Uniden USC230 User Manual
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USC230
USC230
OWNER’S
OWNER’S
MANUAL
MANUAL
OWNER’S MANUAL
OWNER’S MANUAL
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Precautions
Before you use this scanner, please read and observe the
Precautions
following.
EARPHONE WARNING!
Be sure to use the supplied 8Ω monaural headphone.
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.
Precautions
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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.
Motorola
Private Line
Uniden
®
, PL®, Private Line®, DPL®, and Digital
®
are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc.
®
and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of
Uniden America Corporation.
™
Close Call
is a proprietary trademarks of Uniden
America Corporation.
Other trademarks used throughout this manual are the
property of their respective holders.
Precautions
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Contents
Precautions ......................................................................................... 2
Contents
Contents .............................................................................................. 4
Introduction......................................................................................... 7
Feature Highlights ............................................................................ 10
About This Manual.......................................................................... 13
How the Scanner’s Controls Are Represented in This Manual... 13
Entering Text............................................................................... 14
Understanding Scanning ................................................................. 15
Understanding the Scanner’s Memory ........................................... 15
What is Scanning?.......................................................................... 15
What is Searching?......................................................................... 15
What is CTCSS/DCS? .................................................................... 16
Using the Scanner at the Racetrack ............................................... 18
Conventional Scanning................................................................... 18
Where To Get More Information ..................................................... 19
Included With Your Scanner............................................................ 21
Setting Up Your Scanner ................................................................. 22
Using Internal Batteries .................................................................. 22
Using Rechargeable Batteries .................................................... 22
Using Non-rechargeable Batteries.............................................. 23
Using AC Power ............................................................................. 25
Connecting the Antenna ................................................................. 25
Connecting an Earphone/Headphone ............................................ 26
Connecting an Extension Speaker ................................................. 26
Attaching the Belt Clip .................................................................... 26
Attaching the Wrist Strap ................................................................ 27
Installing the Demo Software.......................................................... 27
A Look At The Keypad.................................................................... 28
A Look At The Display .................................................................... 31
Using Menu..................................................................................... 32
Using Func...................................................................................... 32
Using the Scroll Control .................................................................. 32
Basic Operation ................................................................................ 33
Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch .......................... 33
Scanning Systems .......................................................................... 33
Scanning Preprogrammed Races................................................... 34
Before You Get To The Track..................................................... 34
When You Get To The Track ...................................................... 34
Selecting Systems to Scan ............................................................. 35
Selecting System Channel Groups................................................. 36
Locking/Unlocking Systems............................................................ 36
Locking/Unlocking Channels .......................................................... 37
Temporarily Holding On a System.................................................. 37
Holding On a Channel .................................................................... 37
Quick-Storing Channels.................................................................. 38
Quickly Recalling Channels ............................................................ 38
Other Settings................................................................................... 39
Displaying System Information ....................................................... 39
Viewing Memory Used ................................................................ 39
Viewing the Firmware Version .................................................... 39
Contents
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Adjusting the Key Beep................................................................... 39
Locking/Unlocking the Keypad........................................................ 39
Turning Power Save On or Off........................................................ 39
Priority Scan.................................................................................... 39
Using the Backlight ......................................................................... 40
Initializing the Scanner’s Memory ................................................... 40
Using the PC Control and Cloning Options..................................... 41
Connecting Your Scanner to a Personal Computer .................... 41
Cloning the Scanner.................................................................... 42
Using the Menu ................................................................................. 43
Programming Radio Systems.......................................................... 45
Quickly Programming Racing Systems........................................... 45
Manually Programming Racing Systems ........................................ 48
Editing the Car ............................................................................ 48
Entering/Editing a Car Number ................................................... 49
Editing a Driver............................................................................ 49
Setting a Car’s Quick Key ........................................................... 50
Editing a Car’s Channel .............................................................. 50
Deleting a Car ............................................................................. 50
Setting Lockout On A Car ........................................................... 51
Programming Conventional Systems.............................................. 51
Entering/Editing Conventional Channel Groups.......................... 52
Entering/Editing Conventional Channels..................................... 52
Programming/Editing Optional Settings......................................... 54
System-Level Settings .................................................................... 54
Editing the System Name............................................................ 54
Editing the System Quick Key (Conventional Systems Only) ..... 54
Setting Group Lockout ................................................................ 55
Setting the System Hold Time..................................................... 55
Setting the Channel Delay Time ................................................. 56
Setting Data Skip ........................................................................ 56
