Digital Scanner
　　　　BC250D
Owner's Manual(Draft)
Contents
Introduction ...........................................................................................1
Front View ............................................................................................2
Top View and Icon Display...................................................................3
BC250D SHORTCUTS.....................................................................4
Important Notice ...................................................................................6
Terminology..........................................................................................7
What is Scanning?............................................................................7
What is Searching?...........................................................................7
What is Trunk Tracking?...................................................................7
What is APCO Project 25 Digital Communications ? .......................8
Feature Highlights ................................................................................9
Where to Obtain More Information .....................................................11
Information on the Internet .............................................................11
Included with Your Scanner Package ................................................12
Setup ..................................................................................................13
Installing the Battery Pack ..............................................................13
Charging the Battery Pack..............................................................13
Low Battery Indicator ......................................................................13
Flexible Antenna .............................................................................14
Beltclip ............................................................................................14
Listening Safely ..............................................................................14
Connecting the Clone Cable...........................................................14
Basic Operation ..................................................................................15
Turn the Scanner On ......................................................................15
Setting the Squelch ........................................................................15
Understanding the Menu System ...................................................16
Menu Description and Numeric Keypad Equivalents .....................17
Programming ......................................................................................26
Storing Frequencies into Channels in Menu Mode ........................26
Editing a Stored Frequency ............................................................27
Duplicate Frequency Alert ..............................................................27
Transfer Frequencies......................................................................27
Storing Text Tags ...........................................................................28
Beep Alert .......................................................................................29
Programming Tips ..........................................................................29
Deleting a Stored Frequency..........................................................30
Scanning.............................................................................................31
Scan Hold Feature..........................................................................31
Storing Frequency ..........................................................................32
RF Attenuation Feature ..................................................................32
Setting the Delay Mode for Frequency...........................................33
Channel Lockout.............................................................................33
Restoring a Locked-out Channel ....................................................34
Restoring All Locked-out Channels ................................................34
Priority Scan ...................................................................................35
Changing the Priority Channel........................................................35
Prioroty Channel Plus Scan............................................................36
Searching............................................................................................37
Setting Chain Search......................................................................37
Search Hold Feature.......................................................................38
Data Skip ........................................................................................38
Frequency Skip...............................................................................39
Storing Search Frequencies ...........................................................39
Auto Storing ....................................................................................40
Squelch (SQ) Mode ........................................................................41
Additional Menu Options for Searching .........................................43
Service Search ...................................................................................44
Service Search Skip .......................................................................45
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page iii
NWR-SAME Alert ...........................................................................45
Testing the Alert Siren ....................................................................46
Programming FIPS Code................................................................46
Digital and Trunked Systems .............................................................48
Programming and Receiving Digital and Trunked Systems...............50
Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type ...............................50
Programming Trunking Frequencies ..............................................50
Setting the Squelch ........................................................................51
Receiving Trunked Systems...........................................................51
Trunked Search ..............................................................................52
ID Search Hold and Direct Entry ID Hold Mode.............................53
ID Lockout.......................................................................................53
Review ID Lockout..........................................................................54
Restoring Locked-out IDs ...............................................................54
Scan Lists .......................................................................................55
Programming ID Manually with the Menu Mode ............................56
ID Scan Mode.................................................................................57
Setting the Delay Mode for Trunking Mode....................................58
Setting Priority in Trunking Mode ...................................................58
Programming Scan Lists During Search ........................................59
Deleting a Stored ID .......................................................................59
Moving between Scan List Memories.............................................59
I-Call (Motorola/EDACS).................................................................59
Multi-Track ......................................................................................61
EDACS Reception ..............................................................................63
EDACS Tracking.............................................................................63
Programming EDACS System Frequencies...................................63
An EDACS Trunked system ...........................................................64
Special EDACS Features ...............................................................65
LTR Reception....................................................................................67
LTR Tracking ..................................................................................67
Motorola Reception ............................................................................68
Motorola Tracking ...........................................................................68
Fleet Map Programming .................................................................69
Selecting Preset Fleet Map ............................................................69
Programming a Fleet Map ..............................................................70
Programming a Hybrid System.......................................................70
Setting the Base, Spacing Frequencies and Offset Channel for
Motorola VHF/UHF Trunked Systems ...............................................71
Toggling the Status Bit ...................................................................72
Control Channel Only Mode ...........................................................72
Disconnect Tone Detect Option (End Code) ..................................74
EDACS SCAT.................................................................................74
APCO Project 25 Reception...............................................................75
Installing the APCO card ................................................................75
Turn the APCO operation On .........................................................75
Precautions for Iistalling the BCi25D Card .....................................76
Remote Interface ................................................................................77
PC Control Mode ............................................................................77
Clone Mode ....................................................................................78
Additional Features.............................................................................81
Care and Maintenance .......................................................................84
Troubleshooting..................................................................................85
Specifications......................................................................................87
Glossary of Terms ..............................................................................89
Appendix.............................................................................................93
One Year Limited Warranty..............................................................103
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page iv
1
Introduction
The BC250D is a state-of-the-art Digital Capable radio with
TrunkTracking™ and automatic scanning capabilities. It can
store frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine,
railroad, air, amateur, and other communications into 10
banks of 100 channels, or a total of 1000 channels.
With the optional BCi25D, 25 Digital Card installed you can
monitor Public Safety Organizations who currently use an
APCO 25 system.
Use your new scanner to monitor:
• Police and Fire Departments (including rescue and
paramedics)
• VHF High Band, UHF, 800/Type II 900 MHz Trunked Public
Safety Systems
• Trunking for Motorola Type, EDACS and LTR Systems
• NOAA Weather Broadcasts
• Business/Industrial Radio
• Utilities
• Marine and Amateur (ham radio) Bands
• Air Band
• And much more...
The chart below identifies the scanner band numbers, the
frequency range, the modulation mode and the default step
size settings.
1 25.0000 - 26.9600 AM 5
2 26.9650 - 27.4050 AM 5
3 27.4100 - 27.9950 AM 5
4 28.0000 - 29.6900 FM 10
5 29.7000 - 49.9900 FM 10
6 50.0000 - 53.9900 FM 10
7 54.0000 - 71.9500 WFM 50
8 72.0000 - 75.9950 FM 5
9 76.0000 - 87.9500 WFM 50
10 88.0000 - 107.9000 WFM 100
11 108.0000 - 136.9750 AM 25
12 137.0000 - 143.9950 FM 5
13 144.0000 - 147.9950 FM 5
14 148.0000 - 161.9950 FM 5
Band
No.
Frequency Range
(MHz)
Mode Step
(kHz)
15 162.0000 - 173.9875 FM 12.5
16 174.0000 - 215.9500 WFM 50
17 216.0000 - 224.9950 FM 5
18 225.0000 - 399.9500 AM 50
19 400.0000 - 405.9875 NFM 12.5
20 406.0000 - 419.9875 NFM 12.5
21 420.0000 - 449.9875 NFM 12.5
22 450.0000 - 469.9875 NFM 12.5
23 470.0000 - 512.0000 NFM 12.5
24 806.0000 - 823.9875 NFM 12.5
25 849.0125 - 868.9875 NFM 12.5
26 894.0125 - 956.0000 NFM 12.5
27 1240.0000 - 1300.0000 NFM 12.5
Band
No.
Frequency Range
(MHz)
Mode Step
(kHz)
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 1
2
Front View
1. Antenna Connector
2. Speaker
3. Display
4. DC Power Jack
5. Hold/Manual/Channel/Frequency Key (HOLD/MAN)
6. Scan Key (SCAN)
7. Menu/Back Key (MENU/BACK)
8. Lockout Key (L/O)
9. Light/Keypad Lock Key ( / )
10. Decimal/Reverse Key ( )
11. Earphone Jack
12. Volume/Switch Control
13. Squelch Level Control
14. Remote Jack
15. VFO Control
16. Resume Key ( )
17. Service Key (SERVICE)
18. Search Key (SEARCH)
19. Numeric Keypad
20. Trunk Key (TRUNK)
21. Priority Key (PRI)
22. Transfer/Mute Key (TRNSFR/MUTE)
23. Enter/Select Key (E)
RSM
.
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
22
23
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
SEARCH SCAN SERVICE
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
HOLD/
MAN
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 2
Top View and Icon Display
3
Uniden® and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of Uniden
America Corporation.
TrunkTracker is a proprietary trademark of Uniden America
Corporation.
DESCRIPTION
Priority Channel Indicator
Conventional/Channel Mode Indicator
Lock Out Mode Indicator
Scan/Search Direction Indicator
Chain Search Mode Indicator
Service Search Mode Indicator
Scan Mode Indicator
ID Scan Mode Indicator
ID Search Mode Indicator
Trunk Type
M: Morola Tracking Mode
L: LTR Tracking Mode
E: EDACS Tracking Mode
ENC: EDACS SCAT Tracking Mode
Receiving Mode Indicators
Signal Meter
Battery Indicator
ICON
P
C
L/O
SRCH
SRVC
SCAN
ID SCAN
ID SEARCH
M,L
E
ENC
AM,FM
WFM,NFM
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 3
4
3 2 1
3 3 2
2
3 1 1
3
E
2 2
3
9 1
1
1
3 1 1
1
3 4 1
HOLD/
MAN
HOLD/
MAN 5
1 5 5 .
4
2 1
1
ID MEMORY
select
E 3
ID No.
enter
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
E
E E
SCAN
E
then by rotating the VFO control to enter
the text and using RSM or HOLD/MAN to
move cursor.
After the text is entered, press
This shortcut card is designed to assist you in
getting through the menu screens using the direct
entry mode for commonly used features. Please
read the manual thoroughly before using this card.
Be sure to back out of the menu screen after each
shortcut by repeatedly pressing MENU/BACK.
BC250D SHORTCUTS
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 4
5
SEARCH
1
1
1
2
1 2
2 1
1
4
2
1
2
3 5
1
1 5
2
6
1 SEARCH
select
bank
select
range
select
speed
select
range
E
E
E
E
E
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
MENU/
BACK
CHAIN
SERCH
MENU/
BACK
E
1 E
E
E
To set up a system for trunk tracking,
select a bank, then enter trunk type
Then enter the trunk type you want to
track.
MUTE
MUTE
To silence the scanner's audio output,
set the scanner to "Mute On".
Press and hold .
To record either of channel, bank, ID
memory and search bank.
In each mode, do the following:
Press
CHAIN
SERCH
select
CHAIN SEARCH
Then enter the lower and upper ranges
and press . Rotate the VFO control
to enter the tag and use RSM or HOLD/MAN
to move cursor and then press .
Rotate the VFO control to enter the tag and
use RSM or HOLD/MAN to move cursor
and then press .
If you need any assistance with this product, please call our
Customer Service Hotline at 1-800-297-1023. A Uniden
representative will be happy to help you with any matters
regarding the operation of this unit, available accessories, or
any other related matters.
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central time.
Also please check out our website at scanner.uniden.com
BC250D SHORTCUTS
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 5
6
Important Notice
• This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will
not tune radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular
telephone usage. The Electronic Communications Privacy
Act of 1986, as amended, makes it a federal crime to
intentionally intercept cellular or cordless telephone
transmissions or to market this radio when altered to
receive them.
• The installation, possession, or use of this scanning radio in
a motor vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or require a
permit in certain states, cities, and/or local jurisdictions.
Your local law enforcement officials should be able to
provide you with information
regarding the laws in your community.
• Changes or modifications to this product not expressly
approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any way
other than as detailed by this Operating Guide. These
violations could void your authority to operate this product.
• The screen displays used in this manual are
representations of what might appear when you use your
scanner.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 6
7
Terminology
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way
communications do not transmit continuously. The BC250D
scans the channels you program until it finds an active
frequency.
Scanning stops on an active frequency and remains on that
channel as long as the transmission continues. When the
transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes until another
transmission is received.
What is Searching?
The BC250D can search each of its 17 bands to find active
frequencies. This is different from scanning because you are
searching for frequencies that have not been programmed
into your scanner. The scanner automatically chooses
between two speeds while searching.
Turbo Search, can search the VHF FM bands at up to 300
steps per second.
What is Trunk Tracking?
Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a radio
frequency in your scanner’s memory which is used by
someone you want to monitor. For example, the police in your
area may broadcast on 460.500 MHz, the fire department on
154.445 MHz, the highway department on 37.900 MHz, etc.
So when your scanner stops on a frequency, you usually
know who it is, and more importantly, you can stop on a
channel and listen to an entire conversation. This type of
scanning is easy and fun.
As the demand for public communications has increased,
many public radio users don't have enough frequencies to
meet their needs, and this has created a serious problem.
