Uniden Bc246t Trunk Tracker Scanner Owners Manual
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91 Search and Close Call Options On The scanner automatically applies repeater reverse to detected transmissions. If the scanner detects the transmission on the output frequency, it beeps, REPEATER FIND appears, and it remains on the output frequency until transmissions end. If it does not detect a transmission on the output frequency, it remains on the original frequency. Off The scanner does not try to find the output frequency. Setting the Maximum Auto Store Valu e J 4 Srch/CloCall Opt J E 4 Max Auto Store J E This value sets how many hits the scanner will automatically store when it is in either Search and Store or Close Call Auto Store mode. Use the number keys to enter a value from 1 - 256, then press E. When the scanner reaches the maximum number of hits you set, it stops the auto-store operation. Setting the Modulation Type J 4 Srch/CloCall Opt J E 4 Set Modulation J E This setting controls the modulation type used for quick search and Close Call operations. Select your setting, then press E. Auto Uses the default setting for the current frequency (see the table at the front of the manual) AM Uses AM (amplitude modulation) FM Uses FM (frequency modulation) NFM Uses narrowband FM Menu Menu BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 91 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
92 Search and Close Call Options Setting Attenuation J 4 Srch/CloCall Opt J E 4 Set Attenuation J E This setting controls the attenuator for quick search and Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press E. Off The attenuator is off. On Reception is attenuated by about 18 dB. Note: Turn on this setting if you are near other strong signal sources. Attenuation sometimes helps to reduce interference and desensitization that strong signals create. Setting Data Skip J 4 Srch/CloCall Opt J E 4 Set Data Skip J E This setting controls how the scanner behaves when it detects a constant-level transmission during quick search or Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press E. Off The scanner remains on the transmission until it ends. On The scanner quickly resumes searching or Close Call operation. Notes: • If you are trying to test the Close Call feature with a nearby transmitter and you do not talk into the transmitter, the scanner will detect this as data and will skip the frequency when Data Skip is on. Turn the feature off or talk into the transmitter. • The default for this feature is On. Setting the Delay Time J 4 Srch/CloCall Opt J E 4 Set Delay Time J E Menu Menu Menu BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 92 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
93 Search and Close Call Options This setting determines how long the scanner waits after a transmission ends before resuming quick search or Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press E. OffThe scanner resumes immediately when the transmission ends. 1-5 secThe scanner waits the set amount of time after the transmission ends before resuming. Note: The default setting is 2 seconds. Setting the Search Frequency Step J 4 Srch/CloCall Opt J E 4 Set Step J E This setting selects the frequency step used for setting the channels. Select your setting, then press E. AutoThe step is based on the band (see the table at the front of the manual) 5.0 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 7.5 kHz, 10.0 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 15.0 kHz, 20.0 kHz, 25.0 kHz, 50.0 kHz, 100.0 kHz The scanner uses the selected step. Note: The scanner defaults to Auto. Menu BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 93 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
94 Using Weather Alert (SAME) Using Weather Alert (SAME)Your scanner has been primarily designed to be a radio scanner. While it incorporates weather alert as one of its features, we strongly recommend that you not use the scanner as your sole means for receiving emergency alerts. Your local electronics retailer carries several weather radios specifically designed for this function. Your scanner allows you to search for a local NOAA weather broadcast and set it to alert when a SAME weather alert is broadcast on a NOAA channel. You can also program SAME codes into the scanner and set a weather channel as a priority channel. In the following sections, you can also access the weather menu from Hold mode by holding then pressing Wx. Searching For a Weather Broadcast J 4 WX OPERATION J E J Weather Scan JE The scanner starts scanning the preprogrammed weather frequencies, and stops on the first signal. If this station is weak, rotate the scroll control to check for other weather broadcasts in your area. Note: NOAA broadcasts are continuous broadcasts. You will only lose reception if you move out of a coverage area. If the signal is lost, the scanner resumes searching for a weather transmission. Turning Weather Alert On/Off In weather alert mode, your scanner functions as a severe weather warning radio. This is especially useful when your area is expecting severe weather conditions late at night. When you set the scanner to weather alert mode, it holds on the weather channel, but does not play the channel’s audio. If it detects a weather alert, it sounds a tone, displays information about the weather alert, and turns on the audio so you can hear the weather broadcast. Func Menu Using Weather Alert (SAME) BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 94 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
