Uniden BcT7 User Manual

Table of Contents
Welcome! ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Types of Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Included With Your Scanner .. ... ... ... ... ... ... 6
Fast Start ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 7
Power ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
How Squelch Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Scanning the Alert Monitor Frequency Banks . . . . . . . 9
Selecting the State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Selecting a Frequency Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Warning Alert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
One Moment Mute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Continuous Mute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Canceling Mute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Warning Light Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Power On Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Priority Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Scanning Fire, News, Weather and Private
Frequency Banks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Scan Hold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Frequency Lockout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lockout Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Restore a Locked Out Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . 17
Restore All Locked-Out Frequencies . . . . . . . . 17
Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
CB Channel Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Hold/Resume While Searching. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Data Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Programming Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Clearing a User-Programmed Frequency. . . . . 23
Memory Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Memory Back-up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Mobile Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connecting the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Base Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Tips and Techniques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Trunking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Scanner Care & Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts ... ..33
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
1
Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of the BCT7 Highway Communications System & Scanning Radio! State-of-the-art engineering and advanced electronics provide you with a preprogrammed information radio designed for easy operation and dependability.
With the BCT7 Scanning Radio, you can listen to thousands of Highway Patrol, police, and DOT frequencies, as well as Fire, News, Weather, CB and Private frequencies you program.
Plus, the new built-in technology sounds an alarm when you are within an approximate 3 mile radius of a Highway Patrol unit!
Best of all, you don’t have to program any frequencies. Just set the BCT7 for your state, and the scanner will do the rest. Please read this Operating Guide thoroughly before attempting to operate the unit.
What are Highway Patrol Warning Alerts?
Most highway patrol vehicles on the road today are equipped with a secondary radio system known as a “mobile extender” or “vehicular repeater.” Whenever the dispatcher transmits to any vehicle in the district, activated.
Using a constant PRIORITY check of specific frequencies in each state, the BCT7 recognizes and alerts you to transmissions from “mobile extender” radios as well as from car-to-car, aircraft-to-car and other special-purpose frequencies. You receive an audible (beep tone) and visual (flash of warning light) alert whenever you are within an approximate three mile radius of many Highway Patrol/State Police units.
every
“mobile extender” in every car within the district is
2
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications (listed on the page 5) do not transmit continuously. The BCT7 scans 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 BCT7 scans channels, it is in Scan mode. When you stop scanning with H, it is in Manual mode.
What is Searching?
The BCT7 can search 12 bands to find active frequencies. This gives you the opportunity to find new frequencies that have not been programmed.
While the BCT7 searches for active frequencies, it is in Search mode. When you stop the search with H, it is in Search Hold mode.
Where to Get More Information
Because your BCT7 is fully pre-programmed, you do not need to enter frequencies into the radio. However, should you desire to enter specific frequencies which have not been factory pre-programmed, the BCT7 provides this capability.
For publications which list frequencies around the United States, call the enclosed Mr. Scanner 800 number.
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.
programmed
channels at the rate of nearly 100
3
Features
Pre-programmed frequencies specific to each state (except Hawaii). Pre-programming by the following categories:
-Highway Patrol/State Police
-Local Police and County Sheriffs
-State Departments of Transportation (DOT)
-Fire and Emergency Medical Services
-News Media
-Weather (continuous NOAA weather and Canadian Coast Guard broadcasts) 100 channels of user-programmable frequencies available
-Program frequencies into each of the above banks, or
-Program your own bank of 25 Private frequencies Highway Patrol Priority Alert
-Receive audible and visual alert when within three miles of many Highway Patrol/State units CB Search - Search all 40 CB channels
Band Search Search through 12 bands of radio spectrum for frequencies. 26 MHz - 956 MHz - Scan these frequency ranges with your BCT7. (Note: the
frequency coverage is not totally continuous.) Data Skip - Skip certain data signals and unmodulated transmissions. Memory Backup - In case of a power failure, user-programmed frequencies are retained
in memory for approximately 30 days.
