Uniden BC250D User Manual
Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................1
Front View ............................................................................................2
Icon Display ..........................................................................................3
BC250D SHORTCUTS.........................................................................4
Important Notice ...................................................................................6
Terminology ..........................................................................................7
What is Scanning?............................................................................7
What is Searching?...........................................................................7
What is Trunk Tracking?...................................................................7
What is APCO Project 25 Digital Communications? ........................8
Feature Highlights ................................................................................9
Where to Obtain More Information .....................................................11
Information on the Internet .............................................................11
Included with Your Scanner Package ................................................12
Setup ..................................................................................................13
Installing the Battery Pack ..............................................................13
Charging the Battery Pack..............................................................13
Low Battery Indicator......................................................................13
Flexible Antenna .............................................................................14
Beltclip ............................................................................................14
Listening Safely ..............................................................................14
Connecting the REMOTE Cable.....................................................14
Basic Operation ..................................................................................15
Turn the Scanner On ......................................................................15
Setting the Squelch ........................................................................15
Understanding the Menu System ...................................................16
Menu Description and Numeric Keypad Equivalents .....................17
Programming ......................................................................................26
Storing Frequencies into Channels in Menu Mode ........................26
Deleting a Stored Frequency..........................................................27
Editing a Stored Frequency ............................................................27
Duplicate Frequency Alert ..............................................................27
Transfer Frequencies......................................................................28
Storing Text Tags ...........................................................................28
Beep Alert .......................................................................................29
Programming Tips ..........................................................................29
Scanning.............................................................................................31
Storing Frequencies During Scanning............................................31
RF Attenuation Feature ..................................................................32
Setting the Delay Mode for Frequency...........................................32
Channel Lockout.............................................................................33
Restoring a Locked-out Channel ....................................................34
Restoring All Locked-out Channels ................................................34
Priority Scan ...................................................................................34
Changing the Priority Channel........................................................35
Prioroty Channel Plus Scan............................................................35
Searching............................................................................................36
Setting a Search Range .................................................................36
Starting Chain Search.....................................................................37
Search Hold Feature.......................................................................37
Data Skip ........................................................................................37
Frequency Skip...............................................................................38
Storing Search Frequencies ...........................................................38
Auto Storing ....................................................................................39
Squelch (SQ) Mode ........................................................................40
Additional Menu Options for Searching .........................................42
Service Search ...................................................................................43
Service Search Skip .......................................................................44
NWR-SAME Alert ...........................................................................44
Testing the Alert Siren ....................................................................45
Programming FIPS Code................................................................45
Digital and Trunked Systems .............................................................47
Programming and Receiving Digital and Trunked Systems...............49
STEP1: Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type..................49
STEP2: Programming Trunking Frequencies.................................50
STEP3: Programming ID Scan List Manually.................................51
Scan Lists .......................................................................................51
Setting the Squelch ........................................................................54
Receiving Trunked Systems...........................................................54
ID Scan Mode.................................................................................55
ID Scan Hold Feature .....................................................................56
Trunked Search ..............................................................................56
ID Monitor Mode .............................................................................56
ID Search Hold and Direct Entry ID Hold Mode.............................57
ID Lockout.......................................................................................57
Review ID Lockout..........................................................................58
Restoring Locked-out IDs ...............................................................58
Setting the Delay Mode for Trunking Mode....................................59
Setting Priority in Trunking Mode ...................................................60
Programming Scan Lists During Search ........................................60
Deleting a Stored ID .......................................................................60
Moving between Scan List Memories.............................................61
I-Call (Motorola/EDACS).................................................................61
Multi-Track ......................................................................................62
EDACS Reception ..............................................................................64
EDACS Tracking.............................................................................64
Programming EDACS System Frequencies...................................64
An EDACS Trunked system ...........................................................65
Special EDACS Features ...............................................................66
EDACS SCAT.................................................................................67
LTR Reception....................................................................................68
LTR Tracking ..................................................................................68
Motorola Reception ............................................................................69
Motorola Tracking ...........................................................................69
Fleet Map Programming .................................................................70
Selecting Preset Fleet Map ............................................................70
Programming a Fleet Map ..............................................................71
Programming a Hybrid System.......................................................71
Setting the Base, Spacing Frequencies and Offset Channel for
Motorola VHF/UHF Trunked Systems
Toggling the Status Bit ...................................................................73
Control Channel Only Mode ...........................................................73
Disconnect Tone Detect Option (End Code) ..................................75
APCO Project 25 Reception...............................................................76
Installing the APCO P-25 Card.......................................................76
Precautions for Iistalling the BCi25D Card .....................................77
Turning ON/OFF the APCO P-25 Card ..........................................77
APCO P-25 Sound Quality Fine Tuning .........................................78
Remote Interface ................................................................................80
PC Control Mode ............................................................................80
Clone Mode ....................................................................................81
Additional Features.............................................................................84
Care and Maintenance .......................................................................87
Troubleshooting..................................................................................88
Specifications......................................................................................90
Glossary of Terms ..............................................................................91
Appendix.............................................................................................95
One Year Limited Warranty..............................................................105
...............................................72
Introduction
1 25.0000 - 26.9600 AM 5
2 26.9650 - 27.4050 AM 5
3 27.4100 - 27.9950 AM 5
4 28.0000 - 29.6900 FM 10
5 29.7000 - 49.9900 FM 10
6 50.0000 - 53.9900 FM 10
7 54.0000 - 71.9500 WFM 50
8 72.0000 - 75.9950 FM 5
9 76.0000 - 87.9500 WFM 50
10 88.0000 - 107.9000 WFM 100
11 108.0000 - 136.9750 AM 25
12 137.0000 - 143.9950 FM 5
13 144.0000 - 147.9950 FM 5
14 148.0000 - 161.9950 FM 5
Band
No.
