Uniden Bc780xlt Trunk Tracker Scanner Owners Manual

							63 Flow Control
You can choose the following flow control settings.
Xon/Xoff is the default.
The initial display appears.
Press 
HOLD/sfor RTS/CTS.
Press 
HOLD/sagain for non flow control.
Press 
HOLD/sagain to turn off the flow control.
Press 
Ewhen desired setting is displayed.
Dial Type
You can choose the Dial Type setting.
TONEis set as a default.
You can change it to PULSEby pressing 
HOLD/s.
Smart Scanner Tips
There are literally hundreds of thousands of public safety radio licenses in the United States.
The editors of the Uniden National Frequency Database have poured over these records to
provide you with the most accurate possible download of frequencies for whichever area of
the country you desire. Because of the volume of data, and because some systems operate
on expired licenses or digital radio systems (which are not included in the data set as they
cannot be monitored), we cannot guarantee that you will receive every active public safety
frequency in your area.
If you find any flaws in your data and you would like to offer suggestions, please e-mail them
to us at [email protected] mail them to us at SmartScanner National Database,
P.O. Box 610428, Newton Highlands, MA 02468. Due to the volume of mail we receive, you
may not receive a reply.
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							64 The SmartScanner database downloads frequency and trunking talkgroups (if applicable for
your area) to the scanner using the following order:
1. All licenses within your zip code.
2. All licenses within your community (with more than one zip code)
3. All your county licenses (such as County Sheriff)
4. All the licenses for all the communities within your county (in random order).
5. Statewide licenses (such as Highway Patrol, state forestry, DOT, but not trunking)
6. National licenses (such as common ambulance, marine, and Family Radio Service
channels).
Look at the web sites Uniden.comand Trunktracker.comfor further information. The
downloads are not available through the Internet at this time.
A few notes about the frequency download order:
1. The scanner fills up less than its allotted 500 channels if there are not more than 500 of
the above types of licenses in your area.
2. If there are more than 500 of the above listed types of licenses, or you have locked-out
some banks prior to the download using the Program Lock feature, the scanner may run
out of memory locations and you may not, for example, receive part or all of your county,
state or nationwide data.
3. If you wish to also receive a download of frequencies and talkgroups from an adjacent
county, lock those banks you wish to keep, shut the scanner off, turn it back on again and
enter the SmartScanner download mode. Then enter a zip code from a community within
the adjacent county.
4. The SmartScanner editors used their best efforts to delete digital and MDT (mobile data
terminal) computer records from the database; however, it would be impossible to delete
them all. Therefore, you may hear some non-voice transmissions on the frequencies
downloaded into your scanner. Make sure you have TRUNK mode on to see if these are
control channels for a trunking system. If not, then you should lock these frequencies out
or delete them by entering a new frequency or entering 
0, E.
5. After the download, be sure to press the 
TRUNKkey to see if you have trunk systems
now loaded for your area. The BC 780XLT cannot track such systems unless the trunking
mode is on. Performance of the scanner is not hindered if you have TRUNK mode on and
you do not have a trunk system programmed.
6. If you have a trunk system programmed (you can tell by seeing if the display shows ID
SCAN at any time), be sure to put the radio into Trunk Search mode at some point to
discover new talkgroups within the trunk system that have not been pre-programmed into
the SmartScanner database.
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							65
Remote (PC Control) Mode
To connect Scanner to PC:
Plug the scanner end of the RS232C straight interface cable into the remote port on the rear
of your scanner.
Plug the other end of the cable (DB-9 serial connector) into a personal computers serial
port. A few PCs may require an adapter, most will not. You may need a DB-9 to DB-25 null
modem adapter, or gender changer adapter, available at most computer stores. Of course,
make sure your PC is turned on.
To program your scanner:
You can program and control your scanner remotely from a PC using third party software.
After connecting the scanner to a PC, turn the radio on.
