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BC250D
User Manual
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Uniden BC250D User Manual

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Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................1
Front View ............................................................................................2
Icon Display ..........................................................................................3
BC250D SHORTCUTS.........................................................................4
Important Notice ...................................................................................6
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
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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.
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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.)
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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
17
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).
18
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.
19
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.
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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.
24
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).
25
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.
26
Note: • To clear a mistake while entering the frequency,
.
.
.
C 010
512.0000 NFM ERROR OUT OF CHANNEL
C 010
512.0000 NFM ERROR OUT OF BAND
C1000
0000.0000
C 010
512.0000 NFM WARNING DUPLICATE 017
press (decimal key) repeatedly until the display is cleared.
• If you enter a channel or frequency which is out of the scanner’s range, a beep will sound and ERROR appears on the display.
• For each channel, you can also change the step size or the mode. (See page 103.)
Deleting a Stored Frequency
To delete a stored frequency:
a. Select a channel. b. Press 0. c. Then press E.
Note: Channels with no frequencies are
automatically locked out.
Editing a Stored Frequency
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 1:CONVENTIONAL by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the channel number you want to edit by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select 1:FREQUENCY by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
5. Edit the frequency by using (decimal key) and the keypad and pressing E.
Duplicate Frequency Alert
If you enter a frequency which has been stored in another channel, you will hear a beep and the channel stored displays WARNING.
Press (decimal key) to clear and start again.
––– OR –––
Press E again to store the frequency in both channels.
27
Transfer Frequencies
BANK TAG 1 Uniden Group
BANK TAG 1
You can transfer a frequency that has been stored in a channel to another channel.
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Press TRANSFR, and the smallest empty channel number along with the frequency will flash on the display.
3. Press E and the frequency can be stored in this channel.
4. If you want to enter it into another channel, select another channel by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Note: When the frequency is transferred, channel data along
with the frequency is also transferred. For trunked frequency, data related to trunking, such as Trunk Type or Fleet Map will not be transferred. You will need to input the data manually.
Storing Text Tags
You can customize your scanner by storing text tags for easy identification of banks, channel transmissions, trunking talkgroup IDs, etc. The text tags can be set at the Menu mode. (Refer to “Understanding the Menu System” on page
16.)
For programming text tags for trunked talk group ID’s, please refer to page 53.
Assigning a Bank Tag to a Bank
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 9:BANK TAG by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. The cursor appears on the display. Scroll the VFO to change the letters, and then press HOLD/MAN or RSM to move right or left. Both capital and lower case letters are available, as well as numbers and punctuation marks.
5. After entering the desired text, press E.
Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 1:CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
28
3. Select the channel number by rotating the VFO and
.
C 001
855.0000 NFM ALPHA TAG
¡
pressing E. You can also enter the channel number by using the keypad and then press E.
4. Select 1:FREQUENCY and ALPHA TAG by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Note: You can only assign a text tag to
the channel where the frequency is stored.
5. The cursor appears on the display. Rotate the VFO to change letters, and press HOLD/MAN or RSM to move right or left. Both capital and lower case letters are available, as well as numbers and punctuation marks.
6. After entering the desired text, press E.
☞ Remember! To clear a mistake while entering the letters,
press HOLD/MAN, RSM or (decimal key) repeatedly until the display is cleared.
Beep Alert
The scanner can alert you with three beeps at the beginning of a transmission on an assigned frequency.
Assigning the Beep Alert to a Channel
This alert can be set ON/OFF for every channel in Conventional mode.
In conventional mode -
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 1:CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the channel number by rotating the VFO and then pressing E. (You can also enter the channel number by using the keypad and then press E.)
4. Select 4:BEEP ALERT by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
5. Select 1:ON or 2:OFF by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
Note: If NOT REGISTERED appears, make sure a
frequency is stored in the channel.
Programming Tips
• Do not program a weather frequency into one of the channels, since weather channels transmit continuously. Use the Weather Search feature to select the weather information band.
29
• Group similar services into a bank. For example, program police frequencies in channels 1 through 10 and fire/emergency into channels 51 through 60, and so on.
• Put the frequency that you listen to the most or the most important frequency into a Priority channel.
• To quickly program a series of channels, start with the lowest number channel.
For example, when you are programming five new frequencies into channels 4 through 8, start with channel
4. After you finish programming a channel, rotate the VFO up to go to the next higher channel.
• Write down your programmed channels and frequencies and put them in a convenient place in case of accidental reprogramming.
• Frequencies are rounded off according to the step of each channel.
• When you are overwriting a tagged channel with a new frequency, the previous alpha tag will be deleted. You must re-enter the alpha tag.
• When programming frequencies, a 2 second delay is set automatically and can not be changed.
30
Scanning
1345
9 10
26
7 8
CHANNELS
Frequency not entered
Frequency
Locked Out
(L/O)
SCAN
C 001 SCAN Bank 1234567890
1. After programming frequencies, simply press SCAN to begin scanning. During scanning, when you rotate the VFO, you can select the direction (↑ or ↓) you want to scan.
2. The bank indicators selected for scanning appear on the display, and the bank being currently monitored flashes. You can deselect banks from active scanning by entering their number on your keypad. The indicator for each deselected bank disappears, and the bank’s channels are not scanned.
Note: One bank must always be active. You cannot
deactivate all ten banks at the same time. If you try to deselect all the banks, the first bank is automatically selected.
To restore a bank to active scanning, enter the bank’s number on your keypad. The bank’s indicator will display again.
3. During normal scanning the scanner skips unprogrammed or locked out channels.
4. When a transmission is received, the scanner stops on that channel. When the transmission ends, scanning resumes automatically.
Another method is as follows:
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. While the VFO setting is in the channel mode, rotate the
VFO until the desired channel is displayed.
Note: When in Hold mode, you can use the VFO to step up
or down through the channels. You can also switch from stepping up/down through channels to stepping up/down through frequencies by pressing the
HOLD/MAN button for 2 seconds.
Storing Frequencies During Scanning
During Scanning
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
31
2. Press TRNSFR, and the smallest
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH
SERVICE
empty channel number flashes on the display.
3. Press E.
Note: • If you want to change the
channel, rotate the VFO.
• If the frequency you want to store exists already,
WARNING appears on the display and you will hear a beep. (See “Duplicate Frequency Alert” on page
27).
RF Attenuation Feature
The BC250D comes with an RF Attenuation feature. If you're 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.
The RF attenuation is set at the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. For Search mode, select 1:SERVICE OPTION / :CHAIN SEARCH/4:ATTENUATOR / 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
OR
For Scan mode, select 2:SCAN OPTION /
1:CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E. Then select the channel number by rotating the VFO and pressing E. Select 5:ATTENUATOR by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Note: Attenuation will only be active for the specified
channel. In Search mode, it is applied to the search ranges in all banks.
Setting the Delay Mode for Frequency
The delay of 2 seconds is automatically set for each frequency. To set the delay feature, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. For Scan mode, select 2:SCAN OPTION /
32
1:CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing
C 001
141.5000 NFM
UNIDEN Group A
HOLD/ MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH
SERVICE
E.
3. Select the channel number of the stored frequency to be delayed by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select 2:DELAY and press E.
5. Rotate the VFO to select 1:ON or 2:OFF and press E.
6. For Search mode, select 1:SERVICE OPTION / :CHAIN SEARCH/3:DELAY by rotating the VFO and pressing E, then set to 1:ON or 2:OFF the same way as the Scan mode setting.
Channel Lockout
You can lockout any channel so it is not checked during normal scanning. You can restore the channel to scanning when you wish.
Lockout in Hold Mode
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Select a channel.
a. Enter the channel number using
the keypad.
b. Press HOLD/MAN again.
––– OR –––
Rotate the VFO up or down to change the channel.
3. Press L/O to lockout the channel. L/O appears on the display.
Lockout in Scanning Mode
If the scanner keeps stopping on a particular channel due to noise or frequent transmissions, you may want to keep that channel from scanning.
1. Wait until the scanner stops on the channel.
2. Then press L/O.
3. The scanner immediately resumes scanning because the locked out channel is no longer in the scanning sequence.
Lockout Tips Write down your locked-out channels and
put in a convenient place in case you need to restore them.
33
Restoring a Locked-out Channel
PRIORITY ON
C 010
1240.0000 NFM ERROR PRI CH LOCKOUT
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH
SERVICE
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Select a locked out channel.
a. Enter the channel number using
the keypad.
b. Then press HOLD/MAN again.
3. Press L/O to unlock the channel. The L/O icon disappears.
Restoring All Locked-out Channels
You can restore all locked-out channels in a bank only when a bank is selected for scan. If you have deselected a bank and you want to restore all of its locked-out channels using the steps below, you must press SCAN and then enter the number of the bank on your keypad.
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
Note: You must be in Hold mode before restoring all locked-
out channels.
2. Press and hold L/O for about 2 seconds. You will hear two beeps when all the channels have been restored.
Priority Scan
When Priority Scan is turned ON, your scanner checks the priority channel in the banks you selected every 2 seconds for activity. If a signal is present on the priority channel, your scanner monitors the channel until the transmission ends, then resumes normal scanning. You can designate one channel in each bank as a Priority Channel. By default, the first channel in each bank is the Priority Channel, but you can change this.
To activate Priority Scan (in either the Hold or Scan Mode):
1. Press PRI to select PRIORITY ON.
Note: If you have locked out the priority
channel, ERROR appears when you select Priority mode.
2. Press PRI to select PRIORITY OFF to deactivate Priority Scan.
34
Changing the Priority Channel
HOLD/ MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
E
RSM
SEARCH
SERVICE
C 001
512.0000 NFM UHF TV 1 UNIDEN Group A
You cannot eliminate the Priority Channel, but you can change it to any one of the 100 available channels in each bank.
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Select a new Priority Channel:
a. Enter the channel number using
the keypad.
b. Then press HOLD/MAN again.
3. Press and hold PRI for 2 seconds to designate this channel as your new Priority Channel. Two beeps indicates that the Priority Channel has been changed. The P icon appears on the display.
Note: • Priority in Trunking mode works just the same,
except you set them for talkgroup IDs, instead of setting priorities for channels. The scanner only checks priority talkgroups between transmission, in 4 second intervals.
• Priority Scan is disabled while M, E or L (Trunking
type) icons are illuminated (a beep will sound if you try to scan). To make it possible, turn OFF each function then press PRI to select PRIORITY ON.
Priority Channel Plus Scan
You can scan only the Priority Channels (except for the lock out channels) in the banks you selected. To activate Priority Channel Plus
(Only in Scan mode):
1. Press PRI to select PRIORITY PLUS.
2. Press PRI to select PRIORITY ON or PRIORITY OFF on the display to deactivate Priority Channel Plus Scan.
Note: Priority or Priorty Plus Scan are disabled while Search
mode is selected.
35
Searching
SRCH 12.5k
1240.0000 NFM Range 1234567890
Setting a Search Range
Note: First you must set the search ranges through the Menu
screen prior to any searching.
The BC250D can search up to 10 separate frequency ranges to help you discover new stations in your area.
To set a Search Range, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 1:SERVICE OPTION / :CHAIN SEARCH / 2:SEARCH RANGE - by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select a range number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select 1:RANGE by rotating the VFO and pressing E. Enter the lowest frequency using the keypad and then press E, then repeat the same for the highest frequency. Then press SEARCH.
