Uniden America UB315 Users manual

DigitalScanner BC250D Owner'sManual(Draft)

Contents

Introduction...........................................................................................1

Front View ............................................................................................2

Top View and Icon Display...................................................................3

BC250D SHORTCUTS .....................................................................4

Important Notice...................................................................................6

Terminology..........................................................................................7

What is Scanning?............................................................................7

What is Searching?...........................................................................7

What is Trunk Tracking?...................................................................7

What is APCO Project 25 Digital Communications ?.......................8

Feature Highlights ................................................................................9

Where to Obtain More Information.....................................................11

Information on the Internet .............................................................11

Included with Your Scanner Package ................................................12

Setup ..................................................................................................13

Installing the Battery Pack..............................................................13

Charging the Battery Pack..............................................................13

Low Battery Indicator......................................................................13

Flexible Antenna.............................................................................14

Beltclip ............................................................................................14

Listening Safely ..............................................................................14

Connecting the Clone Cable...........................................................14

Basic Operation..................................................................................15

Turn the Scanner On......................................................................15

Setting the Squelch ........................................................................15

Understanding the Menu System...................................................16

Menu Description and Numeric Keypad Equivalents.....................17

Programming......................................................................................26

Storing Frequencies into Channels in Menu Mode ........................26

Editing a Stored Frequency............................................................27

Duplicate Frequency Alert ..............................................................27

Transfer Frequencies......................................................................27

Storing Text Tags ...........................................................................28

Beep Alert.......................................................................................29

Programming Tips ..........................................................................29

Deleting a Stored Frequency ..........................................................30

Scanning.............................................................................................31

Scan Hold Feature..........................................................................31

Storing Frequency ..........................................................................32

RF Attenuation Feature ..................................................................32

Setting the Delay Mode for Frequency ...........................................33

Channel Lockout.............................................................................33

Restoring a Locked-out Channel....................................................34

Restoring All Locked-out Channels................................................34

Priority Scan ...................................................................................35

Changing the Priority Channel........................................................35

Prioroty Channel Plus Scan............................................................36

Searching............................................................................................37

Setting Chain Search......................................................................37

Search Hold Feature.......................................................................38

Data Skip........................................................................................38

Frequency Skip ...............................................................................39

Storing Search Frequencies...........................................................39

Auto Storing....................................................................................40

Squelch (SQ) Mode........................................................................41

Additional Menu Options for Searching .........................................43

Service Search...................................................................................44

Service Search Skip .......................................................................45

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page iii

NWR-SAME Alert ...........................................................................45

Testing the Alert Siren....................................................................46

Programming FIPS Code................................................................46

Digital and Trunked Systems .............................................................48

Programming and Receiving Digital and Trunked Systems...............50

Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type...............................50

Programming Trunking Frequencies ..............................................50

Setting the Squelch ........................................................................51

Receiving Trunked Systems...........................................................51

Trunked Search..............................................................................52

ID Search Hold and Direct Entry ID Hold Mode.............................53

ID Lockout.......................................................................................53

Review ID Lockout..........................................................................54

Restoring Locked-out IDs...............................................................54

Scan Lists.......................................................................................55

Programming ID Manually with the Menu Mode ............................56

ID Scan Mode.................................................................................57

Setting the Delay Mode for Trunking Mode....................................58

Setting Priority in Trunking Mode ...................................................58

Programming Scan Lists During Search ........................................59

Deleting a Stored ID.......................................................................59

Moving between Scan List Memories.............................................59

I-Call (Motorola/EDACS).................................................................59

Multi-Track......................................................................................61

EDACS Reception..............................................................................63

EDACS Tracking.............................................................................63

Programming EDACS System Frequencies ...................................63

An EDACS Trunked system...........................................................64

Special EDACS Features ...............................................................65

LTR Reception....................................................................................67

LTR Tracking..................................................................................67

Motorola Reception ............................................................................68

Motorola Tracking...........................................................................68

Fleet Map Programming.................................................................69

Selecting Preset Fleet Map ............................................................69

Programming a Fleet Map..............................................................70

Programming a Hybrid System.......................................................70

Setting the Base, Spacing Frequencies and Offset Channel for

Motorola VHF/UHF Trunked Systems

...............................................71

Toggling the Status Bit ...................................................................72

Control Channel Only Mode...........................................................72

Disconnect Tone Detect Option (End Code)..................................74

EDACS SCAT .................................................................................74

APCO Project 25 Reception ...............................................................75

Installing the APCO card................................................................75

Turn the APCO operation On.........................................................75

Precautions for Iistalling the BCi25D Card.....................................76

Remote Interface................................................................................77

PC Control Mode............................................................................77

Clone Mode ....................................................................................78

Additional Features.............................................................................81

Care and Maintenance.......................................................................84

Troubleshooting..................................................................................85

Specifications......................................................................................87

Glossary of Terms..............................................................................89

Appendix.............................................................................................93

One Year Limited Warranty ..............................................................103

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page iv

Introduction

The BC250D is a state-of-the-art Digital Capable radio with TrunkTracking™ and automatic scanning capabilities. It can store frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, railroad, air, amateur, and other communications into 10 banks of 100 channels, or a total of 1000 channels.

