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Related Manuals for Uniden BC296D
Summary of Contents for Uniden BC296D
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
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 ...10 Understanding Banks and Channels ...10 Getting More Information ...11 A Quick Look at Your Scanner ...12... - Page 4 Holding on a Single Talkgroup ...26 Locking Out Talkgroups ...26 EDACS Blockout ...26 Unlocking All Talkgroups ...27 EDACS Patch Tracking ...27 Searching ...28 Holding on an Active Frequency ...28 Setting Chain Search ...28 Setting Data Skip ...28 Skipping Frequencies ...29 Storing Found Frequencies ...29 Automatically Storing Frequencies ...30 Setting Subaudible Tones for Searching ...30...
- Page 5 Toggling End Code Detect ...53 Programming EDACS Systems ...54 Programming EDACS Channels ...54 Setting EDACS Emergency Alert ...55 Setting EDACS Decimal Mode ...55 Programming APCO 25 Systems ...56 Setting APCO 25 Sound Quality ...56 Programming LTR Systems ...58 Programming Talkgroups ...59 Storing Known Talkgroups ...59 Storing Found Talkgroups ...59 Deleting Stored Talkgroup ID’s ...60...
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Page 7: The Fcc Wants You To Know
The FCC Wants You 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. -
Page 8: Scanning Legally
(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. -
Page 9: Introduction
Introduction The BC296D APCO 25 Digital Trunking Scanner connects you to the exciting world of scanning. Capable of scanning conventional frequencies, analog trunking systems, and the most popular digital trunking systems, it is a great all-in-one solution to your scanning needs. - Page 10 In addition, here are a few more of the many features your scanner has. To get the most from your scanner, be sure to review this entire manual. • APCO Project 25 Phase 1 Compatible – works on the latest 9600 bps systems, including systems that use C4FM and CQPSK modulation.* •...
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Page 11: Using This Manual
• SAME Weather Alert with FIPS – lets you set your scanner to listen for a SAME event code from the local weather service; sounds an alert and displays the text description for any alert received. FIPS programming lets you restrict the alerts to one county. •... -
Page 12: 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 BC296D. Conventional Scanning Conventional scanning is a relatively simple concept. Each... -
Page 13: Trunked Scanning
This semi-random frequency assignment made monitoring such a system impossible prior to Uniden’s invention of the Trunktracking scanner. Motorola Trunking While there are 4 different types of Motorola trunking systems, they all use the same basic trunking method. -
Page 14: Edacs Trunking
(for mixed analog/digital systems) or a 9600 bps (for digital- only systems). Pure digital systems can be implemented under APCO 25 Phase 1 or Phase 2 standards. Your BC296D is able to decode all unencrypted digitized voice traffic on either mixed mode or digital-only APCO 25 Phase 1 systems. - Page 15 Because of the logical hierarchy of the AFS system, your BC296D 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.
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Page 16: Ltr Trunking
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. -
Page 17: Getting More Information
– 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. In addition, you can contact the following source of frequency information: •... -
Page 18: A Quick Look At Your Scanner
16. Resume Key ( 17. Service Key (SERVICE) 18. Search Key (SEARCH) 19. Numeric Keypad 20. Trunk Key (TRUNK) 21. Priority Key (PRI) 22. Transfer/Mute Key (TRNSFR/MUTE) 23. Enter/Select Key (E) Scanner BC296D HOLD/ SCAN SERVICE SEARCH MENU/BACK REVERSE SELECT TRUNK... -
Page 19: Display Icons
Display Icons ICON Priority Channel Indicator Lock Out Mode Indicator Scan/Search Direction Indicator SRCH Chain Search Mode Indicator SRVC Service Search Mode Indicator SCAN Scan Mode Indicator ID SCAN ID Scan Mode Indicator ID SEARCH ID Search Mode Indicator Channel Type Trunk Type Control Channel Data Voice Channel Data... -
Page 20: Included With Your Scanner
Included With Your If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or call Uniden Parts Department at: 800-554-3988, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 5:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday. • BC296D Scanner •... -
Page 21: Setting Up Your Scanner
3. Replace the cover and press down until it clicks into place. Charging the Battery Pack Use the AC Adapter/Charger to power the BC296D from an AC outlet and charge its battery pack. You can use your scanner while the battery charges. -
Page 22: Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Disposal
Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Disposal When the battery supplied with your scanner no longer holds a charge, you need to replace it. Contact Uniden Parts department for a replacement battery pack. Nickel-hydride batteries must be disposed of properly. Minnesota requires you to recycle nickel-metal hydride batteries. -
Page 23: Listening Safely
Listening Safely To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or headphones. • Do not use an earphone to listen to the WX alert siren test or when in SAME Alert mode. The alert tone’s vol- ume is not adjustable and damage to your hearing could occur. -
Page 24: Basic Operation