––– OR –––
Another method is as follows:
1. Press and hold SEARCH for 2 seconds.
2. Select -range number-1:RANGE and program the lowest and highest frequencies the same way as step 3 and 4 above.
Note: • The scanner can continuously search up to 10
ranges. (Chain Search)
• You can select or deselect the search range freely by pressing the corresponding number with the keypad.
• The scanner automatically increases its search speed from 100 to 300 steps per second for the bands having 5 kHz steps. (Turbo Search)
• After you have set the search range through the Menu the first time for a range, you will be able to set new ranges for the same range by using the keypad and the standard direct entry method.
• Searching feature is applied to Control Channel Only mode (see page 73).
36
Caution: After you have entered the search range while still
SRCH 12.5k
1240.0000 NFM Range 1 25cm Amateur Grp
in the Menu mode, you can set your alpha tag (see page 28), change the step size of the search, change the mode or change the trunk set. Once the lower and upper parameters of your search are edited, the Menu screen backs up one level to allow you to modify the step size, receive mode, and alpha tag. Select 2:STEPS for your step size choices and then press E. Select 3:MODE for the receiver mode choices and then press E. Select 4:ALPHA TAG to enter an alpha tag using the VFO and then pressing E. Select 5:TRUNK to switch ON or OFF for trunk search.
Starting Chain Search
1. After setting the search ranges, select 2:SERVICE OPTION / :CHAIN SEARCH / 1:CHAIN SEARCH
by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
2. Select 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Press SEARCH to search up to 10 ranges continuously.
Note: • If CHAIN SEARCH is OFF, only 1 range can be
searched.
• When searching stops, press RSM to resume searching.
• When you rotate the VFO while searching, you can change the search direction to up or down.
• When searching in WFM, it will stop before reaching the desired frequency if the step is other than 50 kHz or 100 kHz.
Search Hold Feature
1. Press HOLD/MAN at anytime to stop the search.
2. Press RSM or SEARCH to resume searching.
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 during search. To activate the Data Skip feature, enter into the Menu mode.
37
1. Press MENU/BACK.
SYSTEM OPTION 5:PC CONTROL 6:CLONE
7:DATA SKIP
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH
SERVICE
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 7:DATA SKIP by rotating the VFO
and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
When Data Skip is active, your scanner may pause momentarily on an unwanted signal but will resume searching in 2 or 3 seconds. The Data Skip feature is active as well as Scan mode and Service Search mode. Data Skip does not function during AM/WFM band Scan, Chain Search for AM/WFM band, or WX Search, Priority Scan, and Trunking mode.
Frequency Skip
If a particular frequency continues to interrupt search scanning, it is possible to set your scanner to skip the frequency.
To skip over a frequency, press L/O when stopping at the frequency you want to skip or when in Search Hold mode.
Note: • You can program up to 200 skip frequencies.
The 201st skip frequency entered causes the first skipped frequency to unlock.
• If all frequencies in the search range are set to skip, a beep sounds and it moves to Search Hold mode. To resume searching:
1) Cancel the Frequency Skip set.
––– OR –––
2) Reset the Search Frequency range.
To cancel all skipped frequencies, press and hold
L/O for 2 seconds in Search Hold mode.
Storing Search Frequencies
You can quickly store any frequency you find during Search.
1. During Search, press HOLD/MAN to store or when the scanner stops on the frequency you want to store.
38
2. Press TRNSFR to store the
AUTO STORE SELECT BANK 12--56----
AUTO STORE ERROR CH DATA FULL
SRCH 12.5k
1240.0000 NFM Range 1 C004 0000.0000
frequency in the channel you selected. The smallest empty channel number flashes on the display. If necessary, you can also change the channel by scrolling the VFO.
3. Press E.
Note: • If the frequency you want to store exists already,
WARNING appears on the display and you will hear a beep. (See “Duplicate Frequency Alert” on page
27.)
• After storing the frequency, it moves to the Search Hold mode.
• In case there is a not a free channel, the frequency you want to store will automatically be stored in the previous channel before you entered into Chain Search mode.
4. Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 after starting the search for all the search frequencies you want to store.
Auto Storing
The scanner automatically stores active frequencies if Auto Store feature is turned ON. But the frequencies already stored can not be stored. To make use of this feature, set a search range first (see page 37), then enter into the Menu mode. If you start this feature without setting a search range, NO LIMIT DATA appears on the display.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 1:SERVICE OPTION / :CHAIN SEARCH / 6:AUTO STORE by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select the bank number you want to use with the keypad. The selected bank number appears on the display.
Note: If the selected bank has no free
channels to store, CH DATA FULL will appear on the display and you will hear a beep.
39
6. Press SEARCH to start auto storing.
C 001
1245.8500 NFM Bank 12--56---­AUTO STORE
7. After the search has gone through the search range, press HOLD/MAN to stop this feature. STORE END appears on the display. You may want to let it run through the search range several times because during the first pass there may not have been any transmissions at that particular time on that frequency.
Squelch (SQ) Mode
The scanner can be set to the following SQ modes.
• Carrier SQ mode (default setting) The scanner will stop on any transmission or squelch opening, regardless of whether any subaudible tone has been programmed for the channel or search range.
• Tone SQ mode The scanner will stop on any active frequency for which either no subaudible tone has been programmed or for which the user-programmed subaudible tone is also active.
• Tone Search mode During any transmission, the scanner will begin searching all possible subaudible tones, one of which may also be in use. The scanner counts up through the CTCSS tones and instantly determines any possible DCS tone. See page 101 for a listing of the tones that the BC250D decodes.
Note: When Tone Search is active in Scan mode, once the
CTCSS or DCS display flashes a tone repeatedly (meaning that it has found the tone match), you can press E to program that frequency with the captured tone. When you change the mode to Tone SQ from Tone Search that frequency and tone will be programmed.
• Tone Lock (out) mode For either a Memory channel or a Search Range, you can lock a particular subaudible tone by pressing L/O after scrolling to the desired tone. The scanner will stop on any transmission except those which may be using the locked subaudible tone.
To set your scanner, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 8:SQ MODE by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
40
3. Rotate the VFO to select one type (1:CSQ, 2:TONE
C 001
512.0000 NFM CTCSS 250.3 Bank 1
C 001
512.0000 NFM DCS 025 Bank 1
C 001
512.0000 NFM
Bank 1
C 003
512.0000 NFM CTCSS 250.3 UNIDEN Group A
C 003
512.0000 NFM DCS 025 UNIDEN Group A
C 003
512.0000 NFM
UNIDEN Group A
SQ, 3:TONE SEARCH) and press E.
4. To set Tone Lock mode, do the following first, then select
2:TONE SQ in step 3.
1) For Scan mode, select 2:SCAN OPTION /
1:CONVENTIONAL - select the channel number - 3:TONE DATA - 1:CTCSS or 2:DCS by rotating
the VFO and pressing E. With CTCSS or DCS, Tone Lock ON is set by pressing L/O.
2) For Search mode, select 1:SERVICE OPTION / :CHAIN SEARCH / 5:TONE DATA / 1:CTCSS or 2:DCS by rotating the VFO and pressing E. With
CTCSS or DCS Tone Lock ON is set by pressing L/O.
Note: • To set Tone Lock OFF for either Scan mode or
Search mode, press E instead of pressing L/O on step 1) or 2) above.
• CTCSS: Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System.
• DCS: Digital Coded Squelch.
• For example, the scanner shows the following
displays. When Search mode and Tone Search are selected, the display shows the frequency and tone data alternately.
Tone SQ ON, CTCSS 250.3 Hz setting
Tone Search, CTCSS 250.3 Hz detecting
• If the Delay feature has been set while in Tone Search mode, it resumes scanning after a 2 second delay.
Tone SQ ON, DCS 025 setting
Tone Search, DCS 025 detecting
41
Tone SQ ON, CTCSS & DCS non-setting
Tone Search, no signal received
Additional Menu Options for Searching
Each of these additional menu options applys to all search ranges entered. If there is a range that you do not want an option to apply, then simply enter the range number on the numerical keypad. You will see the range number that you have selected disappears from the display. (For more information on these options refer to the "Menu Descriptions" section and "Additional Features" section.)
Options:
ATTENUATOR (for more information see page 32).
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 1:SERVICE OPTION / :CHAIN SEARCH / 4:ATTENUATOR by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
DELAY
Refer to page 32.
42
Service Search
SERVICE OPTION
1:WEATHER
2:PUBLIC SAFETY 3:NEWS
The Service Search feature allows you to scroll through the following twelve preprogrammed services. The frequencies selected for these services are the most commonly used around the U.S.
• 1:WEATHER • 7:RAILROAD
• 2:PUBLIC SAFETY • 8:AIR
• 3:NEWS • 9:CB RADIO
• 4:TV BROADCAST • 0:FRS
• 5:HAM RADIO • :RACING
• 6:MARINE • :SPECIAL
1. Press SERVICE.
––– OR –––
Another method is as follows: To set Service Search, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 1:SERVICE OPTION by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
2. To start the Service Search, select one Service Search menu you want from the lists above by rotating the VFO and pressing E or directly enter the number listed above.
Note: When you start Service Search by pressing SERVICE,
you can start Service Search without pressing E.
3. After a 3 second delay, searching begins for the selected service. If you want to start searching immediately, press RSM.
4. To change the searched service, rotate the VFO or directly enter the number listed above after pressing SERVICE.
Note: • When you start searching, select :RACING or
:SPECIAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
• You can not change such settings as Auto Delay, during a Service Search.
• You can enter one of the Service Search frequencies into Channel Memory by pressing TRNSFR when holding on one of the frequencies and pressing E.
• Special Frequencies are low-power, itinerant, FRS, "splinters" and other frequencies which are
43
commonly used at special events and other locations
SRVC --CH
453.6000 NFM SERVICE SEARCH PUBLIC SAFETY
SRVC 2CH
162.6000 FM SERVICE SEARCH WX ALERT ON
and may or may not be licensed.
• When you rotate the VFO while the Service Search
is active, you can change the search direction to up or down.
During the search of one of the preprogrammed services, the lowest display line will indicate the service that you are searching. To stop the search, press HOLD/MAN. Rotate the VFO to move up or down one programmed frequency or press RSM to resume searching.
Service Search Skip
You can set the scanner to skip the unwanted frequencies during Service Search. 100 skipped frequencies are programmable.
1. To skip over a frequency, press L/O when stopping at the frequency you want to skip.
2. To cancel a skip during search, press HOLD/MAN, select the desired frequency by rotating the VFO, then press L/O.
To restore all skipped frequencies, press and hold L/O for 2 seconds.
Note: • You can not skip a set frequency
in WEATHER service mode.
• If you start the service seaching while all frequencies in service search menu are set to skipped the frequencies, you hear a beep and the scanner moves to the Hold mode.
NWR-SAME Alert
In addition to the conventional weather broadcasts, your BC250D is compatible with NWR-SAME weather alert. When the scanner receives NOAA’s Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) coded weather emergency signal, it sounds the alert siren with a specified message. You must program your FIPS code to identify the specific area where you are located.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 1:SERVICE OPTION / 1:WEATHER / 2:ALERT by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
44
Note: You can also set Alert mode to OFF by pressing RSM
WEATHER ALERT SELECT CODE No. FIPS CODE 1
------
without entering the Menu mode.
