BC246TOWNER’SMANUALOWNER’S MANUAL
10IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionYour BC246T scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio with TrunkTracking™ and automatic scanning capabilities
100TroubleshootingIf you still cannot get satisfactory results while using your scanner or if you want additional information, please call or write th
Specifications101SpecificationsSpecificationsCertified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture.Dyna
102SpecificationsOperating Temperature: Normal ... –20°C to +60°C Close Call ...
Appendix103AppendixAppendixPreset Fleet MapsPreset Map 1 Preset Map 2Preset Map 3 Preset Map 4Preset Map 5 Preset Map 6Preset Map 7 Preset Map 8Block
104AppendixPreset 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
105AppendixUser Defined Fleet MapsType I Programming Information When a Type I system is designed, the address information for all the ID’s is divide
106Appendixof the replies to the conversations with ID’s assigned to the block you just programmed, then you’ve probably selected the right size code
Planning107PlanningPlanningCollecting InformationGetting your scanner programmed and scanning takes a few steps. This section guides you through these
108Planninggeographic location (east, north, south, west, central, etc), while others are best organized by agency (police, sheriff, ambulance, fire,
109PlanningFill in the key you want to press to quickly activate/ deactivate the system. You can assign the same quick key to multiple systems. Group
11Introduction29.7-49.990 10 NFM VHF Low Band50.0-54.0 20 NFM 6 Meter Amateur Band108.0-136.975025 AM Aircraft Band137.0-143.987512.5 NFM Military Ba
110Planning• Type 2 900 MHz. The supplied frequencies are between 935.0125 MHz and 939.9875 MHz. No fleet map is supplied for this type of system.• T
111PlanningTalk Group ID-Alpha Tag-AlertFill in the details for each channel you want to store in this channel group. Filling Out the LTR and EDACS Wo
112PlanningConventional System Worksheet System Name Group NameSystem Quick Key Group Quick KeyFrequency Alpha Tag Priority CTCSS/DCSConve n ti ona
113PlanningMotorola System WorksheetSystem Name System Quick KeySystem FrequenciesFleet MapBlock 0Block 1Block 2Block 3Block 4Block 5Block 6Block 7B
114PlanningSystem Name Group NameGroup Quick KeyTalk Group ID Alpha Tag AlertMotorola System Worksheet 2
115PlanningLTR/EDACS System WorksheetSystem Name System Quick KeySystem FrequencyLogical Channel LTR/EDACS System Worksheet 1
116Preprogrammed SystemsPreprogrammed SystemsPreprogrammed SystemsYour scanner is preprogrammed with over 400 channels covering police, fire, and ambu
117Preprogrammed Systems.State County City SystemArizonaArizona Maricopa Avondale Maricopa ConvArizona Maricopa Capitol Maricopa ConvArizona Maricopa
118Preprogrammed SystemsCalifornia Los Angeles Hermosa Beach Los Angeles ConvCalifornia Los Angeles Huntington Park Los Angeles ConvCalifornia Los Ang
119Preprogrammed SystemsCalifornia RiversideMurrietta Riverside ConvCalifornia RiversidePalm Springs Palm Springs MOTCalifornia RiversidePalm Springs
12Feature HighlightsFeature HighlightsFeature HighlightsGeneralClose CallTM RF Capture Technology - you can set the scanner so it detects and provides
120Preprogrammed SystemsFlorida Broward Hollywood Hollywood EDACSFlorida Broward Margate Coral Springs MOTFlorida Broward Miramar Broward County MOTFl
121Preprogrammed SystemsMichigan Wayne Belleville Wayne ConvMichigan Wayne Canton Wayne ConvMichigan Wayne Dearborn Wayne ConvMichigan Wayne Garden Ci
122Preprogrammed SystemsOhio Cuyahoga Berea Cuyahoga ConvOhio Cuyahoga Bratenhal Cuyahoga ConvOhio Cuyahoga Brecksville Cuyahoga ConvOhio Cuyahoga Bro
123Preprogrammed SystemsOhio Cuyahoga University Heights Cuyahoga ConvOhio Cuyahoga Valley View Cuyahoga ConvOhio Cuyahoga Walton Hills Cuyahoga ConvO
124Preprogrammed SystemsTexas Harris Brazoria County Starnet MOTTexas Harris Cy-Fair Harris ConvTexas Harris Cypress Creek Harris ConvTexas Harris Fre
125Preprogrammed SystemsTexas Tarrant Southlake NE Tarrant MOTTexas Tarrant Watauga Tarrant ConvTexas Tarrant Westlake NE Tarrant MOTTexas Tarrant Whi
126One-Year Limited WarrantyOne-Year Limited WarrantyOne-Year Limited WarrantyImportant: Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty servic
127One-Year Limited WarrantyDOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIM-BURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CON-SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not al
