Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts . . . . 39
Controls and Display . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Foldout
1
Introduction
The BC860XLT is a new state-of-the-art radio with automatic
scanning capabilities. Store frequencies into 10 banks of 10 channels
each. Scan all 100 channels at Turbo Scan speed.
What is Scanning?
What is Searching?
2
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way
communications (listed on the next page) do not transmit continuously.
The BC860XLT scans
100 channels per second 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.
While the BC860XLT scans channels, it is in Scan mode. When
you stop scanning with
The BC860XLT can search 12 bands to find active frequencies.
This gives you the opportunity to find new frequencies that have not
been programmed.
Choose between two speeds for the search feature: Normal
(100 steps per second) or Turbo Search (300 steps per second).
While the BC860XLT searches for active frequencies, it is in Search
mode or Turbo Search mode. When you stop the search with
it is in Search Hold mode.
programmed
channels at the rate of nearly
M, it is in Manual mode.
H,
Types of
Communications
Monitor communications such as:
Police and fire department (including rescue and paramedics)
Aircraft
NOAA weather broadcasts (preprogrammed channels)
Business/industrial radio
Motion picture and press relay
Utility
Land transportation frequencies, such as trucking firms, buses,
taxis, tow trucks, and railroads
Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands
And many more in the following 12 Bands:
10 Meter Amateur Band
VHF Low band
6 Meter Amateur Band
AM Aircraft
Military Land mobile
2 Meter Amateur Band
VHF High Band
Federal Govt. Land Mobile
70 cm Amateur Band
UHF Standard Band
UHF “T” Band
Public Service Band except Cellular Band
3
Feature Highlights
100 Channels
must have at least one channel programmed to use the Scan
mode.
29 MHz - 956 MHz
scanner. (
from 29.0 MHz to 956 MHz.)
10 Priority Channels
Keep track of the activity on most important channel(s) while
monitoring others.
Data Skip
Manual Channel Access
Memory Back up
retained in memory. If the power is disconnected, the memory
retains the freque nci es fo r 7 days.
Twin TurboTM Speed
BC
your
Weather Scan
– Program one frequency into each channel. You
– Scan these frequency ranges with your
Note:
the frequency coverage is not totally continuous
– Assign one Priority channel in each bank.
– Skip data signals and unmodulated transmissions.
– Go directly to any channel.
– Frequencies programmed in the channels are
– With both Turbo Scan and Turbo Search,
XLT
860
is truly a
– Use as a weather information radio.
Twin Turbo
TM
Scanner.
Scanner Care &
Safety Tips
4
Do not use the scanner in high-moisture areas such as the
kitchen or bathroom.
Do not plug the scanner into an outlet controlled by a wall switch
as prolonged periods without power causes scanner memory loss.
Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating elements
or vents.
Included with your Scanner
If any items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase.
☞
Read this Operating Guide thoroughly before operating the scanner.
☞
Complete and immediately mail the Registration Form.
☞
5
Where to Obtain
More Information
Before you can scan, you must program a frequency into each
channel you want to use. The “
” lists typical frequencies used around the U.S. that you may
Guide
program into the
BC
860
Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency
XLT
.
If the frequencies listed in the “
do not work in your area, call the enclosed “
A Uniden representative should be able to provide you with a few
sample frequencies. Or, use the enclosed order form to purchase a
local frequency list.
The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs have
publications, information on computer bulletin boards, and even
contests for the radio enthusiast.
Also, your local library has more information.
Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide
Mr. Scanner
” 800 number.
”
6
Setup
Note
Extend the antenna to its full height. For UHF
frequencies, shortening the antenna may
improve the reception.
If your scanner receives strong interference or
electrical noise, move 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 plug at the end of the cable does not
match the antenna jack, you may need to
purchase an adapter.
Plug an optional external speaker
(ESP25, 8 ohms) into the EXT.SP jack.
Warning!
Use only the supplied AC Adapter - AC144U
7
8
Basic Operation
Note: Fold out the illustration from the Back Cover to see the Controls and Indicators while reading this Guide.
How Squelch Works
Think of “SQUELCH” as a gate. If the
gate is too low (squelch too low),
everything (all nois e as we ll as si gn al s)
gets through.
The
BC
860
XLT
Squelch has two options.
If the gate is set too high (squelch too
high), nothing gets through.