4. When the unit receives a warning signal, it shows a message with the alert siren defined. (For NWR-SAME EVENT CODE, see the table on page 99.)
5. To deactivate, just press any key or it is automatically canceled and the alert siren stops.
Testing the Alert Siren
To test and recognize the difference between the types of alert sirens, perform the following steps:
1. During WX Hold mode and when the WX ALT is OFF, press and hold the PRI key for 2 seconds until you hear the statement alert siren. SIREN TEST appears on the display and the statement, watch and warning sirens sound alternately.
Note: The samples of each alert siren only last for a few
seconds. You may need to listen to each siren several times to be sure you recognize the different sirens. The sirens continue to sound rotating through the samples until you silence the test.
2. To stop the test, press any key.
Make sure you can hear the siren in all areas that you would need to. If not, optional accessories can be purchased to ensure that you are alerted for emergency broadcasts. See your dealer or local electronics store for accessories.
DO NOT USE EARPHONES TO LISTEN TO THE TEST. DAMAGE TO YOUR HEARING COULD OCCUR.
Programming FIPS Code
The 6-digit Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) codes established by the National Weather Service (NWS) must be programmed in your scanner. These codes specify an emergency and the specific geographic area (such as county) affected by the emergency.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 1:SERVICE OPTION / 1:WEATHER / 2:ALERT by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select the desired memory number (FIPS CODE 1 ~15) by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
45
When you rotate the VFO to move down when FIPS
.
CODE 1 is displayed or VFO to move up when FIPS CODE 15 is displayed, ALL FIPS appears on the
display.
5. Enter the FIPS code using the keypad.
6. Press E.
Note: • To cancel the entry, press (decimal key).
• To clear a stored FIPS code, press 0 and E
successively
• To obtain the FIPS code for your area, contact the NWS toll free at 1-888-697-7263.(1-888-NWR­SAME) or visit their web site
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
46
Digital and Trunked
Systems
Your BC250D is designed to monitor APCO Project 25 digital communication systems (using optional BCi25D) and tracks three major types of trunked radio systems. These systems are described here.
❖APCO Project 25 Systems - Digital systems which support
the APCO Project 25 protocol developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Systems can operate in conventional, trunked (3600) and mixed­modes (analog and digital) in any frequency band including UHF, VHF and 800 MHz.
❖MOTOROLA - Including Type I, Type II, Hybrid,
SMARTNET, and Privacy Plus. Motorola systems are widely used by public safety and business users. Most are on the 800 MHz band, and recent systems are appearing on other bands. (See page 69).
❖EDACS - Including "Wideband" 9600 baud, and
"Narrowband" 4800 baud systems. "Wideband" systems are mostly on the 800 MHz band, and are used by public safety, utilities, and business users. Some systems are used on the VHF and UHF bands. "Narrowband" systems are used in the 935-940 MHz band, many by utilities.(See page 64).
❖EDACS SCAT - These systems are mainly used in the
Midwestern United States and are one-channel trunking sites using the EDACS format.
❖LTR - These systems are mostly for business users, and
found on the UHF, 800 and 900 MHz bands. (See page 68).
For details on the operation and programming for all of these systems, see pages 49-79.
When tracking these types of systems, remember these important points:
• Your scanner defaults to monitor Motorola Type II systems; however, you can change this if the system in your area is different. (The types of systems are discussed below.)
• The frequencies for many of the trunked public safety systems are listed in the TrunkTracker National Public
47
Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide included with your BC250D scanner. Frequencies sometimes change, check with www.bearcat1.com/free.htm.
• If you have internet access, you can visit scanner.uniden.com or www.bearcat1.com/free.htm for additional information, for current news and frequency information, about Trunk Tracking Scanning.
* Motorola, SMARTNET, and PRIVACY PLUS are
trademarks of Motorola Inc. EDACS is a registered trademark of the M/A - COM Inc. LTR is a registered trademark of E.F. Johnson Company.
48
Programming and
C 001 OOOO.0000
1:TRUNK TYPE
2:TRUNK CHANNEL
C 001 OOOO.0000
1:TYPE2 800
2:TYPE1
Receiving
Digital and Trunked
Systems
There are three steps for programming a trunked sytem:
1. Program the Trunk Type – What type of system will the scanner be tracking, Motorola Type II, Type I, EDACS, LTR, etc.
2. Program the Trunked Frequencies – Within a trunked system, the frequencies are shared among all the users, called “Talk Groups”.
• Within the bank you decide which channels to program
the trunked frequencies.
3. Program the Talk Groups – Within the trunked system, each agency or department is assigned a Talk Group ID. This ID must be programmed into the scanner in order to monitor that specific agency or department.
• When programming you decide which “Location” to
program the “Talk Groups”. This is similar to how you program frequencies into channels. Here you need to program Talk Group ID’s into Locations.
STEP 1: Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type
Before using the Trunk Tracking system, you must select the bank and trunk type. You can only track one trunked system per bank, total of 10 trunked systems.
1 Press MENU/BACK.
☞ Remember! You can also enter the
Trunk Tracking Programming mode by pressing TRUNK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3 Select the bank number using the
keypad or the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select 1:TRUNK TYPE / 1:ON- and the system type you want to track by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
For Type 1 System, you must enter the block and fleet numbers. Please refer to “Programming a Fleet Map” on page
49
71 for instructions.
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH
SERVICE
No. LCD display Icon TrunkingType Special requirements
1 Type 2 800 M Motorola Type 2 800 MHz 2 Type 1 M Motorola Type 1 a. Must program a fleet map. 3 Type 2 900 M Motorola Type 2 900 MHz 4 Type 2 UHF M Motorola Type 2 UHF b. Must program base, spacing, 5 Type 2 VHF M Motorola Type 2 VHF
frequency and offset channel.
6 EDCS WIDE E EDACS Wideband 9600 baud c. Must program frequencies 7 EDCS NARROW E EDACS Narrowband 4800 baud
in exact order and location.
8 EDCS SCT. E EDACS SCAT 9 LT L LTR
STEP 1 is complete.
Note: Information on APCO P-25 Systems are referred to in
“APCO Project 25 Reception” on page 76.
STEP 2: Programming Trunking Frequencies
After you finish selecting the bank and trunk type you want to track, store the frequencies in the channels for your selected bank in your scanner. Remember that you can only store one trunking system in each bank.
Important: If you are programming an EDACS or LTR
trunked system, you must enter the frequencies in a specific order. Check the frequency guide included with the scanner for the frequencies in your area. For additional frequencies, check the web sites listed on page 11.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select 2:TRUNK CHANNEL and enter the channel number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
5. Select 1:FREQUENCY and enter a frequency for the trunked system using the keypad and pressing E.
6. Enter the alpha tag and press E. (See page 53).
7 You can also change the step size in this menu.(See page
Note: • To clear a mistake while entering the frequency,
103)
50
press (decimal key) twice, and the display is
.
C 010
0000.0000 ERROR OUT OF BAND
cleared.
• If you enter a frequency which is out of the system’s trunking range, a beep sounds and ERROR appears on the display.
• If you enter a frequency which has been stored in another channel, you will hear a beep and the channel stored displays WARNING (Refer to “Duplicate Frequency Alert” on page 27).
STEP 2 is complete.
STEP 3: Programming ID Scan Lists Manually
Scan Lists
Each bank of your BC250D can be a trunk tracking bank and it can be a conventional scanning bank. When you designate a bank as a trunking bank, your scanner sets up 10 Scan Lists, which are simply lists used to store your favorite Talk Group IDs. Each list can contain up to 10 IDs, so you can store a total of 100 IDs for each trunk tracking bank. (1000 if you use all the banks as trunking banks!)
Scan Lists help you organize the trunking system users into categories. For example, you might use List#1 for police IDs, List#2 for fire department IDs, List#3 for emergency medical service IDs, etc. Once IDs are stored in lists, you can scan them like you scan conventional frequencies and you can lockout any one (up to 9) of the 10 scan lists by pressing the corresponding numeric key. When an ID is active, the scan list number will appear on the display. You can program your Scan Lists either manually or during Trunking Search mode.
Check the web site www.bearcat1.com/free.htm for a complete list of talkgroups for your area that you can program into your Scan Lists.
In order to program Talk Group ID’s, you must first complete Step 1 – “Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type”, page 49 and Step 2 – “Programming Trunked Frequencies”, pages 50-51.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK by rotating the
VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
51
4. Select 3:TALK GROUP by rotating the VFO and
.
.
.
M1-5
------
¡
ENTER ID
M5-0
-----­050-2
¡
ENTER ID
E5-0
-----­09-022
¡
ENTER ID
M5-0 4128 1216
¡
ENTER ID
pressing E.
5. Select the ID location by rotating the VFO or using the keypad and then press E. You decide which location you want to place the Talk Group ID. (The first number represents the Scan List number and the second number represents the Memory Location number.) (Direct entry method example: enter "1-5" by pressing 1, (decimal key), 5.)
6. Select 1:ID by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
7. Enter the ID.
Note: After you have programmed the ID in a selected
location, while still in the Menu mode, you can set your Alpha Tag (see page 28), or turn ON the Beep Alert for an individual talkgroup (see page
22).
To enter a Type 2 Talk Group ID:
1. Enter the ID you want to store.
2. Press E.
To enter a Type 1 ID:
For a Type I ID, the block number, Fleet number and Subfleet number make up the talk group ID number. Please see page 98.
1. Enter the ID you want to store. (ID= Block number + Fleet number + (decimal key) + Subfleet number)
2. Press E.
To enter an EDACS
®
ID:
1. Enter the ID you want to store. Use the (decimal key) for the "dash".
2. Press E.
Hint: Remember that Uniden's AFS format allows you to
enter full or partial EDACS IDs for powerful flexibility in all modes. Be sure to read the section "EDACS Reception" on page 64 to learn how this works.
Note: The BC250D default to "AFS" talkgroup displays for
EDACS
®
only.
52
To enter a LTR ID:
.
.
.
L5-0
-----­0-02-120
¡
ENTER ID
M5-0 1216
------­ENTER ALPHA TAG
For a LTR ID, the Area Code, Home Repeat number and ID make up the talk group ID. Please see page 68 for more information.
1. Enter the Area Code and then press
(decimal key)
2. Enter the Home Repeater number and then press (decimal key).
3. Enter the ID you want to store.
4. Press E.
Note: To clear a stored ID while entering an ID, press 0 and
E successively, and start over.
Assigning a Text Tag to a Talk Group ID
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E. You can also enter the Bank number by using the keypad bank.
4. Select 3:TALK GROUP and ID location number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
5. Select 2:ALPHA TAG by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
6. The cursor appears on the display. Rotate the VFO to change letters, and press HOLD/MAN or RSM to move right or left. Both capital and lower case letters are available, as well as numbers and punctuation marks.
7. After entering the desired text, press E.
☞ Remember! To clear a mistake while entering the letters,
press HOLD/MAN, RSM or (decimal key) repeatedly until the display is cleared.
53
Setting the Squelch
For trunked reception, a good setting for the SQUELCH control is in the center of the range with the color marker pointing up. See the illustration.
If it is set too high (CCW) in some cases it could prevent your scanner from locking to the Control Channel reliably. If it is set too low (CW) it will slightly delay finding the Control Channel. The best setting is the same as for conventional reception, and is not critical.
