Uniden Bcd396T Owners Manual

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BCD396T
OWNER’S
MANUAL

OWNER’S MANUAL

Precautions
Before you use this scanner, please read and observe
Precautions
the following.

IMPORTANT!
This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it
will not tune to the radio frequencies assigned by the
FCC for cellular telephone usage. The Electronic
Communications Privacy Act of 1986, as amended,
makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept
cellular or cordless 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 be prohibited, 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 information
regarding the laws in your community.
Changes or modifications to this product not expressly
approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in
any way other than as detailed by this Operating
Guide, could void your authority to operate this
product.
EARPHONE WARNING!
Be sure to use only a monaural earphone with this
scanner. You can also use an optional 32 Ω stereo
headset. Use of an incorrect earphone or stereo
headset might be potentially hazardous to your
hearing. The output of the phone jack is monaural, but
you will hear it in both headphones of a stereo
headset.
Set the volume to a comfortable audio level coming
from the speaker before plugging in the monaural
earphone or a stereo headset of the proper
impedance (32 Ω). Otherwise, you might experience
some discomfort or possible hearing damage if the
volume suddenly becomes too loud because of the
volume control or squelch control setting. This might
be particularly true of the type of earphone that is
placed in the ear canal.

Precautions
2

WARNING!
Uniden does not represent this unit to be
waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire or electrical
shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
Astro®, DPL®, Digital Private Line®, Motorola®,
PL®, PRIVACY PLUS®, Private Line®,
SMARTNET®,and SMARTZONE® are registered
trademarks of Motorola, Inc.
LTR® is a registered trademark of E.F. Johnson Co.
EDACS® is a registered trademark of M/A-COM
Private Radio Systems Inc.
Uniden® and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of
Uniden America Corporation.
TrunkTracker™, Trunk Tracking™, and Close Call™
are proprietary trademarks of Uniden America
Corporation.
Other trademarks used throughout this manual are the
property of their respective holders.
Important: If you use the supplied AC adapter to power
the scanner but have not installed batteries in the
scanner, never turn the scanner off by disconnecting
the AC adapter or unplugging it from the AC outlet.
This might corrupt the scanner’s memory.
Always use
to turn the scanner off before
disconnecting AC power.

Precautions
3

Contents
Contents

The FCC Wants You to Know ..................................................................... 8
Scanning Legally ........................................................................................ 8
Introduction ............................................................................................... 10
Feature Highlights ..................................................................................... 11
About This Manual .................................................................................... 16
Using the Multifunction Scroll Control .................................................... 16
Entering Text ......................................................................................... 17
How the Scanner’s Controls Are Represented in This Manual .............. 17
Understanding Scanning .......................................................................... 19
Understanding the Scanner’s Memory ..................................................... 19
What is Scanning? .................................................................................... 19
What is Searching? ................................................................................... 20
What is CTCSS/DCS? .............................................................................. 20
Conventional Scanning ............................................................................. 22
Simplex Operation ................................................................................. 23
Repeater Operation ............................................................................... 23
What is Trunk Tracking? ........................................................................... 23
Trunked Scanning ..................................................................................... 24
Types of Trunking Systems ...................................................................... 25
Motorola Trunking .................................................................................. 25
EDACS Trunking ................................................................................... 27
LTR Trunking ......................................................................................... 28
I-Call (Motorola/EDACS) ........................................................................... 29
Where To Get More Information ............................................................... 29
Information On The Internet ................................................................... 29
Included With Your Scanner ..................................................................... 31
Setting Up Your Scanner .......................................................................... 32
Using Internal Batteries ............................................................................ 32
Using Rechargeable Batteries .................................................................. 33
Removing the Display Sticker ................................................................... 34
Using AC Power ....................................................................................... 34
Connecting the Antenna ........................................................................... 35
Connecting an Optional Antenna ........................................................... 35
Connecting an Earphone/Headphone ...................................................... 35
Connecting an Extension Speaker ........................................................... 35
Attaching the Belt Clip .............................................................................. 36
Attaching the Wrist Strap .......................................................................... 36
A Look At The Keypad .............................................................................. 36
A Look At The Display .............................................................................. 39
Using Menu ............................................................................................... 41
Using Func ................................................................................................ 41
Basic Operation ......................................................................................... 42
Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch .................................... 42
Scanning Systems .................................................................................... 43
Preprogrammed System Tips ................................................................ 43
Selecting Systems to Scan ....................................................................... 44
Selecting System Channel Groups ........................................................... 45
Locking/Unlocking Systems ...................................................................... 45
Locking/Unlocking Channels .................................................................... 45
ID Scan/ID Search Mode .......................................................................... 46
Temporarily Holding On a System ............................................................ 46
Holding On a Channel .............................................................................. 46
Quickly Storing an ID During ID Search ................................................... 47
Quick-Storing Channels or Talk Group ID’s .............................................. 47
Quickly Recalling Channels ...................................................................... 48
Monitoring Trunking Activity ...................................................................... 48
Toggling Channel Alpha Tags ................................................................. 48
Using the Menu .......................................................................................... 49
Programming Systems Menu ................................................................... 51

Contents
4

Other Settings ............................................................................................ 53
Displaying System Information ................................................................. 53
Viewing Memory Used ............................................................................53
Viewing the Firmware Version ................................................................53
Adjusting the Key Beep ............................................................................ 53
Locking/Unlocking the Keypad and Scroll ................................................ 53
Turning Power Save On or Off ................................................................. 54
Priority Scan ............................................................................................. 54
Using the Backlight ................................................................................... 54
Setting the Audio AGC .............................................................................. 55
Adjusting the Display Contrast .................................................................. 55
Initializing the Scanner’s Memory ............................................................. 56
Connecting Your Scanner to a Personal Computer .................................. 56
Using the Cloning Options ........................................................................ 57
Wired Cloning ........................................................................................ 57
On-Air Cloning ....................................................................................... 58
Programming Radio Systems ....................................................................60
Programming Conventional Systems ........................................................61
Entering/Editing Conventional Channel Groups .....................................61
Entering/Editing Conventional Channels ................................................62
Programming Motorola Systems .............................................................. 63
Setting System Frequencies ...................................................................64
Setting Modulation ..................................................................................65
Setting Attenuation .................................................................................65
Entering/Editing Motorola Channel Groups ............................................66
Entering/Editing Motorola Channels .......................................................66
Programming EDACS Systems ................................................................ 67
Setting System Frequencies .................................................................. 68
Entering/Editing EDACS Channel Groups ............................................. 69
Entering/Editing EDACS Channels ........................................................ 69
Programming LTR Systems ...................................................................... 70
Setting System Frequencies .................................................................. 71
Entering/Editing LTR Channel Groups .................................................. 71
Entering/Editing LTR Channels/Talkgroups ........................................... 72
Programming/Editing Optional Settings ................................................. 74
System-Level Settings .............................................................................. 74
Editing the System Name .......................................................................74
Editing the System Quick Key ................................................................75
Setting System Lockout ..........................................................................75
Setting the System Hold Time ................................................................76
Setting the Channel Delay Time .............................................................76
Setting ID Scan/Search (Trunked Systems Only) ...................................77
Editing the Fleet Map (Motorola Systems Only) .....................................77
Setting the Motorola Status Bit (Motorola Systems Only) .......................78
Setting the End Code Operation (Motorola Systems Only) ....................79
Setting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only) ..............................79
Setting Emergency Alert (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only) ...........80
Setting Control-Channel Only (Motorola Systems Only) ........................80
Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies .......................................................81
Clearing All Locked-Out IDs ...................................................................81
Adjusting the P25 Level (Motorola and Conventional Systems Only) ....81
Setting the EDACS ID Format (EDACS Systems Only) .........................82
Setting System Attenuation (Trunked Systems Only) .............................83
Deleting Systems ....................................................................................83
Copying Systems ....................................................................................83
Group-Level Settings .................................................................................84
Entering/Editing the Group Name ...........................................................84
Setting the Group Quick Key ..................................................................85
Setting Group Lockout ............................................................................85
Deleting Groups ......................................................................................85

Contents
5

Channel-Level Settings.............................................................................. 86
Editing the Channel Name...................................................................... 86
Editing Frequencies (Conventional Channels Only) ............................... 87
Setting Channel Priority (Conventional Channels Only) ......................... 87
Setting Channel Alert.............................................................................. 88
Editing the Talk Group ID (Trunked Channels Only) .............................. 88
Setting CTCSS/DCS (Conventional Channels Only).............................. 89
Setting the System Frequency Modulation ............................................ 90
Setting Channel Attenuation (Conventional Channels Only) ................. 90
Setting Channel Lockout ........................................................................ 91
Deleting Channels ................................................................................. 92
Copying/Pasting Channels .................................................................... 92
Searching and Storing .............................................................................. 94
Service Search .......................................................................................... 94
Quick Search ............................................................................................ 95
CTCSS/DCS Search ................................................................................. 95
Custom Search ......................................................................................... 96
Editing a Custom Search Range ........................................................... 97
Editing a Service Search ....................................................................... 98
Auto Search and Store ............................................................................. 99
Selecting a System ............................................................................... 100
Storing a Conventional System ............................................................ 100
Storing a Trunked System .................................................................... 101
Optimizing P25 Performance .................................................................. 102
Using the Close Call Feature .................................................................. 103
Setting Close Call Options ...................................................................... 104
Close Call Hits ........................................................................................ 106
Search and Close Call Options .............................................................. 107
Managing Locked-Out Frequencies ........................................................ 107
Unlocking All Frequencies ................................................................... 107
Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies .................................................... 107
Searching for Subaudible Tones ............................................................ 107
Screening Out Broadcast Sources ......................................................... 108
Finding Repeater Output Frequencies .................................................... 109
Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value .................................................. 110
Setting the Modulation Type ................................................................... 110
Setting Attenuation ................................................................................. 110
Setting Data Skip .................................................................................... 111
Setting the Delay Time ........................................................................... 112
Setting the Search Frequency Step ........................................................ 112
Using Weather Alert (SAME) ................................................................... 113
Searching For a Weather Broadcast ...................................................... 113
Turning Weather Alert On/Off ................................................................. 113
Programming a SAME Group ................................................................. 114
Setting WX Alert Priority ......................................................................... 115
Using Tone-Out ........................................................................................ 116
Fire Tone-Out Introduction ...................................................................... 116
Setting Tone-Out Standby ................................................................... 116
Setting Up Tone-Out ............................................................................ 116
Care and Maintenance ............................................................................. 119
General Use ............................................................................................ 119
Location .................................................................................................. 119
Cleaning .................................................................................................. 119
Repairs ................................................................................................... 120
Birdies ..................................................................................................... 120

Contents
6

Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 121
Specifications .......................................................................................... 125
Optional Accessories .............................................................................. 128
Appendix .................................................................................................. 129
Preset Fleet Maps ................................................................................... 129
User Defined Fleet Maps ........................................................................ 131
Type I Programming Information ......................................................... 131
Size Code Restrictions ........................................................................ 132
Planning .................................................................................................... 133
Collecting Information ............................................................................. 133
Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet ................................... 135
System Name and Quick Key .............................................................. 135
Group Name and Quick Key ................................................................ 135
Frequency-Alpha Tag-Priority-CTCSS/DCS ........................................ 135
Filling Out The Motorola Worksheet ....................................................... 136
System Name and Quick Key .............................................................. 136
System Type ........................................................................................ 136
System Frequencies ............................................................................ 137
Fleet Map (Type I or Type I/Type II Hybrid Only) ................................ 137
Band Plan (VHF or UHF Only) ............................................................ 137
Group Name and Quick Key ................................................................ 137
Talk Group ID-Alpha Tag-Alert ............................................................ 137
Filling Out the LTR and EDACS Worksheet ........................................... 138
System Name and Quick Key .............................................................. 138
System Frequencies and LCN ............................................................. 138
Group Name and Quick Key ................................................................ 138
Talk Group ID-Alpha Tag-Alert ............................................................ 138
Conventional System Worksheet ........................................................... 139
Motorola System Worksheet .................................................................. 140
LTR/EDACS System Worksheet ............................................................. 142
Preprogrammed Systems ....................................................................... 144
One-Year Limited Warranty .................................................................... 150

Contents
7

The FCC Wants You to Know
This scanner
has been
and found to comply
The
FCC Wants
Youtested
to Know
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. This scanner
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications.
There is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this scanner does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
scanner on and off, you are encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the scanner and
the receiver
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and 2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

Scanning Legally
Your scanner covers frequencies used by many
different groups, including police and fire departments,
ambulance services, government agencies, private
companies, amateur radio services, military operations,
pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph)
service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every
transmission your scanner can receive. However, there
are some transmissions that you should never
intentionally listen to. These include:

The FCC Wants You to Know
8

• Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or
other private means of telephone signal transmission)
• Pager transmissions
• Any scrambled or encrypted transmissions
According to the Electronic Communications Privacy
Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible
imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or
divulging the contents of such a conversation unless
you have the consent of a party to the conversation
(unless such activity is otherwise illegal). This scanner
has been designed to prevent the reception of cellular
telephone transmissions and the decoding of
scrambled transmissions. This is done to comply with
the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured
so they are not easy to modify to pick up these
transmissions. Do not open your scanner’s case to
make any modifications that could allow it to pick up
transmissions that are illegal to monitor. Modifying or
tampering with your scanner’s internal components or
using it in a way other than as described in this manual
could invalidate your warranty and void your FCC
authorization to operate it.
In some areas, mobile and/or portable use of this
scanner is unlawful or requires a permit. Check the
laws in your area. It is also illegal in many areas (and a
bad idea everywhere) to interfere with the duties of
public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an
incident without authorization.
A license is required to use this product in Canada.

The FCC Wants You to Know
9

Introduction

Introduction

Your BCD396T scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner
radio with TrunkTracker IV™ and automatic scanning
capabilities. You can store frequencies such as police,
fire/emergency, marine, air, amateur, and other communications into the scanner. You can carry it with you wherever you go. You can use the scanner’s scroll control
to quickly select channels and frequencies, and you
can automatically program channels in a system using
the AutoStore feature. Use your scanner to monitor:
• Analog and digital trunked public safety systems
(unencrypted only) *
• Police and fire departments (including rescue and
paramedics)
• NOAA weather transmissions
• Business/Industrial radio and utilities
• Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands
• Air band
• Railroad
Your scanner can monitor the following bands.
Frequency (MHz)
Lower Edge
25.0000
28.0000
29.7000
50.0000
54.0000
72.0000
76.0000
88.0000
108.0000
137.0000
144.0000
148.0000
150.8000
162.0000
174.0000
216.0000
225.0000
400.0000
764.0000
794.0000
806.0000
849.0125
894.0125
1240.0000

Upper Edge
27.9950
29.6800
49.9900
53.9800
71.9500
75.9950
87.9500
107.9000
136.9750
143.9875
147.9950
150.7875
161.9950
173.9875
215.9500
224.9800
399.9500
512.0000
775.9875
805.9875
823.9875
868.9875
956.0000
1300.0000

Modulation
AM
NFM
NFM
NFM
WFM
FM
WFM
WFM
AM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
WFM
NFM
AM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM
NFM

Step
(kHz)
5.0
20.0
10.0
20.0
50.0
5.0
50.0
100.0
25.0
12.5
5.0
12.5
5.0
12.5
50.0
20.0
50.0
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
12.5
25.0

* Motorola® Astro®, SMARTNET®,SMARTZONE®, and PRIVACY PLUS®,
M/A-COM Private Radio Systems Inc. EDACS® Wide, Narrow, and SCAT,
and E.F. Johnson Co. LTR systems.

Introduction

10

Feature Highlights

Feature Highlights
General

Close CallTM 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
scanner’s memory is organized so that it more closely
matches how radio systems actually work, making it
easier to program and use your scanner and determine
how much memory you have used and how much you
have left.
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, plus the most popular
digital systems. A complete list of the scanner’s
preprogrammed systems is in “Preprogrammed Systems” on Page 144.
100 Quick Keys – You can set the scanner so you
can quickly select systems and groups by using the
keypad. This makes it easy to listen to or quickly lock
out those systems or groups you don’t want to scan.
12 Service Searches - frequencies are preset in
separate Public Safety, News, HAM Radio, Marine,
Railroad, Air, CB Radio, FRS/GMRS, Racing, TV
Broadcast, FM Broadcast, and Special searches, to
make it easy to search and scan for specific
transmissions.
Lockout – You can lock out any system, group,
frequency, or channel while scanning. If you lock out a
system or group, any channels belonging to that system or group are also locked out.
You can lock out up to 200 frequencies. The scanner
skips locked-out frequencies while using the Close
Call feature or while searching.
CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes – prevent
interference from stations not using the mode you
select.

Feature Highlights
11

Analog and Digital Audio AGC – Helps automatically
balance the volume level between different radio
systems.
Fire Tone-Out Standby – Lets you set the scanner to
alert you if a two-tone sequential page is transmitted.
You can set up to 10 settings (transmit frequency, tone
frequencies) then select one for standby monitoring.
Broadcast Screen – Sets the scanner so it ignores
Close CallTM or search hits on known broadcast
frequencies including pager frequencies.
Custom Screen – Lets you input up to 10 frequency
ranges that the scanner will ignore during Close CallTM
or search operation.
Dropout Delay – You can set whether the scanner
pauses at the end of a transmission to wait for a reply.
You can set the delay time for each system you scan,
and while searching and using the Close CallTM
feature.
Attenuator – You can set the scanner’s attenuator to
reduce the input strength of strong signals by about 18 dB.
Repeater Reverse – You can set the scanner so it
switches to the input frequency on a conventional
repeater system.
Channel Alert – You can set the scanner so it alerts
you when there is activity on any channel you specify.
Memory Check – Lets you see at a glance how much
total memory is left.
Scan and Search Operation – Lets you include
selected service searches or custom search ranges
during normal scan operation.
Custom Alerts – For each alert in the scanner (such as
channel alert, Close Call alert, emergency alert), you
can select from 9 different tone patterns and also set
the alert volume level independently from the main
volume level.

