SC200 200-Channel Programmable Twin Turbo Hand-Held Sports Scanner OPERATING GUIDE
Precautions Before you use this scanner, please read and observe the following: 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. n IMPORTANT! Be sure to use only the supplied earphone, or a stereo headset of the proper impedance (32W ). Use of an incorrect earphone or stereo headset may be potentially hazardous to your hearing.
Contents About Your New SportCat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What is Scanning?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What is Searching? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What is CTCSS and CDCSS?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Important Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Types of Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Where to Obtain More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Connecting the Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Scanner to External Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Scanner to Scanner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 SmartScan Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Menu for SmartScan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Program Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About Your New SportCat The SportCat™ is a state-of-the-art information radio with automatic scanning capabilities. It can store frequencies such as sporting events, police, fire/emergency, and other communications into 10 banks of 20 channels each. And you can scan all 200 channels at super fast Turbo Scan speed. What is Scanning? Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications (listed below) do not transmit continuously.
What is CTCSS and CDCSS? The term “Continuous-Tone-Controlled-Squelch-System” (herein referred to as CTCSS) and “Continuous DigitalControlled-Squelch-System” (herein referred to as CDCSS) shall define a system where the radio receiver (s) are equipped with tone or data responsive devices which allow audio signals to appear at the receiver audio output, select voice processing such as scrambling, select between voice or data, or control repeater functions, only when a carrier modulated with a specific tone o
Important Notice n This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune to the radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, as amended, makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept cellular or cordless telephone transmissions or to market this radio when altered to receive them.
RANGE (MHz) 470.0000-512.0000 806.0000-823.9875 849.0125-868.9875 894.0125-956.0000 STEP (kHz) 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 BAND NFM NFM NFM NFM SUBJECT UHF “T” Band Public Service “800" Band Important! The SportCat will not tune within the Cellular Telephone Band. Where to Obtain More Information The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs have publications, information on computer bulletin boards, and even contests for the radio enthusiasts. See the enclosed pamphlets for more information.
Feature Highlights ◆ Twin Turbo Scan & Search —This lightning-fast technology enables the SportCat to scan nearly 100 channels per second. Search speed is selectable between 100 and 300 steps per second. (300 steps per second only in bands with 5 kHz steps.) Because the frequency coverage is so large (see previous section for band listing), very fast scanning and searching are essential. ◆ 200 Channels You can program each of these memory channels to store one frequency.
◆ Smart Scanner Automatically programs your SC200 with all the frequencies and Alpha Characters of the frequency for your local area by accessing our national database with your PC or just an external modem. (No PC required.) ◆ CTCSS/CDCSS (Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System), (Continuous Digital Controlled Squelch System). When activated, the SportCat will only tune to a frequency if the associated CTCSS tone or CDCSS tone you have programmed is included with the transmission.
Controls and Indicators Top View Antenna Connector Connect the rubber antenna to the BNC connector and turn clockwise until it locks. Earphone Jack Plug the supplied earphone into this jack for private listening. When the earphone is connected, the internal speaker is disconnected. Note the warning on page 16. Adjust this control to set the scan threshold and to eliminate the background rushing noise heard in the absence of an incoming signal.
Front View 10
1. LCD DISPLAY — The liquid crystal display (LCD) shows the current channel and frequency. It also displays the mode, status, and bank indicators. A. Priority Channel Indicator — P appears when the scanner stops on a Priority Channel. B. Channel Number — Indicates the current channel that the scanner is on. C. Memory Bank Numbers — Each Memory Bank consists of 20 channels that you can select or deselect during scanning operation, using the numeric keypad.
ATT Appears when the Attenuator function is set. Indicates the keypad is locked. Appears when the display mode is Alpha Name mode. CTCSS Appears when the Subaudible Tone function is turned on and a CTCSS tone is associated on the display channel. CDCSS Appears when the Subaudible Tone function is turned on and a CDCSS tone is associated on the display channel. 2. Press to start scanning all programmed channels that are not locked out. (SCAN moves across the display during scanning.) 3.
