BC72 Paper OM.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 2 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Precautions Before you use this scanner, please read and Precautions observe the following. IMPORTANT! This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune to the radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 3 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM damage if the volume suddenly becomes too loud because of the volume control or squelch control setting. This might be particularly true of the type of earphone that is placed in the ear canal. 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. Uniden® and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.
BC72 Paper OM.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 5 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Contents Contents The FCC Wants You To Know ............................. 7 Scanning Legally .............................................. 7 Introduction ........................................................... 9 Feature Highlights ............................................... 11 About This Manual ......................................... 12 Understanding Scanning .................................... 14 What is Scanning? .....................
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 6 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Locking Out Channels .................................... Priority ............................................................ Using Keylock ................................................ Using the Display Backlight ........................... Troubleshooting .................................................. Resetting the Scanner ................................... Care and Maintenance ....................................... General Use .........
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 7 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM The FCC Wants You To Know 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 the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 8 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM However, there are some transmissions that you should never intentionally listen to.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 9 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Introduction Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Uniden BC72XLT Handheld Scanner. The scanner is versatile, compact, and easy to use. In addition to its standard scanning features, your scanner also includes Close CallTM RF capture technology designed to help you detect and identify strong local radio signals in your area. You can program up to 100 frequencies into the scanner's memory.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 10 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM This table lists the frequency ranges, default frequency step, default mode (AM or FM), and type of transmissions you can hear for each range. Frequency Range Step Mode Transmission (MHz) (kHz) 25.0-27.995 5 AM Citizens Band/ Business Band 28.0-29.695 5 FM 10 Meter Amateur Band 29.7-49.995 5 FM VHF Low Band 50.0-54.0 5 FM 6 Meter Amateur Band 108.0-136.9875 12.5 AM Aircraft Band 137.0-143.995 5 FM Military Band 144.0-147.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 11 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Feature Highlights Feature Highlights Close CallTM RF Capture Technology - you can set the scanner so it detects and provides information about nearby radio transmissions. See “Close CallTM RF Capture Technology” on Page 37 for more information. Pager Screen - lets you set the scanner so it does not detect pager frequencies during Close Call search.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 12 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Key Lock - lets you lock the scanner's keys to help prevent accidental changes to the scanner's programming. Direct Access - lets you directly access any channel. Display Backlight - makes the scanner easy to read in low-light situations. Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector - provides adequate reception in strong signal areas and is designed to help prevent antenna breakage. Or, you can connect an external antenna for better reception.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 13 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM To get the most from this manual, review the contents to become familiar with the basic functions available. If you are new to scanning, be sure to read “Understanding Scanning” on Page 14 for a quick background on the technology behind the hobby. The first thing you’ll need to do is install batteries in the scanner. Then you need to connect the included antenna to the scanner.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 14 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Understanding Scanning This section providesScanning you with background on how Understanding 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 BC72XLT. What is Scanning? Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most twoway communications do not transmit continuously.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 15 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM this was the primary way that radio systems operated. Even today, there are many 2-way radio users who operate using a conventional system: • • • • • Aircraft Amateur radio FRS/GMRS users Broadcast AM/FM/TV stations Many business radio users When you want to store a conventional system, all you need to know is the frequencies they operate on.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 16 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM listen for activity on the output frequency and transmit on the input frequency. Since the repeater is located very high, there is a very large line of sight. Typical repeater systems provide coverage out to about a 25-mile radius from the repeater location. Where To Obtain More Information By itself, this manual really only provides part of what you need to know to have fun scanning – how to program and use the scanner.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 17 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM • svartifoss2.fcc.gov/reports/index.cfm * conventional frequency information on file with the US Government * - This web site is not affiliated with Uniden Corporation. To purchase another copy of the conventional frequency guide, contact your local dealer or: Uniden Parts Department (800) 554-3988 (Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Central Time Monday through Friday.) For more information about Uniden and our other products, visit http://www.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 18 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Included With Your Scanner Included With Your Scanner Antenna AC Adapter Belt Clip Scanner BC72 OWNER’S MANUAL OWNER’S MANUAL Frequency Guide Owners Manual If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central, Monday through Friday.