Feature Highlights
12

Automatic Channel Step – Accepts frequencies on
any valid channel step, even if it does not fall within
the band plan’s default step.
Frequency Step – Lets you select a frequency step
(5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5,15, 20, 25, 50 or 100 kHz)
for manual mode and chain search mode. The scanner’s auto step feature lets you set the scanner so it
automatically chooses the correct step.
Quick Recall – Lets you quickly select a specific
channel by choosing the system, group, and channel.
Scan/Search Delay – You can set the scanner so it
remains on a frequency up to 5 seconds after the last
transmission to wait for a possible reply.
Text Tagging – You can name each system, group,
channel, talk group ID, custom search range, and
SAME group, using up to 16 characters per name.
Unique Data Skip – Allows your scanner to skip
unwanted data transmissions and reduces birdies.
Duplicate Frequency Alert – Alerts you if you try to
enter a duplicate name or frequency already stored in
a system.
Memory Backup – If power is lost or disconnected,
the scanner retains the frequencies you programmed
in its memory.
Note: The scanner’s frequency coverage is not
continuous and does not include the cellular telephone
or UHF TV bands.

Trunk Tracking
Trunk Tracker IV™ Operation – Follows unencrypted
conversations on analog Motorola, Motorola Astro 25
(APCO 25), EDACS, EDACS SCAT, and LTR trunked
radio systems, including systems in VHF, UHF, 700
MHz, 800 MHz, and 900 MHz bands. The scanner can
scan both conventional and trunked systems at the
same time.

Feature Highlights
13

Control Channel Only Scanning – If the scanner is
set to scan Motorola trunking frequencies, you can set
it so it scans using only control channel data. You do
not have to program voice channel frequencies into
memory in this mode as long as all possible control
channels are programmed.
Adaptive Digital Threshold – Automatically sets the
digital decode threshold for APCO 25 systems.

Weather
Weather Search – Lets your scanner receive your
local NOAA weather transmission.
SAME Weather Alert – Lets your scanner alert you when
a SAME weather alert is transmitted on a NOAA weather
channel. The scanner also displays the transmitted
alert type. This helps you quickly find out about severe
weather in your area and lets you avoid false alarms.
WX Priority – Lets your scanner alert you when a SAME
weather priority alert is transmitted on a NOAA weather
channel.

Search
Service Search – Lets you quickly select and search
the scanner’s preprogrammed frequencies.
Custom Search – Lets you program up to 10 custom
search ranges. You can search any of these ranges
simultaneously.
CTCSS/DCS Search – Lets the scanner search for
CTCSS or DCS tones. You can identify up to 50
CTCSS tones and 104 DCS tones.
Quick Search – Lets you search from the currently-tuned
frequency if you are searching a conventional system.

Auto Store
Frequency AutoStore – Automatically stores all
active frequencies into the selected conventional
system.

Feature Highlights
14

Talk Group ID AutoStore – Automatically stores all
new talk group ID’s into a channel group you select.

Priority
Priority Scan – Priority channels let you keep track of
activity on your most important channel(s) while
monitoring other channels for transmissions.
Priority Plus – You can set the scanner so it scans
only the priority channels

Backlight and Power
Display and Keypad Backlight – Makes the display and
keypad 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 recharged or replaced.
Battery Save – You can set the scanner so it reduces
the amount of power it needs if there are no transmissions.

Key Controls
Key Lock – You can deactivate the scanner’s keys to
help prevent accidentally changing the scanner’s
programming.

PC Control and Cloning
PC Control – You can transfer programming data to
and from your scanner and your personal computer,
and control the scanner using a computer. This helps
you find frequencies listed on the Internet and load
them into the scanner. Free PC control and
programming software will be available at
http://www.uniden.com.
Clone Mode – You can clone all programmed data,
including the contents of the scanner’s memory, menu
settings, and other parameters from one BCD396T
scanner to another BCD396T scanner.

Feature Highlights
15

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 and user IDs for your area and the
settings you select, you might notice some differences
between what is in this manual and what appears on
your scanner.

Using the Multifunction Scroll Control
The scroll control on top of the BCD396T lets you
easily control channel selection, volume, and squelch,
and how information appears on the display.
To adjust menu settings, change channels in Hold
mode, and resume scanning: Simply rotate the
scroll control.
To change the scanner’s volume: Briefly press the
scroll control once, then rotate it. VOLUME LEVEL and
the current volume level appear on the display.
To adjust the squelch: While holding down Func on
the left side of the scanner, briefly press the scroll
control once then rotate it. SQUELCH LEVEL and the
current squelch level appear on the display.
To change the display mode: While holding down
Func , briefly press the scroll control twice. Extended
receive information, usually applicable to digital
scanning, appears on the display. Then briefly press
the scroll control again to return to the original display.

Entering Text
To enter a letter, turn the scroll control until the
character you want appears, To enter a number, press a
number key. To enter a decimal point, press .

Feature Highlights
16

To move the cursor to the left, press
cursor to the right, press 6/ .

/4. To move the

To clear a character, press twice. To clear all
characters, press three times.
To accept an entry, press down on the scroll control or
press E.

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 to edit an existing system name. It shows you
the key to press ( Menu ) to select a menu option and
the option you see (Program System) when you
press Menu . It also instructs you to turn the scroll
control (shown as ) to view a series of choices then
press the scroll control (shown as
(Edit Name).
Menu

) to select a choice

Program System
Select the system
Edit Name

Follow these steps to enter/edit the
system name.
1. The first character of the system name is covered
by a cursor. Rotate the scroll control to select the
character you want.
2. Press 6/ on the keypad to select the next
character. The cursor moves to the next character.
To move the cursor to a previous character, press
/4.

Feature Highlights
17

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the
system name. Then press down on the scroll
control or press E to accept the setting.
Hints:
• Each system name can be up to 16 characters.
Abbreviate as necessary to fit.
• The default system names include the following
letter in the 16th position to indicate the system
type:
M = Motorola
E = EDACS
L = LTR
C = Conventional
• Press

twice to delete the current character.

• Press

three times to clear the entire alpha tag.

To get the most from this manual, review the contents
to become familiar with the basic functions available.
If you are new to scanning or trunk tracking, be sure to
read “Understanding Scanning” on Page 19 for a quick
background on the technology. The first thing you’ll
need to do is install batteries in the scanner. Then you
need to connect the included antenna to the scanner.
See “Setting Up Your Scanner” on Page 32 if you
need any help doing this.

Feature Highlights
18

Understanding Scanning
This section provides you
with background on how
Understanding
Scanning
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’s memory is organized in an architecture
called Dynamic Allocated Channel memory. This type
of memory is organized differently and more efficiently
than the bank/channel architecture used by traditional
scanners. Dynamic Allocated design matches how
radio systems actually work much more closely, making
it easier to program and use your scanner and determine how much memory you have used and how much
you have left.
Instead of being organized into separate banks and
channels, your scanner’s memory is contained in a
pool. You simply use as much memory as you need in
the pool to store as many frequencies, talk group ID’s,
and alpha tags as you need. No memory space is
wasted, and you can tell at a glance how much
memory you have used and how much remains.
With a traditional scanner, when you program it to
track a trunked system, you must first program the
frequencies. Since you can only program one trunking
system per bank in a traditional scanner, if there were
(for example) 30 frequencies, the remaining channels
in the bank are not used and therefore wasted. Also,
since some trunked systems might have hundreds of
talk groups, you would have had to enter those types
of systems into multiple banks in order to monitor and
track all the ID’s.

What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most twoway communications do not transmit continuously.
Your BCD396T scans programmed channels until it

Understanding Scanning
19

finds an active frequency, then stops on that frequency
and remains on that channel as long as the
transmission continues. When the transmission ends,
the scanning cycle resumes until the scanner receives
another transmission.

What is Searching?
The BCD396T can search each of its 12 bands and up
to 10 bands together to find active frequencies. This is
different from scanning because you are searching for
frequencies that have not been programmed into the
scanner. When you select frequency bands to search,
the scanner searches for any active frequency within
the lower and upper limits you specify. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops on that frequency as long as the transmission lasts. If you think
the frequency is interesting, you can program it into
the scanner’s memory. If not, you can continue to
search.

What is CTCSS/DCS?
Your scanner can monitor systems using a Continuous
Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digital
Coded Squelch (DCS) system, which allow squelch to
open only when the tone you have programmed with a
specific frequency is received along with a
transmission.
CTCSS and DCS are subaudible tone signaling
systems sometimes referred to as PL or DPL
(Motorola’s trademarked terms for Private Line and
Digital Private Line respectively). CTCSS and DCS
are used only for FM signals and are usually
associated with both amateur and commercial twoway frequencies. These systems make use of a
special subaudible tone that accompanies a
transmitted signal.
CTCSS and DCS are used for many purposes. In
many cases, CTCSS and DCS are used to restrict
access to a commercial repeater, so that only those

Understanding Scanning
20

units which transmit the correct tone along with their
signal can “talk” to the repeater.
CTCSS and DCS are also used in areas that receive
interference where there are several stations with
output frequencies close to each other. When this
occurs, you might hear multiple communications on
the same frequency. The stations might even interfere
with each other to the point where it is impossible to
clearly receive any of the stations. A scanner
equipped with CTCSS and DCS (like your scanner)
can code each received frequency with a specific
CTCSS or DCS frequency. Then, when you receive
multiple signals, you only hear the transmission with
the CTCSS or DCS tone you programmed. If you do
not receive the correct tone with a signal, the
scanner’s squelch remains closed and you hear
nothing.
You can search for the following CTCSS frequencies
and DCS codes.
CTCSS Frequencies (Hz)

67.0
82.5
100.0
123.0
151.4
171.3
189.9
210.7

69.3
85.4
103.5
127.3
156.7
173.8
192.8
218.1

71.9
88.5
107.2
131.8
159.8
177.3
196.6
225.7
250.3

74.4
91.5
110.9
136.5
162.2
179.9
199.5
229.1
254.1

77.0
94.8
114.8
141.3
165.5
183.5
203.5
233.6

79.7
97.4
118.8
146.2
167.9
186.2
206.5
241.8

DCS Codes (Octal)

023
051
114
143

025
053
115
145

026
054
116
152

031
065
122
155

032
071
125
156

036
072
131
162

043
073
132
165

047
074
134
172

Understanding Scanning
21

174
245
266
332
411
452
506
612
703

205
246
271
343
412
454
516
624
712

212
251
274
346
413
455
523
627
723

223
252
306
351
423
462
526
631
731

225
255
311
356
431
464
532
632
732

226
261
315
364
432
465
546
654
734

243
263
325
365
445
466
565
662
743

244
265
331
371
446
503
606
664
754

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 goes out
on the same frequency. Up until the late 1980s, this
was the primary way that radio systems operated.
Even today, there are many 2-way radio users who
operate using a conventional system:
•
•
•
•
•

Aircraft
Amateur radio
FRS/GMRS users
Broadcast AM/FM/TV stations
Many business radio users

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 next channel. If there is, then the
scanner pauses on the transmission until it is over.

Understanding Scanning
22

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 such as
GMRS/FRS radios. The range is typically 1-8 miles,
depending upon the terrain and many other factors.

Repeater Operation
Repeater systems use two frequencies: one transmits
from the radio to a central repeater; the other transmits
from the repeater to other radios in the system. With a
repeater-based system, the repeater is located on top
of a tall building or on a radio tower that provides great
visibility to the area of operation. When a user
transmits (on an input frequency), the signal is picked
up by the repeater and retransmitted (on an output
frequency). The user’s radios always listen for activity
on the output frequency and transmit on the input
frequency. Since the repeater is located very high,
there is a very large line of sight.
Typical repeater systems provide coverage out to
about a 25-mile radius from the repeater location.

What is Trunk Tracking?
Your BCD396T is designed to track the following types
of trunking systems.
• Motorola Astro (APCO 25) trunking systems.
• Motorola Type I, Type II, Type IIi hybrid,
SMARTNET, and PRIVACYPLUS analog trunking
systems, which are extensively used in 800 MHz
communication systems.
• LTR trunking systems
• EDACS SCAT trunking systems
• EDACS trunking systems

Understanding Scanning
23

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 you want to monitor into
your scanner’s memory. For example, the police in your
area might transmit on 460.500 MHz, the fire department
on 154.445 MHz, the highway department on 37.900
MHz, etc. So when your scanner stops on a frequency,
you usually know who it is, and more importantly, you
can stop on a channel and listen to an entire
conversation. This type of scanning is easy and fun.
However, as the demand for public communications
has increased, many public radio users do not have
enough frequencies to meet their needs, creating a
serious problem. Trunking radio systems help solve
this problem.

Trunked Scanning
While conventional scanning worked great while there
were only a few groups wanting to use the
frequencies, with the advent of smaller, lower-cost
radios more and more agencies and businesses
wanted to take advantage of the utility of 2-way radio.
As a result, the bands that were used most became
full, so new users were not able to take advantage of
the technology as quickly as they wanted.
Trunking solved this frequency shortage by allowing
multiple groups to use the same set of frequencies in a
very efficient way. While each type of trunking system
operates a little differently (see the next few sections),
they all work on the same basic premise: even in a
system with a lot of users, only a few users are ever
transmitting at any one time.
Instead of being assigned a frequency, as with
conventional systems, each group is assigned a talk
group ID. A central computer controls the frequency

Understanding Scanning
24

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-random frequency assignment made
monitoring such a system impossible prior to Uniden’s
invention of the TrunkTracker scanner.
Not only does your BCD396T scan channels like a
conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a
trunked radio system. Once you know a talk group’s
ID, you won’t miss any of the action.
If you are a new scanner enthusiast, you might want to
read the first part of this manual and use your scanner
in conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking.
Understanding scanning fundamentals and
terminology will make trunk tracking much easier. If
you are already an experienced scanner operator, you
might want to go to “Programming Motorola Systems”
on Page 63, “Programming EDACS Systems” on
Page 67, or “Programming LTR Systems” on Page 70
now.

Types of Trunking Systems
Trunking systems divide a few frequencies among
many different users, but the way that each system
does this is slightly different. This section describes
some of the technical data behind Motorola, EDACS,
and LTR trunked radio systems.

Motorola Trunking
While there are different types of Motorola trunking
systems, they all use the same basic trunking method.
The system consists of one control channel (or as
many as 4 per system but only one is active at any
one time), plus one or more voice channels (typically
10, 20, or 28 total channels). When a user presses
Push To Talk (PTT) to transmit, their radio first sends
their talk group information to the control channel.

Understanding Scanning
25

The computer then assigns that talk group to a specific
voice channel and transmits that data over the control
channel. All radios in that talk group switch over to the
assigned voice channel and the user can begin speaking. This all typically takes place in about a second...the person transmitting hears a beep from their
radio when the channel is assigned and then it is OK
to start talking.
The systems in use are:
Motorola Type I – the radios send the radio ID, the
fleet and subfleet talk group ID to the control channel
each time they transmit. To program a Type I system,
you need to know the system’s fleet map. The most
common fleet maps are included in “Preset Fleet
Maps” on Page 129. You can also find fleet map
resources on the web.
Motorola Type II – the radios only send the radio ID
and radio channel code to the control channel. The
central computer keeps a database of radio ID’s and
which talk group is assigned to which channel code for
each radio, so with this system the user’s radio sends
only about 1/3 the data as a Type I system with each
transmission. Type II systems do not use Fleetsubfleet talk groups; instead they use a 5-digit ID for
each talk group.
Type IIi Hybrid — these systems support a mix of both
Type I and Type II users. Like Type I systems, you
must know the system’s fleet map to ensure proper
tracking.
Motorola ASTRO 25 (APCO 25) – these radios are
similar to Type II systems, but send only the radio ID
and radio channel code to the control channel, transmitting voice in digital form.

Understanding Scanning
26

EDACS Trunking
EDACS trunking works in much the same way as
Motorola trunking with a couple of major differences.
In an EDACS system, each frequency used by the
system is assigned a Logical Channel Number (LCN)
so that less data needs to be transmitted by the
control channel. Also, talk groups are assigned in an
Agency-Fleet-Subfleet (AFS) hierarchy. Also, there is
one variation of EDACS called SCAT that your
BCD396T can monitor.
Logical Channel Numbers – each frequency used by
the system is assigned an LCN. This information is
programmed into each user radio. When a user
presses PTT, their radio sends their AFS information
to the control channel. The computer then assigns that
talk group to a channel and sends the LCN so that all
other radios in that talk group will switch to the correct
channel. To program an EDACS system in your
scanner, you will need to know both the frequencies
used by the system and the LCN for each frequency.
Agency-Fleet-Subfleet – talk group ID’s for EDACS
systems are assigned in a way that makes it easy to
see at a glance the affiliation of the user. Each radio is
assigned a 2-digit agency identifier from 00 – 15.
For example, 01 might be used by the police, 02 by
the ambulance service, 03 by the fire department, and
so on. Each agency is then subdivided up to 16 times
to provide fleet identification, and then 8 more times to
identify subfleets.
For example, the complete AFS for the Police
Department West District’s dispatch channel might be
01-062. 01 identifies the agency as the police
department, 06 identifies the fleet as the West district,
and 2 identifies the subfleet as the dispatch channel.
While these assignments are somewhat arbitrary and
vary from system to system, there are many resources
on the web for finding the assignments for most
systems. Because of the logical hierarchy of the AFS

Understanding Scanning
27

system, your BCD396T lets you assign wildcard ID’s
that let you, for example, use only one ID memory to
identify all units in either an agency or a fleet.
EDACS SCAT – EDACS SCAT (Single Channel
Autonomous Trunking) systems operate on a single
channel and alternate control data with analog voice
traffic. While your BCD396T cannot track ID’s in this
system, it can eliminate the control data so that all you
hear is the voice transmissions when you monitor this
type of system.