AUTO
Squelch - a level preset at the factory;
and Manual Squelch, where you can set the squelch level as needed by conditions.
If the gate is set just right (squelch set
properly), just the des ire d signals get
through.
9
Setting the Squelch
Adjust
VOLUME
to a comfortable listening level.
Auto Squelch
is a compromise between tight
AUTO
and threshold. It is a convenience for
listening to stronger signals.
Manual Squelch
To manually set the Squelch, you must
be in the Manual Mode.
No signal should be present when
adjusting squelch.
Press
a signal.
M
until you
do not
hear
Be sure that the Squelch control
Note:
clicks
into the
AUTO
position.
➪
until hiss heard.
Turn
This lowers the “squelch gate,” allowing
all signals and no is e to get t hro ug h.
Turn just until hiss stops.
This raises the “squelch gate” allowing
only strong si gnals to get through.
➪➪
10
Programming
Before the
Repeat this procedure for each channel you program.
Select the frequency.
1.
BC
860
XLT
can scan, you must program a frequency into at least one channel.
Enter MANUAL mode.
2.
➪➪
4. Enter the freq ue nc y.To clear a mistake while ent eri ng
the frequency, press
and start over.
.
twice,
Select the chan nel.
3.
If the entered frequency is outside the
Frequency Range of the scanner,
(See Table on page 3, and the
Technical Specifications at the back of
this Guide), a distinctive beep sound s .
Press
and go back to Step 4.
.
11
Programming Tips
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,
press
M to step up to the next channel.
To erase the channel, enter 0 and E.
Channels with no frequencies are
automatically locked out.
Record channels and frequencies in some
convenient place in case the scanner
memory is lost.
12
Scanning
When you turn on the power,
the BC860XLT automatically
starts in the Scan mode.
During normal scanning the scanner
skips unprogrammed or locked out
channels.
When a transmission is received, the
Scanner stops on tha t channel.
When the transmission ends,
scanning resumes automatically.
➪➪
To stop on a channel during scanning:To resume scanning:
➪
Note:
If the channel is in the Aircraft Band,
AIR
displays in the LCD.
13
Banks
Channels are groupe d by Bank s
for easy scanning control.
To deactivate a Bank during scanning:To restore a Bank for Scanning:
Active Banks display during scanning.
➪
Note:
Press 0 for Bank 10.
14
Channel Lockout
You can “lock out” any channel so it is not scanned during normal scanning.
Lock out
You can restore the channel to scanning whenever you wish.
Note:
does not
You can lock out up to 99 channels, but not all 100 channels.
One channel must remain active for the scanner to work.
erase the frequency from the channel.
Locking a Channel in Manual Mode
Enter MANUAL mode.
1.
Select the chan nel.
2.
➪➪
Lock out the channel.
3.
15
Locking a Channel While Scanning
If the scanner keeps stopping on a particular channel due to noise or
too-frequent transmissions, you may want to keep that channel from scanning.
Wait until the sc an ne r stops
1.
at the channel.
Then:The scanner immediately resumes
2.
➪➪
Lockout Tips
To quickly lockout a series of channels, start with the lowest
number channel. For example, when you are locking out
5 channels in numerical sequence (Channels 4, 7, 8, 12, and 15,
start with Channel 4).
After you finish locking out a channel, press
times to step up to the next channel.
Record locked-out channels in some convenient place so you can
restore them later.
scanning becau se t ha t channel is no
longer in the scanning sequence.
M one or more
16
Restore a Locked Out Channel
1. Enter MANUAL mode.2. Select the channel.3. Unlock the channel.
➪➪
Restore All Locked-out Channels
1.Enter Manual Mode.
Note:
You must select a pro gra mm ed
channel that is not locked out before
restoring locked-out channels.
2. Restore all channels.
You’ll hear 2 “beeps” when channels
are restored.
➪➪
Restores locked out channels
Note:
only in active banks.
17
Priority Scan
With Priority Scan active, the scanner checks the priority channels every 2 seconds for activity.
If a signal is present, the Priority channel is monitored until the transmission ends.
Scanning then resumes normally.
BC
The
1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71,
To activate Priority Scan at any time
(Manual or Scan Mode):
860
XLT
comes with one Priority Channel preprogrammed in each Bank:
81,
and
91
.