4
Types of Communications
Monitor communications such as:
Highway Patrol, police and fire department (including paramedics) Aircraft NOAA weather broadcasts 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:
Frequency Range Transmission
29.0-30.0 MHz
30.0-50.0 MHz 118-137 MHz 137-144 MHz 144-148 MHz 148-174 MHz 406-420 MHz 420-450 MHz 450-470 MHz 470-512 MHz 806-956 MHz
26.965-27.405 MHz
10 Meter Amateur Band VHF Low 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 Citizens Band
5
Included With Your Scanner
BearTracker 800
WARNING
MUTE
HOLD/RESUME
FIRE/NEWS
STATE HIGHWAY POL/DOT
Hard Wire Cord
(PS001)
Other Printed
Material
all men are created the proposition that Libertyand dedicatedto
nation conceived in fathers set forth anew score yeas ago our
aid of the party. Four
party. Four score
good men to come to the
to the aid of the
Now is the time for all
all good men to come Now is the time for
party. tocome to theaid of the
party.
time fo4r all good men
to the aid of the
garden wall. Now is the
all good men to come
fox jumped over the
Now is the time fo4r
equal. The quick brown
overthe garden wall.
all men are created
quickbrown fox jumped
the proposition that
created equal. The
Libertyand dedicatedto
that all men are
nation conceived in
to the proposition
fathers set forth anew
Libertyand dedicated
score yeas ago our
nation conceived in
aid of the party. Four
set forth a new
good men to come to the
yeas ago our fathers
Now is the time for all
party. Four score
to the aid of the all good men to come Now is the time for
BCT
LOCKOUT
WX/PVT
to come to the aid of the party. Nowis the time fo4rall good men foxjumped overthe garden wall.
created equal. The quick brown proposition that all men are in Liberty and dedicated to the
setforth a new nation conceived Fourscore yeas agoour fathers tocome tothe aid of the party.
Nowis thetime forall good men
to come to the aid of the party.
Nowis the time fo4rall good men foxjumped overthe garden wall. created equal. The quick brown
proposition that all men are in Liberty and dedicated to the setforth a new nation conceived
Fourscore yeas agoour fathers tocome tothe aid of the party. Nowis thetime forall good men
SEARCH
7
Operating Guide
(OMBCT7)
Betty Bearcat
Starter Frequency
Flexible Mobile Antenna
(ANT002)
Guide
SQ
BCT7
PUSH FLASH
BAND
VOL
PROG
PUSH ALERT
BCT
HighwayCommunications System &Preprogrammed Warning Scanner
WARNING
HOLD/RESUME
FIRE/NEWS
STATE HIGHWAY POL/DOT
7
Mobile Mounting Bracket
Assembly Kit
SQ
MUTE
LOCKOUT
PUSH
WX/PVT
FLASH
VOL
BAND
SEARCH
PROG
PUSH ALERT
OPERATINGGUIDE
Telescoping Antenna
(AT124)
AC Adapter
(AD140U)
(MB007)
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 in this Operating Guide.
6
Fast Start
Note: Fold out the illustration from the front cover to see the controls and LCD display while reading this guide.
Power ON
1. Turn the volume knob clockwise. The scanner performs a self-test: the Warning Light flashes and the Alert Tone beeps loudly.
VOL
PUSH ALERT
Turn
Warning Light
WARNING
HOLD/RESUME
STATE
MUTE
FIRE/NEWS
HIGHWAY
2.The currently selected state
e.g., TX for Texas
(
) appears and
scanning starts.
7
How Squelch Works
Think of “SQUELCH” as a gate. If the gate is too low (squelch too low), everything (all noise as well as signals) gets through.
Setting the Squelch
No signal should be present when setting Squelch.
H
Press If needed, press < or >
until you do not hear a signal.
to stop scanning.
If the gate is set too high (squelch too high), nothing gets through.
Turn until hiss heard. This lowers the “squelch gate,” allowing all signals and noise to get through.
Turn
If the gate is set just right (squelch set properly), just the desired signals get through.
Turn just until hiss stops. This raises the “squelch gate,” allowing only strong signals to get through.
Turn
SQ
PUSH FLASH
SQ
PUSH FLASH
In the city, you may want to adjust Squelch even further counterclockwise to decrease the range of the Warning Alert. This prevents the alert from sounding unnecessarily due to farther, less important sources.
8
Scanning the Alert Monitor Frequency Banks
The Alert Monitor works with the Highway Patrol, Police, and Department of Transportation (DOT) frequency banks. Frequencies are preprogrammed at the factory on a state-by-state basis.
