Uniden BCT8SS English Owners Manual

Uniden BCT8SS Manual

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  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 1
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 2
    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! • This scanning radio has been manufactured
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 3
    AC Power 13 Connecting an External Speaker 13 Listening Safely 13 Connecting the Clone Cable 13 Scanning Overview 14 Turn the Scanner On 14 How Squelch Works 15 Setting the Squelch 15 Highway Patrol Scanning 16 Selecting the State 16 Scanning Highway Patrol Frequency 16 Highway Patrol
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 4
    36 Review ID Lockout 36 Restoring Locked-out IDs 36 Setting the Delay Mode for Trunking Mode 37 Trunking Frequency Confirmation 37 Setting Priority in Trunking Mode 37 Moving between Scan List Memories 37 Multi-Track 38 EDACS® Reception 39 EDACS® Tracking 39 Programming EDACS System
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 5
    Introduction The BCT8 is a state-of-the-art Trunk Tracking Scanner with BearTracker technology band Scat LTR • Business/Industrial Radio • Utilities • Marine Band • Aircraft Band • And much more... The chart below identifies the scanner band numbers, the frequency range .5kHz Public Service Band 1
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 6
    Mute Key (MUTE) 5. Display 6. Lockout Key (L/O) 7. Delay Key (DELAY) 8. Service Key (SVC) 9. Private Scanning Key (PVT) 141516 17 18 19 20 10. Highway Scanning / State Key (HWY, STATE) 11. Numeric Keypad 12. Up Key ( ) 13. Down Key ( ) 14. Data Key (DATA) 15. Priority Key (PRI) 16. Search Key (SRCH
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 7
    8. Remote control mode (RMT) 9. Memory locked (M-LOCK) 10. Highway Patrol scan mode (HWY) 11. Private bank scan mode (PVT) 12. Police scan mode (POL) 13. Weather scan mode (WX) 14. Fire and Emergency scan mode (FIRE/EMS) 15. News scan mode (NEWS) 16. Citizen Band scan mode (CB) 17. Aircraft band
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 8
    a mobile extender unit. What is Scanning? Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit continuously. The BCT8 scans the Frequencies you have programmed into the Scanner's channels until it finds an active frequency. Scanning stops on an active frequency and
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 9
    new BCT8 scan channels like a conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know a talkgroups ID, you won't miss any of the action. If you're a new scanner enthusiast, you may want to read the first part of this manual and use your scanner in conventional
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 10
    to transmission bands with 5 kHz steps. • PC Programmable - Allows you to easily program all frequencies and Trunking Talk Groups into your BCT8 through Uniden BCT8 Scanning software running on your PC. - For more information on BCT8 SS Programming software visit our website at scanner.uniden.com. 6
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 11
    Where to Obtain More Information Before you can scan the PRIVATE bank, you must program frequencies into the scanner's channels. The Frequency Guide lists typical frequencies used around the U.S.A. and Canada that you may program into your new scanner. However, this is not a complete list of
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 12
    Your Scanner Package • BCT8 Scanner • AC Adapter (AD 140U) • DC Power Cord • Cigarette Lighter Adapter Plug (Model CD007) • Telescopic Antenna (Model AT129) • Window Mount Antenna (Model AT002) • Operating Guide • Trunk Tracker Frequency Guide • Other Printed Materials • Remote Programming Software
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 13
    DC 12V jack on the back of the scanner. Connecting the Antenna Plug Connect the mobile antenna plug into the ANT connector on the rear panel. (For more information on antenna installation, please refer to the instruction guide that came with your antenna.) The BCT8 can be mounted using the supplied
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 14
    Drill the necessary holes and secure the mounting bracket in place using the screws provided. 4. Mount the radio to the bracket only after the wiring has been connected to the rear panel. Connecting the Power Cord fuse box. 4. Insert the DC plug into the DC 12V jack on the back of the scanner. 10
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 15
    Typical Mounting Methods The BCT8 can be conveniently mounted on a table, bulkhead, overhead, or the SQL supplied mounting knobs. VOL 5. Connect the antenna's cable to the ANT. connector on the rear of the scanner. Note: If the antenna cable's connector does not fit in the ANT. connector, you
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 16
    DC 12V jack on the rear of the scanner, then plug the power cable into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. Note: If you use a cigarette-lighter power cable and your vehicle's engine is running, you might hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is normal. Caution: DC 12 V Jack
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 17
    programmed data to and from another BCT8 scanner using a RS232C Straight Cable (9 pin to 9 pin) (not supplied). Connect the cable between each scanner's REMOTE jacks. See "Clone Mode" on page 49. You can also upload or download the programmed data to or from a PC using optional programming software
