Uniden BCD396T - Manual

10 Introduction Introduction Your BCD396T scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio with TrunkTracker IV™ and automatic scanning capabilities. You can store frequencies such as police,fire/emergency, marine, air, amateur, and other communications into the scanner. You can carry it with you whereve...

11 Feature Highlights Feature Highlights General Close Call TM 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 100 for more information. Dynamically Allocated Channel Memory - your sca...

16 Feature Highlights BCD396T scanner using a personal computer and a radio transmitter. 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 and user IDs for your area and the sett...

19 Understanding Scanning Understanding Scanning This section provides you with background on how 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 BCD396T. Understanding the Scanner’s Memory Your scanner...

22 Understanding Scanning 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...

23 Understanding Scanning 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 suc...

24 Understanding Scanning When tracking these types of systems, you might want to remember these important points: • Your scanner can track more than one trunking system at a time and scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time. • The frequencies for many of the 800 MHz public safety syst...

25 Understanding Scanning system with a lot of users, only a few users are ever transmitting at any one time. Instead of being assigned a frequency, as with conventional systems, each group is assigned a talk group ID. A central computer controls the frequency each group operates on...and this frequ...

29 Understanding Scanning I-Call (Motorola/EDACS) I-calls are direct unit-to-unit transmissions that are not heard by other system users. Your BCD396T can receive I-call transmissions. See “Setting I-Call (Motorola Analog and EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 77 for more information about monitoring I-ca...

31 Included With Your Scanner Included With Your Scanner 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, Monday through Friday. Owners Scanner AC Adapter Frequency Guide National ...

32 Setting Up Your Scanner 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 ant...

34 Setting Up Your Scanner 3. Replace the cover. When flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, replace both batteries. Using Rechargeable Batteries You can also use two rechargeable batteries to power your scanner. Before you use rechargeable batteries, you must charge them. The scanner has a...

35 Setting Up Your Scanner Removing the Display Sticker Before you use the scanner, use your thumb and forefinger to 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 AC ...

36 Setting Up Your Scanner 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 fr...

37 Setting Up Your Scanner 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 k...

41 Setting Up Your Scanner 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. The dark area shown above the icons in this illustration is the text display area. Information about t...

42 Setting Up Your Scanner Using Menu Press on the left side of the scanner to enter the menu. See “Using the Menu” on Page 49 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 s...

43 Basic Operation Basic Operation Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch 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 ...

45 Basic Operation You can scan preprogrammed systems more efficiently by preventing the BCD396T from scanning systems that are not in your area. There are three ways to do this: • Lock out the faraway systems (see “Locking/ Unlocking Systems” on Page 46). • Reassign your local systems to another qu...

46 Basic Operation 1. Press to hold on the system (or hold down then rotate the scroll control to select the system). 2. Continue to hold and press the number key corresponding to the channel group you want to activate or deactivate. Locking/Unlocking Systems Follow these steps to lock out a system ...

47 Basic Operation • ID Scan – the scanner only stops on talk group ID’s that you have programmed into the system • ID Search – the scanner stops on any unlocked talk group that becomes active. To toggle between ID Scan and ID Search, press Scan while the scanner is scanning the system. Temporarily ...

48 Basic Operation 3. To quick-store the channel or talk group ID, press E . Otherwise, press No . If you enter a frequency then press E , the scanner stores it in the Qck Save Grp group in a system called Qck Save Cnv Sys . These are created if they do not exist. Then, the scanner prompts you to sa...

49 Using the Menu Using the Menu The scanner’s menu lets you select options that let 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 currently-selected menu item is highlighted...

51 Using the Menu Programming Systems Menu This table shows the scanner’s systems menu structure. This menu lets you program new systems or change existing systems. To find information about a particular menu setting in this manual, go to the page number shown under or next to the setting.To use the...

53 Other Settings Other Settings Displaying System Information Viewing Memory Used Settings See Scanner Info % Memory Used A bar showing the percent of memory used appears. Press any key to return to the previous menu, then press Scan or Hold . Viewing the Firmware Version Settings See Scanner Info ...

54 Other Settings Turning Power Save On or Off 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 Set Priority Or, while holding on any channel, press + 1/Pri to select one of these ...

55 Other Settings • 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. Pressing any key while the backlight is on extends the backlight period. Pressing while the backlight is on ...

56 Other Settings 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 which data is transferred between the scanner and the computer, in bits per second (bps)). Hint: If you have trouble transferring d...

59 Programming Radio Systems Programming Radio Systems Your BCD396T comes preprogrammed with the major analog systems used in the 25 most populous counties in the US. However, to get the most enjoyment from your scanner (especially if you do not live near one of these counties), you must customize t...

