000 26.9650 27.4100 28.0000 29.7000 50.0000 54.0000 72.0000 76.0000 88.0000 108.0000 137.0000 144.0000 148.0000 150.8000 162.0000 174.0000 216.0000 225.0000 380.0000 Frequency (MHz) Upper Edge 26.9600 27.4050 27.9950 29.6800 49.9900 53.9800 71.9500 75.9950 87.9500 107.9000 136.9750 143.9875 147.9950 150.7875 161.9950 173.9875 215.9500 224.9800 379.9750 399.9875 Modulation AM AM AM NFM NFM NFM WFM FM WFM FMB AM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM WFM NFM AM NFM Step (kHz) 5.0 5.0 5.0 20.0 10.0 20.0 50.0 5.0 50.0 100.0 25.0 12.5 5.0 12.5 5.0 12.5 50.0 20.0 25.0 12.5 Comments Petroleum Products & Broadcast Pickup CB Class D Channel Business & Forest Products 10 Meter Amateur Band VHF Low Band 6 Meter Amateur Band VHF TV Broadcast 2 - 4 Intersystem & Astronomy VHF TV Broadcast 5 - 6 FM Broadcast Aircraft Band Military Land Mobile 2 Meter Amateur Band Military Land Mobile VHF High Band Federal Government TV Broadcast 7 - 13 1.25 Meter Amateur Band UHF Aircraft Band Military Band 12 Frequency (MHz) Lower Edge 400.0000 406.0000 420.0000 450.0000 470.0000 764.0000 794.0000 806.0000 849.0125 894.0125 1240.0000 Frequency (MHz) Upper Edge 405.9875 419.9875 449.9875 469.9875 512.0000 775.9875 805.9875 823.9875 868.9875 956.0000 1300.0000 Modulation NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM Step (kHz) 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 25.0 Comments Miscellaneous Federal Government Land Mobile 70 cm Amateur Band UHF Standard Band UHF TV Public Service Band Public Service Band Public Service Band Public Service Band Public Service Band 25 cm Amateur Band The frequency ranges shown are based on factory-default step settings. Step setting changes are user definable. · The modulation setting are default settings. The user can select from AM / FM / NFM / WFM / FMB/ AUTO. · You can select AUTO for modulation or step settings. If selected, the radio uses table values. · If you set the step to 15 kHz, programmable frequencies are then set to steps of xxx.x000, xxx.x150, xxx.x300, xxx.x450, xxx.x600, xxx.x750, and xxx.x900. For example, the next frequency of 400.0900 MHz is 400.1000 MHz. · If you set the step to 8.33 kHz, programmable frequencies are then set to steps of xxx.x000, xxx.x083, xxx.x166, xxx.x250,xxx.x333, xxx.x416, xxx.x500, xxx.x583, xxx.x666, xxx.x750, xxx.x833, and xxx.x916.For example, the next frequency of 100.0916 MHz is 100.1000 MHz. · If you set the step to 7.5 kHz, frequencies between 150.8150 and 154.6250 MHz must be multiples of 7.5 kHz based on 150.8150 MHz. For example, the next frequency after 150.8100 MHz is 150.8150 MHz. The next frequency after 154.6250 MHz is 154.6275 MHz. Feature Highlights General 2500 Dynamically Allocated Channels in Up To 500 Systems -- provides you with plenty of room for all your local action. BearTrackerTM Warning System -- alerts you when channels normally used by public safety systems are in use nearby. Introduction 13 State-by-State Preprogrammed Channels -- let you easily keep up with activity on local police, Department of Transportation, and Highway Patrol frequencies when you travel, without having to program any channels. Close CallTM RF Capture Technology -- instantly detects and tunes to nearby transmissions with no additional programming. Close Call Do Not Disturb -- checks for Close Call activity in between channel reception so active channels are not interrupted Close Call Temporary Store -- temporarily stores and scans the last 10 Close Call hits so that you can continue to monitor activity on these frequencies, even after you are out of Close Call detection range. 100 System Quick Keys with 10 Channel Group Quick Keys per system -- makes it easy to listen to or quickly lock out those systems or groups you do not want to scan. Lockout Options -- with several different and easy lockout options, you can quickly make your choices to lockout or unlock services. Temporary Lockout -- provides you with a fast means to automatically unlock temporarily locked out channels/systems when you cycle power. Receives 25-512, 764-805, 806-956, and 1240-1300 MHz -- (excluding cellular frequencies) the scanner receives the most popular and useful ranges. DIN-E and ISO Vehicle Mountable -- using a optional DIN-E sleeve (Part Number DIN-0001 not provided) or a standard ISO technique, the scanner can be easily mounted in most vehicles. Broadcast Screen -- using this option you can ignore Close Call or Search hits in Pager, FM, UHF TV, VHF TV, NOAA Weather, or custom set bands. Data Skip -- helps you to be more free from unwanted data transmissions and reduces `birdies.' Duplicate Input Alert -- warns you if you attempt to input duplicate data for a name, frequency, or other item. Fire Tone-Out -- alerts you if a two-tone sequential page is transmitted. Frequency Auto Store -- lets you automatically store a newly found frequency during a search. 3-Level Display and Keypad Backlight -- makes it easy to use the scanner at night. 14 Tone Volume Adjust -- lets you select and set various tones for different purposes. You can adjust the level of the following tones: Key Beep, BearTracker Alert, Emergency Alert, Channel Alert, Close Call Alert, Tone-Out Detection Alert, and Location Alert. PC Control -- lets you can connect the scanner to the serial port of your PC and control the scanner with special software. Wired Clone -- makes it easy to transfer data from one scanner to the other such as memory information and menu settings. Memory Backup -- feel confident of secure settings because the scanner's memory is backed up during operation and retained when power is turned off. Audio AGC -- helps to balance the audio level from different sources. Record Out -- you can connect an output jack to a VOX controlled recorder or PC sound input to record the received audio. Orange Wire Vehicle Connection -- a special wire lets you connect to the dimmer circuit of your vehicle so the vehicle's dimmer also dims the scanner's lighting. Startup Configuration -- lets you easily change the scanner's operation for different areas. Trunk Tracking Trunk Tracker III -- you can scan the following trunked systems: Motorola Type I 800 MHz, Motorola Type II 800, 900 MHz, UHF, VHF, EDACS WIDE, NARROW, and SCAT, and LTR Control Channel Only -- eliminates the need to program voice channel frequencies for Motorola systems. Multi-Site Trunking Support -- lets you program the scanner to share trunked system channels across multiple sites, and turn on and off each site