Uniden Bc780xlt Trunk Tracker Scanner Owners Manual

							3 TrunkTrack™ changes this! Not only does your new BC780XLT scan channels like a
conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know
a talkgroups ID, you won’t miss any of the action.
If youre a new scanner enthusiast, you may want to read the first part of this manual and
use your scanner in conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking. Understanding
scanning fundamentals and its terminology will make trunk tracking much easier. A glossary
of other commonly used terms is provided in the back. (Refer to the “Glossary of Terms”
section.) But if youre already an experienced scanner operator, you may want to skip to
Trunked System on page 36.
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							4
Feature Highlights
•Trunk Tracking– Follows VHF High Band, UHF, 800/900MHz trunked public safety and
public service systems just as if conventional two-way communications were used.
•Multi-Track– Track more than one trunking system at a time. Scan conventional and
trunked systems at the same time.
•500 Channels– Program one frequency into each channel. You must have at least one
channel programmed to use the Scan mode.
•24 Bands, 10 Banks– Includes 24 bands, with Aircraft and 800 MHz.10 banks with 50
channels each are useful for storing similar frequencies to maintain faster scanning cycles
or for storing all the frequencies of a trunked system.
•25 MHz-1300 MHz– Indicates the range of frequencies that can be searched within the
bands of your scanner.
Note: The frequency coverage is not continuous and excludes the cellular band, 
512-806MHz.
•10 Priority Channels– You can assign one priority channel in each bank. Assigning a
priority channel allows you to keep track of activity on your most important channel(s)
while monitoring other channels for transmissions. You can also assign trunking priority 
talkgroups.
•Preprogrammed Service (SVC) Search– Allows you to toggle through preprogrammed
public safety, news media, TV broadcast audio, Ham, CB, FRS, special low power,
railroad, aircraft, marine, and weather frequencies.
•Unique Data Skip– Allows your scanner to skip unwanted data transmissions and
reduces birdies.
•Memory Backup– If the battery completely discharges or if power is disconnected, the
frequencies programmed in your scanner are retained in memory.
•Manual Channel Access– Go directly to any channel.
•Attenuator– Reduces the signal strength on a per frequency basis.
•SmartScanner™– Automatically program your BC780XLT with all the frequencies and
trunking talkgroups for your local area by accessing our national database with your
personal computer (PC) or just an external modem. (No PC required)
•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.
•CTCSS/DCS– The scanner can receive and search for subaudible tones.
•NWR-SAME Alert– The scanner is compatible with warning tone and message
transmissions.
•FIPS Code– Six digit FIPS Code (emergency and geographic area code) programmable.
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							5
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.)
• Local Dealer
To obtain additional frequency information for your area, contact one of the following:
• Scanner Master 
(800) 722-6701 (Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Monday through Friday.)
• Bearcat Frequency Hotline 
(937) 299-0414 (Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time 
Monday through Friday.)
Information on the Internet
If you have access to the Internet, you may want to visit www.trunktracker.comor
www.bearcat1.com/free.htm
A special website has been specifically setup for this scanner with helpful information
on using this scanner and other user comments. Visit www.bc780xlt.com.
For more information about Uniden and our other products, visit www.uniden.com
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							6
Included with Your Scanner
If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or
Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday
through Friday.
• AC Adapter • Cigarette Lighter
Adapter Cord
• Operating Guide• Mounting Bracket • Telescopic Antenna
• Trunk Tracker Frequency Guide
and Other Printed Material• DC Cord
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							7
Setup
Connecting an Antenna
You must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner. You have been provided a
standard telescopic antenna that works well with this scanner, but you may want to
purchases another type to increase the range. To connect the telescopic antenna, simply
connect it to the BNC type ANT. connector on the rear of the scanner. You can purchase a
variety of scanner antennas for both mobile and base station available at a local electronics
store. Choose the one that best meets your needs.
When deciding on a mobile or base station antenna and its location, consider these points.
