Introduction Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the BCT-10 Highway Information System & Scanning Radio! State-of-the-art engineering and advanced electronics provide you with a preprogrammed information radio designed for easy operation and dependability. With the BCT-10 Scanning Radio, you can listen to hundreds of highway patrol and police frequencies, as well as a number of weather channels.
Introduction Terms and Definitions Frequency Radio signals are sent as waves through the air. These waves move up and down. A frequency is the number of times in a certain time period, usually a second, that these waves move all the way up and all the way down and back to all the way up. For example: 123.44 kHz means that the waves are moving all the way up and all the way down and back all the way up again 123,440 times each second.
Unpacking Carefully remove all items from the box. If there is any visible damage, do not operate the equipment. Notify your dealer or shipping carrier immediately. For information or instructions on any problem that you may have, call the Uniden Customer Service Center at: (800) 297-1023 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central.
If any of these items are missing, please contact your place of purchase. BCT-10 Antenna Cigarette Adapter Power Cord Flexible Mobile Antenna Other Printed Material Straight Power Cord τηε χοµε το ουρ µεν το αγο αλλ γοοδ ε ψεασ ιϖεδ ιν σχορ τιµε φορ Φουρ αιδ χονχε τηε τηε νατιον οσιτιον τηατν Νοω ισ οφ παρτψ.τοατηε νεωσετ τηε νεω η ερσ χοµε τηε αιδ α το οφτη τηε προπθυιχκ βροω φορτ µενσετ ε το αιδ φατη φορερσ ιτιον ατεδ τοανδ Τηε γοοδ ισ τηε ουρ σετφατη το χοµ αλλ ποσ δεδιχ αγο ρτψεθυαλ. .
Installation Installation The BCT-10 uses a highly sensitive antenna to receive radio signals. Its sensitivity and range depend on the method of installation and the direction of the antenna in relation to the signal source. Before you decide where to put your scanner, please keep in mind one important factor: For safety, do not mount the BCT-10 in a location where it will obstruct your driving vision. Helpful Tips The antenna is located on the side of the unit.
Installation Installing the Antenna BCT-10 Antenna 1. Pinch the sides of the antenna and attach it to the BCT-10. HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MODE L/0 Flexible Mobile Antenna 1. Mount the antenna on the inside of the windshield at the far right-hand (passenger) side. Caution: Be sure the antenna does not obstruct the driver’s vision in any way. 2. Route the antenna cable down the edge of the windshield and around the dash.
Installation Caution: Be sure the cable is out of the way of anyone getting in or out of the car. 3. Plug the cable’s BNC connector into the BCT-10. HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MODE L/0 Mounting the BCT-10 Visor Mounting 1. Snap the visor clip onto the BCT-10. SQUELCH Slots Note: Make sure that the bracket tabs fit securely in the slots.
Installation 2. Slide the clip over the front of the visor. SQUELCH 3. Adjust the angle of the antenna as close to straight up or down as possible. SQUELCH Note: 8 You can remove and replace the BCT-10 by sliding both the unit and the visor mount off and on the visor.
Installation Windshield Mounting 1. Find a good position for the BCT-10 on your windshield. Refer to the Helpful Tips on page 5 for some guidelines on mounting positions. 2. Put the metal mounting bracket on the windshield to adjust it for best position. 1. 2. 3. 1 2 4. Windshield Road Surface Metal Mounting Bracket Metal Mounting Bracket parallel to road 3 4 3.
Installation 4. Snap the windshield mounting clip onto the BCT-10. VOLUME OFF Slots 5. Slide the plastic windshield mounting clip into the the metal mounting bracket. HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MODE L/0 The mounting clip locks into the plastic portion at three different positions. These positions can be used for vehicles with different vertical angles of their windshields. The back position can be used for vehicles with windshields that are slanted back.
Installation 6. Place the bracket and the BCT-10 in the proper location on the windshield of your vehicle and press the suction cups firmly against the windshield. If the BCT-10 does not fit flush against the windshield, try a different position on the metal mounting bracket. VOLUME OFF VOLUME OFF VOLUME OFF 7. Adjust the angle of the antenna as close to straight up or down as possible.
Connecting the Power Direct Connection WARNING: The BCT-10 is designed to operate only with 12V DC, negative ground power systems. Operation of the unit on other voltages or polarities will cause damage to the unit and may create a fire hazard. The straight power cord provided with the unit has bare wires at one end, and a small connector at the other end. 1. Connect the positive wire to a 12V DC source in your vehicle’s fuse box. 2. Connect the other wire to ground.
Connecting the Power 3. Run the power cord from the fuse box to the BCT-10. Note: Ensure the cord does not interfere with vehicle operation or cause a tripping hazard. 4. Plug the power cord connector into the Control Unit at the jack labeled “DC 12V.” Note: Push the connector firmly into the jack. Using the Cigarette Lighter Adapter 1. Insert the small connector into the jack on the side of the unit. HIGH WAY EM SYST OFF MODE ALARM HOLD MUTE L/0 E STAT 2.
