Uniden Bc296d Trunk Tracker Scanner Owners Manual
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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. 65 Problem Suggestion APCO P25 CARD NOT INSTALLED appear when the scanner is turned ON. Neither APCO P25 CARD INSTALLED 9600 SYSTEM 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. BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 65
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. 66 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 66
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 BC296D to another or BC796D. 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 67 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 67
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. 68 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 68
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 61) 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 69 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 69
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. 70 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 70
Appendix Preset Fleet Maps 71 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 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 71
72 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 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 72
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 youre tracking. Each size code determines the number of Fleets, Subfleets, and IDs each block will have. For example, a size code of 4 has one Fleet, which is divided into 16 separate Subfleets, and it has a total of 512 individual IDs. When a block is assigned a size code, the Fleet or Fleets created within the block are assigned a Type I ID. The way these IDs display on your scanner depends on the block number and the blocks size code. When a Type I ID displays, the left most digit represents the block which contains the ID. The next two or three digits identify which Fleet is active, and the last digit(s) identifies the Subfleet. The details concerning how the size codes are selected by a Type I system designer are highly dependent on the specific needs of the systems users. Some organizations may want many subfleets with only a few radios each, while another organization may want only a few subfleets with many radios each. Your task is to program your fleet map with the same size code assignments as the trunked system. If you do this accurately, youll track all the Fleet-Subfleet combinations used by the system. In other words, youll hear complete communications while monitoring a trunked system. If you dont already know the size codes used, youll have to guess at them. But since you dont have to figure out all the blocks at once, this isnt as hard as it seems. Select a size code for a block, and then press SCAN. Now listen to the communications. If you decide you are receiving most of the replies to the conversations with IDs assigned to the block you just programmed, then youve probably selected the right size code and can work on the next block of the map. 73 Block (1 digit)Subfleet (1 or 2 digits) Which Fleet within the Block (2 or 3 digits) BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 73
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. Fleet Map Size Codes Size Code Restrictions If you select SIZE CODE 12, 13, or 14, there are some restrictions as to which blocks can be used for these codes. •SIZE CODE 12 can only be assigned to Blocks 0, 2, 4, or 6. •SIZE CODE 13 can only be assigned to Blocks 0 and 4. •SIZE 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 Block 1. And if you assign Block 0 as SIZE CODE 14, you would not see another prompt because all available blocks have been used. 74 Size Fleets Subfleets IDsBlocksUsed 0Reserves block for Type II IDs + 1128 4 16 1 216 864 1 38 8128 1 41 16512 1 564 432 1 632 832 1 732 464 1 816 4128 1 98 4256 1 10 4 8 256 1 11 2 16 256 1 12 1 16 1024 2 13 1 16 2048 4 14 1 16 4096 8 BC296D(NEW) 10/16/03 6:35 PM Page 74