Selecting the State
Press S to select the state you are operating in. Press and hold S to scroll rapidly.
Selecting a Frequency Bank
HIGHWAY
G
to monitor Highway
Press Patrol frequencies.
HIGHWAY appears in the display
and scanning begins two seconds later.
To step forward through the states (A - W), press S and, within two
<
seconds, press step backward through the states (W -A), press
two seconds, press
Press frequencies.
POLICE flashes in the display and
scanning begins two seconds later.
HIGHWAY flashes, because those
frequencies are scanned, too.
P
S
to monitor Police
repeatedly. To
and, within
>
repeatedly.
To scroll rapidly, press
>or<
hold
Press frequencies.
DOT flashes in the display and
scanning begins two seconds later.
HIGHWAY flashes because those
frequencies are scanned, too.
P
.
again to monitor DOT
S
and
9
Whenthe BCT7 receives communications, scanning stops, the active bank type replaces the state code, and the frequency displays.
Scan Hold
Active Bank indicators:
HP - Highway Patrol PO - Police DT - DOT
When the transmission ends, a built-in two second delay feature holds the scanner on that frequency for a response. If there is no response, scanning resumes.
When scanning stops on a desired frequency, press H to hold on that frequency as long as you like.
Note: While in the HOLD mode, the alarm circuit is inactive.
10
To resume scanning, pressH. To scan the other frequency banks,
see “Scanning the Fire, News, Weather, and Private Frequency Banks,” page 14.
Warning Alert
The BCT7 alerts you when Highway Patrol/State Police units using mobile extenders are within an approximate three mile radius.
1. The Warning Light flashes and
the Alert Tone beeps five times when a signal is received.
Warning Light Flashes
WARNING
HOLD/RESUME
STATE
MUTE
FIRE/NEWS
HIGHWAY
4. If more transmissions are
received before three minutes have passed, the Warning Light flashes and the Alert Tone sounds twice.
Alert Tone Volume
Push the VOLUME control knob to select Loud, Medium, or Soft.
The Alert Tone beeps to confirm your choice.
2. The active bank indicator
replaces the state name, and the frequency displays until the transmission ends.
VOL
PUSH ALERT
3.The Warning Light glows steadily for approximately three minutes. Then, if no other mobile extender
transmissions are received, the light goes out.
Push In
11
Muting the Alert Tone
One Moment Mute Continuous Mute Canceling Mute
Press M during the Warning Alert. The Alert Tone stops and the Mute LED flashes until the
alarm cycle is finished.
Press and hold seconds to turn Continuous Mute on whenever you wish. You hear two beeps and the Mute LED lights
continuously. No Alert Tones will
Note:
Mute LED Flashes
WARNING
HOLD/RESUME
STATE
MUTE
FIRE/NEWS
HIGHWAY
Mute only works in the Highway, Police, and DOT frequency bands.
sound.
Warning Light Adjustment
The Warning Light has three settings: Bright, Dim, and Off. Press SQUELCH to select Bright,
Dim or Off. The WARNING light flashes and the alert tone beeps.
Press In
If you select OFF, the FLASH icon in the display reminds you the Warning Light is off.
M
for two
To cancel Mute,
1. Press and hold
M
for two
seconds. You hear two
beeps and the MUTE LED
goes out.
2. Change states or frequency
banks. The Mute LED goes
out after scanning starts.
3. Turn the scanner off and on.
WARNING:
You can turn off the Warning Light and completely mute the Alert Tone at the same time. This deactivates the Warning Alert.
12
SQ
PUSH FLASH
Power On Settings
Priority Channels
When you turn the BCT7 off and then on again, the BCT7 will return to the last settings that were active. When you have chosen the state you will be driving in, and the mode (HIGHWAY PATROL, DOT, etc.), the BCT7 always returns to these settings.
Each state preprogrammed in the BCT7 contains a number of Priority channels. The BCT7 automatically checks a state’s Priority channels every two seconds for activity. If there is activity on one of the Priority channels, the warning light will flash and the alarm tone will sound (see “Warning Alert,” page 11).
