Page 1 Congratulations on Your Your UBC396T will operate here in Australia/New Zealand, however please take note of these important differences. 1. Frequency Bands List (Page 10) and Frequency range specifications (Page 121-122) for Australia/New Zealand. FEATURE CHANGES 2. For Australia/New Zealand, there are 9 Service Searches as follows;...
Page 2 (C) Improperly installed, (D) Repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden Repair Agent for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) Used in conjunction with any equipment or parts or as a part of a system not manufactured by Uniden. (F) Only available in the original country of sale.
Page 3 BCD396T OWNER’S MANUAL OWNER’S MANUAL...
Page 4 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.
Page 5 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 ® ® , PRIVACY PLUS , Private Line ®...
Page 6: Table Of Contents
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 ...
Page 7 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 ...
Page 8 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 ...
Page 9 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 ...
Page 10: The Fcc Wants You To Know
The FCC Wants You to Know This scanner has been tested and found to comply The FCC Wants You 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.
Page 11 • Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmis- sion) • 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).
Page 12: Introduction
Introduction Introduction Your BCD396T scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio with TrunkTracker IV™ and automatic scanning capabilities. You can store frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, air, amateur, and other communi- cations into the scanner. You can carry it with you wher- ever you go.
Page 13: Feature Highlights
Feature Highlights Feature Highlights General Close Call 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...
Page 14 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.
Page 15: Trunk Tracking
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.
Page 16: Auto Store
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.
Page 17: Pc Control And Cloning
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.
Page 18: About This Manual
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.
Page 19: How The Scanner's Controls Are Represented In This Manual
To move the cursor to the left, press cursor to the right, press 6/ . 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...
Page 20 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. •...
Page 21: Understanding Scanning
Understanding Scanning Understanding Scanning This section provides you with background on how scanning works. You don’t really need to know all of this to use your scanner, but some background knowledge will help you get the most from your BCD396T. Understanding the Scanner’s Memory Your scanner’s memory is organized in an architecture...
Page 22: What Is Searching
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.
Page 23 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.
Page 24: Conventional Scanning
Conventional Scanning Conventional scanning is a relatively simple concept. Each group of users in a conventional system is assigned a single frequency (for simplex systems) or two frequencies (for repeater systems). Any time one of them transmits, their transmission always goes out on the same frequency.
Page 25: Simplex Operation
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.
Page 26: Trunked Scanning
When tracking these types of systems, you might want to remember that your scanner can track more than one trunking system at a time and scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time. Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a frequency used by someone you want to monitor into your scanner’s memory.
Page 27: Types Of Trunking Systems
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.
Page 28 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 speak- ing. This all typically takes place in about a sec- ond...the person transmitting hears a beep from their radio when the channel is assigned and then it is OK to start talking.
Page 29: Edacs Trunking
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.
Page 30: Ltr Trunking
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.
Page 31: I-Call (Motorola/Edacs)
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 –...
Page 32 • http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BCD396T 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...
Page 33: Included With Your Scanner
Belt Clip BNC/SMA Adapter 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...
Page 34: Setting Up Your Scanner
Setting Up Your Scanner Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: • If your scanner receives interference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from the source. • To improve the scanner’s reception, use an optional external antenna designed for multi-band coverage.
Page 35: Using Rechargeable Batteries
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.
Page 36: Removing The Display Sticker
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.
Page 37: Connecting The Antenna
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.
Page 38: Attaching The Belt Clip
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.
Page 39 If your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the fol- lowing information should help you understand each key's function. Key Name Description Hold – Holds the scan or the Hold/ frequency search when pressed. Resumes the scan or the frequency search when pressed again.