Trunking radio systems solve this problem.
In a trunked radio system, which contains up to 28 different
frequencies, radio users are divided into groups, often called
talkgroups, and these talkgroups are assigned specific IDs.
When someone in a talkgroup uses their radio, a brief burst
of data is broadcasted before each transmission. The trunking
system computer uses this data to temporarily assign each
radio in a talkgroup to an available frequency. If the group
using a frequency stops broadcasting or pauses between
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 7
replies for a few seconds, they are removed from the
frequency so another talkgroup can use it.
Sharing of the available public service frequencies,
or trunking, allows cities, counties, or other agencies to
accommodate hundreds of users with relatively few
frequencies. Following a conversation on a trunked system
using a scanner is difficult, if not impossible. Because when
there's a short break during the conversation you're
monitoring, it’s possible that the talkgroup will be assigned
to a completely different frequency in the trunked system. This
type of scanning is difficult and frustrating.
TrunkTrack changes this! Not only does your new BC250D
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 you're 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 you're already an experienced scanner
operator, you may want to skip to Trunked System on page
50.
What is APCO Project 25 Digital
Communications?
APCO Project 25 is a modulation process where Voice
communications are converted into digital communications.
This conversion is similar to the technology used with digital
mobile phones. There are several types of project 25 systems
available!
- Conventional – One frequency with digital voice.
- Trunked with analog control channel and digital voice –
many frequencies shared by many departments and the
control channel is analog with digital voice. Control channel
operates at 3600 Band.
8
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 8
9
Feature Highlights
• Trunk Tracking – Follow UHF High Band UHF
800/900MHz trunked public safety and public service
systems just as if conventional two-way communications
were used.
• Digital Capable – With the APCO 25 Digital card (BCi25D)
installed, you can monitor project 25 systems.
• Multi-Track – Track more than one trunking system at a
time. Scan conventional and trunked systems at the same
time.
• 1000 Channels – Program one frequency into each
channel. You must have at least one channel programmed
to use the Scan mode.
• 17 Bands, 10 Banks – Includes 17 bands, with Aircraft and
800 MHz.10 banks with 100 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.
• Priority Plus Scan – You can keep only priority channels
you assigned in the selected bank.
• 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, racing, and weather frequencies.
• Unique Data Skip – Allows your scanner to skip unwanted
data transmissions and reduces birdies.
• Memory Backup – If power is disconnected, the
frequencies programmed in your scanner are retained in
memory.
• Direct Channel Access – Go directly to any channel
without entering the menu mode.
• Attenuator – Reduces the signal strength on a per
frequency basis.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 9
• PC Programmable – Allows you to easily program all
frequencies and Trunking Talk Groups into your BC250D
through third party software running on your PC.
• 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 siren and message transmissions.
• FIPS Code – Six digit FIPS Code (emergency and
geographic area code) programmable.
• LCD Back-Light – LCD lights when you press the Light
key. You can select the lighting length of time in the menu
mode.
• Battery Save – In Scan hold mode and no transmission,
your Scanner automatically reduces its power requirements
to extend the battery life
10
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 10
11
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:
• Bearcat Frequency Hotline
(937) 299-0414 (Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)
• Bearcat Radio Club
(800) 423-1331 (Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Time Monday through Friday.)
• Scanner Master
(800) 722-6701 (Hours are from 10:00 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 one
of the following websites for additional information:
scanner.uniden.com
www.bearcat1.com
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 11
12
Included with Your
Scanner Package
If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately
contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service
at: (800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central Time,
Monday through Friday.
• AC Adapter (AD-600U)
• Ni-MH Battery
• Rubber Antenna
• Remote Cable
• Beltclip
• Operating Guide
• Trunk Tracker Frequency Guide and Other Printed
Material
BC250D 9/20/2 2:51 PM Page 12
13
Setup
Installing the Battery Pack
1. Open the cover.
2. Insert the battery pack connector with
the correct polarity.
3. Replace the cover and press down until
it clicks into place.
Charging the Battery Pack
Use the AC Adapter/Charger
to power the BC250D from an
AC outlet.
You can use your scanner
while the battery charges. To
fully charge the battery, leave
the AC Adapter/Charger
connected for 14 — 16 hours.
Note: Disconnect the AC Adapter/Charger from the unit when
charging is complete.
Low Battery Indicator
When the Battery Pack is low and needs to be charged, icon
appears on the display. You will also hear a beep every
15 seconds as an audible alert.
HOLD/
MAN
CH/
FRQ
RSM
SCAN
SERVICE
SEARCH
MENU/BACK
L/O
SELECT
MUTE
REVERSE
TRUNK
Use only the supplied AC Adapter
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 13
Flexible Antenna
Attach the flexible antenna to the BNC
connector.
Beltclip
1. Snap the tab out of the beltclip notch
on the back side of the scanner.
2. Slide the clip into the tab slot. The
beltclip is designed to fit snugly into
the scanner, as shown on the right.
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 VOLUME to the lowest setting before you begin listening.
After you begin listening, adjust the VOLUME to 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 REMOTE Cable
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another
BC250D or BC785D scanner using an remote cable. See
"Clone Mode" on page 79. You can also upload or download
the programmed data to or from a PC using third party
software. See "PC control MODE" on page 78.
14
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 14
15
Basic Operation
Note: See the Controls and Indicators on page 2 while
reading this guide.
Turn the Scanner On
Turn the VOLUME inside control 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 hold mode, and you
should not be receiving a signal on your scanner.
1. Press HOLD/MAN until you do not hear a signal.
2. Make sure that the VOLUME is set to a comfortable
listening level.
3. Think of the Squelch
Control as a gate.
Turn SQUELCH
outside control fully
counter-clockwise. This
raises the "Squelch
Gate" so high that only
very strong signals can
get through.
4. Turn SQUELCH fully
clockwise until you hear
a hiss. This lowers the
"Squelch Gate" so that
everything gets through
– noise, weak signals,
medium signals and
strong signals.
5. Turn SQUELCH back
counter-clockwise just
until the hiss stops.
Now the "Squelch
Gate" allows only clear
signals through.
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 15
Next you must program some frequencies (Page 26). 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.
Understanding the Menu System
It is very important for you to understand the Menu screen.
To navigate through the Menu screen is really quite simple.
Many of the features of this scanner, can only be accessed by
the menu screens. There are several ways to get through the
screens. First of all, press MENU/BACK to get started.
Any time you want to exit this mode or simply quit from where
you are, repeatedly press MENU/BACK until the scanner
returns to the original state. Anytime you are in the Menu
mode, the audio will be muted.
To assist you in understanding the Menu screen, flow charts
are provided towards the back of the manual so you can
follow along. Two things to remember are rotate the through
the menu and execute the command. For simplicity, we have
chosen to rotate the VFO key up or down in order to scroll
through the menu and the E key for entering or executing a
command. Once you have pressed the E key and executed
the final choice (for instance, ON or OFF), the display backs
up to the previous level of options.
Also direct entry of the numbers in the flow chart will get you
through the screens, but the other screen options are not
visible. This method should be used only after you have gone
through the manual at least once. A tearout shortcut card (see
page 4) is provided to assist you in the direct entry method for
commonly used features.
Next page is the first level of the Menu screen. These levels
are then expanded from 100 to 102 page of the manual. You
will find a description section to explain the meanings of these
functions on the next pages. Then, you will be walked through
all the steps of programming, scanning, searching, and
trunktracking.
Hint: You can check the options you programmed on the
display when you press and hold MENU/BACK for
2 seconds in the following modes.
• Scan mode/Scan hold mode (as well as Trank
mode).
• Chain Search mode/Chain Search hold mode
• ID Search mode/ID Search hold mode
16
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 16
Menu Description and Numeric Keypad
Equivalents
Below are the menu screens and a brief description or
purpose of the feature.
1:SERVICE OPTION
The followings are Service Search and Chain Search
features. Service Search menu are preprogrammed
services used around the U.S.
1:WEATHER
1:MONITOR
When you select this mode, the
preprogrammed NOAA weather channel
begins to activate.
2:ALERT
You can set NWR-SAME weather alert to ON
or OFF. With ALERT ON you enter the
mode to program your FIPS code.
2:PUBLIC SAFETY
3:NEWS
4:TV BROADCAST
5:HAM RADIO
6:MARINE
7:RAILROAD
8:AIR
9:CB RADIO
0:FRS
:RACING
:SPECIAL
:CHAIN SEARCH
You can program up to 10 search ranges. The first
time you program a range you will need to do so
through the Menu. After the first time you can
program a range as you do on most any other
scanner, using the numeric keypad.
Use this Menu item to select the search range that
17
1:SERVICE OPTION
2:SCAN OPTION
3:SYSTEM OPTION
MENU MODE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 17
you want to program. You can program range 1
through 10, one at a time. For each of the ranges,
the following options can be modified.
1:CHAIN SEARCH
When you turn chain search setting to ON,
you can use chain search.
2:SEARCH RANGE
1:RANGE
Enter the upper and lower frequency
limits of the SEARCH range.
2:STEPS
You can assign a variety of step sizes
to the search range.
Note: The default step is usually
acceptable and is listed on
page 1.
3:MODE
You can change the default receive
mode with this menu item.
4:ALPHA TAG
You can enter an alpha tag for any or
all of the search ranges.
5:TRUNK
During chain search mode, when the
scanner finds any active frequency,
trunking system will be active. 4
frequency plans apply to the Control
Channel Only feature (For details on
page 73).
3:DELAY
Set the delay for the search ranges to ON or
OFF. This applies to each range for chain
search mode, and each service group for
service search mode (See SCAN OPTIONCONVENTIONAL-
DELAY for details).
4:ATTENUATOR
Set attenuation for all search ranges.
(See SCAN OPTION-CONVENTIONALATTENUATOR
for details).
5:TONE DATA
The default mode is OFF. This means that
you will receive all transmissions on any
frequencies that are active within your search
range(s). By selecting CTCSS or DCS you
can set the radio to receive only a particular
subaudible tone to be received during your
18
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 18
search. You can also lockout a particular
CTCSS or DCS tone.
You may wish to do this if you want to search
a range but not hear transmissions
on any frequency that has a particular
subaudible tone.
Note: Through the System Menu you can set
the radio to operate in Tone Search
mode during Search as well. In this
mode, the radio will automatically
determine the active subaudible tone
on any frequency received during the
search.
6:AUTO STORE
You can automatically store active
frequencies found during a search into the
memory.
You can select which bank you want to
program the found frequencies. Note that the
audio will be muted during Auto Store.
2:SCAN OPTION
1:CONVENTIONAL
Choose the channel number. The following options
are available for the selected channel only. Repeat
using a different channel number, if necessary.
1:FREQUENCY.
Allows you to edit or enter a frequency in
each channel you select.
Also you can set an alphanumeric text tag for
each programmed frequency.
2:DELAY
The delay for all programmed channels is
2 seconds. At the end of any transmission the
scanner will remain on the frequency for
2 seconds before resuming scanning.
This will allow you to catch most replies.
3:TONE DATA
You can set a CTCSS (analog) or DCS
(digital) sub-audible tone for a frequency.
To do so you must have the SQ Mode in the
System Menu set to Tone SQ. You can also
program a subaudible tone easily by pressing
the E key in scan hold mode after
programming a frequency. This will bring up
the Tone Data menu without your having to
navigate the Menu. By doing this you will
19
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 19
receive all transmissions on the frequency,
regardless of the subaudible tone, except the
one which you have locked.
Any transmissions with that tone will not be
received.
4:BEEP ALERT
You can set a Beep Alert on a per-channel
basis to alert you when specific frequencies
are active. For example, you may wish to be
alerted anytime a mutual aid fire frequency
is active. With beep alert, you will hear three
beeps at the start of each transmission that
you have flagged as such. You will also
notice that as you scroll pass the flagged
channel(s), you will hear three beeps.
5:ATTENUATOR
The BC250D comes with an RF Attenuation
feature. If you are near an unusually strong
signal source, the signal may overload the
scanner. The scanner may stop repeatedly
on that signal and miss other transmissions.
The RF Attenuation feature works in all
modes and attenuates (reduces) the incoming
signal strength to prevent stronger signals
from overloading the scanner.
6:STEPS
Your BC250D is programmed with default
step sizes for each frequency range (see
page 1). Steps are important if you are
interested in using the VFO to tune offfrequency
from a frequency programmed into
memory or if you wish to program a frequency
that the default step size will not accept.
