Uniden America UB305C Trunk Tracker Scanner User Manual Pages 1 to 13

Uniden America Corporation Trunk Tracker Scanner Pages 1 to 13

Pages 1 to 13

500-Channel Trunk Tracking ScannerVisit ourWebsite atwww.bc780xlt.comBC780XLTTRUNK TRACKER IIIbc780xlt foldouts.qxd 10/08/2000 4:50 PM Page 1
Band Frequency Range Mode StepNo. (MHz) (kHz)22 470.0000–472.9875 NFM 12.5473.0000–475.9875 NFM 12.5476.0000–478.9875 NFM 12.5479.0000–481.9875 NFM 12.5482.0000–484.9875 NFM 12.5485.0000–487.9875 NFM 12.5488.0000–490.9875 NFM 12.5491.0000–493.9875 NFM 12.5494.0000–496.9875 NFM 12.5497.0000–499.9875 NFM 12.5500.0000–502.9875 NFM 12.5503.0000–505.9875 NFM 12.5506.0000–508.9875 NFM 12.5509.0000–511.9875 NFM 12.5(470.0000)–512.0000 NFM 12.523 806.0000–823.9875 NFM 12.5849.0125–850.9875 NFM 12.5851.0000–868.9875 NFM 12.5894.0125–895.9875 NFM 12.5896.0000–901.0000 NFM 12.5901.0125–934.9875 NFM 12.5935.0000–940.0000 NFM 12.5940.0125–956.0000 NFM 12.5241240.0000–1300.0000NFM 12.5Band Frequency Range Mode StepNo. (MHz) (kHz)1 25.0000–26.9600 AM 52 26.9650–27.4050 AM 53 27.4100–27.9950 AM 54 28.0000–29.6900 FM 105 29.7000–49.9900 FM 106 50.0000–53.9900 FM 107 54.0000–71.9500 WFM 508 72.0000–75.9950 FM 59 76.0000–87.9500 WFM 5010 88.0000–107.9000 WFM 10011 108.0000–136.9750 AM 2512 137.0000–143.9950 FM 513 144.0000–147.9950 FM 514 148.0000–161.9950 FM 5162.0000–173.9875 FM 12.515 174.0000–215.9500 WFM 5016 216.0000–224.9950 FM 517 225.0000–399.9500 AM 5018 400.0000–405.9875 NFM 12.519 406.0000–419.9875 NFM 12.520 420.0000–424.9875 NFM 12.5425.0000–429.9875 NFM 12.5430.0000–449.9875 NFM 12.521 450.0000–454.9875 NFM 12.5455.0000–459.9875 NFM 12.5460.0000–464.9875 NFM 12.5465.0000–469.9875 NFM 12.5IntroductionThe BC780XLT is a state-of-the-art radio with TrunkTracking™ and automatic scanningcapabilities. It can store frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, railroad, air,amateur, and other communications into 10 banks of 50 channels each.With the new SmartScanner™ feature, you can also automatically program your scanner bydownloading directly from our Uniden/Bearcat national frequency database via a PC orexternal modem.Use your new scanner to monitor:• Police and Fire Departments (including rescue and paramedics)• VHF High Band, UHF, 800/900MHz Trunked Public Safety Systems• Trunking for Motorola, 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 modulationmode and the default step size settings.bc780xlt foldouts.qxd 10/08/2000 4:50 PM Page 2
Front View and Display1. VFO/SELECT Control2. VOLUME/SQUELCH Control3. Scan Key (SCAN)4. Manual Key (MAN)5. Display6. Search Key (SRCH)7. Hold/Up Key (HOLD/▲)8. Numeric Keypad (each bankschannel numbers)9. Menu Key (MENU)10. Trunk Key (TRUNK)11. Limit/Down Key (LIMIT/▼)12. Select/Mute Key (SELECT/MUTE)13. Decimal/Reverse Key (/RVRS)14. Lockout Key (L/O)15. Priority Key (PRI)16. Weather Key (WX)17. Enter/Remote Key (E/REM)18. Trunk Mode Indicator19. Trunk Type Indicators20. Frequency Display21. Priority Channel Indicator22. Channel Number Display23. Bank/Trunk Scan List Indicator24. Scanner/Channel Mode Indicators25. Receiving Mode Indicators26. Frequency/Channel Indicators27. CTCSS/DCS Indicators28. ID/Code/Frequency Display29. Trunk Repeater Activity Indicators30. Enter Lock Indicator31. Signal Meter32. Character Display11819203221 22 23 24 25 26 27 28303134 5 67 89 10 11121314151617229bc780xlt foldouts.qxd 10/08/2000 4:50 PM Page 3
Rear View33. Antenna Connector34. Tape Recorder Output JackUniden®and Bearcat®are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.TrunkTrack and SmartScanner are proprietary trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.35. External Speaker Jack36. DC Power Jack37. Remote Control Terminal33 34 35 36 37bc780xlt foldouts.qxd 10/08/2000 4:50 PM Page 4
This shortcut card is designed to assist you in getting through the menuscreens using the direct entry mode for commonly used features. Please readthe manual thoroughly before using this card. Be sure to back out of themenu screen after each shortcut by repeatedly pressing MENU.bc780xlt foldouts.qxd 10/11/2000 10:37 AM Page 11
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 mattersregarding the operation of this unit, available accessories, or any other related matters.Hours: M-F 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central time.Also please check out our website at www.uniden.combc780xlt foldouts.qxd 10/11/2000 10:37 AM Page 6
iContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside front coverImportant Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2What is Scanning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2What is Searching? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2What is Trunk Tracking? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Feature Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Where to Obtain More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Information on the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Included with Your Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Connecting an Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Mounting an Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Optional Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Typical Mounting Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Mounting the Scanner in Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Applying Power for Vehicle Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Desktop Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Applying Power Using Standard AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Connecting an External Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Connecting an Earphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Listening Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Connecting the Clone Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Connecting the Tape Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Remote Programming Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Turn the Scanner