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BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page iii Contents The FCC Wants You To Know ............................................................1 Scanning Legally .................................................................................2 Introduction ..........................................................................................3 Using this Manual ............................................................................5 Understanding Scanning ..................................................
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page iv Holding on a Single Talkgroup ..................................................26 Locking Out Talkgroups .............................................................26 EDACS Blockout ........................................................................26 Unlocking All Talkgroups ...........................................................27 EDACS Patch Tracking .............................................................27 Searching ..............................
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page v 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 .......................
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BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 1 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 FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This scanner generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 2 Scanning Legally Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups, including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wire line (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some transmissions that you should never intentionally listen to.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 3 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 4 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.* • Four-line, 16-character, Alpha Display – makes it easy for you to see who is talking by displaying the assigned text tag instead of just a frequency or talkgroup ID number.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 5 • 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. • Turbo Search – searches for activity on frequencies at up to 300 steps per second (in the 5 kHz step ranges). • Backlit Holographic Display – provides for great visibility at any angle, day or night.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 6 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 group of users in a conventional system is assigned a single frequency (for simplex systems) or two frequencies (for repeater systems) to use.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 7 operation. When a user transmits (on an input frequency), the signal is picked up by the repeater and retransmitted (on an output frequency). The user’s radios always 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 8 The four systems in use are: • Motorola Type I – the radios send the radio ID, the fleet and subfleet talkgroup ID to the control channel each time they transmit. To program a Type I system, you need to know the system’s fleet map. The most common fleet maps are included at the back of this manual. You can also find fleet map resources on the web. • Motorola Type II – the radios only send the radio ID and radio channel code to the control channel.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 9 • Logical Channel Numbers – each frequency used by the system is assigned an LCN. This information is programmed into each user radio. When a user presses PTT, their radio sends their AFS information to the control channel. The computer then assigns that talkgroup to a channel and sends the LCN so that all other radios in that talkgroup will switch to the correct channel.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 10 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. Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talkgroups, which are identified by the radio as six digit numbers.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 11 Getting 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. The two supplied Conventional and Trunking frequency guides will give you a good head start on the other part of what you need to know – what frequencies have interesting content. You can also find a wealth of information on the Internet...check out scanners.uniden.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 12 A Quick Look at Your Scanner 11 12 1 13 2 BC296D 14 3 4 5 CH/ FRQ HOLD/ MAN 6 RSM SCAN SERVICE SEARCH MENU/BACK TRUNK 7 8 21 L/O 9 10 15 16 17 18 19 20 REVERSE SELECT . E 22 23 Buttons and Controls 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 13 Display Icons ICON P L /O DESCRIPTION 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 SEARCH C M L E DAT LNK P25 AM,FM WFM,NFM ID Scan Mode Indicator ID Search Mode Indicator Channel Type Conventional Type Trunk Type Motorola Tracking Type LTR Tracking Type EDACS Tracking Type Control Channel Data Voice Channel Data Digi