independently so that you can select the best site to scan for your area without duplicating channels. ID Auto Store -- you can store a new TGID found during a search into a specified system. Quick Search -- lets you continue a search starting from a current frequency in a conventional system or from a current trunked channel TGID in a trunked system. Introduction 15 Name Editing -- you can edit or change names, using up to 16 characters, for the following attributes: System, Site, Group, Channel, TGID, GPS Location, Custom Search Range, SAME Group (weather), and Tone-Out. Trunking Activity Indicators -- show you trunking activity when you hold on a control channel. Searches and Scanning Attenuator -- lets you reduce by 20 dB the strength of a strong signal to help eliminate weak reception or interfering transmission. Alert Mute -- you can disable alerts based on a BearTracker priority channel, Emergency Alert, Close Call, Tone-Out, and GPS. Alert Plus Scan -- lets you listen to only alerts from BearTracker systems or groups, Close Call, Weather (WX), and GPS. Channel Alert -- lets you assign a tone to a channel so that when the channel becomes active, the tone sounds. Channel Memory Scan -- you can scan conventional and trunked system channels at the same time with programming. CTCSS/DCS Search -- quickly determines the CTCSS/DCS sub-audible tones used by an agency. Convenient Lockout -- lets you lockout any system, site, group, or channel so that item is skipped during scanning. If a system, site, or group is locked, the channels of that entity will be skipped. Custom Search -- lets you program up to 10 search ranges and scan each in order. Dropout Delay -- lets you set a time value so that you don't miss a reply at the end of a transmission. The value can be set for systems (all channels share the same value), as well as Search, Close Call, and Tone-Out settings. Priority Plus -- this option lets you scan and hear only priority channels. Priority Scan -- lets you designate conventional channels as priority so during scanning, they are checked every 2 seconds. Repeater Reverse -- using one key, you can choose to listen to the input frequency of a conventional or trunked system. 16 Search With Scan -- lets you monitor a service search and a custom search scan sequentially. Service Search -- lets you select from a list of the most popular services (Public Safety, News, HAM Radio, Marine, Railroad, Air, Citizens Band Radio, FRS/GMRS, Racing, TV Broadcast, FM Broadcast, Military Air, and Special,) and set up your search within that range. Scan Speed -- you can scan at a maximum speed of 100 channels per second in Scan Mode. Turbo Search -- in regular Search Mode the scanner checks at a maximum value of 100 steps per second while in Turbo Mode, the rate rises to 300 steps per second and sets the step to 5 kHz automatically which provides you with greater ability to hear more. Search Key -- you can assign three keys to initiate a search range. GPS Location Based Scanning -- using a connected, optional GPS, you can easily listen to systems as you travel. GPS (Location Based) Alerts -- notify you when you near an area you have programmed as a dangerous road, dangerous intersection, or a general point of interest. Weather Weather and SAME/FIPS Alert -- the scanner receives your area NOAA broadcast and can be programmed to receive SAME Event Codes and FIPS codes for area specific data. WX Priority -- you will know immediately when a weather alert is transmitted on a NOAA weather channel. WX Scan -- lets to quickly find the best weather channel for your geographic location. Introduction 17 Memory Storage Limits Systems 500 Sites 1000 Sites in A System 256 20 Channels in a Trunked System 250 Channel Groups in a System Channels -- All Systems 2500 Trunked Frequencies Per Site* 750-1000 Channels in a Conventional System 1000 * depending on the number of TGID in the system. Search Lockout Limits Fr equencies 500 Temporary L/O Fr equencies 250 Permanent L/O Frequencies 250 Skipped Search Mode Close Call Mode Review Menu Mode 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 IDs 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. To get the most from this manual, review the contents to become familiar with the basic functions available. If you are new to scanning or trunk tracking, start with the following short introduction to scanning and follow-up with the enclosed reprinted article on Programming provided with the courtesy of Popular Communications magazine. 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. We use a form of shorthand symbols to save space. The following example shows you how to use the scanner's menu to edit an existing system name. It shows you the key to press in bold and in brackets [MENU] to select a menu option and the option you see on the LCD in bold Courier 18 type (Program System ) when you press [MENU]. It also instructs you to turn the Scroll Control (shown as ) to view a series of choices then press or tap the Scroll Control (the action shown as F to enter a choice (Edit Name). [MENU] Program System F Select the system F Edit Name F Then, edit the system name. Introduction 19 A Short User's Guide to Assist the First-Time Scanner Enthusiast Welcome to the family of Uniden scanner users. You have just unpacked your Uniden BCT15 scanner. You are anxious to scan and hear something so you rotate the [VOL/POWER] control and wait a moment as the opening Message and Copyright screens confirm the model information. Then, if you live in a residential area, you probably hear nothing or very little. Why? The reason is simple. The programmable BCT15 does not instinctively know where you are and what you wish to listen to. Take a few minutes to assist in the `educating your scanner' process so you can enjoy listening for the first time and feel good about your purchase. Before proceeding, first set the volume and the squelch levels. Once set correctly, these settings let you listen at a comfortable level and let the scanner provide a signal whose strength is sufficient to be heard clearly. Always be sure to connect the provided antenna or an external (optional) antenna. There are several options that quickly assure you that your scanner works. The easiest is to activate the scanner's Weather System (following) or BearTracker System on Page 52. Follow these steps to tune to the nearest NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) broadcast. [MENU] WX Operation F The scanner changes