Uniden BC 278CLT User Manual
BC 278CLT
10 BAND, 100 CHANNEL SCANNER
• FULLY PROGRAMMABLE
• FULL FREQUENCY LCD READOUT
• ALARM CLOCK
• AM/FM RADIO
• SERVICE SCAN
• CHANNEL LOCKOUT
• PRIORITY CHANNEL
• SCAN DELAY
• MEMORY BACKUP
• EMERGENCY WEATHER ALERT WITH
S.A.M.E.
Reference Guide
Precautions
Before you read anything else,
please observe the following:
Uniden DOES NOT represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the
risk of fire or electrical shock,
moisture.
Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by
Uniden, or operation of this product in any way other than as detailed by
this Reference Guide, could void your authority to operate this product.
The installation, possession, or use of this scanning radio in a motor
vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or require a permit in certain states,
cities, and/or local jurisdiction. Your local law enforcement officials
should be able to provide this information regarding the laws in your
community.
DO NOT expose this unit to rain or
Uniden®and Bearcat®are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Taking Proper Care of Your Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installing the BC278CLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Scanning Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Clock Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Initial Clock Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Using the Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Set the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Programming Tips for Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Programming Scanner Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Deleting a Scanner Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
About Memory Back-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Scanning Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Bank Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Direct Channel Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Priority Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Channel Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Restore All Locked Out Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Searching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Service Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Weather Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Weather Alert with S.A.M.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
About S.A.M.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Programming FIPS Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Additional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
LCD Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Programming Radio AM/FM Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Deleting a Stored Radio Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Direct Channel Access for Radio Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Resest the Clock Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Set the Alarm Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Set Alarm to Tone Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Turn the Alarm Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Set Alarm to Radio Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Turn the Alarm Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
About the Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Helpful Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Two-Year Extended Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Introduction
Getting
Started
Operation
Clock
Set-Up
Using the
Scanner
Additional
Features
About the
Unit
Troubleshooting
Specifications
INTRODUCTION
About Scanning
Scanning Options
Scanning is easy and fun with the BC278CLT 100-Channel Base Scanner with
AM/FM Radio.
■
Scan channels you have programmed
■
Scan pre-programmed service and weather channels.
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most 2-way communications do not transmit
continuously (see Types of Communication below).
The BC278CLT scans programmed channels at rate of up to 25 channels per second until it
locates an active frequency. When the scanning stops on an active frequency, it remains on
that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the
scanner stays on the channel for 2 more seconds, waiting for a responding transmission. If
no responding transmission is detected, the scanning cycle resumes until another
transmission is received (DELAY function).
Types of Communication
You can monitor communications such as:
■
Police and fire departments (including rescue and paramedics)
■
NOAA weather broadcasts (7 pre-programmed channels)
■
Business/industrial radio
■
Motion picture and press relay
■
Aircraft
■
Auto racing frequencies
■
Utilities
■
Land transportation frequencies such as trucking firms, buses,
taxis, tow trucks, and railroads
■
Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands
1
■
Many more in the 29-54MHz, 108-137MHz, 137-174MHz,
406-512, 108-137MHz, and 806-956MHz ranges
■
AM/FM radio
You must program a frequency into each channel you want to use. If you do not have any
known local frequencies to program, a Uniden representative should be able to provide you
with a few sample frequencies.
Where to Obtain More Information
The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs have publications, information on
computer bulletin boards, and contests for the radio enthusiast. See the enclosed printed
material for more information. Additional information is also available through your local
library.
Taking Proper Care of Your Scanner
■
Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments such as the kitchen
or bathroom.
■
Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents.
■
Do not plug the scanner into an outlet controlled by a wall switch as
prolonged periods without power causes the clock to reset.
Unpacking
Carefully check the contents against this list:
■
BC278CLT Base Scanner
■
Telescopic Antenna
■
AM Radio Antenna
■
AC Adapter (Model AC-144U)
■
This Reference Guide
■
Registration Form
■
Frequency Directories Order Form and other printed information
■
Frequency Guide Book
☞
If any items are missing or damaged, contact the Uniden Parts
Department at (800) 554-3988. Hours are from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Monday through Friday, Central Time. We may also be reached
at www.uniden.com.
☞
Complete and mail your Registration Form immediately.
☞
Read this Reference Guide thoroughly before operating the scanner.
2
GETTING STARTED
AC 10V
USE AC-144U ONLY EXT.SP
AM RADIO ANT
ANT
Installing the BC278CLT
1. Insert the small plug at the end of the AC Adapter cord into the AC 10V jack on
the scanner.
2. Plug the AC Adapter into any standard 120V AC wall outlet. Do not plug into an outlet
controlled by a wall switch; it could cause clock reset.