Frequency Range
(MHz)
Mode Step
(kHz)
15 162.0000 - 173.9875 FM 12.5
16 174.0000 - 215.9500 WFM 50
17 216.0000 - 224.9950 FM 5
18 225.0000 - 399.9500 AM 50
19 400.0000 - 405.9875 NFM 12.5
20 406.0000 - 419.9875 NFM 12.5
21 420.0000 - 449.9875 NFM 12.5
22 450.0000 - 469.9875 NFM 12.5
23 470.0000 - 512.0000 NFM 12.5
24 806.0000 - 823.9875 NFM 12.5
25 849.0125 - 868.9875 NFM 12.5
26 894.0125 - 956.0000 NFM 12.5
27 1240.0000 - 1300.0000 NFM 12.5
Band
No.
Frequency Range
(MHz)
Mode Step
(kHz)
The BC250D is a state-of-the-art Digital Capable radio with
TrunkTracker III and automatic scanning capabilities. It can
store frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine,
railroad, air, amateur, and other communications into 10
banks of 100 channels for a total of 1000 channels.
With the optional BCi25D, APCO-P25 Digital Card installed
you can monitor Public Safety Organizations who currently
use Conventional, Trunked at 3600 and Mixed Mode APCO
25 systems.
Use your new scanner to monitor:
• Police and Fire Departments (including rescue and
paramedics)
Trunked for:
Motorola
Type I
Type II
Type I,II (Hybrid)
EDACS
Wide band
Narrow band
Scat
LTR
Digital Communication for APCO Project 25
Conventional
Trunked at 3600
Mixed Mode at 3600
• NOAA Weather Broadcasts
• Business/Industrial Radio
• Utilities
• Marine and Amateur (ham radio) Bands
• Air Band
• And much more...
The chart below identifies the scanner band numbers, the
frequency range, the modulation mode and the default step
size settings.
1
RSM
.
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
22
23
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
SEARCH
SCAN
SERVICE
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
HOLD/
MAN
Front View
1. Antenna Connector
2. Speaker
3. Display
4. DC Power Jack
5. Hold/Manual/Channel/Frequency Key (HOLD/MAN)
6. Scan Key (SCAN)
7. Menu/Back Key (MENU/BACK)
8. Lockout Key (L/O)
9. Light/Keypad Lock Key (/ )
10. Decimal/Reverse Key ( )
11. Earphone Jack
12. Volume/ON/OFF Control
13. Squelch Control
14. Remote Jack
15. VFO Control
16. Resume Key ( )
17. Service Key (SERVICE)
18. Search Key (SEARCH)
19. Numeric Keypad
20. Trunk Key (TRUNK)
21. Priority Key (PRI)
22. Transfer/Mute Key (TRNSFR/MUTE)
23. Enter/Select Key (E)
2
Icon Display
DESCRIPTION
Priority Channel Indicator
Lock Out Mode Indicator
Scan/Search Direction Indicator
Chain Search Mode Indicator
Service Search Mode Indicator
Scan Mode Indicator
ID Scan Mode Indicator
ID Search Mode Indicator
Channel Type
Conventional Type
Trunk Type
Morola Tracking Type
LTR Tracking Type
EDACS Tracking Type
Digital Communications
P25: APCO Project 25
Receiving Mode Indicators
Signal Meter
Battery Indicator
ICON
P
L
/
O
SRCH
SRVC
SCAN
ID SCAN
ID SEARCH
C
M
L
E
P25
AM,FM
WFM,NFM
Uniden®and Bearcat®are registered trademarks of Uniden
America Corporation.
TrunkTracker is a proprietary trademark of Uniden America
Corporation.
3
321
33 2
2
31
1
3
E
2 2
3
91
1
31
1
1
341
HOLD/
MAN
HOLD/
MAN
5
1
55
.
