TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What is Scanning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What is Searching? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Types of Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Feature Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Where to Obtain More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Included with Your Scanner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Installing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 AC Adapter/Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Charging Warning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Adapter Safety Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Flexible Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Belt Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Keylock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Duplicate Frequency Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Programming Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Channel Lockout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Lockout in Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Locking a Channel While Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Lockout Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Restore a Locked Out Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Restore All Locked-out Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Priority Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Changing the Priority Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Chain Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Setting a Search Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Search Hold Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Channel Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Storing Search Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Weather Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 General Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Birdies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Accessories and Replacement Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 One Year Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
1
Introduction
The BC 235XLT is a brand new state-of-the-art information radio with automatic scanning capabilities. It can store frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, air, amateur, and other communications into 10 banks of 30 channels each. And you can scan all 300 channels at super fast Turbo Scan speed.
With the BC 235XLT, you can search for frequencies at fast speed. You can also search vhf frequencies at super fast Turbo speed.
Caution: 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.
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit continuously. The BC 235XLT scans programmed channels until it finds an active frequency.
Scanning stops on an active frequency and remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes until another transmission is received.
What is Searching?
The can search each of 12 bands to find active frequencies. This is different from scanning, because you can search for frequencies that have not been programmed into your . You can choose between two speeds for the search feature. With Turbo Search, a new feature for Uniden scanners, you can search the VHF FM bands at up to 3 times the normal speed.
When the is searching for active frequencies, it is in “Search mode” or “Turbo Search mode.” When you stop the search with HOLD, it is in “Search Hold mode”.
With both Turbo Scan and Turbo Search, your is truly a Twin Turbo Scanner.
2
Types of Communications
Monitor communications such as:
Police and fire department (including rescue and paramedics)
NOAA weather broadcasts (preprogrammed channels)
Business/industrial radio
Motion picture and press relay
Utilities
Land transportation frequencies, such as trucking firms, buses, taxis, tow trucks, and railroads
Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands
And more in these bands:
Frequency |
Transmission |
Range |
|
29-29.7 MHz 10 Meter Amateur Band
29.7-50 MHz VHF Low Band
50-54 MHz 6 Meter Amateur Band
137-144 MHz Military Land mobile
144-148 MHz 2 Meter Amateur Band
148-174 MHz VHF High Band
406-420 MHz Federal Govt. Land Mobile
420-450 MHz 70 cm Amateur Band
450-470 MHz UHF Standard Band
470-512 MHz UHF “T” Band
3
Feature Highlights
30 Channels – Program one frequency into each channel. You must have at least one channel programmed to use the Scan mode.
29 MHz-512 MHz – Search these frequency ranges with your scanner. (The frequency coverage is not totally continuous from 29 MHz to 512 MHz.)
Chain Searching – You can define five different personal search bands, and search up to all five chain locations at once.
Priority Channel Scanning – Allows you to designate a priority channel which is monitored every two seconds when Priority Scanning is selected.
Manual Channel Access – Go directly to any channel.
Memory Backup – Frequencies programmed in channels are retained in memory. If power is completely disconnected, the frequencies are retained for one hour.
Weather Scan – Use as a weather information radio.
Preset Two-second Delay – Scanner waits two seconds after transmission stops before resuming scanning.
LCD Back Light – An orange LCD light remains on for 15 seconds when l is pressed.
4
Where to Obtain More
Information
Before using your scanner, you must program frequencies into available channels. The Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide lists typical frequencies used around the U.S.A. and Canada that you may program into your new scanner.
If the frequencies listed in the starter guide do not work in your area, call the enclosed Mr. Scanner (800) Number. A Uniden representative should be able to provide you with 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.
5
Included with Your Scanner
If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central, Monday through Friday.
Rubber Antenna |
Belt Clip |
|
(AT218) |
||
with |
||
|
||
|
Screws |
|
|
(BCK150) |
AC Adapter
(AD70U)
Betty Bearcat |
Other |
|
Printed |
||
Starter |
||
Material |
||
Frequency |
||
|
||
Guide |
|
6
Setup
These are helpful guidelines when using your new scanner:
If your scanner receives interference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from the source.
If you need to improve reception, use an optional antenna designed for multi-band coverage.(You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store.)
Use the included earphone or an optional stereo headset with proper impedance for private listening. Read the precautions on the inside front cover of this Guide.
Installing the Batteries
1.Open the cover.
Lift
Press in
2.Insert batteries.
Ni-Cd REG.
BATT. ALK.
BATT.
Ni-Cd |
REG. |
BATT. |
ALK. |
|
BATT. |
Inside
of Top
Cover
Note: If you are installing alkaline batteries, set the switch to REG. ALK. BATT. If installing Nickel-Cadmium Batteries, set the switch to Ni-Cd BATT.
7
3.Replace cover and
press down until it clicks into place.
Ni-Cd |
REG. |
BATT. |
ALK. |
|
BATT. |
Warning: Do not mix alkaline batteries with Ni-Cd Batteries. Be sure to install four batteries of the same type.
AC Adapter/Charger
Use the AC Adapter/Charger to power the BC 235XLT from an AC outlet.
AD-70U
AC Adapter
AC 120V
Outlet
Use only the supplied AC Adapter (AD70U) or one of the optional power cords (UA502 or UA510).
Charging 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 four rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries and the selector switch is set to Ni-Cd BATT.
8
Adapter Safety Feature
The AC Adapter included with this scanner may be equipped with a polarized line plug — a plug with one blade wider than the other. This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug.
Flexible Antenna
Attach the flexible antenna to the
BNC connector.
Belt Clip
Do not tighten the screws too tight.
You can damage the case or clip.
9
Basic Operation
Note: You can fold out the Front Cover to see the Controls and Indicators while reading this Guide.
Setting the Squelch
To set the Squelch, you must be in the Manual Mode. No signal should be present when adjusting squelch.
1. Press Muntil you do not hear a signal.
2.Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable listening
level.
3.Think of the Squelch Control as a gate. Turn SQUELCH fully counter-clockwise. This raises the “Squelch Gate” so high that no signals can get through.
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals |
PHONE SQUELCH VOLUME |
Noise
10
4.Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise until you hear a hiss. This lowers the “Squelch Gate” so that everything gets through—noise, weak signals, and strong signals.
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals |
PHONE SQUELCH VOLUME |
Noise
5.Turn SQUELCH back counter-clockwise just until the hiss stops. Now the “Squelch Gate” allows only strong signals through.
Strong Signals
Medium Signals
Weak Signals |
PHONE SQUELCH VOLUME |
Noise
11
Keylock
Key Lock prevents accidental key entries during scanning.
1. To lock the keypad, press and hold K until the key symbol appears.
2. To unlock the keypad, press and hold K until the key symbol disappears.
12