Uniden SC180B User Guide

SC180

100-Channel

Programmable

Twin Turbo

Hand-Held

Sports

Scanner

OPERATING GUIDE

Precautions

Before you use this scanner, please read and observe the following:

WARNING!

n

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!

n

Be sure to use only the supplied earphone, or a stereo
headset of the proper impedance (32W ). Use of an
incorrect earphone or stereo headset may be potentially
hazardous to your hearing.

WARNING:

n

Set the Volume to a comfortable audio level coming
from the speaker before plugging in the supplied
earphone or a stereo headset of the proper impedance
(32W ). Otherwise you might experience some
discomfort or possible hearing damage if the Volume
suddenly becomes too loud because of the Volume
Control or Squelch Control setting. This may be
particularly true of the type of earphone that is placed in
the ear canal.

n

NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY WARNING

·

This equipment contains a Nickel-Cadmium Battery.

·

Cadmium is a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer.

·

The Nickel-Cadmium Battery contained in this
equipment may explode if disposed of in a fire.

·

Do not short circuit the battery.

·

Do not charge the Nickel-Cadmium Battery used in
this equipment with any other AC Adapter/Charger
other than the one designed to charge this battery
(AD-70U). Using another charger may damage the
battery, or cause the battery to explode.

n

Nickel-Cadmium Battery Disposal

Nickel-Cadmium Batteries Must Be Disposed Of
Properly. Read the Nickel-Cadmium Battery Disposal
package insert for important information.

Uniden® and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of
Uniden America Corporation.

Sportcat™ is a trademark of Uniden America Corporation.

ii

iii

Contents

About Your New SportCat

What is Scanning?
What is Searching?
Important Notice
Types of Communication
Where to Obtain More Information
Unpacking

Feature Highlights
Controls and Indicators

Top View
Front View

Setup

........................................

Charging the Battery Pack
Mounting the Flexible Antenna
Installing the Belt Clip
Using the Earphone

Operation Overview............................12

Programming Channels ........................14

Programming By Manual Entry ..................14

Deleting a Stored Frequency....................15

Programming SEARCH .......................15

Programming Channels with Alpha Characters......16

Alert Beep Setting ............................17

Scanning ....................................18

Bank Scanning ..............................18

Priority Scan ................................19

Delay
Locking Out Channels
Looking for “Locked Out” Channels
Weather Channel Scanning

Searching

Band Search
Limit Search
Search Skip Frequency

Care and Maintenance

Replacing the Battery Pack
Location
Cleaning
Repairs
Birdies
Proper Care of Your Scanner

Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts
Troubleshooting
Technical Specifications

...................................

....................................

...................................

......................................

....................................

....................................

...................................

....................................

.....................................

.............................

..............................

..............................

................................

.................................

..............................

.......................

............................

........................

................

.........................

......................

..................

.........................

...........................

.........................

...............

.....................

........................

.........................

.....................

...................

......

........................

10

10
10
11
11

19
20
20
21

22

22
22
23

24

24
25
25
25
26
26

27
28
29

2

2
2
3
3
4
4

5
6

6
6

1

About Your New SportCat

The SportCat™ is a brand new state-of-the-art information
radio with automatic scanning capabilities. It can store
frequencies such as sporting events, police,
fire/emergency, and other communications into 10 banks of
10 channels each. And you can scan all 100 channels at
super fast Turbo Scan speed.

With the SportCat, you can do a fast search for active
frequencies on all 12 preprogrammed bands. In the VHF
bands (29-54MHz and 137-174MHz) you can also use
super fast Turbo Search.

What is Scanning?

Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way
communications (listed below) do not transmit
continuously. The SportCat scans programmed
at the rate of nearly 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. Or, you can select an
optional Delay so the scanner stays on the channel for 2
more seconds after the transmission stops, waiting for
another transmission, before resuming scanning.

While the SportCat is scanning channels it is in “SCAN
Mode”. When you stop the scanning with , it is in
“MANUAL Mode”.

channels

What is Searching?

The SportCat can search each of 12 preprogrammed
bands to find active frequencies. This is different from
scanning, because you can search for frequencies that
have not been programmed into your SportCat. You can
also search within the range of frequencies you have
programmed before. You can set the direction of searching
as well as the speed. The Turbo Search feature, new for
Uniden scanners, can search VHF bands at up to 3 times
the normal speed.

When the SportCat is searching for active frequencies, it is
in “SEARCH Mode” or “TURBO SEARCH Mode”. When
you stop the search with , it is in “SEARCH HOLD
Mode”. With both Turbo Scan and Turbo Search, your
SportCat is truly a Twin Turbo Scanner.

