Uniden BCD396T User Manual

BCD396TOWNER’SMANUALOWNER’S MANUAL

10IntroductionIntroductionYour BCD396T scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio with TrunkTracker IV™ and automatic scanning capabilities. You can

100Searching and StoringSelecting a SystemTo store frequencies or talk group ID’s you find during Auto Store, you must first select a system where the

101Searching and Storingthen resumes searching. The scanner creates this group if it doesn’t already exist.Storing a Trunked SystemYou can store talk

102Optimizing P25 PerformanceOptimizing P25 PerformanceYou can optimize the scanner’s performance with digital APCO 25 systems. Follow these steps for

103Using the Close Call FeatureUsing the Close Call FeatureYour scanner's Close CallTM feature lets you set the scanner so it detects, displays

104Using the Close Call FeatureSetting Close Call Options   Close Call   Select your setting, then press the scroll control. Then turn the scroll

105Using the Close Call Featurehit. The scanner displays CC Found! Press Any Key. When you press a key, the frequency appears.Turn the scroll contro

106Using the Close Call Feature• Set CC Bands: Lets you select the Close Call band settings. You can turn the following bands on or off.VHF Low 1 (25.

107Search and Close Call OptionsSearch and Close Call OptionsThe settings in this section affect custom searches, service searches, and Close Call op

108Search and Close Call OptionsOff The scanner does not search for subaudible tones.On The scanner searches for and displays any subaudible tone f

109Search and Close Call Options• NOAA WX - the scanner skips known NOAA weather frequencies.• Band 1-10 - select the custom band where you want to sc

11Feature HighlightsFeature HighlightsGeneralClose CallTM RF Capture Technology - You can set the scanner so it detects and provides information about

110Search and Close Call OptionsOff The scanner does not try to find the output frequency.Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value    Srch/CloCall O

111Search and Close Call OptionsThis setting controls the attenuator for quick search and Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press the sc

112Search and Close Call OptionsSetting the Delay Time    Srch/CloCall Opt   Set Delay Time   This setting determines how long the scanner wai

113Using Weather Alert (SAME)Using Weather Alert (SAME)Your scanner has been primarily designed to be a radio scanner. While it incorporates weather a

114Using Weather Alert (SAME)about the weather alert, and turns on the audio so you can hear the weather broadcast.    WX Operation   Weather Al

115Using Weather Alert (SAME)SS: The state code.CCC: The county code.For example, Tarrant County in Texas is assigned to FIPS code 048439.0 indicates

116Using Weather Alert (SAME)Fire Tone-Out IntroductionYour scanner can be set to respond to fire tone-outs that use standard two-tone sequential pagi

117Using Weather Alert (SAME)• Edit Name - Sets the name for the selected tone-out setting.• Set Frequency — Sets the tone-outs RF fre-quency paramete

118Using Weather Alert (SAME)• Set Delay Time — Sets the time the scanner remains in monitor mode after the scanner receives a page and the carrier dr

119Care and MaintenanceCare and Mainte-nanceGeneral Use• Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power. • If memory is lost, simply reprogram ea

12Feature HighlightsAnalog and Digital Audio AGC – Helps automatically balance the volume level between different radio systems.Fire Tone-Out Standby

120Care and MaintenanceRepairsDo not attempt any repair. The scanner contains no user serviceable parts. Contact the Uniden Customer Service Center or

121TroubleshootingTroubleshootingIf your BCD396T is not performing properly, try these steps. Problem Possible Cause SuggestionThe scanner doesn’t wor

122TroubleshootingIf you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker™ mode, try the following steps. Scan won’t start.(continued)The squelch might nee

123TroubleshootingScanner won’t track a trunked system.(continued)The system you are trying to scan might be LTR or EDACS.Set the scanner to scan LTR

124TroubleshootingIf you still cannot get satisfactory results while using your scanner or if you want additional information, please call or write th

125SpecificationsSpecificationsCertified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture.Dynamic Allocati

126Specifications 794.0 - 805.9875 Public Service Band 806.0 - 823.9875 Public Service Band 849.0125 - 868.9875 Public Service Band 894.0125 - 956.