You will experience a slight in the conversations you hear as the BCT7 checks the Priority channels. You can cancel the priority check
H
and the interruptions in the conversations by pressing the hold on the frequency.
Note:
Remember to press the key again to return to normal priority-scan operation.
Priority cannot be changed, but you can lock-out priority channels using the the manufacturer as those Highway Patrol frequencies most commonly used for mobile extenders and for car-to-car and aircraft-to-car operations. Mobile extenders re-transmit every radio broadcast received on the patrol car radio to the officer’s walkie-talkie at low-power. Every time any officer or dispatcher talks (transmits), the signal is broadcast like a beacon at low-power whether or not the officer is out of the car.
The Warning Alert is inoperative while the scanner is on Hold.
L
key. Priority channels have been pre-determined by
key to
13
Scanning Fire, News, Weather, and Private Frequency Banks
Note:
To scan Fire frequencies, press F.
FIRE appears in the display and
scanning begins two seconds later.
To scan your Private frequencies you have programmed, press
PRIVATE appears in the display
and scanning begins two seconds later.
The Warning Alert does not work while scanning these banks.
W again.
To scan News frequencies, press
F
NEWS appears in the display and
scanning begins two seconds later. When the BCT7 receives Fire,
News, Weather, or Private frequencies, scanning stops and the active frequency is displayed. The State Code/Active Bank Indicators do not appear in these frequency banks.
again.
To scan Weather Frequencies,
W
press
WX appears in the display and
scanning begins two seconds later.
.
When a transmission is received, the scanner stops on that frequency. When the transmission ends, a built-in two second delay feature holds the scanner on that frequency for a response. If there is no response, scanning resumes.
14
Scan Hold
Note:
When scanning stops on a desired frequency, press H to hold on that frequency as long as you like.
Warning Alert does not work in this mode.
To resume scanning, pressH.
If the BCT7 stops on an undesired frequency, press the unit to start scanning before the end of that transmission..
Or, lock out that frequency (see
Frequency Lock Out)
Frequency Lock Out
You can lock out a frequency so it is not scanned. Lock out does not erase the frequency. You can restore the frequency to scanning whenever you wish.
Note: You can lock out up to 50 preprogrammed frequencies and 100 user-programmed frequencies.
In Scan Mode
When the scanner stops on a
frequency you don’t want to hear,
press L.
Scanning resumes immediately because that frequency is no longer in the scanning sequence.
H
twice to force
HIGHWAY POLICE DOT WX PRIVATE FIRE NEWS AIR
15
In Hold Mode
Press
L
.
Lockout Tips
After you have locked out the 50th preprogrammed frequency (or 100th user programmed frequency), you may lock out a new frequency. However, the first frequency you locked out becomes unlocked to make room for the new frequency.
You can lock out all the frequencies in a bank, if desired. However, if you do, pressing that bank key will emit an error tone and the scanner will not scan.
If you lock out a preprogrammed frequency in one bank, and that frequency is programmed into another bank, the frequency is locked out of both banks.
LOCKOUT appears on the display.
Scanning doesn’t resume until you
press
H
.
16
Restore a Locked Out Frequency
1. Select the frequency bank.
2. Press
4. Press frequency.
L
Restore All Locked-Out Frequencies
Press and hold seconds.
to unlock the
L
for two
5. Press
You’ll hear two beeps when all frequencies are restored.
H
to enter Manual Mode.
H
to resume scanning.
OR
3. Press desired frequency. Press and hold scroll rapidly.
In the Alert Monitor Frequency Banks, press state code. Lockout is cleared as soon as scanning starts.
>
>
or
S
or
<
to find the
<
to
to change the
17
Search
You can use the SEARCH feature to find active frequencies in your area. Many frequencies have already have been pre-programmed into one of the SCAN MODES (Highway, Police, DOT, etc.).
You can search for any frequencies between 29.000 and 956.000 MHz, as well as CB channels 1 through 40, as long as they are within the 12 Bands covered by the BCT7. See the table on page 5, or the Specifications at the back of this Guide.
1. Press Band Search Mode.
OR
Press another band.
Note:
searching the Aircraft Band.
B
B
AIR appears when
to enter
repeatedly to select
2. Two seconds later, the BCT7 begins searching that band.
L
During Search, press lockout undesired frequencies that the scanner stops on.
to
Press direction (up or down) of the frequency search.