5. Press and hold /BAND to start Limit search. The VFO knob allows you to toggle through the bands. Then press /BAND again to start band search. 6. Press to stop Band serch, Limit search and WX scan. Also, press it to move to next higher channel or frequency. Press and hold to change the search direction to upper side. 7. In Limit search, input the frequency and press to program the lower/higher frequency. Press to stop Band search, Limit search, and WX scan.
/KEYLOCK to turn ON or OFF the 13. Press automatic 2-second delay during scanning or searching for active frequencies. (When delay is activated, DELAY appears on the display.) In this mode, when the scanner monitors an active frequency, searching or scanning will not resume until transmission stops for 2 seconds. appears Press and hold /KEYLOCK until on the display. This disables the keypad and VFO control and prevents any accidental key entries.
Setup The SportCat comes with a rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium Battery Pack. When fully charged, this Battery Pack will supply up to 12 hours of dependable use. (With the Squelch control in “closed” position.) Before using the SportCat for the first time, or whenever the LOW BATTERY Indicator appears on the LCD display, you should fully charge the Battery Pack. Note: When the Battery Pack is low, the Low Battery Indicator will start to blink.
Mounting the Flexible Antenna Place the end of the antenna onto the BNC connector on top of the scanner and turn clockwise until tight. Installing the Belt Clip 1. Place the Belt Clip on the mounting area on the back of the scanner, making sure the holes in the clip line up with the threads in the back of the scanner. 2. Insert the 2 screws into the corresponding holes and tighten. CAUTION: Do not tighten the screws too tight. You could damage the case or clip.
Operation Overview Note: Before operating the SportCat for the first time, make sure you have fully charged the Battery Pack. 1. Before turning on the scanner, rotate the Squelch Control fully clockwise. 2. Turn the scanner on by rotating the On-Off/Volume Control clockwise until you hear a click. Turn the Volume Control a small amount clockwise to a low listening level. 3. You should hear either a “rushing” noise or some communications.
Any channels that are not programmed (000.0000) are skipped during scan. When the SportCat is in SCAN Mode, the display will look something like this: n SEARCH The Search function is different from Scan. When you select a frequency band to search, the scanner searches for any active frequency within the lower and upper limits of the band. Also, when you program frequency range, you can search within the frequency range.
Programming Channels Before you can scan, you must program the channels within a bank. You can store one frequency per channel, up to 200 channels. Note: If appears on the display (keypad Locked), unlock the keypad by pressing and holding /KEYLOCK until disappears. There are four ways to program a channel: n Manually select a channel and frequency, using the numeric keypad.
6. If that frequency is already stored in another channel, you will hear a “beep”, and the other channel number will appear on the display. If you want to store the frequency in the selected channel (18) as well, press again. The frequency will blink twice to confirm the programming. Or, you can press and enter another frequency for the currently selected channel. Note: Any frequency already stored in any channel will automatically be replaced by the new one. 7.
2. Use the and keys or VFO control until you see the Band you want. 3. Wait for at least 2 seconds or press /BAND for Search to begin. If you wish to change the search direction, press and hold or to search in an up or down direction. 4. When Search stops on a desired frequency, press or to stay on that frequency. 5. To store the displayed frequency into a channel: Select the channel number with the numeric keys, and press . The selected channel will appear on the display.
5. Select the character using VFO Control. Turn clockwise to move 0 - 9, A - z and other characters and stop the control at the letter you wish to store. 6. Repeat the steps 4 and 5 for all the characters you want to program. 7. When you complete the input, press . The words you have programmed flash twice. Alert Beep Setting When a transmission occurs on a channel on which you have set the Alert Beep function, 2 beeps will let you know that your “favorite” channel has been received.
Scanning Bank Scanning 1. If SCAN is not indicated on the display, press . The SportCat should begin scanning. The indicators for the selected Banks (1 through 10) appear on the display. The indicator of the Bank currently being monitored flashes. While the SportCat is scanning, the word SCAN moves across the display. Scanning stops on any active channel that is not “Locked Out”, and displays the Channel Number and frequency or Alpha Name. Scanning resumes automatically after the transmission stops. 2.