LTR Trunking
LTR (Logic Trunked Radio) systems are trunking
systems used primarily by business or private
communications service providers, such as taxicabs,
delivery trucks, and repair services. These systems
encode all control information as digital subaudible
data that accompanies each transmission, so there is
no separate control channel. Users on an LTR system
are assigned to specific talk groups, which are
identified by the radio as six digit numbers.
These numbers are in the form AHHUUU, where:
A = Area code (0 or 1)
H = Home repeater (01 through 20)
U = User ID (000 through 254)
When the scanner receives a transmission on a
channel set to the LTR mode, it first decodes the LTR
data included with the transmission. In the ID search
mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and
displays the talk group ID on the display. In the ID scan
mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if
the LTR data matches a talk group ID that you have
stored in the talk group ID list and have not locked out.
LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each
radio has a unique user ID.

Understanding Scanning
28

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 transmissions.

Where To Get More Information
By itself, this manual only provides part of what you
need to know to have fun scanning – how to
program and use the scanner. Other sources provice
additional information.

Information On The Internet
The Internet is a great source for current frequencies
and information about scanning. Many web sites have
lists of frequencies for your area. You can use a
search engine to find and use them.
Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to, then
look up the frequencies and systems used by those
agencies. Here are a few useful sites:
• http://www.scannermaster.com * - frequency
resources and home of Police Call.
You can also call them at 1 800 SCANNER (hours
are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Monday through Friday).
• http://www.radioreference.com * - the Internet's
premier source for user-supported radio system
information.
• http://www.bearcat1.com - frequency information
from National Communications.
• http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/reports/index.cfm * conventional frequency information on file with the
US Government

Understanding Scanning
29

• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BCD396T * - a
group for people interested in discussing the
BCD396T.
* - These web sites are not affiliated with Uniden
Corporation.
For more information about Uniden and our
products, visit http://www.uniden.com.

Understanding Scanning
30

Included With Your Scanner
Included With Your Scanner
Connection
Cable

Wrist Strap

AC Adapter

Batteries

Scanner
(with antenna
attached)
Belt Clip

BNC/SMA Adapter
Owners
Manual
and other
printed
material
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.

Included With Your Scanner
31

Setting Up Your Scanner
These guidelines
will help
you install and set up your
Setting
Up Your
Scanner
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-band
coverage. (You can purchase this type of antenna
at a local electronics store). If the optional antenna
has no cable, use 50-75 Ω coaxial cable for
lead-in. A mating plug might be necessary for the
optional antennas.
• Use an optional mono earphone or mono headset
with proper impedance (32 Ω) for private listening.
Read the precautions on the inside front cover of
this Owners Manual.
• Do not use the scanner in high-moisture
environments such as the kitchen or bathroom.
• Avoid placing the scanner in direct sunlight or near
heating elements or vents.

Using Internal Batteries
You can power your scanner using three alkaline or
rechargeable AA batteries.
Before installing batteries, set the switch in the battery
compartment to match the type of batteries you will
use. Select ALKALINE for non-rechargeable battery
types and Ni-MH for rechargeable battery types. See
also “Using Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 33 when
you use rechargeable batteries.

1. Remove the battery cover and set the battery
switch.

Setting Up Your Scanner
32

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
recharge them.
3. Replace the cover.
When
flashes and the scanner beeps every 15
seconds, replace the batteries.

Using Rechargeable Batteries
You can also use three rechargeable batteries to power
your scanner. Before you use rechargeable batteries,
you must charge them. The scanner has a built-in
circuit that lets you recharge batteries while they are in
the scanner. To charge the batteries, set ALKALINE/
Ni-MH inside the battery compartment to NI-MH,
install the batteries in the scanner, and connect the
supplied AC adapter to the scanner's DC 6V jack (see
“Using AC Power” on Page 34).

WARNING!
Do not connect the AC adapter to the scanner if
non-rechargeable batteries (such as alkaline
batteries) are installed in the scanner and
ALKALINE/Ni-MH is set to NI-MH, or if you are
unsure of the switch's position. Non-rechargeable
batteries can get hot and can even burst if you try
to recharge them. 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.

Setting Up Your Scanner
33

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 recharged. When the batteries are fully charged,
Charge Complete appears.
If no batteries are installed in the scanner, No Battery
appears. If there is a problem with the installed batteries,
Battery Error appears. If the installed batteries are
Ni-MH batteries but ALKALINE/Ni-MH is set to
ALKALINE, Charge Off appears and the scanner
does not charge the batteries.

Removing the Display Sticker
Before you use the scanner, remove the protective
plastic sticker over the display.

Using AC Power
You can power the scanner using the supplied 6V,
800 mA AC adapter.
To use the scanner on
AC power, plug the
adapter into 6V 800 mA
on the right side of the
scanner, then plug the
AC adapter into a
standard AC outlet.
If rechargeable batteries are installed and ALKALINE/
Ni-MH is set to NI-MH, the adapter powers the scanner
and recharges the installed batteries at the same time.

WARNING!
To prevent damage to Ni-MH batteries, never charge
them in an area where the temperature is above
113°F (45°C) or below 32°F (0°C).

Setting Up Your Scanner
34

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, including an
external mobile antenna or outdoor base station
antenna.
Note: Always use 50- or 75-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8,
coaxial cable and the supplied BNC/SMA adapter to
connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna is over 50
feet from the scanner, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric
coaxial cable. Cable loss increases with higher frequency.

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 front of the manual for
important information about using an earphone/
headphone.

Connecting an Extension Speaker
In a noisy area, an optional amplified extension
speaker, positioned in the right place, might provide
more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's
1
/8-inch (3.5-mm) mini-plug into your scanner's jack.

WARNING!
Never connect anything other than an earphone or
the recommended amplified extension speaker to
the scanner’s headphone jack. This might damage
the scanner.

Setting Up Your Scanner
35

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 on
the go, use the supplied belt clip. Rotate the scanner
upside down to remove it from the clip.

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 to secure it.

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 Func on the left side of the scanner then
press the key. F appears on the display.

Setting Up Your Scanner
36

If your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the following information should help you understand each
key's function.
Key Name

Description

Hold/

Hold – Holds the scan or the
frequency search when pressed.
Resumes the scan or the
frequency search when pressed
again.
Func +
– Quickly turns the
Close Call feature on or off (see
“Setting Close Call Options” on
Page 104).

Scan/srch

Scan – Scans the stored channels.
Func + srch – Starts quick search
or quickly accesses the
search menu.

L/O

L/O – Lets you lock out a selected
channel or skip a specified
frequency.
Press and hold for more than 2
seconds to unlock all channels in a
system or all frequencies in a
Search mode. Lets you also exit a
menu.
Func + L/O – Press quickly to lock
and unlock a selected system in
Scan or Scan Hold mode and
review search lockout frequencies
in Search or Search Hold mode.

Setting Up Your Scanner
37

Key Name
/

/

Description
– Turns the display
backlight on or off.
Press and hold for more than 2
seconds to turn the scanner on or
off.
Func +
– Locks and unlocks
the keypad.

1-9, 0

1-9, 0 – Enters a frequency, enters
quick key numbers, and selects a
custom search range in Custom
Search mode.
Selects systems by quick key in
scan mode.
Func + 1-9, 0 – Selects groups by
quick key in scan mode.

1/pri

1 – Enters a 1.
Func + pri – Selects the priority
mode in scan hold mode.

2/wx

2 – Enters a 2.
Func + wx – Selects the weather
function in the menu in the Hold
mode.

/4

4 – Enters a 4.
Func +
– Moves the active
character to the left while editing data.

6/

6 – Enters a 6.
Func +
– Moves the active
character to the right while editing
data.

Setting Up Your Scanner
38

Key Name

Description

7/rcl

7 – Enters a 7.
Func + rcl – Displays a series of
prompts to quickly select a specific
channel in the scan hold mode.

no/rev

– Enters a decimal point or dash
in a frequency or talk group ID,
enters or selects an extended 2digit Quick Key, enters an “i” for ICall input.
At a prompt, answers “No.”
Func + rev – Monitors the
currently-tuned frequency’s
reverse frequency.

E/yes/att

E – Press to select input and menu
items, to quickly edit a channel in
Scan Hold Mode, and store a
frequency into memory in Scan
Hold mode.
At a prompt, answers “yes.”
Func + att – Turns the scanner’s
attenuator on or off for the current
channel (for conventional systems)
or system (for trunked systems).

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 currentlyselected System Quick Key number. n appears to
show the first digit of the Quick Key number.
For example, if System Quick Key 75 is selected, S7:
appears. The currently active system indicator flashes.

Setting Up Your Scanner
39

ATT - appears when the attenuation feature is turned
on. See “Setting System Attenuation (Trunked Systems Only)” on Page 83.
PRI - appears when the priority feature is turned on
(see “Priority Scan” on Page 54).
- appears when you lock the keypad (see
“Locking/Unlocking the Keypad and Scroll” on
Page 53).
- alerts you when the battery power gets low.
GRP - shows the currently activated group or selected
group Quick Key number, appears with numbers (0-9).
The currently active group indicator flashes.
AM/FM/NFM/WFM - appears to show the type of
transmission.
L/O - appears when you manually select a channel
you locked out or a skip frequency.
F - appears when you hold down
function.

Func

to select a

- appears when the scanner is set to a Close Call
feature mode (see “Using the Close Call Feature” on
Page 103).
SCAN - scrolls while the scanner is scanning.
DSKP - appears when data skip is turned on.
HOLD - appears while the scanner is set to scan or
search hold mode.
P - appears if priority is turned on
ATT - appears if the attenuator is turned on.
SCR - appears when one or more broadcast screen
bands are turned on.
REP - appears when repeater find is turned on.
P25 - appears when an APCO P25 digital voice
transmission is being received.
- appears to show signal strength (0 to 5)

Setting Up Your Scanner
40

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

Func

Menu

Press Menu on the left side of the scanner to enter the
menu. See “Using the Menu” on Page 49 for more
information about the scanner’s menu options.

Using Func
To select the function labeled below a key on the front
of the scanner, hold down Func on the left side of the
scanner, then press that key. To hold on a system
while scanning or temporarily stop on a channel while
searching, press Func . To select a system in Scan or
Scan Hold mode, hold down Func and rotate the scroll
control.

Setting Up Your Scanner
41

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

Scroll
Control

Note: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected
before you turn it on.
1. Press and hold
the scanner.

for about 2 seconds to turn on

2. Briefly press the scroll control
once. VOLUME LEVEL and a
number appear on the display.
3. While VOLUME LEVEL appears, rotate the scroll
control to set the volume to a comfortable listening
level.
Note: If you do not press any key or turn the scroll
control within about 10 seconds, VOLUME LEVEL
disappears. If this happens, simply press the
scroll control again.
4. While holding down Func on the left side of the
scanner, briefly press the scroll control once.
SQUELCH LEVEL and a number appear on the
display.
5. While SQUELCH LEVEL appears, rotate the scroll
control to set the squelch to the level you want.
Note: If you do not press any key or turn the scroll
control within about 10 seconds, SQUELCH
LEVEL disappears. If this happens, briefly press
the scroll control while holding down Func .

Basic Operation
42

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 appears. Program a
system or select a system to scan.
• When scanning multiple systems, the BCD396T
scans systems according to the assigned quick
key. Systems assigned to quick key 1 are scanned
first, then 2, 3, 4, etc. Systems not assigned to a
quick key are scanned last, then unlocked
searches. Within a quick key, systems are
scanned in the order they were assigned.
• Within a system, channels are scanned according
to the assigned channel group, with the same
priority as described above for systems.
• The BCD396T scans a system for the duration
you set using the System Hold Time option (see
“Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 76). For
trunked systems, the scanner moves to the next
system after the hold time expires, the current
transmission ends, and the channel delay expires.
Conventional systems operate similarly, but all
unlocked channels are scanned at least one time
regardless of the hold time setting.
• Each search range is searched for the amount of
time you set using the “Set Hold Time” option. See
“Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 76 for
more information.

Preprogrammed System Tips
All systems preprogrammed into the scanner are
assigned to a Quick Key. See “Preprogrammed Systems” on Page 144 for a list of preprogrammed
systems and their Quick Key assignments.

Basic Operation
43

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 systems more
efficiently by preventing the BCD396T from trying to
scan systems that are not in your area. To do this,
refer to the quick key assignments listed in
“Preprogrammed Systems” on Page 144, and enter
the quick key for each distant system to turn them off.
To stop scanning a local preprogrammed system, you
can:
• Lock out the system (see “Locking/Unlocking Systems” on Page 45)
• Reassign the system to another quick key so you
can easily enable/disable it independently of other
systems (see “Editing the System Quick Key” on
Page 75)
• Delete the system (see “Deleting Systems” on
Page 83)
Important! You cannot restore preprogrammed
systems if you delete them.

Selecting Systems to Scan
To select systems to scan, press Scan then press the
quick key assigned to the system or systems you want
to scan. For quick keys 0-9, press the quick key’s
number. For quick keys 10-99, press then press the
quick key’s 2-digit number. To stop scanning the
system(s), press (if the quick key is a 2-digit quick
key) then the number button or buttons again.
The Sx: (system) indicators on the display show the
systems that are currently selected.

Basic Operation
44

To select or lock out a system that is not assigned to a
key, press and hold Func while you rotate the scroll
control until the desired system is selected. Then,
continue to hold Func and press L/O to either lock out
or unlock the system.

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 85).
Follow these steps to activate or deactivate a channel
group within a system while scanning.
1. Press Func to hold on the system (or hold down
Func then rotate the scroll control to select the
system).
2. Continue to hold Func and press the number key
corresponding to the channel group you want to
activate or deactivate.

Locking/Unlocking Systems
Follow these steps to lock out a system so that it does
not scan even if its quick key is selected.
1. While holding down Func , rotate the scroll control
to select the system.
2. Continue to hold down Func and press L/O to lock
out the system. System Locked appears.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to unlock a system you
have previously locked. System Unlocked
appears.

Locking/Unlocking Channels
Follow these steps to lock out a channel so that it does
not scan even if its system and channel group are
selected.
1. While holding down Func , rotate the scroll control
to select the system where the channel is stored.

Basic Operation
45

2. Release Func 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 channel.

ID Scan/ID Search Mode
While you are scanning a trunked system, the scanner
can be in either ID Scan or ID Search mode:
• ID Scan – the scanner only stops on talk group
ID’s that you have programmed into the system
• ID Search – the scanner stops on any unlocked
talk group that becomes active.
To toggle between ID Scan and ID Search, press Func
then press Scan within 2 seconds while the scanner is
scanning the system.
If the scanner does not scan the system long enough
for you to easily do this, press Func while the scanner
is scanning the system (or press Func then rotate the
scroll control to select the system). Then, release
Func and press Scan within 2 seconds.

Temporarily Holding On a System
To temporarily hold on a system, press and hold Func .
To hold on a different system, continue to hold Func
and rotate the scroll control to select the system.
Normal scanning resumes 2 seconds after you release
Func .

Holding On a Channel
To hold on a channel, press Hold while the channel is
active. To select a different channel, rotate the scroll
control. If you scroll past the beginning or end of the
current system, the scanner selects channels in the

Basic Operation
46

previous or next system. To resume scanning, press
Scan.

Quickly Storing an ID During ID
Search
To quickly store an active talk group ID during ID
search, press E. You see:
Quick TGID Save?
To save the ID into a channel, press E. Otherwise,
press . If you press E, the scanner stores the ID into
a channel group called Qck Save Grp in the
current system.

Quick-Storing Channels or
Talk Group ID’s
1. Hold on an existing channel in any system.
2. Enter the frequency or talk group ID you want to
store (press twice to enter hyphens in talk group
ID’s).
3. To quick-store the channel or talk group ID, press
E. Otherwise, press .
If you enter a frequency then press E, the scanner
stores it in the Qck Save Grp group in a system
called Qck Save Cnv Sys. These are created if they
do not exist. Then, the scanner prompts you to save
other channel settings.
If you enter a talk group ID then press E, the scanner
stores it into a channel group named Qck Save Grp
in the current system. If the talk group ID’s format is
not the type used by the current system, the scanner
displays an error message and does not save the talk
group ID.

Basic Operation
47

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 Func + 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 the channel is stored.
4. Rotate the scroll control to select the group, then
press E. The scanner prompts you to select a
channel.
5. Rotate the scroll control to select the channel,
then press E to hold on that channel.

Monitoring Trunking Activity
To monitor trunking activity, press Hold then turn the
scroll control to select the control channel frequency
(for a Motorola or EDACS system) or any system
frequency (for an LTR system). Active talk group ID’s
appear on the second line of the display. For Motorola
systems, the scanner will show the System ID on the
top line of the display. For EDACS systems, the
scanner will show the site ID on the top line of the
display.

Toggling Channel Alpha Tags
To change the display so the channel and frequency or
Talk Group ID appear instead of the alpha tag, press
Func + 5.

Basic Operation
48

Using the Menu
The scanner’s
menu lets you select options that let you
Using
the Menu
set up and use the scanner.
To use the menu, press Menu 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 with a bar on the display. When
the menu item you want to select is highlighted, briefly
press the scroll control to select it. To back up a level,
press Menu . To exit the menu mode, press Menu again or
the L/O key.
This table shows the scanner’s menu structure. To find
information about a particular menu setting in this
manual, go to the page number shown in parentheses
next to the setting.
Note: Not all of the options shown in this table may
appear at the same time. To view all available options on
any screen, rotate the scroll control.
Menu Item
-- M E N U -Program System
Srch/CloCall Opt
Search for ...

-- M E N U -Program System
Srch/CloCall Opt
Search for ...

-- M E N U -Program System
Srch/CloCall Opt
Search for ...