4
2
1
1
ID MEMORY
select
3
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
E
E
E
SCAN
E
the neat entry Programming.
To receive an alert for activity on
specific IDs while trunk tracking,
turn on the "Beep Alert" for that
ID.
(for example; replace the frequency
on channel 5 to 155.000)
To receive an alert for activity on
a specific channel, turn on the
"Beep Alert" for that channel.
Rotate the VFO control to enter the text
and using RSM or HOLD/MAN to move
the cursor. After the text is entered,
press
BC250D SHORTCUTS
This shortcut card is designed to assist you in
getting through the menu screens using the direct
entry mode for commonly used features. Please
read the manual thoroughly before using this card.
Be sure to back out of the menu screen after each
shortcut by repeatedly pressing MENU/BACK or by
pressing SCAN or SEARCH Keys.
4
1
1
1
E
E
2
1
E
2
21
1
2
1 1
2
3 5
1
1
5
2
6
SEARCH
select
bank
select
range
select
speed
select
range
E
E
E
E
1
E
E
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
CHAIN
SERCH
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
E
4
E
E
E
To set up a system for trunk tracking,
select a bank, then enter the trunk type.
Then enter the trunk type you want to
track. Press .
To silence the scanner's audio output,
set the scanner to "Mute On".
Press and hold .
To program and control your scanner
remotely from a PC using Uniden's
E-Scanner software, do the following:
Press
CHAIN
SERCH
CHAIN
SERCH
Rotate the VFO control to enter the tag and
use RSM or HOLD/MAN to move the cursor
and then press .
MUTE
SEARCH
To begin searching between the Range
press .
To change the alpha tag on the specific
search range of frequencies that you set,
do the following:
Rotate the VFO control to enter the tag and
use RSM or HOLD/MAN to move the
cursor forward or back and then press
.
BC250D SHORTCUTS
If you need any assistance with this product, please call our
Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-297-1023. A Uniden
representative will be happy to help you with any matters
regarding the operation of this unit, available accessories, or
any other related matters.
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central time.
Also please check out our website at scanner.uniden.com
5
Important Notice
• This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will
not tune 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 are strictly
prohibited, or operation of this product in any way other
than as detailed by this Owner's manual. Could void your
authority to operate this product.
• The screen displays used in this manual are
representations of what might appear when you use your
scanner.
6
Terminology
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way
communications do not transmit continuously. The BC250D
scans the Frequencies you have programmed into the
Scanner’s 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 BC250D can search each of its 27 bands to find active
frequencies. This is different from scanning because you are
searching for frequencies that have not been programmed
into your Scanner’s channels. The scanner automatically
chooses between two speeds while searching. Turbo Search,
can search the VHF FM bands at up to 300 steps per second.
What is Trunk Tracking?
Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a radio
frequency in your scanner’s memory which is used by
someone you want to monitor. For example, the police in your
area may broadcast 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.
As the demand for public communications has increased,
many public radio users don't have enough frequencies to
meet their needs, and this has created a serious problem.
Trunking radio systems solve this problem.
In a trunked radio system, which contains up to 28 different
frequencies, radio users are divided into groups, often called
talkgroups, and these talkgroups are assigned specific IDs.
When someone in a talkgroup uses their radio, a brief burst
of data is broadcasted before each transmission. The trunking
system computer uses this data to temporarily assign each
radio in a talkgroup to an available frequency. If the group
using a frequency stops broadcasting or pauses between
replies for a few seconds, they are removed from the
7
frequency so another talkgroup can use it.
Sharing of the available public service frequencies,
or trunking, allows cities, counties, or other agencies
to accommodate hundreds of users with relatively few
frequencies. Following a conversation on a trunked system
using a scanner is difficult, if not impossible. Because when
there's a short break during the conversation you're
monitoring, it’s possible that the talkgroup will be assigned
to a completely different frequency in the trunked system.
This type of scanning is difficult and frustrating.
TrunkTracker III changes this! Not only does your new
BC250D scan channels like a conventional scanner, it actually
follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know
a talkgroups ID, you won’t miss any of the action.
If you're a new scanner enthusiast, you may 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 its terminology will make trunk
tracking much easier. A glossary of other commonly used
terms is provided in the back. (Refer to the "Glossary of
Terms" section.) But if you're already an experienced scanner
operator, you may want to skip to Programming and
Receiving Digital and Trunked Systems on page 49.
What is APCO Project 25 Digital
Communications?
APCO Project 25 is a modulation process where voice
communications are converted into digital communications.
This conversion is similar to the technology used with digital
mobile phones. There are several types of project 25 systems
available!
- Conventional – one frequency with digital voice.
- Trunked with analog control channel and digital voice –
control channel operates at 3600 baud.
- Mixed Mode – trunked system with an analog control
channel alternating/mixing analog and digital voice
communications.
- Trunked with digital control channel and digital voice.