to the local NOAA weather channel for your area. Although there are ten channels, one will be received best for any given location. Press [SCAN/SEARCH] to exit WX mode. Once you establish that the scanner operates using the NOAA information, you can next begin monitoring one of the services within the BearTracker System. The Uniden BearTracker System makes it easy for you to start scanning other services, especially for the traveler. We have preprogrammed the BCT15 with the system data on a state-by-state United States mainland basis. Refer to the enclosed reprint of the article from Popular Communications dealing with scanner programming. To correctly program the BCT15 scanner begin on Page 68. The two essential programming steps are 1. Plan the system 20 2. Program the system based on the plan. The reprinted article from Popular Communications, describes, in clear, easy-to-understand language, how to start the programming session. The article also includes a glossary of terms and other valuable data. Be sure to take time out to look it over before proceeding. To provide you with useful sized worksheets and instructions to complete them, we have established links at our company website. Visit, http://www.uniden.com/scanners to see a list of helpful forms. But first, visit http://www.radioreference.com and locate the system nearest your location that you want to scan. If you register and pay a small fee, you can download a ready-to-use formatted PDF complete with the data from your selected system. Otherwise, you can print the blank worksheet on our web page as you would any other web based page. The programming data of a large metropolitan area may consist of many pages depending on how extensive the area's Public Service System Talkgroups are. Don't be overwhelmed. Begin by choosing the Talkgroups of interest to you. Transfer the data from the Radio Reference sheets to the appropriate work sheet, finally programming the data into the scanner. You can visit one of the Radio Reference forums and potentially learn of someone in your immediate area who has programmed the same model scanner in your area. Then, by using the Clone feature or by exchanging files that you each have transferred to a computer using the Uniden Advanced Scanner Director (UASD) software you can install the programmed data into your scanner. Once you have either programmed or selected the option that lets you start experiencing scanning, spend the next few minutes learning the basics of trunk tracking for an even more complete listening appreciation. A Short User's Guide to Assist the First-Time Scanner Enthusiast 21 Understanding Scanning and the BCT15 This section provides you with additional background on how scanning works and how your scanner provides that feature. You don't really need to know all of this to use your scanner, but some further background knowledge will help you get the most from your BCT15. 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, and talk group ID's as desired. 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 channels in the bank are not used and therefore wasted. Also, 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. Understanding Quick Keys Traditional "Banked" scanners let you select and deselect banks by pressing a single digit on the keypad. The BCT15 uses a similar method to turn on and off scanning sites and systems. When you program a system or site, you assign a quick key (System/Site Quick Key, or SQK) from 0 to 99. You can use the same quick key for multiple systems, so that the systems are turned on and off together. To turn a system/site on or off, just press the digit corresponding to the assigned SQK. For two-digit SQK's, first press [.No], then enter the two-digit SQK. The BCT15 lets you assign another quick key to a group of channels within a system. This group quick key (GQK) can be from [0]-[9]. To turn on and off channel groups, you press F while the scanner is scanning the system containing 22 the channels, then press the GQK within 2 seconds. Systems can have up to 20 channel groups, and multiple channel groups can be assigned to the same GQK. What is Scanning? Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit continuously. Your BCT15 scans programmed channels until it finds an active frequency, then stops on that frequency and remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes until the scanner receives another transmission. What is Searching? The BCT15 can search each of its 13 service search ranges and up to 10 custom search ranges to find active frequencies. This is different from scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmed into the scanner's channels. You set the upper and the lower values of the range and then the scanner searches for any active frequency within the 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 Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) system, which allow squelch to open only when the tone you have programmed with a specific frequency is received along with a transmission. CTCSS and DCS are sub-audible tone signaling systems sometimes referred to as PL or DPL (Motorola's trademarked terms for Private Line and Digital Private Line respectively). CTCSS and DCS are used only for FM signals and are usually associated with both amateur and commercial two-way frequencies. These systems make use of a special sub-audible 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 might hear multiple communications on the same frequency. The stations might Understanding Scanning and the BCT15 23 even interfere with each other to the point where it is impossible to clearly receive any of the stations. A scanner, such as your BCT15, equipped with CTCSS and DCS, can code each received frequency with a specific sub-audible CTCSS or DCS frequency or code. 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. The tables showing the available CTCSS frequencies and DCS codes are found in the Reference Section on Page 134 of this manual. 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 of them 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 operate using a conventional system: · Aircraft · Amateur radio · FRS/GMRS users · Broadcast AM/FM/TV stations · 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 if there 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 inexpensive consumer radios such as GMRS/FRS radios. The range is typically 1-15 miles, depending upon the terrain and many other factors. 