<or>
to change the
18
CB Channel Search
The 40 Citizen’s Band (CB) channels comprise one of the 12 search bands available in the BCT7.
1. Press the CB band is active
Notes:
In the SEARCH function, you can turn the Data Skip feature on and off. (See “Data Skip,” page 20.) For easy access to the CB search, do not change the search band from CB. Each time you access band search, the
radio will begin searching in the CB channels automatically.
B
repeatedly until
2. After 2 seconds, the search begins through the 40 CB channels. Press change the channel search
direction.
CB
SRCH
<or>
to
3. When the BCT7 finds CB communications, the CB channel and frequency displays.
Hold/Resume While Searching
Press
any frequency of interest.
H
to stop the search on
Press
H
to resume searching.
19
Data Skip
Your BCT7 automatically skips certain data channels which broadcast non-voice communications (primarily pagers). An icon in the display shows when Data Skip is on. This feature works in all modes except CB, AIR and Weather.
To turn Data Skip OFF or ON:
B
1. Press until SKIP appears.
key repeatedly
2. Press Q within two seconds to turn Data Skipoff (or on). The data
icon appears in the display.
20
Programming
Your BCT7 contains 100 programmable memory channels available in the following frequency banks:
Highway 25 programmable channels (+ pre-programmed channels) Police 25 programmable channels (+ pre-programmed channels) DOT 10 programmable channels (+ pre-programmed channels) News 5 programmable channels (+ pre-programmed channels) Fire 10 programmable channels (+ pre-programmed channels) Private 25 programmable channels ONLY
You can add frequencies to the pre-programmed frequency banks, and create your own bank of up to 25 channels in the PRIVATE frequency bank.
Note: Before programming, check
the back of the unit and make sure the MEMOLOCK switch is set to OFF.
page 24.)
(See “Memory Lock,”
Memory Lock Off/On
MEMOLOCK
OFF ON
ANT.
21
Programming Frequencies
1. Press
band you wish to search.
B
to find a frequency
2. When the BCT7 begins searching, pressH.
3. Press desired frequency.
<or>
to find the
4. Press Q .
7.Press Q again to enter the frequency.
If you find a frequency you would like to program while in a general search of a band, press frequency, then follow programming steps 3 through 8.
5. Select the bank where you want to program the frequency (Highway, Police, DOT, News, Fire
or Private). The unprogrammed channel number and 000.0000 flash on and off over the frequency you chose.
8. Press scanning
H
to begin
OR
6. Press
9. Press the
<
move to the channel where you wish to program the frequency (you may skip this step if you wish to simply place the frequency in the next available channel).
selecting another frequency
to program.
H
to stop the search on the
or
B
>
keys to
key to begin
22
Clearing a User-Programmed Frequency
To erase a user-programmed frequency:
B
1. Press
4. Press and hold
000.0000 appears in the display.
HOLD
7. Press Q to program 000.0000 into memory.
.
>
until
2. Press and hold on any frequency.
5. Press the frequency bank key desired (
H
twice to start search
G,P
, etc.)
3. Press Q .
HOLD
6. Press Channel you want to clear.
<
or
>
to select the
23
Memory Lock
To avoid accidental programming of your BCT7 after you have programmed all the frequencies to your satisfaction, slide the MEMOLOCK switch on the back panel of the radio to ON.
If you attempt to enter frequencies after you have locked the program, the display will show PRG-LOC. Slide the switch back to OFF to enter frequencies once again.
Memory Back-up
Your BCT7 has a memory back-up system that remembers your frequency selections and deletions when you turn off the unit. This memory lasts approximately 30 days without any external power to the unit.
Memory Lock Off/On
MEMOLOCK
OFF ON
ANT.
24
Installation
Mobile Installation
Before starting installation, select a location for the radio bracket that is convenient for operation and does not interfere with the driver or passenger in the vehicle.
1. Secure the bracket to a solid surface using the self tapping screws provided.
2. Mount the scanner to the bracket with the thumb screws.
Star
Knob
Washer
Spacer
WARNING
3. Adjust the angle of the radio.
25
Connecting the Power
The BCT7 is designed to be used in any vehicle which has a 12-volt DC negative ground electrical system. If you cannot determine the polarity of your vehicle, consult your vehicle dealer for information.
