Uniden BC 278CLT User Manual

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BC 278CLT

1 0 B A N D , 1 0 0 C H A N N E L S C A N N E R

•FULL Y 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, DO NOT expose this unit to rain or moisture.

Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any way other than as detailed by this Reference Guide, could void your authority to operate this product.

The installation, possession, or use of this scanning radio in a motor vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or require a permit in certain states, cities, and/or local jurisdiction. Your local law enforcement officials should be able to provide this information regarding the laws in your community.

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

■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.

GETTING STARTED

Installing the BC278CLT

		AM RADIO ANT
AC 10V		ANT
USE AC-144U ONLY	EXT.SP	ANT
USE AC-144U ONLY	EXT.SP

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.

OPERATION

Controls and Functions

7	8	9	10	11
	12 BAND		800MHz

W E A T H E R A L E R T

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.

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.

23		24	25	26	27 28 37 29		30	31
32
40
41	42	33	34	35	36 43	38	39

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.

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.

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 I2:00 P press and 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.

4. Press E to complete the entry. The display stops flashing.

USING THE SCANNER

Set the Squelch

1. Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise to the highest setting.

W E A T H E R A L E R T

2. Press SCANNER to turn on the scanner.

3. Adjust the VOLUME control until you can hear a steady noise.

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.

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.

+ 30 hidden pages