Page 40 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. Press quickly to cancel a prompt. – Locks and unlocks Func the keypad. 1-9, 0 1-9, 0 –...
Page 41: A Look At The Display
Key Name Description 7/rcl 7 – Enters a 7. + rcl – Displays a series of Func 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 2- digit Quick Key, enters an “i”...
Page 42 ATT - appears when the attenuation feature is turned on. See “Setting System Attenuation (Trunked Sys- tems 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”...
Page 43: Using Menu
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...
Page 44: Basic Operation
Basic Operation Basic Operation Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch Note: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected before you turn it on. 1. Press and hold for about 2 seconds to turn on the scanner. 2. Briefly press the scroll control once.
Page 45: Scanning Systems
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.
Page 46: Selecting Systems To Scan
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.
Page 47: Selecting System Channel Groups
To select or lock out a system that is not assigned to a key, press and hold while you rotate the scroll Func control until the desired system is selected. Then, continue to hold and press L/O to either lock out Func or unlock the system.
Page 48: Id Scan/Id Search Mode
2. Release then press Hold within 2 seconds Func 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.
Page 49: Quickly Storing An Id During Id Search
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 .
Page 50: Quickly Recalling Channels
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.
Page 51: Using The Menu
Using the Menu Using the Menu The scanner’s menu lets you select options that let you set up and use the scanner. To use the menu, press on the left side of the Menu scanner. To select a menu item, rotate the scroll control clockwise or counterclockwise.
Page 52 Menu Item Submenu Close Call -- M E N U -- Close Call Only Srch/CloCall Opt CC Auto Store Search for ... Set CC Mode Close Call Set CC Override Set CC Alert Set CC Bands Set Priority -- M E N U -- Search for ...
Page 53: Programming Systems Menu
Programming Systems Menu This table shows the scanner’s systems menu structure. This menu lets you program new systems or change existing systems. To find information about a particular menu setting in this manual, go to the page number shown under or next to the setting. To use the systems menu, press press the scroll control.
Page 54 Menu/ Option Menu Submenu Select Sys Type System 1 Conventional Edit Name Edit Sys Option Set Frequencies EDCS Srch/CloCall Op Srch/CloCall Opt Set Modulation Set Attenuator “Programming LTR Systems” on Edit Group Page 70 Delete System Copy System (74) (75) (71) (65) (83)
Page 55: Other Settings
Other Settings Other Settings Displaying System Information Viewing Memory Used Settings Menu See Scanner Info % Memory Used A bar showing the percent of memory used appears. Press any key to return to the previous menu, then press Scan or Hold. Viewing the Firmware Version Settings Menu...
Page 56: Turning Power Save On Or Off
Turning Power Save On or Off Settings Menu Set Battery Save • On The scanner goes into low-power mode when you monitor a conventional channel that has no activity. • Off Power save is off. Priority Scan Set Priority Menu Or, while holding on any channel, press to select one of these priority modes: •...
Page 57: Setting The Audio Agc
• 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 Pressing any key while the backlight is on extends the backlight period.
Page 58: Initializing The Scanner's Memory
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 deletes all preprogrammed data.
Page 59: Using The Cloning Options
Settings Menu 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. •...
Page 60: On-Air Cloning
PC’s sound card to the transceiver. Follow the directions supplied with the Uniden Advanced Scanner Director Software (avail- 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...
Page 61 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...
Page 62: Programming Radio Systems
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.
Page 63: Programming Conventional Systems
Programming Conventional Systems Program System Menu New System Conventional Confirm? Yes=”E” / No=”.” The scanner creates an empty conventional system, with a default name of System n 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: •...
Page 64: Entering/Editing Conventional Channels
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 •...
Page 65: Programming Motorola Systems
Programming Motorola Systems Program System Menu New System 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 •...
Page 66: Setting System Frequencies
• See“Setting the Motorola Status Bit (Motorola Sys- tems Only)” on Page 78 • See “Setting the End Code Operation (Motorola Systems Only)” on Page 79 • See “Setting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Sys- tems Only)” on Page 79 • See “Setting Emergency Alert (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)”...
Page 67: Setting Modulation
the frequencies are the control channel frequencies. Otherwise, you must enter all of the frequencies. Setting Modulation Program System Menu 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.
Page 68: Entering/Editing Motorola Channel Groups