➪
To de-activa te Priority Scan at any time
(Manual or Scan Mode):
➪
18
Changing the Priority Channel
There can be only 1 Priority Channel per bank.
You cannot
to any other channel within that Bank.
Enter MANUAL mode.
1.
eliminate a Priority Channel, but you can change the Priority Channel
2.
➪➪
Note:
If you now go back to
check the previou s
Priority Channel,
you’ll see the
P
is gone.
Select the new Priority Channel.
Change Priority to
3.
2 “Beeps” indicate Priority Channel
is changed.
this channel.
19
Scan Delay
Normally, the scanner will resume scanning as soon as a transmission has stopped.
You can program an additional Delay during Scan so the scanner waits
another 2 seconds before resuming scanning.
This allows you to hear a possible replying transmission.
To program a Delay into a channel:
Enter Manual mode.
1.
Select the chan nel you want to add
2.
the Delay to.
➪➪
Add the Delay.
3.
20
You can also add a Delay to a channel when it stops during normal scanning.
Wait for the scanner to stop
1.
on the channel.
2.
Press
D
.
➪
To remove the delay from any channel:
Wait for the scanner to stop
1a.
on that channel.
➪
OR
Go to the channe l us in g
1b.
Manual Channel Access.
Remove Delay by pressing
2.
D
.
21
Search
You can use the Search feature to find active frequencies in your area.
This feature is handy for finding frequencies besides those in your Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide,
or if you change locations.
You can search for any frequencies between 29.000 and 956.000 MHz,
as long as they are within the 12 Bands covered by the BC860XLT.
See the table on page 3, or the Technical Specifications at the back of this Guide.
To use Search, set upper and lower limits. Then activate Search.
Note:
Although you can set any limits for the Search within the above guidelines,
the wider the frequency range, the longer it will take to search all the frequencies.
To save time, set narrower limits, and Search more than once.
Enter MANUAL mode.
1.
22
Set Lower Search Limit.
2.
Set Upper Search Limit.
3.
➪➪
4. Begin Search.5. When a transmission is detected, the
BC860XLT stops on that frequency.
➪➪
6a. When the tran sm is sion stops,
Search resumes.
OR
6b. You can stay on that frequency
to continue to monitor it.
Note:
If the received trans mission is in th e
Aircraft Band,
Note:
When you find fr eq ue nc ie s th at
interest you, wr ite them down so you
can program them into the scanner.
You can also autom at ic al ly pr og ram
a desired frequency into one of the
channels. See page 28.
AIR
displays in the LCD.
7. To continue the search:
23
Turbo Search
Turbo Search runs through the frequencies 3 times faster than normal Search speed.
Note:
You must first be in Search mode.To activate Turbo Search:
Turbo Search
does not work
in the AM Aircraft Band (108 - 137 MHz) or with frequencies above 406 MHz.
➪➪
To return to normal Search speed:
If you try to start Turbo Search with in Aircraft (108 -13 7 MHz) band or
Note:
above 406 MHz, you w il l he ar a be ep and
When these frequenc ie s are encountered when in Turb o Sea rch ,
they are searched at normal speed.
Note: SRCH
Turbo Search.
will not flash.
SRCH
flashes during
24
To access frequencies Manually
1. Stop the Search.2a. To move up to the next Search
frequency:
➪
2b. To move down to the previous
Search frequency:
OR
25
To Skip Undesired Frequencies
When Search stops on a frequency you do not want to hear (noise or undesired transmissions),
you can mark that frequency so it is skipped during a later Search.
To Mark an Undesired Frequency
When the scanner stops at the
undesired frequency:
Mark the frequency.The scanner immediately begins
searching again because that
frequency is now skipped.
➪➪
You can skip only 10 frequencies in
Search mode.
26
When you select the 11th, the first
skipped frequency is erased, etc.
➪
To return a frequency to Search
1. Stop the Search.2a. Move up to the frequency you wish
to restore.
➪
2b. Move down to the frequency you
OR
wish to restore.
3. Press K to restore the
frequency.
That frequency is now removed
from the Skip List.
➪
27
To Restore all Skipped Frequencies
1. Stop the Search.2. Restore all skipped Search
frequencie s.
➪➪
Note:
You’ll hear 2 beeps when
the frequencies are restored.
