Uniden UBC3500XLT User Manual

UBC3500XLT

OWNER’S

MANUAL

OWNER’S MANUAL

Precautions

Before you use this scanner, please read and observe

Precautions

the following.

EARPHONE WARNING!

Be sure to use only a monaural earphone with this
scanner. You can also use an optional 32 Ω stereo
headset. Use of an incorrect earphone or stereo
headset might be potentially hazardous to your
hearing. The output of the phone jack is monaural, but
you will hear it in both headphones of a stereo
headset.

Set the volume to a comfortable audio level coming
from the speaker before plugging in the monaural
earphone or a stereo headset of the proper
impedance (32 Ω). 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 might
be particularly true of the type of earphone that is
placed in the ear canal.

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.

®

Uniden
Uniden America Corporation.

Close Call
America Corporation.

Other trademarks used throughout this manual are the
property of their respective holders.

Important: If you use the supplied AC adapter to power
the scanner but have not installed batteries in the
scanner, never turn the scanner off by disconnecting
the AC adapter or unplugging it from the AC outlet.
This might corrupt the scanner’s memory.

Always use to turn the scanner off before
disconnecting AC power.

2

and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of

™

are proprietary trademarks of Uniden

Contents

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................. 6

Feature Highlights....................................................................................... 8

About This Manual ................................................................................... 12

Using the Multifunction Scroll Control ................................................... 12

Entering Text ......................................................................................... 12

How the Scanner’s Controls Are Represented in This Manual ............. 13

Understanding Scanning.......................................................................... 15

Understanding the Scanner’s Memory..................................................... 15

What is Scanning? ................................................................................... 15

What is Searching? .................................................................................. 15

What is CTCSS/DCS?.............................................................................. 16

Conventional Scanning ............................................................................ 18

Simplex Operation ................................................................................. 18

Repeater Operation............................................................................... 19

Where To Get More Information............................................................... 19

Information On The Internet .................................................................. 19

Included With Your Scanner .................................................................... 20

Setting Up Your Scanner .......................................................................... 20

Using Internal Batteries ............................................................................ 21

Using Rechargeable Batteries.................................................................. 22

Removing the Display Sticker .................................................................. 23

Using AC Power ....................................................................................... 23

Connecting the Antenna........................................................................... 24

Connecting an Optional Antenna .......................................................... 24

Connecting an Earphone/Headphone...................................................... 24

Connecting an Extension Speaker........................................................... 24

Attaching the Belt Clip .............................................................................. 25

Attaching the Wrist Strap.......................................................................... 25

A Look At The Keypad ............................................................................. 25

A Look At The Display.............................................................................. 28

Using Menu .............................................................................................. 30

Using Func ............................................................................................... 30

Basic Operation......................................................................................... 31

Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch .................................... 31

Scanning Systems.................................................................................... 32

Selecting Systems to Scan....................................................................... 32

Selecting System Channel Groups .......................................................... 33

Locking/Unlocking Systems ..................................................................... 33

Locking/Unlocking Channels.................................................................... 34

Temporarily Holding On a System ........................................................... 34

Holding On a Channel .............................................................................. 34

Quick-Storing Channels ........................................................................... 34

Quickly Recalling Channels...................................................................... 35

Toggling Channel Alpha Tags .................................................................. 35

Using the Menu.......................................................................................... 36

Settings ...................................................................................................... 38

Displaying System Information ................................................................. 38

Viewing Memory Used .......................................................................... 38

Viewing the Firmware Version............................................................... 38

Adjusting the Key Beep ............................................................................ 38

Locking/Unlocking the Keypad and Scroll................................................ 38

Turning Power Save On or Off ................................................................. 39

Priority Scan ............................................................................................. 39

Using the Backlight................................................................................... 39

Setting the Audio AGC ............................................................................. 40

Adjusting the Display Contrast ................................................................. 40

Initializing the Scanner’s Memory............................................................. 40

Connecting Your Scanner to a Personal Computer ................................. 40

Contents

3

Using the Cloning Options ....................................................................... 41

Wired Cloning ....................................................................................... 42

Programming Radio Systems.................................................................. 43

Programming Conventional Systems ...................................................... 43

Entering/Editing Conventional Channel Groups ................................... 44

Entering/Editing Conventional Channels .............................................. 45

Programming/Editing Optional Settings ................................................ 46

System-Level Settings ............................................................................. 46

Editing the System Name ..................................................................... 46

Editing the System Quick Key .............................................................. 46

Setting System Lockout ........................................................................ 47

Setting the System Hold Time .............................................................. 47

Setting the Channel Delay Time ........................................................... 48

Setting the Data Skip ............................................................................ 48

Deleting Systems .................................................................................. 49

Copying Systems .................................................................................. 49

Group-Level Settings ............................................................................... 49

Entering/Editing the Group Name ......................................................... 49

Setting the Group Quick Key ................................................................ 50

Setting Group Lockout .......................................................................... 51

Deleting Groups .................................................................................... 51

Channel-Level Settings............................................................................ 51

Editing the Channel Name.................................................................... 51

Editing Frequencies .............................................................................. 52

Setting Channel Priority........................................................................ 53

Setting Channel Alert............................................................................ 53

Setting CTCSS/DCS ............................................................................. 54

Setting the Channel Frequency Modulation .......................................... 55

Setting Channel Attenuation................................................................. 56

Setting Channel Lockout....................................................................... 56

Deleting Channels ................................................................................ 57

Copying/Pasting Channels ................................................................... 57

Searching and Storing ............................................................................. 59

Service Search ........................................................................................ 59

Changing the step of Air Band................................................................. 59

Quick Search ........................................................................................... 59

Custom Search ........................................................................................ 60

Editing a Custom Search Range .......................................................... 61

Editing a Service Search ...................................................................... 62

Auto Search and Store ............................................................................ 63

Selecting a System ............................................................................... 64

Using the Close Call Feature ................................................................... 65

Setting Close Call Options ....................................................................... 66

Close Call Hits ......................................................................................... 69

Search and Close Call Options ............................................................... 70

Managing Locked-Out Frequencies......................................................... 70

Unlocking All Frequencies .................................................................... 70

Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies ..................................................... 70

Searching for Subaudible Tones ............................................................. 71

Screening Out Broadcast Sources .......................................................... 71

Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value ................................................... 72

Setting the Modulation Type .................................................................... 72

Setting Attenuation .................................................................................. 73

Setting Data Skip ..................................................................................... 73

Setting the Delay Time ............................................................................ 74

Setting the Search Frequency Step......................................................... 74

Setting Air Band Step .............................................................................. 75

Using Tone-Out......................................................................................... 76

Fire Tone-Out Introduction....................................................................... 76

4

Setting Tone-Out Standby .................................................................... 76

Setting Up Tone-Out ............................................................................. 76

Care and Maintenance.............................................................................. 79

General Use............................................................................................. 79

Location ................................................................................................... 79

Cleaning................................................................................................... 79

Repairs .................................................................................................... 79

Birdies...................................................................................................... 80

Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 81

Specifications ........................................................................................... 83

Optional Accessories............................................................................... 85

Appendix ................................................................................................... 86

Planning..................................................................................................... 89

Collecting Information .............................................................................. 89

Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet .................................... 90

System Name and Quick Key ............................................................... 90

Group Name and Quick Key................................................................. 90

Frequency-Alpha Tag-Priority-CTCSS/DCS ......................................... 91

Conventional System Worksheet............................................................ 92

Declaration of Conformiry ....................................................................... 93

Contents

5

Introduction

Your Bearcat UBC3500XLT scanning receiver is a state-of-

Introduction

the-art scanner radio with extended frequency. You can store
frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, air,
amateur, and other communications into the scanner. You can
carry it with you wherever you go. You can use the scanner’s
scroll control to quickly select channels and frequencies, and
you can automatically program channels in a system using
the AutoStore feature. Use your scanner to monitor:

• Police and fire departments (including rescue and
paramedics)

• Business/Industrial radio and utilities

• Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands

• Air band

• Railroad

The chart below identifies the scanner band numbers,
the frequency range, the modulation mode and the
default step size settings.

To change the band plan:

1. Maker sure the power is turned off.

2. While holding down 1, 2 or 3 (corresponding
number of the band plan), turn on the scanner.

Band Plan 1

Frequency (MHz)

Lower Edge Upper Edge

25.0000 29.9950 FM 5

30.0000 79.9875 FM 12.5

80.0000 82.9900 FM 10

83.0000 87.2875 FM 12.5

87.3000 107.9500 FMB 50

108.0000

108.0000

137.0000 137.9950 FM 5

138.0000 157.9875 FM 12.5

158.0000 160.5900 FM 10

160.6000 162.5875 FM 12.5

162.6000 173.9900 FM 10

174.0000 215.9500 WFM 50

216.0000 224.9950 FM 5

225.0000 399.9500 AM 50

400.0000 405.9875 FM 12.5

406.0000 439.9937 FM 6.25

440.0000 465.9950 FM 5

466.0000 469.9900 FM 10

470.0000 512.0000 FM 6.25

806.0000 960.0000 FM 12.5

1240.0000 1300.0000 FM 12.5

136.9875

136.9916

Modulation Step (kHz)

AM

6

12.5 / 8.33
selectable

Band Plan 2

Frequency (MHz)

Lower Edge Upper Edge

25.0000 49.9950 FM 5

50.0000 84.0100 FM 5

84.0150 87.2950 FM

87.3000 107.9500 FMB 50

108.0000

108.0000

137.0000 143.9950 FM 5

144.0000 145.9875 FM 12.5

146.0000 155.9900 FM 10

156.0000 157.4250 FM 12.5

157.4375 160.5875 FM 12.5

160.6000 162.0250 FM 12.5

162.0300 173.9900 FM 10

174.0000 215.9500 WFM 50

216.0000 224.9950 FM 5

225.0000 399.9500 AM 50

400.0000 405.9875 FM 12.5

406.0000 439.9937 FM 6.25

440.0000 449.9937 FM 6.25

450.0000 469.9900 FM 10

470.0000 512.0000 FM 6.25

806.0000 960.0000 FM 12.5

1240.0000 1300.0000 FM 12.5

136.9875

136.9916

Modulation Step (kHz)

AM

Band Plan 3

Frequency (MHz)

Lower Edge Upper Edge

25.0000 29.9950 FM 5

30.0000 79.9937 FM 6.25

80.0000 82.9937 FM 6.25

83.0000 87.2937 FM 6.25

87.3000 107.9500 FMB 50

108.0000

108.0000

137.0000 137.9950 FM 5

138.0000 157.9937 FM 6.25

158.0000 160.5937 FM 6.25

160.6000 162.5937 FM 6.25

162.6000 173.9937 FM 6.25

174.0000 215.9500 WFM 50

216.0000 224.9950 FM 5

225.0000 399.9500 AM 50

400.0000 405.9875 FM 12.5

406.0000 439.9937 FM 6.25

440.0000 465.9937 FM 6.25

466.0000 469.9937 FM 6.25

470.0000 512.0000 FM 6.25

806.0000 960.0000 FM 12.5

1240.0000 1300.0000 FM 12.5

136.9875

136.9916

Modulation Step (kHz)

AM

20.00 with

15kHz Offset

12.5 / 8.33
selectable

12.5 / 8.33
selectable

Introduction

7

Feature Highlights

General

Feature Highlights

2500 Dynamic Channels - Your scanner stores

channels more efficiently than conventional scanners,
letting you store and quickly tune greater numbers of
interesting frequencies.