• You can also turn this setting on or off by holding on a trunked system, then pressing 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).
Page 69: Entering/Editing Motorola Channels
Enter a talk group ID Note: You can enter I-Calls by pressing I-Call number. You can enter the I-Call wild card by pressing then 0. Refer to the appropriate section to change a channel setting: • See “Adjusting the P25 Level (Motorola and Con- ventional Systems Only)”...
Page 70: Setting System Frequencies
n is a number that increments as you add new systems. E indicates that this is an EDACS system. Next, refer to the appropriate section to set system- wide options. For most settings, you can accept the default. However, for the items in bold, you must enter information in order for your scanner to scan the system.
Page 71: Entering/Editing Edacs Channel Groups
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 scroll control to select New Frequency, then repeat the above.
Page 72: Programming Ltr Systems
Select the group Edit Channel New Channel Enter a talk group ID Note: You can enter I-Calls by pressing 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: •...
Page 73: Setting System Frequencies
• 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 •...
Page 74: Entering/Editing Ltr Channels/Talkgroups
Program System Menu 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: •...
Page 75 To create another channel group and enter more channels, press four times, then proceed from Menu “Setting Up a Channel Group” on Page 71. To direct-enter LTR talkgroups, follow the steps under “Quick-Storing Channels or Talk Group ID’s” on Page 47. Programming Radio Systems...
Page 76: Programming/Editing Optional Settings
Programming/Editing Optional Settings Programming/Editing Optional Set- tings This section details the instructions for each of the optional programming steps referred to in “Program- ming Radio Systems” on Page 60. Use the instructions in the appropriate section to enter or edit a setting.
Page 77: Editing The System Quick Key
Editing the System Quick Key Program System Menu 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 assign the system to no quick key, then press E. Hints: •...
Page 78: Setting The System Hold Time
Setting the System Hold Time Program System Menu 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.
Page 79: Setting Id Scan/Search (Trunked Systems Only)
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) Program System Menu Select the system...
Page 80: Setting The Motorola Status Bit (Motorola Systems Only)
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.
Page 81: Setting The End Code Operation (Motorola Systems Only)
Setting the End Code Operation (Motorola Systems Only) Program System Menu Select the system Edit Sys Option Set End Code This setting determines how the scanner handles the transmission end code sent by most Motorola sys- tems. Select your setting then press E. Yes - the scanner immediately returns to the control channel when it detects the end code.
Page 82: Setting Emergency Alert (Motorola And Edacs Systems Only)
Setting Emergency Alert (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only) Program System Menu 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.
Page 83: Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies
Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies Program System Menu 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.
Page 84: Setting The Edacs Id Format (Edacs Systems Only)
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.
Page 85: Deleting Systems
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 Notes: •...
Page 86: Group-Level Settings
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...
Page 87: Setting The Group Quick Key
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 no quick key, then press E. Hints: •...
Page 88: Channel-Level Settings
Select the group Delete Group The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To con- firm, press E. To cancel, press Note: Deleted groups cannot be restored. You must re-enter them. Channel-Level Settings These settings affect only the channel you are pro- gramming.
Page 89: Editing Frequencies (Conventional Channels Only)
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 maxi- mize channels, use channel names only where necessary.
Page 90: Setting Channel Alert
On - when you turn on the Priority feature, the channel will be scanned every 2 seconds. Off - the channel will not be treated with priority. Note: The default setting is Off. Setting Channel Alert Program System Menu Select the system Edit Group Select the group Edit Channel...
Page 91: Setting Ctcss/Dcs (Conventional Channels Only)
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...
Page 92: Setting The System Frequency Modulation
• 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 Srch/CloCall Opt Menu Set Modulation Auto - the scanner uses the default modulation for the frequency band.
Page 93: Setting Channel Lockout
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: •...
Page 94: Deleting Channels
• 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 Program System Menu Select the system Edit Group Select the group Edit Channel Select the channel...
Page 95 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.
Page 96: Searching And Storing
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.
Page 97: Quick Search
• 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.
Page 98: Custom Search
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.
