Uniden UBC396T - Manual

4 Contents Contents The FCC Wants You to Know ..................................................................... 8 Scanning Legally ........................................................................................ 8 Introduction ................................................................

8 The FCC Wants You to Know The FCC Wants You to Know This scanner has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules . These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation...

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 communi-cations into the scanner. You can carry it with you wher-e...

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 103 for more information. Dynamically Allocated Channel Memory - Your sca...

16 Feature Highlights On-Air Cloning – You can clone all programmed data over the air from a PC to one or more BCD396T scanners. 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...

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 that your scanner can track more than one trunking system at a time and scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time. Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a frequency used by someone ...

25 Understanding Scanning each group operates on...and this frequency selection is made each time a user transmits. So, while on a conventional system queries, replies, and follow-ups are all on a single frequency, they could each be on completely different frequencies on a trunked system. This semi...

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 and EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 79 for more information about monitoring I-call tran...

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 Belt Clip Manual Wrist St...

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 an...

33 Setting Up Your Scanner 2. Install 3 AA batteries, matching the polarity symbols (+ -). WARNING! Set ALKALINE/Ni-MH to Ni-MH for use only with rechargeable batteries. Never attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Non-rechargeable batteries can get hot and can even burst if you try to rech...

34 Setting Up Your Scanner If an AC adapter is connected to the scanner, the scanner checks the condition of the installed batteries. If the scanner is turned off and the batteries require a full charge, Pre-Charging appears on the display. Then, Normal Charging appears as the batteries are recharge...

35 Setting Up Your Scanner Connecting the Antenna To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the connector on the top of your scanner, simply screw it onto the scanner's SMA connector. Connecting an Optional Antenna The scanner's SMA connector makes it easy to connect a variety of optional antennas,...

36 Setting Up Your Scanner WARNING! Never connect any part of the headphone jack to the antenna jack or connect the radio to an installation where the antenna and audio connection are grounded. This might damage the scanner. Attaching the Belt Clip To make your scanner easier to carry when you are o...

39 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. Sn: - appears with a number to show the currently- selected System Quick Key number. n appears to show...

41 Setting Up Your Scanner LNK - appears when data on a voice channel is being received. DAT - appears when data on a control channel is being received. ENC - appears when APCO P25 encrypted data is being received on a voice channel. Using Menu Press on the left side of the scanner to enter the menu...

42 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 ...

43 Basic Operation Scanning Systems To begin scanning programmed systems, press Scan . The BCD396T scans all unlocked systems in all activated quick-key groups and any searches unlocked for search and scan. Notes: • If no systems are programmed, or all systems are locked out, an error message appear...

44 Basic Operation Notes: • The systems preprogrammed into the scanner are located primarily in major metropolitan areas. • You might hear transmissions on frequencies assigned to very distant stations. This will happen if a local system also uses the same frequency. You can scan the preprogrammed s...

45 Basic Operation To select or lock out a system that is not assigned to a key, press and hold while you rotate the scroll control until the desired system is selected. Then, continue to hold and press L/O to either lock out or unlock the system. Selecting System Channel Groups Within a system, you...

46 Basic Operation 2. Release then press Hold within 2 seconds to hold on the system. 3. Rotate the scroll control to select the channel you want to lock or unlock. 4. Press L/O to lock or unlock the channel. You can also lock out an active channel by pressing L/O while the scanner is stopped on the...

48 Basic Operation If you pressed No in Step 3, the scanner prompts you to select the system and the group where you want to store the frequency or talk group ID. Quickly Recalling Channels 1. Press Hold to hold on any channel. 2. Press + Rcl . The scanner prompts you to select the system where the ...

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 th...

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

57 Other Settings Settings PC Control PC Control Lets you set the baud rate your scanner uses to communicate with a personal computer. • Off The baud rate is not set. • 9600 bps The baud rate is set to 9600 bps. • 19200 bps The baud rate is set to 19,200 bps. • 38400 bps The baud rate is set to 38,4...

60 Programming Radio Systems Programming Radio Systems Your BCD396T comes preprogrammed with over 500 analog and digital systems from the most populous areas 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...

63 Programming Radio Systems Programming Motorola Systems Program System New System MOT Next, rotate the scroll control to select the type of Motorola system you want to program, then briefly press the scroll control to select it. • P25 - Use for Motorola Astro APCO 25 Digital systems in any band • ...

67 Programming Radio Systems Enter a talk group ID Note: You can enter I-Calls by pressing then the I-Call number. You can enter the I-Call wild card by pressing then 0 . Refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting: • See “Adjusting the P25 Level (Motorola and Con- ventional Systems...

68 Programming Radio Systems n is a number that increments as you add new systems. E indicates that this is an EDACS system. Next, refer to the appropriate section to set system-wide options. For most settings, you can accept the default. However, for the items in bold , you must enter information i...