For example, in VHF Hi-band mode, the
default step size between 148 and 162 MHz
is 5 KHz. However, the FCC has recently
instituted 7.5 KHz channel intervals. If you
wish to enter 155.4075 into the scanner
without changing the default step, the scanner
will change the programmed frequency to
155.4100. Use the menu to change the
default step size to 7.5 KHz and then you will
be able to enter 155.4075.
7:MODE
Default receive modes are also programmed
into memory. AM for aircraft and CB bands,
for example. All frequencies (other than TV
broadcast audio) above 400 MHz are
20
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 20
received in NFM mode which helps prevent
adjacent channel interference.
You can change the default settings on a
per-channel basis with this Menu item.
2:TRUNK
Choose the Trunk bank. The following options are
available for the selected trunk bank only. Repeat
using a different trunk bank, if necessary.
1:TRUNK TYPE
You will need to assign the correct trunking
type for the bank you are about to program.
If you want to listen to a Motorola Type I
system, you will need to use this menu option
to assign the same. If you do not know the
type of trunking system you are about to
monitor, refer to the guide included with the
scanner or check out
www.trunktracker.com.
Note: Some trunking systems require that you
know the channel order. In these cases
you will also need to start programming
the trunked system at the start of the
bank. The scanner defaults to the most
common type of trunking system,
Motorola Type II 800.
2:TRUNK CHANNEL
1:FREQUENCY
To use Trunk tracking, you need to
program a frequency for at least one
channel.
Also you can enter an alpha tag for
each channel in this menu.
2:STEPS
You can assign a variety of step sizes
to the channel.
3: MODE
You can change the receive mode in
this menu.
3:TALK GROUP SET
You can program IDs into the Scan List
memory either during Trunk Scan or Search
without going into the Menu. However, you
can also use the Menu to program IDs.
This is particularly helpful when you are not
near the trunked system you wish to later
monitor. You can set it up and have it ready
to go at some later time.
21
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 21
After you have selected the Scan List location
(1-10), you can then do the following:
1. Program ID number
2. Set an alpha tag
3. Assign a Beep Alert to the ID. Whenever
that ID is active, you will hear three beeps
at the start of the transmission.
4:DELAY
You can set a Delay for a trunk system on a
bank by bank basis. The delay time is 5
seconds, and this setting can not be changed.
5:ID LIST TAG
Assign an alphanumeric tag to any or all of
the 10 Scan Lists for the system. During ID
Scan Mode, you will see the ID List Tag (on
the bottom text line) along with any alpha tag
you may have set for an ID. In Search mode,
you will see any Bank Tag you have set.
6:L/O ID REVIEW
Use this menu item to review the IDs that you
have locked out during Search and Scan.
Rotate the VFO up or down to view the IDs
that have been locked out. To leave the
lockout IDs unchanged, press MENU/BACK
to back out of the menu. To unlock an ID,
press the L/O key. To unlock all the IDs that
have been locked out, press and hold L/O
key for about 2 seconds.
7: ACTIVITY ID
Set ACTIVITY ID to ON, when your scanner
finds any other active ID during your scanner
receives any transmissions on the ID, the
active ID appears every 0.5 seconds.
8:I-CALL (MOTOROLA/EDACS)
Most communications within a trunked system
are group calls where one unit (such as a
dispatcher) communicates with all the units
within his/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.
Your BC250D defaults to I-CALL OFF mode.
22
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 22
You can hear these conversations
by using this Menu item to turn the I-CALL
function to ON. In Search mode, with
I-CALL ON, you will hear both talkgroup calls
and I-CALLs. You can also set I-CALLs to
I-CALL ONLY during which you will monitor
only I-CALLs in Search mode. You can also
program I-CALL IDs into Scan List memory.
OR
8:ID SCAN LIST (LTR)
When scanning an LTR system you can only
turn Scan Lists OFF and ON when an LTR
talk group that you have entered into memory
is active. To provide you with another method
to turn Scan Lists on and off, you can use this
Menu item which only appears when you
have selected LTR in Trunk Type.
9:EMERGENCY ALT (EDACS)
In EDACS trunked systems, you can set an
alert for an EDASC transmission received.
Set EMERGENCY ALERT to ON, and
EMERGENCY flashes on the display and you
will hear beep alerts when you receive an
EDASC emergency transmission.
9:STATUS BIT
OR
9:STATUS BIT (MOTOROLA)
On Type 2 trunking systems there is a
method by which specialized types of
communications utilize unique talkgroup
numbers. An emergency call will occur on
a unique talkgroup from its primary
assignment, for example. Because the
BC250D defaults to Status-Bit On mode, you
never need to worry about missing these
transmissions. If you've programmed
talkgroup 33264 into Scan List memory, for
example, and there is an emergency call
within the group, you will hear it on 33264.
0:EDACS ID FORM (EDACS)
You can change to display the talkgroups in
decimal mode, but this mode does not
provide you with the flexibility that you get
with AFS. The BC250D defaults to show the
talkgroup number in AFS mode (Agency-
Fleet-Subfleet). For details on AFS see pages
23
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 23
65~67.
OR
0:END CODE (MOTOROLA)
When this function is disabled, the radio looks
for squelch before returning to the control
channel instead of waiting for the disconnect
tone. Only in rare instances
will you need to adjust the default settings.
The condition to return to control channels
depends on whether signal is present
or not.
:CNTRL CH ONLY
(TYPE 1/TYPE 2 800, 900)
With this mode you will be able to track
Motorola Type I and II 800 and 900 MHz
trunked systems by simply entering the
control channel which manages the trunked
system. You will not have to program the
voice channels. There are 4 channel plans
which you can select from.
3:SYSTEM OPTION
1:DIMMER
Allows you to change the brightness of the display.
Also you can change the lighting length of time.
2:SCREEN MASK
Screen Mask allows you to limit what appears on the
display to the alpha tags that you have set for a
channel along with a few function icons. Screen Mask
removes the frequency, receiving mode tone data
and signal strength bars. This mode is particularly
useful in public safety vehicles where "information
overload" is already a problem. Screen Mask does
not work in Search mode.
3:KEY BEEP
Use this function to turn OFF the keypad
acknowledgement beep. The default setting is ON.
4:ENTER LOCK
Use Enter Lock to prevent accidental re-programming
of channels, tone (CTCSS/DCS) and talkgroups
entered into memory. The default setting is OFF.
5:PC CONTROL
Use this function to set the transfer speed (baud rate)
at which your personal computer (PC) communicates
with the scanner when downloading information into
your scanner using the Uniden national database or
third party software. See page 78 for details.
24
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 24
25
6:CLONE
You can clone all the programming, including
frequencies, talkgroups and alpha tags as well as
bank settings and other parameters from one
BC250D to another.
7:DATA SKIP
A scanner will normally stop on any transmission it
receives. This means the BC250D will occasionally
stop on data signals and unmodulated transmissions.
You can automatically skip many of these types of
transmissions during search.
8:SQ MODE
The SQ Mode allows you to set at your option,
whether the scanner will stop on all active
transmissions on a particular frequency or it will only
respond to transmissions with a pre-set subaudible
tone. This applies to both conventional search and
scan modes. The options are as follows:
1. CSQ - The default setting is CSQ (carrier
squelch). In this mode the scanner will stop on
any transmission on a programmed frequency
(Squelch mode does not apply to trunking).
2. TONE SQ - In Tone Squelch mode, if you have
set a subaudible tone (CTCSS or DCS) for a
frequency, the scanner will only stop on that
frequency if the transmission includes the
prescribed tone.
3. TONE SEARCH - In this mode, as soon as the
scanner stops on any (non-trunked) channel, the
scanner will begin to search for any subaudible
tone that is being used on a transmitted
frequency. The scanner will check each CTCSS
tone sequentially and it will find DCS tones
instantly.
9:BANK TAG
Allows you to set an alphanumeric text tag for
individual banks in the scanner (1-10).(The "0" key
represents Bank number 10.) For example, you may
wish to set the Bank one text tag as Law
Enforcement, the second bank as Fire, etc.
10:BATTERY SAVE
When you set BATTERY SAVE to on in this menu,
BATTERY SAVE is active in Scan hold mode(except
priority scan mode).
:APCO Card
When you set optional card (Bci25D) and
select ENABLE in this mode, you can
activate Digital Communications. See page
76 for details.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 25
26
Programming
Before the BC250D can begin conventional scanning, you
must program a frequency into at least one channel.
Repeat this procedure for each channel you want to program.
Storing Frequencies into Channels in Menu
Mode
1. Select frequencies you received
from your dealer, from various
sources on the internet, or from
one of the guides listed on page
X.
Here is a list of sample
frequencies you should try:
156.800 Marine Calling channel
155.340 Ambulance operations
155.280 Ambulance operations
155.160 Ambulance operations
462.950 Ambulance operations
462.5625 Family Radio Services (channel one)
2. Press MENU/BACK.
3. Select SCAN OPTION-CONVENTIONAL by rotating
the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select a channel.
a. Enter the
channel number
using the keypad.
Note: If you press
SCAN for 2 seconds, the lowest empty channel
appears on the display.
b. Then press E.
5. Select FREQUENCY, and enter the
frequency.
a. Enter the frequency number
using the keypad.
b. Then press E.
6. Enter the alpha tag.
(See page 28.)
7. The following display appears, you
select a location you want.
HOLD/
MAN
SEARCH SCAN SERVICE
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
C 001
855.0000 NFM
ENTER CHANNEL No.
C 001
855.0000 NFM
ALPHA TAG
¡
1:OTHER CHANNEL
2:CHANNEL OPTION
3:DONE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 26
Note: • To clear a mistake while entering the frequency,
press (decimal key) repeatedly until the
display is cleared.
• If you enter a channel or
frequency which is out of the
scanner’s range, a beep will
sound and ERROR appears on
the display.
• You can change a channel or
frequency by using VFO.
To switch the setting for VFO
control, press and hold
HOLD/MAN for 2 seconds to
toggle between ROTARY:
CHANNEL or ROTARY:
FREQUENCY on the display.
• After programming frequencies for each bank, you
can also change the step size or the mode.(See
page 101)
Editing a Stored Frequency
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION-CONVENTIONAL by rotating
the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the channel number by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
4. Edit the frequency by using
(decimal key) or the keypad and
pressing E.
Duplicate Frequency Alert
If you enter a frequency which has been stored in another
channel, you will hear a beep and the channel stored displays
WARNING.
Press (decimal key) to clear and start again.
––– OR –––
Press E again to store the frequency in both channels.
Transfer Frequencies
You can transfer a frequency that has been stored in a
channel to another channel.
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
.
.
.
27
C 010
512.0000 NFM
ERROR
OUT OF CHANNEL
C 010
512.0000 NFM
ERROR
OUT OF BAND
C 010
512.0000 NFM
WARNING
DUPLICATE 17
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 27
2. Press TRANSFR, and the smallest empty channel number
along with the frequency will flash on the display.
3. Press E and the frequency can be stored in this channel.
4. If you want to enter it into another channel, select another
channel that the same frequency has not been stored by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Note: When the frequency is transferred, channel data along
with the frequency is also transferred.
Storing Text Tags
You can customize your scanner by storing text tags for easy
identification of banks, channel transmissions, trunking
talkgroup IDs, etc. The text tags can be set at the menu
mode. (Refer to Understanding the Menu System)
Assigning a Bank Tag to a Bank
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - BANK TAG by rotating
the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating
the VFO and then press E.
4. The cursor appears on the display.
Scroll VFO to change letters, and
then press HOLD/MAN or RSM to
move right or left. Both capital and
lower case letters are available, as
well as numbers and punctuation
marks.
5. After entering the desired text, press E.
 Remember! To clear a mistake while entering the
frequency, press (decimal key) repeatedly until the
display is cleared.
Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION - CONVENTIONAL by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the channel number by rotating the VFO and
pressing E. You can also enter the channel number by
using the keypad and then press E.
4. Select FREQUENCY and ALPHA
TAG by rotating the VFO and then
pressing E.
.
28
C 001
855.0000 NFM
ALPHA TAG
¡
> BANK TAG 1
Uniden Group
> BANK TAG 1
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 28
29
5. The cursor appears on the display. Rotate the VFO to
change letters, and press HOLD/MAN or RSM to move
right or left. Both capital and lower case letters are
available, as well as numbers and punctuation marks.
6. After entering the desired text, press E.
Beep Alert
The scanner can alert you with three beeps at the beginning
of a transmission on an assigned frequency.
Assigning the beep alert to a channel
This alert can be set ON/OFF to every channel for
Conventional mode or to every ID memory for Trunking mode.
In conventional mode -
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION - CONVENTIONAL by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the channel number by rotating the VFO and then
press E. (You can also enter the channel number by using
the keypad and then press E.)