Page 99: Editing A Custom Search Range
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. Search for ...
Page 100: Editing A Service Search
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. Search for ... Menu + Scan/Srch Func...
Page 101: Auto Search And Store
• 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 , selecting the system, then...
Page 102: Selecting A System
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. Search for ... Menu Search and Store Select the system where you want to store the fre- quencies or talk group IDs If no systems are programmed, No System Stored appears.
Page 103 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.
Page 104: Optimizing P25 Performance
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.
Page 105: Using The Close Call Feature
Using the Close Call Feature Using the Close Call Feature Your scanner's Close Call feature lets you set the scanner so it detects, displays the frequency of, and lets you hear a nearby strong radio transmission. You can set the scanner so the Close Call feature works "in the background"...
Page 106: Setting Close Call Options
Setting Close Call Options Close Call Menu 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.
Page 107 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.
Page 108: Close Call Hits
• 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,...
Page 109: Search And Close Call Options
Search and Close Call Options Search and Close Call Options The settings in this section affect custom searches, service searches, and Close Call operation. Managing Locked-Out Frequencies While searching or during Close Call operation, if you press L/O while the scanner is stopped on a frequency, that frequency is locked out of these modes.
Page 110: Screening Out Broadcast Sources
Off The scanner does not search for subaudible tones. On The scanner searches for and displays any subaudible tone found. Note: This feature does not operate when the scanner is in AM/WFM modulation mode. Screening Out Broadcast Sources Srch/CloCall Opt Menu Broadcast Screen This setting determines whether the scanner...
Page 111: Finding Repeater Output Frequencies
• 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.
Page 112: Setting The Maximum Auto Store Value
Off The scanner does not try to find the output frequency. Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value Srch/CloCall Opt Menu 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.
Page 113: Setting Data Skip
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. Note: Turn on this setting if you are near other strong signal sources.
Page 114: Setting The Delay Time
Setting the Delay Time Srch/CloCall Opt Menu 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.
Page 115: Using Weather Alert (Same)
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.
Page 116: Programming A Same Group
about the weather alert, and turns on the audio so you can hear the weather broadcast. WX Operation Menu 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.
Page 117: Setting Wx Alert Priority
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”.
Page 118: Using Tone-Out
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 Tone-Out for...
Page 119 • Edit Name - Sets the name for the selected tone- out setting. • Set Frequency — Sets the tone-outs RF fre- quency parameters. Edit Frequency — Enter the desired fre- quency that the scanner should monitor for the tone-out. Set Modulation —...
Page 120 • 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. •...
Page 121: Care And Maintenance
Care and Maintenance Care and Mainte- nance General Use • Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power. • If memory is lost, simply reprogram each channel. • Always press each button firmly until you hear the entry tone for that key entry. Location •...
Page 122: Repairs
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.
Page 123: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If your BCD396T is not performing properly, try these steps. Problem Possible Cause The scanner might scanner not be receiving doesn’t any power. work. Improper The antenna reception. might need to be adjusted. Scan The squelch might won’t need to be stop.
Page 124 Scan The squelch might won’t need to be start. adjusted. (continued) One or more channels might be locked out. The antenna might need to be adjusted. Weather The squelch might scan need to be doesn’t adjusted. work. The antenna might need to be adjusted.
Page 125 Scanner The system you won’t are trying to scan track a might be LTR or trunked EDACS. system. (continued) Scanner No ID’s have been won’t stop programmed. scanning a trunked system. The ID’s you have stored are not active. Scanner The squelch might won’t need to be...
Page 126 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 Divi- sion. 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.
Page 127: Specifications
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...
Page 128 794.0 - 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...
Page 129 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...
Page 130: Optional Accessories
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...
Page 131: Appendix
Appendix Appendix Preset Fleet Maps Preset Map 1 Preset Map 2 Block Size Code Block 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 Preset Map 4 Block Size Code...
Page 132 Preset Map 9 Preset Map 10 Block Size Code Block 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 Preset Map 12 Block Size Code Block...