2

Important Notice

This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will

n

not tune to the radio frequencies assigned by the FCC
for cellular telephone usage. The Electronic
Communications Privacy Act of 1986, as amended,
makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept cellular
or cordless telephone transmissions or to market this
radio when altered to receive them.
The installation, possession, or use of this scanning

n

radio in a motor vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or
require a permit in certain states, cities, and/or local
jurisdictions.
Your local law enforcement officials should be able to
provide you with information regarding the laws in your
community.
Changes or modifications to this product not expressly

n

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.

Types of Communication

You will be able to monitor communication such as:

Automobile, boat, and marathon races

»

Golf tournaments

»

Traffic information

»
» Police and fire department (including rescue and

paramedics)

»

NOAA and Canadianweather broadcasts (10
preprogrammed channels)

»

Land transportation, such as trucking firms, buses,
taxis, tow trucks, and railroads

»

Marine and amateur radio.

»

Aircraft

»

Public Service 800 MHz band

And many more in the following 12 Bands:

RANGE

(MHz)

29.0000-29.9950 5

30.0000-49.9950 5

50.0000-54.0000 5

108.0000-136.9875 12.5

137.0000-143.9950 5

144.0000-147.9950 5

148.0000-174.0000 5

406.0000-419.9875 12.5

420.0000-449.9875 12.5

450.0000-469.9875 12.5

STEP

(kHz)

BAND SUBJECT

NFM 10 Meter Amateur Band
NFM VHF Low Band
NFM 6 Meter Amateur Band

AM AM Aircraft
NFM Military Land Mobile
NFM 2 Meter Amateur Band
NFM VHF High Band
NFM Federal Govt. Land

NFM 70 cm Amateur Band
NFM UHF Standard Band

Mobile

3

RANGE

(MHz)

470.0000-512.0000 12.5

806.0000-823.9875

849.0125-868.9875

894.0125-956.0000

Important!

Telephone Band.

The

STEP

(kHz)

12.5

12.5

12.5

SportCat

BAND SUBJECT

NFM UHF “T” Band
NFM

NFM
NFM

will not tune within the Cellular

Public Service “800"
Band

Where to Obtain More Information

The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs
have publications, information on computer bulletin boards,
and even contests for the radio enthusiasts. See the
enclosed pamphlets for more information. Additional
information is also available through your local library.

Unpacking

Carefully check the contents against this list:

SportCat Twin Turbo Sports Scanner

n

Rubber Antenna

n

AC Adapter/Charger (AD-70U)

n

Earphone

n

Belt Clip with 2 Screws

n

Battery (BP-180)

n
n

This Operating Guide

n

Frequency Directories Order Form and Betty Bearcat
Club Information

n

SportCat Frequency Guide

n

Nickel-Cadmium Battery Disposal Notice

n

Product Registration Form

If any items are missing or damaged, call the Uniden parts
department at the number below.

Please read this Operating Guide thoroughly before
operating the scanner.

Uniden Parts Department
[phone]
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time
Monday to Friday
We can also be reached on the web at
www.uniden.com

4

Feature Highlights

Twin Turbo Scan & Search —This lightning-fast

◆

technology enables the SportCat to scan nearly 100
channels per second. Search speed is selectable
between 100 and 300 steps per second. (300 steps
per second only in bands with 5 kHz steps.) Because
the frequency coverage is so large (see previous
section for band listing), very fast scanning and
searching are essential. That is why we combined our
latest technology — Twin Turbo — into the SportCat.

100 Channels You can program each of these

◆

memory channels to store one frequency.
12 Bands, 10 Banks Includes 12 Bands, with

◆

Aircraft and 800 MHz. 10 Banks of 10 channels each
are useful for storing similar frequencies in order to
maintain faster scanning cycles.

29 MHz - 956 MHz Indicates the range of

◆

frequencies that can be searched within the bands of
your scanner.

Note: The frequency coverage is not totally

(

continuous from 29.0 MHz to 956 MHz.)

10 Priority Channels You can assign

◆

Channel in each Bank. Assigning priority channels
allows you to keep track of activity on your most
important channel(s) while monitoring other channels
for transmissions. (Priority Channels are initially set in
the first channel in each Bank.)

◆

Weather Channels Lets your scanner function as a
weather information radio.

◆

Memory Backup The stored channels are retained
in memory permanently.

◆

Programmable Alpha Characters You can program
up to 100 channels with alphabetical characters for
easy reference.

◆

Band Search You can search within the
preprogrammed bands.

◆

Limit Search You can search within a specific range
of frequencies.

◆

VFO Search You can search by using the VFO
control.

◆

Alert Beep If the SportCat finds a transmission on a
channel you have preset, it beeps twice.