24 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 sight. Typical repeater systems provide coverage out to about a 25-mile radius from the repeater location. What is Trunk Tracking? Your BCT15 is designed to track the following types of trunking systems. · Motorola Type I, Type II, Type IIi hybrid, SMARTNET, and PRIVACYPLUS analog trunking systems, which are extensively used in 800 MHz communication systems. · LTR trunking systems · EDACS SCAT trunking systems · EDACS trunking systems When tracking these types of systems, you might want to remember that your scanner can track more than one trunking system at a time and scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time. 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 frequencies to meet their needs, creating a serious problem. Trunking radio systems help solve this problem. Understanding Scanning and the BCT15 25 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 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 TrunkTracker scanner. Startup Configuration The Startup Configuration option lets you quickly and automatically lock and unlock systems based on your desired configuration. Simply hold down a number button while powering on the scanner. Systems assigned to that number are automatically unlocked and systems assigned to other numbers are automatically locked. Systems that are not assigned to any startup configuration are left unchanged. You could use this feature to give you quick, single-press Quick Key access to your favorite systems even when you travel to other locations. For example, if you program your scanner as follows: System/Site Quick Key 1 2 3 Configuration 1 Fort Worth Tarrant County Arlington Configuration 2 Phoenix Mesa Mariposa County When you are in the Fort Worth area, press [1] while turning on the scanner. System Quick Keys [1], [2], and [3] then allow you to select between the local systems. When you travel to the Phoenix area, hold [2] while turning on the 26 scanner. Now, the Fort Worth systems are locked out and System Quick Keys [1], [2], and [3] allow selection between the Phoenix-area systems. Multi-Site Trunking Some systems covering a very large geographic area use multiple antenna sites that each operate on different frequencies, but that use the same Talk Group ID's for traffic. When programming such a system, you program each site's frequencies and other settings into the system, then program the channels into channel groups within that system. Each site can have its own quick key, so you can turn each individual site on or off while you scan. Since all sites share all the channels within the system, multi-site trunking is much more efficient than programming each site as a separate system. Not only does your BCT15 scan channels like a conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know and program a talk group's ID (TGID), 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 can review the programming worksheets and their associated pages in the Reference Section of this manual. 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 All Motorola trunking systems use the same basic trunking method. The system consists of one control channel (or as many as 4 per system but only one is active at any one time), plus one or more voice channels (typically 10, 20, or 28 total channels). When a user presses Push To Talk (PTT) to transmit, their radio first sends the person's 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 the assigned voice channel and the user 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. Understanding Scanning and the BCT15 27 The systems in use are: Motorola Type I -- 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 I system, you need to know the system's fleet map. The most common fleet maps are included in the Reference section in this manual. You can also find fleet map resources on the web at http://www.radioreference.com for example. 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 I system with each transmission. Type II systems do not use Fleet-subfleet talk groups; instead they use a 5-digit ID for each talk group. Type IIi Hybrid -- these systems support a mix of both Type I and Type II users. Like Type I systems, you must know the system's fleet map to ensure proper tracking. Motorola ASTRO 25 (APCO 25) -- these radios are similar to Type II systems, but send only the radio ID and radio channel code to the control channel, transmitting voice in digital form. The BCT15 is not designed to process APCO 25 signals. 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 data needs to be transmitted by the control channel. Talk groups are assigned in an Agency-Fleet-Subfleet (AFS) hierarchy. There is one variation of EDACS called SCAT (Single Channel Autonomous Trunking) that your BCT15 can monitor. Logical Channel Numbers -- each frequency used by the system is assigned an LCN. This information is programmed 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 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 systems are assigned in a way that makes it easy to see at a glance the affiliation of the user. Each radio is assigned a 2-digit agency identifier from 00 - 15. For example, 01 might be used 28 by the police, 02 by the 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 Department 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 channel. While these assignments 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 BCT15 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 -- (Single Channel Autonomous Trunking) systems operate on a single channel and alternate control data with analog voice traffic. While your BCT15 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 information as digital sub audible data that accompanies each transmission, so there is no separate control channel. 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 transmission. 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. Understanding Scanning and the BCT15 29 Where To Get More Information By itself, this manual only provides part of what you need to know to have fun scanning -- how to program and use the scanner. Other sources provide additional information. Information On The Internet The Internet is the best source for current frequencies and information about scanning. Many web sites are dedicated to providing lists of frequencies for your area. Many have built-in database search engines to assist you. 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. 