COVER
Precautions
Before you read anything else, please observe the following:
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.
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 Reference Guide, could void your authority to operate this product.
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 this information regarding the laws in your community.
Uniden® and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Introductionxx
Gettingxx
Startedxx
Operationxx
Clockxx
Set-Upxx
Using the x
Scannerx
About the x
Unitx
Troubleshootingsp
Specificationsxx
INTRODUCTION
About Scanning
Scanning Options
Scanning is easy and fun with the BC244CLT 30-Channel Base Scanner. You can scan in 2 ways:
■Scan channels you have programmed
■Scan pre-programmed weather channels.
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most 2-way communications do not transmit continuously (see Types of Communication below).
The BC244CLT scans programmed channels at a rate of up to 12 channels per second until it locates an active frequency. When the scanning stops on an active frequency, it remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanner stays on the channel for 2 more seconds, waiting for a responding transmission. If no responding transmission is detected, the scanning cycle resumes until another transmission is received.
Types of Communication
You can monitor communications such as:
■ Police and fire department (including rescue and paramedics) ■ NOAA weather broadcasts (7 pre-programmed channels)
■ Business/industrial radio
■ Motion picture and press relay ■ Aircraft
■ Auto racing frequencies ■ Utilities
■ Land transportation frequencies such as trucking firms, buses, taxis, tow trucks, and railroads
■ Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands
■ And many more in the 29-54MHz, 137-174MHz, and 406-512MHz ranges
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You must program a frequency into each channel you want to use. If you do not have any known local frequencies to program, a Uniden representative should be able to provide you with a few sample frequencies.
Where to Obtain More Information
The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs have publications, information on computer bulletin boards, and contests for the radio enthusiast. See the enclosed printed material for more information. Additional information is also available through your local library.
Taking Proper Care of Your Scanner
■Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments such as the kitchen or bathroom.
■Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents.
■Do not plug the scanner into an outlet controlled by a wall switch as it could cause clock reset.
Unpacking
Carefully check the contents against this list:
■BC244CLT Base Scanner
■Telescopic Antenna
■AC Adapter (Model AC-144U)
■This Reference Guide
■Registration Form
■Frequency Directories Order Form and other printed information
If any items are missing or damaged, contact the Uniden Parts Department at (800) 554-3988. Hours are from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday, Central Time. We may also be reached
at www.uniden.com.
Complete and mail your Registration Form immediately.
Read this Reference Guide thoroughly before operating the scanner.
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GETTING STARTED
Installing the BC244CLT
1.Insert the small plug at the end of the AC Adapter cord into the AC 10V jack on the scanner.
2.Plug the AC Adapter into any standard 120VAC wall outlet. Do not plug into an outlet controlled by a wall switch; it could cause clock reset.
3.Plug the Telescopic Antenna into the ANT. jack. Extend the antenna to its full height. For UHF frequencies, shortening the antenna may improve the reception.
4.Plug an optional external speaker (8-ohm) into the EXT. SP. jack.
If your scanner receives strong interference or electrical noise, relocate the scanner or its antenna away from the source.
If you are operating the scanner in a fringe area or need to improve reception, use an optional antenna designed for multiband coverage. (You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store.) If the optional antenna has no cable, use a 50-70 ohm coaxial cable for lead-in. You may need a mating plug for the optional antennas.
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OPERATION
Controls and Functions
1.LCD Display Displays time, channel, frequency, and functions. (Page 6)
2.Numeric Keys Use to program a frequency into each channel for scanning. Also,
use for time entries and direct channel access with MANUAL key.
3. |
Decimal Key |
Press to enter the decimal point in the frequency. Also, use for |
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clearing mistakes during entries by pressing twice. |
4. |
E Key |
Enters the frequency or time setting into memory. |
5. |
TIME Key |
Press to view and set time. |
6. LOCKOUT Key |
Prevents scanning of the displayed channel. The L/O |
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indicator appears when the current channel is locked out. |
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Lockout is retained in memory. Press LOCKOUT again to unlock |
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the channel. Lockout is active only when the scanner stops on an |
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active channel or a channel selected in Manual Mode. |
7. ▼ Key |
Steps down through the minutes in the clock mode, channels in |
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the manual mode, or frequency in the weather mode. |
8. |
SCAN Key |
Press to start scanning. |
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9. ALARM Key Turns the alarm mode on or off.
10 AM/PM Key Selects a.m. or p.m. while setting the clock time or alarm time.
11. PRIORITY Key Turns Priority mode on or off. In Priority mode, the
scanner samples the designated Priority Channel every 2 seconds. while in Scan or Manual Mode. If a transmission on the designated Priority Channel is detected, the scanner monitors that channel until no signal is present.
12. |
MANUAL Key Stops scanning. Press MANUAL again to step to the next channel. |
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Also, use for direct channel access by first entering the channel |
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number and then pressing MANUAL to go directly to that channel. |
13. |
▲ Key |
Steps up through the minutes in the clock mode, channels in |
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the manual mode, or frequency in the weather mode. |
14.WX Key Press to scan the local Weather Channels.
15.ON/OFF Key Turns scanner on or off. Clock mode is still active when scanner is
turned off.
16. VOLUME Turn clockwise to increase the volume. Turn counterclockwise to decrease the volume.
17. SQUELCH Adjusts the squelch threshold. Or, use AUTO for the factory setting.
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18. ALARM Indicator |
Appears when Alarm function is active. |
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19. SCAN Indicator |
Appears when in Scan Mode. |
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20. |
PRI Indicator |
Displays when Priority function is active. |
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21. WX Indicator |
Displays when in Weather Mode. |
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22. |
HOLD Indicator |
Displays when in Manual Mode. |
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23. |
L/O Indicator |
Appears when the current channel is locked out. |
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24. P Indicator |
Appears next to the channel that has been assigned as |
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the current priority channel. |
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25.Channel Display Represents the current channel 01 through 30.
26.Frequency/Time 7-digit display that shows the current frequency and
Display |
time. Last digit shows A for a.m. and P for p.m. |
Scanning Overview
The BC244CLT has 30 memory channels. Each can be programmed to store one frequency within the band of frequency coverage. (For a listing of frequency ranges and bands, see Technical Specifications on page 26.)
When you press SCAN, the BC244CLT scans each programmed frequency for activity (skipping channels that are locked out) at the rate of about 12 channels per second. As the unit scans, the word SCAN moves across the display.
When the scanning stops on an active frequency, it remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanner stays on the channel for two more seconds, waiting for a responding transmission. If no responding transmission is detected, the scanning cycle resumes.
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CLOCK SET-UP
1.When power is initially applied, the display flashes 12:00 P after a short delay.
2.Enter the time directly by
pressing the numeric keys.
OR
Enter the time by pressing the ▲/▼keys.
to set the clock. The scanner will function and alarm features will not function. To time, simply turn scanner off.
3.Press AM/PM to select the desired setting, either a.m. or p.m.
4.Press E to complete the entry. The display stops flashing.
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