Table of Contents About Your New BC350A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 What is Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Types of Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Where to Obtain More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Summary of Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About Your New BC350A The BC350A is not just a scanner. It is a brand new information radio with automatic scanning capabilities. The built-in Service Scan system brings you instantly into the exciting world of scanning action. What’s more, you don’t even have to program the scanner to begin using it! The BC350A comes with five Service banks for monitoring police, fire/emergency, marine, air, and weather frequencies.
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 enthusiast. See the enclosed pamphlets for more information. Additional information is also available through your local library.
Summary of Features The BC350A is a compact mobile/base scanner, and one of the most advanced communication products available today. The BC350A features: • Super Turbo Scan* This lightning-fast technology enables the BC350A to scan and search nearly 100 channels or steps per second. The BC350A scans about five times faster than any standard scanner sold in the United States. Because the frequency coverage within the service banks is so large (see below), a very fast scanning system is essential.
Installing the BC350A For Home Use (Desktop Installation) 1. Insert the DC plug end of the AC Adapter into the DC 13.8V jack on the rear panel. 2. Plug the AC Adapter into a standard 120V AC wall outlet. Warning: Do not plug the AC Adapter into an outlet controlled by a wall switch. This could cause scanner memory loss. 3. Plug the Telescoping Antenna into the ANT connector. Extend the antenna to its full height. For frequencies higher than 406 MHz, shortening the antenna may improve the reception. 4.
Connecting the Antenna Plug Connect the mobile antenna plug (optional) into the ANT connector on the rear panel. (For more information on antenna installation, please refer to the instruction guide that came with your antenna.) Connecting the Power Cord Note: If you are not experienced in connecting accessories to the vehicle fuse box, please see your automotive dealer for advice on proper installation. Installation for everyday use: 1.
Controls and Functions Front Panel [HOLD] KEY Press [HOLD] to stop scanning or searching. Press any bank key or [SEARCH] to deactivate Hold Mode. In the Hold Mode, [UP] and [DOWN] are active. [UP] & [DOWN] KEYS These keys are used in several different ways: To manually step up or down a frequency in any Hold Mode, use [UP] or [DOWN]. Frequency steps are all preset for each band (see Technical Specifications).
[FIRE/EMG] KEY Press [FIRE/EMG] to start scanning fire and emergency frequencies. The FIRE/EMG bank already has 197 pre-programmed frequencies. They are used for fire department and emergency communications, including paramedics. Because new frequencies may be activated in your local area, ten extra open channels in this bank have been provided for programming additional frequencies. (See the programming procedures for programming new frequencies into this bank.
[L/O] KEY Press [L/O] to "lock out" or prevent scanning of the displayed frequency. [L/O] is active only during opened squelch or in the Hold Mode. Locked out channel can be displayed on the screen by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key to manually scan through the selected bank in Hold Mode only. "L/O" appears on the display to indicate that the channel is locked out. Note: Locking out a channel will not erase the programmed frequency.
Rear panel MEMO LOCK Switch In the ON position, the Program ([PROG]) key is disabled. This prevents any unauthorized programming or accidental entries. When programming is disabled, pressing [PROG] emits an error entry tone and displays "PrG-Loc". ANT. (Antenna) Connector Connect your Antenna plug here. If you have a Motorola-type plug, use the optional adapter ( PLG 134). EXT. SP. (External Speaker) Connector When using an optional External Speaker system, connect the External Speaker plug here.
Screens The following illustrate some of the screen displays you will use: PRIVATE POLICE FIRE/EMG WX AIR MRN 888.8888 88 HOLD SCAN SRCH L/O MEMO LOSS POLICE SCAN SCAN PRIVATE 482.7625 15 HOLD SCAN PRIVATE 1 000.0000 HOLD SCAN L/O 147.
144 - 148 SRCH PrG - Loc HOLD SCAN Error CH 508.
Scanning Overview You can scan in one of three ways: • Service Bank Scanning Press one of the five service bank keys, [POLICE], [FIRE/EMG], [AIR], [WX] or [MRN], to find an active frequency. • Band Search Select a frequency band to search. The Search function is different from scanning. It searches for any active frequency step by step within the lower and upper limits of the band. When an active frequency is found, the scanner will stop and stay on that frequency as long as that transmission lasts.
4. Press any of the Service bank keys: [POLICE], [FIRE/EMG], [AIR], [WX], or [MRN]. The scanner automatically starts scanning the selected bank. Note: Later, when you have learned how to program channels in the PRIVATE bank, you can press [PRIVATE] to scan your favorite collections. 5. Adjust the volume to a comfortable listening level. Adjusting the Squelch 1. Open the squelch by turning [SQ] clockwise to the end. You should hear a steady sound (scanning stops). 2.