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.bearcat1.com -- frequency information from National Communications. · http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/reports/index.cfm * -- conventional frequency information on file with the US Government · http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BCT15 * -- a group for people interested in discussing the BCT15. * - These web sites are not affiliated with Uniden Corporation. For more information about Uniden and our products, visit http://www.uniden.com. 30 Included With Your Scanner AC Adapter (P/N AD-1009) BCT15 Scanner Cigarette Lighter Adapter Power Cord Three Wire DC (with Orange Wire -- See Step 6, "Mounting Using the Optional DIN-E Sleeve)" Power Cord Mounting Bracket and Hardware Push-on type Telescopic Antenna Remote PC to Scanner Cable (scanner plug to female DB9) Owner's Manual Other printed material 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 Time, Monday through Friday. Included With Your Scanner 31 Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: The BCT15 can be placed on a convenient surface in your home as a base station, and connected to a standard outlet that supplies 120VAC, 60Hz. You must use either the supplied antenna or an electrically correct outdoor antenna, properly and safely mounted at your chosen site. The scanner is also designed to accommodate either DIN-E and ISO-DIN automotive mounting configurations. A DIN-E sleeve and keys, (Part Number DIN-0001) are optional and available from Uniden. The unit can also be placed above or beneath the dash of your vehicle using the supplied bracket and mounting hardware. · 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). If the optional antenna has no cable, use 50-75 coaxial cable for lead-in. A mating plug might be necessary for the optional antennas. · Use an optional mono earphone or mono headset with proper impedance (32 ) 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. Base Station This is the simplest approach to let you get started quickly. Decide on a location that is convenient to a nearby wall outlet, has desk space to let you complete your programming worksheets, will safely allow the indoor antenna to be extended, or near a window to use an outdoor antenna. 32 BCT15 Mounting Wood Screws Desk Stick-on Mounting Feet To secure the radio, by means of the mounting bracket, to a surface, follow the steps below: 1. Attach the four protective rubber feet to the mounting bracket when you use the scanner on a flat surface. Do not use them when you mount the bracket using screws. Use the bracket as a template to mark positions for the two mounting screws. At the marked positions, drill holes slightly smaller than the screws. Align the bracket with the threaded holes on the sides of the radio case so the bracket is beneath the radio. Secure the bracket using the two threaded knobs. Never overtighten the knobs. 2. 3. 4. Once the radio is positioned, connect it to a source of AC power using the supplied 13.8V, 750 mA AC adapter. Insert the barrel of the AC adapter to the jack on the rear, upper right side of the radio marked . WARNING! Use only the Uniden-supplied AC adapter with this scanner. Insert the connector of the supplied indoor telescoping antenna to the BNC Antenna Connector and apply moderate pressure to secure it. Setting Up Your Scanner 33 Setting Up an Audio Recording Device or Computer Recording It is best if you plan ahead when you initiate the basic setup of the scanner if you include the components to record incoming reception. You need an audio recording device which can be controlled by a Voice Operated module (VOX) either externally or from within the unit and the correct connecting cable. The REC (record) jack on the rear apron provides a constant-level audio output which is not affected by the setting of the volume control. Use a mono or stereo cable that ends in a 3.5mm plug for the scanner. The recorder might have its own requirements as to the proper plug. Check the recorder's instructions to be sure. Connect the cable to an external or internal VOX control so that the recorder operates when audio is present. You can also connect the cable to the appropriate input jack on your PC so that with controlling software, you can record to your hard disc. In order for the function to operate, you must set the channel to record. You must also set the system's record option to either All Channel, which will record all channels regardless of any channel's setting, or Marked Channel which only lets recording occur if you have selected record for that channel. Which you choose will depend on various factors. Vehicle Installation You can mount your scanner in your vehicle, using either the supplied bracket or the optional DIN-E sleeve. Mounting Using the Bracket With the bracket removed from the radio, use the holes in the bracket as a template to initially mark the location you plan to use in your vehicle. Be absolutely certain of what might be behind the mounting surface before making any holes, be it above, or below, or in front of your dash, armrest console, or other location. If you drill carelessly, expensive damage can result. If in doubt, consult your vehicle dealer's service department or a qualified professional installer. Important: AVOID AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ZONES. Ignoring this installation concern may result in bodily harm and the inability of the airbag to perform properly. 34 Star Washers BCT15 1. 2. 3. 4. Using appropriate screws or other hardware, secure the bracket. Insert the scanner and insert the bracket knobs to lock the scanner in position. Attach the Cigarette Lighter Power Cord to the rear of the scanner and plug the adapter end into a dash mounted 12V DC socket. Attach a suitable mounted mobile antenna to the antenna jack on the back of the scanner. Mounting Using the Optional DIN-E Sleeve If you are unsure about how to install your scanner in your vehicle using the optional DIN-E sleeve, consult your automobile manufacturer, dealer, or a qualified installer. Before installing, confirm that your scanner fits in the desired mounting area and you have all the necessary materials to complete the task. Your scanner requires a 2 x 7-1/8 x 5-5/16 inch (50 x 180 x 135 mm) mounting area. Allow an additional 2-3/8 inch (60mm) space behind the unit for connectors and wires. To purchase the DIN-E sleeve and included Removal Keys, visit http://www.uniden.com/store/ and order part number, DIN-0001. Setting Up Your Scanner 35 Opening in dash DIN E sleeve BCT15 with outer case removed 1. Remove the bracket if it is attached. 