On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Understanding the Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Menu Description and Numeric Keypad Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Storing Frequencies into Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Duplicate Frequency Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Storing Text Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Beep Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Programming Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Deleting a Stored Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23RF Attenuation Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Setting the Delay Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Channel Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Restoring a Locked-out Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Restoring All Locked-out Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..26Priority Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Changing the Priority Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Searching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Setting a Search Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Search Hold Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Data Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Frequency Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29Storing Search Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Auto Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Squelch (SQ) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Additional Menu Options for Searching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page i
iiService Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Service Search Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Weather Channel Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34NWR-SAME Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Testing the Alert Siren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Programming FIPS Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..35Trunked Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Programming and Receiving Trunked Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37Programming Trunking Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37Selecting Trunking Programming Menu Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Selecting Trunking System Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Receiving Trunked Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Trunked Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39ID Hold and Direct Entry ID Hold Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40ID Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Restoring Locked-out IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Channel Activity Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Scan Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Programming ID Scan Lists Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42ID Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Setting Priority in Trunking Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Programming Scan Lists During Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Deleting a Stored ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Moving between Scan List Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45I-Call (Motorola/EDACS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Multi-Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47EDACS Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49EDACS Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49Programming System Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49An EDACS trunked System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Special EDACS Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51LTR Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52LTR Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Motorola Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Motorola Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Fleet Map Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Selecting a Preset Fleet Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Programming a Fleet Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Programming a Hybrid System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Setting the Base, Spacing Frequencies and Offset Channel for Motorola VHF/UHF Trunked Systems .55Toggling the Status Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Control Channel Only Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57Disconnect Tone Detect Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Remote Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59SmartScan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Menu for SmartScan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62SmartScanner Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63Remote (PC Control) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65Clone Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66Additional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77One Year Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside back coverBC780XLT1.qxd 10/11/2000 11:10 AM Page ii
1Important Notice• This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune radio frequenciesassigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage. The Electronic Communications PrivacyAct of 1986, as amended, makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept cellular orcordless 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 beprohibited, 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 informationregarding the laws in your community.• Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Uniden, or operationof this product in any way other than as detailed by this Operating Guide. These violationscould void your authority to operate this product.• The screen displays used in this manual are representations of what might appear whenyou use your scanner.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 1