1. Connect the BCT7 power cord directly to the fuse block or battery of your car.
- OR -
Plug one end of the cigarette lighter power cord into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
2. Connect the power cord to the jack marked “DC 13.8V” on the back of the radio.
3. Attach the external antenna connector to the jack marked “ANT.”
26
Note:
The power cord provided with your BCT7 contains a 1-amp fuse. Whenever necessary, replace it only with the same type of fuse.
Uniden recommends using an external antenna designed specifically for scanning radios.
Do not use the telescoping antenna in a mobile installation.
Base Installation
In addition to mobile installation, you can operate the BCT7 as a base unit with the included AC Adapter and Telescoping Antenna.
Note:
1. Plug the telescoping antenna
2. Plug the AC Adapter into the
3. Plug the adapter into a 120V AC
Operation of the scanner is the same as for mobile use.
Use only the AC Adapter supplied with this unit.
into the antenna jack on the rear of the unit.
jack marked “DC 13.8V.”
60 Hz wall outlet.
27
Tips & Techniques
Leave the Band Search set for CB (CB follows 806-956 MHz and precedes 29-30 MHz). This way, whenever you wish to monitor CB radio traffic, you simply press the BAND button once.
Another suggestion for highway driving would be to program CB channel 19 into one of the available HIGHWAY programmable channels in the BCT7. Truckers and other motorists also use other CB frequencies (such as 11 at times) for highway communications, but 19 is the most common channel. With Channel 19 always at the ready in your HIGHWAY setting, you’ll be sure to hear of accidents, traffic jams and other highway dangers well before you come upon them. Remember, though, that CB channels can be quite congested and they may tend to tie-up the BCT7 with unwanted conversation. On the open interstates, however, it should prove invaluable.
IMPORTANT! If you have a CB transmitter in your vehicle, do not
program a CB channel into the BCT7 unless you’re sure you won’t be transmitting on that channel (or even an adjacent channel). Otherwise, you’ll receive loud feedback through the BCT7‘s speaker.
The Band Search feature also breaks down the bands into amateur radio “Ham” frequency bands which are very valuable during severe weather or for road condition and traffic information. Ham operators provide emergency communications for agencies such as the Red Cross and state civil preparedness, during tornado, hurricane or blizzard season. During morning or evening rush hours, hams will provide information on traffic as they ride to or from work. Ham channels can become congested with long conversations, however, and you may not wish to tie-up your BCT7 with these frequencies.
For indoor use, extend the telescoping antenna to its full height. For UHF frequencies, shortening the antenna may improve the reception.
28
Trunking
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.
A few state Highway Patrol agencies, and many local and county public safety services, utilize a new type of transmission scheme known as trunking. Trunking allows a number of agencies (such as city police, fire, highway and sewer departments), and/or a number of divisions within an agency (police patrol, detectives, radar teams, warrant servers...), to operate on a single radio system without interference from one another. The agencies may share a three to twenty or more channel radio system in which particular divisions hop about the assigned frequencies as they become available.
A dispatcher may be communicating with a precinct’s patrol units on
856.7125 one moment, and then receive a reply from a patrol car 30 seconds later on 858.4875. In the meantime, 856.7125 will have been used by two sewer workers. It all happens transparently to the radio users. To them they’re the only people using the system and they never have to change channels. To the scanner user, however, it becomes a challenge to follow a conversation. All a scanner user can do is either wait for the radio to resume scanning to the next frequency or use H to move off of an uninteresting conversation.
29
To complicate matters, trunking radios are computer controlled. To effect the computer operation, data bursts and tones are broadcast over trunking frequencies. In the most common type of trunking system, a data frequency is selected for a 12 or 24 hour period. Scanner users are advised to LOCKOUT this frequency (so that the scanner doesn’t stop each time it scans by the channel). The next time you turn the scanner on, another frequency, in the same system, may be used as the data channel. You will want to lockout this new data frequency but you must remember to unlock the old frequency which will now be used for voice transmissions.
Scanner Care & Maintenance Tips
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.
