Digital Scanner BC250D Owner's Manual(Draft)
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page iii Contents Introduction ...........................................................................................1 Front View ............................................................................................2 Top View and Icon Display...................................................................3 BC250D SHORTCUTS.....................................................................4 Important Notice ............................................................
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page iv NWR-SAME Alert ...........................................................................45 Testing the Alert Siren ....................................................................46 Programming FIPS Code................................................................46 Digital and Trunked Systems .............................................................48 Programming and Receiving Digital and Trunked Systems...............
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 1 Introduction The BC250D is a state-of-the-art Digital Capable radio with TrunkTracking™ and automatic scanning capabilities. It can store frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, railroad, air, amateur, and other communications into 10 banks of 100 channels, or a total of 1000 channels. With the optional BCi25D, 25 Digital Card installed you can monitor Public Safety Organizations who currently use an APCO 25 system.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 2 Front View 11 12 1 13 2 14 3 4 5 CH/ FRQ HOLD/ MAN 6 RSM SCAN SERVICE SEARCH MENU/BACK TRUNK 7 8 9 10 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 L/O REVERSE SELECT . E 22 23 Antenna Connector Speaker Display DC Power Jack Hold/Manual/Channel/Frequency Key (HOLD/MAN) Scan Key (SCAN) Menu/Back Key (MENU/BACK) Lockout Key (L/O) Light/Keypad Lock Key ( / ) Decimal/Reverse Key ( .
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 3 Top View and Icon Display ICON P C L /O DESCRIPTION Priority Channel Indicator Conventional/Channel Mode 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 M,L E ENC AM,FM WFM,NFM ID Scan Mode Indicator ID Search Mode Indicator Trunk Type M: Morola Tracking Mode L: LTR Tracking Mode E: EDACS Tracking Mode ENC: EDACS SCAT Tracking Mode Receivi
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 4 BC250D SHORTCUTS MENU/ BACK MENU/ BACK 3 3 2 1 1 MENU/ BACK MENU/ BACK 1 1 MENU/ BACK 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 9 1 2 3 4 MENU/ BACK 1 then by rotating the VFO control to enter the text and using RSM or HOLD/MAN to move cursor. After the text is entered, press E SCAN HOLD/ MAN 5 1 5 5 HOLD/ MAN . E MENU/ BACK E 2 1 4 1 MENU/ BACK 2 2 E 3 select ID MEMORY E 1 enter ID No.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 5 BC250D SHORTCUTS To set up a system for trunk tracking, select a bank, then enter trunk type CHAIN SERCH 1 MENU/ BACK select bank 1 6 SEARCH MENU/ BACK 2 E 1 2 Then enter the trunk type you want to track. MENU/ BACK select 1 CHAIN SEARCH select range 2 E 1 E 1 CHAIN SERCH E 1 2 Then enter the lower and upper ranges and press 4 . Rotate the VFO control to enter the tag and use RSM or HOLD/MAN to move cursor and then press E .
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 6 Important Notice • This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, as amended, makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept cellular or cordless telephone transmissions or to market this radio when altered to receive them.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 7 Terminology What is Scanning? Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit continuously. The BC250D scans the channels you program until it finds an active frequency. Scanning stops on an active frequency and remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes until another transmission is received.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 8 replies for a few seconds, they are removed from the frequency so another talkgroup can use it. Sharing of the available public service frequencies, or trunking, allows cities, counties, or other agencies to accommodate hundreds of users with relatively few frequencies. Following a conversation on a trunked system using a scanner is difficult, if not impossible.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 9 Feature Highlights • Trunk Tracking – Follow UHF High Band UHF 800/900MHz trunked public safety and public service systems just as if conventional two-way communications were used. • Digital Capable – With the APCO 25 Digital card (BCi25D) installed, you can monitor project 25 systems. • Multi-Track – Track more than one trunking system at a time. Scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time. • 1000 Channels – Program one frequency into each channel.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 10 • PC Programmable – Allows you to easily program all frequencies and Trunking Talk Groups into your BC250D through third party software running on your PC. • Turbo Search – Increases the search speed to 300 steps per second. This applies only to transmission bands with 5 kHz steps. • Text Tags – You can customize your scanner by storing text tags (up to 16 characters). • Auto Store – The scanner automatically arranges a memory store for searched frequencies.