With the optional BCi25D, 25 Digital Card installed you can monitor Public Safety Organizations who currently use an APCO 25 system.

Use your new scanner to monitor:

• Police and Fire Departments (including rescue and paramedics)

• VHF High Band, UHF, 800/Type II 900 MHz Trunked Public Safety Systems

• Trunking for Motorola Type, EDACS and LTR Systems

• NOAA Weather Broadcasts

• Business/Industrial Radio

• Utilities

• Marine and Amateur (ham radio) Bands

• Air Band

• And much more...

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

1 25.0000 - 26.9600 AM 5 2 26.9650 - 27.4050 AM 5 3 27.4100 - 27.9950 AM 5 4 28.0000 - 29.6900 FM 10 5 29.7000 - 49.9900 FM 10 6 50.0000 - 53.9900 FM 10 7 54.0000 - 71.9500 WFM 50 8 72.0000 - 75.9950 FM 5

9 76.0000 - 87.9500 WFM 50 10 88.0000 - 107.9000 WFM 100 11 108.0000 - 136.9750 AM 25 12 137.0000 - 143.9950 FM 5 13 144.0000 - 147.9950 FM 5 14 148.0000 - 161.9950 FM 5

Band

No.

Frequency Range

(MHz)

Mode Step

(kHz)

15 162.0000 - 173.9875 FM 12.5

16 174.0000 - 215.9500 WFM 50 17 216.0000 - 224.9950 FM 5 18 225.0000 - 399.9500 AM 50 19 400.0000 - 405.9875 NFM 12.5 20 406.0000 - 419.9875 NFM 12.5 21 420.0000 - 449.9875 NFM 12.5 22 450.0000 - 469.9875 NFM 12.5 23 470.0000 - 512.0000 NFM 12.5 24 806.0000 - 823.9875 NFM 12.5 25 849.0125 - 868.9875 NFM 12.5 26 894.0125 - 956.0000 NFM 12.5 27 1240.0000 - 1300.0000 NFM 12.5

Band

No.

Frequency Range

(MHz)

Mode Step

(kHz)

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 1

Front View

1. Antenna Connector

2. Speaker

3. Display

4. DC Power Jack

5. Hold/Manual/Channel/Frequency Key (HOLD/MAN)

6. Scan Key (SCAN)

7. Menu/Back Key (MENU/BACK)

8. Lockout Key (L/O)

9. Light/Keypad Lock Key (/ )

10. Decimal/Reverse Key ( )

11. Earphone Jack

12. Volume/Switch Control

13. Squelch Level Control

14. Remote Jack

15. VFO Control

16. Resume Key ( )

17. Service Key (SERVICE)

18. Search Key (SEARCH)

19. Numeric Keypad

20. Trunk Key (TRUNK)

21. Priority Key (PRI)

22. Transfer/Mute Key (TRNSFR/MUTE)

23. Enter/Select Key (E)

RSM

5 6

7 8 9

22 23

SCAN

SERVICE

CH/ FRQ

MENU/BACK

L/O

SELECT

REVERSE

TRUNK

RSM

HOLD/ MAN

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 2

Top View and Icon Display

Uniden®and Bearcat®are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation. TrunkTracker is a proprietary trademark of Uniden America Corporation.

DESCRIPTION Priority Channel Indicator Conventional/Channel Mode Indicator Lock Out Mode Indicator Scan/Search Direction Indicator Chain Search Mode Indicator Service Search Mode Indicator Scan Mode Indicator ID Scan Mode Indicator ID Search Mode Indicator T runk Type

M: Morola Tracking Mode L: LTR Tracking Mode E: EDACS Tracking Mode ENC: EDACS SCAT Tracking Mode

Receiving Mode Indicators Signal Meter

Battery Indicator

ICON

SRCH

SRVC

SCAN

ID SCAN

ID SEARCH

M,L

ENC

AM,FM

WFM,NFM

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 3

321

332

2 2 3

341

HOLD/

MAN

HOLD/

MAN

ID MEMORY

select

ID No.

enter

MENU/

BACK

MENU/

BACK

MENU/

BACK

MENU/ BACK

MENU/

BACK

MENU/ BACK

SCAN

then by rotating the VFO control to enter the text and using RSM or HOLD/MAN to move cursor. After the text is entered, press

This shortcut card is designed to assist you in getting through the menu screens using the direct entry mode for commonly used features. Please read the manual thoroughly before using this card. Be sure to back out of the menu screen after each shortcut by repeatedly pressing MENU/BACK.