127SpecificationsAudio Output: 400mW nominal into 24Ω internal speaker30 mW nominal into 32Ω headphone6 mW nominal into 64Ω earphonePower Requirements

128Optional AccessoriesOptional AccessoriesContact your local Uniden Dealer or call the Uniden Parts Center at: (800) 554-3988, 8:00AM to 5:00PM EST,

129AppendixAppendixPreset Fleet MapsPreset Map 1 Preset Map 2Preset Map 3 Preset Map 4Preset Map 5 Preset Map 6Preset Map 7 Preset Map 8Block Size Cod

13Feature HighlightsAutomatic Channel Step – Accepts frequencies on any valid channel step, even if it does not fall within the band plan’s default st

130AppendixPreset Map 9 Preset Map 10Preset Map 11 Preset Map 12Preset Map 13 Preset Map 14Preset Map 15 Preset Map 16Block Size Code Block Size Code0

131AppendixUser Defined Fleet MapsType I Programming Information When a Type I system is designed, the address information for all the ID’s is divide

132Appendixseems. Select a size code for a block, and then press Scan. Now listen to the communications. If you decide you are receiving most of the r

133PlanningPlanningCollecting InformationGetting your scanner programmed and scanning takes a few steps. This helps guide you through these steps that

134Planningwant to scan by visiting the forums section of http://www.radioreference.com/forums.• Before you start to program your scanner, decide how

135Planning• Use a pencil to fill out the worksheets. This lets you change information if necessary.Filling Out The Conventional System WorksheetSyst

136PlanningFilling Out The Motorola WorksheetSystem Name and Quick KeyFill in a name that describes the system you want to cre-ate. For example, you c

137PlanningSystem FrequenciesEnter the frequencies used by the system. Motorola systems can use up to 28 frequencies. Place an asterisk or other mar

138PlanningFilling Out the LTR and EDACS WorksheetSystem Name and Quick KeyFill in a name that describes the system you want to create. For example,

139PlanningConventional System WorksheetSystem Name Group NameSystem Quick Key Group Quick KeyFrequency Alpha Tag Priority CTCSS/DCSConventional Sy

14Feature HighlightsControl Channel Only Scanning – If the scanner is set to scan Motorola trunking frequencies, you can set it so it scans using only

140PlanningSystem Name System Quick KeySystem FrequenciesFleet MapBlock 0Block 1Block 2Block 3Block 4Block 5Block 6Block 7Band Plan ABase FrequencyS

141PlanningSystem Name Group NameGroup Quick KeyTalk Group ID Alpha Tag AlertMotorola System Worksheet 2

142PlanningSystem Name System Quick KeySystem FrequencyLogical Channel LTR/EDACS System Worksheet 1LTR/EDACS System Worksheet

143PlanningSystem Name Group NameSystem Quick Key Group Quick KeyTalk Group ID Alpha Tag AlertLTR/EDACS System Worksheet 2

144Preprogrammed SystemsPreprogrammed SystemsYour scanner is preprogrammed with over 400 channels covering police, fire, and ambulance operations in

145Preprogrammed SystemsTable 1: State Area SystemQuick Key-- Nationwide Nationwide 20AK All Alaska 21AZ Phoenix Chandler MOT 22AZ Phoenix Maricopa Co

146Preprogrammed SystemsFL Miami Coral SpringsMOT 29FL Miami Dade Conv 29FL Miami Dade EDACS 29FL Miami Dade Fire EDACS 29FL Miami Ft.LauderdaleMOT 29

147Preprogrammed SystemsNC Charlotte Charltte_Mcklnbg 40NE Omaha DouglasCounty 41NJ Newark East Brunswick 42NJ Newark East Hampton MOT 42NJ Newark Edi