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 19 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and use your new scanner: • If your scanner receives interference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from the source. You might also try changing the height or angle of the telescoping antenna. • To improve the scanner’s reception, use an optional external antenna designed for multiband coverage.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 20 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM WARNING! Set REG. ALK. BATT./NI-MH BATT. to NI-MH BATT. only if you are using rechargeable batteries. Never attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Non-rechargeable batteries can get hot or burst if you try to recharge them. 4. Install two batteries in the compartment as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked inside.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 21 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Cautions: • Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type. • Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that destroy electronic circuits. • Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities. 5. Replace the cover. 6. When flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, replace both batteries.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 22 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM WARNING! Do not connect either adapter to the scanner if nonrechargeable batteries (such as alkaline batteries) are installed in the scanner and REG. ALK. BATT./NI-MH BATT. is set to NI-MH BATT., or if you are unsure of the switch’s position. Non-rechargeable batteries will get hot and can even burst if you try to recharge them. Before you use Ni-MH or Ni-Cd batteries for the first time, charge them for 14 hours to bring them to a full charge.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 23 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM • For longer operation, you can also use highcapacity Ni-MH batteries to power the scanner. This type of battery takes longer to recharge. You can get high-capacity Ni-MH batteries at your local electronics store. Using AC Power You can power the scanner using the supplied 6V, 500 mA AC adapter. To use the scanner on AC power, plug the AC adapter into DC 6V on the side of the scanner then plug the other end into a standard AC outlet.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 24 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Connecting an Optional Antenna The scanner's BNC connector makes it easy to connect a variety of optional antennas, including an external mobile antenna or outdoor base station antenna. Note: Always use 50-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8, coaxial cable to connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna is over 50 feet from the scanner, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. You can get a BNC adapter at your local electronics store.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 25 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Attaching the Belt Clip To make your scanner easier to carry when you are on the go, use the supplied belt clip. Use a Phillips screwdriver and the supplied screws to attach the clip to the scanner.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 26 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM About Your Scanner We use aYour few simple terms in this manual to explain About Scanner the features of the scanner. Familiarize yourself with these terms and the scanner's features, and you can put the scanner to work for you right away. Simply determine the type of communications you want to receive, then set the scanner to scan those communications. A frequency, expressed in kHz or MHz, is the tuning location of a station.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 27 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM A Look At The Keypad Your scanner's keys have various functions labeled on the key tops and below the keys. To select the function labeled on a key, simply press the key. To select the function labeled below a key, first press Func then release it. F appears on the display. Then press the next key in the function key sequence while F appears. F appears or disappears as you press Func.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 28 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Key Name Description Scan/Src Scan – Scans the stored channels. Func + Src – Starts chain search or resumes searching. / – Turns the display backlight on or off. Func + – Locks and unlocks the keypad. Func Lets you use various functions by pressing this key in combination with other keys. Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to turn the scanner on or off. 1/Pri 1 – Enters a 1. Func + Pri – Sets and turns the priority function on or off.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 29 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Key Name Description 5/Dly 5 – Enters a 5. Func + Dly – Sets and turns the delay function on or off. 6/PSrc 6 – Enters a 6. Func + PSrc – Sets and turns program band select mode on or off. 7 7 – Enters a 7. 8/ 8 – Enters an 8. Func + – Selects the scan or search direction. 9 Enters a 9. /Clr 0/L/O Enters a decimal point. 0 – Enters a 0. Func + L/O – Lets you lock out a selected channel or skip a specified frequency.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 30 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM A Look At The Display The display has indicators that show the scanner's current operating status. The display information helps you understand how your scanner operates. BANK - appears with numbers (1-10). - appears when you lock the keypad. F - appears only when the function mode is on. PGM - appears while you store a frequency into a channel. SRCH - appears during search mode. or - appears during search mode.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 31 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM SCN - appears when you scan channels. HOLD - appears during scan hold mode and search hold mode. L/O - appears when you manually select a channel you locked out or a skip frequency. DLY - appears when you select a delay. PRI - appears when the priority feature is turned on. HAM, WX, POL, FIRE, AIR, or MRN - appears along with an indicator that shows the current service bank during a service search.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 32 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Understanding Banks Service Banks The scanner is preprogrammed with all the frequencies allocated to the weather, ham, marine, aircraft, police, and fire services. Channel-Storage Banks To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, the 100 channels are divided into 10 channel-storage banks. Each bank has 10 channels.