◆

Auto Light The SportCat can turn on its backlight
automatically when it finds a transmission if this
function is activated.

one

Priority

5

Controls and Indicators

Top View

Antenna
Connector

Earphone
Jack

SQUELCH
Control

ON-OFF/
VOLUME
Control

VFO Control Use this control to select channels in

Connect the rubber antenna to the BNC
connector and turn clockwise until it locks.

Plug the supplied
for private listening. When the earphone is
connected, the internal speaker is
disconnected.

Note the warning on the Inside Front Cover
and on page 11.

Adjust this control to set the scan threshold
and to eliminate the background rushing
noise heard in the absence of an incoming
signal. See the Operation Overview
Section for adjustment procedures.

Use this control to turn the scanner on or
off, and to adjust the volume.

Manual mode, select the band for Band
Search, and select frequencies in
Band/Limit Search mode. You can also
use this to program Alpha Name
characters.

earphone into this jack

Front View

(Refer to the illustration on page iii)

1. LCD DISPLAY — The liquid crystal display (LCD)
shows the current channel and frequency. It also
displays the mode, status, and bank indicators.

P

A. Priority Channel Indicator —

the scanner stopson a Priority Channel.

appears when

6

B. Channel Number — Indicates the current

channel that the scanner is on.

C. Memory Bank Numbers — Each Memory Bank

consists of 10 channels that you can select or
deselect during scanning operation, using the
numeric keypad. When you select a Bank, its
number appears on the display. When you
deselect a Bank, its number disappears from the
display. When you press to stop
scanning, only the Bank of the current channel
appears.

D. Bank Indicator — Appears with the Bank

Numbers (1~10).

E. Frequency Indicator — Indicates the frequency

being received by the scanner, or Alpha Name,
etc.

F. Low Battery Indicator — Appears on the

display when the Battery Pack is low and needs
recharging.

G. Mode/Function Indicators —

(Only the active
mode(s)/function(s) are displayed during
operation.)

SCAN Indicates SCAN Mode.
SEARCH Indicates SEARCH Mode. Flashes

when in TURBO SEARCH Mode.

PRIORITYIndicates PRIORITY SCAN is

activated.

HOLD Indicates SCAN HOLD or SEARCH

HOLD Mode.

DELAY Indicates DELAY is activated.
L/O In SCAN Mode, indicates the

channel shown is “Locked Out”.
In SEARCH Mode, indicates the
frequency shown is “Locked Out”.

WX Indicates WEATHER SCAN Mode.
ATT Appears when the Attenuator

function is set.
Indicates the keypad is locked.
Appears when the display mode is

Alpha Name mode.

2. Press to start scanning all programmed

SCAN

channels that are not locked out. (
across the display during scanning.)

moves

7

In SCAN or SEARCH Mode, press to stop

3.
HOLD

scanning. (
In Manual mode, press to step up the
channel.

4. NUMERIC KEYPAD — Use these keys to program a

channel for scanning. Also use to access a channel
directly with . During SCAN Mode, use these
keys to select or deselect any of the 10 memory
banks. (Only the selected bank indicator(s) appear
on the display.)

You cannot deactivate all 10 banks at the

Note:

appears on the display.)

same time.

Key Bank Channel

1 1-10
2 11-20
3 21-30
4 31-40
5 41-50
6 51-60
7 61-70
8 71-80
9 81-90
10 91 - 100

5. Press /

Press and hold /
band search. Then press /
band search.

6. Press to stop Band serch, Limit search and WX

scan. Also, press it to move to next higher channel or
frequency. Press and hold to change the
search direction to upper side.

7. In Limit search, input the frequency and press

to program the lower/higher frequency. Press
to stop Band search, Limit search, and WX scan.
Also, press it to move to next lower channel or
frequency. Press and hold to change the
search direction to lower side.

BAND

to start Limit search.

BAND

to select the band for

BAND

8

again to start

8. Press /

you program frequencyor Alpha characters. Press and
hold /
Manual mode.

9. Use /

programming a frequency into a channel. If you
make an entry error, press /

key to erase the entry, and start over. Also, use
/

CLR

10. Press tostore a displayed frequency and Alpha

characters into any displayed channel.

11. Press to“Lock Out” or prevent scanning of the
displayed channel, including Priority Channels. (
appears on the display.) To unlock a channel, press

again. can be used in Scan or SEARCH

Modes.

12. There are 10 Preprogrammed NOAA weather
channels. Press /
weather channel in your area.
display in Weather Mode. If you want to set or reset
the Attenuator function, press and hold /

13. Press to turn ONor OFF theautomatic 2-second
delay during scanningor searching for active
frequencies. (When delayis activated,
on the display.) In this mode, when the scanner
monitors an activefrequency, searching or scanning will
not resume untiltransmission stops for 2 seconds.

14. While Scanning, press /
PRIORITY SCAN function. (
display.) While Searching, press /
toggle between 100 steps and 300 steps per second.
(When in TURBO SEARCH is activated. SEARCH
flashes on the display.)