TM

Close Call

the scanner so it detects and provides information
about nearby radio transmissions. See “Using the
Close Call Feature” on Page 65 for more information.

Dynamically Allocated Channel Memory - Your
scanner’s memory is organized so that it more closely
matches how radio systems actually work, making it easier
to program and use your scanner and determine how much
memory you have used and how much you have left.

Quick Keys – You can set the scanner so you can
quickly select systems and groups by using the
keypad. This makes it easy to listen to or quickly lock
out those systems or groups you don’t want to scan.

Air Service Search - frequencies are preset to make
it easy to search and scan for the transmissions.

Lockout – You can lock out any system, group,
frequency, or channel while scanning or searching.
If you lock out a system or group, any channels
belonging to that system or group are also locked out.

RF Capture Technology - You can set

You can lock out up to 200 frequencies and review all
locked-out frequencies. The scanner skips locked-out
frequencies while using the Close Call feature or while
searching.

CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes – prevent
interference from stations not using the mode you
select.

Fire Tone-Out Standby – Lets you set the scanner to
alert you if a two-tone sequential page is transmitted.
You can set up to 10 settings (transmit frequency, tone
frequencies) then select one for standby monitoring.

8

Broadcast Screen – Sets the scanner so it ignores
Close Call

TM

or search hits on known broadcast

frequencies.

Custom Screen – Lets you input up to 10 frequency
ranges that the scanner will ignore during Close Call

TM

or search operation.

Dropout Delay – You can set whether the scanner pauses
at the end of a transmission to wait for a reply. You can
set the delay time for each system you scan, and while

TM

searching and using the Close Call

feature.

Attenuator – You can set the scanner’s attenuator to
reduce the input strength of strong signals by about 25 dB.

Repeater Reverse – You can set the scanner so it
switches to the input frequency on a conventional
repeater system.

Channel Alert – You can set the scanner so it alerts
you when there is activity on any channel you specify.

Memory Check – Lets you see at a glance how much
total memory is left.

Scan and Search Operation – Lets you include
service search or custom search ranges during normal
scan operation.

Custom Alerts – For each alert in the scanner (such as
channel alert, Close Call alert, emergency alert), you can
select from 9 different tone patterns and also set the alert
volume level independently from the main volume level.

Automatic Channel Step – Accepts frequencies on
any valid channel step, even if it does not fall within
the band plan’s default step.

Frequency Step – Lets you select a frequency step
(5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5,15, 20, 25, 50 or 100 kHz)
for manual mode and chain search mode. The scanner’s
auto step feature lets you set the scanner so it automatically
chooses the correct step.

Feature Highlights

9

Quick Recall – Lets you quickly select a specific
channel by choosing the system, group, and channel.

Scan/Search Delay – You can set the scanner so it
remains on a frequency up to 5 seconds after the last
transmission to wait for a possible reply.

Text Tagging – You can name each system, group,
channel and custom search range using up to 16
characters per name.

Unique Data Skip – Allows your scanner to skip
unwanted data transmissions and reduces birdies.

Duplicate Frequency Alert – Alerts you if you try to enter
a duplicate name or frequency already stored in a system.

Memory Backup – If power is lost or disconnected,
the scanner retains the frequencies you programmed
in its memory.

Note: The scanner’s frequency coverage is not
continuous.

Search

Air Service Search – Lets you search the scanner’s

preprogrammed frequencies.

Custom Search – Lets you program up to 10 custom
search ranges. You can search any of these ranges
simultaneously.

CTCSS/DCS Search – Lets the scanner search for
CTCSS or DCS tones. You can identify up to 50
CTCSS tones and 104 DCS tones.

Quick Search – Lets you search from the currently-tuned
frequency if you are searching a conventional system.

Auto Store

Frequency AutoStore – Automatically stores all active

frequencies into the selected conventional system.

10

Priority

Priority Scan – Priority channels let you keep track of

activity on your most important channel(s) while
monitoring other channels for transmissions.

Priority Plus – You can set the scanner so it scans
only the priority channels

Backlight and Power

Display and Keypad Backlight – Makes the display and

keypad easy to see in dim light. You can adjust the
back light so it turns on when you press a key, when
squelch breaks during a transmission, or manually.

Low Battery Alert – The scanner alerts you if the
batteries need to be recharged or replaced.

Battery Save – You can set the scanner so it reduces
the amount of power it needs if there are no transmissions.

Key Controls

Key Lock – You can deactivate the scanner’s keys to

help prevent accidentally changing the scanner’s
programming.

PC Control and Cloning

PC Control – You can transfer programming data to and

from your scanner and your personal computer, and
control the scanner using a computer and optional
software available at http://www.racescanner.eu. This
helps you find frequencies listed on the Internet and
load them into the scanner.

Clone Mode

including the contents of the scanner’s memory, menu
settings, and other parameters from one UBC3500XLT
scanner to another UBC3500XLT scanner.

– You can clone all programmed data,

Feature Highlights

11

About This Manual

The screen displays used in this manual are
representations of what might appear when you use
your scanner. Since what you see depends on the
frequencies for your area and the settings you select,
you might notice some differences between what is in
this manual and what appears on your scanner.

Using the Multifunction Scroll Control

The scroll control on top of the UBC3500XLT lets you
easily control channel selection, volume, and squelch,
and how information appears on the display.

To adjust menu settings, change channels in Hold
mode, and resume scanning: Simply rotate the

scroll control.

To change the scanner’s volume: Briefly press the
scroll control once, then rotate it. VOLUME LEVEL and
the current volume level appear on the display.

To adjust the squelch: While holding down on
the left side of the scanner, briefly press the scroll
control once then rotate it. SQUELCH LEVEL and the
current squelch level appear on the display.

Func

Entering Text

To enter a letter, turn the scroll control until the
character you want appears, To enter a number, press a
number key. To enter a decimal point, press .

To move the cursor to the left, press /4. To move the
cursor to the right, press 6/ .

To clear a character, press twice. To clear all
characters, press three times.

To accept an entry, press down on the scroll control or
press E.

12

How the Scanner’s Controls Are
Represented in This Manual

To help navigate the scanner’s menus, the steps
shown in this manual show the displays you see and
the keys you press or control you operate to get a
desired result.

This example shows you how to use the scanner’s
menu to edit an existing system name. It shows you
the key to press ( ) to select a menu option and
the option you see (Program System) when you

Menu

press . It also instructs you to turn the scroll
control (shown as

press the scroll control (shown as
(Edit Name).

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Edit Name 

Follow these steps to enter/edit the system name.

1. The first character of the system name is covered
by a cursor. Rotate the scroll control to select the
character you want.

Menu

) to view a series of choices then

) to select a choice

2. Press 6/ on the keypad to select the next
character. The cursor moves to the next character.
To move the cursor to a previous character, press

/4.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the
system name. Then press down on the scroll
control or press E to accept the setting.

Hints:

• Each system name can be up to 16 characters.
Abbreviate as necessary to fit.

• Press twice to delete the current character.

• Press three times to clear the entire alpha tag.

Feature Highlights

13

To get the most from this manual, review the contents
to become familiar with the basic functions available.
If you are new to scanning, be sure to read
“Understanding Scanning” on Page 15 for a quick
background on the technology. The first thing you’ll
need to do is install batteries in the scanner. Then you
need to connect the included antenna to the scanner.
See “Setting Up Your Scanner” on Page 20 if you
need any help doing this.

14

Understanding Scanning

This section provides you with background on how

Understanding Scanning

scanning works. You don’t really need to know all of
this to use your scanner, but some background
knowledge will help you get the most from your
UBC3500XLT.

Understanding the Scanner’s
Memory

Your scanner’s memory is organized in an architecture
called Dynamic Allocated Channel memory. This type
of memory is organized differently and more efficiently
than the bank/channel architecture used by traditional
scanners. Dynamic Allocated design matches how
radio systems actually work much more closely, making
it easier to program and use your scanner and
determine how much memory you have used and how
much you have left.

Instead of being organized into separate banks and
channels, your scanner’s memory is contained in a
pool. You simply use as much memory as you need in
the pool to store as many frequencies and alpha tags
as you need. No memory space is wasted, and you
can tell at a glance how much
memory you have used and how much remains.

What is Scanning?

Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two­way communications do not transmit continuously.
Your UBC3500XLT scans programmed channels until
it finds an active frequency, then stops on that
frequency and remains on that channel as long as the
transmission continues. When the transmission ends,
the scanning cycle resumes until the scanner receives
another transmission.

What is Searching?

The UBC3500XLT can search each of its bands and
up to 10 bands together to find active frequencies.

Understanding Scanning

15

This is different from scanning because you are
searching for frequencies that have not been
programmed into the scanner. When you select
frequency bands to search, the scanner searches for
any active frequency within the lower and upper limits
you specify. When the scanner finds an active
frequency, it stops on that frequency as long as the
transmission lasts. If you think the frequency is
interesting, you can program it into the scanner’s
memory. If not, you can continue to search.

What is CTCSS/DCS?

Your scanner can monitor systems using a Continuous
Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digital
Coded Squelch (DCS) system, which allow squelch to
open only when the tone you have programmed with a
specific frequency is received along with a
transmission.

CTCSS and DCS are subaudible tone signaling
systems sometimes referred to as PL or DPL
(Motorola’s trademarked terms for Private Line and
Digital Private Line respectively). CTCSS and DCS
are used only for FM signals and are usually
associated with both amateur and commercial two­way frequencies. These systems make use of a
special subaudible tone that accompanies a
transmitted signal.

CTCSS and DCS are used for many purposes. In
many cases, CTCSS and DCS are used to restrict
access to a commercial repeater, so that only those
units which transmit the correct tone along with their
signal can “talk” to the repeater.

CTCSS and DCS are also used in areas that receive
interference where there are several stations with
output frequencies close to each other. When this
occurs, you might hear multiple communications on
the same frequency. The stations might even interfere

16

with each other to the point where it is impossible to
clearly receive any of the stations. A scanner
equipped with CTCSS and DCS (like your scanner)
can code each received frequency with a specific
CTCSS or DCS frequency. Then, when you receive
multiple signals, you only hear the transmission with
the CTCSS or DCS tone you programmed. If you do
not receive the correct tone with a signal, the
scanner’s squelch remains closed and you hear
nothing.

You can search for the following CTCSS frequencies
and DCS codes.

CTCSS Frequencies (Hz)

67.0 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7

82.5 85.4 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4

100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9 114.8 118.8

123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2

151.4 156.7 159.8 162.2 165.5 167.9

171.3 173.8 177.3 179.9 183.5 186.2

189.9 192.8 196.6 199.5 203.5 206.5

210.7 218.1 225.7 229.1 233.6 241.8

250.3 254.1

DCS Codes (Octal)

023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047

051 053 054 065 071 072 073 074

114 115 116 122 125 131 132 134
143 145 152 155 156 162 165 172

174 205 212 223 225 226 243 244

245 246 251 252 255 261 263 265
266 271 274 306 311 315 325 331

332 343 346 351 356 364 365 371

411 412 413 423 431 432 445 446

Understanding Scanning

17

452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503

506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606
612 624 627 631 632 654 662 664

703 712 723 731 732 734 743 754

Conventional Scanning

Conventional scanning is a relatively simple concept.
Each group of users in a conventional system is
assigned a single frequency (for simplex systems) or
two frequencies (for repeater systems). Any time one
of them transmits, their transmission always goes out
on the same frequency.