4. Rotate the VFO to select BEEP ALERT and then press
E.
5. Rotate the VFO to select ON or OFF and then pressing E.
Note: If NOT REGISTERED appears, make sure a
frequency is stored in the channel.
Programming Tips
• Do not program a weather frequency into one of the
channels, since weather channels transmit continuously.
Use the Weather Search feature to select the weather
information band.
• Group similar services into a bank. For example, program
police frequencies in channels 1 through 10 and
fire/emergency into channels 51 through 60, and so on.
• Put the frequency that you listen to the most or the most
important frequency into a Priority channel.
• To quickly program a series of channels, start with the
lowest number channel.
For example, when you are programming five new
frequencies into Channels 4 through 8, start with Channel
4. After you finish programming a channel, rotate the VFO
up to go to the next higher channel.
• Write down your programmed channels and frequencies
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 29
and put them in a convenient place in case of accidental
reprogramming.
• Frequencies are rounded off according to the step of each
channel.
• When you are overwriting a tagged channel with a new
frequency, the previous alpha tag will be deleted. You must
re-enter the alpha tag.
• When programming frequencies, a 2 second delay is set
automatically and can not be changed.
Deleting a Stored Frequency
To delete a stored frequency:
a. Select a channel.
b. Press 0.
c. Then press E.
Note: Channels with no frequencies are automatically
locked out.
30
C1000
0000.0000
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 30
Scanning
1. After programming frequencies,
simply press SCAN to begin scanning.
During scanning, when you rotate the
VFO, you can select the direction
(↑ or ↓) you want to scan.
2. The bank indicators selected for scanning appear on the
display, and the bank being currently monitored flashes.
You can deselect banks from active scanning by pressing
their number on your keypad. The indicator for each
deselected bank turns off, and the bank’s channels are not
scanned.
Note: One bank must always be active. You cannot
deactivate all ten banks at the same time. If you try to
turn off all the banks, the first bank is automatically
selected.
To restore a bank to active scanning, press the banks
number on your keypad.
The banks indicator will display again.
3. During normal scanning the
scanner skips
unprogrammed or locked
out channels.
4. When a transmission is
received, the scanner stops
on that channel. When the
transmission ends, scanning
resumes automatically.
Scan Hold Feature
If you want to stop on a channel during
scanning, press HOLD/MAN.
If you want to resume scanning, press RSM.
To directly access a specific channel:
There are several ways to access a
specific channel quickly.
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Using the keypad, enter the channel
number.
3. Press HOLD/MAN again.
31
1 3 4 5 9 10 2 67 8 CHANNELS
Frequency
not entered
Frequency
Locked Out
(L/O)
SCAN
C 001
1300.0000 NFM
25cm Amateur 1
UNIDEN Group A
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE
C 001
SCAN
Bank 1234567890
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 31
Another method is as follows:
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. While the setting for VFO is a channel,
rotate the VFO until the desired
channel is displayed. The scanner will
automatically go to hold mode.
Storing Frequency
During Scanning
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Press TRANSFER, and the empty channel number
appears on the display.
3. Press E.
Note: If you want to change the channel, rotate VFO.
RF Attenuation Feature
The BC250D comes with an RF Attenuation feature. If you're
near an unusually strong signal source, the signal may
overload the scanner. The scanner may stop repeatedly on
that signal and miss other transmissions.
The RF Attenuation feature works in all modes and attenuates
(reduces) the incoming signal strength to prevent stronger
signals from overloading the scanner.
The RF attenuation is set at the menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. For Search mode, select SERVICE OPTION - CHAIN
SEARCH - ON - by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
OR
For Scan mode, select SCAN OPTION -
CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Then select the channel number by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
3. Select ATTENUATOR by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
4. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and then press E.
Note: Attenuation will only be active for the specified
channel. In Search mode, it is applied to the search
ranges.
32
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 32
Setting the Delay Mode for Frequency
The delay of 2 seconds is automatically set for each
frequency. To set the delay feature, enter into the menu
mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. For Scan mode, select SCAN OPTION -
CONVENTIONAL by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the channel number to be delayed by rotating the
VFO and then press E.
4. Select DELAY and then press E.
5. Rotate the VFO to select ON or OFF and then press E.
6. For Search mode, select SERVICE OPTION - CHAIN
SEARCH - DELAY by rotating the VFO and pressing E,
then set to ON or OFF by the same way as the Scan
mode setting.
Channel Lockout
You can lockout any channel so it is not checked during
normal scanning. You can restore the channel to scanning
when you wish.
Lockout in HOLD Mode
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Select a channel.
a. Enter the channel number using
the keypad.
b. Press HOLD/MAN again.
––– OR –––
Rotate the VFO up or down to change
the channel.
3. Press L/O to lockout the channel.
L/O icon appears on the display.
33
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE
C 001
141.5000 NFM
UNIDEN Group A
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 33
Lockout in Scanning Mode
If the scanner keeps stopping on a particular channel due to
noise or too frequent transmissions, you may want to keep
that channel from scanning.
1. Wait until the scanner stops at the
channel.
2. Then press L/O.
3. The scanner immediately resumes
scanning because the locked out
channel is no longer in the scanning
sequence.
Lockout Tips Write down your locked-out channels and
put in a convenient place in case you need
to restore them.
Restoring a Locked-out Channel
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Select a locked out channel.
a. Enter the channel number using the keypad.
b. Then press HOLD/MAN again.
3. Press L/O to unlock the channel. The L/O icon
disappears.
Restoring All Locked-out Channels
You can restore all locked-out channels in a bank only when a
bank is selected for scan. If you have deselected a bank and
you want to restore all of its locked-out channels using the
steps below, you must press SCAN and then enter the
number of the bank on your keypad.
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
Note: You must be in Hold mode before
restoring all locked-out channels.
2. Press and hold L/O for about
2 seconds.
You will hear a confirmation tone
when all the channels have been
restored.
34
C 001
141.5000 NFM
25cm Amateur Grp
C 001
SCAN
Bank 1234567890
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 34
35
Priority Scan
When Priority Scan is turned On, your scanner checks the
priority channel in the banks you selected every 2 seconds for
activity. If a signal is present on the priority channel, your
scanner monitors the channel until the transmission ends,
then resumes normal scanning. You can designate one
channel in each bank as a Priority Channel. By default, the
first channel in each bank is the Priority Channel, but you can
change this.
To activate Priority Scan (in either the Hold or Scan Mode):
1. Press PRI to select PRIORITY:ON
on the display.
Note: If you have locked out the priority
channel, ERROR appears when
you select Priority mode.
2. Press PRI to select
PRIORITY:OFF on the display to
deactivate Priority Scan.
If you want to resume normal scanning, when the scanner
stops, press RSM.
Changing the Priority Channel
You cannot eliminate the Priority Channel, but you can
change it to any one of the 100 available channels in each
bank.
1. Press HOLD/MAN.
2. Select a new Priority Channel:
a. Enter the channel number using
the keypad.
b .Then press HOLD/MAN again.
3. Press and hold PRI for 2 seconds to
designate this channel as your new
Priority Channel.
A confirmation tone indicates that the
Priority Channel has been changed.
The P icon appears on the display.
PRIORITY ON
C 010
1240.0000 NFM
ERROR
PRI CH LOCKOUT
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
E
RSM
SEARCH SERVICE
C 001
512.0000 NFM
UHF TV 1
UNIDEN Group A
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 35
Note: • Priority in Trunking mode works just the same,
except instead of setting priorities for channels, you
set them for talkgroup IDs. The scanner only checks
priority talkgroups between transmission, in 2 second
intervals.
• Priority Scan is disabled while M, E or L (Trunking
type) icons are illuminated (a beep will sound if you
try to scan). To make it possible, turn Off each
function M, E or L (Trunking type) icon then press
PRI to select PRIORITY:ON on the display.
Priority Channel Plus Scan
You can scan only the Priority Channels (except for the lock
out channels) in the banks you selected. To activate Priority
Channel Plus
(Only in Scan mode):
1. Press PRI to select PRIORITY:PLUS on the display.
2. Press PRI to select PRIORITY:ON or
PRIORITY:OFF on the display to deactivate Priority
Channel Plus Scan.
Note: Priority Plus Scan is disabled while Search mode is
selected.
36
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 36
Searching
Setting a Search Range
Note: First you must set the search ranges through the menu
screen prior to any searching.
The BC250D can search up to 10 separate frequency ranges
to help you discover new stations in your area.
To set a Search Range, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SERVICE OPTION - CHAIN SERCH -
SEARCH RANGE - RANGE - by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
3. Enter the lowest frequency using the keypad and then
press E, then repeat the same for the
highest frequency.
Then press SEARCH.
––– OR –––
Another method is as follows:
1. Press and hold SEARCH for 2 seconds.
2. Program the lowest and highest frequencies by the same
way as step 3 above.
Note: • The scanner can continuously search up to 10
ranges. (Chain Search)
• You can select or deselect the search range freely
by pressing the corresponding number with the
keypad.
• The scanner automatically increases its search
speed from 100 to 300 steps per second for the
bands having 5 kHz steps. (Turbo Search)
• After you have set the search range through the
Menu at the first time for a range, you will be able to
set new ranges for the same range by using the
keypad and the standard direct entry method.
• Searching feature is applied to Control Channel Only
mode (see page 73).
Caution: After you have entered the search range while still
in the menu mode, you can set your alpha tag (see
page 28), change the step size of the search, or
change the mode. Once the lower and upper
37
12.5k
1240.0000 NFM
Range 1234567890
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 37
parameters of your search are edited, the menu
screen backs up one level to allow you to modify
the step size, receive mode, and alpha tag.
Select STEPS for your step size choices and then
press E. Select MODE for the receiver mode
choices and then press E. Select ALPHA TAG to
enter an alpha tag using the VFO and then press
E.
Starting Chain Search
1. After setting the search ranges, select SERVICE
OPTION - CHAIN SEARCH - CHAIN SRCH by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
2. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Press SEARCH to search up to 10 ranges continuously.
Note: • If CHAIN SRCH is OFF in the menu mode, only
range 1 can be searched.
• When searching stops, press RSM to resume
searching.
• When you rotate the VFO while searching, you can
change the search direction to up or down.
• When searching in WFM, it will stop before reaching
the desired frequency if the step is other than 50 kHz
or 100 kHz.
Search Hold Feature
1. Press HOLD/MAN at anytime to stop
the search.
Note: While Search Hold mode is On,
you can change the search
direction to up or down by rotating the VFO.
2. Press RSM or SEARCH to resume searching.
Data Skip
A scanner will normally stop on any transmission it receives.
This means the BC250D will occasionally stop on data signals
and unmodulated transmissions. You can automatically skip
many of these types of transmissions during search. The Data
Skip feature can be set per range. To activate the Data Skip
feature, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
38
SRCH 12.5k
1240.0000 NFM
Range 1
25cm Amateur Grp
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 38
39
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - DATA
SKIP by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
3. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and
then press E.
When Data Skip is active, your scanner may pause
momentarily on an unwanted signal but will resume
searching in 2 or 3 seconds.
The Data Skip feature is active as well as Scan mode and
Service Search mode. Data Skip does not function during
AM/WFM band Scan, Chain Search for AM/WFM band, or
WX Search, Priority Scan, and Trunking mode.
Frequency Skip
If a particular frequency continues to interrupt search
scanning, it is possible to set your scanner to skip the
frequency.
To skip over a frequency, press L/O when stopping at the
frequency you want to skip or when in Search Hold mode.
Note: • You can program up to 200 skip frequencies.
The 201st skip frequency entered
causes the first skipped frequency
to unlock.
• If all frequencies in the search
range are set to skip, a beep
sounds and it moves to Search
Hold mode.
To resume searching, do as
follows:
1) Cancel the Frequency Skip set.
––– OR –––
2) Reset the Search Frequency range.
To cancel all skipped frequencies, press and hold
L/O for 2 seconds in Search Hold mode.
Storing Search Frequencies
You can quickly store any frequency you find during Search.
Caution: You must select the channel in which you will store
the frequency before entering the Search mode.
Otherwise, you may erase a stored frequency that
you want to keep.
1. During Search, press HOLD/MAN to store or when the
SYSTEM OPTION
5:PC CONTROL
6:CLONE
7:DATA SKIP
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 39
scanner stops on the frequency you want to store.
2. Press TRNSFR to store the
frequency in the channel you
selected. The smallest empty
channel number flashes on the
display. If necessary, you can also
change the channel by scrolling the
VFO.