3. Plug the Telescoping Antenna into the ANT. jack. Extend the antenna to its full height. For
UHF frequencies, shortening the antenna may improve the reception.
4. Plug the AM Antenna into the AM Radio Antenna Jack
a. Press down to unlatch the 2 tabs at the bottom of the AM Radio Antenna Jack.
b. Insert the 2 leads into the holes. Make sure the leads are stripped to expose the wire.
c. Press up to latch the 2 tabs.
5. Plug an optional external speaker (8-ohm) into the EXT. SP. jack.
*Carefully remove the tube inserted before using the AM Antenna Jack. When the Jack is
not in use, keep the tube mounted.
If your scanner receives strong interference or electrical noise, relocate
the scanner or its antenna away from the source.
If you are operating the scanner in a fringe area or need to improve
reception, use an optional antenna designed for multi-band coverage.
(You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store.) If the
optional antenna has no cable, use a 50-70 ohm coaxial cable for leadin. You may need a mating plug for the optional antennas.
3
OPERATION
Controls and Functions
8 9 10 11
7
12 BAND 800MHz
6
WEATHER ALERT
12 15 20 21 13 16 18 22 19 17 14
1. LCD Display Displays time, channel, frequency, and functions. (Page 6)
2. Numeric Keys Press to program a frequency into each channel for scanning. Also,
press for time entries and direct channel access with MANUAL key. And
press for channel presets in Radio mode.
3. Decimal Key Press to enter the decimal point in the frequency. Also, use for
clearing mistakes during entries by pressing twice.
4. E Key Enters the frequency or time setting into memory.
5. VOLUME Turn clockwise to increase the volume. Turn counterclockwise to
decrease the volume.
6. SQUELCH Adjusts the squelch threshold, or use AUTO for the factory setting.
7. OFF Key Turns scanner and radio off and Clock mode on.
8. SCANNER Key Selects the Scanner mode .
9.
RADIO AM/FM Key
Selects the Radio mode. Also selects AM/FM in Radio mode.
4
5
10. WX/ALERT Key Selects Weather Mode. Also Selects Weather Alert ON/OFF in WX Scan mode
and WX Hold Mode and S.A.M.E.mode.
11. ALARM Key Turns on the Tone Alarm. Turns the Radio Alarm ON/OFF by pressing
the key more than 2 seconds.
12.
ALARM SET/DATA Key
Press and hold for 2 seconds to enter the Alarm Time Set mode.
Press less than 2 seconds to change Data Skip ON/OFF.
13.
TIME SET/SERVICE Key
Press and hold for 2 seconds to enter the Present Time Set mode.
Press to go to Service Scan mode.
Press in Service Scan mode to toggle between the channels.
14.
AM/PM/TIME Key
Select a.m. or p.m. when setting the clock time or alarm time.
Press to review the clock time and cancel the Alarm time set and Present
Time Set mode.
15. LOCKOUT Key Prevents scanning of the displayed channel. The L/O indicator appears
when the current channel is locked out.
Press LOCKOUT again to unlock the channel. Lockout is active only when
the scanner stops on an active channel or a channel selected in Manual
mode.
16. PRIORITY Key Turns Priority mode ON/OFF. In Priority mode the scanner samples the
designated Priority Channel every 2 seconds while in Scan or Manual mode.
If a transmission on the designated Priority Channel is detected, the scanner
monitors that channel until no signal is present.
17. DELAY Key Turns Delay function on and off. When Scan stops on a channel
it causes scanner to remain on that channel for 2 seconds before
the scanning resumes to wait for a possible reply.
18. SEARCH Key Press to start search.
19. HOLD
▲Key Press to go to the Scan Hold mode while scanning. Steps up through the
minutes in the clock mode, channel in the Manual mode, frequency in the
Limit Search Hold mode.
20.
▼LIMIT Key Press to program the range of frequency for searching. Press to go to the
Frequency Step mode in the Normal Radio mode. Change to Search Hold
mode while scanning. Steps down through the minutes in the clock
mode,channel in the Manual mode, frequency in the Limit Search mode.
21 SCAN Key Press to start scanning.
22. MANUAL Key Press to stop scanning. Press MANUAL again to step to the next channel.
Also use for direct channel access by first entering the channel number and
then pressing MANUAL to go directly to that channel.
5
32
40
23 24
25 26
29
28
27 37 30 31
41
42 4336 38
33 3534
23. ALARM Appears when Alarm function is active. Flashes in the snooze
function mode.