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 33 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Operation Operation Turning On The Scanner and Setting Squelch Note: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected before you turn it on. 1. Turn Squelch fully counterclockwise. 2. Press and hold for about 2 seconds to turn the scanner on, then turn Volume clockwise until you hear a hissing sound. 3. If the scanner is scanning, press Hold to stop scanning, then turn Squelch clockwise until the hissing stops.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 34 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM 2 seconds after the end of a transmission before scanning proceeds to the next channel. To turn the function off or on, press Func + Dly. • If you enter a frequency that has already been entered elsewhere, the scanner sounds an error tone and displays the channel that was duplicated. If you entered the frequency by mistake, press then enter the correct frequency. To enter the frequency anyway, press E to accept. 4.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 35 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM press Func + frequencies. or Func + to step through the To release the hold and continue searching, press Hold. Or, if you did not press Hold, simply press Func + or Func + to continue searching. Note: Because there are many different frequencies allocated to fire and police departments, it can take several minutes to search all the service frequencies.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 36 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM transmission, it stops on it. When the transmission ends, the scanner resumes scanning. Notes: • If you have not stored frequencies into any channels, the scanner does not scan. • If the scanner picks up unwanted partial, or very weak transmissions, turn Squelch clockwise to decrease the scanner's sensitivity to these signals. To listen to a weak or distant station, turn Squelch counterclockwise.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 37 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Special Features TM RF Capture Technology SpecialCall Features Close Your scanner's Close Call feature lets you set the scanner so it detects then displays the frequency of a nearby strong radio transmission. Close Call RF capture works great for finding frequencies at venues such as malls and sporting events.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 38 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM • Close Call works better with some types of transmissions than others. It might not correctly display frequency information for transmitters using a highly directive antenna (such as an amateur radio beam antenna), if there are many transmitters operating at the same time in the same area, or if the transmitter is a broadcast television station. Setting the Close Call Options 1. Press Func then press and hold for 2 seconds.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 39 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM If you selected C-C.Alt, skip to Step 5. If you selected C-C.PS, skip to Step 7. 3. Repeatedly press or until the band you want to search appears, then press E to select it. Otherwise, press if you do not want to select it. The scanner displays the following options. Lo On or Lo OFF: Lets you select the VHF Lo frequency band. Air On or Air OFF: Lets you select the Air frequency band. Hi On or Hi OFF: Lets you select the VHF Hi frequency band.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 40 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM 6. Repeatedly press or until the option you want appears, then press E to select it. Otherwise, press if you do not want to select it. Then skip to Step 9. 7. Press E while C-C.PS appears. One of the following Pager Screen options appears. PS On: The scanner ignores hits on common pager frequencies. PS OFF: The scanner alerts you when it receives hits on common pager frequencies. 8.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 41 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM To turn on the Close Call feature and turn off normal scanning, press Func + twice. flashes. To turn off Close Call and turn on normal scanning, press Func + three times. disappears. Chain Search This feature lets you search through preset frequency ranges. You can also change each range to a range you set. There are three modes within this feature: chain search mode, chain search hold mode, and program band select mode.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 42 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Press 0-9 to enable or disable the search bank number being searched in this mode. Enabled bank numbers appear. (Disabled bank numbers disappear). At least one search bank must be enabled. (The scanner sounds an error tone if you try to disable all the search banks). The search bank and the frequency where chain search starts depends on how the scanner was set before you selected chain search mode.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 43 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM The scanner sets itself to program mode after you store a frequency. Setting the Search Range You can use this mode to define the search range used during a search in each search bank. To change a search range, press Func and PSrc. SRCH appears. Then select a search bank. When you select the search bank, the lower limit and upper limit frequency assigned in the search bank alternate on the display.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 44 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM 3. Press Func + or Func + . The scanner searches, starting from the frequency you entered in Step 2. If you enter a frequency that is out of range, the scanner sounds an error tone and Error appears. Press Func + to change the search direction downward or Func + to change the search direction upward. Frequencies appear during the search. Notes: • You can set the delay function on or off during the search or while the search stops.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 45 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Storing Frequencies Found During Direct Entry Search into Channel Memory Follow these steps to store frequencies received during direct entry search mode or direct entry search hold mode. 1. Press Func + Pgm in direct entry search mode or direct entry search hold mode. The frequency and lowest blank channel alternate on the display. 2. Press E to store the frequency into the blank channel.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 46 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM To skip a frequency, press Func and L/O when the scanner stops on the frequency during a search or a search hold. The scanner stores the frequency in memory and automatically resumes the search if it is not in hold. Follow these steps to clear a single frequency from skip memory so the scanner stops on it during a search. 