3. Press E.
Note: • If the frequency you want to store exists already,
WARNING appears on the display and you will hear
a beep. (See Duplicate Frequency Alert on page 27.)
• After storing the frequency, it moves to the Search
Hold mode.
• In case there is a not free channel, the frequency
you want to store will automatically be stored in the
previous channel before you entered into Chain
search mode.
4. To store another frequency, select another channel for the
new frequency by rotating the VFO.
5. Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 after starting the search for all the
Search Frequencies you want to store.
Auto Storing
The scanner automatically stores searched frequencies if its
auto store feature is activated.
But the frequency already stored can not be stored.
To make use of this feature, set a search range first (see
page 37), then enter into the menu mode. If you start this
feature without setting a search range, NO LIMIT DATA
appears on the display.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SERVICE OPTION - CHAIN SEARCH -
AUTO STORE by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
4. Select the bank number you want to
use with the keypad. The selected
bank number appears on the display.
Note: If the selected bank has no free
channels to store, CH DATA
FULL will appear on the display
40
AUTO STORE
SELECT BANK
12--56----
AUTO STORE
ERROR
CH DATA FULL
SRCH 12.5k
1240.0000 NFM
Range 1
25cm Amateur Grp
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 40
41
and you will hear a beep.
6. Press SEARCH to start auto storing.
7. After the search has gone through the
search range, press HOLD/MAN to
stop this feature. STORE END
appears on the display and the bank
no. disappears. You may want to let it
run through the search range again
because during the first pass there
may not have been any transmissions
at that particular time.
Squelch (SQ) Mode
The scanner can be set to the following SQ modes.
• Carrier SQ mode (default setting)
The scanner will stop on any transmission or squelch
opening, regardless of whether any sub audible tone has
been programmed for the channel or search range.
• Tone SQ mode
The scanner will stop on any active frequency for which
either no sub audible tone has been programmed or for
which the user-programmed sub audible tone is also active.
• Tone Search mode
During any transmission, the scanner will begin searching
all possible sub audible tones, one of which may also be in
use. The scanner counts up through the CTCSS tones and
instantly determines any possible DCS tone. See Page XX
for a listing of the tones that the BC250D decodes.
Note: When Tone Search is active in Scan mode, once the
CTCSS/DCS display flashes a tone repeatedly
(meaning that it has found the tone match), you can
press E to program that frequency with the captured
tone. When you change the mode to Tone Squelch
from Tone Search that frequency and tone will be
programmed.
• Tone Lock (out) mode
For either a Memory channel or a Search Range, you can
lock a particular sub audible tone by pressing L/O after
scrolling to the desired tone. The scanner will stop on any
transmission except those which may be using the locked
sub audible tone.
To set your scanner, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
C 001
1245.8500 NFM
Bank 12--56----
AUTO STORE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 41
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - SQ MODE by rotating the
VFO and pressing E.
3. Rotate the VFO to select one type (CSQ, TONE SQ,
TONE SEARCH) and then press E.
4. To set Tone Lock mode, do the following first, then select
TONE SQ in step 3.
1) For Scan mode, select SCAN OPTION -
CONVENTIONAL - select the channel number -
TONE DATA - CTCSS or DCS by rotating the VFO
and pressing E. With CTCSS or DCS, Tone Lock ON is
set by pressing L/O.
2) For search mode, select SERVICE OPTION -
CHAIN SEARCH - TONE DATA - CTCSS or DCS
by rotating the VFO and pressing E. With CTCSS or
DCS Tone Lock ON is set by pressing L/O.
Note: To set Tone Lock OFF for either Scan mode or
Search mode, press E instead of pressing L/O on
step 1 or 2 above.
Note: • CTCSS: Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System.
• DCS: Digital Coded Squelch.
• For example, the scanner shows the following
displays. When Search mode and Tone Search are
selected, the display shows the frequency and tone
data alternately.
• If the Delay feature has been set while in Tone
Search mode, it resumes scanning after a 2 second
delay.
42
C 001
512.0000 NFM
CTCSS250.3
Bank Tag
C 001
512.0000 NFM
DCS 025
Bank Tag
C 001
512.0000 NFM
Channel Tag
Bank Tag
SRCH 12.5k
1240.0000 NFM
CTCSS 250.3
UNIDEN Group A
SRCH 12.5k
1240.0000 NFM
DCS 023
UNIDEN Group A
12.5k
1240.0000 NFM
Range 1234567890
Tone SQ ON,
CTCSS 250.3 Hz
setting
Tone Search,
CTCSS 250.3 Hz
detecting
Tone Search,
DCS 023 detecting
Tone Search,
no signal received
Tone SQ ON,
DCS 025 setting
Tone SQ ON,
CTCSS & DCS
non-setting
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 42
Additional Menu Options for Searching
Each of these additional menu options applys to all search
ranges entered. If there is a range that you do not want an
option to apply, then simply enter the range number on the
numerical keypad. You will see the range number that you
have selected disappears from the display. (For more
information on these options refer to the "Menu Descriptions"
section and "Additional Features" section.)
Options:
ATTENUATOR (for more information see page XX)
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SERVICE OPTION - CHAIN SEARCH -
ATTENUATOR by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
DELAY
Refer to page XX.
43
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 43
Service Search
The Service Search feature allows you to scroll through the
following twelve preprogrammed services. The frequencies
selected for these services are the most commonly used
around the U.S.
• 1:WEATHER • 7:RAILROAD
• 2:PUBLIC SAFETY • 8:AIR
• 3:NEWS • 9:CB RADIO
• 4:TV BROADCAST • 10:FRS
• 5:HAM RADIO • RACING
• 6:MARINE • SPECIAL
1. Press SERVICE. The display indicates as illustrated.
––– OR –––
Another method is as follows:
To set Service Search, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SERVICE OPTION by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
2. Select one Service Search menu you
want from the lists above by rotating the VFO or directly
entering the number listed above, and then press
SERVICE.
3. After a 3 second delay, searching begins for the selected
service. If you want to start searching immediately, press
RSM.
4. To change the searched service, rotate the VFO or directly
enter the number listed above after pressing SERVICE.
Note: • When you start searching RACING or SPECIAL ,
press RSM instead of SERVICE.
• You can not change such settings as Auto Delay,
during a Service Search.
• You can enter one of the Service Search frequencies
into Channel Memory by pressing TRNSFR/MUTE
when holding on one of the frequencies.
• Special Frequencies are low-power, itinerant, FRS,
"splinters" and other frequencies which are
commonly used at special events and other locations
and may or may not be licensed.
• When you rotate the VFO while the Service Search
44
SERVICE OPTION
1:WEATHER
2:PUBLIC SAFETY
3:NEWS
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 44
45
is active, you can change the search direction to up
or down.
During the search of one of the preprogrammed services, the
lowest display line will indicate the service that you are
searching. To stop the search, press HOLD/MAN. Rotate the
VFO to move up or down one programmed frequency when
the FREQ icon is displayed, or press RSM to resume
searching.
Service Search Skip
You can set the scanner to skip the frequencies unwanted
during Service Search. 100 skipped frequencies are
programmable.
1. To skip over a frequency, press L/O when stopping at the
frequency you want to skip.
2. To cancel a skip during search, press
HOLD/MAN, tune in the desired
frequency by rotating the VFO, then
press L/O.
To restore all skipped frequencies, press and hold L/O for
2 seconds.
Note: You can not set any skip frequency in WEATHER
service mode.
NWR-SAME Alert
In addition to the conventional weather broadcasts, your
BC250D is compatible with NWR-SAME weather alert.
When the scanner receives NOAA’s Specific Area Message
Encoding (SAME) coded weather emergency signal, it sounds
the alert siren with a specified message. You must program
your FIPS code to identify the Specific Area where you are
located.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SERVICE OPTION - WEATHER - ALERT by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and
pressing E. WX ALERT ON
displays.
4. When the unit receives a warning signal, it shows a
message with the alert siren defined. (For NWR-SAME
EVENT CODE, see the table in the Appendix.)
5. To deactivate, just press any key or it is automatically
canceled and the alert siren stops.
SRVC 15CH
453.6000 NFM
SERVICE SEARCH
PUBLIC SAFETY
SRVC 2CH
162.6000 FM
SERVICE SEARCH
WX ALERT ON
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 45
46
Testing the Alert Siren
To test and recognize the difference between the types of
alert sirens, perform the following steps:
1. During WX hold mode and when the WX ALT is off, press
and hold the PRI key for 2 seconds until you hear the
statement alert siren. WX ALERT ON appears on the
display and the statement, watch and warning sirens
sound alternately.
Note: The samples of each alert siren only last for a few
seconds. You may need to listen to each siren several
times to be sure you recognize the different sirens.
The sirens continue to sound rotating through the
samples until you silence the test.
2. To stop the test, press any key.
Make sure you can hear the siren in all areas that you would
need to. If not, optional accessories can be purchased to
ensure that you are alerted for emergency broadcasts.
See your dealer or local electronics store for accessories.
DO NOT USE EARPHONES TO LISTEN TO THE TEST.
DAMAGE TO YOUR HEARING COULD OCCUR.
Programming FIPS Code
The 6-digit Federal Information Processing System (FIPS)
codes established by the National Weather Service (NWS)
must be programmed in your scanner. These codes specify
an emergency and the specific geographic area (such as
county) affected by the emergency.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SERVICE OPTION -
WEATHER - ALERT by rotating the
VFO and pressing E.
3. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select the desired memory number (F1-F15) by rotating
the VFO.
5. Enter FIPS code using the keypad.
6. Press E.
––– OR –––
1. When you rotate the VFO to move up when F1 is
displayed or VFO to move down when F15 is displayed,
ALL FIPS appears on the display.
2. Press E. The scanner is now set for ALL FIPS mode.
WEATHER ALERT
SELECT CODE No.
FIPS CODE 1
-----------
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 46
3. To cancel the ALL FIPS mode, while an individual
FIPS code is displayed, press E.
Note: • To cancel the entry, press (decimal key).
• To obtain the FIPS code for your area, contact the
NWS toll free at 1-888-697-7263.(1-888-NWRSAME)
or visit their web site
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.htm
.
47
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 47
Digital and Trunked
Systems
Your BC250D is designed to digital communication system
(using optional BCi25D) and track three major types of
trunked radio systems. These systems are described here.
APCO Project 25 Systems - Digital systems which support
the APCO Project 25 protocol developed by the
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and
Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Systems can
operate in conventional, trunked and mixed-modes
(analog and digital) in any frequency band including
UHF, VHF and 800 MHz.
MOTOROLA - Including Type I, Type II, Hybrid,
SMARTNET, and Privacy Plus.
Motorola systems are widely used by public safety and
business users. Most are on the 800 MHz band, and
recent systems are appearing on other bands. (See
page 69)
EDACS - Including "Wideband" 9600 baud, and
"Narrowband" 4800 baud systems.
"Wideband" systems are mostly on the 800 MHz band,
and are used by public safety, utilities, and business
users. Some systems are used on the VHF and UHF
bands.
"Narrowband" systems are used in the 935-940 MHz
band, many by utilities.
(See page 64)
EDACS SCAT - These systems are mainly used in the
Midwestern United States and are one-channel
trunking sites using the EDACS format.
LTR - These systems are mostly for business users, and
found on the UHF, 800 and 900 MHz bands. (See
page 68)
For details on the operation and programming for all of these
systems, see pages 48-77.
When tracking these types of systems, remember these
important points:
• Your scanner defaults to monitor Motorola Type II systems;
however, you can change this if the system in your area is
different. (The types of systems are discussed below.)
• The frequencies for many of the trunked public safety
systems are listed in the TrunkTracker National Public
48
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 48
Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide included with your
BC250D scanner. Frequencies sometimes change, check
with www.bearcat1.com/free.htm.
• If you have internet access, you can visit
scanner.uniden.com or www.bearcat1.com/free.htm for
additional information, for current news and frequency
information, about Trunk Tracking Scanning.
* Motorola, SMARTNET, and PRIVACY PLUS are
trademarks of Motorola Inc. EDACS is a registered
trademark of the Ericsson Corporation. LTR is a registered
trademark of E.F. Johnson Company.
49
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 49
Programming and
Receiving
Digital and Trunked
Systems
Selecting or Changing Trunking System Type
Before using the Trunk Tracking system, you must select the
trunk type.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number using the
keypad and pressing E.
4. Select TRUNK TYPE and the
system type you want to track by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
Programming Trunking Frequencies
After you finish to selecting a trunked type you want to track,
store the frequencies in one of the 10 available banks in your
scanner. Remember that you can only store one trunking
system in each bank.