BC250D SHORTCUTS

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 4

21 1

3 5

1 1

select bank

select range

select speed

select range

E E

MENU/

BACK

MENU/ BACK

MENU/

BACK

MENU/ BACK

CHAIN SERCH

MENU/

BACK

To set up a system for trunk tracking, select a bank, then enter trunk type

Then enter the trunk type you want to track.

MUTE

To silence the scanner's audio output, set the scanner to "Mute On".

Press and hold .

To record either of channel, bank, ID memory and search bank. In each mode, do the following:

Press

CHAIN SERCH

select

CHAIN SEARCH

Then enter the lower and upper ranges and press . Rotate the VFO control to enter the tag and use RSM or HOLD/MAN to move cursor and then press .

Rotate the VFO control to enter the tag and use RSM or HOLD/MAN to move cursor and then press .

If you need any assistance with this product, please call our Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-297-1023. A Uniden representative will be happy to help you with any matters regarding the operation of this unit, available accessories, or any other related matters. Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central time.

Also please check out our website at scanner.uniden.com

BC250D SHORTCUTS

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 5

Important Notice

• This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, as amended, makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept cellular or cordless telephone transmissions or to market this radio when altered to receive them.

• The installation, possession, or use of this scanning radio in a motor vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or require a permit in certain states, cities, and/or local jurisdictions. Your local law enforcement officials should be able to provide you with information regarding the laws in your community.

• Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any way other than as detailed by this Operating Guide. These violations could void your authority to operate this product.

• The screen displays used in this manual are representations of what might appear when you use your scanner.

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 6

Terminology

What is Scanning?

Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit continuously. The BC250D scans the channels you program until it finds an active frequency.

Scanning stops on an active frequency and remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes until another transmission is received.

What is Searching?

The BC250D can search each of its 17 bands to find active frequencies. This is different from scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmed into your scanner. The scanner automatically chooses between two speeds while searching. Turbo Search, can search the VHF FM bands at up to 300 steps per second.

What is Trunk Tracking?

Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a radio frequency in your scanner’s memory which is used by someone you want to monitor. For example, the police in your area may broadcast on 460.500 MHz, the fire department on

154.445 MHz, the highway department on 37.900 MHz, etc. So when your scanner stops on a frequency, you usually know who it is, and more importantly, you can stop on a channel and listen to an entire conversation. This type of scanning is easy and fun.

As the demand for public communications has increased, many public radio users don't have enough frequencies to meet their needs, and this has created a serious problem. Trunking radio systems solve this problem.

In a trunked radio system, which contains up to 28 different frequencies, radio users are divided into groups, often called talkgroups, and these talkgroups are assigned specific IDs. When someone in a talkgroup uses their radio, a brief burst of data is broadcasted before each transmission. The trunking system computer uses this data to temporarily assign each radio in a talkgroup to an available frequency. If the group using a frequency stops broadcasting or pauses between

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 7

replies for a few seconds, they are removed from the frequency so another talkgroup can use it.

Sharing of the available public service frequencies, or trunking, allows cities, counties, or other agencies to accommodate hundreds of users with relatively few frequencies. Following a conversation on a trunked system using a scanner is difficult, if not impossible. Because when there's a short break during the conversation you're monitoring, it’s possible that the talkgroup will be assigned to a completely different frequency in the trunked system. This type of scanning is difficult and frustrating.

TrunkTrack changes this! Not only does your new BC250D scan channels like a conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know a talkgroups ID, you won’t miss any of the action.

If you're a new scanner enthusiast, you may want to read the first part of this manual and use your scanner in conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking. Understanding scanning fundamentals and its terminology will make trunk tracking much easier. A glossary of other commonly used terms is provided in the back. (Refer to the "Glossary of Terms" section.) But if you're already an experienced scanner operator, you may want to skip to Trunked System on page

50.

What is APCO Project 25 Digital Communications?

APCO Project 25 is a modulation process where Voice communications are converted into digital communications. This conversion is similar to the technology used with digital mobile phones. There are several types of project 25 systems available!

- Conventional – One frequency with digital voice.

- Trunked with analog control channel and digital voice – many frequencies shared by many departments and the control channel is analog with digital voice. Control channel operates at 3600 Band.

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 8

Feature Highlights

• Trunk Tracking – Follow UHF High Band UHF 800/900MHz trunked public safety and public service systems just as if conventional two-way communications were used.

• Digital Capable – With the APCO 25 Digital card (BCi25D) installed, you can monitor project 25 systems.