To access a specific channel: 1. Press . 2. Enter the channel number using the numeric keys. 3. Press again. Priority Scan The SportCat has 10 Priority Channels, 1 per Bank. Initially these are the first channel in each Bank. (e.g. Channel 1, Channel 21, Channel 41, and so on.) In priority scan mode, the scanner checks the Priority Channel(s) every 2 seconds during the Scan cycle. If a transmission is received, the scanner will stop at that channel.
Locking Out Channels You may have programmed certain channels that you do not want to hear every time you scan. These might be channels that are busy a major portion of the time, causing the scanner to stop at the channel(s) often enough to interrupt the scan cycle. You can Lock Out those channels so they are not scanned. 1. Go directly to the channel using any of the methods described above. 2. Press . L/O appears on the display. That channel is now “Locked Out” of the scanning cycle.
Weather Channel Scanning The SportCat is designed to search for your local NOAA and Canada weather channel(s) from 10 preprogrammed NOAA and Canada channels. 1. Press /ATT to begin Weather scan. WX appears at the lower side of the display and the word SCAN moves across the display. 2. When the Weather scan finds an active channel in your area, the scanner stops at that frequency. 3. To stay at that frequency, press To resume Weather scan, press or /ATT. .
Searching Band Search The SportCat has 12 Preprogrammed Search Bands. You can search any of these Bands to find desired frequencies if you do not have a Frequency Directory handy, or if new stations have been added since the Directory was published. 1. Press and hold /BAND to enter the Band Search Mode. Then the upper and lower limits of the band currently selected are displayed. 2. Use VFO control, or to select the band you wish to search. 3.
4. Enter the higher limit of your search range. 5. Press . 6. Press /BAND to begin the search between the two limits. Using the Limit Search 1. Press /BAND to enter Limit Search mode. 2. Press or to stop searching. (”HOLD” appears on the display.) VFO Search You can search by using the VFO control. 1. In Manual mode, enter the frequency by using the number keypad and turn VFO control.
CTCSS/CDCSS Operation Your scanner is equipped with a Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS) and Continuous Digital Controlled Squelch System (CDCSS) which allow squelch to open only when the tone you have programmed with a specific frequency is received along with a transmission. When using CTCSS or CDCSS, consider the following: n n n Your Scanner Scan Speed becomes slow while Subaudible Tone function is activated. You cannot enter CTCSS and CDCSS tones in the AM Air Band.
At first, CTCSS tone is displayed. If you want to change between CTCSS and CDCSS, press . 4. Enter a tone. a. Use VFO, or b. Then press and to select the tone. . Change per 1sec. Note: Press to cancel the CTCSS or CDCSS Program Mode. The CTCSS or CDCSS indicator and displayed programs are turned off but not deleted. If you want to program a no Tone, press then press .
Note: Subaudible tone search mode will be locked out for channels that have been previously programmed for subaudible tone. To perform a new subaudible tone search for a previously programmed channel, re-program the frequency for the channel first, and then enter subaudible tone search mode. This is intended to prevent inadvertent reprogramming of previously programmed channels. Using Tone Search 1. Press . 2.
If a CTCSS tone or CDCSS tone is found, the tone begins flashing in the display. 4. Press to program the tone with the frequency stored in the channel. Change per 1sec.
5. Repeat Steps 1 - 4 to search for tones associated with other stored frequencies. If you want to program tones for several stored frequencies, follow these steps: n n After you program a CTCSS tone or CDCSS tone with a stored frequency, the CTCSS Tone or CDCSS tone Search Mode is canceled. The CTCSS or CDCSS indicator remains on but does not flash. To activate the CTCSS Tone Search Mode or CDCSS Tone Search Mode again, press and hold until you hear two short beeps.
CTCSS and DCS begins flashing in display. The scanner starts searching for an associated CTCSS tone or CDCSS tone when it stops on a transmission. All tones are checked if the transmission is long enough. However, if you press ,and there is break before a tone is identified, the tone search starts where it left off when the transmission begins again. 3. If a CTCSS tone is found, the tone begins flashing in the display. 4. Press to program the tone with the frequency stored in the channel.