REGISTER 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 4,455,6
13Feature HighlightsYou can lock out up to 200 frequencies. The scanner skips locked-out frequencies while using the Close Call feature or while searc
14Feature HighlightsDuplicate Frequency Alert – Alerts you if you try to enter a duplicate name or frequency already stored in the scanner.Memory Bac
15Feature HighlightsCTCSS/DCS Search – Lets the scanner search for CTCSS or DCS tones. You can identify up to 50 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS tones. Quick
16Feature HighlightsPC Control and CloningPC Control – You can transfer programming data to and from your scanner and your personal computer, and con
17Feature Highlightsread “Understanding Scanning” on Page 18 for a quick background on the technology. The first thing you’ll need to do is install b
18Understanding ScanningUnderstanding ScanningUnderstanding ScanningThis section provides you with background on how scanning works. You don’t really
19Understanding Scanningcycle resumes until the scanner receives another trans-mission. What is Searching?The BC246T can search each of its 21 bands a
2PrecautionsPrecautionsPrecautionsBefore you use this scanner, please read and observe the following.This scanning radio has been manufactured so that
20Understanding Scanningfrequency. The stations might even interfere with each other to the point where it is impossible to clearly receive any of the
21Understanding ScanningConventional ScanningConventional scanning is a relatively simple concept. Each group of users in a conventional system is ass
22Understanding ScanningRepeater OperationRepeater systems use two frequencies: one transmits from the radio to a central repeater; the other transmit
23Understanding Scanningstop on a channel and listen to an entire conversation. This type of scanning is easy and fun. However, as the demand for publ
24Understanding ScanningIf you are a new scanner enthusiast, you might want to read the first part of this manual and use your scanner in conventional
25Understanding ScanningMotorola Type II – the radios only send the radio ID and radio channel code to the control channel. The central computer keeps
26Understanding Scanningfleet identification, and then 8 more times to identify subfleets. For example, the complete AFS for the Police Department W
27Understanding ScanningWhen the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the LTR mode, it first decodes the LTR data included with the tra
28Understanding Scanning• http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/reports/index.cfm * - conventional frequency information on file with the US Government• http://
Included With Your Scanner29Included With Your ScannerIncluded With Your ScannerIf any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact you
3Precautions WARNING! Uniden does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit t
30Setting Up Your ScannerSetting Up Your ScannerSetting Up Your ScannerThese guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: • If your s
31Setting Up Your ScannerBefore installing batteries, set the switch in the battery compartment to match the type of batteries you will use. Select RE
32Setting Up Your Scanner3. Replace the cover.When flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, replace both batteries.Using Rechargeable Batteri
33Setting Up Your ScannerRemoving the Display StickerBefore you use the scanner, use your thumb and forefinger to remove the protective plastic stick
34Setting Up Your ScannerConnecting an Earphone/HeadphoneFor private listening, you can plug a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug earphone or headphones (not
35Setting Up Your ScannerInstalling the Demo SoftwareYou can operate your scanner using a personal computer and the free demo software available at ww
36Setting Up Your ScannerKey Name DescriptionHold/Hold – Holds the scan or the frequency search when pressed. Resumes the scan or frequency search whe
37Setting Up Your Scanner1/Pri 1 – Enters a 1. + Pri – Selects the priority mode in scan hold mode.2/Wx 2 – Enters a 2. + WX – Selects the weather fun
38Setting Up Your ScannerA Look At The DisplayThe display has indicators that show the scanner's current operating status. The display informati
39Setting Up Your ScannerUsing MenuPress on the left side of the scanner to enter the menu. See “Using the Menu” on Page 45 for more information ab
4ContentsContentsContentsPrecautions ... 2Contents ...