Important: If you are programming an EDACS or LTR
trunked system, you must enter the frequencies
in a specific order. Check the frequency guide
included with the scanner for the frequencies in
your area. For additional frequencies, check the
web sites listed on page 11.
50
M 001
173.2250 FM
1:TRUNK TYPE
2:TALK CH PRG
M001
867.8375 NFM
1:TYPE2 800
2:TYPE1
No. LCD display Icon TrunkingType Special requirements
1 Type 2 800 MOT Motorola Type 2 800 MHz
2 Type 1 MOT Motorola Type 1 a. Must program a fleet map.
3 Type 2 900 MOT Motorola Type 2 900 MHz
4 Type 2 UHF MOT Motorola Type 2 UHF b. Must program base, spacing,
5 Type 2 VHF MOT Motorola Type 2 VHF frequency and offset channel.
6 EDCS WIDE EDCS EDACS Wideband 9600 baud c. Must program frequencies
7 EDCS NARROW EDCS EDACS Narrowband 4800 baud in exact order and location.
8 EDCS SCT. LTR LTR
9 OFF
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 50
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the
VFO and pressing E.
4. Select TRUNK CHANNEL and the
channel number by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
5. Select FREQUENCY and enter a frequency for the
trunked system using the keypad and press E.
For example, enter 867.8375 (Type 2 800) or enter a
frequency you are going to track.
6. Enter the alpha tag and press E.
(See page 28).
7 You can also change the step size or
the mode in this menu.(See page 101)
8. The following display appears, you
select a location you want.
Note: • To clear a mistake while
entering the frequency, press
(decimal key), and the
display is cleared.
• If you enter a frequency which
is out of the system’s trunking
range, a beep sounds and
ERROR appears on the display.
Setting the Squelch
For trunked reception, a good setting for the
SQUELCH control is in the center of the
range with the red marker pointing up.
See the illustration.
If it is set too high (CCW) in some cases it
could prevent your scanner from locking to the Control
Channel reliably. If it is set too low (CW) it will slightly delay
finding the Control Channel. The best setting is the same as
for conventional reception, and is not critical.
Receiving Trunked Systems
When you have properly programmed all the frequencies for a
trunked system, you can receive the system in several
.
51
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE
M 010
512.0000 NFM
ERROR
OUT OF BAND
M 001
867.8375 NFM
ALPHA TAG
¡
1:OTHER CNANNEL
2:CHANNEL OPTION
3:DONE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 51
different ways. You will find that Search, Hold, Lockout and
Scan, Delay are all similar to conventional scanning.
 TRUNKED SEARCH lets you hear all system talkgroup
activity (unit-to-unit I-Calls may be received as well).
This is the best way to get started.
 ID SEARCH HOLD works with Search mode to let you
quickly freeze reception on an interesting transmission.
Or you can manually specify a talkgroup with DIRECT
ENTRY in ID HOLD.
 ID LOCKOUT works with Search and Scan to exclude
talkgroups that you don't want to hear.
 ID SCAN lets you receive those talkgroups that you
store in Scan Lists.
 ID SCAN HOLD lets you selectively listen to a
talkgroup in your Scan Lists.
 ID DELAY works with each talkgroup to be delayed for
5 seconds when the communication ends.
When receiving EDACS systems, remember that Uniden's
AFS talkgroups give you powerful flexibility. In a few key
presses, you can specify a single talkgroup, a fleet, or an
entire agency in all the above modes. Read the section
"EDACS Reception" to understand how this works.
Note: To switch ID SCAN or ID SEARCH, press and hold
TRUNK in the trunked system.
Trunked Search
Once you have programmed all the frequencies for a trunked
system, SEARCH will let you immediately start hearing
transmissions. It is suggested you try SEARCH mode first.
1. Press SCAN, and select the bank(s) you wish to receive,
just as you select banks in conventional scanning.
2. Press TRUNK to enable trunked reception. The radio will
seek and acquire the trunked system control channel. The
scanner will now be in MONITOR mode. You will hear the
control channel and see active talkgroups on the display.
You will not hear the voice transmissions in MONITOR
mode.
Hint: MONITOR mode is an excellent way to observe
system activity and determine which talkgroups are
most active. Locked out IDs display during MONITOR
mode.
3. Press SEARCH to begin searching and receiving. You will
hear talkgroups and see them on the display.
52
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 52
Talkgroups display differently in Motorola, EDACS and LTR
systems. You should read the appropriate parts of this guide
to understand the formats.
The display indicates the bank and the type of trunked system
you are monitoring. You can change this to display a bank tag
by using the System Option menu.
Regardless of the system, you won't know exactly who you
are receiving until you listen for a while, or refer to frequency
guides or internet sites such as www.bearcat1.com.
Of course, figuring out who each ID represents is half the fun
of TrunkTracking.
Later, when you learn more about a system, you will want to
store lists of talkgroups. Then you can scan specific agencies
and users, and use the many other features your radio
provides.
ID Search Hold and Direct Entry ID Hold Mode
Just like in Conventional Search, HOLD lets you pause ID
Search on an interesting transmission without storing the
talkgroup into memory.
If you hear an interesting ID during SEARCH mode, and want
to continue listening to it --
• Press HOLD/MAN to stop the search.
If you want to listen to a specific ID, while in HOLD --
• Use the keypad to enter the ID you want and press
SCAN, RSM or SEARCH (SEARCH key can not be
used for EDACS).
If you want to resume searching --
• Press RSM to return to Search
mode.
Note: ID Hold feature is also applied to
ID Scan mode.
ID Lockout
Like conventional scanning, it’s possible to lockout unwanted
traffic. This is particularly important in trunked systems
because in many areas, water meters, door alarms, traffic
signals, and other mechanical devices are assigned IDs just
like other users. Also some departments scramble or
encumber their communications, and you may want to lock
out these unintelligible broadcasts.
To Lockout an ID, press L/O when the ID you want to
lockout displays.
53
M ID:4128
867.8375 NFM
Bank 1234567890
Bank:04 MOT TYP2
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 53
The ID is locked out. You can
Lockout up to 200 IDs.
Note: If you Lockout an ID in Search mode, it is also locked
out in Scan List mode.
Conversely, if you Lockout an ID while in Scan List
mode, it is locked out in Search mode. For information
about Scan Lists see page 55.
EDACS BLOCKOUT is a powerful form of ID LOCKOUT
that can be used only with AFS and
EDACS systems. This feature lets you
lockout entire Agencies or Fleets, not just
individual talkgroups. Using ID
BLOCKOUT you can, for example,
prevent Search from stopping on any of hundreds of
talkgroups in the Utilities agency. You can do this with just a
few key presses. To use ID BLOCKOUT just enter the
Agency- part, or the Agency-Fleet part, of the talkgroup code
and press L/O. For example, to Blockout Agency 4 in Trunk
Search, press HOLD/MAN, 0, 4, (decimal key), and then
L/O. For other ways to use partial AFS entry, be sure to read
the section "EDACS Reception".
Review ID Lockout
You can check all IDs already locked out.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
––– OR –––
1. When you press and hold L/O for 2 seconds in trunking,
you can also check all IDs already locked out.
2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
3. Enter the bank number using the keypad and pressing E.
4. Select L/O REVIEW.
Restoring Locked-out IDs
To unlock a single ID, follow these steps:
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating
the VFO and pressing E.
4. Select L/O ID REVIEW and the
.
54
L
LT ID:0-02-042
L/O ID REVIEW
M1-1:4128
867.8375 NFM
MOT ID:8192
LIST Tag
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 54
locked out ID you want to unlock by rotating the VFO.
5. Press L/O. The ID is unlocked and the next locked ID
displays.
To unlock all locked out IDs in a bank at once:
1. Press L/O for 2 seconds after selecting L/O ID
REVIEW in step 4.
Scan Lists
Each bank of your BC250D can be a trunk tracking bank and
it can be a conventional scanning bank. When you designate
a bank as a trunking bank, your scanner sets up 10 Scan
Lists, which are simply lists used to store your favorite IDs.
Each list can contain up to 10 IDs, so you can store a total of
100 IDs for each trunk tracking bank. (1000 if you use all
banks as trunking banks!)
Scan Lists help you organize the trunking system users into
categories.
For example, you might use List#1 for police IDs, List#2 for
fire department IDs, List#3 for emergency medical service IDs,
etc. Once IDs are stored in lists, you can scan them like you
scan conventional frequencies and you can lockout any one
(and up to 9) of the 10 scan lists by pressing the
corresponding numeric key. When an ID is active, the scan list
number icon into which it is programmed will appear on the
display. You can program your scan lists either manually or
during trunking search mode.
REVERSE Key
Use the REVERSE key while trunking to toggle between
viewing the active banks and the active Scan Lists. To see
which is currently active, check the display for either Bank or
List.
Check the web site www.bearcat1.com/free.htm for a
complete list of talkgroups for your area that you can program
into your Scan Lists.
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BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 55
Programming ID Manually with the Menu Mode
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
4. Select TALK GROUP by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
5. Select the ID location by rotating the VFO or using the
keypad and then press E. (The first number represents the
ID list number and second number represents the memory
location number.) (Direct entry method example: enter "1-
5" by pressing 1, (decimal key), 5.)
6. Select ID by rotate the VFO and
then press E.
7. Enter the ID number using the
keypad and then press E.
Note: After you have programmed the ID in a selected bank
while still in the menu mode, you can set your alpha
tag (see page 28), or turn on the beep alert for an
individual talkgroup (see page 29).
a. Enter the Type 2 ID you want to
store, and press E.
––– OR –––
To enter a Type 1 ID:
a. Enter the block number and
fleet number.
b. Press (decimal key).
c. Enter the sub fleet number, and press E.
––– OR –––
To enter an EDACS® ID:
a. Enter the ID you want to store.
Use the (decimal key) for
the "dash".
b. Press E.
Hint: Remember that Uniden's AFS format allows you to
enter full or partial EDACS IDs for powerful flexibility in
all modes. Be sure to read the section "EDACS
Reception" on page 64 to learn how this works.
.
.
.
56
1-5
¡
ENTER ID
5-0
------
050-2¡
ENTER ID
5-0
------
09-022¡
ENTER ID
5-0
4128
1216¡
ENTER ID
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 56
Note: The BC250D default to "AFS" talkgroup displays for
EDACS® only.
––– OR –––
To enter a LTR ID:
a. Enter the Area code and then
press (decimal key)
b. Enter the Home Repeater
number and then press
(decimal key).
c. Enter the ID you want to store and then press E.
Note: To clear a mistake while entering an ID, press 0 and E
successively, and start over.
4. Rotate the VFO to move up to select the next Scan List
location.
ID Scan Mode
1. Press SCAN to begin scanning the
lists you have programmed.
If you haven't programmed any IDs,
ERROR appears on the display.
2. To remove a Scan List from active scanning, press the
number of the Scan List on your keypad.
The Scan List indicator turns Off, and the IDs in that list
are not scanned.
Note: One Scan List must always be active. If you try and
deactivate all the Scan Lists, Scan List 1 will
automatically be active.
3. To restore a Scan List to active scanning, press its
number again.
4. Press SEARCH to return to Trunk Tracking Search mode.
For motorola and EDACS system; to change your display
between the Scan List indicators and trunk bank display,
press REVERSE.
For LTR systems only, the talkgroup must be active in
order to change the Scan List and bank indicators. If the
.
.
57
ID SCAN
867.9875 NFM
List 1234567890
5-0
------
0-02-120¡
ENTER ID
ID SCAN
867.9875 NFM
Bank 1234567890
ID SCAN
867.9875 NFM
List 1234567890
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 57
talkgroup is not active, change the Scan List by using the
Menu screen.
Note: • Once you press SEARCH or SERVICE in one bank,
all trunking banks will change to that mode.
• Selecting a Scan List is also possible in the Menu
mode. (LTR only)
• ID SCAN appears on the display during Trunk
Scan instead of simply SCAN.
Setting the Delay Mode for Trunking Mode
The delay of 5 seconds is automatically set for each talkgroup
for ID Scan mode and ID Search mode. To set the delay
feature, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
4. Select DELAY and then press E.
5. Rotate the VFO to select ON or OFF and then press E.
Note: If you want to verify Delay mode setting, press and
hold MENU/BACK for 2 seconds.
Setting Priority in Trunking Mode
You can set priority in your trunking lists, just as you do in
your conventional ones. You can set the priority by pressing
and holding PRI for 2 seconds in ID Scan Hold mode.
After you’ve set up your Scan List, press PRI to activate it.
It’s very similar to conventional priority although there is no
"interrupt" during the transmissions. Priorities are checked in
between transmissions.