15. Press and hold until

ALERT

ALERT

CLR

to clear the error message display.

to change thedisplay mode when

to set theAlert Beep function in

to enter the decimal point when

CLR

before the

ATT

to find the active NOAA

WX

appears on the

DELAY

TURBO

PRIORITY

to activate the

appears on the

TURBO

appears on the

L/O

ATT

.

appears

to

display. This disables the keypad and VFO control
and prevents any accidental key entries. To enable
the keypad, press and hold

disappears from the display.

16. Press to turn the LCD Back light on and off.
Press and hold for 2 seconds to make the
scanner turn the LCD Back Light on when a
transmission is found (Auto Light function).

until

9

Setup

The SportCat comes with a rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium
Battery Pack. When fully charged, this Battery Pack will
supply up to 12 hours of dependable use. (With the
Squelch control in “closed” position.)

Before using the SportCat for the first time, or whenever
the LOW BATTERY Indicator appears on the LCD display,
you should fully charge the Battery Pack.

Note:

When the Battery Pack is low, the Low Battery
Indicator will start to blink. After about 10 minutes, the
scanner will shut itself off to prevent the battery from
becoming completely discharged.

Before charging, you must first install the Battery Pack
according to the steps below.

Charging the Battery Pack

1. Plug the AC Adapter/Charger (AD-70U) into the

Charging Jack located on the left side of the SportCat.
You can use the scanner while it is charging.)

WARNING! Use only the supplied AC
Adapter/ Charger. Any other AC adapter or
external power plug having over-voltage or
reversed polarity can cause overheating or
damage to the circuitry.

2. Plug the AC Adapter/Charger into a standard AC outlet.

To fully charge the battery, leave the Adapter/Charger
connected for 14 to 16 hours.

3. When charging is complete, disconnect the Adapter/

Charger from the AC outlet and from the Battery Pack.

Note: Disconnect the AC Adapter/Charger from the
unit during a power failure.

Mounting the Flexible Antenna

Place the end of the antenna onto the BNC connector on
top of the scanner and turn clockwise until tight.

10

Installing the Belt Clip

1. Place the Belt Clip on
the mounting area on
the back of the
scanner, making sure
the holes in the clip line
up with the threads in
the back of the
scanner.

2. Insert the 2 screws into the corresponding holes and
tighten.

CAUTION: Do not tighten the screws too tight. You could
damage the case or clip.

Using the Earphone

The PHONE jack at the top of the SportCat is a standard

3.5mm stereo phone jack. You can use either the supplied
earphone, or a stereo headset of the proper impedance
(32W ). The output of this jack is monaural audio, but you
will hear it in both headphones of a stereo headset.

IMPORTANT!

Be sure to use only the supplied earphone, or stereo
headset of the proper impedance (32W ). Use of an
incorrect earphone or stereo headset may be potentially
hazardous to your hearing.

WARNING: To avoid discomfort or possible
hearing damage, be sure to set the Volume
Control before plugging in the earphone or
proper headphones. A sudden opening of
the Squelch may cause unexpected loud
audio.

11

Operation Overview

Note: Before operating the

SportCat

for the first time,

make sure you have fully charged the Battery Pack.

1. Before turning on the scanner, rotate the Squelch

Control fully clockwise.

2. Turn the scanner on by rotating the On-Off/Volume

Control clockwise until you hear a click. Turn the
Volume Control a small amount clockwise to a low
listening level.

3. You should hear either a “rushing” noise or some

communications. If you are monitoring a transmission,
wait until it stops before adjusting the Squelch Control.

4. Readjust the volume to a comfortable listening level.

5. Turn the Squelch Control counterclockwise

rushing noise disappears. At the squelch threshold, any
incoming signal just slightly stronger than the noise will
open the squelch. Any communication that is received
will open the Squelch, and stop scanning or Searching.

just

until the

Note: Ifsquelch is set too tight, that is, too far
counterclockwise fromthe threshold point, a much

stronger signalis required to open the squelch. If
squelch isset on a point clockwise from the threshold,
you willhear a constant sound (noise, if no signal is
present.) Thescanner will not scan.

The SportCat has100 memory channels, each of which can
be programmed tostore one frequency. The channels are
divided into ten10-channel banks, useful for storing similar
frequencies in orderto maintain faster scanning cycles.

You can monitor communication in one of three ways:

n

BANK SCAN If you have programmed channels, you
can scan all programmed channels in the selected
bank(s), except locked out channels. When the scanner
stops on an active frequency, it remains on that channel
as long as the transmission continues. When the
transmission stops, the SportCat resumes scanning. If
the Delay Function is on, the scanner remains on the
same channel for 2 more seconds, waiting for a
responding transmission. If there is no responding
transmission within 2 seconds, the scanning cycle
resumes.