Submenu
Select System
System1
System2
System3

(51)

Srch/CloCall Opt
Freq Lockouts
Broadcast Screen
CTCSS/DCS
Search
Srch/CloCall
Opt
Repeater Find
Max Auto Store
Set Delay Time
Set Modulation
Set Attenuator
Set Data Skip
Set Step
Adjust P25 Level

(107)
(108)
(95)
(109)
(110)
(112)
(90) (110)
(110)
(111)
(112)
(81)

Search for ...
Service Search
Edit Service
Custom
SearchOpt
Srch/CloCall
Edit Custom
Search and Store

(94)
(98)
(96)
(97)
(100)

Note: the actual Select System submenu display will depend on what is
programmed into the scanner.

Using the Menu
49

Menu Item
-- M E N U -Srch/CloCall Opt
Search for ...
Close Call

-- M E N U -Search for ...
Close Call
Set Priority

-- M E N U -Close Call
Set Priority
WX Operation

-- M E N U -Set Priority
WX Operation
Tone-Out for ...

-- M E N U -WX Operation
Tone-Out for ...
Xfer Information

-- M E N U -Tone-Out for ...
Xfer Information
Settings

Submenu
Close Call
Close Call Only
CC Auto Store
Set CC Mode
Set CC Override
Set CC Alert
Set CC Bands
Set Priority
Off
On
Plus
On
Srch/CloCall
Opt

(104)
(104)
(104)
(104)
(104)
(104)
(54)
(54)
(54)
(54)

WX Operation
Weather Scan
Weather Alert
Program
SAME Opt
Srch/CloCall
Set Delay Time
Set Attenuator
WX Alt Priority

(113)
(113)
(114)
(112)
(110)
(115)

Tone-Out for ...
Tone-Out Standby
Tone-Out Setup

(116)
(116)

h/ l

ll

Xfer Information
Wired Clone
On-Air Clone
h/ l

(57)
(58)

ll

Settings
Set Backlight
Adjust Key Beep
Set Battery Save
Srch/CloCall
Opt
Set Audio AGC
Adjust Contrast
PC Control
See Scanner Info

(54)
(53)
(54)
(55)
(55)
(56)
(53)

Using the Menu
50

Programming Systems Menu
This table shows the scanner’s systems menu
structure. This menu lets you program new systems or
change existing systems. To find information about a
particular menu setting in this manual, go to the page
number shown under or next to the setting.
To use the systems menu, press Menu then briefly
press the scroll control. To back up a level, press
Menu . To exit the menu mode, press Menu again.
Note: Not all of the options shown in this table may
appear at the same time. To view all available options
on any screen, rotate the scroll control
Menu/
Submenu

Option Menu

Select Sys Type

System 1

Conventional
MOT
EDCS
Srch/CloCall Op
LT

Edit Name
Edit Sys Option
Edit
Group
Srch/CloCall
Opt
Delete System
Copy System

“Programming Conventional
Systems” on Page 61

C

Select Sys Type

System 1

Conventional
MOT
EDCS
Srch/CloCall Op
LT

Edit Name
Edit Sys Option
Set
Frequencies Opt
Srch/CloCall
Set Modulation
Set Attenuator
Edit Group
Delete System
Copy System

“Programming Motorola Systems”
on Page 63

System 1

(74)
(75)
(61)
(83)
(83)

M

(74)
(75)
(71)
(65)
(83)
(66)
(83)
(83)

P25
800MHz Standard
800MHz
Splinter Op
Srch/CloCall
900MHz band
VHF Band
UHF Band
Select Sys Type

System 1

Conventional
MOT
EDCS
LT

Edit Name
Edit Sys Option
Set
Frequencies Opt
Srch/CloCall
Set Attenuator
Edit Group
Delete System
Copy System

“Programming EDACS Systems”
on Page 67

E

(74)
(75)
(71)
(83)
(66)
(83)
(83)

EDCS
WIDE
NARROW
SCAT
Srch/CloCall Opt

Using the Menu
51

Menu/
Submenu

Option Menu

Select Sys Type

System 1

Conventional
MOT
EDCS
Srch/CloCall Op
LT

Edit Name
Edit Sys Option
Set
Frequencies Opt
Srch/CloCall
Set Modulation
Set Attenuator
Edit Group
Delete System
Copy System

“Programming LTR Systems” on
Page 70

L

(74)
(75)
(71)
(65)
(83)
(71)
(83)
(83)

Using the Menu
52

Other Settings
Other
Settings
Displaying
System Information
Viewing Memory Used
Menu

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
Menu

Settings

See Scanner Info
Firmware Version
Press any key to return to the previous menu, then
press Scan or Hold.

Adjusting the Key Beep
Menu

Settings

Adjust Key Beep
Auto - the scanner automatically sets the key beep to
match the master volume setting level you select.
Level 1 - 15 the scanner lets you select a key beep
level. You can choose any of 15 different key beep
levels.
Off - the scanner turns the key beep off.

Locking/Unlocking the Keypad and
Scroll
Press and hold down Func then press
/
/
to
lock or unlock the keypad. Keypad Lock and On
(if the keypad is locked) or Off (if the keypad is
unlocked) appears. This does not affect the volume
setting. The scroll control still controls the volume
when you lock the controls.

Other Settings
53

Turning Power Save On or Off
Menu

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
Menu

Set Priority

Or, while holding on any channel, press
to select one of these priority modes:

Func

+ 1/Pri

• Off Normal scanning
• On While scanning a conventional system, the
scanner interrupts every 2 seconds and checks
the priority channels in each unlocked
conventional system. Priority channels in lower
priority key numbered systems (starting from 1)
have highest priority. PRI appears when you
select this mode.
• Plus On The scanner only scans priority
channels in unlocked conventional systems.
PRI flashes when you select this mode.

Other Settings
Using
the Backlight
Menu

Settings

Set Backlight
• 10 sec The backlight stays on for 10 seconds
after you press .
• 30 sec The backlight stays on for 30 seconds
after you press .
• Squelch The backlight turns on when the
squelch opens then stays on for 5 seconds.

Other Settings
54

• 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
turns off the backlight.

Setting the Audio AGC
Menu

Settings

Set Audio AGC

This setting helps balance the audio level you hear as
you listen to different radio sources so you can hear
them at a similar volume. Use this setting if you listen
to an audio source that has natural changes in audio
level for which you want to compensate.
Analog Rotate the scroll control to select. This
setting lets you set the audio AGC for receiving analog
channels.
• On Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC is
turned on.
• Off Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC
is turned off.
Digital Rotate the scroll control to select. This
setting lets you set the audio AGC for receiving digital
channels.
• On Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC is
turned on.
• Off Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC
is turned off.

Adjusting the Display Contrast
Menu

Settings

Adjust Contrast
Contrast 1 - 15 the scanner adjusts the display to
the contrast level you select.

Other Settings
55

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 Memory
Important! This clears data you have entered. You
cannot restore user programmed data that has been
deleted.
To initialize the scanner’s memory, turn off the
scanner. Then, press 2, 9, and Hold while turning it on.
You can retore factory programmed data when you
next see:
Restore Preprogram List? Press “E yes” for
Yes or “.” for No.

Connecting Your Scanner to a
Personal Computer
To connect your scanner to a personal computer, you
must first set the scanner’s baud rate (the rate at
which data is transferred between the scanner and the
computer, in bits per second (bps).
Important! Before you start transferring data between
your scanner and your computer, make sure the
batteries are fresh or fully charged. If the scanner
loses power while you are transferring data, its
memory might be corrupted and all information
programmed in the scanner might
be erased.
Hint: If you have trouble transferring data between your scanner
and your computer, try setting the
baud rate to a slower setting.

Other Settings
56

Use the included connection cable to connect your
scanner to another BCD396T scanner or your personal computer.
Menu

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 38,400 bps.
57600 bps The baud rate is set to 57,600 bps.
115200 bps The baud rate is set to 115,200 bps.

Using the Cloning Options
Lets you set your scanner as a master (source) or
slave (recipient), letting you transfer programming to
or from another BCD396T scanner. See "Wired Cloning" on Page 57 and "On-Air Cloning" on Page 58.

Wired Cloning
Menu

Xfer Information

Wired Clone
• Master Sets the scanner to be the source scanner.
• Slave Sets the scanner to be the recipient scanner.
To clone (copy) data directly from one BCD396T
scanner to another BCD396T scanner, you must first
connect the scanners to each other using the included
connection cables and a DB9 null modem adapter and
DB9 gender changer (neither included), available at
most computer stores. Then you must set one scanner
as the source and the other as the destination.
Plug the smaller end of each of the included connection
cables into Remote on the right side of each scanner.
Then connect the other end of the cables together
using the null modem connector and gender changer.

Other Settings
57

Then set the scanner containing the programming you
want to transfer as the master scanner, then set the
other scanner as the slave scanner.
(Master scanner) Clone Master Press SCAN Key
Scan

(Slave scanner) Clone Slave Press SCAN Key
Scan

When you are ready to clone the scanner, press Scan
on the slave scanner first, then on the master scanner.
The master scanner checks the connection between the
two scanners, then transfers its data to the slave scanner.
When the transfer is complete, Complete appears on
both scanners. If the transfer did not work, Error
appears on the master scanner.

On-Air Cloning
You can clone (copy) data from a PC to a BCD396T
scanner. This is useful if you want to quickly program
20 or more BCD396T scanners at the same time.
Note: On-air cloning is practical if you are
programming more than 10 scanners at the same
time. Otherwise, we recommend you use wired
programming.
Menu

Xfer Information

On-Air Clone
• Start Cloning Start on-air cloning.
• Set Frequency Lets you set the frequency where
your scanner receives the cloning broadcast.
• Set Modulation Lets you set the cloning
broadcast’s modulation type.
To clone (copy) data from a PC to the scanner, you
need a transceiver, a PC that has an audio input, and
a cable to connect your PC’s sound card to the
transceiver. Follow the directions supplied with the
Uniden Advanced Scanner Director Software (avail-

Other Settings
58

able online at http://www.uniden.com) to construct a
cable and use on-air cloning.
When you are receiving the cloning broadcast and are
ready to clone the scanner, select Start Cloning
on the scanner. The scanner receives the data from
the transmission
When the transfer is complete, Complete appears. If
the transfer did not work, Error appears.

Other Settings
59

Programming Radio Systems
Your BCD396T comes
preprogrammed
Programming
Radio
Systemswith 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 the
programming for your area.
To edit an existing system, use the menu to navigate
to the system setting you want to change. This section
assumes you are programming a new system.
Programming radio systems is completed in two major
steps. Don't skip either step!
1. Plan the system.
2. Program the system into your scanner according
to the plan you prepared in Step 1.
To make planning easier, planning worksheets are
included in the back of this manual for each system
type. Copy the worksheets (or download this manual
from the Uniden America Corporation website and
print extra sheets), then use them to plan out how you
will program the scanner.
Important! Before you start programming your
scanner, make sure the batteries are fresh or fully
charged. If the scanner loses power while you
program it, its memory might be corrupted which will
require you to reinitialize it (see "Initializing the Scanner’s Memory" on Page 56). All information
programmed in the scanner, including
preprogrammed systems, might be lost.
General Notes
• You can store up to 400 systems.
• Trunking systems can have up to 200 channels
each. The number of conventional system
channels you can have is limited only by the
amount of scanner memory remaining.
• You can store up to 20 channel groups per system.
• Total channels are limited to about 6000 (3000 is
typical).

Programming Radio Systems
60

Programming Conventional
Systems
Menu

Program System

New System
Conventional
Confirm? Yes=”E” / No=”.”
The scanner creates an empty conventional system,
with a default name of System n
C.
n is a number that increments as you add new
systems. C indicates that this is a conventional system.
Refer to the appropriate section to set system-wide
options:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

See "Editing the System Name" on Page 74
See “Editing the System Quick Key” on Page 75
See “Setting System Lockout” on Page 75
See “Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 76
See “Setting the Channel Delay Time” on Page 76
See “Deleting Systems” on Page 83
See “Copying Systems” on Page 83
See “Entering/Editing Conventional Channel
Groups” on Page 61

Entering/Editing Conventional
Channel Groups
To enter channels in a conventional system, first set up
a channel group (or groups) to hold the channels. Then,
enter the channel and channel parameters in the group(s).

Setting Up a Channel Group
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Group
New Group

Programming Radio Systems
61

The scanner creates a group with a default name of
Group n. n increments by one for each new group
you create within a system. Refer to the appropriate
section to set group-wide options:
• See “Entering/Editing the Group Name” on
Page 84
• See “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 85
• See “Deleting Groups” on Page 85
• See “Setting System Lockout” on Page 75
• See “Entering/Editing Conventional Channels” on
Page 62

Entering/Editing Conventional
Channels
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Group
Select the group
Edit Channel
New Channel
Refer to the appropriate section to change a channel
setting:
• See “Editing the Channel Name” on Page 86
• See “Editing Frequencies (Conventional Channels
Only)” on Page 87
• See “Setting Channel Priority (Conventional
Channels Only)” on Page 87
• See “Deleting Channels” on Page 92
• See “Copying/Pasting Channels” on Page 92
Note: The scanner automatically sets the step to
match the input frequency.

Programming Radio Systems
62

Programming Motorola Systems
Menu

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
• 800MHz Standard - Use for 800 MHz systems
that use the standard band plan
• 800MHz Splinter - Use for 800 MHz systems
that use the splinter band plan (typically near
international borders)
Note: Splinter systems have frequencies below
866 MHz that end in 0. For example, 851.0250
would be the frequency of a splinter system.
• 900MHz Band - Use for 900 MHz systems
• VHF band - Use for VHF systems
• UHF band - Use for UHF systems
Confirm? Yes=”E” / No=”.”
Next, refer to the appropriate section to set systemwide options. For most settings, you can accept the
default. However, for the items in bold, you must enter
information in order for your scanner to scan the
system.
•
•
•
•
•
•

See “Editing the System Name” on Page 74
See “Editing the System Quick Key” on Page 75
See “Setting System Lockout” on Page 75
See “Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 76
See “Setting the Channel Delay Time” on Page 76
See “Setting ID Scan/Search (Trunked Systems
Only)” on Page 77
• See “Editing the Fleet Map (Motorola Systems
Only)” on Page 77 (must be set up for Type I and
Type II Hybrid systems)

Programming Radio Systems
63

• See“Setting the Motorola Status Bit (Motorola Systems Only)” on Page 78
• See “Setting the End Code Operation (Motorola
Systems Only)” on Page 79
• See “Setting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 79
• See “Setting Emergency Alert (Motorola and
EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 80
• See “Adjusting the P25 Level (Motorola and Conventional Systems Only)” on Page 81
• See “Setting Control-Channel Only (Motorola Systems Only)” on Page 80
• See “Setting System Lockout” on Page 75
• See “Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies” on
Page 107
• See “Setting System Attenuation (Trunked Systems Only)” on Page 83
• See “Deleting Systems” on Page 83
• See “Copying Systems” on Page 83
• See “Setting System Frequencies” on Page 64
• See “Entering/Editing Motorola Channel Groups”
on Page 66

Setting System Frequencies
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Set Frequencies
Input a system frequency, then press the scroll control.
To enter additional frequencies, press Menu , use the
scroll control to select New Frequency, then repeat
the above.
Note: If you select Control Channel Only mode (see
“Setting Control-Channel Only (Motorola Systems
Only)” on Page 80), you only need to enter the
frequency(s) that can be assigned as the control
channel. Most frequency lists usually indicate which of

Programming Radio Systems
64

the frequencies are the control channel frequencies.
Otherwise, you must enter all of the frequencies.

Setting Modulation
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Set Modulation
Auto - the scanner uses the default modulation for
the frequency band.
FM - the scanner uses FM (frequency modulation) for
the frequency band.
NFM - the scanner uses narrowband FM for the
frequency band.
Note: The default setting is Auto.
This setting controls the modulation method used for
the frequency band. In most cases, if you leave this
set to Auto, the scanner automatically selects the
correct modulation type for the system you are
programming.

Setting Attenuation
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Set Attenuator
This setting controls whether the attenuator will be on
or off for the current system. Select your setting then
press the scroll control.
Off - the attenuator is off.
On - system frequencies are attenuated by about 18
dB.
Notes:
• Turn on this setting if you are near strong signal
sources. Attenuation can help reduce interference
and desensitization that strong signals create.

Programming Radio Systems
65

• You can also turn this setting on or off by holding
on a trunked system, then pressing Func + E.

Entering/Editing Motorola Channel
Groups
To enter channels in a system, first set up a channel
group (or groups) to hold the channels. Then, enter
the channel and channel parameters in the group(s).

Setting Up a Channel Group
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Group
The scanner creates a group with a default name of
Group nn. nn increments by one for each new group
you create within a system.
Next, refer to the appropriate section to set group-wide
options:
• See “Entering/Editing the Group Name” on
Page 84
• See “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 85
• See “Deleting Groups” on Page 85
• See “Copying Systems” on Page 83
• See “Entering/Editing Motorola Channels” on
Page 66
• See “Setting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 79

Entering/Editing Motorola Channels
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Group
Select the group
Edit Channel
New Channel

Programming Radio Systems
66

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 Conventional Systems Only)” on Page 81
• See “Editing the Channel Name” on Page 86
• See “Editing the Talk Group ID (Trunked Channels
Only)” on Page 88
• See “Setting Channel Lockout” on Page 91
• See “Deleting Channels” on Page 92
• See “Copying/Pasting Channels” on Page 92
To program another channel within the same group,
press Menu , then repeat the above. To create another
channel group and enter more channels, press Menu
three times, then proceed from “Entering/Editing
Motorola Channel Groups” on Page 66.

Programming EDACS Systems
Menu

Program System

New System
EDCS
Confirm? Yes=”E” / No=”.”
Next, rotate the scroll control to select the type of
EDACS system you want to program, then briefly
press the scroll control to select it.
• WIDE - Use for wideband EDACS systems
• NARROW - Use for narrowband EDACS systems
• SCAT - Use for EDACS SCAT (Single Channel
Autonomous Trunking)
Confirm? Yes=”E” / No=”.”
The scanner creates an empty EDACS system, with a
default name of System n
E.