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 18
    in one of four ways: 1. Highway Patrol Scanning When you select a state you want to scan in Highway Patrol mode, you can scan pre-programmed Highway Patrol frequencies. 2. Service Scanning Press SVC to select one of the nine services to find an active frequency. 3. Band Search Select a frequency
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 19
    How Squelch Works Think of "SQUELCH" as a gate. If the gate is too low (squelch just the desired signals get through. Setting the Squelch 1. To set the squelch, press HOLD/RESUME to stop scanning. If needed, adjust VOL until you do not hear a signal (see page 17). Strong Signals Medium Signals
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 20
    "PVT" appears on the display, you can mix-scan between Highway Patrol frequencies and User Programmed channels. 2. When the scanner receives communications, scanning stops, the state code and the frequency appear. When the transmission ends, the scanner holds for two seconds on that frequency for
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 21
    or down rapidly, press and hold the or key. If you change into a frequency which is a control channel, the scanner may display the Active ID (When TRUNK mode is active). 2. To resume scanning, press HOLD/RESUME. Note: Highway Warning Alert does not work while in the HOLD mode. Highway Warning Alert
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 22
    one state and that frequency is programmed into another state, the frequency is skipped of both states. If you change the state code, skipped frequencies are cancelled as soon as scanning starts. Priority Channels Each state preprogrammed in the scanner contains a number of Priority channels. The
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 23
    -car operations. Mobile extenders re-transmit every radio broadcast received on the patrol car radio to the officer's walkie-talkie at low- of the car. You can select Priority Scanning mode by pressing PRI. • Normal Priority Scan mode. The scanner checks the Priority frequency every two seconds.
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 24
    ID appears on the display and you will hear it. If you press the key while monitoring an ID, the scanner will check to see if any other IDs are active. If none are active, scanning resumes. When the scanner finds a control channel, it will stay on that control channel until reception of the
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 25
    guide included in BCT8 package. You will need to program each frequency into the scanner's channels in order to hear these frequencies. 1. While Private Bank scanning , press . (decimal key). • Even if you don't enter full numbers as a frequency number, the scanner will automatically select the
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 26
    . (decimal key) to clear Memory Lock, press and hold M-LOCK for 2 seconds again. Scanning Private Bank 1. After programming frequencies, simply press HOLD/RESUME to begin scanning. Or pressing PVT repeatedly until "PVT" appears on the display, you can start Private Bank Scanning. The scanner scans
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 27
    during scanning, press HOLD/RESUME. If you want to resume scanning, press HOLD/RESUME. Direct channel access: There are several ways to access a specific by using the or key. 2. Press L/O to lockout the channel. "L/O" appears on the display. Lockout in Scanning Mode If the scanner keeps stopping on
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 28
    two beeps when all the channels have been restored. Priority Scan When Priority Scan is turned ON, your scanner checks the priority channel in the banks you selected every two display. Note: Priority in Trunking mode works just the same, except you set them for talkgroup IDs instead of setting
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 29
    are pre-programmed on every U.S. state. *2) Except Aeronautic Radio Navigation (108-117.9875 MHz) 1. Press SVC to select a Service. The current service bank icon appears on the display. 2. Continue pressing SVC until your desired Service is displayed. 3. After a three second delay scanning begins
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 30
    Band Search Setting a Search Band The BCT8 can search up to 13 separate frequency ranges to help currently selected are on the display. 2. Use the or key to select the band you want to search. Wait for about two seconds and the scanner will begin searching that band. Or press HOLD/RESUME to begin
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 31
    Search mode. Data Skip does not function during Service Scanning band (for AIR, CB, or Weather band), Priority Scan, and Trunking mode. Frequency Skip If a particular frequency continues to interrupt search scanning, it is possible to set the scanner to skip the frequency. To skip over a frequency
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 32
    to change the frequency, use the or key to move up or down 1 frequency step. Then press E. Or when the scanner stops on the frequency you want to store on a specific channel or frequency, you can program a twosecond delay into any channel, frequency, service band or band search. When scan or search
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 33
    Guide included with your BCT8 scanner. Frequencies sometimes change, check with www.trunktracker.com. • If you have internet access, you can visit scanner.uniden.com or www.trunktracker.com for additional information, for current news and frequency information, about Trunk Tracking Scanning
