The FCC Wants You To Know ...1 Scanning Legally ...2 Introduction ...3 Using this Manual ...5 Understanding Scanning ...6 Conventional Scanning ...6 Simplex Operation ...6 Repeater Operation ...6 Trunked Scanning ...7 Motorola Trunking ...7 EDACS Trunking ...8 LTR Trunking ...9 Understanding Banks and Channels ...9 Getting More Information ...10 Front and Rear View ...11...
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Selecting Talkgroup Lists to Scan ...24 Holding on a Single Talkgroup ...24 Locking Out Talkgroups ...24 EDACS Blockout ...25 Unlocking All Talkgroups ...25 EDACS Patch Tracking ...25 Searching ...26 Holding on an Active Frequency ...26 Setting Chain Search ...26 Setting Data Skip ...26 Skipping Frequencies ...26 Storing Found Frequencies ...27 Automatically Storing Frequencies ...27...
The FCC Wants You To Know This scanner has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver, pursuant to Part 15 of 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.
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. Uniden ® and Bearcat ® are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation. TrunkTracker is a proprietary trademark of Uniden America Corporation.
Here is a brief list of some of the systems you can monitor with your BC796D: • Motorola Type I, II, IIi Hybrid, and APCO 25 Phase 1 Digital Systems (including 3600 bps and 9600 bps control channel systems) EDACS and EDACS SCAT trunking systems used by police, fire, ambulance, and other local and state public safety agencies as well as utili- ties and other businesses.
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• Automatic Digital Detect – allows the scanner to switch to digital voice decoding when it detects valid APCO 25 data without any special programming. • 1000 Channels – lets you store frequencies in 10 banks of 100 channels each.
Using this Manual 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 trunktracking, be sure to read the “Understanding Scanning” section for a quick background on the technology behind the hobby.
Understanding Scanning This section provides you with the 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 to get the most from your BC796D. Conventional Scanning Conventional scanning is a relatively simple concept.
9600 bps (for digital-only systems). Pure digital sys- tems can be implemented under APCO 25 Phase 1 or Phase 2 standards. Your BC796D is able to decode all unencrypted digitized voice traffic on either mixed mode or digital-only...
One big difference you will notice with digital versus analog transmissions, is that with analog systems, you might be able to hear weak signals interspersed with hissing. As you move further away from the system, the interference gradually increases until you are unable to make out the transmission.
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 talkgroups, which are identified by the radio as six digit numbers.
Trunking frequency guides will give you a good head start on the other part of what you need to know – what frequencies have interesting content. You can also find a wealth of information on the Internet...check out scanners.uniden.com for the latest frequency information in your area.
Display Icons ICON Priority Channel Indicator Lock Out Mode Indicator Scan/Search Direction Indicator Chain Search Mode Indicator SRCH Service Search Mode Indicator SRVC Scan Mode Indicator SCAN ID Scan Mode Indicator ID SCAN ID Search Mode Indicator ID SEARCH Channel Type Conventional Type Trunk Type Motorola Tracking Type...
Included With Your Scanner If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday. • BC796D Scanner • AC Adapter (AD 580D) •...
Setting Up Your Scanner Connecting an Antenna You must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner. You have been provided a standard telescopic antenna that works well with this scanner, but you may want to purchases another type to increase the range. To connect the telescopic antenna, simply connect it to the BNC type ANT.
Typical Mounting Methods The BC796D can be conveniently mounted on a table, bulkhead, overhead, or any other desired location (refer to figure below for typical mounting methods). Caution: Make sure there are no hidden electrical wires or other items behind the desired location before proceeding.
Applying Power for Vehicle Installation You can power your scanner using either the supplied DC power cord or your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket using DC cigarette lighter power cord. Caution: You must use a power source that supplies 13.8 V DC and delivers at least 700 mA.
Desktop Installation You can place this scanner on a desk, shelf, or table to use it as a base station. 1. Flip up the feet for desk installation. 2. Extend the antenna to full vertical position. Adjust the angle for best reception. Applying Power Using Standard AC Power To power the scanner from an AC outlet, use the provided AC adapter with a 5.5 mm outer diameter/2.1mm inner diameter tip.
Listening Safely To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or headphones. • Do not use the earphone to listen to the WX alert siren test or when in SAME Alert mode. The alert tone's volume is not adjustable and damage to your hearing could occur.