Programming Radio Systems
67

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 systemwide options. For most settings, you can accept the
default. However, for the items in bold, you must enter
information in order for your scanner to scan the
system.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

See “Editing the System Name” on Page 74
See “Editing the System Quick Key” on Page 75
See “Setting System Lockout” on Page 75
See “Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 76
See “Setting the Channel Delay Time” on Page 76
See “Setting ID Scan/Search (Trunked Systems
Only)” on Page 77
See “Setting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 79
See “Adjusting the P25 Level (Motorola and Conventional Systems Only)” on Page 81
See “Setting the EDACS ID Format (EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 82
See “Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies” on
Page 107
See “Setting Channel Attenuation (Conventional
Channels Only)” on Page 90
See “Deleting Systems” on Page 83
See “Copying Systems” on Page 83
See “Setting System Frequencies” on Page 68
See “Entering/Editing EDACS Channel Groups”
on Page 69

Setting System Frequencies
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Set Frequencies
New Frequency

Programming Radio Systems
68

Input a system frequency, then press the scroll control.
The scanner then prompts you to enter the LCN for
the entered frequency. Enter the LCN, then press the
scroll control.
To enter additional frequencies, press Menu , use the
scroll control to select New Frequency, then repeat
the above.
Note: The scanner only accepts a single frequency
and no LCN for SCAT systems.

Entering/Editing EDACS Channel Groups
To enter channels in a system, first set up a channel
group (or groups) to hold the channels. Then, enter
the channel and channel parameters in the group(s).

Setting Up a Channel Group
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Group
The scanner creates a group with a default name of
Group nn. nn increments by one for each new group
you create within a system.
Next, refer to the appropriate section to set group-wide
options:
• See “Entering/Editing the Group Name” on
Page 84
• See “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 85
• See “Deleting Groups” on Page 85
• See “Editing the Channel Name” on Page 86
• See “Setting Group Lockout” on Page 85

Entering/Editing EDACS Channels
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Group

Programming Radio Systems
69

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 Channel Name” on Page 86
• See “Setting Channel Lockout” on Page 91
• See “Editing the Talk Group ID (Trunked Channels
Only)” on Page 88
• See “Deleting Channels” on Page 92
• See “Copying/Pasting Channels” on Page 92
To program another channel within the same group,
press Menu , then repeat the above. To create another
channel group and enter more channels, press Menu
three times, then proceed from “Entering/Editing
EDACS Channel Groups” on Page 69.

Programming LTR Systems
Menu

Program System

New System
LT
Confirm? Yes=”E” / No=”.”
The scanner creates an empty LTR system, with a
default name of System n
L.
n is a number that increments as you add new
systems. L indicates that this is an LTR system.
Next, refer to the appropriate section to set systemwide options. For most settings, you can accept the
default. However, for the items in bold, you must enter
information in order for your scanner to scan the
system.
• See “Editing the System Name” on Page 74

Programming Radio Systems
70

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

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 “Setting Channel Attenuation (Conventional
Channels Only)” on Page 90
See “Deleting Systems” on Page 83
See “Copying Systems” on Page 83
See “Setting System Frequencies” on Page 71
See “Entering/Editing LTR Channel Groups” on
Page 71

Setting System Frequencies
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Set Frequencies
New Frequency
Input a system frequency, then press the scroll control.
The scanner then prompts you to enter the LCN for
the entered frequency. Enter the LCN, then press the
scroll control.
To enter additional frequencies, press Menu , use the
scroll control to select New Frequency, then repeat
the above.

Entering/Editing LTR Channel Groups
To enter channels in a system, first set up a channel
group (or groups) to hold the channels. Then, enter
the channel and channel parameters in the group(s).

Programming Radio Systems
71

Setting Up a Channel Group
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Group
The scanner creates a group with a default name of
Group nn. nn increments by one for each new group
you create within a system.
Next, refer to the appropriate section to set group-wide
options:
• See “Entering/Editing the Group Name” on
Page 84
• See “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 85
• See “Setting Group Lockout” on Page 85
• See “Deleting Groups” on Page 85
• See “Entering/Editing LTR Channels/ Talkgroups”
on Page 72

Entering/Editing LTR Channels/
Talkgroups
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Group
Select the group
Edit Channel
New Channel
Enter a talk group ID
Refer to the appropriate section to change a
channel setting:
• See “Editing the Channel Name” on Page 86
• See “Setting Channel Lockout” on Page 91
• See “Editing the Talk Group ID (Trunked Channels
Only)” on Page 88
• See “Deleting Channels” on Page 92
• See “Copying/Pasting Channels” on Page 92

Programming Radio Systems
72

To program another channel within the same group,
press Menu , then repeat the above.
To create another channel group and enter more
channels, press Menu four times, then proceed from
“Setting Up a Channel Group” on Page 72 .
To direct-enter LTR talkgroups, follow the steps under
“Quick-Storing Channels or Talk Group ID’s” on
Page 47.

Programming Radio Systems
73

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
This
section details the instructions
for eachSetof the
Programming/Editing
tings
Optional

optional programming steps referred to in “Programming Radio Systems” on Page 60. Use the
instructions in the appropriate section to enter or edit a
setting.

System-Level Settings
These settings apply to the entire system.

Editing the System Name
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Name
To enter a letter, turn the scroll control until the
character you want appears. To enter a decimal point,
press . To move the cursor to the left, press /4 or
hold Func and rotate the scroll control to the left.
To move the cursor to the right, press 6/ or hold Func
and rotate the scroll control to the right.
To clear a character, press twice. To clear all
characters, press 3 times.
To accept an entry, press E or press down on the scroll
control.
Hints:
• Each system name can be up to 16 characters.
Abbreviate as necessary to fit.
• The default system names include the following
letter in the 16th position to indicate the system
type:
M = Motorola
E = EDACS
L = LTR
C = Conventional

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
74

Editing the System Quick Key
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Set Quick Key
After selecting this option, select any number from
0-99 to assign the system to a quick key or press to
assign the system to no quick key, then press E.
Hints:
• Access single-digit system Quick Keys by
pressing the single digit on the keypad during
scanning. Access two-digit system Quick Keys by
pressing then both digits.
• You can assign as many systems to the same
quick key as you want.
• To be scanned, a system’s quick key must be
activated and the system must be unlocked.

Setting System Lockout
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
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 E.
Locked - the system is not scanned
Unlocked - the system is scanned
Note: You can also lock or unlock a system by holding
Func and rotating the scroll control to select the
system, then pressing Func + L/O.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
75

Setting the System Hold Time
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Set Hold Time
This setting controls how many seconds the scanner
scans a system before moving to the next unlocked
system. Enter a value from 0-255, then press E to
save the setting.
Notes:
• This setting is available only when a control
channel exists in a trunked system.
• If you select 0, the scanner stays on the system
for a minimal time (only long enough to check current system activity).
• The default setting is 2 seconds for each system.
• For conventional systems, all unlocked channels
will be scanned at least once regardless of this
setting.
• The scanner moves to the next system after the
hold time expires, any current transmission ends,
and the channel delay time expires.
• Due to the control method for these system types,
the scanner always scans LTR and EDACS SCAT
systems for at least 1 second.

Setting the Channel Delay Time
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Set Delay Time
This setting controls how many seconds the scanner
waits after a transmission ends before resuming

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
76

scanning. Enter a value from 1-5 or Off, then press E
or the scroll control.
Notes:
• The default setting is 2 seconds for each system.
• This setting applies to all channels within the
system.

Setting ID Scan/Search
(Trunked Systems Only)
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
ID Scan/Search
This setting controls how the system will be scanned.
Select your setting, then press E.
ID Scan - the scanner only stops on channels you
have programmed into the system.
ID Search - the scanner stops on any transmission
for unlocked talk group ID's.
Note: You can also change this setting by pressing
Scan while scanning the system.

Editing the Fleet Map
(Motorola Systems Only)
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Edit Fleet Map
For Motorola Type I systems, you must enter a system
fleet map in order for the scanner to properly track and
display talk group ID's. The fleet map is usually
included in the same resource that provided system
frequencies and talk group ID lists.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
77

Rotate the scroll control to select the fleet map:
Preset - select from the 16 most common fleet maps
(see “Preset Fleet Maps” on Page 129). Press E to
select.
Custom - allows you to enter a custom fleet map.
Enter the size code for each block. Press E to select.
Notes:
• If you don't know the fleet map for your Motorola
Type I system, check the Internet. This information
is commonly posted on sites such as those we
reference in “Where To Get More Information” on
Page 29.
• The default setting of no fleet map is the correct
setting for Motorola Type II systems.

Setting the Motorola Status Bit
(Motorola Systems Only)
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Set Status Bit
Motorola analog systems use talk group ID's in
multiples of 16. ID numbers that fall between these
ID's indicate special status flags for the system.
This setting determines how the scanner will handle
ID's that are not multiples of 16. Select your setting
then press E.
Ignore - the scanner rounds all received ID's down to
the next interval of 16.
Yes - the scanner treats all received ID's as unique
ID's.
Note: The default setting is Ignore.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
78

Setting the End Code Operation
(Motorola Systems Only)
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Set End Code
This setting determines how the scanner handles the
transmission end code sent by most Motorola systems. Select your setting then press E.
Yes - the scanner immediately returns to the control
channel when it detects the end code.
Ignore - the scanner does not return to the control
channel until the carrier drops.
Note: The default setting is Yes.

Setting I-Call
(Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Set I-Call
This setting determines how your scanner treats I-calls
while ID Searching.
On - the scanner tracks I-calls. Press E to select.
Off - the scanner ignores I-calls. Press E to select.
Only - the scanner only tracks I-calls and ignores
other radio traffic on the system. Press E to select.
Note: The default setting is Off.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
79

Setting Emergency Alert
(Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Emergency Alert
Off - the scanner does not alert you to emergency
transmissions.
Alert 1 - 9 the scanner sounds an alert beep to
notify you of the emergency transmission. You can
choose any of 9 different beep types.
Set Level
Auto - the scanner automatically sets the emergency
alert beep to the master volume level.
Level 1 - 15 - the scanner adjusts the volume you
hear to the level you select.

Setting Control-Channel Only
(Motorola Systems Only)
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Set C-Ch Only
This setting determines the frequencies you need to
enter for Motorola systems. Select your setting, then
press E.
Off - you must enter all voice and control channel
frequencies.
On - you only need to enter control channel
frequencies.
Note: The scanner defaults to On.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
80

Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies
Menu

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
press to select a different frequency. To exit the
review, press Menu .

Clearing All Locked-Out IDs
Menu

Program System

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Clr All L/O IDs
The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion.
To confirm and delete all locked-out IDs in the selected
system, press E. Otherwise, to cancel, press .

Adjusting the P25 Level
(Motorola and Conventional Systems
Only)
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Sys Option
Adjust P25 Level

This setting determines some system-specific
parameters for digital channels. In most cases, setting
this to Auto provides the best performance. However,
you can also manually set the digital decode
threshold. This setting affects all channels in the
current system.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
81

Auto - the scanner automatically adjusts the digital
decode threshold to match the transmission you are
hearing when it receives a strong signal and has a
high decode rate.
Manual - lets you manually adjust the digital decode
threshold. To manually adjust the P25 level, select
Manual.
Default - sets the digital decode threshold to the
default value. Use this setting to return to the value
that usually provides adequate performance. This is
handy is you have manually adjusted the value to a
setting that prevents proper decoding.
Note: This setting has no effect on how these systems
are received.

Setting the EDACS ID Format
(EDACS Systems Only)
Program System

Menu

Select the system
Edit Sys Option
EDCS ID Format
EDACS talk group ID's are commonly provided in one of
two formats: AFS and Decimal. This setting
determines how you enter EDACS ID's and how the
scanner displays them.
AFS Format - the scanner uses AFS format for talk
group ID's
Decimal Format - the scanner uses decimal format
for talkgroup ID's
Notes:
• The scanner defaults to AFS (agency, fleet,
subfleet) format - the format used in most EDACS
systems.
• See “EDACS Trunking” on Page 27 for more
information about the AFS format.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
82

Setting System Attenuation
(Trunked Systems Only)
Program System

Menu

Select the system
Set Attenuator
This setting controls whether the attenuator will be on
or off for the current system. Select your setting then
press E.
Off - the attenuator is off.
On - system frequencies are attenuated by about 18
dB.
Notes:
• Turn on this setting if you are near strong signal
sources. Attenuation can help reduce interference
and desensitization that strong signals create.
• You can also turn this setting on or off by holding
on a trunked system, then pressing Func + E.

Deleting Systems
Program System

Menu

Select the system
Delete System
The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion.
To confirm, press E. To cancel, press .
Notes:
• Deleted systems cannot be restored. You must
re-enter them.
• You cannot restore preloaded systems.

Copying Systems
To copy a system including all settings, groups, and
channels:

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
83

Program System

Menu

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 System

Menu

Select the system
Edit Group
Select the group
Edit Name
Follow these steps to enter/edit the group name.
1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter.
2. Press and hold down Func then rotate the scroll
control once to select the next letter.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the
system name. Then press E or press down on the
scroll control to accept the setting.
Hints:
• Each group name can be up to 16 characters.
Abbreviate as necessary to fit.
• The group and system name alternate in the top
line of the display when the scanner stops on a
channel.
• Press

twice to delete the current character.

• Press

three times to clear the entire alpha tag.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
84

Setting the Group Quick Key
Program System

Menu

Select the system
Edit Group
Select the group
Set Quick Key
After selecting this option, press 0-9 to assign the
group to a quick key or press to assign the system
to no quick key, then press E.
Hints:
• You can assign as many groups to the same quick
key as you want.
• A group’s quick key must be activated to be scanned.

Setting Group Lockout
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Select the group
Set Lockout
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 scanned.
Unlocked - the group is scanned.
Note: The default setting is Unlocked.

Deleting Groups
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
85

Select the group
Delete Group
The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To confirm, 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 programming.

Editing the Channel Name
Program System

Menu

Select the system
Edit Group
Select the group
Edit Channel
Select the channel
Edit Name
Follow these steps to enter/edit the channel name.
1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter.
2. Press and hold down Func then rotate the scroll
control once to select the next letter.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the
channel name. Then press E or press down on the
scroll control to accept the setting.
Hints:
• Each channel name can be up to 16 characters.
Abbreviate as necessary to fit.
• The channel name appears on the second line of
the display when the scanner stops on a channel.
• If you do not enter a channel name, the scanner
displays the frequency (for conventional systems)

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
86

or the talk group ID (for trunked systems) when it
stops on a channel.
• Press

twice to delete the current character.

• Press

three times to clear the entire alpha tag.

• Channel names take up extra memory. To maximize channels, use channel names only where
necessary.

Editing Frequencies
(Conventional Channels Only)
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Select the group
Edit Channel
Select the channel
Input Frequency
Input the frequency, then press the scroll control.
To change the frequency you entered, turn the scroll
control to select Edit Frequency, then press the
scroll control.

Setting Channel Priority
(Conventional Channels Only)
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Select the group
Edit Channel
Select the channel
Set Priority
This setting controls whether the scanner treats the
channel as a priority channel while scanning. Select
your setting, then press E.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
87

On - when you turn on the Priority feature, the channel
will be scanned every 2 seconds. P appears.
Off - the channel will not be treated with priority.
Note: The default setting is Off.

Setting Channel Alert
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Select the group
Edit Channel
Select the channel
Set Alert
Off - the scanner does not alert you to emergency
transmissions.
Alert 1 - 9 - the scanner sounds an alert beep to
notify you of the emergency transmission. You can
choose any of 9 different beep types.
Set Level
Auto - the scanner automatically sets the emergency
alert beep to the master volume level.
Level 1 - 15 - the scanner adjusts the volume you
hear to the level you select.

Editing the Talk Group ID (Trunked
Channels Only)
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Select the group
Edit Channel

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
88

Select the talk group ID
Edit TGID
To edit the talk group ID, enter the talk group ID you
want using the number keys on the keypad. Then
press down on the scroll control to accept it.

Setting CTCSS/DCS
(Conventional Channels Only)
Program System

Menu

Select the system
Edit Group
Select the group
Edit Channel
Select the channel
Set CTCSS/DCS
This setting controls how a subaudible CTCSS or DCS
is used for the channel. Select your setting, then press E.
Off - any signal opens squelch.
Search - the scanner searches for and displays any
CTCSS or DCS tone that accompanies the transmission.
CTCSS - the scanner only opens squelch if the CTCSS
tone you select is also present with the signal. The
scanner then prompts you to enter or scroll to the
desired tone.
DCS - the scanner only opens squelch if the DCS tone
you select is also present with the signal. The scanner
then prompts you to enter or scroll to the desired tone.
Set Lockout - the scanner does not stop on the
channel if the tone you select is present. The scanner
prompts you to select a CTCSS or DCS tone.
Notes:
• The scanner will not detect or decode P25 signals
if you turn on CTCSS/DCS search.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
89

• The default setting is Off.
• See “What is CTCSS/DCS?” on Page 20 for a
complete list of CTCSS and DCS tones.

Setting the System Frequency
Modulation
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Set Modulation
Auto - the scanner uses the default modulation for
the frequency band.
AM - the scanner uses AM (amplitude modulation) for
the frequency band.
FM - the scanner uses FM (frequency modulation) for
the frequency band.
NFM - the scanner uses narrowband FM for the
frequency band.
WFM - the scanner uses wideband FM for the
frequency band.
Note: The default setting is Auto.
This setting controls the modulation method used for
the frequency band. In most cases, if you leave this
set to Auto, the scanner automatically selects the
correct modulation type for the system you are
programming.