Storing Search Frequencies
You can quickly store any frequency you find during Search.
28
Important:
You must select the channel in which you will store
before
the frequency
Otherwise, you may erase a stored frequency that you want to keep.
you enter Search!
1. Enter Manual mode.2. Select the channel.3. Enter Search
➪➪
4. Wait until the scanner stops at the
frequency you w ant.
5 Store the frequency in the channel
you selected earlier.
Note:
After Step 5 you are in
normal Scan Hold mode.
Repeat steps 1 through 5 for all the
Search frequencies you want to store.
➪➪
Remember, there are a total of 100
channels for stori ng fr eq ue nc ie s,
no matter how you store them.
29
Search Delay
Normally, the scanner will resume searching as soon as a transmission has stopped.
You can program an additional Delay so the scanner waits another 2 seconds before resuming searching.
This allows you to hear a possible replying transmission.
In normal Scan you must program a Delay for each channel that you want it activated.
In Search, Delay is active (or inactive) for
To activate Delay for Search (whether
searching or stopped on a frequency),
press
D
.
all frequencies.
➪
To deactivate Delay from Search
(whether searching or stopped on a
frequency), press
D
.
➪
30
Your BC860XLT is designed to search for your local NOAA weather channel(s)
from 7 preprogrammed NOAA frequencies.
Weather Scan
Note:
To activate the Weather Scan:
1.
(Be sure the Squelch is set properly)
It is not advisable to program a weather frequency into one of the 100 channels.
Because weather channels transmit continuously, the scanner remains
on that channel, disrupting the scanning cycle.
When the Weather Scan fin ds
2.
an active weather channel,
it stops at that frequency.
➪
Note:
To exit Weather Scan, press M, S, or C.
In some parts of the country, you may not be able to monitor
weather broadcasts, such as in low-lying areas.
Normally a higher location or a better antenna improves the reception.
To find the next active weather channel:
31
Data Skip
A scanner normally stops on any transmission it receives.
That means your BC860XLT will stop on data signals and unmodulated transmissions.
You can skip these frequencies by using the Data Skip function.
You can set Data Skip in Scan and Search modes.
Turn it on or off in each mode separately.
Note:
To activate Data Skip in Scan:To activate Data Skip in Search:
Important!
32
Data Skip does not function on AM Aircraft frequencies (108-137 MHz).
Data Skip will not work at the same time as Priority Scan.
When you press
P
during Scan, Data Skip turns off.
Your scanner stops and checks a
transmission for data
to receive or skip it.
Data Skip does not work on
unwanted data t ran sm is si on .
before
deciding
every
Care and Maintenance
General Use
Location
Cleaning
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
has been a memory loss.
Always press each keypad button firmly until you hear the entry
tone for that key entry.
If strong interference or electrical noise is received, relocate the
scanner or its antenna away from the source of the noise.
If possible, a higher elevation, may provide better reception.
Also try changing the height or angle of the antenna.
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 per iods wi thout po wer will cau se scanne r memory lo ss.
Disconnect the power to the unit before cleaning.
Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild detergent.
To prevent scratches,
Be careful not to rub the LCD Display window.
Do not use excessive amounts of water.
000.0000
do not
in all channels when there
use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
33
Repairs
Do not attempt any repair.
The scanner contains no serviceable parts.
Contact the Uniden Customer Service Center or take it to a
qualified repair technician.
Birdies
34
All radios are subject to receiving undesired signals or “birdies”.
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
K to lockout a channel, then press S to resume
scanning.
Press
K to lockout a frequency, then press C to resume
searching.
If your BC860XLT is not performing properly, try the following steps.
ProblemSuggestion
Scanner won’t work•
Improper reception•
Scan won’t stop•
Scan won’t start•
Weather Scan won’t work •
Check the connections at both ends of the AC Adapter.
Turn on the wall switch of your room. You could be using an outlet controlled by the wall switch.
•
Move the AC Adapter to another wall outlet.
•
Check antenn a connection
Move or angle the antenna.
•
If programmed frequency is higher than 406 MHz, a shorter antenna length may improve the reception.
•
Relocate the scan ne r.
•
You may be in a fringe area. This could require an optional multi-band antenna. Check with your dealer
•
or local electronics store.
Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 10,
Check the ante nna connection.
•
Check to see if many of the channels are locked out. If so, the scanner has less chance of finding an
•
active channe l.