• Multi-Track – Track more than one trunking system at a time. Scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time.

• 1000 Channels – Program one frequency into each channel. You must have at least one channel programmed to use the Scan mode.

• 17 Bands, 10 Banks – Includes 17 bands, with Aircraft and 800 MHz.10 banks with 100 channels each are useful for storing similar frequencies to maintain faster scanning cycles or for storing all the frequencies of a trunked system.

• 25 MHz-1300 MHz – Indicates the range of frequencies that can be searched within the bands of your scanner.

Note: The frequency coverage is not continuous and

excludes the cellular band, 512-806MHz.

• 10 Priority Channels – You can assign one priority channel in each bank. Assigning a priority channel allows you to keep track of activity on your most important channel(s) while monitoring other channels for transmissions. You can also assign trunking priority talkgroups.

• Priority Plus Scan – You can keep only priority channels you assigned in the selected bank.

• Preprogrammed Service (SVC) Search – Allows you to toggle through preprogrammed public safety, news media, TV broadcast audio, Ham, CB, FRS, special low power, railroad, aircraft, marine, racing, and weather frequencies.

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

• Memory Backup – If power is disconnected, the frequencies programmed in your scanner are retained in memory.

• Direct Channel Access – Go directly to any channel without entering the menu mode.

• Attenuator – Reduces the signal strength on a per frequency basis.

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 9

• PC Programmable – Allows you to easily program all frequencies and Trunking Talk Groups into your BC250D through third party software running on your PC.

• Turbo Search – Increases the search speed to 300 steps per second. This applies only to transmission bands with 5 kHz steps.

• Text Tags – You can customize your scanner by storing text tags (up to 16 characters).

• Auto Store – The scanner automatically arranges a memory store for searched frequencies.

• CTCSS/DCS – The scanner can receive and search for subaudible tones.

• NWR-SAME Alert – The scanner is compatible with warning siren and message transmissions.

• FIPS Code – Six digit FIPS Code (emergency and geographic area code) programmable.

• LCD Back-Light – LCD lights when you press the Light key. You can select the lighting length of time in the menu mode.

• Battery Save – In Scan hold mode and no transmission, your Scanner automatically reduces its power requirements to extend the battery life

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 10

Where to Obtain More

Information

Before using your scanner, you must program frequencies into available channels. The Betty Bearcat Frequency Guide lists typical frequencies used around the U.S.A. and Canada that you may program into your new scanner.

To obtain another copy of the frequency guide, contact one of the following:

• Uniden Parts Department (800) 554-3988 (Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday.)

• Local Dealer To obtain additional frequency information for your area,

contact one of the following:

• Bearcat Frequency Hotline (937) 299-0414 (Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)

• Bearcat Radio Club (800) 423-1331 (Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)

• Scanner Master (800) 722-6701 (Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)

Information on the Internet

If you have access to the internet, you may want to visit one of the following websites for additional information:

scanner.uniden.com www.bearcat1.com

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 11

Included with Your

Scanner Package

If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday.

• AC Adapter (AD-600U)

• Ni-MH Battery

• Rubber Antenna

• Remote Cable

• Beltclip

• Operating Guide

• Trunk Tracker Frequency Guide and Other Printed

Material

BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 12

Setup

Installing the Battery Pack

1. Open the cover.

2. Insert the battery pack connector with the correct polarity.

3. Replace the cover and press down until it clicks into place.

Charging the Battery Pack

Use the AC Adapter/Charger to power the BC250D from an AC outlet.

You can use your scanner while the battery charges. To fully charge the battery, leave the AC Adapter/Charger connected for 14 — 16 hours.

Note: Disconnect the AC Adapter/Charger from the unit when

charging is complete.

Low Battery Indicator

When the Battery Pack is low and needs to be charged, icon

appears on the display. You will also hear a beep every

15 seconds as an audible alert.

HOLD/ MAN

CH/ FRQ

RSM

Use only the supplied AC Adapter

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 13

Flexible Antenna

Attach the flexible antenna to the BNC connector.

Beltclip

1. Snap the tab out of the beltclip notch on the back side of the scanner.

2. Slide the clip into the tab slot. The beltclip is designed to fit snugly into the scanner, as shown on the right.

Listening Safely

To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or headphones.

• Do not use the earphone to listen to the WX alert siren

test. The volume is not adjustable and damage to your hearing could occur.

• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.

• Set the VOLUME to the lowest setting before you begin lis- tening. After you begin listening, adjust the VOLUME to a comfortable level.

• Once you set the VOLUME, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.

Connecting the REMOTE Cable

You can transfer the programmed data to and from another BC250D or BC785D scanner using an remote cable. See "Clone Mode" on page 79. You can also upload or download the programmed data to or from a PC using third party software. See "PC control MODE" on page 78.