If you want to program tones for several frequencies during your search, follow these steps: n n After you program a frequency and a CTCSS tone or CDCSS tone into a channel, the Search Mode is changed to Search Hold Mode. To /BAND. activate the Search Mode press If you decide to cancel the CTCSS Tone Search Mode or CDCSS Tone Search Mode while you are searching for frequencies, press and hold until you hear two short beeps and the CTCSS indicator or DCS indicator turns off. Changing a CTCSS/CDCSS Tone 1.
5. Press to change the CTCSS tone. Erasing a CTCSS/CDCSS Tone 1. Press to activate the CTCSS mode or CDCSS mode. 2. Select the channel with the CTCSS tone or CDCSS tone you want to erase. Change per 1sec.
3. Press . The CTCSS tone or CDCSS tone begins flashing. 4. Press or use your VFO control to select 000.0. 5. Press to erase the CTCSS tone. The CTCSS tone or CDCSS tone is removed, and the CTCSS icon and DCS icon remain on.
Remote Interface You can communicate and program your SC200 in numerous ways with peripheral devices using the Remote Interface Cable port. This radio offers the following modes: n n SMARTSCAN MODE Automatically load frequencies, from the Uniden National Frequency Database server into your scanner using an external modem or an internal modem included with a PC. CLONE MODE Clone all the frequencies of your scanner into another SC200.
Scanner to External Modem Plug the scanner end of the supplied remote interface cable into the remote port on the right side of your scanner. When connecting the cable to your scanner, make sure the label side of the cable is facing forward. Plug the other end of the cable (DB-9 serial connector) into the external modem. You may need a DB-9 to DB-25 null modem adapter, available at most computer stores. Of course, make sure your external modem is turned on.
2. The following screen appears. 3. Before starting the frequency download, you must enter your zip code. Using the keypad, enter the ZIP code for the area you will be using your scanner. For example if your ZIP code is 75021. 4. Press key, the ZIP code is stored into memory. The dial-in telephone number appears in the display. Note: If you want to prevent some banks from being overwritten by the frequency download, go to Program Lock. (See page 42) 5. Press key.
6. If the connection is successful, the scanner starts clearing the memory. And during that period, will appear for 12 seconds. 7. After clearing the memory is over, the scanner starts downloading the frequency. 8. will be displayed when your downloading is completed. 9. To start the scanner, you must turn the unit off/on. If downloading is not successful, one of the following error messages will appear.
NOTE: The number preprogrammed into your scanner for downloading frequencies is 1-900-225-4822. There is a $0.99 per minute charge for using the SmartScan database. The frequencies in the SmartScan database are updated, at a minimum, every 6 to 12 months. To get current frequencies, as well as special /sporting event frequencies, regularly update your scanner by using SmartScan.
5. Press 6. Press . The phone number appears. to place the call. Transfer Speed You can choose the following transfer speeds. 300,1200,2400,(9600),14400 bps 9600 is the default. Press to exit. Flow Control You can choose the following flow control settings. Xon/Xoff is the default. The initial display appears. Press for RTS/CTS, Press again for non flow control. Press when desired setting is displayed and Flow Control is set.
Dial Type You can choose the Dial Type setting. Tone is set as a default. You can change it to PULSE by pressing . SMARTSCANNER TIPS There are literally hundreds of thousands of public safety radio licenses in the United States. The editors of the Uniden National Frequency Database have poured over these records to provide you with the most accurate possible download of frequencies for whichever area of the country you desire.
A few notes about the frequency download order: 1. The scanner fills up less than its allotted 200 channels if there are not more than 200 of the above types of licenses in your area. 2. If there are more than 200 of the above listed types of licenses, or you have locked-out some banks prior to the download using the Program Lock feature, the scanner may run out of memory locations and you may not, for example, receive part or all of your county, state or nationwide data. 3.
2. Determine the scanner that has the frequency data that you want to transfer. This one must be set up as the “Master Unit”, and the other must be set as the “Slave Unit”. 3. On the scanner that is the” Master Unit”, press the or key until appears in the display. 4. On the scanner that is the” Slave Unit”, press the or key until appears in the display. 5. Press the key on both scanners. The data transfer is started from the Master Unit to the Slave Unit.