70 Programming Radio Systems Select the group Edit Channel New Channel Enter a talk group ID Note: You can enter I-Calls by pressing then the I-Call number. You can enter the I-Call wild card by pressing then 0 . Refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting: • See “Editing the Channe...

71 Programming Radio Systems • See “Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 76 • See “Editing the System Quick Key” on Page 75 • See “Setting the Channel Delay Time” on Page 76 • See “Setting ID Scan/Search (Trunked Systems Only)” on Page 77 • See “Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies” on Page 107 • See “...

74 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 60. Use the instructions in the appropriate section to enter or edit a setting. System...

81 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies Program System Select the system Edit Sys Option Rvw ID: Srch L/O The scanner displays the first locked-out frequency and prompts you to unlock the frequency. Press E to unlock the frequency. Or, rotate the scroll control or p...

84 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 S...

86 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Select the group Delete Group The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To con-firm, press E . To cancel, press . Note: Deleted groups cannot be restored. You must re-enter them. Channel-Level Settings These settings affect only the channel you are pro-gra...

94 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...

95 Searching and Storing • 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 Quick Sear...

99 Searching and Storing • Set Lockout This setting controls whether the system is scanned when its quick key is enabled. Rotate the scroll control to select your setting, then press the scroll control. Locked - the system is not scanned Unlocked - the system is scanned Note: You can also lock or un...

102 Optimizing P25 Performance Optimizing P25 Performance You can optimize the scanner’s performance with digital APCO 25 systems. Follow these steps for each system where you can hear APCO 25 traffic. Notes: • These steps work only when you can clearly receive the system. If you are in a weak-signa...

103 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&#...

104 Using the Close Call Feature Setting Close Call Options Close Call Select your setting, then press the scroll control. Then turn the scroll control to select an option. • Close Call Only : Lets you set the scanner only for Close Call searching. The scanner does not scan frequencies or channels w...

106 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 (25.0000-53.9800 MHz) VHF Low 2 (54.0000-107.9000 MHz) Air Band (108.0000 - 136.9750 MHz) VHF High1 (137.0000-224.9800 MHz) VHF High2 (225.0000-319.95...

107 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...

108 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/WFM modulation mode. Screening Out Broadcast Sources Srch/CloCall Opt Broadcast Sc...

110 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...

111 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...

112 Search and Close Call Options Setting the Delay Time Srch/CloCall Opt Set Delay Time This setting determines how long the scanner waits after a transmission ends before resuming quick search or Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press the scroll control. Off The scanner resumes imme...

113 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...

114 Using Weather Alert (SAME) about the weather alert, and turns on the audio so you can hear the weather broadcast. WX Operation Weather Alert This setting determines which types of signals will trigger an alert. Select your setting, then press the scroll control. Alert Only - the scanner alerts w...

115 Using Weather Alert (SAME) SS: The state code. CCC: The county code. 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 S...

116 Using Weather Alert (SAME) Fire Tone-Out Introduction Your scanner can be set to respond to fire tone-outs that use standard two-tone sequential paging, short one-tone paging, and long group tone paging. You can save up to 10 settings. When you select a setting in standby mode, the scanner also ...

119 Care and Maintenance Care and Mainte- nance General Use • Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power. • If memory is lost, simply reprogram each channel. • Always press each button firmly until you hear the entry tone for that key entry. Location • Do not use the scanner in high-moistur...

120 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...

121 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 ...

125 Specifications Specifications Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture. Dynamic Allocation Capacity Systems: 400 max Groups: 20 per system Channels: up to 6000 (3000 typical) Channels per Trunked System: up to 200 Attenuation: 18 dB (no...

128 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. fi External Amplified Speaker Earphone Optional Accessories

129 Appendix Appendix Preset Fleet Maps Preset Map 1 Preset Map 2 Preset Map 3 Preset Map 4 Preset Map 5 Preset Map 6 Preset Map 7 Preset 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 C...

131 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...

132 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 programmed, then you’ve probably selected the right size code and can work on...

133 Planning Planning Collecting Information Getting your scanner programmed and scanning takes a few steps. This helps guide 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...

135 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 ...

139 Planning Conventional System Worksheet Conventional System Worksheet S y s tem Nam e Group Name S y s tem Quic k K ey Group Quick K ey Frequenc y A lpha Tag P riority CTCS S /DCS Conve ntiona l S yste m W orkshe e t

140 Planning System Name System Quick Key System Frequencies Fleet Map Block 0 Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6 Block 7 Band Plan A Base Frequency Step Frequency Offset Band Plan B Base Frequency Step FrequencyOffset Band Plan C Base Frequency Step FrequencyOffset Type IType II 800 MH...

142 Planning Sy stem Name Sy stem Quick Key Sy stem Frequency Logic al Channel LTR/EDACS Syste m W orkshe e t 1 LTR/EDACS System Worksheet

144 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...

150 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 ...

154 REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT. May be covered under one or m ore 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 5,448,25...