Deleting Systems ........................................................................ 57
Copying Systems ........................................................................ 57
Group-Level Settings ...................................................................... 57
Entering/Editing the Group Name ............................................... 57
Setting the Group Quick Key....................................................... 58
Setting Group Lockout ................................................................ 58
Deleting Groups .......................................................................... 59
Channel-Level Settings ................................................................... 59
Editing the Channel Name (Conventional Systems Only)........... 59
Setting Channel Priority .............................................................. 60
Setting Channel Alert .................................................................. 61
Setting CTCSS/DCS ................................................................... 61
Setting Channel Modulation ........................................................ 62
Setting Channel Attenuation ....................................................... 63
Setting the Frequency Step......................................................... 63
Setting Channel Lockout ............................................................. 64
Deleting Channels....................................................................... 64
Copying/Pasting Channels.......................................................... 65
Contents
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Searching and Storing ..................................................................... 66
Service Search ............................................................................... 66
Changing the step of Air Band........................................................ 66
Quick Search .................................................................................. 66
CTCSS/DCS Search....................................................................... 67
Custom Search ............................................................................... 67
Preset Custom Search Range .................................................... 68
Editing a Custom Search Range................................................. 70
Auto Search and Store ................................................................... 70
Selecting a System ..................................................................... 71
Storing a System......................................................................... 71
Using the Close Call Feature........................................................... 72
Setting Close Call Options.............................................................. 73
Close Call Hits ................................................................................ 75
Search and Close Call Options ....................................................... 76
Managing Locked-Out Frequencies................................................ 76
Unlocking All Frequencies .......................................................... 76
Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies ........................................... 76
Searching for Subaudible Tones .................................................... 76
Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value.......................................... 77
Setting the Modulation Type ........................................................... 77
Setting Attenuation ......................................................................... 78
Setting Data Skip ............................................................................ 78
Setting the Delay Time ................................................................... 78
Setting the Search Frequency Step................................................ 79
Care and Maintenance ..................................................................... 80
General Use.................................................................................... 80
Location .......................................................................................... 80
Cleaning.......................................................................................... 80
Repairs ........................................................................................... 80
Troubleshooting ............................................................................... 81
Specifications ................................................................................... 83
Optional Accessories....................................................................... 84
Planning ............................................................................................ 85
Collecting Information ..................................................................... 85
Filling Out The Racing System Worksheet ..................................... 87
Race Name ................................................................................. 87
Car #/Driver-Frequency-Priority-CTCSS/DCS ............................ 87
Racing System Worksheet ............................................................. 88
Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet ........................... 89
System Name and Quick Key ..................................................... 89
Group Name and Quick Key ....................................................... 89
Frequency-Alpha Tag-Priority-CTCSS/DCS ............................... 89
Conventional System Worksheet.................................................... 90
Preprogrammed Systems ................................................................ 91
Declaration of Conformity ............................................................... 92
Contents
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Introduction
Your USC230 scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio
Introduction
with automatic scanning capabilities. You can store
frequencies such as racing, police, fire/emergency,
marine, air, and other communications into the scanner.
You can carry it with you wherever you go, use it at home
as a base unit, or install it in your vehicle as a mobile unit.
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:
• Automobile races
• Public safety systems
• Police and fire departments (including rescue and
paramedics)
• Business/Industrial radio
• Utilities
• Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands
• Air band
• Railroad
This table lists the frequency ranges, default frequency
step and default mode (AM or FM).
To select a band plan from 1, 2 and 3;
1. Make 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 Rage (MHz) Mode Step (kHz)
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
Introduction
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Frequency Rage (MHz) Mode Step (kHz)
108.0000 - 136.9875 AM 12.5 / 8.33
108.0000 - 136.9916 Selectable
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 - 173.9875 FM 12.5
216.0000 - 224.9950 FM 5
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
Band Plan 2
Frequency Rage (MHz) Mode Step (kHz)
25.0000 - 49.9950 FM 5
50.0000 - 84.0100 FM 5
84.0150 - 87.2950 FM 20 with
15kHz Offset
108.0000 - 136.9875 AM 12.5 / 8.33
108.0000 - 136.9916 Selectable
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
162.0375 - 173.9875 FM 12.5
216.0000 - 224.9950 FM 5
Introduction
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Frequency Rage (MHz) Mode Step (kHz)
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
Band Plan 3
Frequency Rage (MHz) Mode Step (kHz)
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
108.0000 - 136.9875 AM 12.5 / 8.33
108.0000 - 136.9916 Selectable
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
216.0000 - 224.9950 FM 5
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
Introduction
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Feature Highlights
General
Feature Highlights
Close CallTM RF Capture Technology - you can set the
scanner so it detects and provides information about
nearby radio transmissions. See “Using the Close Call
Feature” on Page 72 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.