148Preprogrammed SystemsPA Westmoreland Westmoreland 50TX Austin Austin 51TX Austin Bastrop County 51TX Austin Hays County 51TX Austin LCRA Austin 51T

149Preprogrammed Systems.TX Austin WilliamsonCounty 51TX Dallas-Fort Worth Arlington MOT 52TX Dallas-Fort Worth Carrolton MOT 52TX Dallas-Fort Worth D

15Feature HighlightsTalk Group ID AutoStore – Automatically stores all new talk group ID’s into a channel group you select. PriorityPriority Scan – Pr

150One-Year Limited WarrantyOne-Year Limited WarrantyImportant: Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty service. WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMER

151One-Year Limited WarrantyFITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL

152One-Year Limited Warranty

153One-Year Limited Warranty

154REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT.May be covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents.4,398,304 4,409,688 4,45

16Feature HighlightsOn-Air Cloning – You can clone all programmed data over the air from a PC to one or more BCD396T scanners.About This ManualThe sc

17Feature HighlightsTo move the cursor to the left, press /4. To move the cursor to the right, press 6/ .To clear a character, press twice. To cle

18Feature Highlights3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the system name. Then press down on the scroll control or press E to accept the se

19Understanding ScanningUnderstanding ScanningThis section provides you with background on how scanning works. You don’t really need to know all of t

2PrecautionsPrecautionsBefore you use this scanner, please read and observe the following. IMPORTANT!This scanning radio has been manufactured so tha

20Understanding Scanningfinds an active frequency, then stops on that frequency and remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. Wh

21Understanding Scanningunits which transmit the correct tone along with their signal can “talk” to the repeater.CTCSS and DCS are also used in areas

22Understanding ScanningConventional ScanningConventional scanning is a relatively simple concept. Each group of users in a conventional system is ass

23Understanding ScanningSimplex OperationSimplex systems use a single frequency for both transmit and receive. Most radios using this type of operatio

24Understanding ScanningWhen tracking these types of systems, you might want to remember that your scanner can track more than one trunking system at

25Understanding Scanningeach group operates on...and this frequency selection is made each time a user transmits. So, while on a conventional system q

26Understanding ScanningThe computer then assigns that talk group to a specific voice channel and transmits that data over the control channel. All ra

27Understanding ScanningEDACS TrunkingEDACS trunking works in much the same way as Motorola trunking with a couple of major differences. In an EDACS

28Understanding Scanningsystem, your BCD396T lets you assign wildcard ID’s that let you, for example, use only one ID memory to identify all units in

29Understanding ScanningI-Call (Motorola/EDACS)I-calls are direct unit-to-unit transmissions that are not heard by other system users. Your BCD396T ca

3PrecautionsWARNING! Uniden does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit to

30Understanding Scanning• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BCD396T * - a group for people interested in discussing the BCD396T.* - These web sites are no

31Included With Your ScannerIncluded With Your ScannerIf any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or Uni

32Setting Up Your ScannerSetting Up Your ScannerThese guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: • If your scanner receives interfe

33Setting Up Your Scanner2. Install 3 AA batteries, matching the polarity symbols (+ -). WARNING! Set ALKALINE/Ni-MH to Ni-MH for use only with re

34Setting Up Your ScannerIf an AC adapter is connected to the scanner, the scanner checks the condition of the installed batteries. If the scanner is

35Setting Up Your ScannerConnecting the AntennaTo attach the supplied flexible antenna to the connector on the top of your scanner, simply screw it o

36Setting Up Your ScannerWARNING! Never connect any part of the headphone jack to the antenna jack or connect the radio to an installation where the

37Setting Up Your ScannerIf your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the fol-lowing information should help you understand each key's fu

38Setting Up Your Scanner/ / – Turns the display backlight on or off.Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to turn the scanner on or off. + – Lo

39Setting Up Your ScannerA Look At The DisplayThe display has indicators that show the scanner's current operating status. The display informati

4ContentsContentsThe FCC Wants You to Know ... 8 Scanning Legally ...