Setting Channel Attenuation
(Conventional Channels Only)
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Select the group
Edit Channel

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
90

Select the channel
Set Attenuator
This setting controls whether the scanner attenuates
signals on this channel. Select your setting, then press E.
On - the channel is attenuated by about 18 dB.
Off - the channel is not attenuated.
Notes:
• The default setting is Off.
• For trunked systems, the attenuation is a systemlevel setting.
• You can also toggle this setting by holding on the
channel and pressing Func and E.

Setting Channel Lockout
Program System

Menu

Select the system
Edit Group

E

E
E

Select the group

E

Edit Channel
Select the channel
Set Lockout
This setting determines whether the scanner will scan
this channel when its system and group are enabled.
Select your setting, then press E.
Lockout - the channel is not scanned.
Unlocked - the channel is scanned.
Notes:

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
91

• The default setting is Unlocked.
• You can also lock or unlock a channel by selecting
it while scanning or holding, then pressing L/O.
See “Basic Operation” on Page 42.

Deleting Channels
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Select the group
Edit Channel
Select the channel
Delete Channel
The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion.
To confirm, press E. To cancel, press .
Note: Deleted channels cannot be restored. You must
re-enter them.

Copying/Pasting Channels
To copy a channel including all settings:
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Select the group
Edit Channel
Select the channel
Copy Channel
The scanner copies the channel into a copy buffer.
To paste the channel into the same or another system:
Menu

Program System
Select the system
Edit Group

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
92

Select the group
Edit Channel
Select the channel
Paste Channel
Then, if necessary, edit the channel you copied to give
it a unique name and other settings.
Note: The paste option appears only if you have
previously copied a channel from a system of the
same type you are currently editing.

Programming/Editing Optional Settings
93

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 range.
Search for ...

Menu

Service Search
Select the service search type
The following search bands appear.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Public Safety
News
HAM Radio
Marine
Railroad
Air
CB Radio
FRS/GMRS
Racing
TV Broadcast
FM Broadcast
Special

The scanner searches the service you selected,
stopping on any transmission it finds and displaying
the frequency. Turn the scroll control to change the
search direction. An arrow appears, showing the
current search direction.
To hold searching, press Hold. To resume searching,
press Func then press Scan/Srch. Or, press Hold.
To lock out a frequency found while searching, press
L/O. Locked Out appears and the scanner
resumes service search.
Notes:

Searching and Storing
94

• 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 Search lets you search from the currently-tuned
frequency if you are scanning a conventional system
or sets the system to ID search if you are scanning a
trunked system.
If you are on a conventional system or channel, press
Func and Scan/Srch to start quick search. Quick
Search? Yes = “E” / No = “.” appears.
Qck Search Hold appears if you press Hold.
Press E to start quick search or No to go to the search
menu.

CTCSS/DCS Search
CTCSS/DCS Search lets you search for CTCSS or
DCS tones when it finds an active frequency in search
and Close Call modes. You can identify up to 50
CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes.
Note: The scanner will not detect or decode P25
signals if you turn on CTCSS/DCS search.
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt
CTCSS/DCS Search

Turning this option on lets the scanner search for
CTCSS/DCS tones. If the scanner detects the tone, it
displays the tone’s frequency and DCS code. Select
your setting, then press the scroll control.
On - CTCSS/DCS search is turned on.
Off - CTCSS/DCS search is turned off.

Searching and Storing
95

Custom Search
Custom Search lets you program and search 10
custom search ranges. You can search any of these
ranges simultaneously and select each custom search
range you set. During custom search, the scanner
searches starting with the lowest frequency in the
search range you select to the highest frequency in
the range.
Notes:
• Search ranges are preset. See “Editing a Custom
Search Range” on Page 97 to change the range.
• You cannot turn off all custom search ranges.
Menu

Search for ...

OR
Func

+ Scan/Srch
Custom Search

The scanner starts custom search of the custom
search range you selected, stopping on any
transmission it finds and displaying the frequency.
Turn the scroll control to change the search
direction. An arrow appears, showing the current
search direction.
To turn search ranges on or off, press 0 and 1-9.
To hold searching, press Hold. To resume searching,
press Func then press Scan/Srch or Hold again.
To lock out a frequency found while searching, press
L/O. Locked Out appears and the scanner
resumes custom search.
If you turn off the active custom search range, the
scanner skips to the next custom search range and
continues searching.
Note: If all frequencies in all active custom search
ranges are locked out, All Locked! appears and
the scanner does not stop.

Searching and Storing
96

Editing a Custom Search Range
You can edit up to 10 custom search ranges. The
names of the custom search ranges appear on the
display. The default custom search range names
appear as Custom 1, Custom 2, and so on.
Menu

Search for ...

OR
Func

+ Scan/Srch
Edit Custom

Select your setting, then press the scroll control.
Edit Name - lets you edit the custom search range’s
name.
Edit Srch Limit - lets you view and select the
frequency ranges to search. The scanner prompts you
to enter the upper and lower search limits.
Set Delay Time - lets you set the amount of time
the scanner will delay before continuing to search after
a transmission ends.
Set Modulation - lets you set the custom search
range’s modulation type.
Set Attenuator - lets you set whether the scanner
will attenuate reception by 18dB during search.
Set Data Skip - lets you set whether the scanner
will skip data transmissions during search.
Set Step - lets you set the custom search range’s
step (the gap between frequencies).
Set C-Ch Only - lets you search for a Motorola
control channel. If it finds one, the scanner scans the
system.
Adjust P25 Level - adjusts the digital decode
threshold to match the transmission you are
hearing when it receives a strong signal and has a
high decode rate.
Search with Scan - sets whether the scanner
includes the custom search during scanning.

Searching and Storing
97

If unlocked, the scanner first scans all selected
systems, then searches the selected service searches
for the selected hold time (0-255 seconds).

Editing a Service Search
You can change the way service search works for
each service.
Menu

Search for ...

OR
Func

+ Scan/Srch
Edit Service

Select your setting, then press the scroll control.
• 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 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 sec.
• Set Attenuator This setting controls the
attenuator for search 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 sources. Attenuation sometimes helps
to reduce interference and desensitization that
strong signals create.
• Search with Scan This setting controls how
search with scan works.

Searching and Storing
98

• 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 unlock a system by
pressing Func , selecting the system, then
pressing Func + L/O.
• Set Hold Time This setting controls how
many seconds the scanner scans a system
before moving to the next unlocked system.
Enter a value from 0-255, then press the scroll
control to save the setting.
Notes:
• If you select 0, the scanner stays on the
system for a minimal time (only long enough
to check current system activity).
• The default setting is 2 seconds for each
system.
• For conventional systems, all unlocked
channels will be scanned at least once
regardless of this setting.
• The scanner moves to the next system after
the hold time expires, any current
transmission ends, and the channel delay
time expires.

Auto Search and Store
Your scanner’s Auto Store feature lets you search for
new frequencies in custom search ranges or within a
service search range on a conventional system, or
new talk group ID’s on a trunked system.

Searching and Storing
99

Selecting a System
To store frequencies or talk group ID’s you find during
Auto Store, you must first select a system where the
frequencies or talk group ID’s will be stored.
Menu

Search for ...
Search and Store

Select the system where you want to store the frequencies or talk group IDs
If no systems are programmed, No System Stored
appears. If you have already stored too many systems, Over Limit appears.

Storing a Conventional System
You can store frequencies into the system you
selected in “Selecting a System”. Otherwise, the
scanner stores frequencies in a new group it creates.
1. Follow Steps 1-3 under “Selecting a System” on
Page 100. A search option appears.
2. Turn the scroll control until the type of search you
want appears, then press the scroll control to
select it. A search band appears.
If all systems are locked out, All Locked!
appears and the scanner does not store any
frequencies.
When you select a search range, the scanner looks for
active frequencies within that range and SEARCH AND
STORE appears on the display’s lower line and the
system name and search range name appear on the
display’s upper line. When the scanner finds an active
transmission, it checks to see if the frequency has
already been stored in the system. If the frequency
has already been stored, the scanner continues to
search. If the frequency has not been stored, it stores
the frequency into a group named Found Channels,

Searching and Storing
100

then resumes searching. The scanner creates this
group if it doesn’t already exist.

Storing a Trunked System
You can store talk group ID’s into the system you
selected in “Selecting a System”. Otherwise, the
scanner stores talk group ID’s in a new group it
creates.
Note: Trunked system search and store does not work
if an EDACS SCAT system is selected, a system with
no frequency is selected, the selected system is
locked out or the quick key to which the system
belongs is turned off, and the group you selected to
store found talk group ID’s contains more talk group
ID’s than the maximum set in Max Auto Store.
To store a trunked system, follow Steps 1-3 under
“Selecting a System” on Page 100. The scanner
enters ID Search and Store mode.
If all systems are locked out, All Locked! appears
and the scanner does not store any frequencies.
When you select a search range, the scanner looks for
active talk group ID’s within that range and ID
SEARCH AND STORE appears on the display’s lower
line and the system name and search range name
appear on the display’s upper line. When the scanner
finds an active talk group ID, it checks if the talk group
ID has already been stored in the system. If it has, the
scanner continues to search. If the talk group ID has
not been stored, it stores the talk group ID into a group
named Found Channels, then resumes searching.
The scanner creates this group if it does not already
exist.

Searching and Storing
101

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-signal
area or receive interference, these steps will not
work. These steps do not compensate for weak
signals or signals subject to interference.
• If you set an incorrect decode threshold level in Step
5, the scanner might stop decoding all digital signals
in the system. If this happens, change the setting to
a value between 8 and 12 then repeat these steps.
1. Make sure the system's P25 Level option is set to
Auto (see “Adjusting the P25 Level (Motorola and
Conventional Systems Only)” on Page 81).
2. Hold on an active digital channel on the system.
3. While holding down Func , briefly press the scroll
control twice. The next to last line on the display
now shows the digital error rate and the AUTO
decode threshold start level (0-20). The last line
on the display shows the decode threshold levels
for the system.
4. Allow the scanner to monitor channel activity for
several minutes. The error rate should drop for each
transmission and the threshold levels should automatically adjust to a more optimal setting. Then,
once the threshold level settles to a stable setting,
make a note of the values. This is the system's
optimum decode threshold.
5. While holding down Func , rotate the scroll control
to set the AUTO decode threshold start level to a
setting that most closely matches the system's
optimum decode threshold. Now, when the scanner
stops on a system, it will use this threshold as the
starting point for automatic optimization.
6. While holding down Func , briefly press the scroll
control to exit this mode.

Optimizing P25 Performance
102

Using the Close Call Feature
Your scanner's
Close Call
CallTM Feature
feature lets you set the
Using
the Close
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" while you are scanning other
frequencies, turn off normal scanning while the Close
Call feature is working, or turn off the Close Call
feature and use the scanner normally. You can set the
scanner so it alerts you when the Close Call feature
finds a frequency. You can also set the frequency band
where you want the scanner to look for transmissions.
To turn Close Call detection on or off, press Func then
. When the feature is on,
appears on the display
and normal operation is briefly interrupted about every
2 seconds.
Notes:
• The Close Call feature works well for locating the
source of strong local transmissions such as
mobile and handheld two-way radios in areas with
no other strong transmission sources. Several
factors affect Close Call performance, however.
Performance is increased with higher transmit
power, receive antenna tuned to the target band,
and a low background RF level. Other than the
antenna, you have no control over these factors,
but they explain why performance might vary by
both location and time.
• The Close Call feature cannot detect satellite
dishes or any transmitter with a frequency above
or below the frequency ranges listed under the
Set CC Bands: option on Page 106.
• The Close Call feature works better with some
types of transmissions than others. It might not
correctly display frequency information for transmitters using a highly directional antenna (such as
an amateur radio beam antenna) or if there are
many transmitters operating at the same time in
the same area.

Using the Close Call Feature
103

Setting Close Call Options
Menu

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 when
this option is turned on. To select this option,
press E.
• CC Auto Store: Lets you select whether the
scanner automatically stores Close Call hits
into channels. If you turn this option on, the
scanner starts Close Call mode and stores any
Close Call hits, up to the maximum you
specified in the Max Auto Store setting. If the
scanner stores more hits than this setting, it
stops Autostore operation.
Turn the scroll control to display an option, then
press the scroll control.
• Set CC Mode: Lets you select the Close Call
mode. If you turn this option on, the scanner
sets itself to its Close Call settings about once
every 2 seconds.
Turn the scroll control to display an option, then
press the scroll control.
You can also toggle this setting by pressing
Func then
• Set CC Override: Lets you select how the
Close Call feature works with other scanning
activities. If you turn this option off, when the
scanner detects a Close Call signal, CC
Found! and “E” to listen appear for the
time you set in Set CC Pause. Press the
scroll control or E when this appears to jump to
and hold on the frequency.
If this option is turned on, the scanner overrides
the current channel and goes to the Close Call

Using the Close Call Feature
104

hit. The scanner displays CC Found! Press
Any Key. When you press a key, the
frequency appears.
Turn the scroll control to display an option, then
press the scroll control.
• Set CC Alert: Lets you select how the
scanner alerts you when it receives a Close
Call signal. You can select any of the following
options.
Select Mode
•

Beep (the scanner beeps when it receives a
Close Call signal)

•

Light (the backlight turns on when it
receives a Close Call signal)

•

Beep+Light (the scanner beeps and the
backlight turns on when it receives a Close
Call signal)

•

None (the scanner does not alert)
Select Beep

•

Off (the scanner does not beep)

•

Alert 1-9 - (the scanner sounds an alert
beep to notify you of a Close Call hit. When
you select an alert level, the scanner
automatically enters the setting of the Alert
volume level. You can choose different beep
types.)
Set CC Pause: Lets you select how long the
scanner waits after a hit before it returns to the
previous operation.

•

3/5/10/15/30/45/60 sec.

•

Infinite.
Turn the scroll control to display an option, then
press the scroll control to select it.

Using the Close Call Feature
105

• 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 (225.0000-319.9500 MHz)
UHF (320.0000 - 512.0000 MHz)
800MHz+ (764.0000 - 775.9875 MHz,
794.0000 - 823.9875 MHz,
849.0125 - 868.9875 MHz,
894.0125 - 956.0000 MHz,
1240.000 - 1300.0000 MHz)
Use the scroll control to select a band, press
the scroll control, then use the scroll control to
select On or Off and press the scroll control.
Turning off undesired bands speeds up Close
Call operation (works for all frequencies listed
above).

Close Call Hits
When the scanner detects a Close Call hit, it alerts you
according to the Override and Alert settings in the
previous section. While listening to a Close Call hit,
you can press Hold to hold on the hit frequency, press
the scroll control to quickly save the frequency into
memory, press L/O to lock out the frequency from
Close Call and Search operation, or wait for the
transmission to end. If you are in Close Call Only or
Close Call Override mode, and you do not press any
key, the scanner returns to its previous operation after
the transmission ends and the set delay time expires.
If you are holding on the frequency, press Hold again
to resume the previous operation.

Using the Close Call Feature
106

Search and Close Call Options
The settings
in this
section
affect
custom searches,
Search
and
Close
Call
Options
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,
that frequency is locked out of these modes. You can
lock out up to 200 frequencies.
Note: Locking out a frequency does not lock out a
channel that contains that frequency.

Unlocking All Frequencies
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Freq Lockouts
Unlock All
The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion.
To confirm and delete all locked-out frequencies, press
the scroll control. Otherwise, to cancel, press .

Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Freq Lockouts
Rvw Search L/O
The scanner displays the first locked-out frequency
and prompts you to unlock the frequency. Press the
scroll control to unlock the frequency. Or, rotate the
scroll control or press to select a different
frequency. To exit the review, press Menu .

Searching for Subaudible Tones
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

CTCSS/DCS Search
This setting controls whether the scanner will search
for a subaudible tone when it stops on a transmission
during search or Close Call operation.

Search and Close Call Options
107

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
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Broadcast Screen
This setting determines whether the scanner
automatically ignores transmissions found during
Custom Search, Service Search, or Close Call
operation that are on common broadcasts, paging
systems, and other annoyance radio sources.
Note: Broadcast screen is not effective during some
service searches.
Set All Band On - turns on broadcast screen on
each band.
Set All Band Off - turns off broadcast screen on
each band.
Set Each Band - lets you set broadcast screen only
on specific bands you select. On or Off appears next
to each option. Turn the scroll control to select an
option then press the scroll control to change the
setting.
• Pager - the scanner skips known paging
system frequencies.
• FM - the scanner skips known FM frequencies.
• UHF TV - the scanner skips known UHF TV
frequencies.
• VHF TV - the scanner skips known VHF TV
frequencies.

Search and Close Call Options
108

• NOAA WX - the scanner skips known NOAA
weather frequencies.
• Band 1-10 - select the custom band where you
want to screen out broadcast sources.
Program Band - lets you program a custom
frequency range for broadcast screen. Turn the scroll
control to select an option then press the scroll control
to change the setting.
• Band 1-10 - select the group where you want to
screen out broadcast sources.
Set Lower Limit - turn the scroll control to
enter the lower limit of the frequency range,
then press the scroll control to set it.
Set Upper Limit - turn the scroll control to
enter the upper limit of the frequency range,
then press the scroll control to set it.

Finding Repeater Output
Frequencies
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Repeater Find
This feature sets whether the scanner tries to tune to a
repeater output frequency during Custom Search,
Quick Search, or Close Call operation when it detects
a transmission on a repeater input frequency. Since
you can normally only hear one side of a conversation
when you listen to an input frequency transmission,
turning this feature on can let you hear both sides of
the conversation.
On The scanner automatically applies repeater
reverse to detected transmissions. If the scanner
detects the transmission on the output frequency, it
beeps, Repeater Found appears, and it remains on
the output frequency until transmissions end. If it does
not detect a transmission on the output frequency, it
remains on the original frequency.

Search and Close Call Options
109

Off The scanner does not try to find the output
frequency.