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 11 Where to Obtain More Information Before using your scanner, you must program frequencies into available channels. The Betty Bearcat Frequency Guide lists typical frequencies used around the U.S.A. and Canada that you may program into your new scanner. To obtain another copy of the frequency guide, contact one of the following: • Uniden Parts Department (800) 554-3988 (Hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 12 Included with Your Scanner Package If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 13 Setup Installing the Battery Pack 1. Open the cover. 2. Insert the battery pack connector with 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 BC250D from an AC outlet. CH/ FRQ RSM HOLD/ MAN You can use your scanner while the battery charges. To fully charge the battery, leave the AC Adapter/Charger connected for 14 — 16 hours.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 14 Flexible Antenna Attach the flexible antenna to the BNC connector. Beltclip 1. Snap the tab out of the beltclip notch on the back side of the scanner. 2. Slide the clip into the tab slot. The beltclip is designed to fit snugly into the scanner, as shown on the right. Listening Safely To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or headphones. • Do not use the earphone to listen to the WX alert siren test.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 15 Basic Operation Note: See the Controls and Indicators on page 2 while reading this guide. Turn the Scanner On Turn the VOLUME inside control clockwise out of the detent position. The scanner automatically starts scanning. Since there are no frequencies programmed in your scanner initially, you may not receive any signals. Once you set the squelch and program some frequencies, you will be hearing conversations regularly.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 16 Next you must program some frequencies (Page 26). It is recommended that you read the next part "Understanding the Menu System" because it will assist you in accessing and understanding many of the features. Later in a section called "Additional Features", you will find explanations on how to disable the keypad acknowledgement tones, how to mute the audio, how to change the appearance of the display and other general features.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 17 MENU MODE 1:SERVICE OPTION 2:SCAN OPTION 3:SYSTEM OPTION Menu Description and Numeric Keypad Equivalents Below are the menu screens and a brief description or purpose of the feature. 1:SERVICE OPTION The followings are Service Search and Chain Search features. Service Search menu are preprogrammed services used around the U.S. 1:WEATHER 1:MONITOR When you select this mode, the preprogrammed NOAA weather channel begins to activate.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 18 you want to program. You can program range 1 through 10, one at a time. For each of the ranges, the following options can be modified. 1:CHAIN SEARCH When you turn chain search setting to ON, you can use chain search. 2:SEARCH RANGE 1:RANGE Enter the upper and lower frequency limits of the SEARCH range. 2:STEPS You can assign a variety of step sizes to the search range. Note: The default step is usually acceptable and is listed on page 1.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 19 search. You can also lockout a particular CTCSS or DCS tone. You may wish to do this if you want to search a range but not hear transmissions on any frequency that has a particular subaudible tone. Note: Through the System Menu you can set the radio to operate in Tone Search mode during Search as well. In this mode, the radio will automatically determine the active subaudible tone on any frequency received during the search.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 20 receive all transmissions on the frequency, regardless of the subaudible tone, except the one which you have locked. Any transmissions with that tone will not be received. 4:BEEP ALERT You can set a Beep Alert on a per-channel basis to alert you when specific frequencies are active. For example, you may wish to be alerted anytime a mutual aid fire frequency is active. With beep alert, you will hear three beeps at the start of each transmission that you have flagged as such.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 21 received in NFM mode which helps prevent adjacent channel interference. You can change the default settings on a per-channel basis with this Menu item. 2:TRUNK Choose the Trunk bank. The following options are available for the selected trunk bank only. Repeat using a different trunk bank, if necessary. 1:TRUNK TYPE You will need to assign the correct trunking type for the bank you are about to program.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 22 After you have selected the Scan List location (1-10), you can then do the following: 1. Program ID number 2. Set an alpha tag 3. Assign a Beep Alert to the ID. Whenever that ID is active, you will hear three beeps at the start of the transmission. 4:DELAY You can set a Delay for a trunk system on a bank by bank basis. The delay time is 5 seconds, and this setting can not be changed. 5:ID LIST TAG Assign an alphanumeric tag to any or all of the 10 Scan Lists for the system.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 23 You can hear these conversations by using this Menu item to turn the I-CALL function to ON. In Search mode, with I-CALL ON, you will hear both talkgroup calls and I-CALLs. You can also set I-CALLs to I-CALL ONLY during which you will monitor only I-CALLs in Search mode. You can also program I-CALL IDs into Scan List memory.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 24 65~67. OR 0:END CODE (MOTOROLA) When this function is disabled, the radio looks for squelch before returning to the control channel instead of waiting for the disconnect tone. Only in rare instances will you need to adjust the default settings. The condition to return to control channels depends on whether signal is present or not.