40Setting Up Your ScannerATT - appears when the attenuation feature is turned on. See “Setting System Attenuation (Trunked Sys-tems Only)” on Page 83.

41Setting Up Your ScannerLNK - appears when data on a voice channel is being received.DAT - appears when data on a control channel is being received.E

42Basic OperationBasic OperationTurning On the Scanner and Setting the SquelchNote: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected before you turn

43Basic OperationScanning SystemsTo begin scanning programmed systems, press Scan. The BCD396T scans all unlocked systems in all activated quick-key

44Basic OperationNotes: • The systems preprogrammed into the scanner are located primarily in major metropolitan areas. • You might hear transmissions

45Basic OperationTo select or lock out a system that is not assigned to a key, press and hold while you rotate the scroll control until the desired

46Basic Operation2. Release then press Hold within 2 seconds to hold on the system.3. Rotate the scroll control to select the channel you want to lo

47Basic Operationprevious or next system. To resume scanning, press Scan.Quickly Storing an ID During ID SearchTo quickly store an active talk group I

48Basic OperationIf you pressed No in Step 3, the scanner prompts you to select the system and the group where you want to store the frequency or talk

49Using the MenuUsing the MenuThe scanner’s menu lets you select options that let you set up and use the scanner. To use the menu, press on the left

5ContentsOther Settings ... 53 Displaying System Informatio

50Using the MenuMenu Item Submenu-- M E N U --Srch/CloCall OptSearch for ...Close CallClose Call CC Auto Store Set CC Mode Set CC Overri

51Using the MenuProgramming Systems MenuThis table shows the scanner’s systems menu structure. This menu lets you program new systems or change exist

52Using the MenuMenu/SubmenuOption MenuSelect Sys Type Srch/CloCall OpConventionalMOTEDCS LT System 1 LSrch/CloCall OptEdit Sys Option Set

53Other SettingsOther SettingsDisplaying System InformationViewing Memory Used   Settings    See Scanner Info   % Memory Used A bar showin

54Other SettingsTurning Power Save On or Off   Settings    Set Battery Save   • On The scanner goes into low-power mode when you monitor a con

55Other Settings• Keypress The backlight turns on when any key is pressed then stays on for 10 seconds.• Infinite The backlight turns on when you pr

56Other SettingsThis setting controls the display’s contrast (how light or dark it appears). Use this setting to change the contrast for different vi

57Other SettingsUse the included connection cable to connect your scanner to another BCD396T scanner or your per-sonal computer.   Settings   

58Other SettingsThen set the scanner containing the programming you want to transfer as the master scanner, then set the other scanner as the slave sc

59Other Settingsable online at http://www.uniden.com) to construct a cable and use on-air cloning.When you are receiving the cloning broadcast and are

6Contents Channel-Level Settings... 86 Editing the Channel Name...

60Programming Radio SystemsProgramming Radio SystemsYour BCD396T comes preprogrammed with over 500 analog and digital systems from the most populous a

61Programming Radio SystemsProgramming Conventional Systems  Program System    New System   Conventional  Confirm? Yes=”E” / No=”.”The scann

62Programming Radio SystemsThe scanner creates a group with a default name of Group n. n increments by one for each new group you create within a syst

63Programming Radio SystemsProgramming Motorola Systems  Program System    New System   MOT  Next, rotate the scroll control to select the ty

64Programming Radio Systems•See“Setting the Motorola Status Bit (Motorola Sys-tems Only)” on Page 78• See “Setting the End Code Operation (Motorola Sy

65Programming Radio Systemsthe frequencies are the control channel frequencies. Otherwise, you must enter all of the frequencies.Setting Modulation 

66Programming Radio Systems• You can also turn this setting on or off by holding on a trunked system, then pressing + E.Entering/Editing Motorola C

67Programming Radio SystemsEnter a talk group ID  Note: You can enter I-Calls by pressing then the I-Call number. You can enter the I-Call wild

68Programming Radio Systemsn is a number that increments as you add new systems. E indicates that this is an EDACS system.Next, refer to the appropri

69Programming Radio SystemsInput a system frequency, then press the scroll control. The scanner then prompts you to enter the LCN for the entered freq

7ContentsTroubleshooting ... 121Specifications ...