2TerminologyWhat is Scanning?Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmitcontinuously. The BC780XLT scans the channels you program until it finds an activefrequency.Scanning stops on an active frequency and remains on that channel as long as thetransmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes untilanother transmission is received.What is Searching?The BC780XLT can search each of its 24 bands to find active frequencies. This is differentfrom scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmedinto your scanner. The scanner automatically chooses between two speeds while searching.Turbo Search, can search the VHF FM bands at up to 300 channels per second.What is Trunk Tracking?Conventional scanning is a simple concept.You enter a radio frequency in your scanner’smemory which is used by someone you want to monitor. For example, the police in your areamay broadcast on 460.500 MHz, the fire department on 154.445 MHz, the highwaydepartment on 37.900 MHz, etc. So when your scanner stops on a frequency, you usuallyknow who it is, and more importantly, you can stop on a channel and listen to an entireconversation. This type of scanning is easy and fun.As the demand for public communications has increased, many public radio users don't haveenough frequencies to meet their needs, and this has created a serious problem. Trunkingradio systems solve this problem.In a trunked radio system, which contains up to 28 different frequencies, radio users aredivided 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 beforeeach transmission. The trunking system computer uses this data to temporarily assign eachradio in a talkgroup to an available frequency. If the group using a frequency stopsbroadcasting or pauses between replies for a few seconds, they are removed from thefrequency so another talkgroup can use it.Sharing of the available public service frequencies, or trunking, allows cities, counties, orother agencies to accommodate hundreds of users with relatively few frequencies. Followinga conversation on a trunked system using a scanner is difficult, if not impossible. Becausewhen there's a short break during the conversation you're monitoring, it’s possible that thetalkgroup will be assigned to a completely different frequency in the trunked system. Thistype of scanning is difficult and frustrating.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 2
3TrunkTrack™ changes this! Not only does your new BC780XLT scan channels like aconventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you knowa 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 anduse your scanner in conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking. Understandingscanning fundamentals and its terminology will make trunk tracking much easier. A glossaryof 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 toTrunked System on page 36.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 3
4Feature Highlights•Trunk Tracking – Follows VHF High Band, UHF, 800/900MHz trunked public safety andpublic service systems just as if conventional two-way communications were used.•Multi-Track – Track more than one trunking system at a time. Scan conventional andtrunked systems at the same time.•500 Channels – Program one frequency into each channel.You must have at least onechannel programmed to use the Scan mode.•24 Bands, 10 Banks – Includes 24 bands, with Aircraft and 800 MHz.10 banks with 50channels each are useful for storing similar frequencies to maintain faster scanning cyclesor for storing all the frequencies of a trunked system.•25 MHz-1300 MHz – Indicates the range of frequencies that can be searched within thebands 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 apriority 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.•Preprogrammed Service (SVC) Search – Allows you to toggle through preprogrammedpublic safety, news media, TV broadcast audio, Ham, CB, FRS, special low power,railroad, aircraft, marine, and weather frequencies.•Unique Data Skip – Allows your scanner to skip unwanted data transmissions andreduces birdies.•Memory Backup – If the battery completely discharges or if power is disconnected, thefrequencies programmed in your scanner are retained in memory.•Manual Channel Access – Go directly to any channel.•Attenuator – Reduces the signal strength on a per frequency basis.•SmartScanner™ – Automatically program your BC780XLT with all the frequencies andtrunking talkgroups for your local area by accessing our national database with yourpersonal computer (PC) or just an external modem. (No PC required)•Turbo Search – Increases the search speed to 300 steps per second. This applies only totransmission 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 tone and messagetransmissions.•FIPS Code – Six digit FIPS Code (emergency and geographic area code) programmable.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 4
5Where to Obtain More InformationBefore using your scanner, you must program frequencies into available channels. The BettyBearcat Frequency Guide lists typical frequencies used around the U.S.A. and Canada thatyou 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 DealerTo obtain additional frequency information for your area, contact one of the following:• Scanner Master (800) 722-6701 (Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern TimeMonday through Friday.)• Bearcat Frequency Hotline (937) 299-0414 (Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)Information on the InternetIf you have access to the Internet, you may want to visit www.trunktracker.com orwww.bearcat1.com/free.htmA special website has been specifically setup for this scanner with helpful informationon using this scanner and other user comments. Visit www.bc780xlt.com.For more information about Uniden and our other products, visit www.uniden.comBC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 5

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