Uniden Bct 8 Radio Scanner Owners Manual

7
Where to Obtain More Information
Before you can scan the PRIVATE bank, you must program frequencies into the scanner’s
channels. The Frequency Guide lists typical frequencies used around the U.S.A. and
Canada that you may program into your new scanner. However, this is not a complete list of
frequencies for your area. 
To obtain frequency information for your area, contact one of the following:
•Scanner Master
1 (800) Scanner (722-6637) (Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Monday...

8
Included with Your Scanner Package
• BCT8 Scanner
• AC Adapter (AD 140U)
• DC Power Cord
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter Plug (Model CD007)
• Telescopic Antenna (Model AT129)
• Window Mount Antenna (Model AT002)
• Operating Guide
• Trunk Tracker Frequency Guide 
• Other Printed Materials
• Remote Programming Software Demo CD-ROM
• Mobile Mounting Bracket (Model MB-008)
If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your p\
lace of purchase or
Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023,...

9
Installing the BCT8
For Home Use (Desktop Installation)
1. Insert the DC plug end of the AC Adapter into the DC 12V jack on the rear panel.
2. Plug the AC Adapter into a standard 120V AC wall outlet.
3. Plug the Telescoping Antenna into the ANT connector.
Extend the antenna to its full height. For frequencies higher than 406 MHz, shortening
the antenna may improve the reception.
4. Use the desktop stand for a better viewing and operating angle.
Helpful Hints
•If strong interference or electrical noise...

10
3. Drill the necessary holes and secure the mounting bracket in place using the screws
provided.
4. Mount the radio to the bracket only after the wiring has been connected to the rear
panel.
Connecting the Power Cord
Note:
If you are not experienced in connecting accessories to the vehicle fuse box, please
see your automotive dealer for advice on proper installation.
Installation for everyday use:
1. Check the vehicle battery connections to determine which battery terminal (positive or
negative) is...

11
Typical Mounting Methods
The BCT8 can be conveniently mounted on a table, bulkhead, overhead, or any other
desired location with the supplied mounting bracket (MB008) (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...

Applying Power for Vehicle Installation
You can power your scanner using the supplied DC cigarette lighter power cord or an DC
power cord.
DC power Installation
To power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power source (such as a cigarette-lighter
socket), you need a cigarette-lighter adapter.
To connect an DC cigarette-lighter power cable, insert its barrel plug into the 
DC 12Vjack on the rear of the scanner, then plug the power cable into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket.
Note: If you use a...

13
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 12V DC and delivers at least
500 mA. The cord connector’s center tip must be set to positive and its plug must
fit the scanner’s 
DC 12Vjack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifi-
cations could damage the scanner or the adapter.
•Always connect the AC adapter to the...

Scanning Overview
You can scan in one of four ways:
1.
Highway Patrol ScanningWhen you select a state you want to scan in Highway Patrol
mode, you can scan pre-programmed Highway Patrol frequencies.
2.
Service ScanningPress SVCto select one of the nine services to find an active
frequency.
3.
Band SearchSelect a frequency band to search. The Search function is different from
scanning. It searches for any active frequency step by step within the lower and upper
limits of the band. When an active frequency...

15
How Squelch Works
Think of “SQUELCH” as a gate. If the gate is too low (squelch
too low), everything (all noise as well as signals) gets through.
If the gate is set too high (squelch too high), nothing gets
through.
If the gate is set just right (squelch set properly), just the desired
signals get through.
Setting the Squelch
1. To set the squelch, press HOLD/RESUMEto stop scanning. 
If needed, adjust 
VOLuntil you do nothear a signal (see
page 17).
2. Turn 
SQLfully clockwise until hiss heard. 
This...

Highway Patrol Scanning
Highway Patrol frequencies are pre-programmed on a state-by-state basis. When Highway
Patrol scanning, the Highway Warning Alert is activated.
Selecting the State
1. Press STATEto select the state you are operating in. 
Press and hold 
STATEto scroll rapidly. 
Hint: For the State Code Order, please see page 56.
2. To step forward through the states (A - W), press 
STATE
and, within three seconds, press the key repeatedly. To
step backward through the states (W - A), press...