Page 133: User Defined Fleet Maps
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.
Page 134: Size Code Restrictions
seems. Select a size code for a block, and then press Scan. Now listen to the communications. If you decide you are receiving most of the replies to the conversa- tions with ID’s assigned to the block you just programmed, then you’ve probably selected the right size code and can work on the next block of the map.
Page 135: Planning
Planning Planning Collecting Information Getting your scanner programmed and scanning takes a few steps. This helps guide you through these steps that will make it easier for you to start scanning. 1. Collect information about the system(s) you want to monitor. Do you want to listen to your local police and fire departments? How about the highway patrol, ambulance service, and aircraft? You...
Page 136 • 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).
Page 137: Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet
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."...
Page 138: System Type
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.
Page 139: Band Plan (Vhf Or Uhf Only)
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.
Page 140: System Frequencies And Lcn
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 Logi- cal Channel Number (LCN). Group Name and Quick Key Each “LTR/EDACS System Worksheet 2”...
Page 141: Conventional System Worksheet
Conventional System Worksheet Conventional System Worksheet Conventional System Worksheet System Name System Quick Key Frequency Alpha Tag Group Name Group Quick Key Priority CTCSS/DCS Planning...
Page 142: Motorola System Worksheet
Motorola System Worksheet Motorola System Worksheet Motorola System Worksheet 1 System Name System Quick Key Type I System Type II 800 MHz: Frequencies Standard Splinter Type II UHF Type II VHF Fleet Map Block 0 Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6...
Page 143 Motorola Syste m Workshe et 2 System Name Talk Group ID Alpha Tag Group Name Group Quick Key Alert Planning...
Page 144: Ltr/Edacs System Worksheet
LTR/EDACS System Worksheet LTR/EDACS System Worksheet 1 System Name System Quick Key System Logical Frequency Channel Planning...
Page 145 LTR/EDACS System W orksheet 2 System Name System Quick Key Talk Group ID Alpha Tag Group Name Group Quick Key Alert Planning...
Page 146: Preprogrammed Systems
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 , rotate the scroll , press L/O to lock...
Page 147 Table 1: State Area Nationwide Nationwide Alaska Phoenix Chandler MOT Phoenix Maricopa Conv Phoenix Phoenix-Mesa Phoenix Tempe MOT Tucson Marana Tucson Tucson Alameda Alameda Conv Alameda Alameda MOT Los Angeles Culver City MOT Los Angeles Glendale Los Angeles Los Angeles Conv Los Angeles Orange MOT Los Angeles...
Page 148 Table 1: State Area Miami Coral SpringsMOT Miami Dade Conv Miami Dade EDACS Miami Dade Fire EDACS Miami Ft.LauderdaleMOT Miami Miami Beach MOT Miami Miami MOT Miami Plantation MOT Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Cherokee County Atlanta DeKalb County Atlanta Fayette County Atlanta Forsyth County Atlanta...
Page 149 Table 1: State Area Charlotte Charltte_Mcklnbg Omaha DouglasCounty Newark East Brunswick Newark East Hampton MOT Newark Edison Newark Monroe Newark Old Bridge Newark Piscataway Newark Sayreville Newark Union City Albuquerque BernalilloCounty Albuquerque LosAlamos County Albuquerque Sandoval County Albuquerque Valencia County Santa Fe Santa Fe City Santa Fe...
Page 150 Table 1: State Area Westmoreland Westmoreland Austin Austin Austin Bastrop County Austin Hays County Austin LCRA Austin Austin LCRA Bastrop Austin LCRA BlancoNorth Austin LCRA BlancoSouth Austin LCRA Boerne Austin LCRA Brenham Austin LCRA ComalCounty Austin LCRA Creedmoor Austin LCRA Doss Austin LCRA Elgin Austin...
Page 151 Table 1: State Area Austin WilliamsonCounty Dallas-Fort Worth Arlington MOT Dallas-Fort Worth Carrolton MOT Dallas-Fort Worth Dallas Conv Dallas-Fort Worth Dallas MOT Dallas-Fort Worth Fort Worth MOT Dallas-Fort Worth Garland MOT Dallas-Fort Worth GrandPrairie MOT Dallas-Fort Worth Irving EDACS Dallas-Fort Worth Lewisville MOT Dallas-Fort Worth Mesquite MOT...
Page 152: One-Year Limited Warranty
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.
Page 153 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.
Page 154 One-Year Limited Warranty...
Page 155 One-Year Limited Warranty...
Page 156 REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT. May be covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents. 4,398,304 4,409,688 4,455,679 4,461,036 4,521,915 4,597,104 4,627,100 4,841,302 4,888,815 4,932,074 4,947,456 5,014,348 5,199,109 5,408,692 5,428,826 5,438,688 5,448,256 5,465,402...

This manual is also suitable for:

Bcd396t

Uniden UBC396T Owner's Manual

The FCC Wants You to Know

Introduction

Feature Highlights

Understanding Scanning

Included with Your Scanner

Setting up Your Scanner

Basic Operation

Using the Menu

Other Settings

Programming Radio Systems

Programming/Editing Optional Settings

Searching and Storing

Optimizing P25 Performance

Using the Close Call Feature

Search and Close Call Options

Using Weather Alert (SAME)

Using Tone-Out

Care and Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Optional Accessories

Appendix

Planning

Preprogrammed Systems

One-Year Limited Warranty

Quick Links

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Summary of Contents for Uniden UBC396T

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Table of Contents