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Precautions
Before you use this scanner, please read and observe the following:
Earphone Warning!
Be sure to use only the recommended optional monaural earphone (EPOO9). You may also use a 32Q stereo headset. Use of an incorrect earphone or stereo headset may 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 (32Q). 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 may 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.
IMPORTANT!
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 jurisdiction. Your local law enforcement officials should be able to provide you with information regarding the laws in your community.
General Battery Warning!
Do not short-circuit any Battery.
Do not discard Batteries in a fire; they may explode.
Alkaline Battery Warning!
Do not recharge Alkaline Batteries in this product.
Doing so may cause serious damage to the product and will void the warranty.
Uniden does not recommend using rechargeable Alkaline Batteries in this product.
Nickel-Cadmium Battery Warning! When using Nickel-Cadmium Batteries with this product, take note of the following warnings:
Cadmium is a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.
Do not charge Nickel-Cadmium Batteries with any charger other than the one supplied with this product. Using another charger may damage the Batteries, or cause them to explode.
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries must be disposed of properly
Residents of Minnesota should contact 1-800-225-PRBA for information concerning reclamation and disposal of nickel-cadmium batteries.
Residents outside of Minnesota should contact their local authorities for information concerning reclamation and disposal of nickel-cadmium batteries.
Uniden and Bearcat are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.
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Contents
Introduction |
6 |
What is Scanning? |
6 |
What is Searching? |
6 |
Types of Communications |
6 |
Feature Highlights |
7 |
Scanner Care & Safety Tips |
7 |
Where to Obtain More Information |
7 |
Included with your Scanner |
8 |
Setup |
9 |
Power |
9 |
Install Batteries |
9 |
AC Adapter/Charger |
10 |
Flexible Antenna |
11 |
Belt Clip |
11 |
Basic Operation |
12 |
How Squelch Works |
12 |
Setting the Squelch |
12 |
Key-Lock |
13 |
Programming |
14 |
Programming Tips |
15 |
Scanning |
16 |
Banks |
18 |
Channel Lockout |
18 |
Lockout in Manual Mode |
18 |
Locking a Channel While Scanning. |
19 |
Lockout Tips |
17 |
Restore a Locked Out Channel . . . |
17 |
Restore All Locked-out Channels. . |
20 |
Priority Scan |
20 |
Changing the Priority Channel |
21 |
Search |
22 |
Access Frequencies Manually |
24 |
Storing Search Frequencies |
25 |
Weather Scan |
27 |
Care and Maintenance |
28 |
General Use |
28 |
Location |
28 |
Cleaning |
28 |
Repairs |
28 |
Birdies |
28 |
Troubleshooting |
29 |
Technical Specifications |
30 |
Warranty |
31 |
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Introduction
TheBC80XLTisanew state-of-the-art radiowithscanningcapabilities. Storefrequenciesinto5banksof 10channelseach.
What isScanning?
Unlike standardAM or FM radiostations, most two-way communications (listedonthispage) donot transmit continuously. TheBC80XLTscans programmedchannelsuntil it findsanactive frequency. Scanning stopson anactive frequency, andremainsonthat channel aslongasthe transmissioncontinues. Whenthetransmissionends, thescanningcycle resumesuntil another transmissionisreceived. WhiletheBC8OXLTscans channels, it isinScanmode. Whenyoustopscanningwith“MANUAL” it isin Manual mode.
What isSearching?
TheBC80XLTcansearch11bandstofindactivefrequencies. Thisgives youtheopportunity to findnew frequenciesthat havenot beenprogrammed. WhiletheBC80XLTsearchesfor active frequencies, it isinSearchmode. When youstopthesearchwith“HOLD” it isin SearchHoldmode.
Typesof Communications
Monitor communicationssuchas:
•Policeandfiredepartment (includingrescueandparamedics)
•NOAA weather broadcasts(preprogrammedchannels)
•Business/industrial radio
•Motionpictureandpressrelay
•Utility
•Landtransportationfrequencies, suchastruckingfirms, buses, taxis, tow trucks, andrailroads
•Marineandamateur (ham radio) bands
•Andmoreinthefollowing11Bands:
Frequency RangeTransmission
29-29.7 MHz 10Meter Amateur Band
29.7-50 MHz VHFLow Band
50-54 MHz 6Meter Amateur Band
137-144 MHz Military Landmobile
144-148 MHz 2Meter Amateur Band
148-174 MHz VHFHighBand
406-420 MHz Federal Govt. LandMobile
420-450 MHz 70cm Amateur Band
450-470 MHz UHFStandardBand
470-512 MHz UHF“T” Band
806-956 MHz PublicServiceBandexcept Cellular Band
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Feature Highlights
50 Channels — Program one frequency into each channel. You must have at least one channel programmed to use the Scan mode.
29 MHz-956 MHz — Search these frequency ranges with your scanner. (The frequency coverage is not totally continuous from 29 MHz to 956 MHz.)
5 Priority Channels — Assign one Priority channel in each bank. Keep track of the activity on most important channel(s) while monitoring others. Manual Channel Access — Go directly to any channel.
Memory Backup — Frequencies programmed in the channels are retained in memory. If the power is disconnected, the memory retains the frequencies for 7 days.
Weather Scan — Use as a weather information radio.
Preset 2-Second Delay — Scanner waits 2 seconds after transmission stops before resuming scanning.
Scanner Care & Safety Tips
Do not use the scanner in high-moisture areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Do not plug the scanner into an outlet controlled by a wall switch as prolonged periods without power causes scanner memory loss.
Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents.
Where to Obtain More Information
Before you can scan, you must program a frequency into each channel you want to use. The “Betty Bearcat Scanner Frequency Guide” lists typical frequencies used around the U.S. and Canada that you may program into the
BC80XLT.
If the frequencies listed in the “Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide” do not work in your area, call the enclosed “Mr. Scanner” 800 number. A Uniden representative should be able to provide you with a few sample frequencies. Or, use the enclosed order form to purchase a local frequency list.
The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs have publications, information on computer bulletin boards, and even contests for the radio enthusiast. Also, your local library has more information.
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Included With Your Scanner
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Warning!
Do not mix alkaline batteries with nickel-cadmium batteries. Be sure to install 4 batteries of the same type.
Warning!
Use only the supplied AC Adapter (AD7OU) or one of the optional power cords (UA502 or UA51O).
Battery Warning!
Do not charge alkaline batteries in this scanner. Doing so may cause serious damage to the product and void the warranty. Before attempting to recharge batteries, make sure you have installed 4 rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries and the selector switch is set to Ni-Cd.
Caution
The AC Adapter included with this scanner may be equipped with a polarized alternating line plug (a plug with one blade wider that the other.) This plug will fit into the power outlet only ope way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet. Do not alter the shape of the blades to the polarized plug.
Note:
Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any way other than as detailed by the owner’s manual, could void your authority to operate this product.
AC Adapter/Charger
Use the AC Adapter/Charger to power the BC80XLT from the AC outlet.
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