Control channel operates at 9600 baud. (This type of APCO
P-25 System is not supported with this radio.)
8
Feature Highlights
• Trunk Tracking – Follow VHF High Band UHF
800/900MHz trunked public safety and public service
systems just as if conventional two-way communications
were used.
• Digital Capable – With the APCO 25 Digital card (BCi25D)
installed, you can monitor supported project 25 systems.
• Multi-Track – Track more than one trunking system
at a time. Scan conventional and trunked systems at the
same time.
• 1000 Channels – Program one frequency into each
channel. You must have at least one channel programmed
to use the Scan mode.
• 27 Bands – Includes 27 bands, with aircraft and 800 MHz.
• 10 Banks – 10 banks with 100 channels each are useful for
storing similar frequencies to maintain faster scanning
cycles or for storing all the frequencies of a trunked system.
• 25 MHz-1300 MHz – Indicates the range of frequencies that
can be searched within the bands of your scanner.
Note: The frequency coverage is not continuous and
excludes the cellular band, 512-806MHz.
• 10 Priority Channels – You can assign one priority
channel in each bank. Assigning a priority channel allows
you to keep track of activity on your most important
channel(s) while monitoring other channels for
transmissions. You can also assign Trunking priority
Talkgroups.
• Priority Plus Scan – Allows you to scan only priority
channels.
• Preprogrammed Service Search – Allows you to toggle
through preprogrammed public safety, news media, TV
broadcast audio, Ham, CB, FRS, special low power,
railroad, aircraft, marine, racing, and weather frequencies.
• Unique Data Skip – Allows your scanner to skip unwanted
data transmissions and reduces birdies.
• Memory Backup – If power is disconnected, the
frequencies programmed in your scanner are retained
in memory.
• Direct Channel Access – Go directly to any channel
without entering the Menu mode.
• Attenuator – Reduces the signal strength on a per
frequency basis.
9
• PC Programmable – Allows you to easily program all
frequencies and Trunking Talk Groups into your BC250D
through Uniden’s E-Scanner software running on your PC.
– For more information on E-Scanner Programming
software visit our website at scanner.uniden.com.
• Turbo Search – Increases the search speed to 300 steps
per second. This applies only to transmission bands with
5 kHz steps.
• Text Tags – You can customize your scanner by storing
text tags (up to 16 characters).
• Auto Store – The scanner automatically stores found active
frequencies into an assigned bank.
• CTCSS/DCS – The scanner can receive and search for
subaudible tones.
• NWR-SAME Alert – The scanner is compatible with
warning siren and message transmissions.
• FIPS Code – Six digit FIPS Code (emergency and
geographic area code) programmable.
• LCD Back-Light – LCD illuminates when you press the
Light/Lock ( ) key. You can select the lighting length
of time in the Menu mode.
• Battery Save – In Scan Hold mode and no transmission,
your scanner automatically reduces its power requirements
to extend the battery life.
10
Where to Obtain More
Information
Before using your scanner, you must program frequencies
into available channels. The Betty Bearcat Frequency Guide
lists typical frequencies used around the U.S.A. and Canada
that you may program into your new scanner.
To obtain frequency information for your area, contact one of
the following:
• Bearcat Frequency Hotline
(937) 299-0414 (Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)
• Bearcat Radio Club
(800) 423-1331 (Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)
• Scanner Master
(800) 722-6701 (Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)
To obtain another copy of the frequency guide, contact one
of the following:
• Uniden Parts Department
(800) 554-3988 (Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Central Time Monday through Friday.)
• Local Dealer
Information on the Internet
If you have access to the internet, you may want to visit one
of the following websites for additional information:
scanner.uniden.com
www.bearcat1.com
11
Included with Your
Scanner Package
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.
• BC250D Hand held Scanner
• AC Adapter/Charger (AD-600U)
• Ni-MH Battery (BP-250)
• Rubber Antenna
• Remote Cable
• Beltclip
• Operating Guide
• E-Scanner Programming Software CD-ROM
• Trunk Tracker Frequency Guide
• Other Printed Material
12
Setup
HOLD/
MAN
CH/
FRQ
RSM
S
C
A
N
S
E
R
V
IC
E
S
E
A
R
C
H
M
E
N
U
/B
A
C
K
L
/O
S
E
L
E
C
T
M
U
T
E
R
E
V
E
R
S
E
T
R
U
N
K
Installing the Battery Pack
1. Open the cover.
2. Connect the battery pack connector
observing the correct polarity.
3. Replace the cover and press down
until it clicks into place.
Charging the Battery Pack
Use the AC Adapter/Charger
to power the BC250D from an
AC outlet.
You can use your scanner
while the battery charges.
To fully charge the battery,
leave the AC Adapter/Charger
connected for 14 — 16 hours.
Use only the supplied AC Adapter
Note: Disconnect the AC Adapter/Charger from the unit when
charging is complete.
