Uniden Bc250d Widenband Scanner Owners Manual

							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 2:OFFthe 
3:KEY  BEEPin the menu system.
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, may provide better
reception.
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.
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
may be receiving a birdie. Birdies are internally generated
signals inherent in the electronics of the receiver.
Press L/Oto lockout the channel, and then press RSM
to resume scanning.
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Troubleshooting
If your BC250D is not performing properly, try the following
steps.
If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker mode, try the
following steps.
Problem Suggestion
Scanner wont 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.
2. Move the scanner.
3. You may be in a remote area which could require an
optional multi-band antenna. Check with your dealer or
local electronics store.
Scan wont stop. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 15, Setting the
Squelch.
2. Check the antenna connection.
3. Check to see if many of the channels are Loc ked Out.
If so, the scanner has less chance of finding an 
active channel.
4. Review each channels frequency to see if it is still
stored in Memory and is correct.
5. Its possible that none of the programmed frequencies
are currently active.
Scan wont star t. 1. Press the 
SCAN key again.
2. Adjust the SQUELCH control.3. Check to see if all channels are Lock ed Out.
Weather Scan wont work. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 15, Setting the
Squelch.
2. Check the antenna.
4. Check to see if Key Lock is ON (see page 84).
Problem Suggestion
Scanner wont track.1. Missing the Data Frequency.
2. Change to a Type 1 Scanner setup.
Review Fleet Map Programming on page 70.
Scanner wont stop  1. No IDs have been programmed.
during Scan List mode.
2. The IDs you have stored are not active.
Scanner will not acquire  1. Adjust the squelch for Tr unking mode.
data channel. See page 54.
2. Missing the frequency used for the data channel.
Check your frequency list.
Missing replies  1. Change to a Type 1 scanner setup .
to conversations. Review Fleet Map Programming on page 70.
2. Try another Preset Fleet Map or Program your own
Fleet Map.
3. Check to see that all of the systems frequencies
have been entered.
Channel Activity  1. May be a telephone interconnect call, which are
Indicators are flashing  intentionally blocked by your scanner.
but no sound is heard.
2. The ID on your display is not active .
Scanner not tracking  1. Logical channel numbers (frequencies) for the system
an EDACS system are not programmed in the correct order.
properly. Check frequency resources and reprogram.
2. Not all frequencies for the system are programmed.
Check frequency resources.
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							If you still cannot get satisfactory results while using your
scanner or if you want additional information, please call or
write the Uniden Parts and Service Division. The address and
phone number is listed in the warranty at the end of this
manual. If you would like immediate assistance, please call
Customer Service at (800)297-1023.
If you have internet access, you can visit
scanner.uniden.comfor additional information.                       
89
Problem Suggestion
APCO  P25  CARD 
NOT  INSTALLED  
appear when the scanner 
is turned ON.
Neither APCO  P25 
CARD  INSTALLED 
nor APCO  P25  CARD 
NOT  INSTALLED 
appear when the scanner 
is turned ON.
Scratchy or robotic sound 
is heard during 
communications.
Digital communication is 
not heard.
DATA sound is heard at 
the beginning of digital 
communications.
Robotic sound is heard.
When CARD  ERROR 
appears every 10 seconds 
while you are using P-25 
Card.1. Check to see if the P-25 Card is properly installed.
1. Check to see if the P-25 Card Mode is 1:ENABLE 
or 2:DISABLE in the Menu mode.
1. Move to a location where the signal strength is 
strong.
2. Modulation accuracy of transmissions sent can be 
low.
1. Verify the accuracy of the frequencies of the P-25 
system you are trying to monitor.
2. You might be in a dead-spot for the P-25 system you 
are trying to monitor. Check other locations in the 
area.
1. APCO project 25 systems can send data before 
voice communication.
2. Data sound can be heard when signal strength is 
weak.
1. Check to see if the ENC message appears on the 
display.
The scanner doesn’t monitor encrypted voice 
communications.
1. Re-install the P-25 Card.
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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 AM
137.0 - 161.995 MHz FM
162.0 - 173.9875 MHz FM
174.0 - 215.95 MHz WFM
216.0 - 224.995 MHz FM
225.0 - 399.95 MHz AM
400.0 - 512.0 MHz NFM
806.0 - 823.9875 MHz NFM
849.0125 - 868.9875 MHz NFM
894.0125 - 956.0 MHz NFM
1240.0 - 1300.0 MHz NFM
Operating Temperature:–
20 °C to +
60 °C (–4°F to 140°F)
Scan Rate: 100 channels per second MAX.
(conventional mode)
Search Rate: 100 steps per second MAX.
(Normal Search)
300 steps per second MAX.
(Turbo Search)
Scan Delay: 2 seconds
Audio Output: 240 mW nominal 
(8Ωinternal speaker)
38 mW nominal 
(32Ωstereo headphone)
9 mW nominal 
(64Ωearphone)
Internal Speaker: 8 ohms (36 mm outer diameter)
Power Requirements: AD600U AC Adapter 
(12V DC, 500mA)
or
4.8V DC 1500mAh (internal battery)
Antenna: Rubber Antenna (included)
Antenna Jack: BNC type
External Jacks: DC 12 V Power Jack 
(center is positive)
Remote Jack 
Earphone Jack
Size: 65mm (W) x 45mm (D) x 153mm (H)
Weight: 350 g (12 3/8 oz.)
Features and specifications are all subject to change without notice.
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							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. The built-in attenuator can be
turned on specific frequencies to prevent strong signals
from overloading the scanner input, possibly damaging the
scanner or missing other transmissions due to the repeated
stopping on the stronger signal.