Connecting the Power When installing the power cord, make sure that: • The socket is clean to allow proper contact. • The power cord does not block the antenna area of the unit. Your unit also comes with 10 power cord mounting clips. You can use these clips to attach the power cord to the window frame or other parts of the vehicle, keeping it neat and out of the way. Use the double-sided foam tape squares to attach each clip. Slip the power cord into the clip to hold it securely in place.
Operating Instructions Applying Power 1. Turn the OFF/VOLUME control counter clockwise to power on the scanner. Adjust the volume about 1/4 turn. 2. During power-on, a self-test is performed. Check the front control panel for proper operation. 3. All the LED’s on the front control panel light up and the numbers 1 through 9 count up on the LED display. An Alert tone is also sounded. This tells you that the scanner is working properly. 4. The currently selected state appears on the display.
Operating Instructions Adjusting the Squelch Think of the Squelch Control as a gate. 1. Turn the SQUELCH control fully counterclockwise. This raises the “Squelch Gate” so high that no signals can get through. Strong Signals Medium Signals Weak Signals Noise 2. Turn the SQUELCH control fully clockwise until you hear a hiss. This lowers the “Squelch Gate” so that everything gets through ... noise, weak signals, and strong signals.
Operating Instructions 3. Turn the SQUELCH conrol back counter clockwise just until the hiss stops. Now the “Squelch Gate” allows only strong signals through. Strong Signals Medium Signals Weak Signals Noise 4. Sometimes when you open the Squelch, you may trigger the Alert feature even though no highway patrol cars are in the area. If this happens, turn the SQUELCH control counterclockwise until the “rushing” noise stops. Then turn the BCT-10 off, and back on, to reset the Alert feature.
Operating Instructions Selecting the State 1. Select the state you are operating in by pressing the S key repeatedly. If you press and hold the S key for 2 seconds, the selector moves rapidly through all the states and Canadian provinces. 2. The state code appears on the display. See the following page for a list of State codes. Note: 18 SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MUTE HOLD MODE L/0 TX The state codes are in alphabetical order by abbreviation.
Operating Instructions State Codes Code State Code State AK Alaska NM New Mexico AL Alabama NV Nevada AR Arkansas NY New York AZ Arizona OH Ohio CA California OK Oklahoma CO Colorado OR Oregon CT Connecticut PA Pennsylvania DC District of Columbia RI Rhode Island DE Delaware SC South Carolina FL Florida SD South Dakota GA Georgia TN Tennessee HI Hawaii TX Texas IA Iowa UT Utah ID Idaho VA Virginia IL Illinois VT Vermont IN Indiana WA Washin
Operating Instructions Selecting the Frequencies to Scan Scanning All Frequencies Note: The Alert feature is not active in this mode. 1. To scan all frequencies (except Weather), press the S key repeatedly or press and hold the S key until “XX” is blinking on the LED display. MUTE HOLD XX 2. All frequencies, except weather channels, are scanned for an active transmission. 3. When the BCT-10 finds an active frequency it activates a buit-in two second delay before it resumes scanning.
Operating Instructions Scanning Highway Patrol Frequencies 1. To scan highway patrol frequencies exclusively, press the M key repeatedly until HP is blinking in the LED display. HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MUTE HOLD 2. The HP LED lights up. MUTE HOLD 3. While scanning, the BCT-10 displays the state code for the state you selected. When the BCT-10 detects an active frequency, it displays HP in the LED. and stops for two seconds before it resumes scanning.
Operating Instructions Scanning All Police Frequencies 1. To scan highway patrol and local police frequencies, press the M key repeatedly until LP is blinking on the LED display. HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MUTE HOLD 2. The LP and HP LED’s will light up. 3. While scanning, the BCT-10 displays the state code for the state you selected.
Operating Instructions Highway Patrol Alarm In most cases, when you are within three miles of a highway patrol unit, and a mobile extender is in use, your BCT-10 will set off a visual and audible alarm. The signal strength will be displayed, and the LED will return to the HP display. The time the ALARM LED will stay on depends on the signal strength.
Operating Instructions 2. The LR and SR LED’s toggle and you hear two short beeps once either standard or long range mode is selected. MUTE HOLD HP Setting the Highway Patrol Alarm Volume You can set the Alert Tone volume to either Low, Medium, or High. To change the Alert Tone volume: 1. Press the A Key. HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM HOLD 2. You hear a beep and the LED will display L (low), M (medium), or H (high).
Operating Instructions Muting the Highway Patrol Alarm While in the highway patrol mode you can turn off the alarm tone during the time you are listening to a frequency or disable the alarm tone permanently. To disable the alarm tone while listening to a frequency: 1. While in the highway patrol mode and after you receive an alarm tone, press them key. 2. The MUTE LED flashes. HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MUTE HOLD Note: MODE L/0 HP Only the alarm tone will be disabled.
Operating Instructions To disable the alarm tone permanently: 1. Press and Hold the m key for two seconds. 2. You hear a two beeps and the MUTE LED comes on. Note: 26 HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MUTE HOLD MODE L/0 HP When the MUTE LED is on and not flashing, you can receive highway patrol alarms, but the alarm tone does not sound.