Low Battery Indicator
When the battery pack is low and needs to be charged,
appears on the display. You will also hear a beep every 15
seconds as an audible alert.
13
Flexible Antenna
Attach the flexible antenna to the
antenna connector.
Beltclip
The beltclip is designed to fit snugly on
the back of the scanner.
Line up the four arms on the beltclip with
the four tabs on the scanner and slide the
beltclip into place, as shown on the right.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use
an earphone or headphones.
• Do not use the earphone to listen to the WX alert siren
test. The volume is not adjustable and damage to your
hearing could occur.
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended
high volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Set the VOLUME to the lowest setting before you begin
listening. After you begin listening, adjust the VOLUME to a
comfortable level.
• Once you set the VOLUME, do not increase it. Over time,
your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that
does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.
Connecting the REMOTE Cable
You can transfer the programmed channels, talk group ID’s,
etc. to and from another BC250D or BC785D scanner using a
remote cable. See "Clone Mode" on page 81. You can also
upload or download the programmed data to or from a PC
using Uniden’s E-Scanner software. See "PC Control mode"
on page 80.
14
Basic Operation
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
Turn the Scanner On
Turn the VOLUME control clockwise out of the detent
position. The scanner automatically starts scanning.
Since there are no frequencies programmed in your scanner
initially, you may not receive any signals. Once you set the
squelch and program some frequencies, you will begin
hearing conversations regularly.
Note: If you turn the scanner on when the optional APCO
card is not installed, APCO P25 CARD NOT
INSTALLED appears on the display. To delete the
message, select 2:DISABLE in the Menu mode
(see page 77).
Setting the Squelch
To set the squelch, you must be in the hold mode, and you
should not be receiving a signal on your scanner.
1. Press HOLD/MAN until
you do not hear a signal.
2. Make sure that the
VOLUME is set to a
comfortable listening level.
3. Think of the Squelch
Control as a gate.
Turn the SQUELCH
control fully counterclockwise. This raises the
"Squelch Gate" so high
that only very strong
signals can get through.
4. Turn SQUELCH clockwise
until you hear a hiss. This
lowers the "Squelch Gate"
so that everything gets
through – noise, weak
signals, medium signals
and strong signals.
5. Turn SQUELCH back
counter-clockwise just until
the hiss stops. Now the
"Squelch Gate" allows
only clear signals through.
15
Next you must program some frequencies (page 26). It is
recommended that you read the next part "Understanding the
Menu System" because it will assist you in accessing and
understanding many of the features. Later in a section called
"Additional Features", you will find explanations on how to
disable the keypad acknowledgement tones, mute the audio,
change the appearance of the display and other general
features.
Understanding the Menu System
It is very important for you to understand the Menu screen.
To navigate through the Menu screen is really quite simple.
Many of the features of this scanner, can only be accessed by
the Menu screens. There are several ways to get through the
screens. First of all, press MENU/BACK to get started.
Anytime you want to exit this mode or simply quit from where
you are, repeatedly press MENU/BACK until the scanner
returns to the original state or you can press SCAN or
SEARCH to exit directly out of Menu mode. Anytime you are
in the Menu mode, the audio will be muted.
To assist you in understanding the Menu screen, flow charts
are provided towards the back of the manual so you can
follow along. Two things to remember are rotate the VFO
through the menu and press E to execute the command.
For simplicity, we have chosen to rotate the VFO control up or
down in order to scroll through the menu and the E key for
entering or executing a command. Once you have pressed
the E key and executed the final choice (for instance, ON or
OFF), the display backs up to the previous level of options.
Also direct entry of the numbers in the flow chart will get you
through the screens, but the other screen options are not
visible. This method should be used only after you have gone
through the manual at least once. Tearout shortcut cards (see
pages 4 and 5) are provided to assist you in the direct entry
methods for commonly used features.
The illustration on the next page shows the first level of the
Menu screen. These levels are then provided in a flow chart
on pages 102 to 104. You will find a description section to
explain the meanings of these functions on the next pages.
Then, you will be walked through all the steps of
programming, scanning, searching, and trunktracking.
☞Hint: You can check the various options you programmed
on the display when you press and hold
MENU/BACK for 2 seconds in the following modes.
• Scan mode/Scan Hold mode (as well as Trunk
mode).
• Chain Search mode/Chain Search Hold mode
16
• ID Search mode/ID Search Hold mode
1:SERVICE OPTION
2:SCAN OPTION
3:SYSTEM OPTION
MENU MODE
Menu Description and Numeric Keypad
Equivalents
Below are the Menu screens and a brief description or
purpose of the feature.
1:SERVICE OPTION
Service Search menus are preprogrammed services
used around the U.S.
1:WEATHER
1:MONITOR
When you select this mode, the
preprogrammed NOAA weather channel
begins to activate.