Today there are still many 2-way radio users who
operate using a conventional system:

•Aircraft

• Amateur radio

• LPD/PMR users

• Broadcast AM/FM/TV stations

• Many business radio users

When you want to store a conventional system, all you
need to know is the frequencies they operate on.
When you are scanning a conventional system, the
scanner stops very briefly on each channel to see if
there is activity. If there isn’t, the scanner quickly
moves to the next channel. If there is, then the
scanner pauses on the transmission until it is over.

Simplex Operation

Simplex systems use a single frequency for both
transmit and receive. Most radios using this type of
operation are limited to line-of-sight operation. This
type of radio is frequently used at construction job
sites, and with inexpensive consumer radios such as
LPD/PMR radios. The range is typically 1-5 km,
depending upon the terrain and many other factors.

18

Repeater Operation

Repeater systems use two frequencies: one transmits
from the radio to a central repeater; the other transmits
from the repeater to other radios in the system. With a
repeater-based system, the repeater is located on top
of a tall building or on a radio tower that provides great
visibility to the area of operation. When a user
transmits (on an input frequency), the signal is picked
up by the repeater and retransmitted (on an output
frequency). The user’s radios always listen for activity
on the output frequency and transmit on the input
frequency. Since the repeater is located very high,
there is a very large line of sight.

Where To Get More Information

By itself, this manual really only provides part of what
you need to know to have fun scanning – how to

program and use the scanner.

Information On The Internet

The Internet is a great source for current frequencies
and information about scanning. Many web sites have
lists of frequencies for your area. You can use a
search engine to find and use them.

Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to, then
look up the frequencies and systems used by those
agencies.

• www.racescanner.eu - Race frequency
information, programming software and
accessories.

Understanding Scanning

19

Included With Your Scanner

Included With Your Scanner

Wrist Strap

AC Adapter

Scanner

(with antenna

attached)

Belt Clip

BNC/SMA Adapter

Setting Up Your Scanner

Batteries

Owners
Manual

and other

printed

material

20

Setting Up Your Scanner

These guidelines will help you install and set up your
new scanner:

• If your scanner receives interference or electrical
noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from
the source.

• To improve the scanner’s reception, use an
optional external antenna designed for multi-band
coverage. (You can purchase this type of antenna
at a local electronics store). If the optional antenna
has no cable, use 50-75 Ω coaxial cable for lead­in. A mating plug might be necessary for the
optional antennas.

• Use an optional mono earphone or mono headset
with proper impedance (32 Ω) for private listening.
Read the precautions on the inside front cover of
this Owners Manual.

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

• Avoid placing the scanner in direct sunlight or near

heating elements or vents.

Using Internal Batteries

You can power your scanner using three alkaline or
rechargeable AA batteries.

Before installing batteries, set the switch in the battery
compartment to match the type of batteries you will
use. Select ALKALINE for non-rechargeable battery
types and Ni-MH for rechargeable battery types. See
also “Using Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 22 when

you use rechargeable batteries.

1. Remove the battery cover and set the battery
switch.

Setting Up Your Scanner

21

2. Install 3 AA batteries,
matching the polarity
symbols (+ -).

WARNING!

Set ALKALINE/Ni-MH to Ni-MH for use only with
rechargeable batteries. Never attempt to recharge
non-rechargeable batteries. Non-rechargeable
batteries can get hot and can even burst if you try to
recharge them.

3.Replace the cover.

When flashes and the scanner beeps every 15
seconds, replace the batteries.

Using Rechargeable Batteries

You can also use three rechargeable batteries to power
your scanner. Before you use rechargeable batteries,
you must charge them. The scanner has a built-in
circuit that lets you recharge batteries while they are in
the scanner. To charge the batteries, set ALKALINE/
Ni-MH inside the battery compartment to NI-MH,
install the batteries in the scanner, and connect the
supplied AC adapter to the scanner's DC 6V jack (see
“Using AC Power” on Page 23).

WARNING!

Do not connect the AC adapter to the scanner if
non-rechargeable batteries (such as alkaline
batteries) are installed in the scanner and
ALKALINE/Ni-MH is set to NI-MH, or if you are
unsure of the switch's position. Non-rechargeable
batteries can get hot and can even burst if you try
to recharge them. Before you use rechargeable
batteries for the first time, charge them for 14
hours to bring them to a full charge. Discharged
batteries take about 14 hours to fully recharge.

22

If an AC adapter is connected to the scanner, the
scanner checks the condition of the installed batteries.
If the scanner is turned off and the batteries require a
full charge, Normal Charging appears as the
batteries are recharged. When the batteries are fully
charged, Charge Complete appears.

If no batteries are installed in the scanner, No Battery
appears. If there is a problem with the installed batteries,
Battery Error appears. If the installed batteries are
Ni-MH batteries but ALKALINE/Ni-MH is set to
ALKALINE, Charge Off appears and the scanner
does not charge the batteries.

Removing the Display Sticker

Before you use the scanner, remove the protective
plastic sticker over the display.

Using AC Power

You can power the scanner
using the supplied 6V,
800 mA AC adapter.

To use the scanner on AC
power, plug the adapter into
6V 800 mA on the right side
of the scanner, then plug
the AC adapter into a standard
AC outlet.

If rechargeable batteries are installed and ALKALINE/
Ni-MH is set to NI-MH, the adapter powers the scanner
and recharges the installed batteries at the same time.

WARNING!

To prevent damage to Ni-MH batteries, never charge

them in an area where the temperature is above
45°C (113°F) or below 4°C (40°F).

Setting Up Your Scanner

23

Connecting the Antenna

To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the
connector on the top of your scanner, simply screw it
onto the scanner's SMA connector.

Connecting an Optional Antenna

The scanner's SMA connector makes it easy to
connect a variety of optional antennas, including an
external mobile antenna or outdoor base station
antenna.

Note: Always use 50- or 75-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8,
coaxial cable and the supplied BNC/SMA adapter to
connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna is over 50
feet from the scanner, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric
coaxial cable. Cable loss increases with higher frequency.

Connecting an Earphone/Headphone

For private listening, you can plug a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm)
mini-plug earphone or headphones (not supplied) into
the headphone jack on top of your scanner. This
automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
See “Earphone Warning” at the front of the manual for
important information about using an earphone/
headphone.

Connecting an Extension Speaker

In a noisy area, an optional amplified extension
speaker, positioned in the right place, might provide
more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's

1

/8-inch (3.5-mm) mini-plug into your scanner's jack.

WARNING!

Never connect anything other than an earphone or
the recommended amplified extension speaker to
the scanner’s headphone jack. This might damage
the scanner.

24

WARNING!

Never connect any part of the headphone jack to
the antenna jack or connect the radio to an
installation where the antenna and audio
connection are grounded. This might damage the
scanner.

Attaching the Belt Clip

To make your scanner easier to carry when you are on
the go, use the supplied belt clip. Rotate the scanner
upside down to remove it from the clip.

Attaching the Wrist Strap

To keep your scanner safely close at hand, use the
supplied wrist strap. Push the small loop on one end of
the wrist strap through the lug on the right side of the
scanner, then thread the other end of the wrist strap
back through the small loop to secure it.

A Look At The Keypad

car

Your scanner's keys have various functions labeled on
the key tops and below the keys.

To select the function labeled on a key, simply press
the key. To select the function labeled below a key,
hold down on the left side of the scanner then
press the key. appears on the display.

Func

F

Setting Up Your Scanner

25

If your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the
following information should help you understand each
key's function.

Key Name Description

Hold/

Hold – Holds the scan or the

frequency search when pressed.
Resumes the scan or the
frequency search when pressed
again. Release the mute when
pressed in Tone-Out Standby
mode.

Func

+ – Quickly turns the

Close Call feature on or off (see
“Setting Close Call Options” on
Page 66).

Scan/srch Scan – Scans the stored channels.

Func

+ srch – Starts quick search
or quickly accesses the
search menu.

L/O

Lets you lock out a selected

L/O –

channel or skip a specified frequency.

Press and hold for more than 2

seconds to unlock all channels in a

system or all frequencies in a Search

mode and Close Call mode. Also use

to exit a menu.

Func

+ L/O – Press quickly to lock

and unlock a selected system in Scan

or Scan Hold mode and review search

lockout frequencies in Search or

Search Hold mode.

26

Key Name Description

//

– Turns the display

backlight on or off.

Press and hold for more than 2
seconds to turn the scanner on or
off.

Func

+ – Locks and unlocks

the keypad.

0-90-9 – Enters a frequency, enters

quick key numbers, and selects a
custom search range in Custom
Search mode.

Selects systems by quick key in
scan mode.

Func

+ 0-9 – Selects groups by

quick key in scan mode.

1/pri 1 – Enters a 1.

Func

+ pri – Selects the priority

mode in scan hold mode.

/4

4 – Enters a 4.

Func

+ – Moves the active

character to the left while editing data.

6/

6 – Enters a 6.

Func

+ – Moves the active

character to the right while editing
data.

7/rcl 7 – Enters a 7.

Func

+ rcl – Displays a series of
prompts to quickly select a specific
channel in the scan hold mode.

Setting Up Your Scanner

27

Key Name Description

/no

/rev

– Enters a decimal point or dash
in a frequency, enters or selects an
extended 2-digit Quick Key.

At a prompt, answers “No.”

Func

+ rev – Monitors the
currently-tuned frequency’s
reverse frequency.

E/yes/att E – Press to select input and menu

items, to quickly edit a channel in
Scan Hold Mode, and store a
frequency into memory in Search
Hold mode.

At a prompt, answers “Yes.”

Func

+ att – Turns the scanner’s
attenuator on or off for the current
channel or frequency.

A Look At The Display

The display has indicators that show the scanner's
current operating status. The display information helps
you understand how your scanner operates.

Sn: - appears with a number to show the currently­selected System Quick Key number. n appears to
show the first digit of the Quick Key number.
For example, if System Quick Key 75 is selected, S7:
appears. The currently active system indicator flashes.

ATT - appears when the attenuation feature is turned
on. See “Setting Attenuation” on Page 73, and
“Setting Channel Attenuation” on Page 56.

PRI - appears when the priority feature is turned on
(see “Priority Scan” on Page 39).

28

- appears when you lock the keypad (see
“Locking/Unlocking the Keypad and Scroll” on
Page 38).

- alerts you when the battery power gets low.

GRP - shows the currently activated group or selected
group Quick Key number, appears with numbers
(0-9). The currently active group indicator flashes.

AM/FM/NFM/WFM/FMB - appears to show the type of
reception mode.

L/O - appears when you manually select a channel
you locked out or a skip frequency.

F

- appears when you hold down to select a

Func

function.

- appears when the scanner is set to CC Pri Mode

(see “Using the Close Call Feature” on Page 65).

- appears when the scanner is set to Close Call
DND Mode. (see “Using the Close Call Feature” on
Page 65).

SCAN - scrolls while the scanner is scanning.

DSKP - appears when data skip is turned on.

HOLD - appears while the scanner is set to scan or

search hold mode.

P

- appears if priority is turned on

SCR - appears when one or more broadcast screen
bands are turned on.

- appears to show signal strength (0 to 5).

Setting Up Your Scanner

29

Using Menu

Func

Menu

Press on the left side of the scanner to enter the

Menu

menu. See “Using the Menu” on Page 36 for more
information about the scanner’s menu options.

Using Func

To select the function labeled below a key on the front
of the scanner, hold down on the left side of the
scanner, then press that key. To hold on a system
while scanning or temporarily stop on a channel while
searching, press . To select a system in Scan or

Func

Scan Hold mode, hold down and rotate the scroll
control.

Func

Func

30

Basic Operation

Basic Operation

Turning On the Scanner and
Setting the Squelch

Scroll

Control

Note: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected

before you turn it on.