12

Any channels that are not programmed (000.0000) are
skipped during scan.

When the SportCat is in SCAN Mode, the display will look
something like this:

SEARCH The Search function is

n

When you select a frequency band to search, the
scanner searches for any active frequency within the
lower and upper limits of the band. Also, when you
program frequency range, you can search within the
frequency range. When an active frequency is found, the
scanner stops on that frequency as long as the
transmission lasts. If the Delay Function is on, the
scanner remains on the same channel for 2 more
seconds, waiting for a responding transmission. If there
is no responding transmission within 2 seconds, the
search cycle resumes.

When the SportCat is on SEARCH Mode, the display will
look something like this:

different

from Scan.

13

Programming Channels

Before you can scan, you must program the channels
within a bank. You can store one frequency per channel, up
to 100 channels.

Note: If appears on the display (keypad Locked),
unlock the keypad by pressing and holding until
disappears

There are two ways to program a channel:

Manually select a channel and frequency, using the

n

numeric keypad. You can determine the frequencies you
want from the Betty Bearcat (or similar) Frequency Book
(optional), or from the Sports Activity Frequency Book
(included).
Search a band to find an active frequency, and then

n

directly store it into a channel

A. Programming By Manual Entry

1. Select a frequency from the appropriate Frequency

Directory.

Example:

2. Make sure the scanner is in the SCAN Mode. If it is in

the SEARCH Mode, press .

.

Program 125.2500 MHz into Channel 18.

3. Press to stop scanning.

4. Press to go to Channel 18.

5. Enter the frequency number using the numeric keypad.

(Be sure to include the decimal point.)

.
If you make a mistake and want to clear the entry,
press twice and re-enter the frequency.

6. Press to store the entry. The frequency on the

display will blink twice to confirm the programming.

14

7. If that frequency is already stored in another channel,

you will hear a “beep”, and the other channel number will
appear on the display. If you want to store the frequency
in the selected channel (18) as well, press again.
The frequency will blink twice to confirm the
programming. Or, you can press and enter another
frequency for the currently selected channel.

Note:

Any frequency already stored in any channel will

automatically be replaced by the new one.

8. If you try to enter a frequency that is outside one of the

Error

12 Bands, you will hear a “beep”, and the word “
appears on the display.

Press and re-enter the correct frequency.

”

9. To program another channel, repeat the above

procedures.

Deleting a Stored Frequency

To delete a frequency from a channel:

1. Display the channel and frequency that is to be deleted.

2. Press on the numeric keypad.

3. Press . The current channel is erased, and the

display shows

000.0000

.

Note: That channel will beskipped during scanning.

B. Programming SEARCH

The Search feature enables you to rapidly search for active
frequencies within the specified band limits. When an
interesting frequency is found, you can store it into a
channel using the procedure below. For more information
about SEARCH Mode, see the section titled “Searching”.

1. Press and hold /

SEARCH Mode.

BAND

15

to enter the BAND

2. Press and hold the /

preprogrammed Search Bands. Use the and
keys or VFO control until you see the Band you want.

BAND

key to display the

3. Wait for at least 2 seconds or press /

Search to begin. If you wish to change the search
direction, press and hold or to search in an
up or down direction.

BAND

for

4. When Search stops on a desired frequency, press

to stay on that frequency. The next available empty
channel to store the frequency will be blinking on the
display.

5. To store the displayed frequency into that channel,

press . The frequency will blink twice to confirm the

programming.

6. To store the displayed frequency into another channel:
a. Select the channel number with the numeric keys,

and press . The selected channel will appear
on the display. The frequency currently stored in the
channel will appear for 2 seconds and then will be
replaced by the frequency located from the search.

b. Press . The frequency will blink twice to

confirm the programming.

Programming Channels with Alpha Characters

Use this feature to name channels (up to 100 channels) for
easy reference.

1. Select the channel.

2. Press /

“ ” appears on the display.

ALERT

to go to the Alpha Name display,

3. Press . The Edit cursor flashes.

16

Note:

If the frequency of the channel has not been
programmed, you cannot program the Alpha Name on
the channel.

4. To select the edit position, press to move the Edit

cursor to the right or to move it to the left.

5. Select the character using VFO Control. Turn clockwise

tomove0-9,A-zandother characters and stop the
control at the letter you wish to store.

6. Repeat the steps 4 and 5 for all the characters you want

to program.

7. When you complete the input, press . The words

you have programmed flash twice.

Alert Beep Setting

When a transmission occurs on a channel on which you
have set the Alert Beep function, 2 beeps will let you know
that your “favorite” channel has been received.