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 14

Basic Operation

Note: See the Controls and Indicators on page 2 while

reading this guide.

Turn the Scanner On

Turn the VOLUME inside control clockwise out of the detent position. The scanner automatically starts scanning. Since there are no frequencies programmed in your scanner initially, you may not receive any signals. Once you set the squelch and program some frequencies, you will be hearing conversations regularly.

Setting the Squelch

To set the squelch, you must be in the hold mode, and you should not be receiving a signal on your scanner.

1. Press HOLD/MAN until you do not hear a signal.

2. Make sure that the VOLUME is set to a comfortable listening level.

3. Think of the Squelch Control as a gate. Turn SQUELCH outside control fully counter-clockwise. This raises the "Squelch Gate" so high that only very strong signals can get through.

4. Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise until you hear a hiss. This lowers the "Squelch Gate" so that everything gets through – noise, weak signals, medium signals and strong signals.

5. Turn SQUELCH back counter-clockwise just until the hiss stops. Now the "Squelch Gate" allows only clear signals through.

STRONG SIGNALS

MEDIUM SIGNALS

WEAK SIGNALS

NOISE

STRONG SIGNALS

MEDIUM SIGNALS

WEAK SIGNALS

NOISE

STRONG SIGNALS

MEDIUM SIGNALS

WEAK SIGNALS

NOISE

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 15

Next you must program some frequencies (Page 26). It is recommended that you read the next part "Understanding the Menu System" because it will assist you in accessing and understanding many of the features. Later in a section called "Additional Features", you will find explanations on how to disable the keypad acknowledgement tones, how to mute the audio, how to change the appearance of the display and other general features.

Understanding the Menu System

It is very important for you to understand the Menu screen. To navigate through the Menu screen is really quite simple. Many of the features of this scanner, can only be accessed by the menu screens. There are several ways to get through the screens. First of all, press MENU/BACK to get started. Any time you want to exit this mode or simply quit from where you are, repeatedly press MENU/BACK until the scanner returns to the original state. Anytime you are in the Menu mode, the audio will be muted.

To assist you in understanding the Menu screen, flow charts are provided towards the back of the manual so you can follow along. Two things to remember are rotate the through the menu and execute the command. For simplicity, we have chosen to rotate the VFO key up or down in order to scroll through the menu and the E key for entering or executing a command. Once you have pressed the E key and executed the final choice (for instance, ON or OFF), the display backs up to the previous level of options.

Also direct entry of the numbers in the flow chart will get you through the screens, but the other screen options are not visible. This method should be used only after you have gone through the manual at least once. A tearout shortcut card (see page 4) is provided to assist you in the direct entry method for commonly used features.

Next page is the first level of the Menu screen. These levels are then expanded from 100 to 102 page of the manual. You will find a description section to explain the meanings of these functions on the next pages. Then, you will be walked through all the steps of programming, scanning, searching, and trunktracking.

☞Hint: You can check the options you programmed on the

display when you press and hold MENU/BACK for 2 seconds in the following modes.

• Scan mode/Scan hold mode (as well as Trank mode).

• Chain Search mode/Chain Search hold mode

• ID Search mode/ID Search hold mode

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 16

Menu Description and Numeric Keypad Equivalents

Below are the menu screens and a brief description or purpose of the feature.

1:SERVICE OPTION

The followings are Service Search and Chain Search features. Service Search menu are preprogrammed services used around the U.S.

1:WEATHER

1:MONITOR

When you select this mode, the preprogrammed NOAA weather channel begins to activate.

2:ALERT

You can set NWR-SAME weather alert to ON or OFF. With ALERT ON you enter the mode to program your FIPS code.

2:PUBLIC SAFETY

3:NEWS

4:TV BROADCAST

5:HAM RADIO

6:MARINE

7:RAILROAD

8:AIR

9:CB RADIO

0:FRS

:RACING

:SPECIAL

:CHAIN SEARCH

You can program up to 10 search ranges. The first time you program a range you will need to do so through the Menu. After the first time you can program a range as you do on most any other scanner, using the numeric keypad. Use this Menu item to select the search range that

1:SERVICE OPTION

2:SCAN OPTION

3:SYSTEM OPTION

MENU MODE

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 17

you want to program. You can program range 1 through 10, one at a time. For each of the ranges, the following options can be modified.

1:CHAIN SEARCH

When you turn chain search setting to ON, you can use chain search.

2:SEARCH RANGE

1:RANGE

Enter the upper and lower frequency limits of the SEARCH range.

2:STEPS

You can assign a variety of step sizes to the search range. Note: The default step is usually

acceptable and is listed on page 1.