Basic Operation 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. Be sure to refer to the appropriate section depending on the mode you are using. -
Page 25: Using The Menu
5. Turn SQUELCH back counter-clockwise just until the hiss stops. Now the “Squelch Gate” allows only clear signals through. Note: For Trunk Scanning, a good squelch setting is critical. The recommended setting is midpoint. If you set the squelch too high, the scanner might not reliably stop on the control channel. -
Page 26: Scanning Programmed Channels
• If you are trunk scanning, you need to first press TRUNK to exit the trunking mode. Scanning Programmed Channels Before you can scan, you must first program channels. See the appropriate programming section for complete instructions. To begin scanning, simply turn on your scanner or, if the scanner is not currently scanning, press SCAN. -
Page 27: Priority Scanning
Priority Scanning When Priority Scan is turned on, the scanner checks the conventional priority channels in the unlocked banks every 2 seconds or the priority ID’s in trunked systems every 4 seconds between transmissions. If a signal is present on a priority channel, the scanner switches to monitor that transmission, even if it had been stopped on another channel. -
Page 28: Using The Backlight
Using the Backlight To turn on the backlight, press describe how to change the backlight options. Dimmer Light Setting The Dimmer Light setting sets the brightness of the display backlight. 3:SYSTEM OPTION → 1:DIMMER → 1:DIMMER LIGHT 1:HIGH Set the backlight to the brightest setting 2:MEDIUM Set the backlight to be dimmer Dimmer Time Setting... -
Page 29: Turning The Key Beep On/Off
Turning the Key Beep On/Off When Key Tone is turned on, the scanner beeps each time you press a key. 3:SYSTEM OPTION → 3:KEY BEEP 1:ON Turn on the key beep 2:OFF Turn off the key beep Locking the ENTER key To prevent accidentally changing channel settings, you can lock the ENTER key. -
Page 30: Turning Battery Save On/Off
Turning Battery Save On/Off The battery save features extends battery life by setting the scanner in a low-power mode when it is held on a single channel or frequency (in the search mode) and there is no transmission. 3:SYSTEM OPTION → :BATTERY SAVE 1:ON The battery save feature is on. -
Page 31: Trunk Scanning Options
Selecting Talkgroup Lists to Scan When the scanner is in the ID Scan mode, you can select which ID lists you want the BC296D to scan. First, if you are scanning a Motorola or EDACS system, ensure that you are in the Scan List mode. -
Page 32: Holding On A Single Talkgroup
Holding on a Single Talkgroup To hold on an active talkgroup when scanning or searching, press HOLD/MAN. The BC296D stops scanning and holds on the current trunking system. It only receives transmissions on the talkgroup that was active when you pressed HOLD/MAN. -
Page 33: Unlocking All Talkgroups
Unlocking All Talkgroups To unlock all talkgroups for a system: 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK → Select the Bank → 6:L/O ID REVIEW Then, use the scroll bar to select the ID you want to unlock and press L/O. Or, press HOLD/MAN then press L/O for 2 seconds to clear all the lockouts from the system. -
Page 34: Searching
Your BC296D 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. -
Page 35: Skipping Frequencies
3:SYSTEM OPTION → 7:DATA SKIP 1:ON The scanner skips data frequencies. 2:OFF Data skip is turned off. Note: Even with this option turned on, the scanner might pause for a couple of seconds on data transmissions before resuming. Skipping Frequencies If a particular frequency continues to interrupt search scanning, it is possible to set your scanner to skip the frequency. -
Page 36: Automatically Storing Frequencies
Automatically Storing Frequencies During searching, you can have the scanner automatically store active frequencies into a bank you choose. 1:SERVICE OPTION → 6:AUTO STORE → 1:ON 1. Press the numbers corresponding to the banks you want the scanner to store found frequencies into. 2. -
Page 37: Attenuating All Search Ranges
Attenuating All Search Ranges If you are near a strong RF source, you might need to attenuate the input signal in order to search properly. To turn on this option for all search ranges: 1:SERVICE OPTION → :CHAIN SEARCH → 4:ATTENUATOR 1:ON The attenuator is turned on. -
Page 38: Searching For Trunk Systems
3:MODE Select, then set the modulation mode to use while searching the custom range. If you select 5:AUTO, the scanner will use the modulation mode most often used for each band. 4:ALPHA TAG Select, then assign an alpha tag to the search range. 5:TRUNK See “Searching for Trunk Systems.”... -
Page 39: Service Search
Service Search 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 •... -
Page 40: Using Weather Search And Weather Alert (Same)
Notes: • You can not skip frequencies in the Weather Service mode. • If you start Service Searching for a service that has all frequencies locked out, you hear a beep and the scanner moves to the Hold mode. 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... - Page 41 DSSCCC Where D = area subdivision (0=entire area) SS = State code (00=all states) CCC = County code (000=all counties) For example, the FIPS code for Tarrant County, Texas is: 048439 (48=Texas; 439=Tarrant County). Some counties are further subdivided, in which cases, the first digit will be 0 for all subdivisions in the county and each subdivision will be labeled 1-9.
