Uniden SC230 - Manual

9 Introduction Introduction Your SC230 scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio with automatic scanning capabilities. You can store fre-quencies 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 hom...

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 72 for more information. Dynamically Allocated Channel Memory - your scan...

14 Feature Highlights 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 rec...

15 Feature Highlights 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 t...

16 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 SC230. Understanding the Scanner’s Memory Your scanner’s...

19 Understanding Scanning 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 racetrac...

20 Understanding Scanning 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 n...

22 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. Setting Up Your Scanner Owners Scanner AC Adapter F...

23 Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: • If your scanner receives interference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from the source. • To improve the scanner’s reception, use an optional external antenna designed for multi-...

25 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...

26 Setting Up Your Scanner Before you use rechargeable batteries for the first time, charge them for 14 hours to bring them to a full charge. Discharged batteries take about 14 hours to fully recharge. Using AC Power You can power the scanner using the supplied 6V, 500 mA AC adapter. To use the scan...

27 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...

28 Setting Up Your Scanner 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 t...

29 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...

32 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...

33 Setting Up Your Scanner Using Menu Press on the left side of the scanner to enter the menu. See “Using the Menu” on Page 44 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...

34 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. Turn Sql fully counterclockwise. 2. Press and hold for about 2 seconds to turn on the scanner, then turn Vol clockwise until you hear a hissi...

35 Basic Operation Scanning Preprogrammed Races Before You Get To The Track Each driver’s team has several different frequencies they can use during a race. These frequencies can change depending on local interference sources or other frequency issues. Your scanner is preprogrammed with all of the d...

36 Basic Operation Selecting Interference Eliminator Codes Many drivers use special codes in their radios to prevent interference from other nearby radio systems. These codes are commonly referred to as CTCSS, DCS, or subaudible tones. You can use these same codes to prevent interference from other ...

37 Basic Operation Selecting System Channel Groups Within a system, you can assign groups of channels to a group quick key (see “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 59). Follow these steps to activate or deactivate a channel group within a system while scanning.1. Press to hold on the system (or ho...

38 Basic Operation 3. Rotate the scroll control to select the channel you want to lock or unlock. 4. Press L/O to lock or unlock the channel. You can also lock out an active channel by pressing L/O while the scanner is stopped on the channel. Temporarily Holding On a System To temporarily hold on a ...

39 Basic Operation Quickly Recalling Channels 1. Press Hold to hold on any channel. 2. Press + Rcl . The scanner prompts you to select the system where the channel is stored. 3. Rotate the scroll control to select the system, then press E . The scanner prompts you to select the channel group where t...

40 Other Settings Other Settings Displaying System Information Viewing Memory Used See Scanner Info E % Memory Used E A bar showing the percent of memory used appears. Press any key to return to the previous menu. Viewing the Firmware Version See Scanner Info E Firmware Version E Press any key to re...

41 Other Settings • Priority Off : Normal scanning • Priority On : While scanning, the scanner interrupts every 2 seconds and checks the priority channels in each unlocked system. Priority channels in lower priority key numbered systems (starting from 1) have highest priority. Pri appears when you s...

46 Programming Radio Systems Programming Radio Systems Your SC230 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 the...

52 Programming Radio Systems Setting Lockout On A Car Program SysteM E Select the system E Edit Car E Select the car E Set Lockout E This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this car when it is enabled. Select your setting, then press E . Lockout - the car is not scanned. Unlocked - the...

55 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Programming/Editing Optional Settings This section details the instructions for each of the optional programming steps referred to in “Programming Radio Systems” on Page 46. Use the instructions in the appropriate section to enter or edit a setting. System-Le...

59 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Select the group E Edit Name E Follow these steps to enter/edit the group name. 1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter.2. Press and hold down then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter. 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you hav...

60 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Setting Group Lockout program system E Select the system E Edit Group E Select the group E Set Lockout E This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this group when it is enabled. Select your setting, then press E . Lockout - the group is not scanne...

61 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Select the channel E Edit Name E Follow these steps to enter/edit the channel name.1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter. 2. Press and hold down then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter. 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you...

67 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...