To use the Remote (PC Control) mode, you must purchase third party software and use as
directed. Make sure that your scanner is connected to the serial port of the PC using the
RS232C straight cable.
Start Remote Mode:
Press 
Ekey for 2 seconds. REMOTE mode is
selected. To distinguish from Normal operation
mode, “
RMT” icon appears.
A unique feature of the BC780XLT is that all the
front panel keys as well as the VFO on the radio
remain operational in remote mode.
For information on purchasing third party software to program and control your BC 780XLT,
see the flyer included in the box with this radio. You can also go to www.bc780XLT.comon
the Internet or call 1-800-722-6701 for more information on software custom-designed for
your Bearcat BC780XLT.
PC Control Parameter
For your information:
Transfer speed : 2400/4800/9600/19200 bps (adjustable)
Start/Stop : 1 bit, 1 bit
Data Length : 8 bit
Parity bit : None
Code : ASCII code
Flow Control : None
Return Code : Carriage Return only
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							66
Change Transfer  Speed
To change transfer speed, enter into the menu mode.
1. Press 
MENU.
2. Press sor tto select SYSTEM DATAand then
press 
E.
3. Press sor tto select PC CONTROLand then
press 
E.
4. To change the transfer speed, press sor t. Then press 
E.
Clone Mode
You will need to purchase an RS232C cable and a null modem adapter. RS232C cables are
available as male to male or male to female. Even if the cable you buy already has the Male
to Male connectors, you will still have to have the null modem adapter. Below 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:
Plug the male end of the RS232C straight interface cables into the remote port on the rear of
one of the two scanners. Then connect the DB-9 to DB-9 null modem adapter to the cable.
Then plug the the other side of the null modem adapter to the other scanner. (DB9 Gender
changers are also available at your local electronics store.)
You can clone all of the programming of one BC780XLT into another, including frequencies,
talkgroup IDs, alpha tags, delay settings, etc. After connecting the two scanners, turn the
radios on. Prepare each scanner for clone mode as follows.
1. Press 
MENU.
2. Select SYSTEM DATA- CLONEusing s, tor VFOand pressing 
E, SELECTor VFO.
3. Determine the scanner that has the frequency data that you want to transfer. This one
must be set up as the “Master Unit”, and the other must be set as the “Slave Unit”.
4. On the scanner that is the “Master Unit”, select
MASTER, then press E.
Female
DB9Male
DB9
14
23
32
46 & 1
55
64
78
87
9Not used
Null Modem Adapter 
Pin connections
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							67 5. On the scanner that is the “Slave Unit”, 
select 
SLAVE, then press E.
6. Press the SCANkey 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.
When the data transfer is completed, 
COMPLETEdisplays.
If the data transfer is not successful, the 
following error message will appear.
Note: To clear 
ERROR, press  .
To exit the clone mode, press the menu key repeatedly.
Note: Once you have completed the cloning of the scanners, reset by turning the scanners
off and then on again. This is particularly important to know if you wish to clone
another scanner right away.
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							68 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.
2. Press Eto select SYSTEM DATA.
3. Press 
E to select DIMMER.
4. Select one from High-Medium-Offusing sor tand then press 
E.
Enter Lock
You can lockout the keypad to prevent any accidental entry. To activate this feature:
1. Press 
MENU.
2. Press 
Eto select SYSTEM DATA.
3. Press t to select ENTER LOCKthen press 
E.
4. Set to ONusing s or tand then press 
E.
The  icon appears on the display when locked.
Key Beep Option
To choose beep sound on or off:
1. Press 
MENU.
2. Press 
Eto select SYSTEM DATA.
3. Press tto select KEY BEEPand then press 
E.
4. Set to ONor OFFusing sor tand 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.
2. Press 
Eto select SYSTEM DATA.
3. Press t to select SCREEN MASKand then press 
E.
4. Set to ONor OFFusing sor tand then press 
E.