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Page 42: Testing The Weather Alert
Warning: Never listen to the scanner using a headphone or earphone when you have put the scanner in the weather alert mode. The volume control is dis- abled in this mode, and the loud alert sound could damage your hearing. If an event is issued, the scanner displays the text for the event and sounds an alert. -
Page 43: Programming Bank Information
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. -
Page 44: General Programming
Note: Trunking system information is not transferred. Entering Alpha Information Your BC296D lets you assign text tags to banks, channels, talkgroups, and search ranges. Follow these steps to enter a text tag. 1. Use the scroll bar to select the letter. - Page 45 • To quickly program a series of channels, start with the low- est-numbered channel. The scanner automatically advances to the next channel by default when you complete programming a channel. • Make a programming plan before you sit down to program your scanner.
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Page 46: Programming Conventional Channels
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. -
Page 47: Assigning A Text Tag
3. Assigning a Text Tag a. Use the scroll bar to select the channel you want to tag, then press E. b. Use the scroll bar to select the letter, then press RSM to move the entry position one space to the right or press HOLD/MAN to move the entry position one space to the left. -
Page 48: Setting Beep Alert
1:CTCSS Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) is used with Amateur Radio, FRS, GMRS, Business Band, and other systems. When you select this option, the scanner only opens squelch when a matching CTCSS tone is present on the frequency. 2:DCS Digital Coded Squelch is similar to CTCSS, but instead of differentiating codes using frequencies, DCS always uses the same frequency but encodes it... -
Page 49: Changing The Frequency Step
2:SCAN OPTION → 1:CONVENTIONAL → Channel No. → 7:MODE Radio transmissions are modulated in several different ways. The BC296D is able to demodulate the most common transmission types. Your scanner has the most common modulation mode preset for each band, so you seldom have to change this option. -
Page 50: Setting Priority Channels
4:NFM Narrowband FM Setting Priority Channels You can set one conventional channel in each bank as a priority channel. When you turn on the Priority Scan option (see “Priority Scanning”), the scanner automatically checks these channels every 2 seconds to see if there is activity. If there is, the scanner immediately switches to the priority channel. -
Page 51: Programming Trunked Systems
Programming Trunked Your BC296D is designed to scan most major types of trunking systems, including APCO Project 25 Phase 1 digital communication systems. These systems are briefly described here. For a more technical description of each system, see “Understanding Scanning.” General trunking options are also covered in this section. -
Page 52: Setting Trunking Delay
Using I-Call (Motorola and EDACS only) I-Calls are direct unit-to-unit transmissions that are not heard by other users. Your BC296D can monitor these transmissions in either the search mode or (if you have stored the unit number as a talkgroup) in the scan mode. -
Page 53: Turning I-Call On For Id Scan
Scan Hold mode (see “Holding on a Single Talkgroup”). Then, press and hold PRI for 2 seconds. Multi-Track The BC296D allows you to track more than one system at a time. Here are some highlights of this feature: ❖ You can actually track up to 10 trunking systems at one time. -
Page 54: Multi-Track Operational Details
Note: To switch ID Scan or ID Search, press and hold TRUNK or, press SCAN or SEARCH while scanning. Multi-Track Operational Details When more than one trunk system is active (for example two or more trunked systems or a trunked system and one or more conventional frequencies), the radio jumps between systems/frequencies as follows: TRUNK SCAN: The scanner moves to a trunked system... -
Page 55: Programming Motorola Systems
Programming Motorola 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. -
Page 56: Programming Type 2/Digital 800 And 900 Mhz Systems
Programming Type 2/Digital 800 and 900 MHz Systems To program a Type 2/Digital 800 or 900 MHz system, you need to know the frequencies that the system uses. 1. Select the trunk programming mode. 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK 2. Use the scroll bar to select the bank you want to program, then press E. -
Page 57: Programming Type I And Iii Hybrid Systems
Motorola Type 2 or Digital systems in the VHF (148 – 406 MHz) band 4. Set the Base, Space and Offset settings. Note: Your BC296D allows you to enter up to three Base, Space, Offset configurations. However, most systems only use one configuration. -
Page 58: Toggling The Status Bit
1. Talkgroup 33264, then would be sent on the system as 33266 when the radio triggered its emergency status. By default, the BC296D ignores the last four digits of every talkgroup, effectively rounding them down to the nearest multiple of 16 regardless of the status bits. -
Page 59: Toggling End Code Detect
Toggling End Code Detect At the end of each transmission, a digital burst is sent so that radios on the system will quickly switch back to the control channel. Your scanner also listens for this code. 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK → Select the bank →... -
Page 60: Programming Edacs Systems
Programming EDACS 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. -
Page 61: Setting Edacs Emergency Alert
Setting EDACS Emergency Alert When the emergency status is sent on an EDACS radio, you can have your scanner alert you to the transmission. 2:SCAN OPTION → 2:TRUNK → Select the bank → 9:EMERGENCY ALT 1:ON The scanner beeps three times to alert you and flashes EMERGENCY during emergency transmissions. -
Page 62: Programming Apco 25 Systems
Programming APCO 25 To program an APCO 25 system, follow the steps in the appropriate section for conventional or Motorola Trunking. APCO 25 systems require only 1 additional setting: Sound Quality. Setting APCO 25 Sound Quality Each APCO 25 system has slightly different system settings that control how the audio is digitized. - Page 63 Notes: • To cancel the adjusted threshold level, press key. • 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.