1. Press and hold for about 2 seconds to turn on
the scanner.

2. Briefly press the scroll control
once. VOLUME LEVEL and a
number appear on the display.

Amateur Radio

145.2000MHz

3. While VOLUME LEVEL appears, rotate the scroll
control to set the volume to a comfortable listening
level.

Note: If you do not press any key or turn the scroll
control within about 10 seconds, VOLUME LEVEL
disappears. If this happens, simply press the
scroll control again.

4. While holding down on the left side of the
scanner, briefly press the scroll control once.
SQUELCH LEVEL and a number appear on the
display.

5. While SQUELCH LEVEL appears, rotate the scroll
control to set the squelch to the level you want.

Note: If you do not press any key or turn the scroll
control within about 10 seconds, SQUELCH
LEVEL disappears. If this happens, hold down

Func

and the scroll control again.

Func

Basic Operation

31

Scanning Systems

To begin scanning programmed systems, press Scan.
The UBC3500XLT scans all unlocked systems in all
activated quick-key groups and any searches
unlocked for search and scan.

Notes:

• If no systems are programmed, or all systems are
locked out, an error message appears. Program a
system or select a system to scan.

• When scanning multiple systems, the
UBC3500XLT scans systems according to the
assigned quick key. Systems assigned to quick
key 1 are scanned first, then 2, 3, 4, etc. Systems
not assigned to a quick key are scanned last, then
unlocked searches. Within a quick key, systems
are scanned in the order they were assigned.

• Within a system, channels are scanned according
to the assigned channel group, with the same
priority as described above for systems.

• The UBC3500XLT scans a system for the duration
you set using the System Hold Time option (see
“Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 47).
Conventional systems operate similarly, but all
unlocked channels are scanned at least one time
regardless of the hold time setting.

• Each search range is searched for the amount of
time you set using the “Set Hold Time” option. See
“Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 47 for
more information.

Selecting Systems to Scan

To select systems to scan, press Scan then press the
quick key assigned to the system or systems you want
to scan. For quick keys 0-9, press the quick key’s
number. For quick keys 10-99, press then press the

32

quick key’s 2-digit number. To stop scanning the
system(s), press (if the quick key is a 2-digit quick
key) then the number button or buttons again.

The Sx: (system) indicators on the display show the
systems that are currently selected.

To select or lock out a system that is not assigned to a
key, press and hold while you rotate the scroll

Func

control until the desired system is selected. Then,
continue to hold and press L/O to either lock out

Func

or unlock the system.

Selecting System Channel Groups

Within a system, you can assign groups of channels to
a group quick key (see “Setting the Group Quick Key”
on Page 50).

Follow these steps to activate or deactivate a channel
group within a system while scanning.

1. Press to hold on the system (or hold down

Func

Func

then rotate the scroll control to select the

system).

2. Continue to hold and press the number key

Func

corresponding to the channel group you want to
activate or deactivate.

Locking/Unlocking Systems

Follow these steps to lock out a system so that it does
not scan even if its quick key is selected.

1. While holding down , rotate the scroll control
to select the system.

2. Continue to hold down and press L/O to lock
out the system. System Locked appears.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to unlock a system you
have previously locked. System Unlocked
appears.

Func

Func

Basic Operation

33

Locking/Unlocking Channels

Follow these steps to lock out a channel so that it does
not scan even if its system and channel group are
selected.

1. While holding down , rotate the scroll control

Func

to select the system where the channel is stored.

2. Release then press Hold within 2 seconds

Func

to hold on the system.

3. Rotate the scroll control to select the channel you
want to lock or unlock.

4. Press L/O to lock or unlock the channel.

You can also lock out an active channel by pressing

L/O while the scanner is stopped on the channel.

Temporarily Holding On a System

To temporarily hold on a system, press and hold .
To hold on a different system, continue to hold
and rotate the scroll control to select the system.
Normal scanning resumes 2 seconds after you release

Func

.

Func

Func

Holding On a Channel

To hold on a channel, press Hold while the channel is
active. To select a different channel, rotate the scroll
control. If you scroll past the beginning or end of the
current system, the scanner selects channels in the
previous or next system. To resume scanning, press

Scan.

Quick-Storing Channels

1. Hold on an existing channel in any system.

2. Enter the frequency you want to store.

3. To quick-store the channel, press E. Otherwise,
press .

If you enter a frequency then press E, the scanner
stores it in the Qck Save Grp group in a system

34

called Qck Save Cnv Sys. These are created if they

do not exist. Then, the scanner prompts you to save
other channel settings.

If you pressed No in Step 3, the scanner prompts you
to select the system where you want to store the
frequency.

Quickly Recalling Channels

1. Press Hold to hold on any channel.

2. Press + rcl. The scanner prompts you to
select the system where the channel is stored.

3. Rotate the scroll control to select the system, then
press E. The scanner prompts you to select the
channel group where the channel is stored.

4. Rotate the scroll control to select the group, then
press E. The scanner prompts you to select a
channel.

5. Rotate the scroll control to select the channel,
then press E to hold on that channel.

Func

Toggling Channel Alpha Tags

To change the display so the frequency appear
instead of the alpha tag, press + 5.

Func

Basic Operation

35

Using the Menu

The scanner’s menu lets you select options that let

Using the Menu

you set up and use the scanner.

To use the menu, press on the left side of the
scanner. To select a menu item, rotate the scroll
control clockwise or counterclockwise. The currently­selected menu item is highlighted with a bar on the
display. When the menu item you want to select is
highlighted, briefly press the scroll control to select it.
To back up a level, press . To exit the menu
mode, press again or the L/O key.

Menu

This table shows the scanner’s menu structure. To find
information about a particular menu setting in this
manual, go to the page number shown in parentheses
next to the setting.

Note: Not all of the options shown in this table may
appear at the same time. To view all available options

on any screen, rotate the scroll control.

Menu Item Submenu

-- M E N U --

Program System

Srch/CloCall Opt
Search for ...

Menu

Menu

Select System

New System

(32)

-- M E N U --

Program System

Srch/CloCall Opt

Search for ...

-- M E N U -­Program System
Srch/CloCall Opt

Search for ...

36

Srch/CloCall Opt

Freq Lockouts

Broadcast Screen
CTCSS/DCS Search

Srch/CloCall Opt

Max Auto Store
Set Delay Time
Set Modulation
Set Attenuator
Set Data Skip
Set Step

Air Band Step

Search for ...

Service Search

Edit Service
Custom Search

Srch/CloCall Opt

Edit Custom
Search and Store

(70)
(71)
(16)
(72)
(74)
(55) (72)
(73)
(73)
(74)
(75)

(59)
(62)
(60)

(61)
(63)

Menu Item Submenu

-- M E N U -­Srch/CloCall Opt
Search for ...

Close Call

Close Call

Close Call Only

CC Auto Store
Set CC Mode
Set CC Override
Set CC Alert

Set CC Bands

(66)
(66)
(66)
(67)
(67)
(68)

-- M E N U -­Search for ...

Close Call

Set Priority

-- M E N U -­Set Priority

Tone-Out for ...

Wired Clone

-- M E N U -­Set Priority

Tone-Out for ...

Wired Clone

-- M E N U -­Tone-Out for ...
Wired Clone

Settings

Set Priority

Off (39)

On
Plus On

Srch/CloCall Opt

Tone-Out for ...

Tone-Out Standby

Tone-Out Setup

Wired Clone

Master

Slave

Srch/CloCall Opt

Settings

Set Backlight

Adjust Key Beep
Set Battery Save

Srch/CloCall Opt

Set Audio AGC
Adjust Contrast

PC Control
See Scanner Info

(39)

(39)
(39)

(76)
(76)

(42)
(42)

(39)
(38)
(39)
(40)
(40)

(40)
(38)

Using the Menu

37

Settings

Settings

Displaying System Information

Viewing Memory Used

Menu

  Settings  



See Scanner Info  

% Memory Used 

A bar showing the percent of memory used appears.
Press any key to return to the previous menu.

Viewing the Firmware Version

Menu

  Settings  



See Scanner Info  

Firmware Version 

Press any key to return to the previous menu.

Adjusting the Key Beep

Menu

  Settings  



Adjust Key Beep  

Auto - the scanner automatically sets the key beep to

match the master volume setting level you select.

Level 1 - 15 the scanner lets you select a key beep
level. You can choose any of 15 different key beep
levels.

Off - the scanner turns the key beep off.

Locking/Unlocking the Keypad and
Scroll

Press and hold down then press / / to
lock or unlock the keypad. Keypad Lock and On

(if the keypad is locked) or Off (if the keypad is
unlocked) appears. This does not affect the volume
setting. The scroll control still controls the volume
when you lock the controls.

38

Func

Turning Power Save On or Off

Menu

  Settings  



Set Battery Save  

• On The scanner goes into low-power mode when you
monitor a conventional channel that has no activity.

• Off Power save is off.

Priority Scan

Menu

  Set Priority  

Or, while holding on any channel in Scan Mode, press

Func

+ 1/pri to select one of these priority modes:

• Off Normal scanning

• On While scanning a conventional system, the
scanner interrupts every 2 seconds and checks
the priority channels in each unlocked conventional
system. Priority channels in lower quick key
numbered systems (starting from 1) have highest
priority. PRI appears when you select this mode.

• Plus On The scanner only scans priority
channels in unlocked conventional systems.
PRI flashes when you select this mode.

Using the Backlight

Menu

  Settings  



Set Backlight  

• 10 sec The backlight stays on for 10 seconds
after you press .

• 30 sec The backlight stays on for 30 seconds
after you press .

• Squelch The backlight turns on when the
squelch opens then stays on for 5 seconds.

• Keypress The backlight turns on when any key
is pressed then stays on for 10 seconds.

• Infinite The backlight turns on when you
press then stays on until you press again.

Settings

39

Pressing any key while the backlight is on extends the
backlight period. Pressing while the backlight is on

turns off the backlight.

Setting the Audio AGC

Menu

  Settings  



Set Audio AGC 

This setting helps balance the audio level you hear as
you listen to different radio sources so you can hear
them at a similar volume. Use this setting if you listen
to an audio source that has natural changes in audio
level for which you want to compensate.

• On Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC is
turned on.

• Off Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC
is turned off.

Adjusting the Display Contrast

Menu

  Settings  



Adjust Contrast 

Contrast 1 - 15 the scanner adjusts the display to

the contrast level you select.

This setting controls the display’s contrast (how light
or dark it appears). Use this setting to change the
contrast for different viewing conditions. There are 15
contrast settings. You see the change in contrast as
you scroll through the settings.

Initializing the Scanner’s Memory

1. Turn off the scanner.

2. Press 2, 9, and Hold while turning on the scanner.
All Memory Clear Please Wait appears.

Connecting Your Scanner to a
Personal Computer

To connect your scanner to a personal computer, you
must first set the scanner’s baud rate (the rate at

40

which data is transferred between the scanner and the
computer, in bits per second (bps).

Important! Before you start
transferring data between your
scanner and your computer, make
sure the batteries are fresh or fully
charged. If the scanner loses power
while you are transferring data, its
memory might be corrupted and all
information programmed in the
scanner might be erased.

Hint: If you have trouble transferring
data between your scanner and your computer, try
setting the baud rate to a slower setting.

Use the optional connection cable to connect your
scanner to another UBC3500XLT scanner or your
personal computer. Optional software is available at
http://www.racescanner.eu.

Menu

  Settings  



PC Control 

PC Control Lets you set the baud rate your scanner

uses to communicate with a personal computer.