Setting the Maximum Auto Store
Value
Menu

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.
Use the number keys to enter a value from 1 - 256,
then press the scroll control.
When the scanner reaches the maximum number of
hits you set, it stops the auto-store operation.

Setting the Modulation Type
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Set Modulation
This setting controls the modulation type used for
quick search and Close Call operations. Select your
setting, then press the scroll control.
Auto Uses the default setting for the current
frequency (see the table at the front of the manual)
Uses AM (amplitude modulation)

AM

FM Uses FM (frequency modulation)
NFM Uses narrowband FM
WFM Uses wideband FM

Setting Attenuation
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Set Attenuator

Search and Close Call Options
110

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.
Reception is attenuated by about 18 dB.

On

Note: Turn on this setting if you are near other strong
signal sources. Attenuation sometimes helps to
reduce interference and desensitization that strong signals create.

Setting Data Skip
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Set Data Skip
This setting controls how the scanner behaves when it
stops on a channel that has a data signal.
On - the scanner stops briefly on the channel, but then
immediately resumes scanning automatically. Press E
to select.
Off - the scanner remains on the channel until the
transmission stops. Press the scroll control to select.
Notes:
• If you are trying to test the Close Call feature with
a nearby transmitter and you do not talk into the
transmitter, the scanner will detect this as data and
will skip the frequency when Data Skip is on. Turn
the feature off or talk into the transmitter.
• This setting is ignored for AM channels.
• The default setting for this feature is Off.

Search and Close Call Options
111

Setting the Delay Time
Menu

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 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 sec.

Setting the Search Frequency Step
Menu

Srch/CloCall Opt

Set Step
This setting selects the frequency step used for setting
the channels. Select your setting, then press the scroll
control.
Auto The step is based on the band (see the table at
the front of the manual)
5.0 kHz, 6.25kHz, 7.5 kHz, 8.33kHz, 10.0 kHz,
12.5 kHz, 15.0 kHz, 20.0 kHz, 25.0 kHz,
50.0 kHz, 100.0 kHz The scanner uses the
selected step.
Note: The scanner defaults to Auto.

Search and Close Call Options
112

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 electronics retailer
carries several weather radios specifically designed
for this function.
Your scanner allows you to search for a local NOAA
weather broadcast and set it to alert when a SAME
weather alert is broadcast on a NOAA channel.
You can also program SAME codes into the scanner
and set a weather channel as a priority channel.
In the following sections, you can also access the
weather menu from Hold mode by holding Func then
pressing Wx.

Searching For a Weather Broadcast
Menu

WX Operation

Weather Scan
The scanner starts scanning the preprogrammed
weather frequencies, and stops on the first signal.
If this station is weak, rotate the scroll control to check
for other weather broadcasts in your area.
Note: NOAA broadcasts are continuous broadcasts.
You will only lose reception if you move out of a
coverage area. If the signal is lost, the scanner
resumes searching for a weather transmission.

Turning Weather Alert On/Off
In weather alert mode, your scanner functions as a
severe weather warning radio. This is especially useful
when your area is expecting severe weather
conditions late at night. When you set the scanner to
weather alert mode, it holds on the weather channel,
but does not play the channel’s audio. If it detects a
weather alert, it sounds a tone, displays information

Using Weather Alert (SAME)
113

about the weather alert, and turns on the audio so you
can hear the weather broadcast.
Menu

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 when it detects the
1050 Hz tone that accompanies all weather alerts.
All FIPS - the scanner alerts and displays
information about the weather alert when it receives
any FIPS code (see “Programming a SAME Group” on
Page 114).
SAME 1-5 - the scanner alerts and displays
information about the weather alert when it receives a
weather alert signal that includes any FIPS code you
have programmed into the specified SAME group.

Programming a SAME Group
You can edit any of the 5 SAME groups in your scanner. Each group can have up to 8 FIPS codes.
SAME (Specific Area Messaging System) is a system
developed by the National Weather Service to reduce
the number of alerts received by consumers by allowing them to hear alerts only for the county(ies) they are
interested in. Each alert contains information about the
type and severity of the alert, as well as the specific
geographic locations affected by the alert.
The geographic locations are designated using FIPS
codes. Each county or parish in the US and its territories are assigned a FIPS code. In addition, certain
special regions and wildcard settings can be assigned.
FIPS codes are in the format nSSCCC:
n: A special subcounty designator. For an entire
county, use 0.

Using Weather Alert (SAME)
114

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 Service web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov
and search for “FIPS Listing”.
Menu

WX Operation

Program SAME
Select the SAME group to edit
Edit Name - enter the name you want to assign to
the SAME group you selected.
Edit County - select the position you want to store
the FIPS code into, then press the scroll control, enter
the FIPS code, and press the scroll control again.

Setting WX Alert Priority
Menu

WX Operation

WX Alt Priority
On - the scanner checks the weather channels every 5
seconds for a 1050 Hz weather alert signal. Press the
scroll control to select.
Off - the scanner does not check the weather
channels. Press the scroll control to select.

Using Weather Alert (SAME)
115

Using Tone-Out
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 monitors for any other
setting that uses the same transmit frequency, modulation, and attentuation settings.
You need tone-out setup information from the agency
you wish to monitor.Check with your local agency or
on-line resources. Uniden America Corporation has no
information regarding local tone-out systems.

Setting Tone-Out Standby
Menu

Tone-Out for...

Tone-Out Standby
Turn the scroll control to select the tone-out to monitor.
All tone-outs that have the same frequency, modulation, and attenuation setting as the one you select, are
also monitored.
In standby mode, the display cycles through all monitored tone-out settings.Regardless of the current display, the scanner always alerts on any received toneout that matches a stored setting.
If you press HOLD while in standby mode, the scanner
temporarily exits the mode and you hear all transmissions on that frequency. No alerts sound, even if a
tone-out matches one you have stored. Press HOLD
again to return to standby mode.

Setting Up Tone-Out
Menu

Tone-Out for ...

Tone-Out

Setup
Scroll to select the tone-out (1 - 10) you want to program, then press EYES. Then you can scroll to any of
the following settings and press EYES to select and
modify the selected settings:

Using Weather
Alert
(SAME)
Using
Tone-Out

116

• Edit Name - Sets the name for the selected toneout setting.
• Set Frequency — Sets the tone-outs RF frequency parameters.
Edit Frequency — Enter the desired frequency that the scanner should monitor for the
tone-out.
Set Modulation — Set the modulation type
for the paging signal.
Auto —The scanner uses the default modulation for the frequency band. If the default
modulation is AM or WFM, the modulation
operates as FM.
FM — The scanner uses FM for the frequency
band. This is the default setting.
NFM — The scanner uses NFM modulation.
Set Attenuaton — Turn the scroll control to
select On or Off.
• Set Tone — Sets the audio tone frequency for
the page.
Edit Tone A — Set the audio frequency
for Tone A
Edit Tone B — Set the audio frequency
for Tone B

Notes:
• For two-tone pages, enter a value for A and B.
• For one-tone pages using short tones of less
than 3.75 seconds, enter the tone value for A,
and 0 (zero) for B.
• For long-tone pages, such as group pages of
more than 3.75 seconds, enter 0 (zero) for A
and the tone value for B.

Using Tone-Out
Using Weather Alert (SAME)
117

• Set Delay Time — Sets the time the scanner
remains in monitor mode after the scanner
receives a page and the carrier drops.
• 1-5 seconds: the scanner resumes standby
mode after the carrier drops and the selected
time expires.
• Infinite: you must press HOLD after a page to
resume standby mode.
• Off: the scanner resumes standby as soon as
the carrier drops after a page.
• Set Alert — Sets the alert the scanner uses
when it receives an alert.
• Alert 1 - 9, Off — scroll to select the
alert tone pattern, The scanner sounds each
alert as you scroll to its numbered value. If you
select Off, the scanner does not sound an
alert.
• After you select an alert pattern, the scanner
prompts for the alert level for a received alert.
Level options 1 to 15 sets a fixed audio level
independent of the main volume setting. AUTO
uses the main volume setting for the alerts.

Using
Tone-Out
Using Weather
Alert
(SAME)
118

Care and Maintenance

Care
nance
and Mainte• Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the
General Use
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-moisture
environments such as the kitchen or bathroom.
• Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near
heating elements or vents.
• If the scanner receives strong interference or
electrical noise, move it or its antenna away from
the source of the noise. If possible, a higher elevation might provide better reception.
• Also try changing the height or angle of the
antenna.

Cleaning
• Disconnect the power to the unit before cleaning.
• Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild
detergent.
• To prevent scratches, do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Be careful not to rub the LCD window.
• Do not use excessive amounts of water.

Care and Maintenance
119

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 no sound
is heard, it might be receiving a birdie. Birdies are
internally generated signals inherent in the electronics
of the scanner.
Press L/O to lock out the channel.

Care and Maintenance
120

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.

Improper
reception.

The antenna
might need to be
adjusted.

Scan
won’t
stop.

The squelch might
need to be
adjusted.

Make sure the AC
adapter is connected to
an AC outlet and the
scanner.
If there is a wall switch
that controls power to
the AC outlet where
you connected the AC
adapter, make sure it is
on.
Check the antenna
connection or move or
reposition the antenna.
Move the scanner.
You might be in a remote
area that could require
an optional multi-band
antenna. Check with
your dealer or local
electronics store.
Adjust the squelch
threshold. See “Turning
On the Scanner and
Setting the Squelch” on
Page 42.

Scan
won’t
start.

The antenna
might need to be
adjusted.
One or more
channels might be
locked out.

Check the antenna
connection.

The channel’s
frequency might
not be stored in
memory.
The channel might
not be active.

Make sure the
channel’s frequency is
stored in the scanner’s
memory.
Wait for a transmission
on the channel.
Press Scan.

You must press
Scan to scan.

Make sure the
channels you want to
scan are not locked
out.

Troubleshooting
121

Scan
won’t
start.

The squelch might
need to be
adjusted.

(continued)

One or more
channels might be
locked out.

Weather
scan
doesn’t
work.

The antenna
might need to be
adjusted.
The squelch might
need to be
adjusted.

The antenna
might need to be
adjusted.
There might not
be a NOAA
weather broadcast
in your area.

Adjust the squelch
threshold. See “Turning
On the Scanner and
Setting the Squelch” on
Page 42.
Make sure the
channels you want to
scan are not locked
out.
Check the antenna
connection.
Adjust the squelch
threshold. See “Turning
On the Scanner and
Setting the Squelch” on
Page 42.
Check the antenna
connection.
Move to an area with a
NOAA weather
broadcast.

If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker™
mode, try the following steps.
Problem

Possible Cause

Scanner
won’t
track a
trunked
system.

The system might
not be one your
scanner can scan.

Scan another system.

Suggestion

The data
frequency might
be missing.
The scanner might
need to be
changed to a Type
1 scanner setup.

Enter the data
frequency.
Change to a Type 1
scanner setup. Review
“Programming
Motorola Systems” on
Page 63.

Troubleshooting
122

Scanner
won’t
track a
trunked
system.

The system you
are trying to scan
might be LTR or
EDACS.

(continued)

Scanner
won’t stop
scanning
a trunked
system.

Scanner
won’t
acquire
the data
channel.

Missing
replies to
conversations.

No ID’s have been
programmed.

The ID’s you have
stored are not
active.
The squelch might
need to be
adjusted.

The frequency
used for the data
channel might be
missing.
The scanner might
need to be
changed to a Type
1 scanner setup.
The fleet map
might be incorrect.
One or more of
the system’s
frequencies might
not be entered.
The system you
are trying to scan
might be LTR or
EDACS.

Set the scanner to
scan LTR or EDACS
systems. Review
“Programming LTR
Systems” on Page 70
and “Programming
EDACS Systems” on
Page 67.
Program one or more
ID’s or use the ID
Search mode.
Wait for the ID’s to
become active or scan
another system.
Adjust the squelch
threshold. See
“Turning On the
Scanner and Setting
the Squelch” on
Page 42.
Check your frequency
list for the data
channel.
Change to a Type 1
scanner setup. See
“Programming
Motorola Systems” on
Page 63.
Try another preset fleet
map or program your
own fleet map.
Make sure all the
system’s frequencies
have been entered.
Set the scanner to
scan LTR or EDACS
systems. Review
“Programming LTR
Systems” on Page 70
and “Programming
EDACS Systems” on
Page 67.

Troubleshooting
123

If you still cannot get satisfactory results while using
your scanner or if you want additional information,
please call or write the Uniden Parts and Service Division. The address and phone number are listed in the
Warranty at the end of this manual. If you would like
immediate assistance, please call Customer Service
at (800) 297-1023.
If you have Internet access, you can visit
http://www.uniden.com for additional information.

Troubleshooting
124

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 (nominal), 10 dB (limit)
Frequency Range (MHz):
25.0 - 26.960 Petroleum Prods/Bcst Pickup Band
26.965 - 27.405 Citizens Band Class D
27.410 - 27.995 Business/Forest Prods
72.0 - 75.995 Intersystem and Astronomy
144.0 - 147.995 2 Meter Amateur Band
150.8 - 161.9950 VHF High Band
Above bands in 5 kHz steps
29.7 - 49.990 VHF Low Band
Above band in 10 kHz steps
137.0 - 143.9875 Military Land Mobile
148.0 - 150.7875 Military Land Mobile
162.0 - 173.9875 Federal Government
400.0 - 405.9875 Miscellaneous
406.0 - 419.9875 Federal Land Mobile
420.0 - 449.9875 70 cm Amateur Band
450.0 - 469.9875 UHF Standard Band
470.0 - 512.0 UHF TV Band
764.0 - 775.9875 Public Service Band

Specifications
125

794.0 - 805.9875 Public Service Band
806.0 - 823.9875 Public Service Band
849.0125 - 868.9875 Public Service Band
894.0125 - 956.0 Public Service Band
Above bands in 12.5 kHz steps
28.0 - 29.680 10 Meter Amateur Band
50.0 - 53.98 6 Meter Amateur Band
216.0 - 224.980 1.25 Meter Amateur Band
Above bands in 20 kHz steps
108.0 - 136.9750 Aircraft
1240.0 - 1300.0 25 cm Amateur Band
Above bands in 25 kHz steps
54.0 - 71.95 VHF TV Broadcast 2-4
76.0 - 87.95 VHF TV Broadcast 5-6
174.0 - 215.95 TV Broadcast 7-13
225.0 - 399.95 UHF Aircraft Band
Above bands in 50 kHz steps
88.0 - 107.90 FM Broadcast
Above band in 100 kHz steps
Operating Temperature:
Normal –20°C to +60°C
Close Call –10°C to +60°C
Scan Rate: 100 channels per second
(conventional mode)
Search Rate: 300 steps per second (5 kHz step only)
Scan Delay: 0-5 seconds

Specifications
126

Audio Output: 400mW nominal into 24Ω internal
speaker
30 mW nominal into 32Ω headphone
6 mW nominal into 64Ω earphone
Power Requirements:
3 AA Alkaline Batteries (4.5V DC),
or 3 AA Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries (3.6V DC),
or AC Adapter (6 VDC 800mA) (AD-1001)
Antenna: 50 Ω (Impedance)
External Jacks:
Antenna Jack SMA Type
Headphone Jack 3.5mm
DC Power Jack (EIAJ TYPE-2 Center Positive) 4 mm
Remote Jack 4 Pin Mini
Size: 2.40 in. (W) x 1.22 in. (D) x 5.35 in. (H)
Weight: 0.60 lbs (with batteries installed)
0.40 lbs (without batteries installed)
Features, specifications, and availability of optional
accessories are all subject to change without notice.

Specifications
127

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.

Earphone

fi

External Amplified Speaker

Optional Accessories
128

Appendix

Appendix
Preset Map 1

Preset Fleet Maps
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 11
Size Code 11
Size Code 11
Size Code 11
Size Code 11
Size Code 11
Size Code 11
Size Code 11

Preset Map 3
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 12
(Size Code 12)

Preset Map 5
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 12
(Size Code 12)
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4

Preset Map 7
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 10
Size Code 10
Size Code 11
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4

Preset Map 2
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4

Preset Map 4
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 12
(Size Code 12)
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4

Preset Map 6
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 3
Size Code 10
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 12
(Size Code 12)
Size Code 12
(Size Code 12)

Preset Map 8
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 1
Size Code 1
Size Code 2
Size Code 2
Size Code 3
Size Code 3
Size Code 4
Size Code 4

Appendix
129

Preset Map 9
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0

Preset Map 11
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 4
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0

Preset Map 13
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 3
Size Code 3
Size Code 11
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0

Preset Map 15
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 11
Size Code 11
Size Code 0
Size Code 12
(Size Code 12)

Preset Map 10
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 4
Size Code 4

Preset Map 12
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 4

Preset Map 14
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 4
Size Code 3
Size Code 10
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 4
Size Code 12
(Size Code 12)

Preset Map 16
Block
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Size Code
Size Code 3
Size Code 10
Size Code 10
Size Code 11
Size Code 0
Size Code 0
Size Code 12
(Size Code 12)

Appendix
130

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 blocks. When you have
assigned a size code to all 8 blocks, you’ll have
defined the fleet map for the system you are tracking.
Each size code determines the number of fleets, subfleets, and ID’s each block will have. For example, a
size code of S-4 has one fleet, which is divided into 16
separate subfleets, and it has a total of 512 individual
ID’s.
When a block is assigned a size code, the fleet or
fleets created within the block are assigned a Type I
ID. The way these ID’s display on your scanner
depend on the block number and the block’s size
code. When a Type I ID appears, the leftmost digit
represents the block which contains the ID.
The next 2-3 digits identify which fleet is active, and
the last digit(s) identifies the subfleet.
The details concerning how the size codes are
selected by a Type I System designer are highly
dependent on the specific needs of the system’s
users. Some organizations might want many subfleets
with only a few radios each, while another organization might want only a few subfleets with many radios
each. Your task is to program your fleet map with the
same size code assignments as the trunked system. If
you do this accurately, you’ll track all the Fleet-Subfleet combinations used by the system. In other words,
you’ll hear complete communications while monitoring
a trunked system.
If you don’t already know the size codes used, you’ll
have to guess at them. But since you don’t have to
figure out all the blocks at once, this isn’t as hard as it

Appendix
131

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 conversations with ID’s assigned to the block you just
programmed, then you’ve probably selected the right
size code and can work on the next block of the map.
Finally, for most public safety systems there are some
size codes which are more common. S-3 and S-4 are
probably the most common, followed by S-10, S-11,
and S-12.