2. Remove the four Philips screws from four small tabs of the case, on the rear, that secure the outer metal case and pull off the case (toward the rear) with care. 3. Install the DIN sleeve into the opening in your dashboard, lip facing out. 4. Push out the top and bottom tabs to hold the sleeve firmly in place. 5. Before inserting the scanner in the sleeve, attach the cable from the previously mounted antenna. Attach the DC Power leads. RED goes to a positive (+) connection on your fuse block while BLACK connects to the vehicle's chassis ground (-). 6. Connect the ORANGE lead to one side of the headlamp switch so that when you activate the headlights, the scanner's LCD display changes intensity. Be sure all the connections are routed away from any potentially pinching or slicing sheet metal. 7. Slowly slide the scanner into the sleeve until it locks in place. 8. To remove the unit, fully insert the removal keys into each slot on the left and right edges of the front panel. Carefully slide the radio from the sleeve. Note: if you plan to connect a GPS unit or external speaker at a later time, expect to remove the unit for ease of making those connections. 36 Removing the Scanner from the DIN-E Sleeve If you plan to connect other devices or wires to the radio, such as a GPS unit, at a later time, you should plan to remove the scanner from the DIN-E sleeve. This is easily done using the provided Removal Keys that come with the optional DIN-E sleeve. See "To purchase the DIN-E sleeve and included Removal Keys, visit http://www.uniden.com/store/ and order part number, DIN-0001." on page 35. Refer to the left illustration that follows, showing the Removal Keys. Fully insert both Removal Keys into the slots on the left and the right edges of the radio's dress panel. You cannot remove the radio with only one key. Press in fully, and do not twist the keys. The radio will unlock from the sleeve making withdrawal from the sleeve possible. Store the keys in a safe place for future use. Removal Keys Mounting Using ISO Technique Some vehicles can take advantage of another approach to mounting a radio in a vehicle, called the ISO technique. However, this technique requires a very detailed and thorough knowledge of the technique. Therefore, we strongly suggest that if you have any doubt about your experience and abilities, please consult with a professional installer who is familiar with the ISO approach to radio installation. To begin the process, it is first necessary to remove the scanner's outer metal sleeve from the inner chassis. Unthread the four screws in the rear of the unit. Slide the cover toward the rear and off. Once the sleeve is removed, you will see threaded, metric machine screw holes on either side of the chassis cabinet. Uniden does not supply these screws. Their diameter, length, and screw type Setting Up Your Scanner 37 should be chosen by a qualified installer based on the internal vehicle bracket which will be used in securing the scanner chassis. Once the original radio is removed from the vehicle dash and the fit of the scanner is correct, be sure to connect all the power, audio, antenna, and any other cables or wires, to the scanner before the scanner is secured. The following illustration is a typical example of the ISO technique and the general side mounting screw holes often encountered. It does not actually represent the Uniden scanner nor your vehicle's mounting bracket. Only a professional installer will be able to determine the best and correct approach. Internal brackets Dash Removing the Display Sticker Before you use the scanner for the first time, remove the protective plastic film over the display. 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- or 75-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8, BNC terminated coaxial cable to connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna is over 50 feet from the scanner, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. Cable loss increases with higher frequency. Connecting an Earphone/Headphone For private listening, you can plug a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug earphone or headphones (not supplied) into the headphone jack on the front of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker. See "Earphone Warning" at 38 the front of the manual for important information about using an earphone/headphone. WARNING! Never connect anything other than the recommended amplified extension speaker to the scanner's headphone jack. Damage to the scanner might occur. Connecting an Extension Speaker In a noisy area, an optional amplified extension speaker, positioned in the right place, might provide more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's 1/8-inch (3.5-mm) mini-plug into your scanner's back-panel Ext. Sp. Jack. WARNING! Never connect any part of the headphone jack to the antenna jack or connect the radio to an installation where the antenna and audio connection are grounded. This might also damage the scanner. Setting Up Your Scanner 39 Controls, Keys, and Functions 2 6 54 3 11 1 13 7 9 8 10 12 14 15 16 17 Each of the knobs and keys on the BCT15 produce several different results depending upon how you activate them. You can, for example, rotate the knobs as well as press them. Some keys provide one operation when briefly pressed while pressing and holding a key or knob gives a different result. 40 Finally, many controls and keys behave differently depending on the mode your radio is in when you use the key or control. Carefully examine the following table to separate those actions. Note: "Press" means press and release briefly. "Press and hold" means press and hold down for at least 2-seconds. "F + Press" means Tap or Press the Scroll Control to put the scanner into Function mode then press the key under discussion. Controls, Keys, and Functions 1. Power VOL, Mute · Turn to turn the scanner on or off. · Turn to adjust the volume [VOL]. · Press briefly to enable Alert Mute temporarily. Press briefly again to turn it off. · Press and hold to enable Alert Mode continuously. Press briefly again to turn it off. 2. Squelch [SQ] control, [STATE] Key · Turn to adjust squelch. · Press to switch to the State list. Use the Scroll Control to dial to the desired state. Press F to enter your selection. 