2:ALERT
You can set NWR-SAME weather alert to
1:ON or 2:OFF. With ALERT ON you can
enter the mode to program your FIPS code.
2:PUBLIC SAFETY
3:NEWS
4:TV BROADCAST
5:HAM RADIO
6:MARINE
7:RAILROAD
8:AIR
9:CB RADIO
0:FRS
:RACING
:SPECIAL
:CHAIN SEARCH
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You can program up to 10 search ranges. The first
time you program a range you will need to do so
through the Menu. After the first time you can
program a range as you do on most any other
scanner, using the numeric keypad or VFO control.
Use this Menu item to select the search range that
you want to program. You can program range 1
through 10, one at a time. For each of the ranges,
the following options can be modified.
1:CHAIN SEARCH
You must turn Chain Search feature ON, in
order to use the Chain Search feature.
2:SEARCH RANGE
1:RANGE
Enter the upper and lower frequency
limits of the Search Range.
2:STEPS
You can assign a variety of step sizes
to the search range.
Note: The default step is usually
acceptable and is listed on
page 1.
3:MODE
You can change the Auto receive
mode to AM, FM, WFM, NFM.
4:ALPHA TAG
You can enter an Alpha Tag for any
or all of the search ranges.
5:TRUNK
During Chain Search mode, when the
scanner finds an active frequency.
The trunk tracking system will be
active. Four frequency plans apply to
the Control Channel Only feature (for
details see page 73).
3:DELAY
Set the delay for the search ranges to 1:ON
or 2:OFF. This applies to Search mode, and
Service Search mode (See 2:SCAN
OPTION / 1:CONVENTIONAL /
2:DELAY for details).
4:ATTENUATOR
Set attenuation for all search ranges.
(See 2:SCAN
OPTION/1:CONVENTIONAL /
5:ATTENUATOR for details).
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5:TONE DATA
The default mode is 2:OFF. This means that
you will receive all transmissions on any
frequencies that are active within your search
range(s). By selecting CTCSS or DCS you
can set the radio to receive only a particular
subaudible tone to be received during your
search. You can also lockout a particular
CTCSS or DCS tone. You may wish to do this
if you want to search a range but not hear
transmissions on any frequency that has a
particular subaudible tone.
Note: Through the System Menu you can set
the radio to operate in Tone Search
mode during Search as well. In this
mode, the radio will automatically
determine the active subaudible tone
on any frequency received during the
search.
6:AUTO STORE
You can automatically store active
frequencies found during a search into the
memory. You can select which bank you want
to program the found frequencies. The audio
will be muted during Auto Store.
2:SCAN OPTION
1:CONVENTIONAL
Choose the channel number. The following options
are available for the selected channel only.
Repeat using a different channel number, if
necessary.
1:FREQUENCY
Allows you to edit or enter a frequency in
each channel you select.
Also you can set an alphanumeric text tag for
each programmed frequency.
2:DELAY
The delay for all programmed channels is
2 seconds. At the end of any transmission
the scanner will remain on the frequency for
2 seconds before resuming scanning.
This will allow you to catch most replies.
3:TONE DATA
You can set a CTCSS (analog) or DCS
(digital) subaudible tone for a frequency.
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To do so you must have the SQ Mode in the
System Menu set to Tone SQ. You can also
program a subaudible tone easily by pressing
the E key in Scan Hold mode after
programming a frequency. This will bring up
the Tone Data menu without having to
navigate the Menu. By doing this you will
receive all transmissions on the frequency,
regardless of the subaudible tone, except the
one which you have locked. Any transmissions
with that tone will not be received.
4:BEEP ALERT
You can set a Beep Alert on a per-channel
basis to alert you when specific frequencies
are active. For example, you may wish to be
alerted anytime a mutual aid fire frequency
is active. With Beep Alert, you will hear three
beeps at the start of each transmission that
you have flagged as such. You will also
notice that as you scroll pass the flagged
channel(s), you will hear three beeps.
5:ATTENUATOR
The BC250D comes with an RF Attenuation
feature. If you are near an unusually strong
signal source, the signal may overload the
scanner. The scanner may stop repeatedly
on that signal and miss other transmissions.
The RF Attenuation feature works in all
modes and attenuates (reduces) the incoming
signal strength to prevent stronger signals
from overloading the scanner.
6:STEPS
Your BC250D is programmed with default
step sizes for each frequency range (see
page 1). Steps are important if you are
interested in using the VFO to tune off from a
frequency programmed into memory or if you
wish to program a frequency that the default
step size will not accept. For example, in VHF
High Band mode, the default step size
between 148 and 162 MHz is 5 KHz.
However, the FCC has recently instituted 7.5
KHz channel intervals. If you wish to enter
155.4075 into the scanner without changing
the default step, the scanner will change the
programmed frequency to 155.4100. Use the
Menu to change the default step size to 7.5
KHz and then you will be able to enter
155.4075.