1. Press Hold to stop the search. 2. Press Func + or Func + frequency. L/O appears. to select the 3. Press Func + L/O.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 47 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM 2 seconds after the transmission stops before resuming scanning or searching. The scanner automatically sets a delay when you store frequencies into channels or when you search frequencies. When the delay feature is on, DLY appears. If it is off, follow one of these steps to program a delay depending on how the scanner is operating,.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 48 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM ing Out Channels” on Page 48). The bank number flashes when the scanner scans a channel that belongs to the bank. Notes: • You can manually select any channel within a bank, even if that bank is turned off. • You cannot turn off all banks. One bank must always be active. Locking Out Channels You can increase the scanning speed by locking out channels that have a continuous transmission, such as a weather channel.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 49 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM If the priority feature is turned on, as the scanner scans the bank, it checks that bank's priority channel for activity every 2 seconds. The scanner automatically designates each bank's first channel as its priority channel. Follow these steps to select a different channel in a bank as the priority channel. 1. Manually select the channel you want to select as the priority channel. 2. Press Func + Pgm, then press Func + Pri.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 50 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Using the Display Backlight To turn on the display light for easy viewing at night, press . The display lights for 15 seconds. To turn off the light sooner, press again.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 51 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Troubleshooting If your BC72XLT is not performing properly, try the Troubleshooting following steps. Problem Possible Cause The scanner doesn’t work. The scanner might not be receiving any power. Improper reception. The scanner’s antenna might need to be adjusted. Scan won’t stop. The squelch might need to be adjusted. Suggestion Check the batteries or make sure the AC adapter is connected to an AC outlet and the scanner.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 52 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Scan won’t stop (continued) Scan won’t start. The antenna might need to be adjusted. One or more channels might be locked out. The channel’s frequency might not be stored in memory. The channel might not be active. You must press Scan to scan. The squelch might need to be adjusted. One or more channels might be locked out. The antenna might need to be adjusted. Check the antenna connection.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 53 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Weather scan doesn’t work. The squelch might need to be adjusted. The antenna might need to be adjusted. Adjust the squelch threshold. See “Turning On The Scanner and Setting Squelch” on Page 33. Check the antenna connection. Resetting the Scanner If the scanner's display locks up or stops operating properly, you might need to reset the scanner. Caution: This procedure clears all the information you have stored in the scanner.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 54 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Care and Maintenance Keep the scanner dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry Care and Maintenance immediately. Use and store the scanner only in normal temperature environments. Handle the scanner carefully: do not drop it. Keep the scanner away from dust and dirt, and wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. General Use • Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 55 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM • Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild detergent. • To prevent scratches, do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Be careful not to rub the LCD window. • Do not use excessive amounts of water. 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).
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 56 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Specifications Specifications Specifications Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture. Channels: ........................................................... 100 Banks: .................................. 10 (10 channels each) Frequency Range (in MHz): 25.0-27.995 .............. Citizens Band/Business Band 28.0–29.995 ...................... 10 Meter Amateur Band 30.0–49.995 ................
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 57 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM Sensitivity (SINAD 12 dB) 25.005 MHz (AM) ........................................ 0.5 µV 40.840 MHz (FM) ........................................ 0.3 µV 49.900 MHz (FM) ........................................ 0.3 µV 118.800 MHz (AM)........................................ 0.5 µV 127.175 MHz (AM)........................................ 0.5 µV 135.500 MHz (AM) ....................................... 0.5 µV 138.150 MHz (FM)...........................
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 58 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM IF Frequencies 1st IF (25-174 MHz)..........380.6050-380.7000 MHz 1st IF (406-512 MHz) .......380.6125-380.7000 MHz 2nd IF ...................................................... 21.3 MHz 3rd IF ........................................................ 450 kHz Audio Output .............................. 490 mW maximum Built-in Speaker ........................... 32 mm dia, 8 ohm Dynamic Type Current Drain Squelched ....................................
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 59 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM 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.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 60 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM One-Year Limited Warranty ranty One-Year Limited WarImportant: Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty service. 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.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 61 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
BC72 Paper OM.fm Page 64 Monday, October 25, 2004 3:11 PM , S E R RI & OM O F SO NE .C S LI N E E C ON ID C A O .UN G W W W REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT. THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT. May be covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents.