You can set this function for each channel. Select a
channel, then press and hold /
function on a channel in Manual mode.

appears on the display. (Except Alpha Name display)

You cannot set this function for the channels which have
not programmed before.

17

ALERT

to set this

Scanning

Bank Scanning

1. If

SCAN

is not indicated on the display, press .

The SportCat should begin scanning.

1

The indicators for the selected Banks (
on the display. The indicator of the Bank currently being
monitored flashes. While the SportCat is scanning, the
word

SCAN

moves across the display.

Scanning stops onany active channel that is not “Locked
Out”, and displaysthe Channel Number and frequency or
Alpha Name. Scanning resumes automaticallyafter the
transmission stops.

2. You can deselect any bank(s) from being scanned by

entering the number of the bank. The deselected bank
indicator(s) disappear from the display, and those
channels will not be scanned. This procedure helps to
speed up the scanning cycle.

Note: One Bank must alwaysbe active. You cannot
deactivate all 10 banks atthe same time. If you try to
deactivate all 10 Banks, Bank1 will automatically be
active.

3. To restore any bank for scanning, just enter its number

again. The bank indicator will reappear on the display.

through10) appear

4. To stop scanning any time, press . (

on the display.) The scanner remains on the displayed
channel, and only the bank indicator for that channel
appears. Press , to resume scanning.

HOLD

appears

5. When you are stopped at a channel, you can press

to step down a channel, or to step up a channel.

hold

Press and
channels.

Note: You do not skipa locked out (“
you use or .

either key to rapidly step through the

L/O

”) channel when

18

To access a specific channel:

1. Press .

2. Enter the channel number using the numeric keys.

3. Press again.

Priority Scan

The SportCat has 10 Priority Channels, 1 per Bank.
Initially these are the first channel in each Bank. (e.g.
Channel 1, Channel 11, Channel 21, and so on.) In priority
scan mode, the scanner checks the Priority Channel(s)
every 2 seconds during the Scan cycle. If a transmission is
received, the scanner will stop at that channel. If the
Priority Channel in any Bank is “Locked Out”, it will be
skipped during scanning.

You can move the Priority to any other channel in a Bank
as follows:

1. Go directly to that channel using any of the methods

described above.

2. Press and hold for at least 2 seconds. You will hear

P

“two beeps,” and
of the new channel number. That channel will now be
the Priority Channel for that Bank. (The
appear for the previous Priority Channel.)

To activate Priority Scan, press . The
indicator will appear at the bottom of the display. To
deactivate Priority Scan, press again. The
indicator will disappear from the bottom of the display.

will appear on the display to the left

P

will no longer

PRIORITY

PRIORITY

Delay

Normally the scanner will resume scanning when a
transmission stops. If you want to remain on a channel
until a responding transmission is received, activate the
DELAY feature. This feature can be active in SCAN,
MANUAL, SEARCH, and WEATHER Modes.

1. Press . The

The scanner will now pause 2 seconds after
transmission stops before resuming scanning.

2. Press again to deactivate Delay. The

indicator disappears from the display.

DELAY

indicator appears on the display.

19

DELAY

Locking Out Channels

You may haveprogrammed certain channels that you do not
want to hearevery time you scan. These might be channels
that are busya major portion of the time, causing the scanner
to stop atthe channel(s) often enough to interrupt the scan
cycle. You canLock Out those channels so they are not
scanned.

1. Go directly to the channel using any of the methods

described above.

2. Press .

That channel is now “Locked Out” of the scanning cycle.
To include the channel back in the scanning cycle:

L/O

appears on the display.

1. Go directly to the desired channel.

2. Press . The

display, and thechannel is no longer “Locked Out”.

You can lock out any or all of the Priority Channels in the
same way as other channels. If you lock out all
Channels you will see this message:

You can also remove
the selected
Press and hold for at least 2 seconds. You will hear 2
beeps and all channels except empty channels
(000.0000MHz) are returned to the scanning cycle in the
selected

Scan Banks.

L/O

indicator now disappearsfrom the

Priority

L/O

from all “Locked Out” channels in

Scan Banks (those appearing on the display.)

Note: Any “Locked Out” channels in Banks that are
deselected are still “Locked Out”.

Looking for “Locked Out” Channels

During scanning, you will not see “Locked Out” channels.
To look for “Locked Out” channels, first press to
stop scanning. Then use or to step through
the Bank. You will see

Out” channel.

L/O on the display to indicate a “Locked

20

Weather Channel Scanning

The SportCat is designed to search for your local NOAA
weather channel(s) from 10 preprogrammed NOAA
channels.

1. Press /

the lower side of the display and the word
across the display.

ATT

to begin Weather scan.WXappears at

SCAN

moves

2. When the Weather scan finds an active channel in your

area, the scanner stops at that frequency.