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 14 Included With Your Scanner 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(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 15 Setting Up Your Scanner Installing the Battery Pack 1. Open the cover. 2. Connect the battery pack connector observing the correct polarity. 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 16 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 17 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 volume is not adjustable and damage to your hearing could occur. • Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss. • Set the VOL (VOLUME) to the lowest setting before you begin listening.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 18 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. Turning On the Scanner Turn the VOL (VOLUME) control clockwise out of the detent position.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 19 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. Using the Menu Many of your scanner’s functions are accessed through its menu system.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 20 • 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. The scanner checks each system you have programmed that is not locked out and stops if there is activity.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 21 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. One channel or talkgroup ID in each bank is designated as the priority.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 22 Using the Backlight To turn on the backlight, press . The next two sections 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 The Dimmer Time setting adjust how long the backlight stays on when activated.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 23 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. 3:SYSTEM OPTION → 4:ENTER LOCK 1:ON The ENTER key is disabled. 2:OFF The ENTER key operates normally.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 24 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. You might miss a brief portion of transmissions when held on a channel or frequency, but battery life is extended. 2:OFF The battery save feature is off.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 25 Trunk Scanning Options When you are scanning a trunked system, there are several trunking-only options available to you. This section outlines these options. Searching for Active Talkgroups (ID Search) If you want to hear all activity on a system, use the ID Search mode. While scanning a trunking system, press SEARCH while scanning that system; or, press and hold TRUNK until the scanner flashes READY TO ID SEARCH.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 26 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. To select a talkgroup to hold on when that talkgroup is not active, you must first program that talkgroup into an ID list.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 27 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. EDACS Patch Tracking EDACS systems sometimes bring several talkgroups together in a ‘Patch’.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 28 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. To start a search, first program one or more search ranges (see “Setting a Search Range”). Then, press SEARCH. The scanner begins searching within the selected search range.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 29 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. To skip over a frequency, press L/O when the scanner is stopped on a frequency you want to skip.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 30 Automatically Storing Frequencies During searching, you can have the scanner automatically store active frequencies into a bank you choose. 1:SERVICE OPTION → :CHAIN SEARCH → 6:AUTO STORE → 1:ON 1. Press the numbers corresponding to the banks you want the scanner to store found frequencies into. 2. Press SEARCH to start the auto-store operation. 3. Press HOLD/MAN to stop auto-store. The scanner exits the auto-store mode.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 31 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. 2:OFF The attenuator is turned off. Setting DELAY for All Search Ranges You can set the scanner to have a 2-second delay after the end of a transmission before searching resumes.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 32 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.” 4. Press MENU/BACK, then repeat Steps 2 and 3 for additional search ranges.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 33 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 34 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 alert is broadcast on a NOAA channel.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 35 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 36 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 disabled 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 37 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. Bank 1 holds Channels 001-100, Bank 2 holds Channels 101-200, and so on through Bank 0 which holds Channels 901-1000.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 38 General Programming This section includes procedures that apply regardless of whether you are programming conventional or trunked channels. Deleting Frequencies from Channels To delete a stored frequency, manually select the channel, then press 0 and E. The contents of the channel are erased. Transferring Channel Information To transfer settings from one channel to another: 1. Manually select the channel with the information you want to transfer. 2. Press TRNSFR.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 39 • To quickly program a series of channels, start with the lowest-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. Write down what frequency you will store in each channel, along with other system information. Or, use the supplied software to organize your information before you start.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 40 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. If you are editing existing information, manually select the channel, then use the complete menu process to access the information you want to change.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 41 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. c. When you have entered the tag, press E to save the tag.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 42 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 with a binary value.