Review each channel’s frequency to see if it is correct and no memory has been lost.
•
Possibly, none of the programmed frequencies are currently active.
•
Press the Scan key again.
Adjust the Squelch control.
•
Check to see if 99 channels are locked out. If so, all but one channel is locked out.
•
Adjust squelch to the thre sh ol d - Re fe r to pa ge 10,
Check antenn a.
•
No active station within range.
•
Setting the S q uelch.
Adjusting the Squel ch
Troubleshooting
.
35
If you still cannot get satisfactory results and want additional information,
or to return the unit for service, please call or write the Uniden Parts and Service Division.
The address and phone number are listed in the Warranty at the end of this manual.
36
Technical Specifications
Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15 Sub-part C as of date of manufacture.
Channels:100
Banks:10 with 10 channels in each bank
WX:7 Preprogrammed NOAA Weather Service Channels
Frequency Range:29-29.7 MHz 10 Meter Amateur Band 108-136.9875 MHz AM Aircraft
29.7-50 MHz VHF Low Band406-420 MHzFederal Government
50-54 MHz6 Meter Amateur Band420-450 MHz70 cm Amateur Band
137-144 MHz Military Land Mobile450-470 MHzUHF Standard Band
144-148 MHz 2 Meter Amateur Band470-512 MHzUHF-"T" Band
148-174 MHz VHF High Band806-956 MHzPubli c Service Band, Except Cellular
Above bands in 5 kHz stepsAbove bands in 12.5 kHz steps
Sensitivity (nominal):
Selectivity (nominal):
Scan Rate:Turbo: Up to 100 channels per second
Search Rate:Normal: 100 steps per second, Turbo: 300 steps per second
Scan Delay:2 seconds
Audio Output (nominal): 0.9 W to 1.2 W (max.) 10% TDH
Power Requirements: 10 VAC using AC144U AC Adapter
Antenna:Telescoping (included)
External Jacks:Antenna jack, External speaker, AC 10 V power jack
Size:
Weight:1 lb. 6 oz.
Features, specifications, and availability of optional accessories are all subject to change without notice.
-6 dB at ∋10 kHz (162.4 MHz 20 dB QS), -50 dB at ∋15 kHz (162.4 MHz 20 dB QS)
1
9 in. (W) x 7
⁄2 in. (D) x 2 3⁄8 in. (H)
37
38
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts
Ω
To order these accessories, call or write:
Uniden America Corporation
Parts and Service
4700 Amon Carter Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76155
(800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central
Monday through Friday
39
BC860XLT
Programmable 100-Channel
Base Scanner
OPERATING GUIDE
Precautions
Before you use this scanner, please read and observe the following:
WARNING!
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.
IMPORTANT!
The installation, possession, or use of this scanning radio in a motor vehicle may be
prohibited, regulated, or require a permit in certain states , cities, and/or local jurisdiction.
Your local law enforcement officials should be able to provide you with information regarding
the laws in your community.
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 Operating Guide, c ould void your
authority to operate this product.
Controls & Display
1. Indicates Data Skip mode.
2. Shows active bank(s).
3. Indicates Weather mode.
4. Indicates an Aircraft channel.
5. Shows the current frequency in MHz.
6. Indicates a locked out channel.
7. Indicates 2 Second Delay is on.
8. Indicates Hold.
9. Appears during Search.
10. Indicates Priority function is on.
11. Displays channels 1 through 100
Flashes during Search.
12. Appears during scanning.
13. Indicates a Priority channel.
One Year Limited Warranty
WARRANTOR: UNIDEN MANUFACTURING, INC (“Uniden”)
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for one year, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and
craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect 12 months after the date of original retail sale.
The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any
conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an
authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part
of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the Operating Guide for this product.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect, warrantor will
repair the defect and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and handling) incurred by warrantor or its
representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE
WARRANTY PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER,
WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE
REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is
void outside the United States of America.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, after following the instructions in this Operating Guide you are certain that the
Product is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably in its original packaging). Include evidence of original purchase and a note describing the
defect that has caused you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid by traceable means, or delivered, to warrantor at:
Uniden America Corporation
Parts and Service
4700 Amon Carter Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76155
(800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central
Monday through Friday
COVERED UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING U.S. PATENTS: