Uniden America UB305C Trunk Tracker Scanner User Manual Pages 14 to 26

Uniden America Corporation Trunk Tracker Scanner Pages 14 to 26

Pages 14 to 26

7SetupConnecting an AntennaYou must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner. You have been provided astandard telescopic antenna that works well with this scanner, but you may want topurchases another type to increase the range. To connect the telescopic antenna, simplyconnect it to the BNC type ANT. connector on the rear of the scanner.You can purchase avariety of scanner antennas for both mobile and base station available at a local electronicsstore. Choose the one that best meets your needs.When deciding on a mobile or base station antenna and its location, consider these points.• The antenna should be as high as possible on a vehicle or a house.• The antenna and its cable should be as far as possible from sources of electrical noise(ignition systems, gauges, and so on).• The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.Mounting an AntennaOnce you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna.Then route the antenna cable to the scanner.The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety ofantennas, such as an external mobile antenna or an outdoor base station antenna.Always use 50 ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna.For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If your antenna’s cabledoes not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC adapter (available at a localelectronics store).Follow the Installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to thescanner, then connect it to the ANT. jack.Warning: Use extreme caution when you install or remove an outdoor antenna. If theantenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If theantenna touches a power line, contact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guywires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to remove the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do it yourself.Optional AntennaIf you have chosen an optional mobile antenna, connect the antenna plug into the ANTconnector on the rear of the scanner. (For more information on antenna installation, pleaserefer to the instruction guide that came with your antenna.)BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 7
8Typical Mounting MethodsThe BC780XLT can be conveniently mounted on a table, bulkhead, overhead, or any otherdesired location (refer to figure below for typical mounting methods).Caution: Make sure there are no hidden electrical wires or other items behind the desiredlocation before proceeding. Check that free access for mounting and cabling is available.Mounting the Scanner in Your VehicleBefore you mount the scanner, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Thenconfirm that the scanner fits your vehicle’s mounting area. This unit requires a mounting areaof 2-3/8 inch high by 6-15/16 inch wide by 6 -9/16 inch deep (61 x 176.5 x 167 mm).Caution: Be sure to avoid obstructions behind the mounting surface.Follow these steps to mount the scanner in your vehicle.1. Choose a mounting location, then use the suppliedmounting bracket as a template to mark the positions forthe mounting screw holes.2. In the marked positions, drill holes slightly smaller thanthe supplied screws.3. Attach the mounting bracket to the mounting locationusing the supplied screws and lock washers.4. Attach the scanner to the mounting bracket using thesupplied mounting knobs.5. Connect the antenna’s cable to the ANT. connectoron the back of the scanner.Note: If the antenna cable’s connector does not fit in the ANT.connector, you might also need a Motorola-to-BNC antenna plug adapter (available at a local electronics store).• Table top mount • Bulkhead mount • Overhead mountBC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 8
9Applying Power for Vehicle InstallationYou can power your scanner using either the supplied DC power cord or your vehicle’scigarette lighter socket using DC cigarette lighter power cord.Caution: You must use a power source that supplies 13.8 V DC and delivers at least 700 mA. Your standard 12V car battery should be sufficient. The cord connector’scenter tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s DC 13.8 Vjack. The supplied DC power cord meets these specifications. Using a power cordthat does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.• Always connect the adapter or DC power cord to the scanner before you connect it to thepower source. When you finish, disconnect the adapter or DC power cord from the powersource before you disconnect it from the scanner.• For added safety and to protect your scanner,disconnect the cable from your vehicle battery’snegative (-) terminal before you begin.Follow these steps to connect the supplied DC power cord.1. Connect the power cord’s black wire to a chassis ground, such as a metal screwattached to a metal part of the vehicle’s frame. Be sure that the screw is not insulatedfrom the frame by a plastic part.2. Connect the power cord’s red wire (with in-line fuse)to a source of voltage that turns on and off with theignition switch, such as a spare accessory terminal inyour vehicle’s fuse box.3. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the DC 13.8 Vjack on the back of the scanner.4. Reconnect the cable to the vehicle battery’snegative (-) terminal.To power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12 V power source (such as a cigarette-lightersocket), use the supplied cigarette-lighter adapter cord.To connect the supplied DC cigarette-lighter power cord, insert its barrel plug into the DC 13.8 V jack on the back of the scanner, then plug the power cord into your vehicle’scigarette lighter socket.Note: If you use a cigarette-lighter power cord and your vehicle’s engine is running, youmight hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is normal.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 9
10Desktop InstallationYou can place this scanner on a desk, shelf, or table to use it as a base station.1. Flip up the feet for desk installation.2. Extend the antenna to full vertical position. Adjust the angle for best reception.Applying Power Using Standard AC PowerTo power the scanner from an AC outlet, use the provided AC adapter with a 5.5 mm outerdiameter/2.1mm inner diameter tip.Caution: You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 13.8 V DC and delivers atleast 700 mA. The cord connector’s center tip must be set to positive and its plugmust fit the scanner’s DC 13.8 V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet thesespecifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.• Always connect the AC adapter to the scanner before you connect it to AC power.When you finish, disconnect the adapter from the AC power before you disconnect it fromthe scanner.1. Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into the DC13.8 V jack on the back of the scanner.2. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.Note: Use only the AC adapter supplied with your scanner.Connecting an External SpeakerIn a noisy area, an external speaker (available at a local electronics store) positioned in theright place might provide more comfortable listening.Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug into your scanner’s EXT. SP. jack.Note: Connecting an external speakerdisconnects the scanner’s internal speaker.13.8VBC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 10
11Connecting an EarphoneFor private listening, you can connect an earphone with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug to the EXT. SP. jack on the back of the scanner.Be very careful as damage to your hearing canresult if the VOLUME control is not set to the lowest level first. See below for “ListeningSafely” instructions. (Your local electronics store should carry a wide selection of earphones.)Once the earphone is connected, it will automatically disconnects the internal speaker.Listening SafelyTo 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 notadjustable and damage to your hearing could occur.• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high volume listening can lead topermanent hearing loss.• Set the VOLUME to the lowest setting before you begin listening. 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 volumelevel, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.Connecting the Clone CableYou can transfer the programmed data to and from another BC780XLT scanner using anRS232C Cable (9 pin to 9 pin) (not supplied). Connect the cable between each scanner’sREMOTE jacks. See “Clone Mode” on page 66. You can also upload or download theprogrammed data to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit available through yourlocal electronics store.Connecting the Tape RecorderYou can use a standard tape recorder or a VOX (Voice Operated Control) recorder.To connect the recorder to the scanner, connect a cable with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug fromthe tape recorder’s remote jack to the TAPE OUT jack on the back of the scanner. (Yourlocal electronics store should carry a wide selection of cables and tape recorders.) Refer tothe “Record” section under “Additional Features” in the manual.Remember!• You must mark a channel, ID, talkgroup, or bank for Recording in order for this feature to work. The LINEicon appears on all channels that have been properly marked.• This feature does not work if your scanner is set with MUTE ON.• The VOLUMEcontrol affects the Audio output. Do not set the volume on minimum. Make a trial taping to be certain the volume levels are set correctly.Remote Programming SoftwareSoftware for remote programming and controlling the scanner is available for purchase bycalling (800)722-6701 or through the website www.bc780xlt.comBC780XLT1.qxd 10/11/2000 10:39 AM Page 11
12Note: Fold out the Front Cover to see the Controls and Indicators while reading this Guide.Turn the Scanner OnTurn the VOLUME control clockwise out of the detent position. The scanner automaticallystarts scanning. Since there are no frequencies programmed in your scanner initially, youmay not receive any signals. Once you set the squelch and program some frequencies, youwill be hearing conversations regularly.Setting the SquelchTo set the squelch, you must be in the Manual mode, and youshould not be receiving a signal on your scanner.1. Press MANuntil you do not hear a signal.2. Make sure that the VOLUME is set to acomfortable listening level.3. Think of the Squelch Control as a gate. TurnSQUELCH fully counter-clockwise. This raisesthe “Squelch Gate” so high that only verystrong signals can get through.4. Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise until you heara hiss. This lowers the “Squelch Gate” so thateverything gets through – noise, weak signals,and strong signals.5. Turn SQUELCH back counter-clockwise justuntil the hiss stops. Now the “Squelch Gate”allows only clear signals through.Next you must program some frequencies. (Page 20) It is recommended that you read thenext part “Understanding the Menu System” because it will assist you in accessing andunderstanding many of the features. Later in a section called “Additional Features”, you willfind explanations on how to disable the keypad acknowledgement tones, how to mute theaudio, how to change the appearance of the display and other general features.Basic OperationSTRONG SIGNALSMEDIUM SIGNALSWEAK SIGNALSNOISESTRONG SIGNALSMEDIUM SIGNALSWEAK SIGNALSNOISESTRONG SIGNALSMEDIUM SIGNALSWEAK SIGNALSNOISEBC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 12