Receiving Trunked Systems
When you have properly programmed all the frequencies for a trunked system, you can receive the system in several different ways. You will find that Search, Hold, Lockout, Scan and Delay are all similar to conventional scanning.
❖ ID SCAN lets you receive those talkgroups that you
store in Scan Lists.
❖ ID SCAN HOLD lets you selectively listen to a
talkgroup in your Scan Lists.
❖ TRUNKED SEARCH lets you hear all system talkgroup
activity (unit-to-unit I-Calls may be received as well). This is the best way to get started.
❖ ID SEARCH HOLD works with Search mode to let you
quickly freeze reception on an interesting transmission. Or you can manually specify a talkgroup with Direct Entry in ID Hold.
❖ ID LOCKOUT works with Search and Scan to exclude
talkgroups that you don't want to hear.
❖ ID DELAY works with each talkgroup to be delayed for
2 seconds when the communication ends.
When receiving EDACS systems, remember that Uniden's AFS talkgroups give you powerful flexibility. In a few key presses, you can specify a single talkgroup, a fleet, or an entire agency in all the above modes. Read the section "EDACS Reception" to understand how this works.
Hint: If the scanner is not in the Trunking mode, you can
enter the Trunk Programming mode by pressing TRUNK. Pressing TRUNK in the Trunking mode will move to the Scan Hold mode.
54
ID Scan Mode
ID SCAN
867.9875 NFM List 1234567890
1. Press SCAN to begin scanning the lists you have programmed.
If you haven't programmed more than 2 IDs, ERROR appears on the display.
2. To remove a Scan List from active scanning, press the number of the Scan List on your keypad.
Hint: Press and hold RSM for 2 seconds, the scanner will
move to the next trunking bank.
The Scan List indicator turns Off, and the IDs in that list are not scanned.
Note: One Scan List must always be active. If you try and
deactivate all the Scan Lists, Scan List 1 will automatically be active.
3. To restore a Scan List to active scanning, press its number again.
4. Press SEARCH to return to Trunk Tracking Search mode.
☞ Remember! When you press and hold TRUNK for 2
seconds, you can switch Trunk Tracking modes (Scan or Search).
Note: • While ID scanning, to change all trunking banks to
the Service Search mode, press SERVICE.
• Selecting a Scan List is also possible in the Menu mode. (LTR only)
• ID SCAN appears on the display during Trunk Scan instead of simply SCAN.
55
ID Scan Hold Feature
M1-1:4128
867.8375 NFM ID Tag LIST Tag
C1000
0000.0000
Bank 10
HOLD/ MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH
SERVICE
If you want to stop on a ID during ID scanning, press HOLD/MAN.
If you want to resume scanning, press
RSM.
To directly access a specific channel:
There are several ways to access a specific ID quickly.
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. By using the keypad or rotating the VFO, enter the ID location number (See page 51).
3. Press HOLD/MAN again.
Trunked Search
Once you have programmed all the frequencies for a trunked system, Search will let you immediately start hearing transmissions.
Press SCAN, and select the bank(s) you wish to receive, just as you select banks in conventional scanning and ID scanning.
Hint: Press and hold RSM for 2 seconds, the scanner will
move to the next trunking bank.
Talkgroups display differently in Motorola, EDACS and LTR systems. You should read the appropriate parts of this guide to understand the formats.
The display indicates the bank and the type of trunked system you are monitoring. You can change this to display a bank tag by using the System Option menu.
Regardless of the system, you won't know exactly who you are receiving until you listen for a while, or refer to frequency guides or internet sites such as www.bearcat1.com. Of course, figuring out who each ID represents is half the fun of TrunkTracking.
Later, when you learn more about a system, you will want to store lists of talkgroups. Then you can scan specific agencies and users, and use the many other features your radio provides.
ID Monitor Mode
To enter Scan Hold mode for conventional system in the bank
56
selected for a trunked system, press HOLD/MAN, and the
M1-1:4128
867.8375 NFM MOT ID:8192 LIST Tag
M ID:4128
867.8375 NFM MOT ID:8192 Bank:04 MOT TYP2
radio will seek and acquire the trunked system control channel.
ID Search Hold and Direct Entry ID Hold Mode
Just like in Conventional Search, Hold lets you pause ID Search on an interesting transmission without storing the talkgroup into memory.
If you hear an interesting ID during Search mode, and want to continue listening to it --
• Press HOLD/MAN to stop the search.
If you want to listen to a specific ID, while in Hold mode --
• Use the keypad to enter the ID you want and press
SCAN, RSM or SEARCH (SEARCH key can not be used for EDACS).
If you want to resume searching --
• Press RSM to return to Search
mode.
Note: ID Hold feature is also applied to ID Scan mode.
ID Lockout
Like conventional scanning, it’s possible to lockout unwanted traffic. This is particularly important in trunked systems because in many areas, water meters, door alarms, traffic signals, and other mechanical devices are assigned IDs just like other users. Also some departments scramble or encumber their communications, and you may want to lock out these unintelligible broadcasts.
To Lockout an ID, press L/O when the ID you want to lockout displays.
The ID is locked out. You can Lockout up to 200 IDs.
Note: If you Lockout an ID in Search mode, it is also locked
out in Scan List mode. Conversely, if you Lockout an ID while in Scan List mode, it is locked out in Search mode. For information about Scan Lists see page 51.
EDACS BLOCKOUT is a powerful form of ID LOCKOUT that can be used only with AFS and EDACS systems. This feature lets you lockout entire Agencies or Fleets, not just individual talkgroups. Using ID BLOCKOUT you can, for example, prevent Search from stopping on any of hundreds of
57
talkgroups in the Utilities agency. You can do this with just a
.
L
LT ID:0-02-042 L/O ID REVIEW
few key presses. To use ID BLOCKOUT just enter the Agency- part, or the Agency-Fleet part, of the talkgroup code and press L/O. For example, to Blockout Agency 4 in Trunk Search, press HOLD/MAN, 0, 4, (decimal key), and then L/O. For other ways to use partial AFS entry, be sure to read the section "EDACS Reception".
Review ID Lockout
You can check all IDs already locked out.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
––– OR –––
1. When you press and hold L/O for 2 seconds in trunking, you can also check all IDs locked out.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Enter the bank number using the keypad and pressing E.
4. Select 6:L/O ID REVIEW.
Restoring Locked-out IDs
To unlock a single ID, follow these steps:
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select 6:L/O ID REVIEW and the locked out ID you want to unlock by rotating the VFO.
5. Press L/O. The ID is unlocked and the next locked ID displays.
To unlock all locked out IDs in a bank once:
1. Press L/O for 2 seconds after selecting 6:L/O ID REVIEW in step 4.
58
Reverse Key
ID SCAN
867.9875 NFM Bank 1234567890 BANK:10 MOTTYP2
ID SCAN
867.9875 NFM List 1234567890
For Motorola and EDACS system; to change your display between the Scan List indicators and trunk bank display, press REVERSE.
For LTR systems only, the talkgroup must be active in order to change the Scan List and bank indicators. If the talkgroup is not active, change the Scan List by using the Menu screen.
Setting the Delay Mode for Trunking Mode
The delay of 2 seconds is automatically set for each talkgroup for ID Scan mode and ID Search mode. To set the delay feature, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select 4:DELAY and pressing E.
5. Select 1:ON or 2:OFF by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
Note: If you want to verify the Delay mode setting, press and
hold MENU/BACK for 2 seconds in Trunking mode.
59
Setting Priority in Trunking Mode
M1-1
851.0375 NFM
LIST:01 No.01
M ID:4128
867.8375 NFM ID tag Bank:04 MOT TYP2
M ID:4128
867.8375 NFM MOT ID-----­LIST:01 No.01
You can set priority in your trunking lists, just as you do in your conventional ones. You can set the priority by pressing and holding PRI for 2 seconds in ID Scan Hold mode. After you’ve set up your Scan List, press PRI to activate it.
It’s very similar to conventional priority although there is no "interrupt" during the transmissions. Priorities are checked in between transmissions.
With Priority ON, you can hold on an ID in your Scan List, such as Scan List 6, memory position 7, and the scanner will check all the priorities in all the active Scan Lists in between any transmissions on the ID on which you’re holding. The lowest numbered priority will be checked first. For example, the Priority ID in List 1 will be checked before the Priority in List 2, etc.
Note: This function does not work in LTR tracking.
Programming Scan Lists During Search
To select a Scan List location and store an ID during Search mode, follow these steps:
1. When your scanner stops on an ID you want to store, press HOLD/MAN.
2. Press TRNSFR and the smallest empty Scan List appears on the display, then press E. In case you want to change the memory location, you can change it by rotating the VFO.
3. Press RSM to return to Trunk Tracking Search mode.
Deleting a Stored ID
To delete a stored ID:
a. Press HOLD/MAN in the ID Scan mode.
b. Rotate the VFO to select the
Scan List location you want to delete.
c. Press 0.
d. Then press E.
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Moving between Scan List Memories
I-CALLs TALKGROUPS
1
OFF Not received Received normally This is the BC250D default
2
ON YES Received normally Use this choice to receive I-Calls
together with normal talkgroup traffic.
3 ONLY YES NOT RECEIVED Use this setting to listen to I-Calls,
and block all talkgroup reception. For quick access to this mode, press (decimal) then RSM.
.
There are a number of ways to step and move through your Scan List memories:
1. Press HOLD/MAN in the ID Scan mode and rotate the VFO to move to up or down.
2. Or, press HOLD/MAN in the ID Scan mode, next press 0-9 (scan list number), then press 0-9 (memory position). For example to move to Scan List 4, memory position 10, press: HOLD/MAN, 4, 0, HOLD/MAN
Set Activity ID to ON, when your scanner finds an active ID during a transmission the active ID appears every 0.5 seconds.
I-Call (Motorola/EDACS)
I-Calls are direct unit-to-unit transmissions that are not heard by other system users. Your BC250D can receive these transmissions. How you receive I-Calls depends on whether you are in Search or Scan mode.
During I-Call reception the display will show the Unit ID number of either the transmitting or receiving mobile unit, not a talkgroup. Unit IDs will display differently according to the type of trunked system, and will replace the n's shown here.
EDACS and MOTOROLA TYPE 1 innnnn
MOTOROLA TYPE 2 7nnnnn
Hint -- There are thousands of Unit IDs in typical systems,
but relatively few I-Calls at a given moment, so it is normally best to let the scanner receive any I-Calls without trying to specify particular units.
I-CALLS IN SEARCH MODE
In Search mode, the scanner default is that I-Call reception is OFF. This means that I-Calls will not be received until you program them to be ON. You have three choices for controlling I-Call reception. Through the Menu system, go to
2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK - select bank number -/ 8:I-CALL, and make your selection.
The menu choices are:
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You can hold any I-Call IDs. Because you can only hold on
...
one ID, and there are two IDs involved in any I-Call communication (the transmitting and the receiving units), you might not hear the full conversation, but you probably will.
☞ In Search mode, when you hear an interesting I-Call,
you can enter the instant shortcut (decimal key) then RSM to enter I-Call Only mode. This blocks all talkgroup traffic and lets you hear just the I-Call. To return to normal reception, you must use the Menu system to select the ON or OFF option.