62 Programming Radio Systems • See “Deleting Channels” on Page 89 • See “Copying/Pasting Channels” on Page 90 To create another channel group and enter more channels, press four times, then proceed from “Setting Up a Channel Group” on Page 61. Programming Motorola Systems Program System New System M...

63 Programming Radio Systems • See “Setting the Channel Delay Time” on Page 74 • See “Setting ID Scan/Search (Trunked Systems Only)” on Page 75 • See “Editing the Fleet Map (Motorola Systems Only)” on Page 75 ( must be set up for Type I systems ) • See“Setting the Motorola Status Bit (Motorola Sys- ...

66 Programming Radio Systems • See “Entering/Editing Motorola Channels” on Page 66 • See “Setting I-Call (Motorola Analog and EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 77 Entering/Editing Motorola Channels Refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting: • See “Setting the Digital Decode Threshold (...

69 Programming Radio Systems • See “Deleting Groups” on Page 83 • See “Editing the Channel Name” on Page 84 • See “Setting Group Lockout” on Page 83 Entering/Editing EDACS Channels Refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting: • See “Editing the Channel Name” on Page 84 • See “Settin...

72 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Programming/Editing Optional Set- tings This section details the instructions for each of the optional programming steps referred to in “Program-ming Radio Systems” on Page 59. Use the instructions in the appropriate section to enter or edit a setting. System...

82 Programming/Editing Optional Settings 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 Program Sy...

84 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Select the group Delete Group The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To con-firm, press E . To cancel, press No . Note: Deleted groups cannot be restored. You must re-enter them. Channel-Level Settings These settings affect only the channel you are pro-...

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

92 Searching and Storing Notes: • If all frequencies in the search band you selected are locked out, All Locked! appears and the scanner does not search the band. • If the service you select uses channels (such as CB radio or marine), the scanner displays the service channel number. Quick Search Qui...

95 Searching and Storing Set C-Ch Only - lets you search for a Motorola con- trol channel. If it finds one, the scanner scans the sys-tem. Adjust P25 Level - adjusts the digital decode threshold to match the transmission you are hearing when it receives a strong signal and has a high decode rate. Se...

97 Searching and Storing • 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. Auto Search and Store Your scann...

98 Searching and Storing 2. Turn the scroll control until the type of search you want appears, then press the scroll control to select it. A search band appears. If all systems are locked out, All Locked! appears and the scanner does not store any fre-quencies. When you select a search range, the sc...

100 Using the Close Call Feature Using the Close Call Feature Your scanner's Close Call TM feature lets you set the 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&#...

101 Using the Close Call Feature Setting Close Call Options 1. Press then turn the scroll control until Close Call appears. Then press the scroll control. Close Call feature options appear. 2. Turn the scroll control to select an option. • Close Call Only : Lets you set the scanner only for Close Ca...

103 Using the Close Call Feature • Set CC Bands : Lets you select the Close Call band settings. You can turn the following bands on or off. VHF Low 1 (25.0000 MHz) VHF Low 2 (54.0000 MHz) Air Band (108.0000 - 136.9750 MHz) VHF High1 (137.0000 MHz) VHF High2 (224.9950 MHz) UHF (400.0000 - 512.0000 MH...

104 Search and Close Call Options Search and Close Call Options The settings in this section affect custom searches, service searches, and Close Call operation. Managing Locked-Out Frequencies While searching or during Close Call operation, if you press L/O while the scanner is stopped on a frequenc...

105 Search and Close Call Options Off The scanner does not search for subaudible tones. On The scanner searches for and displays any subaudible tone found. Note: This feature does not operate when the scanner is in AM modulation mode. Screening Out Broadcast Sources Srch/CloCall Opt Broadcast Screen...

107 Search and Close Call Options Off The scanner does not try to find the output frequency. Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value 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. Us...

108 Search and Close Call Options This setting controls the attenuator for quick search and Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press the scroll control. Off The attenuator is off. On Reception is attenuated by about 18 dB. Note: Turn on this setting if you are near other strong signal s...

109 Search and Close Call Options 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 scann...

110 Using Weather Alert (SAME) Using Weather Alert (SAME) Your scanner has been primarily designed to be a radio scanner. While it incorporates weather alert as one of its features, we strongly recommend that you not use the scanner as your sole means for receiving emergency alerts. Your local elect...

111 Using Weather Alert (SAME) You need tone-out setup information from the agency you want to be alerted for or from online sources. Uniden America Corporation does not have information for local tone-out systems. Setting Tone-Out Standby Tone-Out for ... Tone-Out Standby Turn the scroll control un...