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 34
    Bank 4, you can only select channels 151-200 with the or key. • IMPORTANT: If you are programming an EDACS ® trunked system, you must enter the frequencies in a specific order. Check the frequency guide included with the radio and the listed web sites for details. STEP 1: Selecting Trunking System
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 35
    frequencies and you can lockout any one (up to 4) of the 5 Scan Lists by pressing the corresponding numeric key. When an ID is active, the Scan List number will appear on the display. You can program your Scan Lists either manually or during Trunking Search mode. Check the web site www.trunktracker
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 36
    key) for the "dash". 3. Enter the Fleet number. 4. Press E. Hint: Remember that Uniden's AFS format allows you to enter full or partial EDACS IDs for powerful flexibility in all modes. Be sure to read the section "EDACS Reception" on page 39 to learn how this works. Note: The BCT8 default
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 37
    how this works. Hint: If the scanner is not in the Trunking mode, you can enter the Trunk mode by pressing TRUNK. Pressing TRUNK in the Trunking mode will move to the Private Scan Hold mode. ID Scan Mode 1. When in the Trunking mode, press PVT to begin scanning the lists you have programmed. If you
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 38
    ways to access a specific ID quickly. 1. Press HOLD/RESUME to enter into Hold mode. 2. Using the keypad, or key, enter the ID location number (See page 31). 3. Press HOLD/RESUME. If you want to resume scanning, press HOLD/RESUME. ID Search Mode Once you have programmed all the frequencies for
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 39
    to ID Scan mode. Programming Scan Lists During Search To select a Scan List location and store an ID during Search mode, follow these steps: 1. When your scanner stops on an ID you want to store, press HOLD/RESUME. 2. You can change the Scan List memory location by using the or key. And then
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 40
    in Scan List mode. Conversely, if you Lockout an ID while in Scan List mode, it is locked out in Search mode. For information about Scan Lists 0, 4, . (decimal key), and then L/O. For other ways to use partial AFS entry, be sure to read the section "EDACS Reception". Review ID Lockout You can
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 41
    This function does not work in LTR tracking. • Priority Scan does not operate when Priority IDs are locked out. Moving between Scan List Memories There are a number of ways to step and move through your Scan List memories: 1. Press HOLD/RESUME in the ID Scan mode and use the or key to move to up or
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 42
    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. If it finds no activity on your programmed talkgroups, it moves on to conventional channels
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 43
    BCT8 scanner is designed to take maximum advantage of this organization to make your scanning easy. It lets you zero in on just the part of the system you want to hear, whether it is an individual channel, an entire department or city. Programming EDACS System Frequencies When you program
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 44
    capture it to your Scan List by pressing E during the transmission. Or hold on it by pressing HOLD/RESUME. If you want to monitor the Sullivan Police Dispatch channel (which is talk group 03-062), press 0, 3, . (decimal key), 0, 6, 2, the key. Your scanner can also work in decimal format. Talkgroup
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 45
    trunked system, and elsewhere in this manual. It is very easy to use. Be sure to become familiar with AFS Partial Entry, and your scanning will become far more flexible and efficient. EDACS ID Range Search When the scanner searches EDACS talk group IDs, the scanner can search within a range you set
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 46
    the talkgroup ID on the display. In the ID Scan mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the LTR data matches a talkgroup ID that you have stored in the bank's talkgroup ID list and have not locked out. LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique ID code. 42
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 47
    more advanced because the central computer maintains a database which is used to determine each radio's affiliation(s). Changes to a Programming, which is discussed further in this manual. The disadvantage of a Type I system is that when PTT is pressed, the brief burst of data must contain the radio
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 48
    sets specific Fleet-Subfleet parameters. It is easy to select a Fleet Map for your scanner; what is not always easy is selecting or programming key to select E. (Type 1 system), then press 3. Use the or key to select , then press E. 4. Use the or key to select , then press E. 5. Use the or key
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 49
    as Type II blocks. To program a Hybrid system, follow the steps listed in "Programming a User Fleet Map" in . To find these out, check the scanner.uniden.com or www.trunktracker.com and other new Base Frequency, then press E. 6. Press the key and select Frequency. for entering the Spacing 7. Use