• Off The baud rate is not set.

• 9600 bps The baud rate is set to 9600 bps.

• 19200 bps The baud rate is set to 19,200 bps.

• 38400 bps The baud rate is set to 38,400 bps.

• 57600 bps The baud rate is set to 57,600 bps.

• 115200 bps The baud rate is set to 115,200 bps.

Using the Cloning Options

Lets you set your scanner as a master (source) or
slave (recipient), letting you transfer programming to or
from another UBC3500XLT scanner. See “Wired
Cloning” on Page 42.

Settings

41

Wired Cloning

Menu

  Wired Clone  

• Master Sets the scanner to be the source scanner.

• Slave Sets the scanner to be the recipient scanner.

To clone (copy) data directly from one UBC3500XLT
scanner to another UBC3500XLT scanner, you must
first connect the scanners to each other using the
included connection cables and a DB9 null modem
adapter and DB9 gender changer (neither included),
available at most computer stores. Then you must set
one scanner as the source and the other as the
destination.

Plug the smaller end of each of the included connection
cables into Remote on the right side of each scanner.
Then connect the other end of the cables together
using the null modem connector and gender changer.

Then set the scanner containing the programming you
want to transfer as the master scanner, then set the
other scanner as the slave scanner.

(Master scanner) Clone Master Press SCAN Key

Scan



(Slave scanner) Clone Slave Press SCAN Key

Scan



When you are ready to clone the scanner, press

Scan

on the slave scanner first, then on the master scanner.
The master scanner checks the connection between the
two scanners, then transfers its data to the slave scanner.

When the transfer is complete, Complete appears on
both scanners. If the transfer did not work, Error
appears on the master scanner.

42

Programming Radio Systems

To get the most enjoyment from your scanner, you

Programming Radio Systems

must customize the programming for your area.

Use the menu to navigate to the system setting you
want to customize. Programming radio systems is
completed in two major steps. Don't skip either step!

1. Plan the system.

2. Program the system into your scanner according
to the plan you prepared in Step 1.

To make planning easier, planning worksheet is
included in the back of this manual for each system
type. Copy the worksheet or download the worksheet
from http://www.racescanner.eu and print extra
sheets), then use them to plan out how you will
program the scanner.

Important! Before you start programming your
scanner, make sure the batteries are fresh or fully
charged. If the scanner loses power while you
program it, its memory might be corrupted which will
require you to reinitialize it (see “Initializing the
Scanner’s Memory” on Page 40). All information
programmed in the scanner, including
preprogrammed systems, might be lost.

General Notes

• You can store up to 200 systems.

• You can store up to 20 channel groups per system.

• Total channels are limited to 2,500

Programming Conventional
Systems

Menu

 Program System  



New System 

The scanner creates an empty conventional system,
with a default name of System n.
n is a number that increments as you add new
systems.

Programming Radio Systems

43

Refer to the appropriate section to set system-wide
options:

• See “Editing the System Name” on Page 46

• See “Editing the System Quick Key” on Page 46

• See “Setting System Lockout” on Page 47

• See “Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 47

• See “Setting the Channel Delay Time” on Page 48

• See “Setting the Data Skip” on Page 48

• See “Deleting Systems” on Page 49

• See “Copying Systems” on Page 49

• See “Entering/Editing Conventional Channel
Groups” on Page 44

Entering/Editing Conventional
Channel Groups

To enter channels in a conventional system, first set up
a channel group (or groups) to hold the channels. Then,
enter the channel and channel parameters in the group(s).

Setting Up a Channel Group

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Group 



New Group 

The scanner creates a group with a default name of
Group n. n increments by one for each new group
you create within a system. Refer to the appropriate
section to set group-wide options:

• See “Entering/Editing the Group Name” on
Page 49

• See “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 50

• See “Deleting Groups” on Page 51

• See “Setting Group Lockout” on Page 51

• See “Entering/Editing Conventional Channels” on
Page 45

44

Entering/Editing Conventional
Channels

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Group 



Select the group  

 Edit Channel  


New Channel 

Refer to the appropriate section to change a channel
setting:

• See “Editing the Channel Name” on Page 51

• See “Editing Frequencies” on Page 52

• See “Setting Channel Priority” on Page 53

• See “Deleting Channels” on Page 57

• See “Copying/Pasting Channels” on Page 57

Note: The scanner automatically sets the step to
match the input frequency.

Programming Radio Systems

45

Programming/Editing Optional Settings

This section details the instructions for each of the

Programming/Editing Optional Set-tings

optional programming steps referred to in
“Programming Radio Systems” on Page 43. Use the
instructions in the appropriate section to enter or edit a
setting.

System-Level Settings

Editing the System Name

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Name 

To enter a letter, turn the scroll control until the
character you want appears. To enter a decimal point,

press . To move the cursor to the left, press /4 or

Func

hold and rotate the scroll control to the left.
To move the cursor to the right, press 6/ or hold

and rotate the scroll control to the right.

To clear a character, press twice. To clear all
characters, press 3 times.

Func

To accept an entry, press E or press down on the scroll
control.

Hints:

• Each system name can be up to 16 characters.
Abbreviate as necessary to fit.

Editing the System Quick Key

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Sys Option 



Set Quick Key 

After selecting this option, select any number from
1-99 to assign the system to a quick key or press to
assign the system to no quick key, then press E.

46

Hints:

• Access single-digit system Quick Keys by
pressing the single digit on the keypad during
scanning. Access two-digit system Quick Keys by
pressing then both digits.

• You can assign as many systems to the same
quick key as you want.

• To be scanned, a system’s quick key must be
activated and the system must be unlocked.

Setting System Lockout

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Sys Option 



Set Lockout 

This setting controls whether the system is scanned
when its quick key is enabled. Rotate the scroll control
to select your setting, then press E.

Lockout - the system is not scanned

Unlocked - the system is scanned

Note: You can also lock or unlock a system by holding

Func

and rotating the scroll control to select the

system, then pressing + L/O.

Func

Setting the System Hold Time

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Sys Option 



Set Hold Time 

This setting controls how many seconds the scanner
scans a system before moving to the next unlocked
system. Enter a value from 0-255, then press E to
save the setting.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings

47

Notes:

• If you select 0, the scanner stays on the system
for a minimal time (only long enough to check
current system activity).

• The default setting is 2 seconds for each system.

• For conventional systems, all unlocked channels
will be scanned at least once regardless of this
setting.

• The scanner moves to the next system after the
hold time expires, any current transmission ends,
and the channel delay time expires.

Setting the Channel Delay Time

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Sys Option 



Set Delay Time 

This setting controls how many seconds the scanner
waits after a transmission ends before resuming
scanning. Enter a value from 1-5 or Off, then press E
or the scroll control.

Notes:

• The default setting is 2 seconds for each system.

• This setting applies to all channels within the
system.

Setting the Data Skip

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Sys Option  



Set Data Skip  

This setting controls how the scanner behaves when it
stops on a channel that has a data signal.

48

On - The scanner ignores the Data Signal and
resumes searching in a few seconds.

Off - The scanner treats all signals as normal
transmission.

Deleting Systems

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Delete System 

The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion.
To confirm, press E. To cancel, press .

Notes:

• Deleted systems cannot be restored. You must
re-enter them.

• You cannot restore preloaded systems.

Copying Systems

To copy a system including all settings, groups, and
channels:

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Copy System 

New Sys Name?

Enter a name for the copied system, then press E.

Group-Level Settings

The settings in this section apply to all of the channels
stored in the current group.

Entering/Editing the Group Name

Menu

 Program System 



Select the system 



Edit Group 

Programming/Editing Optional Settings

49

 Select the group  


Edit Name  

Follow these steps to enter/edit the group name.

1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter.

2. Press /4, or hold then rotate the scroll
control to the left. To move the cursor to the right,

press 6/ or hold and rotate the scroll
control to the right.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the
system name. Then press E or press down on the
scroll control to accept the setting.

Hints:

• Each group name can be up to 16 characters.
Abbreviate as necessary to fit.

• The group and system name alternate in the top
line of the display when the scanner stops on a
channel.

• Press twice to delete the current character.

• Press three times to clear the entire alpha tag.

Func

Func

Setting the Group Quick Key

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Set Quick Key  

After selecting this option, press 0-9 to assign the
group to a quick key or press to assign the group to
no quick key, then press E.

Hints:

• You can assign as many groups to the same quick
key as you want.

• A group’s quick key must be activated to be scanned.

50

Setting Group Lockout

Menu

 Program System 



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Set Lockout  

This setting determines whether the scanner scans
this group when it is enabled. Select your setting, then
press E.

Lockout - the group is not scanned.

Unlocked - the group is scanned.

Note: The default setting is Unlocked.

Deleting Groups

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Delete Group  

The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To
confirm, press E. To cancel, press .

Note: Deleted groups cannot be restored. You must
re-enter them.

Channel-Level Settings

These settings affect only the channel you are
programming.

Editing the Channel Name

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Edit Group 

Programming/Editing Optional Settings

51

 Select the group  


Edit Channel  



Select the channel  



Edit Name 

Follow these steps to enter/edit the channel name.

1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter.

2. Press /4, or hold then rotate the scroll
control to the left. To move the cursor to the right,

press 6/ or hold and rotate the scroll
control to the right.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the
channel name. Then press E or press down on the
scroll control to accept the setting.

Hints:

• Each channel name can be up to 16 characters.
Abbreviate as necessary to fit.

• The channel name appears on the second line of
the display when the scanner stops on a channel.

• If you do not enter a channel name, the scanner
displays the frequency when it stops on a channel.

• Press twice to delete the current character.

• Press three times to clear the entire alpha tag.

Func

Func

Editing Frequencies

Menu

 Program System 



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Select the channel  

Input Frequency

52

Input the frequency, then press the scroll control.
To change the frequency you entered, turn the scroll
control to select Edit Frequency, then press the
scroll control.

Setting Channel Priority

Menu

 Program System 



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Select the channel  



Set Priority 

This setting controls whether the scanner treats the
channel as a priority channel while scanning. Select
your setting, then press E.

On - when you turn on the Priority feature, the channel
will be scanned every 2 seconds. appears.

Off - the channel will not be treated with priority.

Note: The default setting is Off.

P

Setting Channel Alert

Menu

 Program System 



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Select the channel  



Set Alert 

Off - the scanner does not alert you to emergency

transmissions.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings

53

Alert 1 - 9 - the scanner sounds an alert beep to
notify you of the emergency transmission. You can
choose any of 9 different beep types.

 Set Level

Auto - the scanner automatically sets the emergency

alert beep to the master volume level.

Level 1 - 15 - the scanner adjusts the volume you
hear to the level you select.

Setting CTCSS/DCS

Menu

 Program System 



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Select the channel  



Set CTCSS/DCS 

This setting controls how a subaudible CTCSS or DCS
is used for the channel. Select your setting, then press E.

Off - any signal opens squelch.

Search - the scanner searches for and displays any

CTCSS or DCS tone that accompanies the
transmission.

CTCSS - the scanner only opens squelch if the CTCSS
tone you select is also present with the signal. The
scanner then prompts you to enter or scroll to the
desired tone.

DCS - the scanner only opens squelch if the DCS tone
you select is also present with the signal. The scanner
then prompts you to enter or scroll to the desired tone.

Set Lockout - the scanner does not stop on the
channel if the tone you select is present. The scanner
prompts you to select a CTCSS or DCS tone.

54

Notes:

• The default setting is Off.

• See “What is CTCSS/DCS?” on Page 16 for a
complete list of CTCSS and DCS tones.