95 Using Weather Alert (SAME) J 4 WX Operation J E 4 Weather Alert J 4 This setting determines which types of signals will trigger an alert. Select your setting, then press E. Alert Only - the scanner alerts when it detects the 1050 Hz tone that accompanies all weather alerts. ALL FIPS - the scanner alerts and displays information about the weather alert when it receives any FIPS code (see “Programming a SAME Group” on Page 95). SAME 1-5 - the scanner alerts and displays information about the weather alert when it receives a weather alert signal that includes any FIPS code you have programmed into the specified SAME group. Programming a SAME Group You can edit any of the 5 SAME groups in your scanner. Each group can have up to 8 FIPS codes. SAME (Specific Area Messaging System) is a system developed by the National Weather Service to reduce the number of alerts received by consumers by allowing them to hear alerts only for the county(ies) they are interested in. Each alert contains information about the type and severity of the alert, as well as the specific geographic locations affected by the alert. The geographic locations are designated using FIPS codes. Each county or parish in the US and its territories are assigned a FIPS code. In addition, certain special regions and wildcard settings can be assigned. FIPS codes are in the format nSSCCC: n: A special subcounty designator. For an entire county, use 0. SS: The state code. CCC: The county code. Menu BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 95 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
96 Using Weather Alert (SAME) For example, Tarrant County in Texas is assigned to FIPS code 048439. 0 indicates the entire county 48 indicates the state of Texas 439 indicates Tarrant County To get the FIPS code for your county, visit the National Weather Service web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov and search for “FIPS Listing”. J 4 WX Operation J E 4 PrograM SAME J E 4 SELECT SAME J 4 select the SAME group to edit J E J 4 Select the setting to change, then press E. Edit Name - enter the name you want to assign to the SAME group you selected (see “Entering Text” on Page 17). Edit County - select the position you want to store the FIPS code into, then press E, enter the FIPS code, and press E again. Setting WX Alert Priority J 4 WX Operation J E 4 WX ALT PRIIORITY J E J 4 On - the scanner checks the weather channels every 5 seconds for a 1050 Hz weather alert signal. Press E to select. Off - the scanner does not check the weather channels. Press E to select. Menu Menu BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 96 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
97 Care and Maintenance Care and MaintenanceGeneral 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. • Always press each button firmly until you hear the entry tone for that key entry. Location • Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments such as the kitchen or bathroom. • Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents. • If the scanner receives strong interference or electrical noise, move it or its antenna away from the source of the noise. If possible, a higher elevation might provide better reception. • Also try changing the height or angle of the antenna. Cleaning • Disconnect the power to the unit before cleaning. • Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild detergent. • To prevent scratches, do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Be careful not to rub the LCD window. • Do not use excessive amounts of water. Care and Maintenance BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 97 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
98 Care and Maintenance 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 might be receiving a birdie. Birdies are internally generated signals inherent in the electronics of the scanner. Press L/O to lock out the channel. BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 98 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
99 Troubleshooting TroubleshootingIf your BC246T is not performing properly, try these steps. Problem Possible Cause Suggestion The scanner doesn’t work.The scanner might not be receiving any power.Make sure the AC adapter is connected to an AC outlet and the scanner. If there is a wall switch that controls power to the AC outlet where you connected the AC adapter, make sure it is on. Improper reception.The antenna might need to be adjusted.Check the antenna connection or move or reposition the antenna. Move the scanner. You might be in a remote area that could require an optional multi-band antenna. Check with your dealer or local electronics store. Scan won’t stop.The squelch might need to be adjusted.Adjust the squelch threshold. See “Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch” on Page 41. The antenna might need to be adjusted.Check the antenna connection. One or more channels might be locked out.Make sure the channels you want to scan are not locked out. The channel’s frequency might not be stored in memory.Make sure the channel’s frequency is stored in the scanner’s memory. The channel might not be active.Wait for a transmission on the channel. Scan won’t start.You must press Scan to scan.Press Scan. The squelch might need to be adjusted.Adjust the squelch threshold. See “Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch” on Page 41. Troubleshooting BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 99 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM
100 Troubleshooting If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker™ mode, try the following steps. Scan won’t start (continued)One or more channels might be locked out.Make sure the channels you want to scan are not locked out. The antenna might need to be adjusted.Check the antenna connection. Weather scan doesn’t work.The squelch might need to be adjusted.Adjust the squelch threshold. See “Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch” on Page 41. The antenna might need to be adjusted.Check the antenna connection. There might not be a NOAA weather broadcast in your area.Move to an area with a NOAA weather broadcast. Problem Possible Cause Suggestion Scanner won’t track a trunked system.The system might not be one your scanner can scan.Scan another system. The data frequency might be missing.Enter the data frequency. The scanner might need to be changed to a Type 1 scanner setup.Change to a Type 1 scanner setup. Review “Programming Motorola Systems” on Page 54. The system you are trying to scan might be LTR or EDACS.Set the scanner to scan LTR or EDACS systems. Review “Programming LTR Systems” on Page 60 and “Programming EDACS Systems” on Page 58. BC246T Paper OM 062405.fm Page 100 Tuesday, June 28, 2005 10:12 AM