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 25 6:CLONE You can clone all the programming, including frequencies, talkgroups and alpha tags as well as bank settings and other parameters from one BC250D to another. 7:DATA SKIP A scanner will normally stop on any transmission it receives. This means the BC250D will occasionally stop on data signals and unmodulated transmissions. You can automatically skip many of these types of transmissions during search.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 26 Programming Before the BC250D can begin conventional scanning, you must program a frequency into at least one channel. Repeat this procedure for each channel you want to program. Storing Frequencies into Channels in Menu Mode 1. Select frequencies you received from your dealer, from various sources on the internet, or from one of the guides listed on page X. Here is a list of sample frequencies you should try: 156.800 Marine Calling channel 155.340 Ambulance operations 155.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 27 Note: • To clear a mistake while entering the frequency, press . (decimal key) repeatedly until the display is cleared. • If you enter a channel or frequency which is out of the scanner’s range, a beep will sound and ERROR appears on the display. • You can change a channel or frequency by using VFO. To switch the setting for VFO control, press and hold HOLD/MAN for 2 seconds to toggle between ROTARY: CHANNEL or ROTARY: FREQUENCY on the display. C 010 512.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 28 2. Press TRANSFR, and the smallest empty channel number along with the frequency will flash on the display. 3. Press E and the frequency can be stored in this channel. 4. If you want to enter it into another channel, select another channel that the same frequency has not been stored by rotating the VFO and pressing E. Note: When the frequency is transferred, channel data along with the frequency is also transferred.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 29 5. The cursor appears on the display. Rotate the VFO to change letters, and press HOLD/MAN or RSM to move right or left. Both capital and lower case letters are available, as well as numbers and punctuation marks. 6. After entering the desired text, press E. Beep Alert The scanner can alert you with three beeps at the beginning of a transmission on an assigned frequency.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 30 and put them in a convenient place in case of accidental reprogramming. • Frequencies are rounded off according to the step of each channel. • When you are overwriting a tagged channel with a new frequency, the previous alpha tag will be deleted. You must re-enter the alpha tag. • When programming frequencies, a 2 second delay is set automatically and can not be changed. Deleting a Stored Frequency C1000 To delete a stored frequency: a. Select a channel. b. Press 0. c.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 31 Scanning 1. After programming frequencies, C 001 simply press SCAN to begin scanning. SCAN During scanning, when you rotate the Bank 1234567890 VFO, you can select the direction (↑ or ↓) you want to scan. 2. The bank indicators selected for scanning appear on the display, and the bank being currently monitored flashes. You can deselect banks from active scanning by pressing their number on your keypad.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 32 Another method is as follows: CH/ FRQ HOLD/ MAN 1. Press HOLD/MAN. RSM SCAN SERVICE SEARCH MENU/BACK 2. While the setting for VFO is a channel, rotate the VFO until the desired channel is displayed. The scanner will automatically go to hold mode. TRUNK L/O REVERSE SELECT . E Storing Frequency During Scanning 1. Press HOLD/MAN. 2. Press TRANSFER, and the empty channel number appears on the display. 3. Press E.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 33 Setting the Delay Mode for Frequency The delay of 2 seconds is automatically set for each frequency. To set the delay feature, enter into the menu mode. 1. Press MENU/BACK. 2. For Scan mode, select SCAN OPTION CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 3. Select the channel number to be delayed by rotating the VFO and then press E. 4. Select DELAY and then press E. 5. Rotate the VFO to select ON or OFF and then press E. 6.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 34 Lockout in Scanning Mode If the scanner keeps stopping on a particular channel due to noise or too frequent transmissions, you may want to keep that channel from scanning. 1. Wait until the scanner stops at the channel. C 001 141.5000 NFM 2. Then press L/O. 25cm Amateur Grp 3. The scanner immediately resumes scanning because the locked out channel is no longer in the scanning sequence.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 35 Priority Scan When Priority Scan is turned On, your scanner checks the priority channel in the banks you selected every 2 seconds for activity. If a signal is present on the priority channel, your scanner monitors the channel until the transmission ends, then resumes normal scanning. You can designate one channel in each bank as a Priority Channel. By default, the first channel in each bank is the Priority Channel, but you can change this.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 36 Note: • Priority in Trunking mode works just the same, except instead of setting priorities for channels, you set them for talkgroup IDs. The scanner only checks priority talkgroups between transmission, in 2 second intervals. • Priority Scan is disabled while M, E or L (Trunking type) icons are illuminated (a beep will sound if you try to scan). To make it possible, turn Off each function M, E or L (Trunking type) icon then press PRI to select PRIORITY:ON on the display.