112 Using Weather Alert (SAME) • Set Tone Lets you set the tone-out type. Edit Tone A - Enter the frequency (in Hz) for Tone A Edit Duration A - Enter the duration (in ns) for Duration A. 500 ns is the default. Edit Tone B - Enter the frequency (in Hz) for Tone B Edit Duration B - Enter the duration...

113 Using Weather Alert (SAME) All FIPS - the scanner alerts and displays information about the weather alert when it receives any FIPS code (see “Programming a SAME Group” on Page 113). SAME 1-5 - the scanner alerts and displays information about the weather alert when it receives a weather alert s...

114 Using Weather Alert (SAME) To get the FIPS code for your county, visit the National Weather Service web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov and search for “FIPS Listing”. WX Operation Program SAME Select the SAME group to edit Edit Name - enter the name you want to assign to the SAME group you selec...

115 Care and Maintenance Care and Mainte- nance General Use • Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power. • Always write down the programmed frequencies in the event of memory loss. • If memory is lost, simply reprogram each channel. • Always press each button firmly until you hear the entr...

116 Care and Maintenance 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 techni-cian. Birdies All radios can receive “birdies” (undesired signals). If your scanner stops during Scan mode an...

117 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If your BCD396T is not performing properly, try these steps. Problem Possible Cause Suggestion The scanner doesn’t work. The scanner might not be receiving any power. Make sure the AC adapter is connected to an AC outlet and the scanner.If there is a wall switch t...

121 Specifications Specifications Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture. Dynamic Allocation Capacity (with Name Assigned To Each System, Group, and Channel): Systems: 200 max Groups: 20 per system Channels: up to 2500 Channels per Trunke...

124 Optional Accessories Optional Accessories Contact your local Uniden Dealer or call the Uniden Parts Center at: (800) 554-3988, 8:00AM to 5:00PM EST, Monday through Friday, for information about ordering these optional accessories. Betty Bearcat Frequency Directory/ Local Directories fi External ...

125 Appendix Appendix Preset Fleet Maps Preset Map 1Preset Map 2 Preset Map 3Preset Map 4 Preset Map 5Preset Map 6 Preset Map 7Preset Map 8 Block Size Code Block Size Code 0 Size Code 11 0 Size Code 4 1 Size Code 11 1 Size Code 4 2 Size Code 11 2 Size Code 4 3 Size Code 11 3 Size Code 4 4 Size Code ...

127 Appendix User Defined Fleet Maps Type I Programming Information When a Type I system is designed, the address information for all the ID’s is divided into 8 equal sized blocks, numbered 0–7. When you program your scanner to track a Type I system, you must select a size code for each of these blo...

128 Appendix seems. Select a size code for a block, and then press Scan . Now listen to the communications. If you decide you are receiving most of the replies to the conversa-tions with ID’s assigned to the block you just pro-grammed, then you’ve probably selected the right size code and can work o...

129 Planning Planning Collecting Information 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 loca...

131 Planning Filling Out The ConventionalSystem Worksheet System Name and Quick Key Fill in a name that describes the system you want to create. For example, you can enter "Dallas Police" or "Amateur Radio" here. If you want to store more than one type of frequency, you can enter ...

135 Planning Conventional System Worksheet S y s t e m N a m e G ro u p N a m e S y s t e m Q u ic k K e y G ro u p Q u ic k K e y F re q u e n c y A lp h a Ta g P rio rit y C TC S S / D C S C o n v e n ti o n a l S y ste m W o rk sh e e t

136 Planning S y s tem Nam e S y s tem Quic k K ey S y s tem Frequenc ies Fleet M apB loc k 0B loc k 1B loc k 2B loc k 3B loc k 4B loc k 5B loc k 6B loc k 7B and P lan AB as e Frequenc yS tep Frequenc yOffs etB and P lan BB as e Frequenc yS tep Frequenc yOffs etB and P lan CB as e Frequenc yS tep Fr...

138 Planning System Name System Quick Key System Frequency Logical Channel LTR/EDACS Syste m W orkshe e t 1 LTR/EDACS System Worksheet

140 Preprogrammed Systems Preprogrammed Systems Your scanner is preprogrammed with over 400 channels covering police, fire, and ambulance operations in the 25 most populated counties in the US. The following list details the preprogrammed information. By default, all of the preprogrammed systems are...

152 One-Year Limited Warranty One-Year Limited Warranty Important : Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty service. WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“Uniden”) ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for one year, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from ...

156 REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT. May be covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents. 4,398,304 4,409,688 4,455,679 4,461,036 4,521,915 4,597,104 4,627,100 4,841,302 4,888,815 4,932,074 4,947,456 5,014,348 5,199,109 5,408,692 5,428,826 5,438,688 5,448,256 ...