3:MODE

You can change the default receive mode with this menu item.

4:ALPHA TAG

You can enter an alpha tag for any or all of the search ranges.

5:TRUNK

During chain search mode, when the scanner finds any active frequency, trunking system will be active. 4 frequency plans apply to the Control Channel Only feature (For details on page 73).

3:DELAY

Set the delay for the search ranges to ON or OFF. This applies to each range for chain search mode, and each service group for service search mode (See SCAN OPTION-

CONVENTIONAL-DELAY for details).

4:ATTENUATOR

Set attenuation for all search ranges. (See SCAN OPTION-CONVENTIONAL-

ATTENUATOR for details).

5:TONE DATA

The default mode is OFF. This means that you will receive all transmissions on any frequencies that are active within your search range(s). By selecting CTCSS or DCS you can set the radio to receive only a particular subaudible tone to be received during your

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 18

search. You can also lockout a particular CTCSS or DCS tone. You may wish to do this if you want to search a range but not hear transmissions on any frequency that has a particular subaudible tone. Note: Through the System Menu you can set

the radio to operate in Tone Search mode during Search as well. In this mode, the radio will automatically determine the active subaudible tone on any frequency received during the search.

6:AUTO STORE

You can automatically store active frequencies found during a search into the memory. You can select which bank you want to program the found frequencies. Note that the audio will be muted during Auto Store.

2:SCAN OPTION

1:CONVENTIONAL

Choose the channel number. The following options are available for the selected channel only. Repeat using a different channel number, if necessary.

1:FREQUENCY.

Allows you to edit or enter a frequency in each channel you select. Also you can set an alphanumeric text tag for each programmed frequency.

2:DELAY

The delay for all programmed channels is 2 seconds. At the end of any transmission the scanner will remain on the frequency for 2 seconds before resuming scanning. This will allow you to catch most replies.

3:TONE DATA

You can set a CTCSS (analog) or DCS (digital) sub-audible tone for a frequency. To do so you must have the SQ Mode in the System Menu set to Tone SQ. You can also program a subaudible tone easily by pressing the E key in scan hold mode after programming a frequency. This will bring up the Tone Data menu without your having to navigate the Menu. By doing this you will

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 19

receive all transmissions on the frequency, regardless of the subaudible tone, except the one which you have locked. Any transmissions with that tone will not be received.

4:BEEP ALERT

You can set a Beep Alert on a per-channel basis to alert you when specific frequencies are active. For example, you may wish to be alerted anytime a mutual aid fire frequency is active. With beep alert, you will hear three beeps at the start of each transmission that you have flagged as such. You will also notice that as you scroll pass the flagged channel(s), you will hear three beeps.

5:ATTENUATOR

The BC250D comes with an RF Attenuation feature. If you are near an unusually strong signal source, the signal may overload the scanner. The scanner may stop repeatedly on that signal and miss other transmissions. The RF Attenuation feature works in all modes and attenuates (reduces) the incoming signal strength to prevent stronger signals from overloading the scanner.

6:STEPS

Your BC250D is programmed with default step sizes for each frequency range (see page 1). Steps are important if you are interested in using the VFO to tune offfrequency from a frequency programmed into memory or if you wish to program a frequency that the default step size will not accept. For example, in VHF Hi-band mode, the default step size between 148 and 162 MHz is 5 KHz. However, the FCC has recently instituted 7.5 KHz channel intervals. If you wish to enter 155.4075 into the scanner without changing the default step, the scanner will change the programmed frequency to

155.4100. Use the menu to change the default step size to 7.5 KHz and then you will be able to enter 155.4075.

7:MODE

Default receive modes are also programmed into memory. AM for aircraft and CB bands, for example. All frequencies (other than TV broadcast audio) above 400 MHz are

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 20

received in NFM mode which helps prevent adjacent channel interference. You can change the default settings on a per-channel basis with this Menu item.

2:TRUNK

Choose the Trunk bank. The following options are available for the selected trunk bank only. Repeat using a different trunk bank, if necessary.

1:TRUNK TYPE

You will need to assign the correct trunking type for the bank you are about to program. If you want to listen to a Motorola Type I system, you will need to use this menu option to assign the same. If you do not know the type of trunking system you are about to monitor, refer to the guide included with the scanner or check out

www.trunktracker.com. Note: Some trunking systems require that you

know the channel order. In these cases you will also need to start programming the trunked system at the start of the bank. The scanner defaults to the most common type of trunking system, Motorola Type II 800.

2:TRUNK CHANNEL

1:FREQUENCY

To use Trunk tracking, you need to program a frequency for at least one channel. Also you can enter an alpha tag for each channel in this menu.

2:STEPS

You can assign a variety of step sizes to the channel.