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 43 Changing the Frequency Step 2:SCAN OPTION → 1:CONVENTIONAL → Channel No. → 6:STEPS The channel frequency step option controls the frequency step size used when you manually tune up or down from the frequency stored in the channel. Your BC296D is preprogrammed with the most common steps sizes for each band, so you seldom need to change this setting. 1:5KHz Use 5 kHz steps 2:6.25KHz Use 6.25 kHz steps 3:7.5KHz Use 7.5 kHz steps 4:10KHz Use 10 kHz steps 5:12.5KHz Use 12.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 44 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. Notes: • The scanner does not check priority channels in locked-out banks.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 45 Programming Trunked Systems 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 46 • The frequencies for many of the trunked public safety systems are listed in the TrunkTracker National Public Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide included with your BC296D scanner. Frequencies sometimes change, check with scanner.uniden.com for the latest information. Setting Trunking Delay Setting a delay for trunking systems helps to ensure that you do not miss replies while scanning.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 47 3:ONLY The scanner only stops on I-Calls. Turning I-Call On for ID Scan To receive I-Calls for ID Scan, simply store the radio unit number as ( . ) plus the unit number in place of the talkgroup. To receive any I-Call while scanning, enter the ICall wildcard ( . ) 0. For EDACS and Motorola Type 1 systems, this appears as i0; for Motorola Type 2 systems, this appears as 700000.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 48 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 and looks for IDs in your Scan List(s) for up to 1 second.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 49 Programming Motorola Systems 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. This can greatly shorten the time it takes to program system information.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 50 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. 1:TRUNK TYPE → 1:ON 3.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 51 3. Select one of the following trunk types for Motorola Type 2 or digital Systems: 4:TYPE2/P25 UHF Motorola Type 2 or Digital systems in the UHF (450 – 512 MHz) band 5:TYPE2/P25 VHF 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. a.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 52 3. Select the following trunk type for Motorola Type I Systems: 2:TYPE1 Motorola Type I and IIi Hybrid Systems 4. Enter the fleet map information. Your scanner has the most common fleet maps preprogrammed. Refer to Appendix B for a complete list of these fleet maps. Use the scroll bar to select the preprogrammed fleetmap 1-16 or, if the fleet map does not match a preprogrammed set, select USER CUSTOM. Then, use the scroll bar to select the size code for each block. 5.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 53 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 → 0:END CODE 1:DETECT The scanner detects the end code and immediately switches back to the control channel. 2:IGNORE The scanner waits for the carrier to drop before switching back to the control channel.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 54 Programming EDACS Systems 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. This information is usually provided with the frequency and other information. For more information refer to “Understanding Scanning.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 55 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. 2:OFF The scanner does not handle emergency transmissions any differently than other transmissions.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 56 Programming APCO 25 Systems 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. To get the best sound quality, you need to match as closely as possible the system’s settings. To adjust the sound quality: 1.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 57 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 . key. • When you change the Sound Quality it affects all other APCO 25 signals in that same band. (UHF, VHF, or 800MHz).
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 58 Programming LTR Systems 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. Enter the channel number. 1:FREQUENCY 2. Enter the frequency and alpha tag for the channel. Repeat these steps for all channels in the system. Then, refer to “Programming Talkgroups.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 59 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. When scanning, you can turn ID groups on and off with a quick keypress. Storing Known Talkgroups Follow these steps to store talkgroups you have gotten from a list.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 60 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. Deleting Stored Talkgroup ID’s To delete a stored talkgroup ID: 1. While scanning a trunked system in the ID scan mode (see “Scanning Only Stored Talkgroups”), press HOLD/MAN.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 61 Using the Remote Interface You can connect your scanner to either a PC or another BC296D using the remote interface cable port. This allows you to either control and program your scanner using a PC and the supplied software and cable or clone the memory from one BC296D into another BC296D (gender changer/coupler required, not supplied). PC Control Mode CH/ FRQ HOLD/ MAN RSM SCAN SERVICE SEARCH MENU/BACK TRUNK L/O REVERSE SELECT .