3. To stay at that frequency, press or . To

ATT

resume Weather scan, press /

It is possible for you to hear more than one Weather
broadcast in your area. If the broadcast sounds weak and
distant, press /
Or, press or to move to another station.

ATT

again to look for a closer station.

.

4. To exit Weather Mode, press , or

BAND

/

Note:

broadcasts. Once the Weather scan stops on a
transmission, it will remain on that channel. Weather
scan will not resume automatically. You must press

.

All weather channels transmit continuous

/

ATT

again to reactivate scanning.

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 will improve the reception.

21

Searching

Band Search

The SportCat has 12 Preprogrammed Search Bands. You
can search any of these Bands to find desired frequencies
if you do not have a Frequency Directory handy, or if new
stations have been added since the Directory was
published.

1. Press and hold /

Mode. Then the upper and lower limits of the band
currently selected are displayed.

BAND

to enter the Band Search

2. Use VFO control, or to select the band you

wish to search.

3. Wait for about 2 seconds and the SportCat will begin

searching that Band. Or, press /BAND again to
begin.

4. During a Search, press /

TURBO SEARCH. This increases the Search Speed to
300 steps per second in those bands that have 5 kHz
steps. (See the table on page for the Band Chart.)
When you activate TURBO SEARCH, the SEARCH
indicator flashes. Press /
deactivate TURBO SEARCH.

5. Press at any time to stop the search on a
frequency. Press /

6. When Search is stopped, you can press or
to move up or down 1 frequency step. (See the table on
page for the step size for each Band.)

TURBO

TURBO

BAND

to activate

again to

to resume searching.

Limit Search

In Limit Search mode, you can search within the frequency
range you have set.

To use this function, you must set the lower/higher
frequency of your search range first.

Setting the Frequencies

Press .

1.

2. Enter the lower limit of your search range.

3. Press .

22

4. Enter the higher limit of your search range.

5. Press .

Using the Limit Search

Press /

1.

BAND

to enter Limit Search mode.

2. Press or to stop searching. (”HOLD”

appears on the display.)

VFO search

You can search by using VFO control.

1. In Manual mode, enter the frequency by using the

number keypad and turnVFO control.

-- OR --

In Band Search or Limit Search, press then enter
the frequency by using the number keypad, and turn the
VFO control.

“ V ” appears on the display.

2. Turn the VFO control clockwise to move up the

frequency step, and turn the VFO control counter­clockwise to move down the frequency step.

3. When you wish to store frequency or change the

channel, you need not press first.

Search Skip Frequency.

The scanner may stop at certain frequencies during
Search that you do not want to hear. You can program
up to 50 Skip Frequencies into the SportCat. When the
scanner stops at one of these frequencies during
Search, press . That frequency is now “memorized”
and will be skipped during any Search. The scanner will
then search to find other active frequencies. If you enter
the 51st frequency, the 1st one is overwritten.

23

Care and Maintenance

Replacing the Battery Pack

1. Turn the On-Off/Volume Control OFF.

2. Turn the scanner over
so you are looking at
the back. If the Belt
clip is attached,
remove it by taking out
the two screws.

3. Press in on the ribbed
area and slide the
Battery Cover down
and off.

4. Carefully unplug the Battery pack and lift it out of the
case. You may need to exert slight pressure toward the
top of the scanner as you slide the Battery Pack out of
the case.

5. Carefully plug in the new Battery Pack, observing the
proper polarity. (The RED wire should be on the upper
side as you plug it in.) Although the plug is keyed to
reduce the chance of inserting it in wrong, make sure
the wires are in the correct position before pushing it in
all the way. DO NOT FORCE THE PLUG.

24

6. Insert the Battery Pack
by placing the bottom
in the case first. Make
sure it is seated within
the case before
replacing the Battery
Cover.

7. Replace the Battery
Cover by putting the
two tabs in the
corresponding opening
and sliding it upward
until it locks in place.

Location

n

If strong interference or electrical noise is received,
relocate the scanner or its antenna away from the
source of the noise. A higher elevation, if possible, may
provide better reception.

n

Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments
such as the kitchen or bathroom.

n

Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating
elements or vents.

n

Do not plug the scanner into an outlet controlled by a
wall switch as prolonged periods without power will
cause scanner memory loss.

Cleaning

n

Disconnect the power to the unit before cleaning.

n

Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild detergent.

n

To prevent scratches, do not use abrasive cleaners or
solvents. Be careful not to rub the LCD window.

n

Do not use excessive amounts of water.

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.

25

Birdies

All scanners are subject to receiving undesired signals or
birdies. If your scanner stops during SEARCH Mode and
no sound is heard, it may be receiving a birdie. Birdies are
internally generated signals inherent in the electronics of
the scanner. Use the Search Skip feature to skip the
unwanted frequencies.