• You can also program a non-active frequency. If you known a local frequency, press [SEARCH]. Then press [BAND] to select the band which covers that frequency. When the search is near the frequency you want displayed on the screen, press [HOLD] to stop searching. Then use [UP] or [DOWN] to display the frequency you want to program. Example 1: Programming from SCAN mode. When you find an interesting active police frequency while searching 144 - 148 band, and want to program it into POLICE bank...
When you find an interesting active police frequency while searching 144 - 148 band, and want to program it into POLICE bank... HOLD Pr ess: 146.5600 1. HOLD HOLD icon appears in the display. SRCH PROG Pr ess: 2. CH HOLD 146.5600 CH appears & blinking to indicate that you are in the programming mode. POLICE PO LI CE Pr ess: 146.5600 POLICE icon appears in the display. HOLD 3. 2 screens flip-flops to indicate that channel 1 is available to be programmed. PO LICE 1 HOLD 000.
Example: To find "000.0000" in Search Band 50 - 54. 1. Select Search Band 50 - 54 by pressing [BAND] in the Search Mode. 2. Press [HOLD] to stop searching. 3. Press [PROG] to go into Program Mode. 4. Use [UP] and [DOWN] to display "50.0000" or "54.0000". 5. Press [DOWN] one time at the "50.0000" screen to display "000.0000" - OR Press [UP] one time at the "54.0000" screen to display "000.0000". Example 4: Erasing a programmed frequency in Channel 13 of the PRIVATE bank.
Channel Lock Out • You can lock out a channel so it is not scanned. This does not erase the frequency from the channel when it is locked out. • You can lock out all the channels in a bank, if desired. However, if you do, pressing that bank key will emit an error tone and the scanner will not scan. • In the POLICE bank, MRN bank, or FIRE/EMG bank, you can lock out all the factory pre-programmed channels (those frequencies that display without channel numbers in Scan Mode).
Restoring All Locked Out Channels You can unlock all locked out channels in any bank at one time. To do this, first press a bank key to start scanning. Then press [HOLD] to stop scanning. Press and hold down [L/O] ("L/O" appears on the screen) for more than 2.5 seconds until you hear the multi-beep ("L/O" disappears). Now all locked out channels in the bank are unlocked and restored for scanning. A Word About Memory Back-up Your BC350A has a convenient type of memory back-up system.
Scanning To start scanning, press any bank key. When the BC350A is scanning, you can see the "SCAN" message moving across the display. Scanning stops on any active channel automatically and displays its frequency, except those channels programmed with L/O (Lock Out). Scanning resumes automatically two seconds after the channel becomes inactive. To stop scanning at any time, press [HOLD]. When you press [HOLD], you are in the Scan/Hold Mode.
Helpful Hints General Use • Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power. • Always write down the programmed frequencies in the event of memory loss. If memory is lost, simply reprogram each channel. The display shows "MEMO LOSS" when memory is lost. • Always press each keypad button firmly until you hear the entry tone for that key entry. Location • If strong interference or electrical noise is received, relocate the scanner or its antenna away from the source of the noise.
Troubleshooting If your BC350A is not performing properly, try the steps listed below. PROBLEM Scanner won’t work SOLUTION *Applies to mobile installation only • Check the connections at both ends of the AC Adapter. • Turn on the wall switch of your room. You * * * * Improper reception. could be using an outlet controlled by the wall switch. Move the AC Adapter to another wall outlet. Check the connections at both ends of the DC cord or cigarette lighter cord. Check to see if the fuse is blown.
PROBLEM Scan won’t start. SOLUTION • Press the bank key again. • Adjust the Squelch Control. • For the PRIVATE bank scan Search won’t start. PROGRAM key won’t work. • Adjust Squelch. • Scan or search must first be stopped. • Programming lock is ON. 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).
Technical Specifications Banks: Total 6 banks: 5 Service banks and 1 standard bank. POLICE: FIRE/EMG: AIR: MRN: WX: PRIVATE: 739 programmed plus 20 programmable channels 197 programmed plus 10 programmable channels 1,160 programmed. (All aircraft) 90 Programmed. (All Marine) 7 programmed.
BC350A Auto Scanner OPERATING GUIDE
PRECAUTIONS Before you read anything else, please 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. NOTE: The installation, possession, or use of this scanning radio in a motor vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or require a permit in certain states, cities, and/or local jurisdiction.
One Year Limited Warranty WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“UNIDEN”) ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: UNIDEN warrants, for one year, UNIDEN Scanners (hereinafter referred to as the Product) to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.
©1992 Uniden America Corporation. All rights reserved.