40Basic OperationBasic OperationBasic OperationTurning On the Scanner and Setting the SquelchNote: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected
41Basic Operationoperate similarly, but all unlocked channels are scanned at least one time regardless of the hold time setting.Preprogrammed System T
42Basic Operationcontinue to hold and press L/O to either lock out or unlock the system.Selecting System Channel GroupsWithin a system, you can assi
43Basic OperationYou can also lock out an active channel by pressing L/O while the scanner is stopped on the channel.ID Scan/ID Search ModeWhile you a
44Basic Operation3. To quick-store the channel or talk group ID, press E. Otherwise, press No.If you enter a frequency then press E, the scanner store
Using the Menu45Using 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
46Using the MenuSet up priority options.“Priority Scan” on Page 47.Set up weather options.“Using Weather Alert (SAME)” on Page 94.Set up backlight
Other Settings47Other SettingsOther SettingsDisplaying System InformationViewing Memory Used See Scanner Info E % Memory Used EA bar showin
48Other SettingsOr, while holding on any channel, press + 1/Pri to select one of these priority modes:• Priority Off: Normal scanning• Priority On:
49Other SettingsTo initialize the scanner’s memory, turn off the scanner. Then, press 2, 9, and Hold while turning it on.Using the PC Control and Clo
5ContentsSelecting Systems to Scan ... 41Selecting System Channel Groups...
50Other Settings• 19200 bps The baud rate is set to 19,200 bps.• 38400 bps The baud rate is set to 38,400 bps.• 57600 bps The baud rate is set to
Programming Radio Systems51Programming Radio SystemsProgramming Radio SystemsYour BC246T comes preprogrammed with the major analog systems used in th
52Programming Radio SystemsProgramming Conventional Systems Program SysteM E New System E Conventional E Confirm? EThe scanner creat
53Programming Radio SystemsRefer to the appropriate section to set group-wide options:•See “Entering/Editing the Group Name” on Page 71•See “Setting t
54Programming Radio Systems• 800MHz Standard - Use for 800 MHz systems that use the standard band plan• 800MHz Splinter - Use for 800 MHz systems that
55Programming Radio Systems•See “Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies” on Page 89•See “Setting System Attenuation (Trunked Systems Only)” on Page 70•See “
56Programming Radio SystemsNext, refer to the appropriate section to set group-wide options:•See “Entering/Editing the Group Name” on Page 71•See “Set
57Programming Radio SystemsTo program another channel within the same group, press , then repeat the above.To create another channel group and enter m
58Programming Radio Systems•See “Setting Emergency Alert (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 68•See “Setting the EDACS ID Format (EDACS Systems
59Programming Radio Systems•See “Entering/Editing the Group Name” on Page 71•See “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 71•See “Deleting Groups” on Pag
6ContentsSetting Data Skip(Conventional Systems Only) ... 65Editing the Fleet Map (Motorola Systems Only) ...
60Programming Radio SystemsWhen the scanner prompts Confirm?, press E to accept the settings. The scanner creates an empty LTR system, with a default
61Programming Radio SystemsSetting Up a Channel Group EDIT GROUP E NEW GROUP EThe scanner creates a group with a default name of GROUP nn.
62Programming/Editing Optional SettingsProgramming/Editing Optional SettingsProgramming/Editing Optional SettingsThis section details the instructions
63Programming/Editing Optional SettingsEdit Sys Option E Set Quick Key E After selecting this option, press 0-9 to assign the system to a quick k
64Programming/Editing Optional SettingsNotes: • If you select 0, the scanner stays on the system for a minimal time (only long enough to check current
65Programming/Editing Optional SettingsID Scan - the scanner only stops on channels you have programmed into the system.ID Search - the scanner stops
66Programming/Editing Optional SettingsOff - the scanner remains on the channel until the transmission stops. Press E to select.Notes:• This setting
67Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting the Motorola Status Bit (Motorola Systems Only) program system E Select the system E Edit Sy
68Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only) program system E Select the system E Edit Sys Opti
69Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting the EDACS ID Format (EDACS Systems Only) program system E Select the system E Edit Sys Opti
7ContentsSetting Attenuation ... 92Setting Data Skip ...
70Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting System Attenuation (Trunked Systems Only) program system E Select the system E Set ATTENUAT
71Programming/Editing Optional Settings Program SysteM E Select the system E Copy System E New Sys NameEnter a name for the copied syst
72Programming/Editing Optional SettingsEdit Group E Select the group E Set Quick Key E After selecting this option, press 0-9 to assign the
73Programming/Editing Optional SettingsChannel-Level SettingsThese settings affect only the channel you are programming.Editing the Channel Name pro
74Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting Channel Priority (Conventional Channels Only) program system E Select the system E Edit Gro
75Programming/Editing Optional SettingsNotes: • Channel alert does not work if key beep is turned off.• The default setting for channel alert is Off.S
76Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSetting Channel Modulation (Conventional Channels Only) program system E Select the system E Edit G
77Programming/Editing Optional SettingsOn - the channel is attenuated by about 18 dB.Off - the channel is not attenuated.Notes: • The default setting
78Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSelect the channel E Set Lockout EThis setting determines whether the scanner will scan this channel whe
79Programming/Editing Optional SettingsSelect the channel E Copy Channel EThe scanner copies the channel into a copy buffer. To paste the channe
8The FCC Wants You to KnowThe FCC Wants You to KnowThe FCC Wants You to KnowThis scanner has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a sca
80Searching and StoringSearching and StoringSearching and StoringService SearchService Search lets you quickly select and search the scanner’s preprog
81Searching and Storing• If the service you select uses channels (such as CB radio or marine), the scanner displays the service channel number.Quick S
82Searching and Storingset. During custom search, the scanner searches starting with the lowest frequency in the search range you select to the highes
83Searching and Storing1. Press then turn the scroll control until Search For ... appears. Then press E. Or press and Srch, then No. One of the se
84Searching and StoringSelecting a SystemTo store frequencies or talk group ID’s you find during Auto Store, you must first select a system where the
85Searching and StoringFOUND CHANNELS, then resumes searching. The scanner creates this group if it does not already exist.Storing a Trunked SystemYou
86Using the Close Call FeatureUsing the Close Call FeatureUsing the Close Call FeatureYour scanner's Close CallTM feature lets you set the scann
87Using the Close Call FeatureSetting Close Call Options1. Press then turn the scroll control until Close Call appears. Then press E. Close Call fea
88Using the Close Call Featureappear for about 10 seconds. Press E when this appears to jump to and hold on the frequency.If this option is turned on,
Search and Close Call Options89Search and Close Call OptionsSearch and Close Call OptionsThe settings in this section affect custom searches, service
9The FCC Wants You to KnowAccording to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for inten
90Search and Close Call OptionsOn The scanner searches for and displays any subaudible tone found.Note: This feature does not operate when the scann
91Search and Close Call OptionsFinding Repeater Output Frequencies Srch/CloCall Opt E Repeater Find E This feature sets whether the scanne
92Search and Close Call OptionsThis setting controls the modulation type used for quick search and Close Call operations. Select your setting, then pr
93Search and Close Call Optionswill skip the frequency when Data Skip is on. Turn the feature off or talk into the transmitter.• The default for this
94Using Weather Alert (SAME)Using Weather Alert (SAME)Using Weather Alert (SAME)Your scanner has been primarily designed to be a radio scanner. While
95Using Weather Alert (SAME) WX Operation E Weather Alert This setting determines which types of signals will trigger an alert. Select y
96Using Weather Alert (SAME)For example, Tarrant County in Texas is assigned to FIPS code 048439.0 indicates the entire county48 indicates the state o
Care and Maintenance97Care and MaintenanceCare and MaintenanceGeneral Use• Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power. • Always write down th
Troubleshooting98TroubleshootingTroubleshootingIf your BC246T is not performing properly, try these steps. Problem Possible Cause SuggestionThe scanne
99TroubleshootingIf you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker™ mode, try the following steps. Scan won’t start (continued)The squelch might need
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