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Page 64: Programming Ltr Systems
Programming LTR 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. -
Page 65: Programming Talkgroups
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. -
Page 66: Deleting Stored Talkgroup Id's
1. While the scanner is receiving the talkgroup, press HOLD/MAN to hold on that talkgroup. 2. Press TRNSFR. The scanner displays the lowest numbered empty ID group memory. 3. Use the scroll bar to select the memory you want to store the ID into, then press E. -
Page 67: Using The Remote Interface
To connect the Scanners together, plug the scanner ends of the cables into the scanners, then connect the PC ends of the cables to the null modem adapter/gender changer Clone all of the programming of one BC296D into another, by selecting: Interface... - Page 68 3:SYSTEM OPTION → 6:CLONE on both scanners. Then, on the scanner that has the data you want to transfer, select MASTER and press E. On the scanner that you want to transfer the data into, select SLAVE and press E. Then, press SCAN on both scanner to start the transfer.
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Page 69: Care And Maintenance
• Do not use excessive amounts of water. 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. -
Page 70: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting If your BC296D is not performing properly, try the following steps. Problem Scanner won't work. 1. Check the connections at both ends of the AC Adapter. 2. Turn ON the wall switch of your room. You could be 3. Move the AC Adapter to another wall outlet. - Page 71 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.
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Page 72: Specifications
Specifications Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture. Channel: Banks: Service Bands: Frequency Range: Operating Temperature: Scan Rate: Search Rate: Scan Delay: Audio Output: Internal Speaker: Power Requirements: Antenna: Antenna Jack: External Jacks: Size: Weight:... -
Page 73: Glossary Of Terms
BC296D to another or BC796D. Control Channel - This is the frequency within a trunking system that runs the system. On Control Channels (sometimes called Data Channels) you will hear a buzz saw sound. - Page 74 with specific data burst is received. This method may be used to restrict access to the repeater or receiver, or reduce interference where several stations with output frequencies in close proximity of each other make it difficult to hear the conversation you are interested in.
- Page 75 Key Beep - This is another term for the tone you hear as a keypad acknowledgement beep. The default setting is on. If you have turned the Key Beep off, you now have a silent keypad. You will not hear a tone each time you press a key. NWR S.A.M.E.
- Page 76 worry what the rest of the groups numbers are. The topic of interest will be picked up. Talkgroup - A group of users within a trunked system that communicates with one another.
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Page 77: Appendix
Preset Fleet Maps Preset Map 1 Block 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 Size Code SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4... - Page 78 Preset Map 9 Block 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 Size Code SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0...
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Page 79: 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 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. -
Page 80: Fleet Map Size Codes
Finally, for most public safety systems there are some size codes which are more common. SIZE CODE 3 and SIZE CODE 4 are probably the most common, followed by SIZE CODE 10, SIZE CODE 11, and SIZE CODE 12. Fleet Map Size Codes Size Fleets Reserves block for Type II IDs... - Page 81 NWR-SAME EVENT CODE Event Code Standard 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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Page 82: Band Plans
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... - Page 83 CTCSS Frequency List (Hz) 67.0 71.9 74.4 91.5 94.8 97.4 118.8 123.0 127.3 156.7 162.2 167.9 210.7 218.1 225.7 DCS Tone Code 77.0 79.7 82.5 100.0 103.5 107.2 131.8 136.5 141.3 173.8 179.9 186.2 233.6 241.8 250.3 85.4 88.5 110.9 114.8 146.2 151.4...
- Page 84 BC296D Flow Charts...
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Page 87: One Year Limited Warranty
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 owners manual for this product.