With Priority On, you can hold on an ID in your Scan List,
such as Scan List 6, memory position 7, and the scanner will
check all the priorities in all the active Scan Lists in between
any transmissions on the ID on which you’re holding. The
lowest numbered priority will be checked first. For example,
the priority ID in List 1 will be checked before the priority in
List 2, etc.
Note: This function does not work in LTR tracking.
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BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 58
Programming Scan Lists During Search
To select a Scan List location and store an ID during Search
mode, follow these steps:
1. When your scanner stops on an ID
you want to store, press HOLD/MAN.
2. Press TRNSFR and the empty Scan
List appears on the display, then press
E. In case you want to change the
memory location, you can change it by
rotating the VFO.
3. Press RSM to return to Trunk Tracking Search mode.
Deleting a Stored ID
To delete a stored ID:
a. Press HOLD/MAN.
b. Rotate the VFO to select the
Scan List location you want to
delete.
c. Press 0.
d. Then press E.
Moving between Scan List Memories
There are a number of ways to step and move through your
Scan List memories:
1. Press HOLD/MAN and rotate the VFO to move to up or
down.
2. Or, press HOLD/MAN, next press 0-9 (scan list number),
then press 0-9 (memory position), for example. To move
to Scan List 4, memory position 10, press: HOLD/MAN, 4,
0, HOLD/MAN
Set ACTIVITY ID to ON, when your scanner finds any other
active ID during a transmission is received, the active ID
appears every 0.5 seconds.
I-Call (Motorola/EDACS)
I-Calls are direct unit-to-unit transmissions that are not heard
by other system users. Your BC250D can receive these
transmissions. How you receive I-Calls depends on whether
you are in Search or Scan mode.
59
M ID:4128
867.8375 NFM
Bank:04 MOT TYP2
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 59
During I-Call reception the display will show the Unit ID
number of either the transmitting or receiving mobile unit, not
a talkgroup. Unit IDs will display differently according to the
type of trunked system, and will replace the n's shown here.
EDACS and MOTOROLA TYPE 1 innnnn
MOTOROLA TYPE 2 7nnnnn
Hint -- There are thousands of Unit IDs in typical systems,
but relatively few I-Calls at a given moment, so it is
normally best to let the scanner receive any I-Calls
without trying to specify particular units.
I-CALLS IN SEARCH MODE
In SEARCH mode, the scanner default is that I-Call reception
is OFF. This means that I-Calls will not be received until you
program them to be ON. You have three choices for
controlling I-Call reception. Through the Menu system, go to
SCAN OPTION - TRUNK - select bank number - ICALL,
and make your selection. The menu choices are:
You can HOLD any I-Call IDs. Because you can only hold on
one ID, and there are two IDs involved in any I-Call
communication (the transmitting and the receiving units), you
might not hear the full conversation, but you probably will.
 In SEARCH mode, when you hear an interesting I-Call,
you can enter the instant shortcut (decimal key)
then RSM to enter I-Call ONLY mode. This blocks all
talkgroup traffic and lets you hear just the I-Call.
To return to normal reception, you must use the Menu
system to select the ON or OFF option.
Note: When storing I-Call IDs, remember that the ID will be
for only one of the units – either the transmitting or
receiving unit. Unless you specifically want to receive a
certain ID, it might be better to use the special code in
the HINT below.
I-CALLS IN SCAN AND HOLD MODE
You can store I-Call IDs in Scan Lists, just like talkgroup IDs,
for use by ID Scan and Manual modes. To program a specific
I-Call Unit ID into a Scan Lists:
.
60
I-CALLs TALKGROUPS
1
OFF Not received Received normally This is the BC250D default 2
ON YES Received normally Use this choice to receive I-Calls
together with normal
talkgroup traffic.
3 ONLY YES NOT RECEIVED Use this setting to listen to I-Calls,
and block all talkgroup reception.
For quick access to this mode,
press (decimal) then RSM. .
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 60
61
EDACS or Motorola Type 1
Enter (decimal key) followed by the Unit ID digits,
then SCAN.
Motorola Type 2
Enter 7 followed by the Unit ID digits, then E.
HINT - There is a special code to let you receive all I-Call
IDs with a single Scan Lists entry.
Simply enter (decimal key), 0, SCAN. This will
store the special code i0 in an EDACS Scan Lists,
or 700000 in a Motorola Scan Lists or Digital.
Then, whenever you SCAN this entry, or select it in
HOLD mode, the scanner will receive any active ICalls,
regardless of the Unit IDs.
Note: Motorola I-CALL tracking performance may vary
between systems.
Multi-Track
The BC250D allows you to track more than one system at a
time. Here are some highlights of this feature:
 You can actually track up to 10 trunking systems at
one time.
 You can trunk, scan, or search and scan conventional
frequencies at the same time.
 You can program conventional frequencies in the same
bank as trunking systems.
After the scanner finishes checking a trunked system
for activity, it will conventionally scan the other
frequencies in the bank (remember, only trunking
frequencies are programmed in TRUNK mode).
To scan a mix of trunking and conventional banks, select the
banks you wish to be active with trunking Off, then press
TRUNK. The scanner will instantly begin scanning. If you
have not programmed a trunking bank with talkgroup ID’s, you
will receive NO ID (----) message for that bank.
You can switch to SEARCH mode and the scanner will search
for any active ID’s on the system.
Multi-Track Operational Details
When more than one trunk system is active (for example two
or more trunked systems or a trunked system and one or
more conventional frequencies), the radio jumps between
systems/frequencies as follows:
TRUNK SCAN: The scanner moves to a trunked system
and looks for IDs in your Scan List(s) for up to 1 second. If
it finds no activity on your programmed talkgroups, it
.
.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 61
moves on to conventional channels in the same bank or to
the next active bank.
If the scanner finds that a talkgroup in one of your active
Scan Lists is on the air, you will begin to hear that
communication and the scanner will of course display the
proper talkgroup number and any alpha tag. When the
communication ends, the scanner will wait for 5 seconds
for any further replies and, if none, the scanner will move
to the conventional channels in the same bank or to the
next bank.
The scanner will not look for any other IDs within the same
trunked system (as this would slow the scan process).
Note that if you press RSM while you are listening to one
ID, the scanner will check to see if another ID in your Scan
List is active. It will disregard the ID to which you were just
monitoring.
TRUNK SEARCH: This mode works similarly to TRUNK
SCAN. If the scanner finds any (non-locked-out) ID when
it checks the control channel, you will hear it. You will then
hear any replies that follow within 5 seconds. After that the
scanner will move on and not continuously search the
system for additional IDs (on busy systems you would never
leave the system if this were the case). Note that if you
press the RSM key while monitoring one ID, the radio will
check if any other IDs are active (it will disregard the ID you
just left), and if none are active, it will move on.
SCAN & SEARCH Icons
For the first time on a Uniden scanner, you will see both the
SCAN and the SEARCH icons active at the same time.
This indicates that the radio is scanning conventional banks
and Trunk searching trunking banks. When the radio is
trunking, only the SEARCH icon will be illuminated. Note
that to start a conventional search, you must place the radio
in conventional hold mode and then press the SEARCH
key.
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BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 62
EDACS® Reception
EDACS® Tracking
TrunkTracker III now allows tracking of EDACS® trunked
systems. Until now these widely used systems have been
almost impossible to monitor with a conventional scanner.
With your TrunkTracker III listening to EDACS(s) is
remarkably easy, and perhaps even easier than conventional
scanning.
EDACS systems use 'Transmission Trunking', which means
that each transmission is assigned a new frequency. As the
conversation moves through the system's frequencies, your
TrunkTracker III automatically follows it.
This chart shows a 30 second sample of EDACS
transmissions. Eight different talkgroups are using the system
as their transmissions switch between the thirteen system
frequencies.
Notice how the dotted line shows talkgroup 02-023 moving
from channel to channel. Your BC250D can clearly and
automatically follow this talkgroup, or any other, as you select.
EDACS systems are organized in a logical way that keeps
related talkgroups together. Your scanner is designed to take
maximum advantage of this organization to make your
scanning easy. It lets you zero in on just the part of the
system you want to hear, whether it is an individual channel
or an entire department or city.
Programming EDACS System Frequencies
When you program EDACS frequencies, it is critical that you
store each one in the CORRECT LOCATION. By the nature
of EDACS systems this is necessary for tracking. This often is
not the frequency order, so you must be sure you have the
right sequence. Sources for this information can be found at
scanner.uniden.com.
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BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 63
An EDACS® Trunked system
This chart shows how talkgroups are
organized within an EDACS system
at the AGENCY level. The individual
talkgroups cannot be shown at this
scale because there are over 2000.
However the chart can show the 16
Agencies in this example. The system is
logical and easy to understand. EDACS
systems are typically arranged in an
outline structure.
The system users are given blocks of
talkgroups. Sizes vary but most large
cities and other agencies have blocks of
128 channels. Smaller cities have only
64 or 32 channels.
In this example, the County Sheriff is
agency 01. The city of Sullivan is
Agency 03. Adams Hill and Matthew
Junction share Agency 08.
Your scanner shows EDACS talkgroups
in AFS (Agency-Fleet-Subfleet) format.
This helps you see, at a glance, who
you are monitoring. And with the partialentry
feature you can easily include
nearby, related channels in the same
Fleet or Agency. You can just as easily
exclude entire unwanted Fleets and
Agencies.
When in Search mode, with the system frequencies
programmed, and your scanner locked to the control channel,
you can select a desired city by keying in the AGENCY part of
the AFS talkgroup. For example, you can select the entire city
of Sullivan with 4 key presses 0, 3, (decimal key),
SEARCH.
When you hear an interesting talkgroup, capture it to your
scan list by pressing E during the transmission.
Or HOLD on it by pressing the HOLD/MAN key.
If you want to monitor the Sullivan Police Dispatch channel
(which is talk group 03-062), press 0, 3, (decimal key),
0, 6, 2, RSM.
Your scanner can also work in DECIMAL format.
This talkgroup in decimal format is 434. But decimal format does
not give you any information about the system hierarchy.
For example Sullivan, in decimal, uses channels from 384 to
.
.
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BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 64
65
511. This is not as easy to remember as Agency 03. But
decimal is useful if you need to work from decimal talkgroup
lists.
Special EDACS® Features
AFS Partial Entry Feature
AFS is Uniden's method of encoding EDACS talkgroups.
AFS stands for 'Agency-Fleet-Subfleet'.
AFS talkgroups are used in all EDACS reception -- in ID
SEARCH, ID LOCKOUT and ID SCAN Scan Lists. The powerful
AFS Partial Entry feature designed into the BC250D lets you
use either a complete talkgroup code, or just the most
significant part.
This feature lets you expand or
narrow searching and
scanning to one of 4 levels.
By entering only the desired part
of an AFS talkgroup,
you can select 2048 talkgroups,
128 talkgroups, 8 talkgroups, or a single talkgroup.
For example, you could program every talkgroup in a police
department with just 4 key presses. You can use the AFS
Partial Entry feature anywhere that you need to specify
EDACS talkgroup.
Your BC250D can also enter or display EDACS talkgroups in
decimal format (0-2047).
Select SCAN OPTION - TRUNK - select bank Number -
EDACS ID FORM by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
And change it to DECIMAL and press E. You can use this
feature to translate decimal talkgroups lists to the much more
powerful AFS format.
Examples of how you might use AFS are shown above in the
description of an EDACS trunked system, and elsewhere in
this manual. It is very easy to use. Be sure to become familiar
with AFS Partial Entry, and your scanning will become far
more flexible and efficient.
Emergency Call Alert
Your BC250D alerts you when an EDACS Emergency
transmission occurs.
EDACS systems often provide users with an 'Emergency'
mode on their radios. Users in trouble can alert the dispatcher
and other units and get priority access to the radio system.
When a user activates Emergency mode, EMERGENCY will
flash the display during the entire transmission. At the
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 65
66
beginning of each transmission it will sound a distinctive
emergency alert tone three times.
Patch Tracking
The BC250D can follow EDACS patched talkgroups.
EDACS systems sometimes bring several talkgroups together
in a 'Patch'. A patch might be used by a police agency at night
to provide a single channel with a single dispatcher for a wide
area. A patch is created when a single, temporary talkgroup
substitutes for the original talkgroups. While the patch is
running, which may be for hours or days, the original
talkgroups cease to be used. If you were monitoring one of
these talkgroups, you might think there was no traffic, but in
fact the talkgroup was operating at the different temporary
number.
If a talkgroup in your Scan List is patched, your scanner will
continue to receive it under its new identity until the patch has
ended. When a patch is being received, the radio will display
PATCH ID, and will show the temporary common talkgroup
plus all the included talkgroups in a cycling display.