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 37 Searching Setting a Search Range Note: First you must set the search ranges through the menu screen prior to any searching. The BC250D can search up to 10 separate frequency ranges to help you discover new stations in your area. To set a Search Range, enter into the Menu mode. 1. Press MENU/BACK. 2. Select SERVICE OPTION - CHAIN SERCH SEARCH RANGE - RANGE - by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 3.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 38 parameters of your search are edited, the menu screen backs up one level to allow you to modify the step size, receive mode, and alpha tag. Select STEPS for your step size choices and then press E. Select MODE for the receiver mode choices and then press E. Select ALPHA TAG to enter an alpha tag using the VFO and then press E. Starting Chain Search 1. After setting the search ranges, select SERVICE OPTION - CHAIN SEARCH - CHAIN SRCH by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 2.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 39 2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - DATA SKIP by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 3. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and then press E. SYSTEM OPTION 5:PC CONTROL 6:CLONE 7:DATA SKIP When Data Skip is active, your scanner may pause momentarily on an unwanted signal but will resume searching in 2 or 3 seconds. The Data Skip feature is active as well as Scan mode and Service Search mode.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 40 scanner stops on the frequency you want to store. 2. Press TRNSFR to store the frequency in the channel you selected. The smallest empty channel number flashes on the display. If necessary, you can also change the channel by scrolling the VFO. SRCH 12.5k 1240.0000 NFM Range 1 25cm Amateur Grp 3. Press E. Note: • If the frequency you want to store exists already, WARNING appears on the display and you will hear a beep. (See Duplicate Frequency Alert on page 27.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 41 and you will hear a beep. 6. Press SEARCH to start auto storing. C 001 1245.8500 NFM 7. After the search has gone through the Bank 12--56---search range, press HOLD/MAN to AUTO STORE stop this feature. STORE END appears on the display and the bank no. disappears. You may want to let it run through the search range again because during the first pass there may not have been any transmissions at that particular time.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 42 2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - SQ MODE by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 3. Rotate the VFO to select one type (CSQ, TONE SQ, TONE SEARCH) and then press E. 4. To set Tone Lock mode, do the following first, then select TONE SQ in step 3. 1) For Scan mode, select SCAN OPTION CONVENTIONAL - select the channel number TONE DATA - CTCSS or DCS by rotating the VFO and pressing E. With CTCSS or DCS, Tone Lock ON is set by pressing L/O.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 43 Additional Menu Options for Searching Each of these additional menu options applys to all search ranges entered. If there is a range that you do not want an option to apply, then simply enter the range number on the numerical keypad. You will see the range number that you have selected disappears from the display. (For more information on these options refer to the "Menu Descriptions" section and "Additional Features" section.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 44 Service Search The Service Search feature allows you to scroll through the following twelve preprogrammed services. The frequencies selected for these services are the most commonly used around the U.S. • 1:WEATHER • 7:RAILROAD • 2:PUBLIC SAFETY • 8:AIR • 3:NEWS • 9:CB RADIO • 4:TV BROADCAST • 10:FRS • 5:HAM RADIO • RACING • 6:MARINE • SPECIAL 1. Press SERVICE. The display indicates as illustrated.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 45 is active, you can change the search direction to up or down. During the search of one of the preprogrammed services, the lowest display line will indicate the service that you are searching. To stop the search, press HOLD/MAN. Rotate the VFO to move up or down one programmed frequency when the FREQ icon is displayed, or press RSM to resume searching. Service Search Skip You can set the scanner to skip the frequencies unwanted during Service Search.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 46 Testing the Alert Siren To test and recognize the difference between the types of alert sirens, perform the following steps: 1. During WX hold mode and when the WX ALT is off, press and hold the PRI key for 2 seconds until you hear the statement alert siren. WX ALERT ON appears on the display and the statement, watch and warning sirens sound alternately. Note: The samples of each alert siren only last for a few seconds.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 47 3. To cancel the ALL FIPS mode, while an individual FIPS code is displayed, press E. Note: • To cancel the entry, press . (decimal key). • To obtain the FIPS code for your area, contact the NWS toll free at 1-888-697-7263.(1-888-NWRSAME) or visit their web site http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 48 Digital and Trunked Systems Your BC250D is designed to digital communication system (using optional BCi25D) and track three major types of trunked radio systems. These systems are described here. ❖APCO Project 25 Systems - Digital systems which support the APCO Project 25 protocol developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA).