3: MODE

You can change the receive mode in this menu.

3:TALK GROUP SET

You can program IDs into the Scan List memory either during Trunk Scan or Search without going into the Menu. However, you can also use the Menu to program IDs. This is particularly helpful when you are not near the trunked system you wish to later monitor. You can set it up and have it ready to go at some later time.

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 21

After you have selected the Scan List location (1-10), you can then do the following:

1. Program ID number

2. Set an alpha tag

3. Assign a Beep Alert to the ID. Whenever that ID is active, you will hear three beeps at the start of the transmission.

4:DELAY

You can set a Delay for a trunk system on a bank by bank basis. The delay time is 5 seconds, and this setting can not be changed.

5:ID LIST TAG

Assign an alphanumeric tag to any or all of the 10 Scan Lists for the system. During ID Scan Mode, you will see the ID List Tag (on the bottom text line) along with any alpha tag you may have set for an ID. In Search mode, you will see any Bank Tag you have set.

6:L/O ID REVIEW

Use this menu item to review the IDs that you have locked out during Search and Scan. Rotate the VFO up or down to view the IDs that have been locked out. To leave the lockout IDs unchanged, press MENU/BACK to back out of the menu. To unlock an ID, press the L/O key. To unlock all the IDs that have been locked out, press and hold L/O key for about 2 seconds.

7: ACTIVITY ID

Set ACTIVITY ID to ON, when your scanner finds any other active ID during your scanner receives any transmissions on the ID, the active ID appears every 0.5 seconds.

8:I-CALL (MOTOROLA/EDACS)

Most communications within a trunked system are group calls where one unit (such as a dispatcher) communicates with all the units within his/her group (all the patrol vehicles on the east side of town, for example). The units within this group comprise what is typically known as a talkgroup. There are some communications which are direct unit-to-unit conversations where one individual converses with another individual. The call is initiated by a radio and is directed to another single radio. Within the system, no one outside of these two users hears the conversation. Your BC250D defaults to I-CALL OFF mode.

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 22

You can hear these conversations by using this Menu item to turn the I-CALL function to ON. In Search mode, with I-CALL ON, you will hear both talkgroup calls and I-CALLs. You can also set I-CALLs to I-CALL ONLY during which you will monitor only I-CALLs in Search mode. You can also program I-CALL IDs into Scan List memory.

8:ID SCAN LIST (LTR)

When scanning an LTR system you can only turn Scan Lists OFF and ON when an LTR talk group that you have entered into memory is active. To provide you with another method to turn Scan Lists on and off, you can use this Menu item which only appears when you have selected LTR in Trunk Type.

9:EMERGENCY ALT (EDACS)

In EDACS trunked systems, you can set an alert for an EDASC transmission received. Set EMERGENCY ALERT to ON, and EMERGENCY flashes on the display and you will hear beep alerts when you receive an EDASC emergency transmission.

9:STATUS BIT

9:STATUS BIT (MOTOROLA)

On Type 2 trunking systems there is a method by which specialized types of communications utilize unique talkgroup numbers. An emergency call will occur on a unique talkgroup from its primary assignment, for example. Because the BC250D defaults to Status-Bit On mode, you never need to worry about missing these transmissions. If you've programmed talkgroup 33264 into Scan List memory, for example, and there is an emergency call within the group, you will hear it on 33264.

0:EDACS ID FORM (EDACS)

You can change to display the talkgroups in decimal mode, but this mode does not provide you with the flexibility that you get with AFS. The BC250D defaults to show the talkgroup number in AFS mode (AgencyFleet-Subfleet). For details on AFS see pages

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 23

65~67.

0:END CODE (MOTOROLA)

When this function is disabled, the radio looks for squelch before returning to the control channel instead of waiting for the disconnect tone. Only in rare instances will you need to adjust the default settings. The condition to return to control channels depends on whether signal is present or not.

:CNTRL CH ONLY (TYPE 1/TYPE 2 800, 900)

With this mode you will be able to track Motorola Type I and II 800 and 900 MHz trunked systems by simply entering the control channel which manages the trunked system. You will not have to program the voice channels. There are 4 channel plans which you can select from.

3:SYSTEM OPTION

1:DIMMER

Allows you to change the brightness of the display. Also you can change the lighting length of time.

2:SCREEN MASK

Screen Mask allows you to limit what appears on the display to the alpha tags that you have set for a channel along with a few function icons. Screen Mask removes the frequency, receiving mode tone data and signal strength bars. This mode is particularly useful in public safety vehicles where "information overload" is already a problem. Screen Mask does not work in Search mode.

3:KEY BEEP

Use this function to turn OFF the keypad acknowledgement beep. The default setting is ON.