5. To quickly turn off the screen mask, press the VFO/SELECTcontrol.
Additional Features
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							69 Reverse Mode
This key will allow the user to observe the reverse frequency of the repeater. While pressing
/RVRS, the standard pair frequency will be displayed. For a list of the standard pair
frequencies, refer to the table “Reverse List” in the Appendix. If the frequency that you have
chosen does not have an offset frequency, the second line will indicate the error and display
NO REVERSE. This feature does not work in the WX Search mode.
Mute On/Off
To manually turn on the Mute function, press and hold 
MUTEfor more than 1 second until the
MUTE ONis displayed. You will not hear any audio. This feature does not function in the WX
alert mode, because the audio is already muted. To turn it off, press 
MUTEagain.
Record On/Off
It is possible for you to record every one of the 500 channels or every ID that you have
programmed. (up to 1000 IDs). Once you have determined the channels or talkgroups that
you want to record, you must mark them to be recorded. Through the menu system, set the
RECORD ONfor each channel, ID, or talkgroup using the 2:CHANNEL DATA ,
3:TRUNK DATA, or4:SEARCH EVENTmenu screens. The audio signal from the
TAPE OUT Jack on the rear of the scanner will be turned on for each one that was marked.
When this feature is set on, the “LINE” icon appears in the display.(Refer to page 11)
Channel Step Selection
You can set channel steps, 5 kHz - 100 kHz or Auto, in Manual mode or Chain search mode.
The default receive mode should be the proper mode setting in almost all cases. You may
wish to set some VHF channels for NFM mode, depending on any adjacent channel
interference problems. Note that WFM is typically only used for broadcast frequencies, such
as TV audio or FM radio.
See “STEPS” in Menu Description for details.
Receiving Mode Selection
You can also set the receiving mode, AM or FM etc., in Manual mode or Chain search mode.
See “MODE” in Menu Description for details.
Frequency and Channel Tuning with the VFO Control
The VFOknob can be used for changing frequencies or changing memory channels (for
conventional channels or talkgroup ID Scan Lists).
1. The default setting is Channel. The 
CHANicon appears in the display in this setting. In
Manual mode, turn the VFOcontrol to the right (to step up through channels) or to the
left (to step down through channels. If you are in Trunk Manual mode, you will step
through Scan List memory locations (whether the 
CHANor the FREQicon is active).
2. To change the default setting to Frequency, press the VFO/SELECTcontrol in Manual
mode. The icon will change to 
FREQ. Now turn the VFOto the right to step up through
frequencies sequentially or to the left to step down through frequencies. To change the
step, you will need to go into the Channel Data Menu and adjust the step for the desired
memory location.
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							70
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 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.
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.
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 SCANto resume scanning.
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							71
Troubleshooting
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. You may be in a remote area which could require an
optional multi-band antenna. Check with your dealer or
local electronics store.
Scan won’t stop. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 12, “Setting the
Squelch”.
2. Check the antenna connection.
3. Check to see if many of the channels are locked 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 won’t start. 1. Press the 
SCANkey again.
2. Adjust the 
SQUELCHcontrol.
3. Check to see if all channels are locked out.
Weather Scan won’t work. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 12, “Setting the
Squelch”.
2. Check the antenna.
If your BC 780XLT is not performing properly, try the following steps.
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							72
Problem Suggestion
Scanner won’t track. 1. May not be a system which can be tracked by 
your scanner. Make sure you press and hold 
TRUNK
for 2 seconds to enter into trunk mode.
2. Missing the data frequency.
3. Change to a Type 1 Scanner setup.
Review Fleet Map Programming on page 54.
Scanner won’t 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 trunking mode.
data channel. See page 39.
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 54.
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 in 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.
If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker mode, try the following steps.
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 are 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 www.uniden.comor www.trunktracker.comor
www.bearcat1.com/free.htmorwww.bc780xlt.comfor additional information.
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