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 49 Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide included with your BC250D scanner. Frequencies sometimes change, check with www.bearcat1.com/free.htm. • If you have internet access, you can visit scanner.uniden.com or www.bearcat1.com/free.htm for additional information, for current news and frequency information, about Trunk Tracking Scanning. * Motorola, SMARTNET, and PRIVACY PLUS are trademarks of Motorola Inc. EDACS is a registered trademark of the Ericsson Corporation.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 50 Programming and Receiving Digital and Trunked Systems Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type Before using the Trunk Tracking system, you must select the trunk type. M 001 1. Press MENU/BACK. 2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 3. Select the bank number using the keypad and pressing E. 4. Select TRUNK TYPE and the system type you want to track by rotating the VFO and pressing E. No.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 51 1. Press MENU/BACK. CH/ FRQ HOLD/ MAN 2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E. RSM SCAN SERVICE SEARCH MENU/BACK 3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E. TRUNK L/O REVERSE SELECT . E 4. Select TRUNK CHANNEL and the channel number by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 5. Select FREQUENCY and enter a frequency for the trunked system using the keypad and press E. For example, enter 867.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 52 different ways. You will find that Search, Hold, Lockout and Scan, Delay are all similar to conventional scanning. ❖ TRUNKED SEARCH lets you hear all system talkgroup activity (unit-to-unit I-Calls may be received as well). This is the best way to get started. ❖ ID SEARCH HOLD works with Search mode to let you quickly freeze reception on an interesting transmission. Or you can manually specify a talkgroup with DIRECT ENTRY in ID HOLD.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 53 Talkgroups display differently in Motorola, EDACS and LTR systems. You should read the appropriate parts of this guide to understand the formats. The display indicates the bank and the type of trunked system you are monitoring. You can change this to display a bank tag by using the System Option menu. Regardless of the system, you won't know exactly who you are receiving until you listen for a while, or refer to frequency guides or internet sites such as www.bearcat1.com.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 54 The ID is locked out. You can Lockout up to 200 IDs. Note: If you Lockout an ID in Search mode, it is also locked out 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 see page 55. EDACS BLOCKOUT is a powerful form of ID LOCKOUT that can be used only with AFS and M1-1:4128 EDACS systems. This feature lets you 867.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 55 locked out ID you want to unlock by rotating the VFO. 5. Press L/O. The ID is unlocked and the next locked ID displays. To unlock all locked out IDs in a bank at once: 1. Press L/O for 2 seconds after selecting L/O ID REVIEW in step 4. Scan Lists Each bank of your BC250D can be a trunk tracking bank and it can be a conventional scanning bank.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 56 Programming ID Manually with the Menu Mode 1. Press MENU/BACK. 2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 4. Select TALK GROUP by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 5. Select the ID location by rotating the VFO or using the keypad and then press E. (The first number represents the ID list number and second number represents the memory location number.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 57 Note: The BC250D default to "AFS" talkgroup displays for EDACS® only. ––– OR ––– To enter a LTR ID: 5-0 a. Enter the Area code and then press . (decimal key) -----0-02-120¡ ENTER ID b. Enter the Home Repeater number and then press . (decimal key). c. Enter the ID you want to store and then press E. Note: To clear a mistake while entering an ID, press 0 and E successively, and start over. 4. Rotate the VFO to move up to select the next Scan List location. ID Scan Mode 1.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 58 talkgroup is not active, change the Scan List by using the Menu screen. Note: • Once you press SEARCH or SERVICE in one bank, all trunking banks will change to that mode. • Selecting a Scan List is also possible in the Menu mode. (LTR only) • ID SCAN appears on the display during Trunk Scan instead of simply SCAN. Setting the Delay Mode for Trunking Mode The delay of 5 seconds is automatically set for each talkgroup for ID Scan mode and ID Search mode.