3. Scroll Control, Function Key, Enter Key (see separate Function Plus listing) · Turn to select Channel, Frequency, or TGID in HOLD mode. · Turn to dial to a menu item in MENU mode. · Turn to select an alpha-numeric character while editing a name in MENU mode. · Turn to resume scanning or searching while monitoring. · Press/Tap to enter FUNCTION mode. Note this approach results in a 4 second timeout. The scanner then returns to NORMAL mode. · Press and Hold to latch FUNCTION mode. Press again to release. · Press to select F a menu item. · Press plus turn [VOL] to set backlight. · Press plus turn Scroll Control to move rapidly to a system or custom search range. Controls, Keys, and Functions 41 · Turn to use Alphabet Skip in GPS mode. · Press to cancel FUNCTION mode and return to NORMAL mode. 4. Function Plus Several specific actions can be accomplished by pressing F then pressing another key or pressing F then pressing and holding another key. F + [MENU] · Use this combination, in Scan or Scan Hold mode, to switch to the edit menu for the current system, current search range, or current location data. · Use this combination to switch to the BearTracker menu, if in the BearTracker System. · Use this combination in any other mode to go to the menu for that mode. F + [L/O] · Use this combination, to temporarily lockout a current system, current site, or current search range in Scan or Scan Hold mode. The temporary lockout is cleared when you turn power off then on. · Use this combination then press [L/O] twice rapidly to permanently lockout a system or search range. The permanent lockout remains in effect until you purposely unlock that system or search range. · Use this combination to switch to Review Search Lockout from Search, Search Hold, Close Call Only, and Close Call Hold modes. · Use this combination except press and hold [L/O] to unlock all systems, sites, search ranges and Close Call Hits systems and enable all the System Quick Keys for Scan and Scan Hold modes. The same operation unlocks all Locations of all types in the Review Location mode for GPS related settings. F + [1] to [9] and [0] Keys · Use this combination, in Scan mode, to turn on or off any assigned Group Quick Key (GQK). · Use this combination in Scan Hold mode and press [1] to toggle Priority mode -- Off, On, Plus On. · Use this combination, while in WX Scan or WX Scan Hold, press [2] to toggle between WX Scan and WX Alert Scan. · Use this combination, while in any other mode but Scan and GPS. Press [2] to toggle WX Alert priority on or off. Press and hold [2] to switch to WX Scan mode. 42 · Use this combination in any mode except Scan and GPS. Press [3] to toggle Close Call mode. Press and hold [3] to switch to Close Call Only mode. · Use this combination in any mode except Scan and GPS. Press [4], [5], or [6] to begin searching the range set when you set up and assigned one of these keys to a selected search range. · Use this combination in any mode except Scan and GPS. Press [7] to toggle the attenuator setting. · Use this combination in Scan Hold, Search, Search Hold, Close Call Only, and Close Call Hold modes. Press [8] to monitor the frequency to the site repeater. The scanner changes back to the frequency from the repeater when you release [8]. · Use this combination in any mode except Scan and GPS. Press [9] to set Alert Plus Scan on. · Use this combination in Scan Hold mode. Press [0] to toggle Name Disp mode on or off. F + [.No] Key · Use this combination in Scan and Scan Hold mode to toggle the Active Channel Display mode on and off. F + [SCAN/SEARCH] Key · Use this combination in Search Hold mode or monitoring in Search mode. Use to resume searching. · In all other modes except Search, Search Hold, and GPS, press [SCAN/SEARCH] to display Quick Search Prompt. · Use this combination while scanning a trunked system to toggle ID Scan and ID Search. Note: This does not work while scanning Bear Tracker system. 5. POL/DOT Key · Press to change the group lockout status of Police, Department of Transportation. Unlocked means enabled for scanning. See the table on Page 53 for the result of multiple key presses. 6. HP/B ® BT (BearTrackerTM) Key · Press to change the group lockout status of HP (Highway Patrol), and B BearTrackerTM. Unlocked means enabled for scanning. See the table on Page 53 for the result of multiple key presses. Controls, Keys, and Functions 43 7. GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) Key · Press to switch to GPS mode. · Press and hold to store current location data with a connected and enabled GPS. 8. L/O Key · Press once to temporarily lockout a system channel, a search frequency, or location data. The temporary lockout is cancelled when you turn off power. · Press twice rapidly to permanently lockout a system channel, a search frequency, or location data. The permanent lockout remains in effect until you purposely unlock that channel, frequency, etc. Note: this does not apply to a TGID found during an ID Search using the BearTracker system. · Press and hold while in Scan or Scan Hold mode to unlock all locked values in the current system. · Press and hold to unlock location data in Review Location (GPS) mode. · Press and hold to unlock all the frequencies of all Search Ranges in Search mode and Close Call mode. 9. [1] to [9] and [0] Key · In Scan mode, press the numeric keys to access a set Quick Key for a system or search range. · In Custom Search mode, press numeric keys to enable or disable a specific search range number, applicable only to the search range. · In All Hold, Close Call, and Tone-Out modes, press the numeric keys to switch to Direct Entry mode. · When editing a name, press [4] to move the cursor one character to the left. Press [6] to move the cursor one character to the right. 10. [.No] Key · Press to cancel an Error or Warning message. · Press to input the decimal point for a frequency. · Press to enter a hyphen when inputting a Talk Group ID. · Press to enter an `i' as the first character of an I-Call (Individual Call) in Hold, Close Call Only, and Tone-Out modes. · Press to enter numeric values for the tens place for a Quick Key. 44 11. [EYES] Key · Press to select (enter) data value or a menu selection. · Press to edit channel data in Scan or Scan Hold modes. Note: does not apply to BearTracker system. · Press to capture and store a frequency in Search, Search Hold, Close Call, Close Call Hold, WX Scan, and WX Scan Hold modes. · Press to switch to the Edit Menu for a current Tone-Out. · Press to switch to Review Location mode for GPS operations. 