13Understanding the Menu SystemIt is very important for you to understand the Menu screen. To navigate through the Menuscreen is really quite simple. Many of the features of this scanner, can only be accessed bythe menu screens. There are several ways to get through the screens. First of all, pressMENUto get started. Any time you want to exit this mode or simply quit from where you are,repeatedly press MENUuntil the scanner returns to the original state. Anytime you are in theMenu Mode, the audio will be muted.To assist you in understanding the Menu screen, flow charts are provided towards the backof the manual so you can follow along. Two things to remember are scrollthrough the menuand executethe command. For simplicity, we have chosen to use the up and down arrowkeys (▲ and ▼) in order to scrollthrough the menu and the Ekey for enteringor executingacommand. Once you have pressed the E key and executed the final choice (for instance, ONor OFF), the display backs up to the previous level of options.Other methods for scrollingthrough the menu screen include rotating the VFO control orpress and hold the up and down arrow keys (▲ and ▼) in order to scrollmore quickly. Alsodirect entry of the numbers in the flow chart will get you through the screens, but the otherscreen options are not visible. This method should be used only after you have gone throughthe manual at least once. A tearout shortcut card is provided in the front of the manual toassist you in the direct entry method for commonly used features.Another method for entering or executingthe command, press the SELECT/MUTEkey or pressthe VFO/SELECT control.Below is the first level of the Menu screen. These levels are then expanded on the foldouttowards the back of the manual.You will find a description section to explain the meanings ofthese functions on the next few pages. Then, you will be walked through all the steps ofprogramming, scanning, searching, and trunktracking.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 13
14Menu Description and Numeric Keypad EquivalentsBelow are the menu screens and a brief description or purpose of the feature.1:SYSTEM DATA1:DIMMER Allows you to change the brightness of the display.2:SCREEN MASK Screen Mask allows you to limit what appears on the display to the alpha tags thatyou have set for a channel along with a few function icons. Screen Mask removesthe frequency, receiving mode, tone data, signal strength bars, and the trunkingrepeater activity indicators. This mode is particularly useful in public safety vehicleswhere “information overload” is already a problem. Screen Mask does not work inSearch mode.3:KEY BEEPUse this function to turn off the keypad acknowledgement beep. The default settingis on.4:ENTER LOCKUse Enter Lock to prevent accidental re-programming of channels and talkgroupsentered into memory. The default setting is off.5:PC CONTROLUse this function to set the transfer speed (baud rate) at which your personalcomputer (PC) communicates with the scanner when downloading information intoyour scanner using the Uniden national database or third party software. See page 65 for details.6:CLONEYou can clone all the programming, including frequencies, talkgroups and alphatags as well as bank settings and other parameters from one BC780XLT to another.7:SMARTSCANDownload frequencies, talkgroups and alpha tags for any area of the 50 states fromthe Uniden national database using the modem in your PC or a stand alonemodem. Refer to page 59 for details.8:DATA SKIPA scanner will normally stop on any transmission it receives. This means theBC780XLT will occasionally stop on data signals and unmodulated transmissions.You can automatically skip many of these types of transmissions during search.9:SQUELCH MODEThe Squelch Mode allows you to set, at your option, whether the scanner will stopon all active transmissions on a particular frequency or it will only respond totransmissions with a pre-set sub-audible tone. This applies to both conventionalsearch and scan modes.The options are as follows:1. CSQ - The default setting is CSQ (carrier squelch). In this mode the scanner willstop on any transmission on a programmed frequency (Squelch mode does notapply to trunking).2. Tone SQ - In Tone Squelch mode, if you have set a subaudible tone (CTCSS orDCS) for a frequency, the scanner will only stop on that frequency if thetransmission includes the prescribed tone.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 14
153. 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 beingused on a transmitted frequency. The scanner will check each CTCSS tonesequentially and it will find DCS tones instantly.10:BANK TAGAllows 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 setthe Bank One text tag as Law Enforcement, the second bank as Fire, etc.2:CHANNEL DATAChoose the channel number. The following options are available for the selectedchannel only. Repeat using a different channel number, if necessary.1:ALPHA TAG Allows you to set an alphanumeric text tag for individual frequencies that you haveprogrammed. For example, you can set DAVIS PD CH #3.2:DELAYThe default delay for all programmed channels and talkgroups is two seconds. Atthe end of any transmission the scanner will remain on the frequency for twoseconds before resuming scanning. This will allow you to catch most replies.Youcan change the delay to 1, or 4 seconds as well as set no delay (the scanner willimmediately resume scanning after the end of a transmission). With the BC780XLTyou can also set negative or inverse delays, also known as Pause. With a 5 secondpause, for example, the scanner will resume scanning after five seconds even if thetransmission you are currently listening to has not ended. Finally, you can set anInfinite Delay. If a transmission is received on a frequency with Infinite delay set, thescanner will stop on the channel and remain on it until you have hit scan, search, etc.3:TONE DATA You can set a CTCSS (analog) or DCS (digital) sub-audible tone for a frequency. Todo so you must have the Squelch Mode in the System Menu set to Tone Squelch.You can also program a subaudible tone easily by pressing the E(enter) key afterprogramming a frequency. This will bring up the Tone Data menu without yourhaving to navigate the Menu.You can also lock a tone assigned to a frequency. Bydoing this you will receive all transmissions on the frequency, regardless of thesubaudible tone, except the one which you have locked. Any transmissions with thattone will not be received.4:BEEP ALERTYou can set a Beep Alert on a per-channel basis to alert you when specificfrequencies are active. For example, you may wish to be alerted anytime a mutualaid fire frequency is active. With beep alert, you will hear a rapid three-beep tone atthe start of each transmission that you have flagged as such.You will also noticethat as you scroll pass the flagged channel(s), you will hear the tones.5:ATTENUATORThe BC780XLT comes with an RF Attenuation feature. If you are near an unusuallystrong signal source, the signal may overload the scanner. The scanner may stoprepeatedly on that signal and miss other transmissions.The RF Attenuation feature works in all modes and attenuates (reduces) theincoming signal strength to prevent stronger signals from overloading the scanner.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/11/2000 10:39 AM Page 15
166:STEPSYour BC780XLT is programmed with default step sizes for each frequency range(see inside front cover). Steps are important if you are interested in using the VFOto tune off-frequency from a frequency programmed into memory or if you wish toprogram a frequency that the default step size will not accept. For example, in VHFHi-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 enter155.4075 into the scanner without changing the default step, the scanner willchange the programmed frequency to 155.4100. Use the menu to change thedefault step size to 7.5 KHz and then you will be able to enter 155.4075.7:MODEDefault receive modes are also programmed into memory. AM for the aircraft andCB bands, for example. All frequencies (other than TV broadcast audio) above 400MHz are 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.8:RECORDYou can flag any channel for recording using this menu function. The LINEicon willbecome active for any such flagged channel. Use your own recording deviceplugged into the jack on the back of the scanner.3:TRUNK DATAChoose the Trunk bank. The following options are available for the selected trunkbank only. Repeat using a different trunk bank, if necessary.1:TRUNK TYPEYou will need to assign the correct trunking type for the bank you are about toprogram. If you want to listen to a Motorola Type 1 system, you will need to use thismenu option to assign the same. If you do not know the type of trunking systemyou are about to monitor, refer to the guide included with the radio or check outwww.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.2:DELAY You can set delay for a trunk system on a bank by bank basis. If you’ve set delayfor 1 second, then there will be a one second delay in Trunk Search for that bankand a one second delay for all the talkgroups you have programmed into Scan Listmemory. You cannot set delay individually by talkgroup. The default delay is two seconds.3:RECORDThis Record option applies to Trunk Search. If you have set Record on, the LINEicon will be lit. All talkgroups received during Trunk Search will be recordablethrough the TAPE OUT jack on the back of the scanner. To record individualtalkgroups during Scan, see Item 5 on the next page. The default is off.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 16