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 59 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/MAN. M ID:4128 867.8375 NFM Bank:04 MOT TYP2 2. Press TRNSFR and the empty Scan List appears on the display, then press E. In case you want to change the memory location, you can change it by rotating the VFO. 3. Press RSM to return to Trunk Tracking Search mode.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 60 During I-Call reception the display will show the Unit ID number of either the transmitting or receiving mobile unit, not a talkgroup. Unit IDs will display differently according to the type of trunked system, and will replace the n's shown here.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 61 EDACS or Motorola Type 1 Enter . (decimal key) followed by the Unit ID digits, then SCAN. Motorola Type 2 Enter 7 followed by the Unit ID digits, then E. HINT - There is a special code to let you receive all I-Call IDs with a single Scan Lists entry. Simply enter . (decimal key), 0, SCAN. This will store the special code i0 in an EDACS Scan Lists, or 700000 in a Motorola Scan Lists or Digital.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 62 moves on to conventional channels in the same bank or to the next active bank. If the scanner finds that a talkgroup in one of your active Scan Lists is on the air, you will begin to hear that communication and the scanner will of course display the proper talkgroup number and any alpha tag.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 63 EDACS® Reception EDACS® Tracking TrunkTracker III now allows tracking of EDACS® trunked systems. Until now these widely used systems have been almost impossible to monitor with a conventional scanner. With your TrunkTracker III listening to EDACS(s) is remarkably easy, and perhaps even easier than conventional scanning. EDACS systems use 'Transmission Trunking', which means that each transmission is assigned a new frequency.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 64 An EDACS® Trunked system This chart shows how talkgroups are organized within an EDACS system at the AGENCY level. The individual talkgroups cannot be shown at this scale because there are over 2000. However the chart can show the 16 Agencies in this example. The system is logical and easy to understand. EDACS systems are typically arranged in an outline structure. The system users are given blocks of talkgroups.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 65 511. This is not as easy to remember as Agency 03. But decimal is useful if you need to work from decimal talkgroup lists. Special EDACS® Features AFS Partial Entry Feature AFS is Uniden's method of encoding EDACS talkgroups. AFS stands for 'Agency-Fleet-Subfleet'. AFS talkgroups are used in all EDACS reception -- in ID SEARCH, ID LOCKOUT and ID SCAN Scan Lists.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 66 beginning of each transmission it will sound a distinctive emergency alert tone three times. Patch Tracking The BC250D can follow EDACS patched talkgroups. EDACS systems sometimes bring several talkgroups together in a 'Patch'. A patch might be used by a police agency at night to provide a single channel with a single dispatcher for a wide area. A patch is created when a single, temporary talkgroup substitutes for the original talkgroups.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 67 LTR® Reception LTR® Tracking 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 trunking information as digital subaudible data that accompanies each transmission. Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talkgroups, which are identified by the radio as six digit numbers.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 68 Motorola Reception Motorola Tracking There are really two types of Motorola trunking systems. These are usually referred to as Type I and Type II systems. Type I only occurs on some 800 MHz systems. All VHF, UHF and 900 MHz trunking systems use Type II. One important distinction between these two systems is the amount of data transmitted by each radio when its push-totalk button (PTT) is pressed.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 69 systems usually accommodate fewer users than Type II systems. Even though there are many Type II systems, Type I systems are still in use. There are also Hybrid systems which are a combination of both Type I and Type II. Your scanner defaults to monitor Type II systems, but its possible to select a Preprogrammed Fleet Map or create a Custom Fleet Map for your area.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 70 For example, 100-12, 100-9, 000-12, 400-8, etc. See "User Defined Fleet Maps in the Appendix" for more information about Type I IDs. How do you know if the preset map is correct? You will have to listen to see if you're following complete conversations. If not, you should try another preset map. Programming a Fleet Map You may want to read "User Defined Fleet Maps" in the Appendix before programming a Fleet Map.