Care and Maintenance Replacing the Battery Pack 1. Turn the On-Off/Volume Control OFF. 2. Turn the scanner over so you are looking at the back. If the belt clip is attached, remove it by taking out the two screws. 3. Press in on the ribbed area and slide the battery cover down and off. 4. Carefully unplug the battery pack and lift it out of the case. You may need to exert slight pressure toward the top of the scanner as you slide the battery pack out of the case. 5.
6. Insert the battery pack by placing the bottom in the case first. Make sure it is seated within the case before replacing the battery cover. 7. Replace the battery cover by putting the two tabs in the corresponding opening and sliding it upward until it locks in place. Location n If strong interference or electrical noise is received, relocate the scanner or its antenna away from the source of the noise. A higher elevation, if possible, may provide better reception.
Birdies All scanners are subject to receiving undesired signals or birdies. If your scanner stops during SEARCH Mode and no sound is heard, it may be receiving a birdie. Birdies are internally generated signals inherent in the electronics of the scanner. Use the Search Skip feature to skip the unwanted frequencies. Proper Care of Your Scanner Use only the AC Adapter/Charger that came with your scanner. Do not leave the AC Adapter/Charger plugged in for long periods.
Technical Specifications Receiver Type: Channels: Banks: WX: Search Bands: No. Triple Conversion Superheterodyne 200 Total 10 Banks 20 Channels each 10 Programmed Channels (All NOAA Weather Service and three Canadian wheather service) 12 Preprogrammed Search bands (NFM or AM) RANGE (MHz) BAND STEP (kHz) 1 29.0000-29.9950 NFM 5 2 30.0000-49.9950 NFM 5 3 50.0000-54.0000 NFM 5 4 108.0000-136.9875 AM 12.5 5 137.0000-143.9950 NFM 5 6 144.0000-147.9950 NFM 5 7 148.0000-174.
Size: 2-1/2" (W) x 1-3/4" (D) x 11-3/4" (H) (with antenna attached) 65 mm (W) x 39.5 mm (D) x 296.5 mm (H) (w/antenna w/o belt clip) Weight: 0.71 lb. (320 g) Power Requirements: 4.8V DC (internal battery or AC Adapter/Charger) Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15 Subpart C as of date of manufacture. Features, specifications, and availability of optional accessories are all subject to change without notice.
CTCSS/CDCSS Tone Frequencies (Hz) CTCSS 67.0 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7 82.5 85.4 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4 100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9 114.8 118.8 123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2 151.4 156.7 162.2 167.9 173.8 179.9 186.2 192.8 203.5 210.7 218.1 225.7 233.6 241.8 250.
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts The following optional accessories and replacement parts for your SportCat are available from your local Uniden Dealer or through the Uniden Customer Service Center by calling: 1-800-297-1023, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday. ITEM PART NO.
Troubleshooting If your SC200 is not performing properly, try the following steps. PROBLEM Scanner won’t work. SOLUTION 1. Check the connections at both ends of the AC Adapter. 2. Turn on the wall switch of your room. You could be using an outlet controlled by the wall switch. 3. Move the AC Adapter to another wall outlet or replace the battery pack. Improper reception. 1. Check the antenna connection or move and reposition the antenna. 2. Move the scanner. 3.
PROBLEM SOLUTION Channel Activity Indicators are flashing but no sound is heard. 1. May be a private or telephone interconnect call, which are intentionally blocked by your scanner. 2. The ID in your display is not active. If you still cannot get satisfactory results and want additional information, or to return the unit for service, please call or write the Uniden Parts and Service Division. The address and phone number are listed in the Warranty (at the end of this manual).
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. WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect 12 months after the date of original retail sale.
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COVERED UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING U.S. PATENTS: 4,219,821 4,270,217 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 5,471,660 5,483,684 5,548,832 5,551,071 5,642,424 5,710,992 5,530,296 5,574,995 5,577,076 5,598,430 5,600,223 ©1999 Uniden America Corporation. All rights reserved.