Operating Instructions Monitoring Weather Frequencies 1. To monitor weather frequencies, press the M key repeatedly until WX is blinking on the LED display. HIGHWAY SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MUTE HOLD 2. While scanning, the BCT-10 will display WX. When the BCT-10 detects an active frequency, it displays the weather channel in the LED and stops scanning. 3. Press the L key to make the BCT-10 scan for the next weather frequency.
Operating Instructions Deleting Frequencies Some frequencies that have been preprogrammed into your BCT-10 may not be of immediate interest to you, or a frequency may be experiencing interference. You can lock out that frequency from scanning. 1. When the scanner stops on the undesired frequency, press L one time. SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MODE L/0 2. To lock out additional frequencies, repeat Step 1. Note: You can delete a maximum of 50 frequencies.
Operating Instructions Restoring Deleted Frequencies Please note that you can only restore all deleted frequencies at the same time. To restore the deleted frequencies: 1. Make sure the BCT-10 is not scanning. To stop the unit from scanning, turn the SQUELCH knob toward the front of the BCT-10. 2. Press and hold the L key until you hear two beeps. SYSTEM ALARM MUTE HOLD STATE MODE L/0 3. All deleted frequencies are now restored.
Operating Instructions Using HOLD to Stay on a Selected Frequency When scanning stops on a desired frequency, you can lock onto that frequency for as long as you like. To monitor only one frequency: 1. When the scanner stops on the desired frequency, press the H key. 2. The LED display now indicates the service, either highway patrol or local police, you are monitoring.
Operating Instructions If the BCT-10 stops on an undesired frequency, press the H key twice to force the unit to start scanning again before the end of that transmission. BE CAREFUL!! When you are in the Hold mode, there will be no Alert tones or Warning light, even if you are on the Alert frequency. REMEMBER!! When you apply power, the BCT-10 comes on to exactly the same service and in exactly the same mode as when last turned off.
Troubleshooting If your BCT-10 is not performing properly, try the steps listed below. PROBLEM Scanner is not working properly. Signal is weak or distorted. Improper reception. Scan won’t stop. Incomplete reception. Weather Search (WX) won’t work. POSSIBLE SOLUTION Check power cord and in-line fuse. Check the Volume and Squelch settings. Check antenna and antenna connection, or change antenna. Check antenna and antenna connection, or change antenna. Reposition scanner. Check Squelch adjustment.
Optional Accessories The following optional accessories for your BCT-10 are available from your local Uniden Dealer or through the Uniden Customer Service Center by calling: (800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday.
Specifications Size: 76W X 136.5D X 33H Weight: 180 g Power: 13.8 VDC Operating Temperature: -20° C (-4° F) to +60° C (+140° F) Antenna: 50Ω impedance RF Sensitivity: (FM 12dB signal to noise ratio at 3kHz deviation) 37.02 - 46.02 MHz 0.3µV 138.3450 - 172.0200 MHz 0.4µV 423.0000 - 508.4875 MHz 0.5µV Frequency Coverage: VHF Low Band 37.02 - 46.02 MHz VHF High Band 138.3450 - 172.0200 MHz UHF Band 423.0000 - 508.
BCT-10 AY HW HIG M STE SY OF MOD E F ALAR M HOLD MUTE L/0 E STAT HIGHWAY INFORMATION SYSTEM & PREPROGRAMMED WARNING SCANNER Operating Guide UBZZ01258ZZ
Precautions Before you use this scanner, please observe the following: WARNING! Uniden America Corporation does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or damage to the unit, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. IMPORTANT! 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.
Controls and Indicators H A. DC Input B. Speaker Out C. On/Off Volume I D. ALARM KeyA E. HOLD Key H A F. Control Panel J G. STATE Key S I K B L HIG AY HW M TEM SYS OF E F MOD C D ALAR M MUTE H. Windshield Bumpers I. Antenna J. L/0 E HOLD STAT MUTE Keym K. Squelch Control E L. MODE KeyM M. L/O (Lock Out) Key L F G 1 2 3 4 5 MUTE SR HP HOLD LR LP 6 7 8 1. ALARM LED 5. Highway Patrol LED 2. MUTE LED 6. HOLD LED 3. 2 Digit LED Display 7. Long Range LED 4.
CONTENTS Introduction.................................................................................. 1 Welcome ............................................................................... 1 Features................................................................................ 1 Terms and Definitions ........................................................... 2 Unpacking ............................................................................. 3 Included with Your BCT-10 Scanner .................
One Year Limited Warranty Important: 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. 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.
PAT. UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING U.S. PATENT NUMBERS: 3,883,808, 3,961,261, 3,962,644, 3,974,450 3,974,452, 3,987,400, 3,996,521, 3,996,522 4,000,468, 4,027,251, 4,057,760, 4,092,594 4,100,497, 4,114,103, 4,123,715, 4,153,877 4,156,193, 4,157,505, 4,179,662, 4,219,821 4,270,217, 4,398,304, 4,409,688, 4,455,679 4,461,036, 4,521,915, 4,627,100, 4,888,815 4,932,074, 4,947,456, 5,014,348, DES 253,173 DES 272,737, RE 31,523 ©1995 Uniden America Corporation.All rights reserved.