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 71 Setting the Base, Spacing Frequencies and Offset Channel for Motorola VHF/UHF Trunked Systems To properly track Motorola VHF and UHF trunked systems you must enter what is known as the base, the spacing frequencies and offset channels for each system. To find these out, check the www.trunktracker.com or www.bearcat1.com/free.htm and other web sites and frequency resources.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 72 Note: • If the system is not tracking properly, you may need to try a new Base Frequency or Offset Channel or you may be missing frequencies from the system. • You can set up to three Base, Spacing and Offsets for Motorola VHF/UHF trunked systems. 13. The Offset Channel for the first set should be CH380 (just press MENU/BACK to confirm this as the default). 14.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 73 ONLY. You must choose one of 4 frequency plans before you begin to Control Channel Trunk. Note that the default, Plan 1, is the most common. Read the description of the Plans below for details on which may apply for you. PLAN 1: Use Plan 1 if the last three digits of ALL the frequencies in use end in one of the following three digits: 125, 375, 625, or 875 (example: 856.1125, 860.7375, 859.6625, 855.8875). PLAN 2: If the last three digits of frequencies are less than 869.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 74 program the Control Channel frequency into Memory and press and hold the TRUNK key to identify the frequency as trunked. Disconnect Tone Detect Option (End Code) When this function is disabled, the radio looks for squelch before returning to the Control Channel instead of waiting for the Disconnect Tone. Only in rare instances will you need to adjust the default settings. The condition to return to Control Channels depends on whether the signal is present or not.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 75 APCO Project 25 Reception APCO Project 25 is a modulation process where Voice Communications are converted into Digital Communications. This conversion is similar to the technology used with digital mobile phones. There are several Types of Project 25 systems available! - Conventional – One frequency with Digital voice. - Trunked with Analog Control Channel and Digital Voice – Many Frequencies shared by many Departments and the control channel is analog with digital voice.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 76 4. Select APCO Card - ENABLE by rotating the VFO and pressing E, and exit from this menu mode and APCO 25 CARD INSTALLED appears on the display. You can use APCO Project 25. Precautions for Installing the BCi25D Card 1. Do not touch the BCi25D card without first removing the static electricity from your body. Touch any metal to release static electricity build-up before you touch the BCi25D card. 2. Turn Off the scanner, before inserting the BCi25D card into the slot. 3.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 77 Remote Interface You can communicate and program your BC250D in numerous ways with peripheral devices using the Remote Interface Cable port. This radio offers the following modes: ❖ PC Control MODE Program and control your scanner from a PC using third party software. ❖ CLONE MODE Clone all the frequencies, trunking talkgroups, and fleet maps programmed into your scanner to another BC250D scanner or BC785D.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 78 Start Remote Mode: Through the Menu system, select SYSTEM OPTION - PC CONTROL by rotating the VFO and pressing E. To start Remote mode, select the transfer speed listed below except for OFF. SPEED 3:9600 bps 4:19200 bps 5:OFF A unique feature of the BC250D is that all the front panel keys as well as the VFO on the radio remain operational in Remote mode.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 79 next page you will see the pin connections that are internal to a standard device. (These items are available at your local electronics stores.) To connect the Scanner to Scanner: Null Modem Adapter Pin connections Plug the smaller end of each of the supplied Remote interface cables into the remote ports which are on the right sides of each of the two scanners.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 80 6. Press SCAN on both scanners. The data transfer is started from the Master Unit to the Slave Unit. During the data transfer, both scanners show the following displays. CLONE == > MASTER UNIT CLONE == < SLAVE UNIT CLONE When the data transfer is complete, COMPLETE displays. If the data transfer is not successful, the following error message will appear. COMPLETE MASTER UNIT CLONE ERROR MASTER UNIT Note: To clear ERROR, press . (decimal key).