174:L/O ID REVIEWUse this menu item to review the IDs that you have locked out during Search andScan. Use the Up/Down arrow keys or turn the VFO to the left or right to view theIDs that have been locked out. To leave the lockout IDs unchanged, press MENUtoback out of the menu. To unlock an ID, press the L/Okey. To unlock all the IDs thathave been locked out, press the E(Enter) key.5:PROGRAM IDYou can program IDs into Scan List memory either during Trunk Scan or Searchwithout 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 tolater monitor. You can set it up and have it ready to go at some later time.After you have selected the Scan List location (1-10) and the memory location(1-10), you can then do the following:1 Program the talkgroup or I-CALL ID number2 Set an alpha tag for same3 Assign the Record option for same. Whenever a transmission is active on the ID the signal can be recorded to a tape recorder using the TAPE OUTjack on the back of the radio.4. Assign a Beep Alert to the ID. Whenever that ID is active, you will hear a rapid three beep tone at the start of the transmission.6:ID LIST TAGAssign an alphanumeric tag to any or all of the 10 Scan Lists for the system. DuringScan Mode, you will see the List Tag (on the bottom text line) along with any alphatag you may have set for an ID. In Search mode, you will see any Bank Tag youhave set.7:I-CALL (MOTOROLA AND EDCS)Most communications within a trunked system are group calls where one unit (suchas a dispatcher) communicates with all the units within his/her group (all the patrolvehicles on the east side of town, for example). The units within this group comprisewhat is typically known as a talkgroup. There are some communications which aredirect unit-to-unit conversations where one individual converses with anotherindividual. 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 BC780XLT defaults to I-CALL OFF mode.You can hear these conversationsby 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-CALLsto I-CALL ONLY during which you will monitor only I-CALLs in Search mode.Youcan also program I-CALL IDs into Scan List memory.7:ID SCAN LIST (LT)When scanning an LT system you can only turn Scan Lists off and on when an LTtalkgroup that you have entered into memory is active. To provide you with anothermethod to turn Scan Lists on and off, you can use this Menu item which onlyappears when you have selected LT in Trunk Type.ORBC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 17
188:STATUS BIT (MOTOROLA)On Type II trunking systems there is a method by which specialized types ofcommunications utilize unique talkgroup numbers. An emergency call will occur ona unique talkgroup from its primary assignment, for example. Because theBC780XLT defaults to Status-Bit On mode, you never need to worry about missingthese 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 on33264.8:EDACS ID FORM (EDCS)You can change to display the talkgroups in decimal mode, but this mode does notprovide you with nearly the flexibility that you get with AFS. The BC780XLT defaultsto show the talkgroup number in AFS mode (Agency-Fleet-Subfleet). For details onAFS see pages 50-51.9:END CODE (MOTOROLA)When this function is disabled, the radio looks for squelch before returning to thecontrol channel instead of waiting for the disconnect tone. Only in rare instanceswill you need to adjust the default settings.The condition to return to control channels depends on whether signal is present or not.0:CONTROL CH ONLY (MOTOROLA 800 & 900 SYSTEMS)With this mode you will be able to track Motorola Type I and II 800 and 900 MHztrunked systems by simply entering the control channel which manages the trunkedsystem. You will not have to program the voice channels. There are 4 channel planswhich you can select from.4:SEARCH EVENTYou can program up to 10 search ranges (one per bank). The first time youprogram a range for a bank you will need to do so through the Menu. After the firsttime you can program a range as you do on most any other scanner, using thenumeric keypad and the ▲/HOLD or ▼/LIMITkeys.1:SEARCH BANKUse this Menu item to select the search bank that you want to program.You canprogram banks 1 through 10, one at a time. For each of the banks, the followingoptions can be modified.1:EDIT RANGEEnter the upper and lower frequency limits of the search range.2:STEPSYou can assign a variety of step sizes to the search range. Note: The default step is usually acceptable and is listed in the front of the manual.(See inside front cover)3:MODEYou can change the default receive mode with this menu item.4:ALPHA TAGYou can alpha tag any or all of the search banks.ORBC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 18
192:DELAYSet a delay for the search ranges. This applies to all ranges (See CHANNEL DATA-STEPS for details).3:ATTENUATORSet attenuation for all search ranges. (See CHANNEL DATA-ATTENUATOR for details).4:TONE DATAThe default mode is off. This means that you will receive all transmissions on anyfrequencies that are active within your search range(s). By selecting CTCSS orDCS you can set the radio to receive only a particular subaudible tone to bereceived during your 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 transmissionson any frequency that have particular subaudible tone.Note: Through the System Menu you can set the radio to operate in Tone Searchmode during Search as well. In this mode, the radio will automatically determine theactive subaudible tone on any frequency received during the Search.5:RECORDWith Record set to on, any frequency that is active, during the search, can berecorded to an external tape recorder.6:AUTO STOREYou can automatically store active frequencies found during a search into memory.You can select which bank you want to program the found frequencies. Note thatthe audio will be muted during Auto Store.BC780XLT1.qxd 10/08/2000 5:02 PM Page 19

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