24. BANK Appears when in Scan mode, Manual mode and Weather mode.
25. 1-5 In Scan Mode, displays the bank being scanned. In Manual Mode, displays
the bank number associated with the channel.
26. SCAN Appears when in Scan mode.
27. PRI Displays when priority function is active.
28. DLY Displays when delay function is active.
29. SEARCH Displays while searching.
30. HOLD Displays when in Manual mode and WX Hold mode.
31. L/O Appears when the current channel is locked out in manual mode, and
when the frequency is skipped in search mode.
32. RADIO Appears when in Radio mode.
33. POLICE Displays when in Police Station Service Scan mode.
34. FIRE/EMG Displays when in Fire/Emergency Service Scan mode.
35. AIR Displays when in Air Channel Service Scan mode.
36. MARINE Displays when in Marine Channel mode.
37. WX Display when in weather mode and S.A.M.E.mode.
38 ALERT Appears when Weather Alert Mode is active. It flashes when
Weather Alert and S.A.M.E signals is detected.
39 DATA Appears when in Data Skip operation.
39
6
40. AM,FM Appears when receiving band is AM or FM in Radio mode.
41. P Appears next to the channel that has been assigned as the current priority
channel.
42. Channel Represents the current channel 1 through 100.
43.
Frequency/Time
7-digit display that shows the current frequency and time. Last digit shows
A for a.m. P for p.m.
Scanning Overview
The BC278CLT has 100 memory channels. Each can be programmed to store one frequency
within the band of frequency coverage. (For a listing of frequency ranges and bands, see
Technical Specifications on page 38.)
When you press SCAN, the BC278CLT scans each programmed frequency for activity
(skipping channels that are locked out) at the rate of up to 25 channels per second. As the unit
scans, the word SCAN moves across the display and the bank number flashes.
When the scanning stops on an active frequency, it remains on that channel as long as the
transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes. If you are in
the delay mode, the scanner stays on the channel for 2 more seconds, waiting for a responding
transmission. If no responding transmission is detected, the scanning cycle resumes.
7
CLOCK SET-UP
Initial Clock Set-up
You may bypass the steps to set the clock. The scanner will function as
normal, but the clock and alarm features will not function.
1. When power is initially applied, the
display flashes
hold the TIME SET key until you
hear 2 short beeps.
2. Then enter the time directly by
pressing the numeric keys.
Enter the time by pressing the
▼/▲ keys. To scroll through
more quickly, press and hold
▼/▲ .
3. Press AM/PM to select the desired setting,
either a.m. or p.m.
OR
I2:00 P
press and
4. Press E to complete the entry. The display
stops flashing.
8
USING THE SCANNER
Set the Squelch
1. Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise to
the highest setting.
2. Press SCANNER to turn on the scanner.
3. Adjust the VOLUME control until you
can hear a steady noise.
WEATHER ALERT
9
4. To set the SQUELCH control to AUTO turn fully counterclockwise until control clicks into
place. Or, manually set squelch as follows:
■
Think of squelch as a gate. Turn SQUELCH fully counter clockwise. This raises the
“Squelch Gate” so high that only very strong signals can get through.
■
Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise until you hear a hiss. This lowers the “Squelch Gate”
so that everything gets through — noise, weak signals, and strong signals.
■
Turn SQUELCH back counter clockwise until the hiss stops. Now the “Squelch Gate”
allows only strong signals through.
10
5. The scanner automatically starts scanning.
But if you have not programmed any
channels yet, press WX to hear your local
weather broadcast.
6. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable
listening level.
Programming Tips for scanner
■
Program one frequency per channel.
■
Channel 1 is the location of the default priority channel. Program the most important
frequency, or the one of major interest, into Channel 1. You may also select any other
channel to be the 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 complete the programming in one channel (by pressing
E), press MANUAL to step up to the next channel.
Channels are grouped by banks for easy scanning control. The channels associated with
the banks are as follows:
■
Bank Number Channel Number
1 1 through 20
2 21 through 40
3 41 through 60
4 61 through 80
■
■
■
■
5 81 through 100
If you make an error during programming, or the frequency is out of range,
appears on the display.
If you program the same frequency in two channels, the display will indicate the
channel with the duplicate frequency. If you want to have two of the same frequencies
on different channels, accept the entry by pressing E again.
During numeric entry, if you know that you pressed the wrong number,
press . (decimal point) until the entry is cancelled out. When the previous frequency is
displayed, you may re-enter the frequency.
Above 406MHz, the frequency steps are in 12.5kHz increments. To enter a frequency
such as 450.4875, press each of the seven digits in sequence.
11
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