4:ENTER LOCK

Use Enter Lock to prevent accidental re-programming of channels, tone (CTCSS/DCS) and talkgroups entered into memory. The default setting is OFF.

5:PC CONTROL

Use this function to set the transfer speed (baud rate) at which your personal computer (PC) communicates with the scanner when downloading information into your scanner using the Uniden national database or third party software. See page 78 for details.

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 24

6:CLONE

You can clone all the programming, including frequencies, talkgroups and alpha tags as well as bank settings and other parameters from one BC250D to another.

7:DATA SKIP

A scanner will normally stop on any transmission it receives. This means the BC250D will occasionally stop on data signals and unmodulated transmissions. You can automatically skip many of these types of transmissions during search.

8:SQ MODE

The SQ Mode allows you to set at your option, whether the scanner will stop on all active transmissions on a particular frequency or it will only respond to transmissions with a pre-set subaudible tone. This applies to both conventional search and scan modes. The options are as follows:

1. CSQ - The default setting is CSQ (carrier squelch). In this mode the scanner will stop on any transmission on a programmed frequency (Squelch mode does not apply to trunking).

2. TONE SQ - In Tone Squelch mode, if you have set a subaudible tone (CTCSS or DCS) for a frequency, the scanner will only stop on that frequency if the transmission includes the prescribed tone.

3. TONE SEARCH - In this mode, as soon as the scanner stops on any (non-trunked) channel, the scanner will begin to search for any subaudible tone that is being used on a transmitted frequency. The scanner will check each CTCSS tone sequentially and it will find DCS tones instantly.

9:BANK TAG

Allows you to set an alphanumeric text tag for individual banks in the scanner (1-10).(The "0" key represents Bank number 10.) For example, you may wish to set the Bank one text tag as Law Enforcement, the second bank as Fire, etc.

10:BATTERY SAVE

When you set BATTERY SAVE to on in this menu, BATTERY SAVE is active in Scan hold mode(except priority scan mode).

:APCO Card

When you set optional card (Bci25D) and select ENABLE in this mode, you can activate Digital Communications. See page 76 for details.

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 25

Programming

Before the BC250D can begin conventional scanning, you must program a frequency into at least one channel.

Repeat this procedure for each channel you want to program.

Storing Frequencies into Channels in Menu Mode

1. Select frequencies you received from your dealer, from various sources on the internet, or from one of the guides listed on page X. Here is a list of sample frequencies you should try:

156.800 Marine Calling channel

155.340 Ambulance operations

155.280 Ambulance operations

155.160 Ambulance operations

462.950 Ambulance operations

462.5625 Family Radio Services (channel one)

2. Press MENU/BACK.

3. Select SCAN OPTION-CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E.

4. Select a channel.

a. Enter the

channel number using the keypad.

Note: If you press

SCAN for 2 seconds, the lowest empty channel

appears on the display.

b. Then press E.

5. Select FREQUENCY, and enter the frequency.

a. Enter the frequency number

using the keypad.

b. Then press E.

6. Enter the alpha tag. (See page 28.)

7. The following display appears, you select a location you want.

HOLD/ MAN

SCAN

SERVICE

CH/ FRQ

MENU/BACK

L/O

SELECT

REVERSE

TRUNK

RSM

C 001

855.0000 NFM ENTER CHANNEL No.

C 001

855.0000 NFM ALPHA TAG

1:OTHER CHANNEL

2:CHANNEL OPTION 3:DONE

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 26

Note: • To clear a mistake while entering the frequency,

press (decimal key) repeatedly until the display is cleared.

• If you enter a channel or frequency which is out of the scanner’s range, a beep will sound and ERROR appears on the display.

• You can change a channel or frequency by using VFO. To switch the setting for VFO control, press and hold HOLD/MAN for 2 seconds to toggle between ROTARY:

CHANNEL or ROTARY: FREQUENCY on the display.

• After programming frequencies for each bank, you can also change the step size or the mode.(See page 101)

Editing a Stored Frequency

1. Press MENU/BACK.

2. Select SCAN OPTION-CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E.

3. Select the channel number by rotating the VFO and pressing E.

4. Edit the frequency by using (decimal key) or the keypad and pressing E.

Duplicate Frequency Alert

If you enter a frequency which has been stored in another channel, you will hear a beep and the channel stored displays WARNING.

Press (decimal key) to clear and start again. ––– OR –––

Press E again to store the frequency in both channels.

Transfer Frequencies

You can transfer a frequency that has been stored in a channel to another channel.

1. Press HOLD/MAN.

C 010

512.0000 NFM ERROR OUT OF CHANNEL

C 010

512.0000 NFM ERROR OUT OF BAND

C 010

512.0000 NFM WARNING DUPLICATE 17

BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 27

+ 76 hidden pages