68 Searching and Storing • If the service you select uses channels (such as CB radio or marine), the scanner displays the service channel number. Quick Search Quick Search lets you search from the currently-tuned frequency. Press and Scan/Srch to start quick search. QUICK Search? appears. Quick Sear...

69 Searching and Storing Notes: • Search ranges are preset. See “Editing a Custom Search Range” on Page 69 to change the range. • You cannot turn off all custom search ranges. 1. Press then turn the scroll control until Search For ... appears. Or, press + Scan/Srch , then select No , then turn the s...

70 Searching and Storing and Srch , then No . One of the search feature options appear. 2. Turn the scroll control until EDIT CUSTOM appears, then press E to select it. 3. Turn the scroll control until the name of the custom search range you want to edit appears, then press E to select it. The follo...

71 Searching and Storing 2. Turn the scroll control until Search and Store appears, then press E to select it. 3. Turn the scroll control until the system where you want to store the frequencies appears, then press E to select it. Note: You cannot select a racing system. If no systems are programmed...

72 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...

73 Using the Close Call Feature Setting Close Call Options 1. Press then turn the scroll control until Close Call appears. Then press E . 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 Call searching. The...

74 Using the Close Call Feature If this option is turned on, the scanner overrides the current channel and goes to the Close Call hit. The scanner displays CC Found! Press Any Key . When you press a key, the frequency is displayed. Turn the scroll control to display an option, then press E . • Set C...

75 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 frequency...

76 Search and Close Call Options Note: This feature does not operate when the scanner is in AM modulation mode. Screening Out Paging Systems Srch/CloCall Opt E Pager Screen E This setting determines whether the scanner automatically ignores transmissions found during searching or Close Call operatio...

77 Search and Close Call Options On The scanner automatically applies repeater reverse to detected transmissions. If the scanner detects the transmission on the output frequency, it beeps, REPEATER FIND appears, and it remains on the output frequency until transmissions end. If it does not detect a ...

78 Search and Close Call Options Setting Attenuation Srch/CloCall Opt E Set Attenuator E This setting controls the attenuator for quick search and Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press E . Off The attenuator is off. On Reception is attenuated by about 18 dB. Note: Turn on this settin...

79 Search and Close Call Options Off The scanner resumes immediately when the transmission ends. 1 - 5 sec The scanner waits the set amount of time after the transmission ends before resuming. Note: The default setting is 2 seconds. Setting the Search Frequency Step Srch/CloCall Opt E Set Step E Thi...

80 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 electr...

81 Using Weather Alert (SAME) This setting determines which types of signals will trigger an alert. Select your setting, then press E . Alert Only - the scanner alerts when it detects the 1050 Hz tone that accompanies all weather alerts. ALL FIPS - the scanner alerts and displays information about t...

82 Using Weather Alert (SAME) For example, Tarrant County in Texas is assigned to FIPS code 048439. 0 indicates the entire county 48 indicates the state of Texas 439 indicates Tarrant County To get the FIPS code for your county, visit the National Weather Service web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov ...

83 Care and Maintenance Care and Maintenance 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 entry to...

84 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 technician. Birdies All radios can receive “birdies” (undesired signals). If your scanner stops during Scan mode and ...

85 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If your SC230 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 adap-ter is connected to an AC outlet and the scanner. If there is a wall switch th...

87 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 Group...

89 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 A...

90 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 favor...

93 Planning Racing System Worksheet Rac e Nam e Car #/ Driver F requenc y P riorit y CTCS S / DCS Ra ci n g S yste m W o rksh e e t SC230 Paper OM.fm Page 93 Wednesday, October 6, 2004 10:51 AM

95 Planning Conventional System Worksheet S y s tem Nam e Group Nam e S y s tem Quic k K ey Group Quic k K ey Frequenc y A lpha Tag P riority CTCS S /DCS Conve ntiona l S yste m W orkshe e t SC230 Paper OM.fm Page 95 Wednesday, October 6, 2004 10:51 AM

96 Preprogrammed Systems Preprogrammed Sys- tems Your scanner is preprogrammed with frequencies used at races within the NASCAR Nextel, Busch, Craftsman, Indy, ARCA, and Champ racing series. One racing system and one conventional system are preprogrammed for each race.By default, all of the preprogr...

97 One-Year Limited Warranty One-Year Limited War- ranty 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...

100 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 ...