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 50
    BCT8 defaults to Status-Bit ON mode, you never need to worry about missing these transmissions. If you have programmed talkgroup 33264 into Scan List memory Use the or key to select , then press E. 4. Use the or key to select a plan from 4 frequency plans, then press E. The scanner returns to
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 51
    search the system to find new IDs or you can program IDs into memory and then scan them. • The Control Channel Only feature is an the or key to select , then press E. 4. Use the or key to select or , then press E. Note: Set the SQL control so that you hear a hissing, and the scanner will remain
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 52
    of the cable (DB-9 serial connector) into a personal computer's serial port. A few PC's may require an adapter, most will not. Of course, make sure your PC is turned ON. To program your scanner: You can program and control your scanner remotely from a PC using Uniden's BCT8 Scanner software. After
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 53
    will start Remote mode. A unique feature of the BCT8 is that all the front panel keys on the radio remain operational in Remote mode. For information on purchasing BCT8 Scanner software to program and control your BCT8, you can contact the following: Uniden Parts Department (800) 554-3988 (Hours are
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 54
    DC 12V REMOTE ANT. EXT. SP. DC 12V REMOTE You can clone all of the programming of one BCT8 into another, including frequencies, talkgroup IDs, delay settings, etc. After connecting the two scanners, turn the radios ON. Prepare each scanner for clone mode as follows. After connecting the two
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 55
    transfer is not successful, the following error message will appear. Note: • To clear , press . (decimal key). Note • Once you have completed the cloning of the scanners, reset the scanners by turning the scanners OFF and then ON again. This is particularly important to know if you wish to clone
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 56
    Repairs • Do not attempt any repair. The scanner contains no user serviceable parts. Contact the Uniden Customer Service Center or take it to a qualified repair technician. Birdies • All radios can receive birdies (undesired signals). If your scanner stops during Scan mode and no sound is heard, it
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 57
    Troubleshooting If your BCT8 is not performing properly, try the following steps. Problem Suggestion Going by patrol cars and not receiving alarms. Scanner won't work. Improper reception. Scan won't stop. Scan won't start. Weather Scan won't work. Radio transmissions (conversations) are cutting
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 58
    in TrunkTracker mode, try the following steps. Problem Suggestion Scanner won't track. 1. Missing the Data Frequency. 2. Change to a Type 1 Scanner setup. Review Fleet Map Programming on page 45. Scanner won't stop 1. No IDs have been programmed. during Scan List mode. 2. The IDs you have
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 59
    °C (-4 °F to +140 °F) Scan Rate: 100 channels per second ( Speaker (EXT.SP.) (3.5 mm) DC 12 V Power Jack, (center is positive) Remote Control (REMOTE) Jack (DB-9) 7.06 in. (W) x 6.10 in. (D) x 2.44 in. (H) 176.5mm (W) x 152.5mm (D) x 50.8mm (H) 1.1 kg (2 lbs 7 oz.) Features and specifications
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 60
    Appendix State Code Order NO. Code State Name 1 AK Alaska 2 AL Alabama 3 AR Arkansas 4 AZ Arizona 5 CA California 6 CO Colorado 7 CT Connecticut 8 DC District of Columbia 9 DE Delaware 10 FL Florida 11 GA Georgia 12 IA Iowa 13 ID Idaho 14 IL Illinois 15 IN Indiana 16 KS Kansas 17 KY Kentucky 18
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 61
    Preset Fleet Maps E1P1 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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 E1P3 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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)
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 62
    E1P9 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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 E1P11 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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 E1P13 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 63
    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 IDs assigned to the block you just programmed, then you've probably selected the right size code and can work on the next block of the map
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 64
    CODE 14 can only be assigned to Block 0. Since these SIZE CODES require multiple blocks, you will be prompted for the next available block when programming a Fleet Map. For example, if you assign Block 0 as an SIZE CODE 12, you will be prompted for Block 2, the next block available, instead of
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 65
    MEMO 61
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 66
    MEMO 62
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 67
    Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the owners manual gives you specific legal rights,
  • Uniden BCT8SS | English Owners Manual - Page 68
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