This section is your main reference for using the scanner once you have programmed conventional and trunked systems. Note that there are some slight differences to some functions depending on whether you are trying to affect conventional operation or trunked operation.
Using the Menu Many of your scanner’s functions are accessed through its menu system. For complete information about a menu option, see the section referencing its use. A complete list of the menu structure is included in the back of this manual. To select a menu item, first press MENU to go to the first-level menu.
To unlock locked-out banks, simply press that bank’s number again. The scanner displays that bank’s number and includes it when scanning. Note: You cannot lockout all banks. One bank must be unlocked at all times. Locking/Unlocking Channels To lock out a channel so that the scanner does not stop on it while scanning, press L/O when the scanner is stopped on that channel or manually select the channel and press L/O.
Dimmer Light Setting The Dimmer Light setting sets the brightness of the display backlight. 3:SYSTEM OPTION → 1:DIMMER 1:HIGH Set the backlight to the brightest setting 2:MEDIUM Set the backlight to be dimmer 3:OFF Set the backlight off Controlling How Much Information Appears The scanner normally displays trunk, frequency, receiving mode, and a signal meter when it is scanning.
Disabling the APCO25 Card If you are not in an area where there is an APCO 25 digital system, you can save power by disabling the APCO 25 (P-25) card. 3:SYSTEM OPTION → 0:P-25 CARD 1:ENABLE The card is enabled...
• In the ID search mode, the scanner displays the alpha tags associated with the stored talkgroups or NEW for talkgroups you have not stored. Scanning Only Stored Talkgroups (ID Scan) To scan only those talkgroups you have stored into your scanner, press SCAN while scanning that system;...
To unlock an ID you locked out during ID search or ID scan: 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK → Select the Bank → 7:L/O ID REVIEW Then, use the scroll bar to select the ID you want to unlock and press L/O. Or, press L/HOLD then press L/O for 2 seconds to clear all the lockouts from the system.
Your BC796D includes powerful search features that let you discover new active frequencies in your area. You can save up to 10 custom search ranges in your scanner. This section details how to use custom search ranges and also details the various settings that affect search operation.
To skip over a frequency, press L/O when the scanner is stopped on a frequency you want to skip. Notes: • You can program up to 200 skip frequencies. The 201st skip frequency entered causes the first skipped frequency to unlock. •...
Setting Subaudible Tones for Searching You can set the scanner to only stop on transmissions that either have no subaudible tone or include a specified CTCSS or DCS tone during searches. This setting affects all search ranges. For this feature to work, you need to turn on the Tone Mode (see “Setting Squelch Mode”).
5:INFINITE When the scanner stops on a transmission, you must press RSM to resume searching. 6: -2 SECONDS The scanner only stops on transmissions for 2 seconds, then automatically resumes. To hold on the transmission, press L/HOLD during the 2-second pause. 7: -5 SECONDS The scanner only stops on transmissions for 5 seconds, then automatically resumes.
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Plan 1, so this setting should work in most cases. Note: This feature only works for 800 MHz and 900 MHz Motorola trunking systems. If the scanner detects a trunking control channel, it will begin to track that system. The scanner displays the talk group numbers as they become active.
The Service Search feature lets you scroll through the following twelve preprogrammed services. The frequencies selected for these services are the most commonly used around the U.S. • 1:WEATHER • 2:PUBLIC SAFETY • 3:NEWS • 4:TV BROADCAST • 5:HAM RADIO •...
Using Weather Search and Weather Alert (SAME) Your scanner allows you to either search for a local NOAA weather broadcast, or be set to alert when a SAME weather alert is broadcast on a NOAA channel. Searching for a Weather Broadcast To search for a weather broadcast in your area: 1:SERVICE OPTION →...
To limit alerts to a specific area, you must also program in the FIPS code(s) for the area(s) you want to receive alerts for. The scanner can be set to either alert for all areas, or only the areas you have programmed. You can get FIPS codes for your area by calling the National Weather Service at 1-888-NWR-SAME or visit their web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm.
Programming Bank Information In addition to channel and trunking system information you program into each bank (covered in the following sections), this section covers general bank information. Bank Configuration Each of your scanner’s banks holds 100 channels that can be a mix of conventional (non- trunked) channels and one trunking system.