Note: When storing I-Call IDs, remember that the ID will be
for only one of the units – either the transmitting or receiving unit. Unless you specifically want to receive a certain ID, it might be better to use the special code in the HINT below.
I-CALLS IN SCAN AND HOLD MODE
You can store I-Call IDs in Scan Lists, just like talkgroup IDs, for use by ID Scan and Scan Hold modes. To program a specific I-Call Unit ID into a Scan Lists:
EDACS or Motorola Type 1
Press (decimal key) followed by the Unit ID digits, then E.
Motorola Type 2 Press 7 followed by the Unit ID digits, then E.
HINT - There is a special code to let you receive all I-Call
IDs with a single Scan Lists entry. Simply press (decimal key), 0, E. This will store the special code i0 in an EDACS Scan Lists, or 700000 in a Motorola Scan Lists or Digital. Then, whenever you Scan this entry, or select it in Hold mode, the scanner will receive any active I-Calls, regardless of the Unit IDs.
Note: Motorola I-CALL tracking performance may vary
between systems.
Multi-Track
The BC250D allows you to track more than one system at a time. Here are some highlights of this feature:
❖ You can actually track up to 10 trunking systems at
one time.
❖ You can trunk, scan, or search and scan conventional
frequencies at the same time.
❖ You can program conventional frequencies in the same
bank as trunking systems.
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After the scanner finishes checking a trunked system for activity, it will conventionally scan the other frequencies in the bank (remember, only trunking frequencies are programmed in Trunk mode).
To scan a mix of trunking and conventional banks, select the banks you wish to be active, and then press SCAN. The scanner will instantly begin scanning. If you have not programmed a trunking bank with talkgroup ID’s, you will receive NO ID (----) message for that bank. You can switch to Search mode and the scanner will search for any active ID’s on the system.
Note: To switch ID Scan or ID Search, press and hold
TRUNK in the trunked system.
Multi-Track Operational Details
When more than one trunk system is active (for example two or more trunked systems or a trunked system and one or more conventional frequencies), the radio jumps between systems/frequencies as follows:
TRUNK SCAN: The scanner moves to a trunked system and looks for IDs in your Scan List(s) for up to 1 second. If it finds no activity on your programmed talkgroups, it moves on to conventional channels in the same bank or to the next active bank.
If the scanner finds that a talkgroup in one of your active Scan Lists, you will begin to hear that communication and the scanner will of course display the proper talkgroup number and any alpha tag. When the communication ends, the scanner will wait for 2 seconds for any further replies and, if none, the scanner will move to the conventional channels in the same bank or to the next bank. The scanner will not look for any other IDs within the same trunked system (as this would slow the scan process). If you press RSM while you are listening to one ID, the scanner will check to see if another ID in your Scan List is active. It will disregard the ID to which you were just monitoring.
TRUNK SEARCH: This mode works similarly to Trunk Scan. If the scanner finds any (non-locked-out) ID when it checks the control channel, you will hear it. You will then hear any replies that follow within 2 seconds. After that the scanner will move on and not continuously search the system for additional IDs (on busy systems you would never leave the system if this were the case). If you press the RSM key while monitoring one ID, the radio will check if any other IDs are active (it will disregard the ID you just left), and if none are active, it will move on.
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EDACS
®
Reception
EDACS®Tracking
TrunkTracker III now allows tracking of EDACS®trunked systems. Until now these widely used systems have been almost impossible to monitor with a conventional scanner. With your TrunkTracker III listening to EDACS(s) is remarkably easy, and perhaps even easier than conventional scanning.
EDACS systems use 'Transmission Trunking', which means that each transmission is assigned a new frequency. As the conversation moves through the system's frequencies, your TrunkTracker III automatically follows it.
This chart shows a 30 second sample of EDACS transmissions. Eight different talkgroups are using the system as their transmissions switch between the thirteen system frequencies. Notice how the dotted line shows talkgroup 02-023 moving from channel to channel. Your BC250D can clearly and automatically follow this talkgroup, or any other, as you select.
EDACS systems are organized in a logical way that keeps related talkgroups together. Your scanner is designed to take maximum advantage of this organization to make your scanning easy. It lets you zero in on just the part of the system you want to hear, whether it is an individual channel or an entire department or city.
Programming EDACS System Frequencies
When you program EDACS frequencies, it is critical that you store each one in the CORRECT LOCATION. By the nature of EDACS systems this is necessary for tracking. This often is not the frequency order, so you must be sure you have the right sequence. Sources for this information can be found at scanner.uniden.com.
64
An EDACS®Trunked system
.
.
This chart shows how talkgroups are organized within an EDACS system at the Agency level. The individual talkgroups cannot be shown at this scale because there are over 2000. However the chart can show the 16 Agencies in this example. The system is logical and easy to understand. EDACS systems are typically arranged in an outline structure.
The system users are given blocks of talkgroups. Sizes vary but most large cities and other agencies have blocks of 128 channels. Smaller cities have only 64 or 32 channels.
In this example, the County Sheriff is agency 01. The city of Sullivan is Agency 03. Adams Hill and Matthew Junction share Agency 08.
Your scanner shows EDACS talkgroups in AFS (Agency-Fleet-Subfleet) format. This helps you see, at a glance, who you are monitoring. And with the partial­entry feature you can easily include nearby, related channels in the same Fleet or Agency. You can just as easily exclude entire unwanted Fleets and Agencies.
When in Search mode, with the system frequencies programmed, and your scanner locked to the control channel, you can select a desired city by keying in the Agency part of the AFS talkgroup. For example, you can select the entire city of Sullivan with 4 key presses 0, 3, (decimal key), SEARCH.
When you hear an interesting talkgroup, capture it to your Scan List by pressing TRNSFR and E during the transmission.
Or hold on it by pressing the HOLD/MAN key. If you want to monitor the Sullivan Police Dispatch channel (which is talk group 03-062), press 0, 3, (decimal key), 0, 6, 2, RSM or SCAN.
Your scanner can also work in decimal format. This talkgroup in decimal format is 434. But decimal format does not give you any information about the system hierarchy.
65
For example Sullivan, in decimal, uses channels from 384 to
511. This is not as easy to remember as Agency 03.
But decimal is useful if you need to work from decimal talkgroup lists. To turn Emargency Alert ON/OFF, enter into the Menu mode. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK -select bank number-9:EMERGENCY ALT / 1:ON or 2:OFF by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Special EDACS®Features
AFS Partial Entry Feature
AFS is Uniden's method of encoding EDACS talkgroups. AFS stands for 'Agency-Fleet-Subfleet'.
AFS talkgroups are used in all EDACS reception -- in ID Search, ID Lockout and ID Scan Scan Lists. The powerful AFS Partial Entry feature designed into the BC250D lets you use either a complete talkgroup code, or just the most significant part.
This feature lets you expand or narrow searching and scanning to one of 4 levels. By entering only the desired part of an AFS talkgroup, you can select 2048 talkgroups, 128 talkgroups, 8 talkgroups, or a single talkgroup. For example, you could program every talkgroup in a police department with just 4 key presses. You can use the AFS Partial Entry feature anywhere that you need to specify EDACS talkgroup.
Your BC250D can also enter or display EDACS talkgroups in decimal format (0-2047). Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK - select Bank number - / 0:EDCS ID FORM by rotating the VFO and pressing E. And change it to 2:DECIMAL and press E. You can use this feature to translate decimal talkgroups lists to the much more powerful AFS format.
Examples of how you might use AFS are shown above in the description of an EDACS trunked system, and elsewhere in this manual. It is very easy to use. Be sure to become familiar with AFS Partial Entry, and your scanning will become far more flexible and efficient.
Emergency Call Alert
Your BC250D alerts you when an EDACS Emergency transmission occurs.
66
EDACS systems often provide users with an 'Emergency' mode on their radios. Users in trouble can alert the dispatcher and other units and get priority access to the radio system. When a user activates Emergency mode, EMERGENCY will flash the display during the entire transmission. At the beginning of each transmission it will sound a distinctive emergency alert tone three times. To turn Emergency Alert ON/OFF, enter into the Menu mode. Select 2:SCAN
OPTION / 2:TRUNK - select Bank number - 9:EMERGENCY ALT / 1:ON or 2:OFF by rotating the
VFO and pressing E.
Patch Tracking
The BC250D can follow EDACS patched talkgroups.
EDACS systems sometimes bring several talkgroups together in a 'Patch'. A patch might be used by a police agency at night to provide a single channel with a single dispatcher for a wide area. A patch is created when a single, temporary talkgroup substitutes for the original talkgroups. While the patch is running, which may be for hours or days, the original talkgroups cease to be used. If you were monitoring one of these talkgroups, you might think there was no traffic, but in fact the talkgroup was operating at the different temporary number.
If a talkgroup in your Scan List is patched, your scanner will continue to receive it under its new identity until the patch has ended. When a patch is being received, the radio will display PATCH ID, and will show the temporary common talkgroup plus all the included talkgroups in a cycling display. The BC250D is limited to following two patches.
The temporary talkgroups used for patches are usually found in AFS code 15-xxx, and sometimes 00-xxx.
EDACS SCAT
With the EDACS SCAT feature turned “ON”, the data stream transmissions will be eliminated allowing you to clearly monitor the voice communications on EDACS SCAT systems.
To monitor EDACS SCAT systems you only need to turn this feature 8:EDCS SCT. ON with designated frequency. You do not need to enter group ID’s.
Note: As EDACS SCAT is different from the other tracking
feature, and it is not a feature which the scanner tracks any ID, you do not need to program Talk Group ID in the Menu mode.
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LTR®Reception
LTR®Tracking
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 trunking information as digital subaudible data that accompanies each transmission. Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talkgroups, 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 talkgroup ID on the display. In the ID Scan mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the LTR data matches a talkgroup ID that you have stored in the bank’s talkgroup ID list and have not locked out.
LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique ID code.
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Motorola Reception
Motorola Tracking
There are really two types of Motorola trunking systems. These are usually referred to as Type I and Type II systems. Type I only occurs on some 800 MHz systems. All VHF, UHF and 900 MHz trunking systems use Type II.
One important distinction between these two systems is the amount of data transmitted by each radio when its push-to­talk button (PTT) is pressed. Every radio in a trunked system is assigned a unique ID so the central site computer can identify it when it’s used. Both Type I and Type II systems place radios (or radio users) into groups, called talkgroups, and these talkgroups are also assigned unique IDs. Some radios have access to only one talkgroup, while others have access to many talkgroups. The talkgroup(s) each radio can access is called the radio’s affiliation(s).
In a Type II system, when someone uses their radio, only the radio ID is transmitted when PTT is pressed, whereas in a Type I system the radio ID and its current affiliation are both transmitted when PTT is pressed.
Why the difference? Type II systems are slightly more advanced because the central computer maintains a database which is used to determine each radio’s affiliation(s).
Changes to a Type II system are easier than Type I because the system manager only needs to update the database instead of reprogramming individual radios.
Another difference between the systems is that Type I systems are arranged in a Fleet-Subfleet hierarchy. For example, its possible for a city using a Type I system to designate 4 Fleets, each with 8 Subfleets. Their fleets might be the Police Department, the Fire Department, Utilities, and Administration. The Police may decide to further divide their fleet into subfleets such as Dispatch, Tactical Operations, Detectives, North, South, East and West Side Patrols, and Supervisors. All the available police radios would then be assigned to one of the police subfleets. Determining the exact Fleet-Subfleet hierarchy for a particular area is referred to as Fleet Map Programming, which is discussed further in this manual.