Clone- This term identifies the ability to set up a duplicate
scanner. This function allows you to clone all the
programming information, including frequencies, talkgroups
and alpha tags as well as bank settings and other
parameters from one BC250D to another or BC785D.
Control Channel- This is the frequency within a trunking
system that runs the system. On Control Channels
(sometimes called Data Channels) you will hear a buzz saw
sound. For the most part, it is the sound of the system’s
central computer directing talkgroups to particular voice
(working) frequencies within the system.
CTCSS- (Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System)
refers to a system where the radio receivers are equipped
with tone responsive devices which allow audio signals to
appear at the audio output, select voice processing such as
scrambling or control repeater functions only when a carrier
modulated with a specific tone 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 CTCSS
squelching, you can eliminate the possibility of hearing
unwanted conversations by selecting one of the 38 standard
subaudible tones. You will only hear those transmissions
that have been programmed on specific frequencies with
the specific subaudible tone that you have selected.
DCS- (Digital Controlled Squelch) refers to a system where
the radio receivers are equipped with data burst responsive
devices which allow audio signals to appear at the audio
output, select voice processing such as scrambling or
control repeater functions only when a carrier modulated
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							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. You will only hear those
transmissions that have been programmed on specific
frequencies with the specific subaudible tone that you have
selected.
Enter Lock- This is the term used for locking the keypad.
This prevents accidental re-programming of channels and
talkgroups entered into memory. The default setting is OFF.
When ENTER LOCK is enabled, the following functions will
be disabled:
• Enter or modify the Memory Channel frequency
• Enter or modify the Tone information
• Enter or modify the Trunking ID. ( this can be modified 
through the menu screen.)
FIPS Codes- For the purpose of broadcasting weather
information, the NWS (National Weather Service) has
divided the United States into regions by state and county
(or parish, where applicable) then assigned a 6 digit FIPS
code to identify each county or parish. The first digit
represents the county subdivision, the next two represents
the state, and the last three digits represent the county or
parish. Your scanner can receive all SAME alert signals
broadcasted within about a 50-mile radius of where you
install it. So if you only want to hear the counties that are
nearest to your area, you can choose specifically the FIPS
code of areas that you want. This lets you avoid hearing
warnings that apply to an area within a 50-mile radius but
not necessarily in your county or parish.
I-Call- Most communications within a trunked system are
group calls where one unit (such as a dispatcher)
communicates with all the units within her group (all the
patrol vehicles on the east side of town, for example). 
The units within this group comprise what is typically known
as a talkgroup. There are some communications which are
direct unit-to-unit conversations where one individual
converses with another individual. The call is initiated by a
radio and is directed to another single radio. Within the
system, no one outside of these two users hears the
conversation. This call is referred to as I-Call.
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							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. Weather Alert- In 1994, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began
broadcasting coded signals called FIPS (Federal
Information Processing System) codes along with the
standard weather broadcasts for stations in your area.
These codes identify an emergency and the specific
geographic area (such as your county) affected by the
emergency. The scanner was developed with SAME
(Specific Area Messaging Encoding) technology. 
This allows you scanner to receive, interpret, and display
the information about the codes so you can determine if the
emergency might affect you area.Each FIPS code identifies
a specific geographic area (defined by the National Weather
Service) so your scanner sounds an alert only when a
weather emergency is declared in those locations. 
This helps you more efficiently track the weather conditions
in and around your area.
PC Control- This term is associated with the ability to
program frequencies and other useful information via a
computer by means of third party software. You can change
the transfer speed on the scanner needed to be compatible
with your PC. (See page 81)
Scan List- When you designate a bank to be a trunking
bank, your scanner sets up 10 Scan Lists, which are simply
list of your favorite IDs. Each list can contain up to 10 IDs,
so you can store a total of 100 IDs for each trunk bank.
These lists are designed to help you organize the trunking
system users into categories.
Screen Mask- Screen Mask reduces the amount of
information that appears on the display. Alpha tags that you
have set for a channel along with a few function icons will
appear only on the display. This mode is particularly useful
in public safety vehicles where that are already overloaded
with information. Screen Mask does not work in Search
mode.
Status Bit- This term refers to Motorola Type II systems.
There is a method by which special types of
communications utilize unique talk group numbers. 
For example, if all emergency calls are set to occur on a
specific talk group number then you will not miss the
transmission even if you have not programmed all the talk
group numbers. With the Status Bit on and you have
programmed the unique number, then you don’t have to
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							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.
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							Appendix
Preset Fleet Maps
95
Preset Map 1
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
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Preset Map 2
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4 Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Preset Map 3
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
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Preset Map 5
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4 Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Preset Map 7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 10
SIZE CODE 10
SIZE CODE 11
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4 Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Preset Map 8
Size Code
SIZE CODE 1
SIZE CODE 1
SIZE CODE 2
SIZE CODE 2
SIZE CODE 3
SIZE CODE 3
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4 Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Preset Map 6
Size Code
SIZE CODE 3
SIZE CODE 10
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12) Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Preset Map 4
Size Code
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12)
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4 Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
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Preset Map 9
Preset Map 11
Preset Map 13
Preset Map 15 Preset Map 16Preset Map 14 Preset Map 12 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
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7Size Code
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4 Block
1 0
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 Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
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
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 11
SIZE CODE 11
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12) Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7Size Code
SIZE CODE 3
SIZE CODE 10
SIZE CODE 10
SIZE CODE 11
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12) Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 3
SIZE CODE 10
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 4
SIZE CODE 12
(SIZE CODE 12) Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
Size Code
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 0
SIZE CODE 4 Block
1 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
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