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 81 Additional Features The following additional features are designed for you to customize your scanner. Once these features have been turned On or Off, they will remain as they are set until you reset them, even if you turn the scanner Off and then On again. Dimmer To change brightness of the display: 1. Press MENU/BACK. 2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - DIMMER by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 3. Select one from HIGH or MEDIUM or OFF by rotating the VFO and then press E.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 82 Key Beep Option To choose beep sound ON or OFF: 1. Press MENU/BACK. 2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - KEY BEEP by rotating the VFO and pressing E. 3. Set to ON or OFF by rotating the VFO and then press E. Screen Mask The trunk, frequency, receiving mode, and signal meter indications on the display are masked when this feature is activated (except while in Search mode). This feature reduces the amount of displayed information. 1. Press MENU/BACK. 2.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 83 Receiving Mode Selection You can also set the receiving mode, AM or FM etc., in Conventional mode or Chain Search mode. See MODE in "Menu Description" for details. Frequency and Channel Tuning with the VFO Control The VFO knob can be used for changing frequencies or changing memory channels (for Conventional channels or talkgroup ID Scan Lists). 1.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 84 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 OFF the KEY BEEP in the menu system.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 85 Troubleshooting If your BC250D 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. Improper reception. 1. Check the antenna connection or move and reposition the antenna. 2. Move the scanner. 3.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 86 Problem Suggestion APCO 25 CARD INSTALLED screen does not appear when the scanner is turned ON. 1. Check to see if the BCi25D is properly installed. 2. Check to see if the P25 Mode is ON or DISABLE in the Menu mode (See page 76-77). Scratchy or robotic sound is heard during communications. 1. Move to a location where the signal strength is strong. 2. Modulation accuracy of transmissions sent can be low. Digital communication is not heard. 1.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 87 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 AW 137.0 - 161.995 MHz FM 162.0 - 173.9875 MHz FM 174.0 - 215.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 88 Size: 65mm (W) x 45mm (D) x 153mm (H) Weight: 350 g (11-1/4 oz.) Features and specifications are all subject to change without notice.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 89 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.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 90 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.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 91 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.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 92 programmed the unique number, then you don’t have to 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.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 93 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) SIZE C
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 94 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 11 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 Preset Map 14 Size Code SIZE CODE 3 SIZE CODE 3 SIZE CODE 11 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 4 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 SIZE CODE 0 Block 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Preset Map 15 Bl
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 95 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.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 96 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.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 97 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 Message CEM I
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Event Code Service 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 Page 98 Standard SVS SPS FFS FLS HLS NPT RMT RWT DMO NHW **E **W **A **S Event Level (Siren Type) Warning Watch Statement 0 0 0 0 0 LCD Display
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 99 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 7 8 9 0 CHAIN SEARCH SPECIAL 1: ON/ 2:OFF 1: ON/ 2:OFF 1: CTCSS/ 2: DCS/ 3: OFF 1: ON/ 2:OFF SEARCH RANGE (RANGE SELECT) DELAY ATTENUATOR TONE DATA AUTO STORE 2 3 4 5 6 1: ON/ 2:OFF CHAIN SEARCH 1 100 ALPHA TAG TRUNK 5 MODE STEPS (RANGE SELECT) RANGE 4 3 2 1 ON OFF 1 2 1: AM/2: FM/3: WFM/4: NFM/5: AUTO 5: 25KHz/6: 50KHz/7: 100KHz/8: AUTO 1: 5KHz/2: 7.5KH/3: 10KHz/4: 12.
2 SCAN OPTION CONVENTIONAL (CHANNEL SELECT) TRUNK (BANK SELECT) 1 2 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: OFF MASTER / SLAVE 1: ON/ 2:OFF 1: CSQ/ 2: TONE SQ/ 3: TONE SEARCH ENABLE/DISABLE 1: ON/ 2: OFF KEY BEEP ENTER LOCK PC CONTROL CLONE DATA SKIP SQ MODE BANK TAG (SELECT BANK) APCO CARD BATTERY SAVE 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 15SECONDS/INFINITE 3 HIGH/MEDIUM 1: ON/ 2:OFF DIMMER TIME SCREEN MASK 2 DIMMER LIGHT DIMMER 1 BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 102 102
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 103 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.