70Programming Radio Systems Select the group    Edit Channel    New Channel Enter a talk group ID  Note: You can enter I-Calls by pressing

71Programming Radio Systems•See “Setting the System Hold Time” on Page 76•See “Editing the System Quick Key” on Page 75•See “Setting the Channel Delay

72Programming Radio SystemsSetting Up a Channel Group  Program System    Select the system    Edit Group  The scanner creates a group with a

73Programming Radio SystemsTo program another channel within the same group, press , then repeat the above.To create another channel group and enter m

74Programming/Editing Optional SettingsProgramming/Editing Optional Set-tingsThis section details the instructions for each of the optional programmin

75Programming/Editing Optional SettingsEditing the System Quick Key  Program System    Select the system    Edit Sys Option  Set Quick Key

76Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting the System Hold Time  Program System    Select the system    Edit Sys Option   Set Hold Tim

77Programming/Editing Optional Settingsscanning. Enter a value from 1-5 or Off, then press E or the scroll control.Notes:• The default setting is 2 se

78Programming/Editing Optional SettingsRotate the scroll control to select the fleet map:Preset - select from the 16 most common fleet maps (see “Pres

79Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting the End Code Operation (Motorola Systems Only)  Program System    Select the system    Edit Sy

8The FCC Wants You to KnowThe FCC Wants You to KnowThis scanner has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver, pursuant

80Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting Emergency Alert (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)  Program System    Select the system    Edi

81Programming/Editing Optional SettingsReviewing Locked Out Frequencies  Program System    Select the system    Edit Sys Option   Rvw ID:

82Programming/Editing Optional SettingsAuto - the scanner automatically adjusts the digital decode threshold to match the transmission you are hearing

83Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting System Attenuation (Trunked Systems Only)  Program System   Select the system   Set Attenuator

84Programming/Editing Optional Settings  Program System   Select the system   Copy System  New Sys Name? Enter a name for the copied system

85Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting the Group Quick Key  Program System   Select the system   Edit Group  Select the group   

86Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSelect the group    Delete Group  The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To con-firm, press E. To c

87Programming/Editing Optional Settingsor the talk group ID (for trunked systems) when it stops on a channel.•Press twice to delete the current char

88Programming/Editing Optional SettingsOn - when you turn on the Priority feature, the channel will be scanned every 2 seconds. appears.Off - the cha

89Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSelect the talk group ID    Edit TGID  To edit the talk group ID, enter the talk group ID you want using

9The FCC Wants You to Know• Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmis-sion) • Pager transmissio

90Programming/Editing Optional Settings• The default setting is Off.•See “What is CTCSS/DCS?” on Page 20 for a complete list of CTCSS and DCS tones.S

91Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSelect the channel    Set Attenuator  This setting controls whether the scanner attenuates signals on th

92Programming/Editing Optional Settings• The default setting is Unlocked.• You can also lock or unlock a channel by selecting it while scanning or hol

93Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSelect the group    Edit Channel   Select the channel    Paste Channel Then, if necessary, edit the

94Searching and StoringSearching and StoringService SearchService Search lets you quickly select and search the scanner’s preprogrammed search ranges.

95Searching and Storing• If all frequencies in the search band you selected are locked out, All Locked! appears and the scanner does not search the b

96Searching and StoringCustom SearchCustom Search lets you program and search 10 custom search ranges. You can search any of these ranges simultaneou

97Searching and StoringEditing a Custom Search RangeYou can edit up to 10 custom search ranges. The names of the custom search ranges appear on the d

98Searching and StoringIf unlocked, the scanner first scans all selected systems, then searches the selected service searches for the selected hold t

99Searching and Storing• Set Lockout This setting controls whether the system is scanned when its quick key is enabled. Rotate the scroll control to s