General Programming This section includes procedures that apply regardless of whether you are programming conventional or trunked channels. Deleting Frequencies from Channels To delete a stored frequency, manually select the channel, then press 0 and E. The contents of the channel are erased. Transferring Channel Information To transfer settings from one channel to another: 1.
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• Entered frequencies are rounded off according to the step size for the channel. • When you store a new frequency in a channel, the text tag previously assigned to that channel is deleted.
Programming Conventional Channels Each bank can hold a mix of conventional channels plus one trunking system. This section describes how to store known frequencies into conventional channels. The first few sections are intended to be performed in the order indicated if you are entering information the first time.
3:DONE Exit the channel setting and menu mode. Setting the Delay 2:SCAN OPTION → 1:CONVENTIONAL → Channel No. → 2:DELAY The delay option lets you set a delay after a transmission for each channel. This slows down scanning, but helps to prevent missing replies. 1:NONE The delay is turned off.
Digital Coded Squelch is similar to CTCSS, but instead of differentiating codes using frequencies, DCS always uses the same frequency but encodes it with a binary value. When you select this option, the scanner only opens squelch when a matching DCS value is present on the frequency. 3:OFF The scanner opens squelch regardless of the presence of tones.
6:25KHz Use 25 kHz steps 7:50KHz Use 50 kHz steps 8:100KHz Use 100 kHz steps 9:AUTO Automatically set the step size based on the band Setting the Modulation Mode 2:SCAN OPTION → 1:CONVENTIONAL → Channel No. → 7:MODE Radio transmissions are modulated in several different ways. The BC796D is able to demodulate the most common transmission types.
• The frequencies for many of the trunked public safety systems are listed in the TrunkTracker National Public Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide included with your BC796D scanner. Frequencies sometimes change, check with scanner.uniden.com for the latest information.
Setting Trunking Delay Setting a delay for trunking systems helps to ensure that you do not miss replies while scanning. 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK → Select the bank → 4:DELAY 1:NONE The delay is turned off. 2:1 SECOND The delay time is 1 second. 3:2 SECONDS The delay time is 2 seconds.
The scanner will stop on I-Calls or normal talkgroups. 2:OFF The scanner ignores I-Calls. 3:ONLY The scanner only stops on I-Calls. Turning I-Call On for ID Scan To receive I-Calls for ID Scan, simply store the radio unit number as ( number in place of the talkgroup.
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TRUNK SCAN: The scanner moves to a trunked system and looks for IDs in your Scan List(s) for up to 1 second. If it finds no activity on your programmed talkgroups, it moves on to conventional channels in the same bank or to the next active bank. If the scanner finds that a talkgroup in one of your active Scan Lists becomes active, you will begin to hear that communication and the scanner will display the proper talkgroup number and any alpha tag.
Programming Motorola Systems Follow the instructions in this section to program information for Motorola Type I, II, IIi Hybrid, and APCO 25 Digital trunking systems. Using Control Channel Programming Your scanner has a powerful feature that lets you program in only the control channels for Motorola 800 and 900 MHz systems.
3. Select one of the following trunk types for Motorola Type 2 or digital Systems: 1:TYPE2/P25 800 Motorola Type 2 or Digital systems in the 800 MHz band 3:TYPE2/P25 900 Motorola Type 2 or Digital systems in the 900 MHz band 4.
5. Select the channel to store the information into. 2:TRUNK CHANNEL Use the scroll bar to select a channel within the bank to store a system frequency, then press E. 6. Store the channel information 1:FREQUENCY Enter the frequency for the channel, then enter an Alpha Tag for the channel. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 to store the rest of the frequencies for the system.
Toggling the Status Bit Motorola talkgroup ID’s are sent as a 16-bit binary number. Normally, the last 4 positions in the number are 0’s, which result in all talkgroups being equally divisible by 16. These last four bits, however, can be used by the trunking system to indicate various status conditions. For example, an emergency status could be indicated by setting the second-from last digit to 1.
Programming EDACS Systems Follow the instructions in this section to program information for EDACS Wide, EDACS Narrow, and EDACS SCAT trunking systems. Note that to program these systems, in addition to knowing the system type and frequencies used, you must know the logical channel numbers (LCN) for the system’s frequencies.
Setting EDACS Decimal Mode By default your scanner displays EDACS talkgroups in AFS format (see “Understanding Scanning”). However, you can use this option to display and enter talkgroups in digital format. 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK → Select the bank → :EDCS ID FORM 1:AFS Display the talkgroup ID in Agency-Fleet-Subfleet (AFS) format.