• The antenna should be as high as possible on a vehicle or a house.
• The antenna and its cable should be as far as possible from sources of electrical noise
(ignition systems, gauges, and so on).
• The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.
Mounting an Antenna
Once you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna.
Then route the antenna cable to the scanner.
The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety of
antennas, such as an external mobile antenna or an outdoor base station antenna.
Always use 50 ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna.
For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If your antenna’s cable
does not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC adapter (available at a local
electronics store).
Follow the Installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to the
scanner, then connect it to the ANT.jack.
Warning: Use extreme caution when you install or remove an outdoor antenna. If the
antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the
antenna touches a power line, contact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy
wires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to remove 
the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do it yourself.
Optional Antenna
If you have chosen an optional mobile antenna, connect the antenna plug into the ANT
connector on the rear of the scanner. (For more information on antenna installation, please
refer to the instruction guide that came with your antenna.)
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							8
Typical Mounting Methods
The BC780XLT can be conveniently mounted on a table, bulkhead, overhead, or any other
desired location (refer to figure below for typical mounting methods).
Caution: Make sure there are no hidden electrical wires or other items behind the desired
location before proceeding. Check that free access for mounting and cabling 
is available.
Mounting the Scanner in Your Vehicle
Before you mount the scanner, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Then
confirm that the scanner fits your vehicle’s mounting area. This unit requires a mounting area
of 2-3/8 inch high by 6-15/16 inch wide by 6 -9/16 inch deep (61 x 176.5 x 167 mm).
Caution: Be sure to avoid obstructions behind the mounting surface.
Follow these steps to mount the scanner in your vehicle.
1. Choose a mounting location, then use the supplied
mounting bracket as a template to mark the positions for
the mounting screw holes.
2. In the marked positions, drill holes slightly smaller than
the supplied screws.
3. Attach the mounting bracket to the mounting location
using the supplied screws and lock washers.
4. Attach the scanner to the mounting bracket using the
supplied mounting knobs.
5. Connect the antenna’s cable to theANT. connector
on the back of the scanner.
Note: If the antenna cable’s connector does not fit in the ANT.
connector, you might also need a Motorola-to-BNC 
antenna plug adapter (available at a local 
electronics store).
• Table top mount • Bulkhead mount • Overhead mount
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							9
Applying Power for Vehicle Installation
You can power your scanner using either the supplied DC power cord or your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket using DC cigarette lighter power cord.
Caution: You must use a power source that supplies 13.8 V DC and delivers at least 
700 mA. Your standard 12V car battery should be sufficient. The cord connector’s
center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s DC 13.8 V
jack. The supplied DC power cord meets these specifications. Using a power cord
that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
• Always connect the adapter or DC power cord to the scanner before you connect it to the
power source. When you finish, disconnect the adapter or DC power cord from the power
source before you disconnect it from the scanner.
• For added safety and to protect your scanner,
disconnect the cable from your vehicle battery’s
negative (-) terminal before you begin.
Follow these steps to connect the supplied DC power cord.
1. Connect the power cord’s black wire to a chassis ground, such as a metal screw
attached to a metal part of the vehicle’s frame. Be sure that the screw is not insulated
from the frame by a plastic part.
2. Connect the power cord’s red wire (with in-line fuse)
to a source of voltage that turns on and off with the
ignition switch, such as a spare accessory terminal in
your vehicle’s fuse box.
3. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the DC 13.8 V
jack on the back of the scanner.
4. Reconnect the cable to the vehicle battery’s
negative (-) terminal.
To power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12 V power source (such as a cigarette-lighter
socket), use the supplied cigarette-lighter adapter cord.
To connect the supplied DC cigarette-lighter power cord, insert its barrel plug into the 
DC 13.8 Vjack on the back of the scanner, then plug the power cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket.
Note: If you use a cigarette-lighter power cord and your vehicle’s engine is running, you
might hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is normal.