30
Troubleshooting
If your BCT7 is not performing properly, try the steps listed below.
PROBLEM SUGGESTION
Scanner is not giving Warning Alerts. Check to see if Mute and Flash are both turned off.
The Squelch threshold may be set too high. Check antenna connections. Some priority frequencies may be locked out. Make sure the frequency bank you’re scanning is an Alert Frequency Bank (Highway, Police, DOT).
Scanner is not working properly. Check power cord and in-line fuse.
Check the Volume and Squelch settings. Signal is weak or distorted. Check antenna and antenna connection, or change antenna. Improper reception. Check antenna and antenna connection, or change antenna.
Reposition scanner. Scan won’t stop. Check Squelch adjustment.
Check antenna and antenna connection, or change antenna. Incomplete reception. Fringe area of reception.
Check Squelch adjustment. Weather Search (WX) won’t work. Check Squelch adjustment.
No active station within range. Radio transmissions (conversations)
are cutting in and out.
The PRIORITY system is checking for alarms.
Use the H button to hold on a frequency without check of priority channels every two
seconds.
31
Going by patrol cars and not receiving alarms.
Make sure you are scanning one of the Warning Alert Frequency Banks - Highway, Police,
or DOT.
Check antenna connections.
Conditions to activate the alarm are variable and depend upon the timing of the dispatcher
transmissions and proximity of patrol car to your vehicle. Also, terrain and other factors may
be involved.
Officer has the ability to turn off the mobile extender when off-duty, or when going to court,
etc., but will normally leave extender operating when on traffic duty.
If you’re monitoring user-programmed frequencies, switch to one of the preprogrammed
frequency banks. The radio keeps locking-up on
frequencies filled with strange noises or transmissions (aircraft communications, weather, etc.)
Sometimes, in a heavily congested area with a lot of radio transmitters (an urban area or an
area where TV/ radio towers are located), this always occurs. Try turning your squelch down
or locking out the offending frequencies.
If you still cannot get satisfactory results, call the Uniden Customer Service Center at 1-800-297-1023, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday.
32
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts
Operating Guide
(OMBCT7)
WARNING
HOLD/RESUME
7
BCT
HighwayCommunications System& Preprogrammed WarningScanner
SQ
MUTE
LOCKOUT
PUSH
WX/PVT
FIRE/NEWS
FLASH
VOL
STATE HIGHWAY POL/DOT
BAND
SEARCH
PROG
PUSH ALERT
OPERATINGGUIDE
Mobile Mounting Bracket
Assembly Kit
(MB007)
Betty Bearcat
Starter Frequency
Guide
Telescoping Antenna
(AT124)
Hard Wire Cord
(PS001)
Flexible Mobile Antenna
AC Adapter
(AD140U)
(ANT002)
External Speaker
(ESP25, 8 )W
®
33
SPECIFICATIONS
Receiver Type: Triple Conversion Superheterodyne
Banks: Total 7 banks: 6 Service banks and 1 programmable bank
HIGHWAY PATROL 1,142 programmed plus 25 programmable channels POLICE: 5,185 programmed plus 25 programmable channels DOT: 459 programmed plus 10 programmable channels FIRE 160 programmed plus 10 programmable channels
NEWS: 178 programmed plus 5 programmable channels WX: 9 programmed. (7 NOAA weather service,
2 Canadian Coast Guard)
PRIVATE: 25 channels fully user programmable
(Total 100 programmable channels)
Search Band: Total 12 Search bands: (All NFM except aircraft and CB bands)
Display Frequency Coverage Steps
29 - 30 29.000 to 30.000 MHz 5 kHz 30 - 50 0.000 to 50.000 MHz 5 kHz 118 - 137 118.000 to 136.975 MHz (AM) 12.5 kHz 137 - 144 137.000 to 144.000 MHz 5 kHz 144 - 148 144.000 to 148.000 MHz 5 kHz 148 - 174 148.000 to 174.000 MHz 5 kHz 406 - 420 406.000 to 420.000 MHz 12.5 kHz 420 - 450 420.000 to 450.000 MHz 12.5 kHz 450 - 470 450.000 to 470.000 MHz 12.5 kHz 470 - 512 470.000 to 512.000 MHz 12.5 kHz 806-956 806.0000 to 823.9875 MHz 12.5 kHz
849.1125 to 868.9875 MHz 12.5 kHz
894.1125 to 956.0000 MHz 12.5 kHz
CH 1 - 40 26.9650 MHz - 27.4050 MHz(AM) 10 kHz
Scan Rate: Up to 100 channels per second. Scan Delay: 2 seconds Audio Output: Max 3W Antenna: 50 ohms (Impedance) Operating Temperature: - 20ºC (- 4ºF) to + 60ºC (+ 140ºF) Size: 5-1/5" (W) x 6-15/16" (D) x 1-5/8" (H) Weight: 1 lb 11oz.
Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15 Sub-part C as of date of manufacture. Features, specifications, and availability of optional accessories are all subject to change without notice.
34
BCT
7
Highway Communications System & Preprogrammed Warning Scanner
UBUD01250ZZ
WARNING
HOLD/RESUME
STA TE HIGHWA Y POL/DOT
MUTE
FIRE/NEWS
LOCKOUT
WX/PVT
HIGHWAY
SEARCH
BCT7
BAND
PROG
SQ
PUSH FLASH
VOL
PUSH ALERT
OPERATING GUIDE

Precautions

Before you use this scanner, please observe the following:
WARNING!
Uniden America Corporation does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or damage to the unit, 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, could void your authority to operate this product.
Covered under one or more of the following patents: RE 31,523 4,027,251 4,057,760 4,092,594 4,100,497 4,114,103 4,123,715 4,156,193 4,157,505 4,179662 4,219,821 4,270,217 4,398,304 4,409,688 4,455,679 4,461,036 4,521,915 4,587,104 4,627,100 4,481,302 4,888,815 4,932,074 4,947,456 5,014,348 5,199,109
Uniden®and Bearcat
©1994 Uniden America Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the Phillippines.
®
are registered trad
emarks of Uniden America Corporation.
BCT7 Controls
1
WARNING
HOLD/RESUME
3
2
MUTE
FIRE/NEWS
STATE HIGHWAY
4
LOCKOUT
WX/PVT
POL/DOT
5
6
SEARCH
BAND
BCT7
PROG
SQ
PUSH FLASH
VOL
PUSH ALERT
7
1. Alert Light
2. Mute LED
3. Mute Key
4. Fire/News Frequency Key
5. Lockout Key
6. Weather/Private Frequencies Key
7. Squelch Control/Flash Brightness
Selector
8. Hold/Scan Resume Key
9. State Selector Key
10. Highway Frequencies Key
11. Police/D.O.T. Frequencies Key
8
910
11
12
13
12. Search Direction Keys
13. Search Band Selector Key
14 15
14. Program Frequency Key
15. ON-OFF-Volume Control/Alert
Tone Selector
BCT7 Liquid Crystal Display
1. Highway Patrol Frequencies
2. Police Frequencies
3. Department of Transportation
Frequencies
1
2
HIGHWAY POLICE DOT WX PRIVATE FIRE NEWS AIR
HOLD SRCH LOCKOUT
9
st
11
10
3
12
4
5
68
DAT A
13
14
7
FLASH
15
16
4. NOAA Weather Frequencies
5. Private Frequencies
6. Fire Frequencies
7. News Frequencies
8. Aircraft Frequencies
9. State/Active Frequency
Bank/Channel Indicator
10. Scan Hold Indicator
11. Search Up Indicator
12. Search Down Indicator
13. Frequency Lockout Indicator
14. Data Skip ON Indicator
15. Warning Flash OFF Indicator
16. Frequency Display
One Year Limited Warranty
Important:
WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“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, sub- assemblies, 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 bythis warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed, 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). The Product should include all parts and accessories originally packaged with the Product. Include evidence of original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it, The Product should be shipped or delivered freight prepaid by traceable means, or delivered to warrantor at:
Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty service.
Uniden America Corporation Uniden offers 30 days of toll free support and you can call
Parts and Service (800) 297-1023, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, Monday though 4700 Amon Carter Blvd. Friday. Beyond that period, you can obtain assistance by
Ft. Worth, TX 76155 calling (900) 224-4UAC.
(800)-297-1023, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central, Monday through Friday
Loading...