Preprogrammed Races - your scanner is
preprogrammed with Formula 1 races.
Quick Race Programming – lets you quickly and easily
enter information about a specific race.
Quick Keys – You can set the scanner so you can select
a race or systems and groups by pressing a single key.
This makes it easy to listen to or quickly lock out those
systems or groups you don’t want to scan.
Quick Car Select – You can set the scanner so you can
select and listen to a car by pressing a single key.
Lockout – You can lock out any system, group,
frequency, or channel while scanning. If you lock out a
system or group, any channels belonging to that system
or group are also locked out.
You can lock out up to 200 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.
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 searching and using the Close Call feature.
Feature Highlights
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Attenuator – You can set the scanner’s attenuator to
reduce the input strength of strong signals by about 18 dB
received by the scanner.
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.
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.
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 race system,
conventional 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 the
scanner.
Memory Backup – If power is lost or disconnected, the
scanner retains the frequencies you programmed in its
memory.
Multi Bands – With Aircraft and 800 MHz.
Note: The scanner’s frequency coverage is not continuous.
Feature Highlights
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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 within a system you select.
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
LCD Back Light – Makes the display 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.
Key Beep – You can control whether the scanner beeps
when you press a key.
Feature Highlights
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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. This helps you find
frequencies listed on the Internet and load them into the
scanner.
Clone Mode – You can clone all programmed data,
including the contents of the scanner’s memory, menu
settings, and other parameters from one USC230
scanner to another USC230 scanner.
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.
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 press . It also
instructs you to turn the scroll control (shown as
a series of choices then select one choice (Edit Name).
Select the system E
Menu
Menu
Program System E
Edit Name E
13
Menu
) to view
Feature Highlights
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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 23 if you need any
help doing this.
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, hold then press /4
or rotate the scroll control to the left. To move the cursor to
the right, hold then press 6/ or rotate the scroll
Func
control to the right.
Func
To clear a character, press No twice. To clear all
characters, press No 3 times. To accept an entry, press E
or press down on the scroll control.
Feature Highlights
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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 USC230.
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 two-way
communications do not transmit continuously. Your
USC230 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 USC230 can search each band and up to 10 banks
together to find active frequencies. 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
Understanding Scanning
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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 two-way 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 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.
Understanding Scanning
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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
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
Understanding Scanning
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Using the Scanner at the Racetrack
Keeping up with the action at the racetrack is easy and
fun. You can hear drivers communicating with their pit
crews, officials communicating with drivers and crews,
and track workers communicating with everybody.
Each user at the racetrack transmits and receives on one
or more frequencies.
The scanner organizes racetrack frequencies by the
name of the race you are scanning and by car number.
For example, you might hear drivers and their pit crews
on the car number frequencies and officials and the news
media on the race frequencies. When you are scanning,
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.
You can activate one racing system and as many
conventional systems as you want at the same time.
Within a racing system, each driver can have multiple
frequencies stored.
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
Understanding Scanning
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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.
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 repeaterbased 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.
Understanding Scanning
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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.
If you have access to the internet, you may want to visit
the following websites for additional information:
www.racescanner.eu
- Race frequency information, programming software
and accessories.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/USC230
- A group for people interested in discussing the
USC230.
Understanding Scanning
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Included With Your Scanner
If any of these items are missing or damaged,
Included With Your Scanner
immediately contact your place of purchase.
Connection
Cable
AC Adapter
Scanner
Belt Clip
Headset
Wrist Strap
Batteries
OWNER’S MANUAL
Antennas
Owners
Manual
Included With Your Scanner
USC230
OWNER’S
MANUAL
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Setting Up Your Scanner
These guidelines will help you install and set up your new
Setting Up Your Scanner
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 50-70 Ω coaxial cable for lead-in.
A mating plug might be necessary for the optional
antennas.
• Use the supplied mono headset 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 supplied rechargeable
AA batteries.
Using Rechargeable Batteries
Before you use Ni-MH or Ni-Cd batteries, you must
charge them.
The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge
Ni-MH or Ni-Cd batteries while they are in the scanner. To
charge the batteries;
1. Make sure the power is turned off.
2. Slide the battery compartment cover.
Setting Up Your Scanner
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3. Install two batteries in the compartment as
indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and -)
marked inside.
4. Replace the cover.
5. Connect the supplied AC adapter to the
scanner's DC 6V to charge the batteries. (See
“Using AC Power” on page 25.)
Using Non-rechargeable Batteries
You can also use two alkaline batteries to power
your scanner. Before you use alkaline batteries, you
must remove the sticker in the compartment and
move the switch to REG. ALK. BATT position.