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							10
Desktop Installation
You can place this scanner on a desk, shelf, or 
table to use it as a base station.
1. Flip up the feet for desk installation.
2. Extend the antenna to full vertical position. Adjust 
the angle for best reception.
Applying Power Using Standard AC Power
To power the scanner from an AC outlet, use the provided AC adapter with a 5.5 mm outer
diameter/2.1mm inner diameter tip.
Caution: You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 13.8 V DC and delivers at
least 700 mA. The cord connector’s center tip must be set to positive and its plug
must fit the scanner’s DC 13.8 Vjack. Using an adapter that does not meet these
specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
• Always connect the AC adapter to the scanner before you connect it to AC power.
When you finish, disconnect the adapter from the AC power before you disconnect it from
the scanner.
1. Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into the DC
13.8 Vjack on the back of the scanner.
2. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.
Note: Use only the AC adapter supplied with 
your scanner.
Connecting an External Speaker
In a noisy area, an external speaker (available at a local electronics store) positioned in the
right place might provide more comfortable listening.
Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) 
plug into your scanner’s EXT. SP.jack.
Note: Connecting an external speaker
disconnects the scanner’s 
internal speaker.
13.8V
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							11
Connecting an Earphone
For private listening, you can connect an earphone with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug to the 
EXT. SP.jack on the back of the scanner.
Be very careful as damage to your hearing can
result if the VOLUME control is not set to the lowest level first
. See below for “Listening
Safely” instructions. (Your local electronics store should carry a wide selection of earphones.)
Once the earphone is connected, it will automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
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. The volume is not
adjustable and damage to your hearing could occur.
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high volume listening can lead to
permanent hearing loss.
• Set the VOLUMEto the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening,
adjust the VOLUMEto a comfortable level.
• Once you set the VOLUME, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume
level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.
Connecting the Clone Cable
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another BC780XLT scanner using an
RS232C Cable (9 pin to 9 pin) (not supplied). Connect the cable between each scanner’s
REMOTEjacks. See “Clone Mode” on page 66. You can also upload or download the
programmed data to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit available through your
local electronics store.
Connecting the Tape Recorder
You can use a standard tape recorder or a VOX (Voice Operated Control) recorder.
To connect the recorder to the scanner, connect a cable with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug from
the tape recorder’s remote jack to the TAPE OUTjack on the back of the scanner. (Your
local electronics store should carry a wide selection of cables and tape recorders.) Refer to
the “Record” section under “Additional Features” in the manual.
Remember!
• You must mark a channel, ID, talkgroup, or bank for Recording in order for this 
feature to work. The 
LINEicon appears on all channels that have been properly marked.
• This feature does not work if your scanner is set with MUTE ON.
• The 
VOLUMEcontrol affects the Audio output. Do not set the volume on 
minimum. Make a trial taping to be certain the volume levels are set correctly.
Remote Programming Software
Software for remote programming and controlling the scanner is available for purchase by
calling (800)722-6701 or through the website www.bc780xlt.com
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							12 Note: Fold out the Front Cover to see the Controls and Indicators while reading this Guide.
Turn the Scanner On
Turn the VOLUMEcontrol 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.
Setting the Squelch
To set the squelch, you must be in the Manual mode, and you
should not be receiving a signal on your scanner.
1. Press 
MANuntil you do not hear a signal.
2. Make sure that the VOLUMEis set to a
comfortable listening level.
3. Think of the Squelch Control as a gate. Turn
SQUELCHfully counter-clockwise. This raises
the “Squelch Gate” so high that only very
strong signals can get through.
4. Turn SQUELCHfully clockwise until you hear
a hiss. This lowers the “Squelch Gate” so that
everything gets through – noise, weak signals,
and strong signals.
5. Turn SQUELCHback counter-clockwise just
until the hiss stops. Now the “Squelch Gate”
allows only clear signals through.
Next you must program some frequencies. (Page 20) 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.
Basic Operation
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
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