Setting the Channel Frequency
Modulation

Menu

  Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Group  



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Select the channel  



Set Moduration 

Auto - the scanner uses the default modulation for

the frequency band.

AM - the scanner uses AM (amplitude modulation) for
the frequency band.

FM - the scanner uses FM (frequency modulation) for
the frequency band.

NFM - the scanner uses narrowband FM for the
frequency band.

WFM - the scanner uses wideband FM for the
frequency band.

WFM (Broadcast)- the scanner uses WFM
Broadcast for the frequency band.

Note: The default setting is Auto.

This setting controls the modulation method used for
the frequency band. In most cases, if you leave this
set to Auto, the scanner automatically selects the
correct modulation type for the system you are
programming.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings

55

Setting Channel Attenuation

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Select the channel  



Set Attenuator 

This setting controls whether the scanner attenuates
signals on this channel. Select your setting, then press E.

On - the channel is attenuated by about 25 dB.

Off - the channel is not attenuated.

Notes:

• The default setting is Off.

• You can also toggle this setting by holding on the
channel and pressing and E.

Func

Setting Channel Lockout

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system  



Edit Group  



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Select the channel  



Set Lockout 

This setting determines whether the scanner will scan
this channel when its system and group are enabled.
Select your setting, then press E.

Lockout - the channel is not scanned.

Unlocked - the channel is scanned.

56

Notes:

• The default setting is Unlocked.

• You can also lock or unlock a channel by selecting
it while scanning or holding, then pressing L/O.
See “Locking/Unlocking Channels” on Page 34.

Deleting Channels

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  

 Edit Channel  
 Select the channel  
 Delete Channel 

The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion.
To confirm, press E. To cancel, press .

Note: Deleted channels cannot be restored. You must
re-enter them.

Copying/Pasting Channels

To copy a channel including all settings:

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Select the channel  



Copy Channel 

The scanner copies the channel into a copy buffer.
To paste the channel into the same or another system:

Programming/Editing Optional Settings

57

Menu

 Program System  



Select the system 



Edit Group 



Select the group  



Edit Channel  



Paste Channel 

Then, if necessary, edit the channel you copied to give
it a unique name and other settings.

Note: The paste option appears only if you have
previously copied a channel from a system of the
same type you are currently editing.

58

Searching and Storing

Searching and Storing

Service Search

Service Search lets you quickly select and search the
scanner’s preprogrammed search range. During
service search, the scanner searches starting with the
lowest frequency in the search range you select to the
highest frequency in the range.

Menu

  Search for ...  

Service Search  

Air  

The scanner searches the Air band, stopping on any
transmission it finds and displaying the frequency.
Turn the scroll control to change the search direction.
An arrow appears, showing the current search
direction.

To hold searching, press Hold. To resume searching,
press then press Scan/srch. Or, press Hold.

To lock out a frequency found while searching, press
L/O. Locked Out appears and the scanner
resumes service search.

Func

Changing the step of Air Band

The air band step appears next to Air while searching
the range. To change this step:

Menu

  Srch/Clocall Opt  



Air Band Step  



Select the step  

Quick Search

Quick Search lets you search from the currently-tuned
frequency if you are scanning a conventional system.

If you are on a conventional system or channel, press

Func

and Scan/srch to start quick search. Quick

Search? Yes = “E” / No = “.” appears.

Searching and Storing

59

Qck Search Hold appears if you press Hold.
Press E to start quick search or no to go to the search
menu.

Custom Search

Custom Search lets you program and search 10
custom search ranges. You can search any of these
ranges simultaneously and select each custom search
range you set. During custom search, the scanner
searches starting with the lowest frequency in the
search range you select to the highest frequency in
the range.

Notes:

• Search ranges are preset. See “Editing a Custom
Search Range” on Page 61 to change the range.

• You cannot turn off all custom search ranges.

Menu

  Search for ...  

Custom Search 



The scanner starts custom search of the custom
search range you selected, stopping on any
transmission it finds and displaying the frequency.
Turn the scroll control to change the search
direction. An arrow appears, showing the current
search direction.

To turn search ranges on or off, press 0 and 1-9.
To hold searching, press Hold. To resume searching,
press then press Scan/srch or Hold again.

To lock out a frequency found while searching, press
L/O. Locked Out appears and the scanner
resumes custom search.

If you turn off the active custom search range, the
scanner skips to the next custom search range and
continues searching.

Note: If all frequencies in all active custom search
ranges are locked out, All Locked! appears.

60

Func

Editing a Custom Search Range

You can edit up to 10 custom search ranges. The
names of the custom search ranges appear on the
display. The default custom search range names
appear as Custom 1, Custom 2, and so on.

Menu

  Search for ...  

Edit Custom 



Select your setting, then press the scroll control.

Edit Name - lets you edit the custom search range’s
name

Edit Srch Limit - lets you view and select the
frequency ranges to search. The scanner prompts you
to enter the upper and lower search limits.

Set Delay Time - lets you set the amount of time
the scanner will delay before continuing to search after
a transmission ends

Set Modulation - lets you set the custom search
range’s modulation type

Set Attenuator - lets you set whether the scanner
will attenuate reception by 25 dB during search

Set Data Skip - lets you set whether the scanner
will skip data transmissions during search

Set Step - lets you set the custom search range’s
step (the gap between frequencies)

Search with Scan - sets whether the scanner
includes the custom search during scanning.

Set Lockout - lets you set whether the scanner
will scan the custom search range during scanning

Lockout - the custom search range is not
scanned during scanning

Unlocked - the custom search range is
scanned during scanning.

Note: Your can also lock or unlock a custom search
range by pressing + L/O. Or, you can select a

Func

Searching and Storing

61

custom search range to lock or unlock by rotating the
scroll control with pressing .

Set Hold Time - lets you set the amount of time
to hold the custom search range during scanning.
You can set Hold time from 0 to 255 seconds.

Notes:

• If you select 0, the scanner then searches the
entire range one time.

• The default setting is 2 seconds for each
search range.

• The scanner moves to the next system or
search range after the hold time expires, any
current transmission ends, and the channel
delay time expires.

Func

Editing a Service Search

You can change the way service search works for
each service.

Menu

  Search for ...  

Edit Service 



Select your setting, then press the scroll control.

• Set Delay Time This setting determines how
long the scanner waits after a transmission ends
before resuming quick search or Close Call
operation. Select your setting, then press the
scroll control.

Off The scanner resumes immediately when
the transmission ends.

1-5 sec The scanner waits the set amount of
time after the transmission ends before
resuming.

• Set Attenuator This setting controls the
attenuator for search operation. Select your
setting, then press the scroll control.

62

Off The attenuator is off.
On Reception is attenuated by about 25 dB.

Notes:

• Turn on this setting if you are near other strong
signal sources. Attenuation sometimes helps to
reduce interference and desensitization that
strong signals create.

• Search with Scan - sets whether the scanner
includes the service search during scanning.
If unlocked, the scanner first scans all selected
systems, then searches the air service searches
for the selected hold time (0-255 seconds).

Notes:

• You can also lock and unlock a search range by
pressing , selecting the search range then
pressing + L/O.

• If you select 0, the scanner searches the entire
range one time.

• The default setting is 2 seconds for each
search range.

• The scanner moves to the next system or
search range after the hold time expires, any
current transmission ends, and the channel
delay time expires.

Func

Func

Auto Search and Store

Your scanner’s Auto Store feature lets you search for
new frequencies in custom search ranges or within a
service search range and stores the frequency into a
conventional system automatically.

Selecting a System

To store frequencies which is found during Auto Store,
you must first select a system where the frequencies
will be stored.

Searching and Storing

63

Menu

  Search for ...  



Search and Store 



Select the system where you want to store the

frequencies

 

 Select the range from Custom Search or Air  

Notes:

• If no system is programmed, No System
Stored appears.

• Over Limit appears when you select the
system which has already stored 20 channel
groups, or when the total channels has been
already 2500.

• If all the frequencies of the selected search range
is locked out, All Locked! appears.

When you select a search range, the scanner looks for
active frequencies within that range and SEARCH AND
STORE appears on the display’s lower line and the
system name and search range name appear on the
display’s upper line. When the scanner finds an active
transmission, it checks to see if the frequency has
already been stored in the system. If the frequency
has already been stored, the scanner continues to
search. If the frequency has not been stored, it stores
the frequency into a group named Found Channels,
then resumes searching. The scanner creates this
group if it doesn’t already exist.

64

Using the Close Call Feature

Your scanner's Close CallTM feature lets you set the

Using the Close Call Feature

scanner so it detects, displays the frequency of, and
lets you hear a nearby strong radio transmission. You
can set the scanner so the Close Call feature works "in
the background" while you are scanning other
frequencies, turn off normal scanning while the Close
Call feature is working, or turn off the Close Call
feature and use the scanner normally. You can set the
scanner so it alerts you when the Close Call feature
finds a frequency. You can also set the frequency band
where you want the scanner to look for transmissions.

To turn Close Call detection on (CC DND, CC PRI) or

off, press then . When CC DND is on,

appears on the display. When CC PRI is on,

appears on the display and normal operation is

briefly interrupted about every 2 seconds.

Notes:

• CC DND (Do Not Disturb) - The scanner checks for

Func

a Close Call hit every 2 seconds only if the scanner
is not currently stopped on a transmission. If the
scanner is on a transmission the scanner waits until
the signal ends to perform a Close Call check. This
prevents breaks in audio during Close Call checks.

• CC PRI - Close Call works even if there is a
transmission. Checks for a Close Call hit every 2
seconds.

• The Close Call feature works well for locating the
source of strong local transmissions such as
mobile and handheld two-way radios in areas with
no other strong transmission sources. Several
factors affect Close Call performance, however.
Performance is increased with higher transmit
power, receive antenna tuned to the target band,
and a low background RF level. Other than the
antenna, you have no control over these factors,
but they explain why performance might vary by
both location and time.

Using the Close Call Feature

65

• The Close Call feature cannot detect satellite
dishes or any transmitter with a frequency above
or below the frequency ranges listed under the
Set CC Bands: option on Page 68.

• The Close Call feature works better with some
types of transmissions than others. It might not
correctly display frequency information for
transmitters using a highly directional antenna
(such as an amateur radio beam antenna) or if
there are many transmitters operating at the same
time in the same area.

Setting Close Call Options

Menu

  Close Call  

Select your setting, then press the scroll control.
Then turn the scroll control to select an option.

• Close Call Only: Lets you set the scanner
only for Close Call searching. The scanner
does not scan frequencies or channels when
this option is turned on. To select this option,
press E.

• CC Auto Store: Lets you select whether the
scanner automatically stores Close Call hits
into channels. If you turn this option on, the
scanner starts Close Call mode and stores any
Close Call hits, up to the maximum you
specified in the Max Auto Store setting. If the
scanner stores more hits than this setting, it
stops Autostore operation.

Turn the scroll control to display an option, then
press the scroll control.

• Set CC Mode: Lets you select the Close Call
mode. If you turn this option on (CC DND, CC
PRI), the scanner sets itself to its Close Call
settings about once every 2 seconds.

Turn the scroll control to display an option, then
press the scroll control.

66

CC DND (Do Not Disturb) - The scanner checks
for a Close Call hit every 2 seconds only if the
scanner is not currently stopped on a transmis­sion. If the scanner is on a transmission the
scanner waits until the signal ends to perform a
Close Call check. This prevents breaks in audio
during Close Call checks.

CC PRI - Close Call works even if there is a
transmission. Checks for a Close Call hit every
2 seconds.