The disadvantage of a Type I system is that when PTT is pressed, the brief burst of data must contain the radio’s ID and its Fleet and Subfleet. This is three times the amount of data a Type II system radio sends, and as a result Type I
69
systems usually accommodate fewer users than Type II
M 001
867.8375 NFM 1:TYPE2 800
2:TYPE1
M 001
867.8375 NFM SELECT
PRESET1
systems.
Even though there are many Type II systems, Type I systems are still in use. There are also Hybrid systems which are a combination of both Type I and Type II. Your scanner defaults to monitor Type II systems, but its possible to select a Preprogrammed Fleet Map or create a Custom Fleet Map for your area.
For VHF and UHF Type II trunking systems, you will need to know the base, spacing frequencies and offset channels. See page 72 for details.
Fleet Map Programming
If you have programmed a trunk tracking bank for Motorola type and press SCAN to start Multi-Track, you will see user IDs display on the display. Since the BC250D defaults to Type II systems, all the IDs will appear as numbers. However, if you notice a mix of odd and even user IDs, for example 6477, 2560, 6481, 6144, 1167, etc., then you are probably monitoring either a Type I or Hybrid systems. These systems are applied only when STATUS BIT is OFF (see page 73).
You may also notice that you are missing responses when you hold on an active ID. Unlike Type II, Type I/Hybrid systems require a Fleet Map that sets specific Fleet-Subfleet parameters. It is easy to select a Fleet Map for your scanner; what is not always easy is selecting or programming a map that matches your particular area.
There are 16 preset Fleet Maps listed in the appendix that you can choose, and these are usually a good place to start when setting up a Type I/Hybrid trunk tracking bank. If you choose a preset map and still have difficulty following complete conversations, then you'll have to program your own Fleet Map.
Selecting Preset Fleet Map
1. Select 2:TYPE1 for the Trunk Type. (Refer to "Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type" on page 49.)
2. Select the map you want to program by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
The scanner returns to the other programming items.
70
Note: You will now begin to see Type I Fleet-Subfleet IDs.
M 001
867.8375 NFM 1:TYPE2 800
2:TYPE1
M 001
867.8375 NFM SELECT FLEET MAP USER CUSTOM
M 001
867.8375 NFM BLOCK 0
SIZE CODE 0
For example, 100-12, 100-9, 000-12, 400-8, etc. See "User Defined Fleet Maps in the Appendix" for more information about Type I IDs.
How do you know if the preset map is correct? You will have to listen to see if you're following complete conversations. If not, you should try another preset map.
Programming a Fleet Map
You may want to read "User Defined Fleet Maps" in the Appendix before programming a Fleet Map. It contains a detailed explanation of Scanner Fleet Map Programming, as well as a table listing the Fleet Map Size Codes.
1. Select 2:TYPE1 for the Trunk Type. (Refer to "Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type" on page 49.)
2. Select USER CUSTOM by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the size code for the first block by rotating the VFO.
4. Press E. The next available block displays.
5. Repeat step 3 and 4 until you have selected a size code for each block. For details about each size code, see "Fleet Map Size Codes" in the Appendix.
Programming a Hybrid System
A Hybrid system is simply a Type I system with some blocks designated as Type II blocks. To program a Hybrid system, follow the steps listed in "Programming a Fleet Map" in the previous section. However, if you want a block to be Type II, select Size Code S-0. When you begin searching a trunking bank with a Hybrid Fleet Map, you will see both types of system IDs. That is, Type II IDs usually appear as an even number without a dash; Type I IDs appear as a three or four digit number, followed by a hyphen, followed by a one or two digit number.
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Setting the Base, Spacing Frequencies and
M
406.0000 ENTER FREQUENCY BASE FREQUENCY 1
M
50.0 ENTER FREQUENCY SPACE FREQUENCY1
M CH 380 ENTER CHANNEL OFFSET CHANNEL1
Offset Channel for Motorola VHF/UHF Trunked Systems
To properly track Motorola VHF and UHF trunked systems you must enter what is known as the base, the spacing frequencies and offset channels for each system.
To find these out, check the scanner.uniden.com or www.bearcat1.com/free.htm and other web sites and frequency resources.
To enter the Base, Spacing Frequencies and Offset Channel: (You can set up to three sets of these, but almost all systems only use one set)
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select 1:TRUNK TYPE /1:ON / 4:TYPE2 UHF or 5:TYPE2 VHF by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
5. Select BASE CONFIG from 1 - 3 by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
6. Enter a new Base Frequency with the keypad.
7. Press E. The display changes for entering the Spacing Frequency.
8. Enter a new Spacing Frequency with the keypad.
Note: You can only enter within a range of 5-100 kHz, and
5 or 7.5 or 12.5 kHz multiples.
9. Press E. The display changes for entering the Offset Channel.
10. Enter a new Offset Channel with the keypad. The Offset Channel for the first set should be CH380.
Note: You can only input within a range
of 380-759.
11. Press E. The display changes for entering the Base Frequency.
12. To exit from this mode, press MENU/BACK repeatedly.
72
Note: • If the system is not tracking properly, you may need
to try a new Base Frequency or Offset Channel or you may be missing frequencies from the system.
• You can set up to three Base, Spacing and Offsets for Motorola VHF/UHF trunked systems.
Toggling the Status Bit
On Type II 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 have programmed talkgroup 33264 into Scan List memory, for example, and there is an emergency call within the group, you will hear it on 33264.
The only time you may wish to turn Status Bits OFF is if you're trying to figure out the proper Fleet Map of a Type I trunking system. To turn Status Bits OFF, enter into the Menu mode and select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK - select bank number - / 9:STATUS BIT. (This feature does not apply to EDACS and LTR operation within the scanner.) Then rotate the VFO to change the setting (1:ON to 2:OFF) and press E to program your change.
Control Channel Only Mode
When this function is activated, trunking is performed using Control Channel data only. Voice channel (also known as "DATA channel") frequencies do not have to be programmed into memory. This feature only applies to Motorola 800 MHz and 900 MHz systems.
To turn this function on, choose Motorola 1:TYPE2 800 or 3:TYPE2 900 or 2:TYPE1 in the Menu mode. Then set to the desired control plan by selecting 2:SCAN
OPTION / 2:TRUNK - select bank number - / :CNTRL CH ONLY.
You must choose one of 4 frequency plans (only when 800 MHz systems is selected) before you begin to Control Channel Trunk. The default, Plan 1, is the most common. Read the description of the Plans below for details on which may apply for you.
PLAN 1: Use Plan 1 if the last three digits of ALL the frequencies in use end in one of the following three digits: 125, 375, 625, or 875 (example: 856.1125, 860.7375,
859.6625, 855.8875).
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PLAN 2: If the last three digits of frequencies are less than
869.0000 and end in one of the following three digits (125, 375, 625, or 875) and if ANY other frequencies end in (000, 250, 500, or 750) use Plan 2.
PLAN 3: If the last three digits of ALL the frequencies in use end in one of the following three digits (000, 250, 500, or 750) use Plan 3.
PLAN 4: If the last three digits of frequencies are less than
866.0000 and end in one of the following three digits (000, 250, 500, or 750) and if ANY other frequencies end in (125, 375, 625, or 875) use Plan 4.
Of course you will know the Control Channel frequency itself so that will help you determine the proper plan. If you try one plan and you receive errors (such as the scanner jumping to channels that are obviously not part of the system), you should try an alternate Plan.
Note: In Chain Search mode, Control Channel Trunk is
activated in the Menu mode (See page 18). You must choose one of 4 frequency plans. This plan applies only when the scanner searches the 800 MHz range. Since a default plan is automatically used when the scanner searches the 900 MHz range, a user does not need to select a plan.
Note: You can assign a Fleet Map to TYPE 1 or Hybrid
systems scanned in Control Channel Only mode by going into the Menu. You can also program IDs, set a delay, alpha tags and all the other parameters for systems scanned in this mode. You can then either search the system to find new IDs or you can program IDs into memory and then scan them.
Note: The Control Channel Only feature is an extremely
powerful tool. You can use it to determine if systems you are familiar with may have added new frequencies or you can use it to discover new systems by simply finding active control channels (using Search) and then programming them for Control Channel operation only. Remember that this feature only applies to Motorola 800 and 900 MHz systems, that you do have to set the Menu for the proper system type (800 MHz of Type 1 or Type 2 or 900 MHz) and you do have to program the Control Channel frequency into Memory.
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Disconnect Tone Detect Option (End Code)
When this function is disabled, the radio looks for squelch before returning to the Control Channel instead of waiting for the Disconnect Tone. Only in rare instances will you need to adjust the default settings.
The condition to return to Control Channels depends on whether the signal is present or not. To set this function to ON / OFF, select 2:SCAN OPTION / 2:TRUNK - select bank number - / 0:END CODE. Select 1:DETECT or 2:IGNORE.
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APCO Project 25
Reception
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! Systems the Uniden BC250D supports are listed below.
- Conventional – one frequency with digital voice.
- Trunked with analog control channel and digital voice – Many frequencies shared by many departments and the control channel is analog with digital voice. Control channel operates at 3600 Baud.
- Mixed mode – trunked (3600) system with an analog control channel alternating / mixing analog and digital voice communications.
Note: Do not install the APCO card with the AC Adapter
connected.
Installing the APCO P-25 Card
1. Turn OFF the
scanner, and open the cover.
2. Carefully unplug the
battery pack.
3. Insert the APCO card
with the label (the side “APCO P-25 DIGITAL CARD” is printed) facing up as shown.
4. Carefully connect the
battery pack, matching the red and black wires with the corresponding Red/Black plug.
76
5. Replace the cover and press down until it clicks into place,
and then turn ON the scanner. APCO P25 CARD INSTALLED appears on the display. Installation is complete. You can monitor APCO Project 25 systems.
To use the P-25 card, you must program each channel for Conventional mode or Trunking mode.
- Conventional mode–See “Storing Frequencies into Channels in Menu Mode” pages 26-27.
- Trunking mode –“Programming and Receiving Digital and Trunked Systems” pages 49-51.
Precautions for Installing the BCi25D Card
1. Do not touch the BCi25D card without first removing the
static electricity from your body. To do this, touch any metal object to release static electricity build-up before you touch the BCi25D card.
2. Turn OFF the scanner, before inserting the BCi25D card
into the slot.
3. Hold the BCi25D card by its edges when inserting it into
the slot.
4. Do not touch any of the terminals. The BCi25D is a
sensitive electrical device.
5. Do not operate with an open battery compartment cover.
This exposes the circuitry to dust and other environmental particles that causes the unit to function improperly.
6. When you remove the BCi25D card, pull out the card by
the ribbon.
Turning ON/OFF the APCO P-25 Card
Once the P-25 Card has been installed, the P-25 Card will be actively turned “ON”. To turn the P-25 Card “ON” or “OFF” follow these instructions:
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 0:P-25 CARD by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 0:P-25 CARD / 1:ENABLE or 2:DISABLE
by rotating the VFO and pressing E for your desired operation.