• The adjusted threshold level for the current frequency can be set back to the default value by pressing and holding the • When you change the Sound Quality it affects all other APCO 25 signals in that same band. (UHF, VHF, or 800MHz).
Programming LTR Systems Follow the instructions in this section to program information for LTR trunking systems. For more information about LTR systems, refer to “Understanding Scanning.” 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK → Enter the bank → 1:TRUNK TYPE → 1:ON → 9:LT → 2:TRUNK CHANNEL 1.
Programming Talkgroups For many of the trunk scanning features to operate, you need to program the scanner with the talkgroup ID’s. Each bank can store up to 100 talkgroups in 10 ID groups of 10 talkgroups each. Group similar talkgroups together in the same ID group. When scanning, you can turn ID groups on and off with a quick keypress.
Deleting Stored Talkgroup ID’s To delete a stored talkgroup ID: 1. While scanning a trunked system in the ID scan mode (see “Scanning Only Stored Talkgroups”), press L/HOLD. Or, to use the menu system: 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK → Select the bank → 3:TALK GROUP 2.
Using the Remote Interface You can connect your scanner to either a PC or another BC796D using the remote interface cable port. This allows you to either control and program your scanner using a PC and the supplied software and cable (not supplied) or clone the memory from one BC796D into another BC796D (gender changer/coupler required, not supplied).
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During transfer both scanners display the following. When transfer is complete, the scanners display COMPLETE. Turn both scanners off and then back on to initialize them. If data transfer is not successful, the following message appears. To clear the error, press CLONE == >...
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 may be receiving a birdie.
If your BC796D is not performing properly, try the following steps. Problem Scanner won't work. Improper reception. Scan won't stop. Scan won't start. Weather Scan won't work. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 19, "Setting the Squelch". If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker mode, try the following steps. Problem Scanner won't track.
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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 is listed in the warranty at the end of this manual. If you would like immediate assistance, please call Customer Service at (800)297-1023.
Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture. Channel: 1000 Banks: 10 (100 channels each) Service Bands: 12 preprogrammed search bands (including the NOAA Weather Service band) Frequency Range: 25.0-28.0 MHz 28.0-29.7 MHz 29.7-50.0 MHz 50.0-54.0 MHz...
Glossary of Terms Alpha tag - This term refers to an alphanumeric text tag that you can enter to describe the individual frequencies that you have programmed. Rather than having to associate a spe- cific frequency to the individuals that are using it, you can enter the actual name of the group.
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• Enter or modify the Trunking ID. ( this can be modified through the menu screen.) FIPS Codes - For the purpose of broadcasting weather information, the NWS (National Weather Service) has divided the United States into regions by state and county (or parish, where applicable) then assigned a 6 digit FIPS code to identify each county or parish.
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Status Bit - This term refers to Motorola Type II systems. There is a method by which special types of communications utilize unique talk group numbers. For example, if all emergency calls are set to occur on a specific talk group number then you will not miss the transmission even if you have not programmed all the talk group numbers.
User Defined Fleet Maps Type I Programming Information When a Type I system is designed, the address information for all the IDs are divided into 8 equal sized blocks. When you program your scanner to track a Type I system, you must select a size code for each of these blocks.
Fleet Map Size Codes Size Size Code Restrictions If you select SIZE CODE 12, 13, or 14, there are some restrictions as to which blocks can be used for these codes. • SIZE CODE 12 can only be assigned to Blocks 0, 2, 4, or 6. •...
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NWR-SAME EVENT CODE Event Code Emergency Action Notification Emergency Action Termination National Information Center Tornado Warning # Service Thunderstorm Warning # SVW Flash Flood Warning Flash Warning Winter Storm Warning Blizzard Warning High Wing/ Dust Storm Warning Radio logical Hazard Warning Civil Danger Warning Local Area Emergency Hazardous Material Warning...
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Event Code Standard Severe Weather Statement Special Weather Statement Flash Flood Statement Flood Statement Hurricane Statement National Periodic Test Required Monthly Test Required Weekly Test System Demonstration/ Practice National Hazard Warning Unknown Emergency Tune TV Unknown Warning Tune TV Unknown Watch Tune TV Unknown Statement Tune TV Administrative Message Child Abduction Emergency...
(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 owners manual for this product.