Off - Close Call is turned off for all mode.

Note:You can also toggle this setting by
pressing then

Func

• Set CC Override: Lets you select how the
Close Call feature works with other scanning
activities.

On -If the scanner detects a Close Call
frequency, CC Found! and Press Any Key
appear, and the Close Call frequency is dis­played by pressing any key while it is detecting.

Off - If the scanner detects a Close Call
frequency, CC Found! and “E” to Listen
appear for the period which you have set at
Set CC Pause (See page 68). Press E to
display the Close Call frequency during that
period.

Turn the scroll control to display an option, then
press the scroll control.

• Set CC Alert: Lets you select how the
scanner alerts you when it receives a Close
Call signal. You can select any of the following
options.

Select Mode

• Beep (the scanner beeps when it receives
a Close Call signal)

• Light (the backlight turns on when it
receives a Close Call signal)

Using the Close Call Feature

67

• Beep+Light (the scanner beeps and the
backlight turns on when it receives a Close
Call signal)

• None (the scanner does not alert)

Select Beep

• Off (the scanner does not beep)

• Alert 1-9 - (the scanner sounds an alert
beep to notify you of a Close Call hit. When
you select an alert level, the scanner
automatically enters the setting of the Alert
volume level. You can choose different beep
types.)

Set CC Pause: Lets you select how long the
scanner waits after a hit before it returns to the
previous operation.

• 3/5/10/15/30/45/60 sec.

• Infinite.

Turn the scroll control to display an option, then
press the scroll control to select it.

• Set CC Bands: Lets you select the Close Call
band settings. You can turn the following bands
on or off.

VHF Low1 (25.0000 - 53.9875 MHz) Band Plan1

(25.0000 - 53.9950 MHz) Band Plan2
(25.0000 - 53.9937 MHz) Band Plan3

VHF Low2 (54.0000 - 107.9500 MHz)
Air Band (108.0000 - 136.9875 MHz) Air 12.5k

(108.0000 - 136.9916 MHz) Air 8.33k

VHF High1 (137.0000 - 224.9950 MHz)
VHF High2 (225.0000 - 319.9500 MHz)
UHF (320.0000 - 512.0000 MHz)
800MHz+ (806.0000 - 1300.0000 MHz)

Use the scroll control to select a band, press
the scroll control, then use the scroll control to
select On or Off and press the scroll control.
Turning off undesired bands speeds up Close

68

Call operation. (The Close Call feature works
for all frequencies listed above.)

Close Call Hits

When the scanner detects a Close Call hit, it alerts you
according to the Override and Alert settings in the
previous section. While listening to a Close Call hit,
you can press Hold to hold on the hit frequency, press
the scroll control to quickly save the frequency into
memory, press L/O to lock out the frequency from
Close Call and Search operation, or wait for the
transmission to end. If you are in Close Call Only or
Close Call Override mode, and you do not press any
key, the scanner returns to its previous operation after
the transmission ends and the set delay time expires.

If you are holding on the frequency, press Hold again
to resume the previous operation.

Using the Close Call Feature

69

Search and Close Call Options

The settings in this section affect custom searches,

Search and Close Call Options

air service search and Close Call operation.

See the teble below showing what options are
available for each of the search modes.

Setting Item

Freq Lockouts O O O O O O

Broadcast

Screen

CTCSS/DCS

Search
Max Auto Store O O
Set Delay Time O O

Set Modulation O

Set Attenuator O O O

Set Data Skip O O O

Set Step O

Air Band Step O O O O O O
*1 Valid also for Service Search with Scan and Custom Search with Scan.
*2 Valid only when using Custom Search.

Service

Search

Custom

1

*

Search

OO

OO

Quick

1

Search

*

Search

and Store

Close

CC Auto

Call

Store

2

O

OO

OO

O*

Managing Locked-Out Frequencies

While searching or during Close Call operation, if you
press L/O while the scanner is stopped on a frequency,
that frequency is locked out of these modes. You can
lock out up to 200 frequencies.

Note: Locking out a frequency does not lock out a
channel that contains that frequency.

Unlocking All Frequencies

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Freq Lockouts 



Unlock All  

The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion.
To confirm and delete all locked-out frequencies, press
the scroll control. Otherwise, to cancel, press .

Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Freq Lockouts 

70

 Rvw Search L/O  

The scanner displays the first locked-out frequency
and prompts you to unlock the frequency. Press the
scroll control to unlock the frequency. Or, rotate the
scroll control or press to select a different
frequency. To exit the review, press .

Menu

Searching for Subaudible Tones

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



CTCSS/DCS Search  

This setting controls whether the scanner will search
for a subaudible tone when it stops on a transmission
during search or Close Call operation.

On The scanner searches for and displays any
subaudible tone found.

Off The scanner does not search for subaudible
tones.

Note: This feature does not operate when the scanner
is in AM/WFM/FMB modulation mode.

Screening Out Broadcast Sources

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Broadcast Screen  

This setting determines whether the scanner
automatically ignores transmissions found during
Custom Search or Close Call operation that are on
common broadcasts and other annoyance radio
sources.

Set All Band On - turns on broadcast screen on
each band.

Set All Band Off - turns off broadcast screen on
each band.

Set Each Band - lets you set broadcast screen only
on specific bands you select. On or Off appears next

Search and Close Call Options

71

to each option. Turn the scroll control to select an
option then press the scroll control to change the
setting.

• Band 1-10 - select the custom band where you
want to screen out broadcast sources.

Program Band - lets you program a custom
frequency range for broadcast screen. Turn the scroll
control to select an option then press the scroll control
to change the setting.

• Band 1-10 - select the group where you want to
screen out broadcast sources.

Set Lower Limit - the lower limit of the
frequency range, then press the scroll control
to set it.

Set Upper Limit - the upper limit of the
frequency range, then press the scroll control
to set it.

Setting the Maximum Auto Store
Value

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Max Auto Store  

This value sets how many hits the scanner will
automatically store when it is in either Search and
Store or Close Call Auto Store mode.

Use the number keys to enter a value from 1 - 256,
then press the scroll control.

When the scanner reaches the maximum number of
hits you set, it stops the auto-store operation.

Setting the Modulation Type

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Set Modulation  

72

This setting controls the modulation type used for
quick search and Close Call operations. Select your
setting, then press the scroll control.

Auto Uses the default setting for the current
frequency (see the table at the front of the manual)

AM Uses AM (amplitude modulation)

FM Uses FM (frequency modulation)

NFM Uses narrowband FM

WFM Uses wideband FM

WFM (Broadcast) Uses WFM Broadcast.

Setting Attenuation

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Set Attenuator  

This setting controls the attenuator for quick search
and Close Call operation. Select your setting, then
press the scroll control.

On Reception is attenuated by about 25 dB.

Off The attenuator is off.

Note: Turn on this setting if you are near other strong
signal sources. Attenuation sometimes helps to
reduce interference and desensitization that strong
signals create.

Setting Data Skip

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Set Data Skip  

This setting controls how the scanner behaves when it
stops on a channel that has a data signal.

On - the scanner stops briefly on the channel, but then
immediately resumes scanning automatically.

Search and Close Call Options

73

Off - the scanner remains on the channel until the
transmission stops.

Notes:

• If you are trying to test the Close Call feature with
a nearby transmitter and you do not talk into the
transmitter, the scanner will detect this as data
and will skip the frequency when Data Skip is on.
Turn the feature off or talk into the transmitter.

• This setting is ignored for AM/WFM/FMB
channels.

• The default setting for this feature is Off.

Setting the Delay Time

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Set Delay Time  

This setting determines how long the scanner waits
after a transmission ends before resuming quick
search or Close Call operation. Select your setting,
then press the scroll control.

Off The scanner resumes immediately when the
transmission ends.

1-5 sec The scanner waits the set amount of time
after the transmission ends before resuming.

Note: The default setting is 2 sec.

Setting the Search Frequency Step

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt 



Set Step  

This setting selects the frequency step used for setting
the channels. Select your setting, then press the scroll
control.

Auto The step is based on the band (see the table at
the front of the manual)

74

5.0 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 7.5 kHz, 8.33 kHz, 10.0
kHz, 12.5 kHz, 15.0 kHz, 20.0 kHz,

25.0 kHz, 50.0 kHz, 100.0 kHz

The scanner uses the selected step.

Note: The scanner defaults to Auto.

Setting Air Band Step

Menu

  Srch/CloCall Opt  



Air Band Step  

This setting selects the step for Air Band
(108.0000 MHz - 137.0000 MHz)

8.33 kHz

12.5 kHz

Note: The scanner defaults to 12.5 kHz.

Search and Close Call Options

75

Using Tone-Out

Fire Tone-Out Introduction

Using Tone-Out

Your scanner can be set to respond to fire tone-outs
that use standard two-tone sequential paging, short
one-tone paging, and long group tone paging. You can
save up to 10 settings. When you select a setting in
standby mode, the scanner also monitors for any other
setting that uses the same transmit frequency,
modulation, and attentuation settings.

You need tone-out setup information from the agency
you wish to monitor.Check with your local agency or
on-line resources.

Setting Tone-Out Standby

Menu

  Tone-Out for...  

Tone-Out Standby 

Turn the scroll control to select the tone-out to monitor.
All tone-outs that have the same frequency,
modulation, and attenuation setting as the one you
select, are also monitored.

In standby mode, the display cycles through all
monitored tone-out settings.Regardless of the current
display, the scanner always alerts on any received
tone-out that matches a stored setting.

If you press HOLD while in standby mode, the scanner
temporarily exits the mode and you hear all
transmissions on that frequency. No alerts sound,
even if a tone-out matches one you have stored. Press
HOLD again to return to standby mode.

Setting Up Tone-Out

Menu

  Tone-Out for ... 



Tone-Out Setup 

Scroll to select the tone-out (1 - 10) you want to
program, then press E
of the following settings and press E
modify the selected settings:

76

YES. Then you can scroll to any

YES to select and

• Edit Name - Sets the name for the selected tone­out setting.

• Set Frequency — Sets the tone-outs RF
frequency parameters.

Edit Frequency — Enter the desired fre-
quency that the scanner should monitor for the
tone-out.

Set Modulation — Set the modulation type
for the paging signal.

Auto —The scanner uses the default modu­lation for the frequency band. If the default
modulation is AM or WFM, the modulation
operates as FM.

FM — The scanner uses FM for the frequency
band. This is the default setting.

NFM — The scanner uses NFM modulation.

Set Attenuaton — Turn the scroll control to

select On or Off.

• Set Tone — Sets the audio tone frequency for
the page.

Edit Tone A — Set the audio frequency
for Tone A

Edit Tone B — Set the audio frequency
for Tone B

Notes:

• For two-tone pages, enter a value for A and B.

• For one-tone pages using short tones of less
than 3.75 seconds, enter the tone value for A,
and 0 (zero) for B.

• For long-tone pages, such as group pages of
more than 3.75 seconds, enter 0 (zero) for A
and the tone value for B.

Using Tone-Out

77

• Set Delay Time — Sets the time the scanner
remains in monitor mode after the scanner
receives a page and the carrier drops.

• 1-5 seconds: the scanner resumes standby
mode after the carrier drops and the selected
time expires.

• Infinite: you must press HOLD after a page to
resume standby mode.

• Off: the scanner resumes standby as soon as
the carrier drops after a page.

• Set Alert — Sets the alert the scanner uses
when it receives an alert.

• Alert 1 - 9, Off — scroll to select the
alert tone pattern, The scanner sounds each
alert as you scroll to its numbered value. If you
select Off, the scanner does not sound an
alert.