Size Code Restrictions
If you select size code S-12, S-13, or S-14, there are
some restrictions as to which blocks can be used for
these codes.
S-12 can only be assigned to Blocks 0, 2, 4, or 6.
S-13 can only be assigned to Blocks 0 and 4.
S-14 can only be assigned to Block 0.
Since these size codes require multiple blocks, you
will be prompted for the next available block when programming a fleet map. For example, if you assign
Block 0 as an S-12, you will be prompted for b2, the
next block available, instead of b1. And if you assign
Block 0 as an S-14, you would not see another prompt
because it uses all available blocks.

Appendix
132

Planning

Planning
Getting your scanner programmed and scanning takes
Collecting Information

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 local police and
fire departments? How about the highway
patrol, ambulance service, and aircraft? You
might even want to listen to your local utility
company as they track down a break in electrical service in your area.
Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to,
then look up the frequencies and systems used
by those agencies. The Internet is a great
source for current frequencies and information
about scanning. Here are a few useful sites:
• http://www.scannermaster.com/ - frequency
resources and home of Police Call.
You can also call them at 1 800 SCANNER
(hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Time Monday through Friday.)
• http://www.radioreference.com/ - the Internet's
premier source for user-supported radio system
information.
• http://www.bearcat1.com/ - frequency information
from National Communications.
• http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/reports/index.cfm conventional frequency information on file with the
US Government
Tips:
• Scanners are designed to monitor complex radio
systems. That means that programming your
scanner might seem like a daunting task at first.
Be patient if you don't get it right the first time. You
can also seek out help locally for the systems you

Planning
133

want to scan by visiting the forums section of
http://www.radioreference.com/forums.
• Before you start to program your scanner, decide
how you want to organize the frequencies you
want to scan. For example, some areas are best
organized by geographic location (east, north,
south, west, central, etc), while others are best
organized by agency (police, sheriff, ambulance,
fire, etc.). You might even find it easier to organize
a mixture of frequencies (north, southeast, and
west for police but fire all in one group for example).
2. Organize the system information using these system worksheets included in this appendix.
• Use “Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet” on Page 135 to organize info about conventional frequencies.
• Use “Filling Out The Motorola Worksheet” on
Page 136 to organize information about Motorola
frequencies.
• Use “LTR/EDACS System Worksheet” on
Page 142 to organize information about LTR and
EDACS frequencies.
3. Follow the instructions in “Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet” on Page 135, “Filling
Out The Motorola Worksheet” on Page 136, and
“Filling Out the LTR and EDACS Worksheet” on
Page 138 to program your scanner.
Tips:
• Before you start, make as many copies of the
worksheets as you think you'll need. You can also
go to the download section of
http://www.uniden.com/productsupport.cfm and
download the worksheets there.
• All worksheet instructions assume that you have
completed the critical Step 1 (collecting the system
information). Don't skip this step.

Planning
134

• Use a pencil to fill out the worksheets. This lets
you change information if necessary.

Filling Out The Conventional
System 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 "Mixed."
Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate/
deactivate the system. You can assign the same quick
key to multiple systems.

Group Name and Quick Key
Each worksheet documents the settings for one channel group within a system. If you have fewer channels
in the group than fits on the page, you can skip a line
and enter an additional group of channels (enter the
group info in the line you skipped). If you have more
channels for the group than will fit on the page, use
additional pages.
Fill in the key you want to press with Func to quickly
activate/deactivate the channel group. You can assign
the same quick key to multiple groups within a system.

Frequency-Alpha Tag-PriorityCTCSS/DCS
Fill in the details for each channel you want to store in
this channel group.

Planning
135

Filling Out The Motorola 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 "Mixed."
Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate/
deactivate the system. You can assign the same quick
key to multiple systems.

System Type
Circle in the type of Motorola system you are
scanning.
• Type 1. A fleet map is supplied for this type of
system.
• Type 2 800 MHz Standard. Used for most 800
MHz systems. No fleet map is supplied for this
type of system.
• Type 2 800 MHz Splinter. Used for some 800 MHz
systems near border areas.
• Type 2 900 MHz. The supplied frequencies are
between 935.0125 MHz and 939.9875 MHz.
No fleet map is supplied for this type of system.
• Type 2 UHF. The supplied frequencies are
between 406 MHz and 512 MHz. No fleet map is
supplied for this type of system.
• Type 2 VHF. The supplied frequencies are
between 136 MHz and 174 MHz. No fleet map is
supplied for this type of system.
• P25. No fleet map is supplied for this type of
system.

Planning
136

System Frequencies
Enter the frequencies used by the system. Motorola
systems can use up to 28 frequencies. Place an
asterisk or other mark next to frequencies identified as
data channels.

Fleet Map (Type I or Type I/Type II
Hybrid Only)
Fill in the fleet map used by this agency.

Band Plan (VHF or UHF Only)
A band plan is required so the scanner can correctly
determine the voice channel frequency. Fill in the band
plan used by this agency, consisting of:
• Base frequency
• Step frequency
• Channel offset
You can enter up to three band plans.

Group Name and Quick Key
Each “Motorola System Worksheet 2” documents the
settings for one channel group within a system. If you
have fewer channels in the group than fits on the
page, you can skip a line and enter an additional
group of channels (enter the group information in the
line you skipped). If you have more channels for the
group than will fit on the page, use additional pages.
Fill in the key you want to press with Func to quickly
activate/deactivate the channel group. You can assign
the same quick key to multiple groups within a system.

Talk Group ID-Alpha Tag-Alert
Fill in the details for each channel you want to store in
this channel group.

Planning
137

Filling Out the LTR and EDACS
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 "Mixed."
Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate/
deactivate the system. You can assign the same quick
key to multiple systems.

System Frequencies and LCN
Fill in each system frequency and its associated Logical Channel Number (LCN).

Group Name and Quick Key
Each “LTR/EDACS System Worksheet 2” documents
the settings for one channel group within a system. If
you have fewer channels in the group than fits on the
page, you can skip a line and enter an additional
group of
channels (enter the group information in the line you
skipped). If you have more channels for the group than
will fit on the page, use additional pages.
Fill in the key you want to press with Func to quickly
activate/deactivate the channel group. You can assign
the same quick key to multiple groups within a system.

Talk Group ID-Alpha Tag-Alert
Fill in the details for each channel you want to store in
this channel group.

Planning
138

Conventional System Worksheet
Conventional System Worksheet
System Name
Group Name
System Quick Key

Group Quick Key

Frequency

Priority CTCSS/DCS

Alpha Tag

Planning
139

Motorola System Worksheet
Motorola System Worksheet 1
System Name
System Quick Key
System
Frequencies

Type I
Type II 800 MHz:
Standard
Splinter
Type II UHF
Type II VHF

P25
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 Frequency
Offset
Band Plan C
Base Frequency
Step Frequency
Offset

Planning
140

Motorola System W orksheet 2
System Name
Group Name
Group Quick Key

Talk Group ID Alpha Tag

Alert

Planning
141

LTR/EDACS System Worksheet
LTR/EDACS System Worksheet 1
System Name
System Quick Key
System
Frequency

Logical
Channel

Planning
142

LTR/EDACS System Worksheet 2
System Name
Group Name
System Quick Key

Group Quick Key

Talk Group ID Alpha Tag

Alert

Planning
143

Preprogrammed Systems
Your scanner is preprogrammed
Preprogrammed
Systems 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
unlocked, and your scanner begins to scan them when
you turn it on. To speed up scanning, you can lock out
systems that are beyond your reception area (typically
no more than 25 miles using the supplied antenna).
Follow these steps to lock out systems.
1. Press and hold

Func

.

2. While continuing to hold Func , rotate the scroll
control to select a system you want to lock out.
3. While continuing to hold
out the system.

Func

, press L/O to lock

4. Repeat Steps 2, 3, and 4 to lock out additional
systems.
The preprogrammed systems provide a starting point;
you will want to find out more information about your
local radio systems so you can customize the
programming to better suit your listening preferences.
Notes:
• The list is subject to change.
• You might hear transmissions on frequencies
assigned to very distant stations. This will happen
if a local system also uses the same frequency.
Disregard the text tag for these transmissions (e.g.
if you are in California, you aren’t really receiving
Florida transmissions even if the scanner displays
Dade County).
• To free up memory, you can delete systems that
you will not be monitoring. Refer to “Deleting Systems” on Page 83.
• Data used for the preprogrammed information was
supplied courtesy of
http://www.radioreference.com , the Internet’s
premier scanning resource (RadioReference is not
affiliated with Uniden America Corporation).

Preprogrammed Systems
144

Table 1:
State

Area

System

Quick
Key

--

Nationwide

Nationwide

20

AK

All

Alaska

21

AZ

Phoenix

Chandler MOT

22

AZ

Phoenix

Maricopa Conv

22

AZ

Phoenix

Phoenix-Mesa

22

AZ

Phoenix

Tempe MOT

22

AZ

Tucson

Marana

23

AZ

Tucson

Tucson

23

CA

Alameda

Alameda Conv

24

CA

Alameda

Alameda MOT

24

CA

Los Angeles

Culver City MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

Glendale

25

CA

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Conv

25

CA

Los Angeles

Orange MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

Palm Springs MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

Riverside Conv

25

CA

Los Angeles

SanBernadinoA MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

SanBernadinoB MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

SanBernadinoC MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

SanBernadinoD MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

SanBernadinoE MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

Signal Hill MOT

25

CA

Los Angeles

Torrance County

25

CA

San Diego

NationalCity MOT

26

CA

San Diego

San Diego Conv

26

CA

San Diego

San Diego MOT

26

CA

San Diego

SanDiegoCity MOT

26

CA

San Franscisco

Oakland EDACS

27

CA

San Franscisco

Santa Clara Conv

27

CA

San Franscisco

Santa Clara MOT

27

CO

Statewide

Colorado

28

FL

Miami

Broward Cnty MOT

29

FL

Miami

Broward Conv

29

Preprogrammed Systems
145

Table 1:
State

Area

System

Quick
Key

FL

Miami

Coral SpringsMOT

29

FL

Miami

Dade Conv

29

FL

Miami

Dade EDACS

29

FL

Miami

Dade Fire EDACS

29

FL

Miami

Ft.LauderdaleMOT

29

FL

Miami

Miami Beach MOT

29

FL

Miami

Miami MOT

29

FL

Miami

Plantation MOT

29

GA

Atlanta

Atlanta

30

GA

Atlanta

Cherokee County

30

GA

Atlanta

DeKalb County

30

GA

Atlanta

Fayette County

30

GA

Atlanta

Forsyth County

30

GA

Atlanta

Forsyth

30

GA

Atlanta

Fulton County

30

GA

Atlanta

Gwinnett County

30

GA

Atlanta

Rockdale County

30

GA

Houston County

Houston County

31

IL

Chicago

Chicago Area

32

IL

Chicago

Cook Conv

32

IL

Chicago

NW Central MOT

32

IL

Chicago

Schaumburg MOT

32

IL

St. Louis

St Clair County

33

MA

Boston

Boston Area

34

MA

Boston

Cambridge

34

MA

Boston

Marshfield

34

MA

Boston

Middlesex Conv

34

MA

Statewide

MA State Police

35

MI

Detroit

Wayne Conv

36

MI

Statewide

Michigan MPSCS

37

MN

Statewide

Minn ARMER

38

MT

Statewide

Montana

39

NC

Charlotte

Cabarrus County

40

NC

Charlotte

Charlotte Area

40

Preprogrammed Systems
146

Table 1:
State

Area

System

Quick
Key

NC

Charlotte

Charltte_Mcklnbg

40

NE

Omaha

DouglasCounty

41

NJ

Newark

East Brunswick

42

NJ

Newark

East Hampton MOT

42

NJ

Newark

Edison

42

NJ

Newark

Monroe

42

NJ

Newark

Old Bridge

42

NJ

Newark

Piscataway

42

NJ

Newark

Sayreville

42

NJ

Newark

Union City

42

NM

Albuquerque

BernalilloCounty

43

NM

Albuquerque

LosAlamos County

43

NM

Albuquerque

Sandoval County

43

NM

Albuquerque

Valencia County

43

NM

Santa Fe

Santa Fe City

44

NM

Santa Fe

Santa Fe County

44

NV

Las Vegas

Clark County MOT

59

NY

New York City

East Fishkill

45

NY

New York City

New York Conv

45

NY

New York City

NY Area Conv

45

NY

New York City

SuffolkCountyMOT

45

OH

Cincinnati

Brook Park MOT

46

OH

Cincinnati

Butler County

46

OH

Cincinnati

Cincinnati Area

46

OH

Cincinnati

Clermont CntyTRS

46

OH

Cincinnati

Clermont County

46

OH

Cincinnati

Hamilton CntyTRS

46

OH

Cincinnati

Warren Cnty TRS

46

OH

Cincinnati

Warren County

46

OH

Cincinnati

West Chester TRS

46

OH

Cleveland

Cuyahoga Conv

47

OH

Cleveland

Parma EDACS

47

OH

Statewide

Ohio MARCS

48

PA

Philadelphia

PhiladelphiaConv

49

Preprogrammed Systems
147

Table 1:
State

Area

System

Quick
Key

PA

Westmoreland

Westmoreland

50

TX

Austin

Austin

51

TX

Austin

Bastrop County

51

TX

Austin

Hays County

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Austin

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Bastrop

51

TX

Austin

LCRA BlancoNorth

51

TX

Austin

LCRA BlancoSouth

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Boerne

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Brenham

51

TX

Austin

LCRA ComalCounty

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Creedmoor

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Doss

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Elgin

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Flatonia

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Gonzales

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Haletsville

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Kendall

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Kerrville

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Kingsbury

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Lago Vista

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Llano

51

TX

Austin

LCRA New Tatian

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Peters

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Rutersville

51

TX

Austin

LCRA San Marcos

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Seward Jnct

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Washington

51

TX

Austin

LCRAAustin_Dobie

51

TX

Austin

LCRACouncilCreek

51

TX

Austin

LCRA Fredericksbg

51

TX

Austin

LCRA
NewBraunfels

51

TX

Austin

Travis County

51

TX

Austin

Williamson Cnty

51

Preprogrammed Systems
148

Table 1:
State

Area

System

Quick
Key

TX

Austin

WilliamsonCounty

51

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Arlington MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Carrolton MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Dallas Conv

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Dallas MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Fort Worth MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Garland MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

GrandPrairie MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Irving EDACS

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Lewisville MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Mesquite MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

NE Tarrant MOT

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Richardson EDACS

52

TX

Dallas-Fort Worth

Tarrant Conv

52

TX

Houston

Caldwell County

53

TX

Houston

Harris Conv

53

TX

Houston

Luling

53

TX

San Antonio

Bexar Conv

54

TX

South Texas

STARNET MOT

55

VA

Statewide

Virginia

56

WA

Seattle

PortOfSeattleMOT

57

WA

Seattle

Seattle MOT

57

WV

Harrison

Harrison

58

.

Preprogrammed Systems
149

One-Year Limited Warranty
Important: Evidence of original purchase is required
Warranty
One-Year
for warranty service. Limited
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 defects in materials and
craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions
set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original
user shall terminate and be of no further effect 12
months after the date of original retail sale. The
warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not
maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified,
altered, or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden,
(C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by
someone other than an authorized Uniden service
center for a defect or malfunction covered by this
warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment
or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by
Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone
other than as detailed by the Operating Guide for this
product.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the
product does not conform to this warranty at any time
while this warranty is in effect, warrantor will repair the
defect and return it to you without charge for parts,
service, or any other cost (except shipping and
handling) incurred by warrantor or its representatives
in connection with the performance of this warranty.
THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS
THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PERTAINING
TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND
EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY
NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR

One-Year Limited Warranty
150

FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS
WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR
THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages so the above
limitation or exclusion might not apply to you.
LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you might also have other rights
which vary from state to state. This warranty is void
outside the United States of America.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE
OF WARRANTY: If, after following the instructions in
this Operating Guide you are certain that the Product
is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably in
its original packaging). Include evidence of original
purchase and a note describing the defect that has
caused you to return it. The Product should be
shipped freight prepaid, by traceable means, or
delivered, to warrantor at:
Uniden America Corporation
Parts and Service Division
4700 Amon Carter Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76155
(800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central,
Monday through Friday

One-Year Limited Warranty
151

One-Year Limited Warranty
152

One-Year Limited Warranty
153

,
S
E
M
R RI &
O
O
F SO NE .C
S LI N
E
E
C N D
C O NI
A O .U
G W
W
W

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
4,627,100
5,199,109
5,471,660
5,577,076
5,896,422
6,064,270

4,409,688
4,841,302
5,408,692
5,483,684
5,598,430
5,991,346
6,266,521

4,455,679
4,888,815
5,428,826
5,530,296
5,600,223
5,991,603

4,461,036
4,932,074
5,438,688
5,548,832
5,642,424
6,012,158

4,521,915
4,947,456
5,448,256
5,571,071
5,710,992
6,025,758

4,597,104
5,014,348
5,465,402
5,574,995
5,859,875
6,034,573

©2005. Uniden America Corporation, Fort Worth, Texas
Contains additional foreign articles. Custom manufactured in
China.
UBZZ01328ZB(0)

154



---

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