77
APCO P-25 Sound Quality Fine Tuning
SOUND QULTY:0050
867.8375 P25 Low Mid Upp 0533 1985 3342
Lower Mid Upper
Band
Min Default Max Default Min Default Max 800MHz 33 533 1883 1985 1992 3342 3842 UHF 33 633 1883 1985 1992 3342 3842 VHF 330 930 2130 2147 2264 3464 4064
With each APCO Project 25 system, particularly at 800MHz, the sound quality (C4FM Demodulation Threshold) may need to be fine tuned specifically for that system. If the scanner is not adjusted correctly, the P-25 voice transmissions will sound robotic or unintelligible.
To adjust the sound quality to match the P-25 system you want to monitor follow these four steps:
1. While monitoring a specific APCO P-25 frequency, press the HOLD/MAN key.
Note: In the Trunking mode, press the TRUNK key instead of the HOLD/MAN key.
2. Press and hold the number 9 key.
3. On Line 1 of the screen you will see SOUND QULTY: 0050 (for example).
This shows the Sound Quality. The lower the level the better the Sound Quality. For better Sound Quality rotate the VFO up or down. As the threshold adjusts in increments of 50 at the bottom of the screen watch the Sound Quality level increase or decrease and continue to rotate the VFO until you have achieved the lowest Sound Quality level.
Note: • When APCO P-25 signal is not received,
SOUND QULTY: **** appears on the display.
• You must have the BCi25D card installed and have an APCO P-25 signal during this adjustment.
- A chart showing the Threshold Adjustment
Range is listed below.
Threshold Adjustment Range
Note: • The above Min and Max values are
the calculated values that can be
78
assigned theoretically, and the values
.
.
are not to guarantee the operation of the unit.
• The Mid threshold value will not change while adjusting the upper and lower limits.
4. Once you have adjusted the Sound Quality to the lowest possible level, press the E key.
Press the RSM key to exit the Sound Quality Adjustment Mode.
* To cancel the adjusted threshold level, press
(Decimal) key.
* The adjusted threshold level for the current frequency
can be set back to the default value by pressing and holding the (Decimal) key.
* When you change the Sound Quality it affects all
other APCO P-25 signals in that same band. (UHF, VHF, or 800MHz)
* You cannot enter the “Sound Quality Fine Tuning”
mode when the scanner is operating as follows:
1) The receiving frequency is 0 MHz.
2) Air Band Frequency
3) BCi25D card is not inserted
4) BCi25D / P-25 monitoring is disabled
79
Remote Interface
HOLD/ MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH
SERVICE
You can communicate and program your BC250D in numerous ways with peripheral devices using the Remote Interface Cable port. This radio offers the following modes:
❖ PC Control Mode
Program and control your scanner from a PC using Uniden’s E-Scanner software.
❖ Clone Mode
Clone all the frequencies, trunking talkgroups, and fleet maps programmed into your scanner to another BC250D scanner or BC785D.
PC Control Mode
To connect Scanner to PC:
Plug the smaller end of the supplied Remote Interface Cable into the remote port in accordance with the direction of the mark which is on the right side of the scanner. Plug the other end of the cable (DB-9 serial connector) into a personal computer’s serial port. A few PC’s may require an adapter, most will not. Of course, make sure your PC is turned ON.
To program your scanner:
You can program and control your scanner remotely from a PC using Uniden’s E-Scanner software.
After connecting the scanner to a PC, turn the scanner ON.
To use the Remote (PC Control) mode, you must install Uniden’s E-Scanner software and use as directed. Make sure that your scanner is connected to the serial port of the PC using the Remote Interface Cable.
80
Start Remote Mode and Change Transfer Speed:
SPEED 3:9600 bps 4:19200 bps
5:OFF
Through the Menu system, select
3:SYSTEM OPTION / 5:PC CONTROL by rotating the VFO and
pressing E. To start Remote mode, choose from the transfer speed list except for 5:OFF.
A unique feature of the BC250D is that all the front panel keys as well as the VFO on the radio remain operational in Remote mode.
For information on purchasing cables, connectors, and E­Scanner software to program and control your BC250D, you can contact 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)
scanner.uniden.com
PC Control Parameter
For your information:
Transfer speed : 2400/4800/9600/19200 bps (adjustable) Start/Stop : 1 bit, 1 bit Data Length : 8 bit Parity bit : None Code : ASCII code Flow Control : None Return Code : Carriage Return only
Clone Mode
You will need to purchase a Gender Changer and a null modem adapter. Gender Changer cables are available as male to male or male to female. Even if the Gender Changer you buy already has the male to male connectors, you will still have to have the null modem adapter. On the next page you will see the pin connections that are internal to a standard device. (These items are available at your local electronics stores.)
81
To connect the Scanner to Scanner:
HOLD/ MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
HOLD/ MAN
SCAN
CH/ FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT
REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH
SERVICE
SEARCH
SERVICE
CLONE SELECT UNIT
MASTER
SLAVE
CLONE SELECT UNIT MASTER
SLAVE
Female
DB9
Male
DB9
1
4
2
3
3
2
4
6 & 1
5
5
6
4
7
8
8
7
9
Not used
Null Modem Adapter
Pin connections
Plug the smaller end of each of the supplied Remote Interface Cables into the remote ports in accordance with the direction of the marks which are on the right sides of each of the two scanners.
Plug the other ends of the cables (DB-9 serial connector) together using a DB-9 to DB-9 null modem adapter, and a Gender Changer Cable available at most computer stores.
You can clone all of the programming of one BC250D into another, including frequencies, talkgroup IDs, alpha tags, delay settings, etc. After connecting the two scanners, turn the radios ON. Prepare each scanner for clone mode as follows.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 6:CLONE by rotating
the VFO and pressing E.
3. Determine the scanner that has the frequency data that you want to transfer. This one must be set up as the "Master Unit", and the other must be set as the "Slave Unit".
4. On the scanner that is the "Master Unit", select MASTER, then press E.
5. On the scanner that is the "Slave Unit", select SLAVE, then press E.
82
6. Press SCAN on both scanners.
.
CLONE
== > MASTER UNIT
CLONE
COMPLETE MASTER UNIT
CLONE
ERROR MASTER UNIT
CLONE
== < SLAVE UNIT
The data transfer begins from the Master Unit to the Slave Unit.
During the data transfer, both scanners show the following displays.
When the data transfer is complete, COMPLETE displays.
If the data transfer is not successful, the following error message will appear.
Note: To clear ERROR, press (decimal key).
To exit the Clone mode, press MENU/BACK repeatedly.
Note: Once you have completed the cloning of the scanners,
reset the scanners by turning the scanners OFF and then ON again. This is particularly important to know if you wish to Clone another scanner right away.
83
Additional Features
The following additional features are designed for you to customize your scanner. Once these features have been turned ON or OFF, they will remain as they are set until you reset them, even if you turn the scanner OFF and then ON again.
Dimmer
To change brightness of the display:
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 1:DIMMER /
1:DIMMER LIGHT by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select one from 1:HIGH or 2:MEDIUM by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
To change lighting time:
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 1:DIMMER / 2:DIMMER TIME by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:15 SECONDS or 2:INFINITE by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Enter Lock
You can lockout the keypad to prevent re-programming of channels, talkgroups and tones (see page 92).
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 4:ENTER LOCK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Key Lock
Key Lock prevents accidental key entries except the following keys (KEYLOCK, HOLD/MAN and RSM).
1. Press and hold for 2 seconds to turn KEYPAD LOCK ON or KEYPAD LOCK OFF , and then you will hear two beeps. If you press any key (except KEYLOCK, HOLD/MAN and RSM) when Key Lock is ON, KEYPAD LOCK ON appears on the display.
84
Key Beep Option
To choose key beep sound 1:ON or 2:OFF:
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 3:KEY BEEP by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON or 2:OFF by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
Screen Mask
The trunk, frequency, receiving mode, and signal meter indications on the display are masked when this feature is activated (except while in Search mode). This feature reduces the amount of displayed information.
Note: While Screen Mask is ON, Enter Lock is active.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select 3:SYSTEM OPTION / 2:SCREEN MASK by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 1:ON or 2:OFF by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
Reverse Mode
This key will allow you to observe the reverse frequency of the repeater. While pressing REVERSE, the standard pair frequency will be displayed. For a list of the standard pair frequencies, refer to the table "Reverse List" in the Appendix. If the frequency that you have chosen does not have an offset frequency, the display will indicate ERROR and NO REVERSE. This feature does not work in the Weather Search mode.
Channel Step Selection
You can set channel steps, 5 kHz - 100 kHz or Auto, in Conventional mode or Chain Search mode. The default receive mode should be the proper mode setting in almost all cases. You may wish to set some VHF channels for NFM mode, depending on any adjacent channel interference problems. WFM is typically only used for broadcast frequencies such as TV audio or FM radio.
See STEPS in "Menu Description" for details.
Mute On/Off
To manually turn ON the Mute function, press and hold MUTE until MUTE ON is displayed.
85
You will not hear any audio. This feature does not function in the WX Alert mode, because the audio is already muted. To turn it OFF, press and hold MUTE again.
Receiving Mode Selection
You can also set the receiving mode, AM or FM etc., in Conventional mode or Chain Search mode.
See MODE in "Menu Description" for details.
Frequency and Channel Tuning with the VFO Control
The VFO knob can be used for stepping through frequencies or stepping through memory channels (for Conventional channels or Talkgroup ID Scan Lists).
To switch the setting for the VFO control, press and hold HOLD/MAN for 2 seconds. This will change modes from Channel to Frequencies or Frequencies to Channels.
1. In Conventional mode, when the setting for the VFO is channel, rotate the VFO to move up (to step up through channels) or down (to step down through channels). If you are in Trunk Manual mode, you will step through Scan List memory locations.
2. In Chain Search mode, when the setting for the VFO is frequency, rotate the VFO to move up to step up through frequencies sequentially or to down to step down through frequencies. To change the step, you will need to go into the Chain Search menu and adjust the step for the desired memory location.
86
Care and Maintenance
General Use
• Turn the scanner OFF before disconnecting the power.
• Always write down the programmed frequencies in the
event of memory loss.
• If memory is lost, simply reprogram each channel. The display shows 000.0000 in all channels when there has been a memory loss.
• Always press each button firmly until you hear the entry tone for that key entry, unless you have turned 2:OFF the 3:KEY BEEP in the menu system.
Location
• 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.
• If the scanner receives strong interference or electrical noise, move it or its antenna away from the source of the noise. If possible, a higher elevation, may provide better reception.
Cleaning
• Disconnect the power to the unit before cleaning.
• Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild detergent.
To prevent scratches, do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Be careful not to rub the LCD window.
• Do not use excessive amounts of water.
Repairs
• Do not attempt any repair. The scanner contains no user serviceable parts. Contact the Uniden Customer Service Center or take it to a qualified repair technician.
Birdies
• All radios can receive birdies (undesired signals). If your scanner stops during Scan mode and no sound is heard, it may be receiving a birdie. Birdies are internally generated signals inherent in the electronics of the receiver.
Press L/O to lockout the channel, and then press RSM to resume scanning.
87
Troubleshooting
Problem Suggestion
Scanner won't work. 1. Check the connections at both ends of the AC Adapter.
2. Turn ON the wall switch of your room. You could be using an outlet controlled by the wall switch.
3. Move the AC Adapter to another wall outlet.
Improper reception. 1. Check the antenna connection.