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7:MODE
Default Auto receive modes are also
programmed into memory. AM for aircraft and
CB bands, for example. All frequencies (other
than audio TV broadcast) above 400 MHz are
received in NFM mode which helps prevent
adjacent channel interference. You can
change the default settings on a per-channel
basis with this Menu item.
2:TRUNK
Choose the Trunk bank. The following options are
available for the selected trunk bank only. Repeat
using a different trunk bank, if necessary.
1:TRUNK TYPE
You will need to assign the correct trunking
type for the bank you are about to program.
If you want to listen to a Motorola Type I
system, you will need to use this Menu option
to assign the same. If you do not know the
type of trunking system you are about to
monitor, refer to the guide included with the
scanner or check out www.bearcat1.com.
Note: Some trunking systems require that you
know the channel order. In these cases
you will also need to start programming
the trunked system at the start of the
bank. The scanner defaults to the most
common type of trunking system,
Motorola Type II 800.
2:TRUNK CHANNEL
1:FREQUENCY
To use Trunk Tracking, you need to
program a frequency for at least one
channel. Also you can enter an alpha
tag for each channel in this Menu.
2:STEPS
You can assign a variety of step sizes
to the channel.
3:TALK GROUP
You can program IDs into the Scan List
memory either during Trunk Scan or Search
without going into the Menu. However, you
can also use the Menu to program IDs.
This is particularly helpful when you are not
near the trunked system you wish to later
monitor. You can set it up and have it ready
to go at some later time. After you have
selected the Scan List location (1-10), you
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can then do the following:
1. Program ID number
2. Set an alpha tag
3. Assign a Beep Alert to the ID. Whenever
that ID is active, you will hear three beeps
at the start of the transmission.
4:DELAY
You can set a delay for a trunk system on a
bank by bank basis. The delay time is 2
seconds, and this setting can not be changed.
5:ID LIST TAG
Assign an alphanumeric tag to any or all of
the 10 Scan Lists for the system. During ID
Scan Mode, you will see the ID List Tag (on
the bottom text line) along with any alpha tag
you may have set for an ID. In Search mode,
you will see any Bank Tag you have set.
6:L/O ID REVIEW
Use this Menu item to review the IDs that you
have locked out during Search and Scan.
Rotate the VFO up or down to view the IDs
that have been locked out. To leave the
lockout IDs unchanged, press MENU/BACK
to back out of the Menu. To unlock an ID,
press the L/O key. To unlock all the IDs that
have been locked out, press and hold the L/O
key for about 2 seconds.
7: ACTIVITY ID
When activity ID is set to ON, your scanner
receives any transmissions on the ID every
0.5 seconds while scanning.
8:I-CALL (MOTOROLA/EDACS)
Most communications within a trunked system
are group calls where one unit (such as a
dispatcher) communicates with all the units
within his/her group (all the patrol vehicles on
the east side of town, for example). The units
within this group comprise what is typically
known as a talkgroup. There are some
communications which are direct unit-to-unit
conversations where one individual converses
with another individual. The call is initiated by
a radio and is directed to another single radio.
Within the system, no one outside of these
two users hears the conversation.
Your BC250D defaults to I-CALL OFF mode.
You can hear these conversations by using
this Menu item to turn the I-CALL function to
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ON. In Search mode, with I-CALL ON, you
will hear both talkgroup calls and I-CALLs.
You can also set I-CALLs to I-CALL ONLY
during which you will monitor only I-CALLs in
Search mode. You can also program I-CALL
IDs into Scan List memory.
OR
8:ID SCAN LIST (LTR)
When scanning an LTR system you can only
turn Scan Lists OFF and ON when an LTR
talk group that you have entered into memory
is active. To provide you with another method
to turn Scan Lists ON and OFF, you can use
this Menu item which only appears when you
have selected LTR in trunk type.
9:EMERGENCY ALT (EDACS)
In EDACS trunked systems, you can set an
alert for an EDACS transmission received.
Set Emergency Alert to ON, EMERGENCY
flashes on the display and you will hear beep
alerts when you receive an EDACS
emergency transmission.
9:STATUS BIT (MOTOROLA)
On Type 2 trunking systems there is a
method by which specialized types of
communications utilize unique talkgroup
numbers. An emergency call will occur on
a unique talkgroup from its primary
assignment, for example. Because the
BC250D defaults to Status-Bit ON mode, you
never need to worry about missing these
transmissions. If you've programmed
talkgroup 33264 into Scan List memory, for
example, and there is an emergency call
within the group, you will hear it on 33264.
0:EDACS ID FORM (EDACS)
You can change to display the talkgroups in
decimal mode, but this mode does not
provide you with the flexibility that you get
with AFS. The BC250D defaults to show the
talkgroup number in AFS mode (AgencyFleet-Subfleet). For details on AFS see pages
65~67.