Proper Care of Your Scanner

Use only the AC Adapter/Charger that came with your
scanner.

Do not leave the AC Adapter/Charger plugged in for long
periods.

Avoid placing the scanner in direct sunlight or near heating
elements or vents.

Also, do not subject the scanner to continuous sub-zero
temperatures. If the scanner is exposed to temperatures
below -5°F or above 140°F, the liquid crystal display may
temporarily cease to function properly, or can become
permanently damaged.

26

Optional Accessories and

Replacement Parts

The following optional accessories and replacement parts
for your SportCat are available from your local Uniden
Dealer or through the Uniden Customer Service Center by
calling: 1-800-297-1023, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time,
Monday through Friday.

ITEM PART NO.

Spare Battery Pack BP-180
Replacement Rubber Antenna AT-218
Earphone EP-009

AC Adapter/Charger AD-70U
Straight Cigarette Lighter Power Cord (fused) UA-502
Coiled Cigarette Lighter Power Cord (fused) UA-502A

Belt Clip with 2 screws BCK-150

SportCat Sports Frequency Guide FB-150

SportCat Operating Guide OMSC180

27

Troubleshooting

If your SportCat is not performing properly, try the steps
listed below.

PROBLEM SOLUTION

Scanner won’t work. Check the power connections.

Check the volume and squelch.
Make sure the power switch is

turned on.

Improper reception. Check the antenna connection.

You may be in a fringe area.
Reposition the scanner.

Scan won’t stop. Adjust the Squelch Control.

Check the antenna connection.
It is possible that none of the

programmed frequencies are
active at the time. Try Band
Search.

Scan won’t start. Make sure there are some

Search won’t start. Adjust the Squelch Control.

Keypad won’t work. Check the Keypad Lock.

programmed channels.
Adjust the Squelch Control.

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).

28

Technical Specifications

Receiver Type: Triple Conversion Superheterodyne
Channels: 100
Banks: Total 10 Banks

WX: 10 Programmed Channels (All NOAA

Search Bands: 12 Preprogrammed Search bands

10 Channels each

Weather Service and three Canadian
wheather service)

(NFM or AM)

No. RANGE

(MHz)

1 29.0000-29.9950 NFM 5
2 30.0000-49.9950 NFM 5
3 50.0000-54.0000 NFM 5
4 108.0000-136.9875 AM 12.5
5 137.0000-143.9950 NFM 5
6 144.0000-147.9950 NFM 5
7 148.0000-174.0000 NFM 5
8 406.0000-419.9875 NFM 5

9 420.0000-449.9875 NFM 12.5
10 450.0000-469.9875 NFM 12.5
11 470.0000-512.0000 NFM 12.5
12 806.0000-823.9875 NFM 12.5

849.0125-868.9875 NFM 12.5

894.0125-956.0000 NFM 12.5

Scan Rate: 100 channels per sec.
Search Rate: 100 steps per sec.(Normal Search Mode)

300 steps per sec.(Turbo Search Mode)

Scan Delay: 2 seconds
Audio Output: 180 mW nominal into 8W internal speaker

38 mW nominal into 32W stereo
headphones
9 mW nominal into 64W supplied earphone

Antenna: Rubber antenna included
Operating Temperature: - 20°C (- 4°F) to + 60°C (+ 140°F)

BAND STEP

(kHz)

29

Size: 2-1/2" (W) x 1-3/4" (D) x 11-3/4" (H)

Weight: 0.71 lb. (320 g)
Power Requirements: 4.8V DC (internal battery or

(with antenna attached)
65 mm (W) x 39.5 mm (D) x 296.5 mm (H)
(w/antenna w/o belt clip)

AC Adapter/Charger)

Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations
Part 15 Subpart C as of date of manufacture.

Features, specifications, and availability of optional
accessories are all subject to change without notice.

30

One Year Limited Warranty

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 dateof
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 isin
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 MERCHANT
ABILITY 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 tostate.
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 Division
4700 Amon Carter Blvd.
Ft. Worth, TX 76155
1-800-297-1023; Mon-Fri; 8am-5pm Central

33

COVERED UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THE
FOLLOWING U.S. PATENTS:

4,219,821 4,270,217 4,398,304 4,409,688 4,455,679

4,461,036 4,521,915 4,597,104 4,627,100 4,841,302

4,888,815 4,932,074 4,947,456 5,014,348 5,199,109

5,408,692 5,428,826 5,438,688 5,448,258 5,465,402

5,471,660
5,710,992
5,598,430

5,483,684
5,600,233
5,600,223

5,548,832
5,530,296

5,551,071
5,574,995

5,642,424
5,577,076

©1999 Uniden America Corporation. All rights reserved.

UBZZ01302ZZ Printed in the Philippines