Setting Up Your Scanner
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Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and
recommended type.
• When flashes and the scanner beeps
every 15 seconds, replace both batteries.
• Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries
can leak chemicals that destroy electronic
circuits.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types
of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable),
or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
WARNING!
Do not connect either adapter to the scanner if nonrechargeable batteries (such as alkaline batteries)
are installed in the scanner and REG. ALK. BATT./
NI-MH BATT. is set to NI-MH BATT (this is the
default setting with the sticker) or if you are unsure
of the switch’s position. Non-rechargeable batteries
will get hot and can even burst if you try to recharge
them.
Before you use Ni-MH or Ni-Cd batteries for the first
time, charge them for 16 hours to bring them to a full
charge. Discharged batteries take about 16 hours to
fully recharge.
Notes:
• Ni-MH batteries last longer and deliver more
power if you occasionally let them fully
discharge. To do this, simply use the scanner
until it beeps every 15 seconds and
flashes.
Setting Up Your Scanner
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• 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).
• If you connect an external power source to the
scanner with REG. ALK. BATT./NI-MH BATT.
set to REG. ALK. BATT., the scanner does NOT
charge the batteries. Make sure that you use the
correct batteries and set REG. ALK. BATT./
NI-MH BATT. to the correct position when you
connect an external power source.
Using AC Power
You can power the scanner using the supplied 6V,
500 mA AC adapter.
To use the scanner on AC power, plug the AC adapter
into DC 6V on the side of the scanner then plug the other
end into a standard AC outlet.
If rechargeable batteries are installed without removing the
sticker, or, after removing, REG. ALK. BATT./NI-MH BATT.
is set to NI-MH BATT., the adapter powers the scanner and
recharges the installed batteries at the same time.
Connecting the Antenna
To attach the supplied stub antenna to the connector on
the top of your scanner, align the slots around the
antenna's connector with the tabs on the scanner's BNC
connector. Then slide the antenna's connector down over
the scanner's connector and rotate the antenna
connector's outer ring clockwise until it locks into place.
Connecting an Optional Antenna
The scanner's BNC 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-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8, coaxial cable
to connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna is over 50
feet from the scanner, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric
coaxial cable. You can get a BNC adapter at your local
electronics store.
Setting Up Your Scanner
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Connecting an Earphone/Headphone
For private listening, you can use the supplied headphone
or can plug a
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.
1
/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug earphone (not
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
(3.5-mm) mini-plug into your scanner's jack.
1
/8-inch
WARNING!
If you connect an external speaker to the scanner's
headphone jack, never connect the audio output line
to a power supply and ground. 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. Use a Phillips
screwdriver and the supplied screws to attach the clip to
the scanner.
Setting Up Your Scanner
26
USC230.book Page 27 Thursday, August 3, 2006 10:47 AM
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.
Installing the Demo Software
You can operate your scanner using a personal computer
and the free demo software available at
http://www.racescanner.eu
Download the software, then double-click on the install
package to begin installation. The USC230 Install
program installs the software. You must install the
software to use the scanner with your computer.
After you install the USC230 Install program, start it by
double clicking on the desktop icon or by selecting it in
the Start Programs list.
You can upgrade the included software to a full version by
purchasing a registration key at
http://www.racescanner.eu
Setting Up Your Scanner
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A Look At The Keypad
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
If your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the
following information should help you understand each
key's function.
Key Name Description
CAR/
Hold/
Scan/Srch Scan – Scans the stored channels.
CAR – Selects a car in scan mode.
Func
+ – Locks and unlocks
the keypad.
Hold – Holds the scan or the
frequency search.
Func
+ – Quickly selects the
Close Call feature (see “Setting
Close Call Options” on Page 73).
Func
+ Srch – Starts quick search
or quickly accesses the
search menu.
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Key Name Description
L/O L/O – Lets you lock out a selected
channel or skip a specified
frequency.
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.
Press and hold for more than 2
seconds to unlock all groups and
channels in a conventional system.
/ – Press and hold for more than
2 seconds to turn the scanner on
or off. Press quickly to cancel a
prompt.
Func
+ – Turns the display
backlight on or off.
1-9, 0/Race 1-9 – Enters a frequency, enters
quick key numbers, selects a
custom search range in Custom
Search mode, and selects systems
by quick key in scan mode.
0/Race – Selects the race quick
key, enters a frequency, and
selects a custom search range in
Custom Search mode.
Func
+ 1-9, 0/Race – Selects
groups by quick key in scan mode.
1/Pri 1 – Enters a 1.
Func
+ Pri – Selects the priority
mode in scan hold mode.
Setting Up Your Scanner
29
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