2. Move the scanner.
3. You may be in a remote area which could require an optional multi-band antenna. Check with your dealer or local electronics store.
Scan won't stop. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 15, "Setting the
Squelch".
2. Check the antenna connection.
3. Check to see if many of the channels are Loc ked Out. If so, the scanner has less chance of finding an active channel.
4. Review each channels frequency to see if it is still stored in Memory and is correct.
5. Its possible that none of the programmed frequencies are currently active.
Scan won't start. 1. Press the
SCAN
key again.
2. Adjust the
SQUELCH
control.
3. Check to see if all channels are Lock ed Out.
Weather Scan won't work. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 15, "Setting the
Squelch".
2. Check the antenna.
4. Check to see if Key Lock is ON (see page 84).
Problem Suggestion
Scanner won't track.
1. Missing the Data Frequency.
2. Change to a Type 1 Scanner setup. Review "Fleet Map Programming" on page 70.
Scanner won't stop 1. No IDs have been programmed. during Scan List mode.
2. The IDs you have stored are not active.
Scanner will not acquire 1. Adjust the squelch for Trunking mode. data channel. See page 54.
2. Missing the frequency used for the data channel. Check your frequency list.
Missing replies 1. Change to a Type 1 scanner setup. to conversations. Review "Fleet Map Programming" on page 70.
2. Try another Preset Fleet Map or Program your own Fleet Map.
3. Check to see that all of the systems frequencies have been entered.
Channel Activity 1. May be a telephone interconnect call, which are Indicators are flashing intentionally blocked by your scanner. but no sound is heard.
2. The ID on your display is not activ e.
Scanner not tracking 1. Logical channel numbers (frequencies) for the system an EDACS system are not programmed in the correct order. properly. Check frequency resources and reprogram.
2. Not all frequencies for the system are programmed. Check frequency resources.
If your BC250D is not performing properly, try the following steps.
If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker mode, try the following steps.
88
If you still cannot get satisfactory results while using your
Problem Suggestion
APCO P25 CARD NOT INSTALLED
appear when the scanner is turned ON.
Neither APCO P25 CARD INSTALLED nor APCO P25 CARD
NOT INSTALLED
appear when the scanner is turned ON.
Scratchy or robotic sound is heard during communications.
Digital communication is not heard.
DATA sound is heard at the beginning of digital communications.
Robotic sound is heard.
When CARD ERROR appears every 10 seconds while you are using P-25 Card.
1. Check to see if the P-25 Card is properly installed.
1. Check to see if the P-25 Card Mode is 1:ENABLE or 2:DISABLE in the Menu mode.
1. Move to a location where the signal strength is strong.
2. Modulation accuracy of transmissions sent can be low.
1. Verify the accuracy of the frequencies of the P-25 system you are trying to monitor.
2. You might be in a dead-spot for the P-25 system you are trying to monitor. Check other locations in the area.
1. APCO project 25 systems can send data before voice communication.
2. Data sound can be heard when signal strength is weak.
1. Check to see if the ENC message appears on the display. The scanner doesn’t monitor encrypted voice communications.
1. Re-install the P-25 Card.
scanner or if you want additional information, please call or write the Uniden Parts and Service Division. The address and phone number is listed in the warranty at the end of this manual. If you would like immediate assistance, please call Customer Service at (800)297-1023.
If you have internet access, you can visit scanner.uniden.com for additional information.
89
Specifications
Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture.
Channel: 1000 Banks: 10 (100 channels each) Service Bands: 12 preprogrammed search bands
Frequency Range: 25.0 - 27.995 MHz AM
Operating Temperature: Scan Rate: 100 channels per second MAX.
Search Rate: 100 steps per second MAX.
Scan Delay: 2 seconds Audio Output: 240 mW nominal
Internal Speaker: 8 ohms (36 mm outer diameter) Power Requirements: AD600U AC Adapter
Antenna: Rubber Antenna (included) Antenna Jack: BNC type External Jacks: DC 12 V Power Jack
Size: 65mm (W) x 45mm (D) x 153mm (H) Weight: 350 g (12 3/8 oz.)
Features and specifications are all subject to change without notice.
(including the NOAA Weather Service band)
28.0 - 53.99 MHz FM
54.0 - 71.95 MHz WFM
72.0 - 75.995 MHz FM
76.0 - 87.95 MHz WFM
88.0 - 107.9 MHz WFM
108.0 - 136.975 MHz AM
137.0 - 161.995 MHz FM
162.0 - 173.9875 MHz FM
174.0 - 215.95 MHz WFM
216.0 - 224.995 MHz FM
225.0 - 399.95 MHz AM
400.0 - 512.0 MHz NFM
806.0 - 823.9875 MHz NFM
849.0125 - 868.9875 MHz NFM
894.0125 - 956.0 MHz NFM
1240.0 - 1300.0 MHz NFM
–
20 °C to +60 °C (–4°F to 140°F)
(conventional mode)
(Normal Search) 300 steps per second MAX. (Turbo Search)
(8Ω internal speaker) 38 mW nominal (32Ω stereo headphone) 9 mW nominal (64Ω earphone)
(12V DC, 500mA) or
4.8V DC 1500mAh (internal battery)
(center is positive) Remote Jack Earphone Jack
90
Glossary of Terms
Alpha tag - This term refers to an alphanumeric text tag that
you can enter to describe the individual frequencies that you have programmed. Rather than having to associate a specific frequency to the individuals that are using it, you can enter the actual name of the group. This will eliminate the need for memorizing the group’s frequency.
Attenuator - This scanner comes with a feature to attenuate
or reduce the signal strength. The built-in attenuator can be turned on specific frequencies to prevent strong signals from overloading the scanner input, possibly damaging the scanner or missing other transmissions due to the repeated stopping on the stronger signal.
Clone - This term identifies the ability to set up a duplicate
scanner. This function allows you to clone all the programming information, including frequencies, talkgroups and alpha tags as well as bank settings and other parameters from one BC250D to another or BC785D.
Control Channel - This is the frequency within a trunking
system that runs the system. On Control Channels (sometimes called Data Channels) you will hear a buzz saw sound. For the most part, it is the sound of the system’s central computer directing talkgroups to particular voice (working) frequencies within the system.
CTCSS - (Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System)
refers to a system where the radio receivers are equipped with tone responsive devices which allow audio signals to appear at the audio output, select voice processing such as scrambling or control repeater functions only when a carrier modulated with a specific tone is received. This method may be used to restrict access to the repeater or receiver, or reduce interference where several stations with output frequencies in close proximity of each other make it difficult to hear the conversation you are interested in. With CTCSS squelching, you can eliminate the possibility of hearing unwanted conversations by selecting one of the 38 standard subaudible tones. You will only hear those transmissions that have been programmed on specific frequencies with the specific subaudible tone that you have selected.
DCS - (Digital Controlled Squelch) refers to a system where
the radio receivers are equipped with data burst responsive devices which allow audio signals to appear at the audio output, select voice processing such as scrambling or control repeater functions only when a carrier modulated
91
with specific data burst is received. This method may be used to restrict access to the repeater or receiver, or reduce interference where several stations with output frequencies in close proximity of each other make it difficult to hear the conversation you are interested in. With DCS squelching, you can eliminate the possibility of hearing unwanted conversations by selecting one of the 104 standard data burst subaudible tones. You will only hear those transmissions that have been programmed on specific frequencies with the specific subaudible tone that you have selected.
Enter Lock - This is the term used for locking the keypad.
This prevents accidental re-programming of channels and talkgroups entered into memory. The default setting is OFF.
When ENTER LOCK is enabled, the following functions will
be disabled:
• Enter or modify the Memory Channel frequency
• Enter or modify the Tone information
• Enter or modify the Trunking ID. ( this can be modified
through the menu screen.)
FIPS Codes - For the purpose of broadcasting weather
information, the NWS (National Weather Service) has divided the United States into regions by state and county (or parish, where applicable) then assigned a 6 digit FIPS code to identify each county or parish. The first digit represents the county subdivision, the next two represents the state, and the last three digits represent the county or parish. Your scanner can receive all SAME alert signals broadcasted within about a 50-mile radius of where you install it. So if you only want to hear the counties that are nearest to your area, you can choose specifically the FIPS code of areas that you want. This lets you avoid hearing warnings that apply to an area within a 50-mile radius but not necessarily in your county or parish.
I-Call - Most communications within a trunked system are
group calls where one unit (such as a dispatcher) communicates with all the units within 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. This call is referred to as I-Call.
92
Key Beep - This is another term for the tone you hear as a
keypad acknowledgement beep. The default setting is on. If you have turned the Key Beep off, you now have a silent keypad. You will not hear a tone each time you press a key.
NWR S.A.M.E. Weather Alert - In 1994, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began broadcasting coded signals called FIPS (Federal Information Processing System) codes along with the standard weather broadcasts for stations in your area. These codes identify an emergency and the specific geographic area (such as your county) affected by the emergency. The scanner was developed with SAME (Specific Area Messaging Encoding) technology. This allows you scanner to receive, interpret, and display the information about the codes so you can determine if the emergency might affect you area.Each FIPS code identifies a specific geographic area (defined by the National Weather Service) so your scanner sounds an alert only when a weather emergency is declared in those locations. This helps you more efficiently track the weather conditions in and around your area.
PC Control - This term is associated with the ability to
program frequencies and other useful information via a computer by means of third party software. You can change the transfer speed on the scanner needed to be compatible with your PC. (See page 81)
Scan List - When you designate a bank to be a trunking
bank, your scanner sets up 10 Scan Lists, which are simply list of your favorite IDs. Each list can contain up to 10 IDs, so you can store a total of 100 IDs for each trunk bank. These lists are designed to help you organize the trunking system users into categories.
Screen Mask - Screen Mask reduces the amount of
information that appears on the display. Alpha tags that you have set for a channel along with a few function icons will appear only on the display. This mode is particularly useful in public safety vehicles where that are already overloaded with information. Screen Mask does not work in Search mode.
Status Bit - This term refers to Motorola Type II systems.
There is a method by which special types of communications utilize unique talk group numbers. For example, if all emergency calls are set to occur on a specific talk group number then you will not miss the transmission even if you have not programmed all the talk group numbers. With the Status Bit on and you have programmed the unique number, then you don’t have to
93
worry what the rest of the groups numbers are. The topic of interest will be picked up.
Talkgroup - A group of users within a trunked system that
communicates with one another.
94
Appendix
Preset Map 1
Size Code
SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 11
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Preset Map 2
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Preset Map 3
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Preset Map 5
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Preset Map 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 10 SIZE CODE 10 SIZE CODE 11
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Preset Map 8
Size Code
SIZE CODE 1 SIZE CODE 1 SIZE CODE 2 SIZE CODE 2 SIZE CODE 3 SIZE CODE 3 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Preset Map 6
Size Code
SIZE CODE 3
SIZE CODE 10
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Preset Map 4
Size Code
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Preset Fleet Maps
95
Preset Map 9
Preset Map 11
Preset Map 13
Preset Map 15 Preset Map 16
Preset Map 14
Preset Map 12
Preset Map 10
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 3 SIZE CODE 3
SIZE CODE 11
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 11
SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 3 SIZE CODE 10 SIZE CODE 10 SIZE CODE 11
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 3 SIZE CODE 10
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 4
Block
1
0
2 3 4 5 6 7
96
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