12. [SCAN/SEARCH] Key · Press to resume scanning while monitoring a channel in Scan Hold mode. · Press to switch to Scan mode from any mode except Scan Hold, or GPS mode. · Press to enable a scan screen from GPS mode. 13. [HOLD/RESUME] Key · Press to enable a Hold while in the following modes: Scan, Search, Close Call Only, and WX Scan. · Press again to toggle to scan mode from a hold. Note that an error tone sounds in Close Call Only mode if a signal has not yet been acquired. 14. [MENU] Key Press then use the Scroll Control to step to various menu listings for option settings. 15. BNC Antenna Connector Connect an appropriate outdoor antenna or push on the supplied indoor antenna. 16. External Speaker Jack Use an mini ( 1/8-inch 3.5mm) audio plug to connect an external amplified speaker for enhanced listening in noisy environments. 17. 9-Pin Serial Connector for GPS or PC connection Using the cable from the GPS, connect a compatible unit here. Using a standard serial cable and possibly a gender changer or null modem adapter, connect a PC serial port here. Controls, Keys, and Functions 45 18. DC Power I N Connect only the supplied AC adapter to this jack. Never use any other AC adapter as damage might occur. 46 A Look at The LCD Display GRP appears with Quick Key numbers for groups 0 - 99 in Function mode. Sx: : This icon appears with icons of Quick Key number for Systems and Sites ( from "0" to "99"). "x" shows current ten's place of Quick Key for System or Site. GRP : This icon appears with icons of Quick Key number for Groups (1 - 9, 0) in Function Mode. 1 - 9, 0 : In SCAN mode, the numbers of unlocked Quick Key for Systems/Group are displayed. And a current scanning number blinks. In SCAN HOLD mode, the Quick Key number of the current System/Group is displayed. The numbers of selected User Ranges appear while Custom Search. And the number of searching Range blinks. PL, DT, HP, BT : These icons show Groups' lockout status of Bear Tracker System. (PL = Police Groups, DT = DOT Groups, HP = Highway Patrol Groups, BT = Bear Tracker Groups) HOLD : This icon appears in Scan Hold Mode, Search Hold Mode and Close Call Hold Mode. DSKP : This icon appears when the Data Skip function is on. L/O : This icon appears at locked out Channel or frequency. A Look at The LCD Display 47 PRI : This icon turns on while the Priority Scan works and this blinks while Priority Plus works. GPS : This icon appears when the scanner receives GPS data. AM / FM / NFM / FMB / WFM : These icons show the modulation type. "AM", "FM", "NFM", "FMB" or "WFM" will appear. ATT : This icon appears on the Channel that is Attenuator On. C67.0 / DCS023 / etc. : This area displays the information of CTCSS/DCS. WX : This icon turns on while the Weather Alert Priority Scan works. f (Function icon) : This icon appears while Function Mode. Function Mode does not have a timeout when this icon blinks. P (Priority Channel) : This icon appears when the channel set to "Priority On". M (Alert Mute) : This icon blinks when the scanner is in temporary Alert Mute. This icon appears when the scanner is in continuous Alert Mute. S (Signal Indicator) : This icon shows strength of the signal from 0 to 5. C (Close Call Pri) : This icon appears when the Close Call Mode is CC Pri Mode. This blinks while Close Call Only Mode or when the scanner detects the Close Call. c (Close Call DND) : This icon appears when the Close Call Mode is CC DND Mode. This is a reverse display of Close Call Pri icon. 48 Tones The BCT15 produces various tones, beeps, and alert sounds for different reasons. They are comprised of three fundamental tones: high 1200 Hz, middle 920 Hz, and low 640 Hz. In addition there are alert sirens and a series of tones whose volume are user selectable. Some of the more frequently uncounted tones are detailed below. General Tones Key Touch -- a single high beep sounds Confirmation -- a double high beep sounds Enter or Accept -- press [EYES] sounds an alternating high, silent, middle beep. Error -- this sounds a high beep, silence, repeated twice. Weather Alert Tones Warning -- a repeating, rising tone or siren effect sounds. Watch -- a rising tone with a warbling sounds. Advisory -- a rising tone with intermittent silence including the standard 1050 kHz NOAA tone. Menu Mode Tones Rotate the Scroll Control in Menu mode produces a single high beep. Turning past the last menu item in a sequence sounds a double beep. A single middle tone beep sounds when you make a menu selection using [EYES] or F. Pressing [MENU] to back step to a lower level produces a double, middle tone beep. Scanner Alert Tones There are 9 selectable Alert Tones that you can use to provide notice of activity on a selected channel using Set Alert or Emergency Alert. There are four selectable tones available for POI plus two more fixed tones reserved for Dangerous Xing and Dangerous Road. Tones 49 Operation Before you apply power, there are a few basic operations to get the scanner ready. Those are covered below. If some seem out of a logical order it is only so you can use the BCT15 more quickly. For example, some of these action are required for basic programming or menu options. Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch To turn the scanner on, rotate [VOL] clockwise. Turn the knob to a comfortable sound level. Rotate the squelch control [SQ] clockwise until you either hear a broadcast or noise just stops. The control is now set for strong signals. If you desire to hear a weaker signal, turn it counter clockwise from that point until you hear background noise once more. Setting the Display Backlight Press F. f appears on the display. Repeatedly press [VOL] to reach your desired level from Off, Low, Medium, and High. Setting Alert Mute Your scanner provides several varieties of alert tones for various situations such as a signal received on a BearTracker priority system, a channel alert, an alert for Close Call detection, and GPS alerts. You can silence their sounding using two approaches. The Alert LED will light to warn of Priority Channel, or BearTracker activity. It will also light in conjunction with GPS settings. The Close Call LED lights in response to Close Call hits. Temporary Alert Mute Press [VOL/MUTE]. This mutes the alert action for about 3 minutes. The the lower left corner of the display flashes to confirm this setting. M icon in Continuous Alert Mute Press and hold [VOL/MUTE]. The M icon remains on and not flashing. 50