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 62 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. Caution: This deletes all data from the unit you select as SLAVE. Make certain that you pick the correct settings for each scanner to prevent data loss.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 63 Care and Maintenance 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 000.0000 in all channels when there has been a memory loss. • Always press each button firmly until you hear the entry tone for that key entry, unless you have turned 2:OFF the 3:KEY BEEP in the menu system.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 64 Troubleshooting If your BC296D is not performing properly, try the following steps. Problem Suggestion 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 using an outlet controlled by the wall switch. 3. Move the AC Adapter to another wall outlet. 4. Check to see if Key Lock is ON (see page 23). Improper reception. 1. Check the antenna connection. 2. Move the scanner. 3.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Problem Page 65 Suggestion APCO P25 CARD NOT INSTALLED appear when the scanner is turned ON. 1. Check to see if the P-25 Card is properly installed. Neither APCO P25 CARD INSTALLED 9600 SYSTEM nor APCO P25 CARD NOT INSTALLED appear when the scanner is turned ON. 1. Check to see if the P-25 Card Mode is 1:ENABLE or 2:DISABLE in the Menu mode. Scratchy or robotic sound is heard during communications. 1. Move to a location where the signal strength is strong. 2.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 66 Specifications Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture. Channel: 1000 Banks: 10 (100 channels each) Service Bands: 12 preprogrammed search bands (including the NOAA Weather Service band) Frequency Range: 25.0 - 27.995 MHz AM 28.0 - 53.99 MHz FM 54.0 - 71.95 MHz WFM 72.0 - 75.995 MHz FM 76.0 - 87.95 MHz WFM 88.0 - 107.9 MHz WFM 108.0 - 136.975 MHz AM 137.0 - 161.995 MHz FM 162.0 - 173.9875 MHz FM 174.0 - 215.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 67 Glossary of Terms Alpha tag - This term refers to an alphanumeric text tag that you can enter to describe the individual frequencies that you have programmed. Rather than having to associate a specific frequency to the individuals that are using it, you can enter the actual name of the group. This will eliminate the need for memorizing the group’s frequency. Attenuator - This scanner comes with a feature to attenuate or reduce the signal strength.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 68 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. With DCS squelching, you can eliminate the possibility of hearing unwanted conversations by selecting one of the 104 standard data burst subaudible tones.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 69 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 70 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 71 Appendix Preset Fleet Maps Preset Map 1 Preset Map 2 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 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Preset Map 3 Preset Map 4 Size Code SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 12 (SIZE CODE 12) Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Preset Map 5 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Size Code SIZE CODE 12 (SIZE CODE 12)
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Preset Map 9 Preset Map 10 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 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Preset Map 12 Size Code SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Size Code SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 4 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Preset Map 13 Preset Map 14 Size Code SIZE CODE
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 73 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. When you have assigned a size code to all 8 blocks, you have defined the Fleet Map for the system you're tracking.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 74 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.
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 75 NWR-SAME EVENT CODE Event Code Standard Emergency Action Notification EAN Emergency Action Termination EAT National Information Center NIC Tornado Warning # TOW(or TOR) Service Thunderstorm Warning # SVW(or SVR) Flash Flood Warning FFW Flash Warning FLW Winter Storm Warning WSW Blizzard Warning BZW High Wing/ Dust Storm Warning HWW Radio logical Hazard Warning RHW Civil Danger Warning CDW Local Area Emergency LAE Hazardous Material Warning HMW Civil Emergency Messag
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Event Code Event Level (Siren Type) Standard Warning 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 Dusd Storm Warning Earthquake Warning Network Me
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 77 CTCSS Frequency List (Hz) 67.0 91.5 71.9 94.8 74.4 97.4 77.0 100.0 79.7 103.5 82.5 107.2 85.4 110.9 88.5 114.8 118.8 156.7 123.0 162.2 127.3 167.9 131.8 173.8 136.5 179.9 141.3 186.2 146.2 192.8 151.4 203.5 210.7 218.1 225.7 233.6 241.8 250.
1 SERVICE OPTION FIPS CODE15 ALL FILPS CODE RAILROAD AIR CB RADIO FRS & GMRS 7 8 9 0 CHAIN SEARCH SPECIAL RACING : MARINE 6 1: ON/ 2:OFF 1: ON/ 2:OFF 1: CTCSS/ 2: DCS/ 3: OFF 1: ON/ 2:OFF CHAIN SEARCH SEARCH RANGE (RANGE NO.
2 SCAN OPTION CONVENTIONAL (CHANNEL SELECT) TRUNK (BANK SELECT) 1 2 TRUNK CHANNEL (CHANNEL SELECT) TALK GROUP (ID NO. SELECT ) 2 3 79 EDCS SCT.
3 SYSTEM OPTION 1: ON/ 2:OFF 1: ON/ 2:OFF 1: 2400 bps / 2: 4800 bps / 3: 9600 bps/ 4: 19200 bps/ 5: 38400 bps/ 6: 57600 bps/ 7: OFF MASTER / SLAVE 1: ON/ 2:OFF 1: CSQ/ 2: TONE SQ/ 3: TONE SEARCH 1: ENABLE/ 2: DISABLE 1: ON/ 2: OFF KEY BEEP ENTER LOCK PC CONTROL CLONE DATA SKIP SQ MODE BANK TAG (SELECT BANK) P-25 CARD BATTERY SAVE 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1: 15SECONDS/ 2: INFINITE 3 1: HIGH/ 2: MEDIUM 1: ON/ 2:OFF DIMMER TIME SCREEN MASK 2 DIMMER LIGHT DIMMER 1 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM 80 Page 80
BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 81 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.
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