• After you select an alert pattern, the scanner
prompts for the alert level for a received alert.
Level options 1 to 15 sets a fixed audio level
independent of the main volume setting. AUTO
uses the main volume setting for the alerts.

78

Care and Maintenance

General Use

Care and Mainte-nance

• Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the
power.

• If memory is lost, simply reprogram each channel.

• Always press each button firmly until you hear the
entry tone for that key entry.

Location

• 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.

• If the scanner receives strong interference or
electrical noise, move it or its antenna away from
the source of the noise. If possible, a higher
elevation might provide better reception.

• Also try changing the height or angle of the

antenna.

Cleaning

• Disconnect the power to the unit before cleaning.

• Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild
detergent.

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

• Do not use excessive amounts of water.

Repairs

Do not attempt any repair. The scanner contains no
user serviceable parts. Contact the Uniden Customer
Service Center or take it to a qualified repair
technician.

Care and Maintenance

79

Birdies

All radios can receive “birdies” (undesired signals).
If your scanner stops during Scan mode and no sound
is heard, it might be receiving a birdie. Birdies are
internally generated signals inherent in the electronics
of the scanner.

Press L/O to lock out the channel.

80

Troubleshooting

If your UBC3500XLT is not performing properly, try

Troubleshooting

these steps.

Problem Possible Cause Suggestion

The
scanner
doesn’t
work.

Improper
reception.

Scan
won’t
stop.

The scanner might
not be receiving
any power.

The antenna
might need to be
adjusted.

The squelch might
need to be
adjusted.

The antenna
might need to be
adjusted.

One or more
channels might be
locked out.

The channel’s
frequency might
not be stored in
memory.

The channel might
not be active.

Make sure the AC
adapter is connected to
an AC outlet and the
scanner.

If there is a wall switch
that controls power to
the AC outlet where
you connected the AC
adapter, make sure it is
on.

Check the antenna
connection or move or
reposition the antenna.

Move the scanner.

You might be in a remote
area that could require
an optional multi-band
antenna. Check with
your dealer or local
electronics store.

Adjust the squelch
threshold. See “Turning
On the Scanner and
Setting the Squelch” on
Page 31.

Check the antenna
connection.

Make sure the
channels you want to
scan are not locked
out.

Make sure the
channel’s frequency is
stored in the scanner’s
memory.

Wait for a transmission
on the channel.

Troubleshooting

81

Scan
won’t
start.

Scanner
displays

Memory
Error

.

You must press
Scan to scan.

The squelch might
need to be
adjusted.

One or more
channels might be
locked out.

The antenna
might need to be
adjusted.

The contents of
scanner's memory
might be changed
to malformed
value.

Press Scan.

Adjust the squelch
threshold. See “Turning
On the Scanner and
Setting the Squelch” on
Page 31.

Make sure the
channels you want to
scan are not locked
out.

Check the antenna
connection.

Initialize the memory.
See “Initializing the
Scanner’s Memory” on
Page 40.

82

Specifications

Certified in accordance with ETSI, as of date of

Specifications

manufacture.

Dynamic Allocation Capacity

Systems: 200 max

Groups: 20 per system

Channels: 2500

Band Coverage: 21 Bands

Attenuation: 25 dB (nominal)

Frequency Range (MHz):See page 6 to 7

Sensitivity (nominal) 12dB SINAD :

0.3uV 25 - 87.295 MHz FM

0.7uV 87.3 - 107.95 MHz FMB

0.4uV 108 - 136.9916 MHz AM

0.3uV 137 - 173.9937 MHz FM

0.7uV 174 - 215.95 MHz WFM

0.3uV 216 - 224.995 MHz FM

0.4uV 225 - 399.95 MHz AM

0.3uV 400 - 512 MHz FM

0.4uV 806 - 960 MHz FM

0.5uV 1240 - 1300 MHz FM

Operating Temperature:

Normal –20°C to +60°C

Close Call –10°C to +60°C

Scan Rate: 100 channels per second MAX

(conventional mode)

Search Rate: 300 steps per second (5 kHz step
only)MAX

Specifications

83

Audio Output: 500mW nominal into 24Ω internal
speaker

110 mW nominal into 32Ω headphone

Power Requirements:

3 AA Alkaline Batteries (not included),

or 3 AA Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries
(2300 mAh)(Included),

or AC Adapter (AC230V 50Hz 6V 800mA
Regulated)(AD-818)(Included)

External Jacks:

Antenna Jack SMA Type

Headphone Jack 3.5mm Stereo Type

DC Power Jack (EIAJ TYPE-2 Center Positive)

Remote Jack 4 Pin Mini

Size: 61.0 mm (W) x 31.0 mm (D) x 130.5 mm (H)

Weight: 182.5 g (without batteries and antenna)

84

Optional Accessories

Connection

Earphone

Cable

fi

External Amplified Speaker

Specifications

85

Appendix

Initial Setting of the Menus.

Appendix

Parameter Initial

Band Plan(Factory Default Setting)
*Band Plan Number does not be initialzed by turning the scanner on
by pressing and hoding [2] key + [9] key + [Hold] key.

Program System Edit Name (This is named

Edit Sys Option Set Quick Key . (dot)

Edit Group Edit Name (This is named

Srch/CloCall Opt Freq Lockouts Unlock All (Not Stored.)

Broadcast Screen Set Each

CTCSS/DCS Search Off

Max Auto Store 100

Set Delay Time 2 sec

Set Modulation Auto

Set Attenuator Off

Set Data Skip Off

Set Step Auto

Air Band Step 12.5 kHz

Set Lockout Unlocked

Set Hold Time 2

Set Delay Time 2 sec

Set Data Skip Off

Set Quick Key . (dot)

Edit Channel Edit Name (This is named

Set Priority Off

Set Alert Off

Set CTCSS/DCS Off

Set Modulation Auto

Set Attenuator Off

Set Lockout Unlocked

Rvw Search L/O (Not Stored.)

Band

Program
Band

Set Lockout Unlocked

Band 1 Off

Band 2 Off

::

Band 10 Off

Select Band 1 - 10

Set Lower Limit

 Set Upper Limit

1

automatically.)

automatically.)

automatically.)

0.0000 0.0000
(MHz)

(All Band)

86

Search for... Edit Service Set Delay Time 2 sec

Edit Custom
(All Custom Search
Range)

Parameter Initial

Set Attenuator Off

Search
with
Scan

Edit Name Custom 1

Edit Srch Limit Custom 1:

Set Delay Time 2 sec

Set Modulation Auto

Set Attenuator Off

Set Data Skip Off

Set Step Auto

Search
with
Scan

Set Lockout Lockout

Set Hold Time 2

Custom 2

Custom 10

Plan 1 : 25.0000

- 87.2875

Plan 2 : 25.0000

- 87.2950

Plan 3 : 25.0000

- 87.2937

Custom 2 :

87.3000 -

107.9500

Custom 3 :

108.0000 -

136.9875

Custom 4 :

Plan 1, 2 :

137.0000 -

173.9950
Plan 3 :

137.0000 -

173.9937

Custom 5 :

174.0000 -

215.9950

Custom 6 :

216.0000 -

224.9950

Custom 7 :

225.0000 -

399.9500

Custom 8 :

400.0000 -

512.0000

Custom 9 :

806.0000 -

960.0000

Custom 10 :

1240.000 -

1300.0000

Set Lockout Lockout

Set Hold Time 2

:

Appendix

87

Close Call Set CC Mode Off

Set Priority Off

Tone-Out for... Tone-Out Setup Edit Name Tone-Out 1

Wired Clone Master

Settings Set Backlight 10 sec

Set CC Override On

Set CC Alert Select Mode Beep+Light

Set CC Bands VHF Low 1 On

Adjust Key Beep Auto

Set Battery Save On

Set Audio AGC Off

Adjust Contrast Contrast 8

PC Controls 115200 bps

See Scanner Info % Memory Used 0%

Parameter Initial

Select Beep Alert 1

Set CC Pause 3 sec

VHF Low 2 On

Air Band On

VHF High 1 On

VHF High 2 On

UHF On

800MHz+ On

Set
Frequen
cy

Set Tone Edit Tone A 1000Hz

Set Delay Time 2 sec

Set Alert Off

Firmware Version Version x.xx.xx

Edit Frequency Tone-Out 1 :

Set Modulation FM

Set Attenuator Off

Edit Tone B 2000Hz

Level : Auto

Tone-Out 2

Tone-Out 10

137.0000 MHz

Tone-Out 2 :

138.0000 MHz

Tone-Out 10 :

146.0000MHz

:

:

88

Planning

Collecting Information

Planning

Getting your scanner programmed and scanning takes
a few steps. This help guides you through these steps
that will make it easier for you to start scanning.

1. Collect information about the system(s) you want
to monitor.

Do you want to listen to your local police and
fire departments? How about the highway
patrol, ambulance service, and aircraft? You
might even want to listen to your local utility
company as they track down a break in electri­cal service in your area.

Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to,
then look up the frequencies used by those
agencies. The Internet is a great source for
current frequencies and information about
scanning. Here is a useful site:

• http://www.racescanner.eu - Race frequency
information, programming software and
accessories.

• Before you start to program your scanner, decide
how you want to organize the frequencies you
want to scan. For example, some areas are best
organized by geographic location (east, north,
south, west, central, etc), while others are best
organized by agency (police, ambulance, fire,
etc.). You might even find it easier to organize a
mixture of frequencies (north, southeast, and west
for police but fire all in one group for example).

2. Organize the system information using the system
worksheet included in this appendix.

3. Follow the instructions in “Filling Out The
Conventional System Worksheet” on Page 90.

Planning

89

Tips:

• Before you start, make as many copies of the
worksheet as you think you'll need. You can also
go to the download section of
http://www.racsescanner.eu/download and
download the worksheets there.

• All worksheet instructions assume that you have
completed the critical Step 1 (collecting the
system information). Don't skip this step.

• Use a pencil to fill out the worksheets. This lets
you change information if necessary.

Filling Out The Conventional
System Worksheet

System Name and Quick Key

Fill in a name that describes the system you want to
create. For example, you can enter "Local Police" or
"Amateur Radio" here. If you want to store more than
one type of frequency, you can enter "Mixed."

Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate/
deactivate the system. You can assign the same quick
key to multiple systems.

Group Name and Quick Key

Each worksheet documents the settings for one
channel group within a system. If you have fewer
channels in the group than fits on the page, you can
skip a line and enter an additional group of channels
(enter the group info in the line you skipped). If you
have more channels for the group than will fit on the
page, use additional pages.

Fill in the key you want to press with to quickly
activate/deactivate the channel group. You can assign
the same quick key to multiple groups within a system.

90

Func

Frequency-Alpha Tag-Priority­CTCSS/DCS

Fill in the details for each channel you want to store in
this channel group.

Planning

91

Conventional System Worksheet

Conventional System Worksheet

System Name Group Name

System Quick Key Group Quick Key

Frequency Alpha Tag Priority CTCSS/DCS

Conventional System Works heet

92

Declaration of Conformity

Declaration of Conformiry

We:
Uniden Corporation
2-12-7 Hatchobori
Chuo-Ku, Tokyo 104-8512
Japan

declare, under our sole responsibility, that this
equipment “Uniden Bearcat model UBC3500XLT” is in
compliance with the essential requirements and other
relevant provisions of the EMC, R&TTE and LVD
Council Directives of the EU.

Declaration of Conformiry

93

© 2006 Uniden Corporation. All rights reserved.

UBZZ01347ZZ(0) Printed in P.R.C.