OR
0:END CODE (MOTOROLA)
When this function is disabled, the radio looks
for squelch before returning to the control
channel instead of waiting for the disconnect
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tone. Only in rare instances will you need to
adjust the default settings. The condition to
return to control channels depends on
whether a signal is present or not.
:CNTRL CH ONLY
(TYPE 1/TYPE 2 800, 900)
With this mode you will be able to track
Motorola Type I and II 800 and 900 MHz
trunked systems by simply entering the
control channel which manages the trunked
system. You will not have to program the
voice channels. There are 4 channel plans
which you can select from.
3:SYSTEM OPTION
1:DIMMER
Allows you to change the brightness of the display.
Also you can change the lighting length of time.
2:SCREEN MASK
Screen Mask allows you to limit what appears on the
display to the alpha tags that you have set for a
channel along with a few function icons. Screen Mask
removes the frequency, receiving mode tone data
and signal strength bars. This mode is particularly
useful in public safety vehicles where "information
overload" is already a problem. Screen Mask does
not work in Search mode.
3:KEY BEEP
Use this function to turn 2:OFF the keypad
acknowledgement beep. The default setting is 1:ON.
4:ENTER LOCK
Use Enter Lock to prevent accidental re-programming
of channels, tone (CTCSS/DCS) and talkgroups
entered into memory. The default setting is 2:OFF.
5:PC CONTROL
Use this function to set the transfer speed (baud rate)
at which your personal computer (PC) communicates
with the scanner when downloading information into
your scanner using the Uniden’s E-Scanner software.
See page 80 for details.
6:CLONE
You can clone all the programming, including
frequencies, talkgroups and alpha tags as well as
bank settings and other parameters from one
BC250D to a BC785D or another BC250D.
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7:DATA SKIP
A scanner will normally stop on any transmission it
receives. This means the BC250D will occasionally
stop on data signals and unmodulated transmissions.
You can automatically skip many of these types of
transmissions with data skip turned ON.
8:SQ MODE
The SQ Mode allows you to set at your option,
whether the scanner will stop on all active
transmissions on a particular frequency or it will only
respond to transmissions with a pre-set subaudible
tone. This applies to both Conventional Search and
Scan modes. The options are as follows:
1. CSQ - The default setting is CSQ (carrier
squelch). In this mode the scanner will stop on
any transmission on a programmed frequency
(Squelch mode does not apply to trunking).
2. TONE SQ - In Tone Squelch mode, if you have
set a subaudible tone (CTCSS or DCS) for a
frequency, the scanner will only stop on that
frequency if the transmission includes the
prescribed tone.
3. TONE SEARCH - In this mode, as soon as the
scanner stops on any (non-trunked) channel, the
scanner will begin to search for any subaudible
tone that is being used on a transmitted
frequency. The scanner will check each CTCSS
tone sequentially and it will find DCS tones
instantly.
9:BANK TAG
Allows you to set an alphanumeric text tag for
individual banks in the scanner (1-10). (The "0" key
represents bank number 10.) For example, you may
wish to set the bank one text tag as Law
Enforcement, the second bank as Fire, etc.
0:P-25 CARD
When you insert the optional card (BCi25D) and
select 1:ENABLE in this mode, you can monitor
APCO P-25 digital communications. See page 76 for
details.
:BATTERY SAVE
When you set Battery Save to ON in this Menu,
Battery Save is active in Scan Hold mode (except
Priority Scan mode).
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Programming
.
HOLD/
MAN
SEARCH
SCAN
SERVICE
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
C 001
1:FREQUENCY
2:DELAY
3:TONE DATA
C 001
855.0000 NFM
ALPHA TAG
¡
1:OTHER CHANNEL
2:CHANNEL OPTION
3:DONE
C 001
0000.0000 NFM
FREQUENCY
Before the BC250D can begin conventional scanning, you
must program a frequency into at least one channel.
Repeat this procedure for each channel you want to program.
Storing Frequencies into Channels in Menu
Mode
1. Select frequencies you received
from your dealer, from various
sources on the internet, or from
one of the guides listed on
page 11.
Here is a list of sample
frequencies you should try:
156.800 Marine Calling channel
155.340 Ambulance operations
155.280 Ambulance operations
155.160 Ambulance operations
462.950 Ambulance operations
462.5625 Family Radio Services (channel one)
2. Press MENU/BACK.
3. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 1:CONVENTIONAL by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select a channel.
a. Enter the
channel number
using the keypad.
b. Then press E.
5. Select 1:FREQUENCY, and press E.
a. Enter the frequency number
using (decimal key) and the
keypad.
b. Then press E.
6. Enter the alpha tag and press E.
(See page 28.)
7. The following display appears, select
the location you want.
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