The BC250D is limited to following one patch.
The temporary talkgroups used for patches are usually found
in AFS code 15-xxx, and sometimes 00-xxx.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 66
LTR® Reception
LTR® Tracking
LTR® (Logic Trunked Radio) systems are trunking systems
used primarily by business or private communications service
providers, such as taxicabs, delivery trucks, and repair
services. These systems encode all trunking information as
digital subaudible data that accompanies each transmission.
Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talkgroups,
which are identified by the radio as six digit numbers.
These numbers are in the form AHHUUU, where:
A= Area code (0 or 1)
H= Home repeater (01 through 20)
U= User ID (000 through 254)
When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set
to the LTR mode, it first decodes the LTR data included with
the transmission. In the ID Search mode, the scanner stops
on the transmission and displays the talkgroup ID on the
display. In the ID Scan mode, the scanner only stops on the
transmission if the LTR data matches a talkgroup ID that you
have stored in the bank’s talkgroup ID list and have not
locked out.
LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio
has a unique ID code.
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BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 67
Motorola Reception
Motorola Tracking
There are really two types of Motorola trunking systems.
These are usually referred to as Type I and Type II systems.
Type I only occurs on some 800 MHz systems. All VHF, UHF
and 900 MHz trunking systems use Type II.
One important distinction between these two systems is the
amount of data transmitted by each radio when its push-totalk
button (PTT) is pressed. Every radio in a trunked system
is assigned a unique ID so the central site computer can
identify it when it’s used. Both Type I and Type II systems
place radios (or radio users) into groups, called talkgroups,
and these talkgroups are also assigned unique IDs. Some
radios have access to only one talkgroup, while others have
access to many talkgroups. The talkgroup(s) each radio can
access is called the radio’s affiliation(s).
In a Type II system, when someone uses their radio, only the
radio ID is transmitted when PTT is pressed, whereas in a
Type I system the radio ID and its current affiliation are both
transmitted when PTT is pressed.
Why the difference? Type II systems are slightly more
advanced because the central computer maintains a database
which is used to determine each radio’s affiliation (s).
Changes to a Type II system are easier than Type I because
the system manager only needs to update the database
instead of reprogramming individual radios.
Another difference between the systems is that Type I
systems are arranged in a Fleet-Subfleet hierarchy.
For example, its possible for a city using a Type I system to
designate 4 Fleets, each with 8 Subfleets. Their fleets might
be the Police Department, the Fire Department, Utilities, and
Administration. The Police may decide to further divide their
fleet into subfleets such as Dispatch, Tactical Operations,
Detectives, North, South, East and West Side Patrols, and
Supervisors. All the available police radios would then be
assigned to one of the police subfleets. Determining the exact
Fleet-Subfleet hierarchy for a particular area is referred to as
Fleet Map Programming, which is discussed further in this
manual.
The disadvantage of a Type I system is that when PTT is
pressed, the brief burst of data must contain the radio’s ID
and its Fleet and Subfleet. This is three times the amount of
data a Type II system radio sends, and as a result Type I
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BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 68
systems usually accommodate fewer users than Type II
systems.
Even though there are many Type II systems, Type I systems
are still in use. There are also Hybrid systems which are a
combination of both Type I and Type II. Your scanner defaults
to monitor Type II systems, but its possible to select a
Preprogrammed Fleet Map or create a Custom Fleet Map for
your area.
For VHF and UHF Type II trunking systems, you will need to
know the base, spacing frequencies and offset channels.
See page 72 for details.
Fleet Map Programming
If you have programmed a trunk tracking bank for Motorola
type and press TRUNK to start Multi-Track, you will see user
IDs display on the display. Since the BC250D defaults to Type
II systems, all the IDs will appear as numbers. However, if you
notice a mix of odd and even user IDs, for example 6477,
2560, 6481, 6144, 1167, etc., then you are probably
monitoring either a Type I or Hybrid systems.
You may also notice that you are missing responses when
you hold on an active ID. Unlike Type II, Type I/Hybrid
systems require a Fleet Map that sets specific Fleet-Subfleet
parameters. It is easy to select a Fleet Map for your scanner;
what is not always easy is selecting or programming a map
that matches your particular area.
There are 16 preset Fleet Maps listed in the appendix that
you can choose, and these are usually a good place to start
when setting up a Type I/Hybrid trunk tracking bank. If you
choose a preset map and still have difficulty following
complete conversations, then you'll have to program your own
Fleet Map.
Selecting Preset Fleet Map
1. Select TYPE 1 for the Trunk Type.
(Refer to "Selecting or Changing
Trunking System Type" on page 50.)
2. Select the map you want to
program by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
The scanner returns to the other programming items.
Note: You will now begin to see Type I Fleet-Subfleet IDs.
69
M 001
867.8375 NFM
1:TYPE 2 800
2:TYPE 1
M 001
867.8375 NFM
FLEET MAP
PRESET 1
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 69
For example, 100-12, 100-9, 000-12, 400-8, etc.
See "User Defined Fleet Maps in the Appendix" for
more information about Type I IDs.
How do you know if the preset map is correct? You will have
to listen to see if you're following complete conversations.
If not, you should try another preset map.
Programming a Fleet Map
You may want to read "User Defined Fleet Maps" in the
Appendix before programming a Fleet Map. It contains a
detailed explanation of Scanner Fleet Map Programming, as
well as a table listing the Fleet Map Size Codes.
1. Select TYPE 1 for the Trunk Type.
(Refer to "Selecting or Changing
Trunking System Type" on page 50.)
2. Select USER CUSTOM by rotating
the VFO and pressing E.
3. Select the size code for the first block
by rotating the VFO.
4. Press E.
The next available block displays.
5. Repeat step 3 and 4 until you have
selected a size code for each block.
For details about each size code,
see "Fleet Map Size Codes"
in the Appendix.
Programming a Hybrid System
A Hybrid system is simply a Type I system with some blocks
designated as Type II blocks. To program a Hybrid system,
follow the steps listed in "Programming a Fleet Map" in the
previous section. However, if you want a block to be Type II,
select Size Code S-0.
When you begin searching a trunking bank with a Hybrid Fleet
Map, you will see both types of system IDs. That is, Type II
IDs usually appear as an even number without a dash; Type I
IDs appear as a three or four digit number, followed by a
hyphen, followed by a one or two digit number.
70
M 001
867.8375 NFM
1:TYPE 2 800
2:TYPE 1
M 001
867.8375 NFM
FLEET MAP
USER CUSTOM
M 001
867.8375 NFM
BLOCK 0
SIZE CODE 0
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 70
Setting the Base, Spacing Frequencies and
Offset Channel for Motorola
VHF/UHF Trunked Systems
To properly track Motorola VHF and UHF trunked systems
you must enter what is known as the base, the spacing
frequencies and offset channels for each system.
To find these out, check the www.trunktracker.com or
www.bearcat1.com/free.htm and other web sites and
frequency resources.
To enter the Base, Spacing Frequencies and Offset Channel:
(You can set up to three sets of these, but almost all systems
only use one set)
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION-TRUNK by rotating the VFO and
pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
4. Select TRUNK TYPE-TYPE 2 UHF or TYPE 2
VHF by rotating the VFO and pressing E.
5. Select BASE CONFIG from 1 - 3 by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
6. Enter a new Base Frequency with the
keypad.
7. Press E.
The display changes for entering the
Spacing Frequency.
8. Enter a new Spacing Frequency with
the keypad.
Note: You can only enter within a range of 5-100 kHz, and
5 or 7.5 or 12.5 kHz multiples.
9. Press E.
The display changes for entering the Offset Channel.
10. Enter a new Offset Channel with the
keypad.
Note: You can only input within a range
of 380-759.
11. Press E.
The display changes for entering the next Base
Frequency.
12. To exit from this mode, press MENU/BACK repeatedly.
71
M
406.0000
ENTER FREQUENCY
BASE FREQUENCY 1
M
50.0
ENTER FREQUENCY
SPACE FREQUENCY1
M
CH 380
ENTER CHANNEL
OFFSET CHANNEL1
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 71
Note: • If the system is not tracking properly, you may need
to try a new Base Frequency or Offset Channel or
you may be missing frequencies from the system.
• You can set up to three Base, Spacing and Offsets
for Motorola VHF/UHF trunked systems.
13. The Offset Channel for the first set should be CH380 (just
press MENU/BACK to confirm this as the default).
14. After you have pressed MENU/BACK to confirm CH380,
the display will change to allow you to set the second (of a
maximum of three) Base/Space/Offset combinations.
Since almost all systems only use one set, press
MENU/BACK to exit the programming mode and return to
scanning.
Toggling the Status Bit
On Type II trunking systems there is a method by which
specialized types of communications utilize unique talkgroup
numbers. An emergency call will occur on a unique talkgroup
from its primary assignment, for example. Because the
BC250D defaults to Status-Bit On mode, you never need to
worry about missing these transmissions. If you have
programmed talkgroup 33264 into Scan List memory, for
example, and there is an emergency call within the group, you
will hear it on 33264.
The only time you may wish to turn Status Bits Off is if you're
trying to figure out the proper Fleet Map of a Type I trunking
system. To turn Status Bits Off, enter into the Menu mode and
select SCAN OPTION - TRUNK - select bank number -
STATUS BIT. (This feature does not apply to EDACS and
LTR operation within the scanner.) Then rotate the VFO to
change the setting (ON to OFF) and press E to program your
change.
Control Channel Only Mode
When this function is activated, trunking is performed using
Control Channel data only. Voice channel (also known as
"DATA channel") frequencies do not have to be programmed
into memory. When using this feature, the scanner will display
CC and channel activity indicator bars will not operate.
This feature only applies to Motorola 800 MHz and 900 MHz
systems.
To turn this function on, choose Motorola TYPE 2
800 MHz or 900 MHz or TYPE 1 in the Menu mode.
Then set to the desired control plan by selecting SCAN
OPTION - TRUNK - select bank number - CNTRL CH
72
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 72
73
ONLY.
You must choose one of 4 frequency plans before you begin
to Control Channel Trunk. Note that the default, Plan 1, is the
most common. Read the description of the Plans below for
details on which may apply for you.
PLAN 1: Use Plan 1 if the last three digits of ALL the
frequencies in use end in one of the following three digits:
125, 375, 625, or 875 (example: 856.1125, 860.7375,
859.6625, 855.8875).
PLAN 2: If the last three digits of frequencies are less than
869.0000 and end in one of the following three digits (125,
375, 625, or 875) AND if ANY other frequencies end in
(000, 250, 500, or 750) use Plan 2.
PLAN 3: If the last three digits of ALL the frequencies in
use end in one of the following three digits (000, 250, 500,
or 750) use Plan 3.
PLAN 4: If the last three digits of frequencies are less than
866.0000 and end in one of the following three digits (000,
250, 500, or 750) AND if ANY other frequencies end in
(125, 375, 625, or 875) use Plan 4.
Of course you will know the Control Channel frequency itself
so that will help you determine the proper plan. If you try one
plan and you receive errors (such as the scanner jumping to
channels that are obviously not part of the system), you
should try an alternate Plan.
Note: In chain search mode, Control Channel Trunk is
activated in the menu mode (See page 18).
Note: You can assign a Fleet Map to TYPE 1 or Hybrid
systems scanned in Control Channel Only mode by
going into the Menu. You can also program IDs, set a
delay, alpha tags and all the other parameters for
systems scanned in this mode. You can then either
search the system to find new IDs or you can
program IDs into memory and then scan them.
Note: The Control Channel Only feature is an extremely
powerful tool. You can use it to determine if systems
you are familiar with may have added new
frequencies or you can use it to discover new
systems by simply finding active control channels
(using Search) and then programming them for
Control Channel operation only.
Remember that this feature only applies to Motorola
800 and 900 MHz systems, that you do have to set
the Menu for the proper system type (800 MHz of
Type 1 or Type 2 or 900 MHz) and you do have to
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 73
program the Control Channel frequency into Memory
and press and hold the TRUNK key to identify the
frequency as trunked.
Disconnect Tone Detect Option (End Code)
When this function is disabled, the radio looks for squelch
before returning to the Control Channel instead of waiting for
the Disconnect Tone. Only in rare instances will you need to
adjust the default settings.
The condition to return to Control Channels depends on
whether the signal is present or not.
To set this function to on/off, select SCAN OPTION -
TRUNK - select bank number - END CODE
(MOTOROLA).
Select DETECT or IGNOR you want to set.
EDACS SCAT
With the EDACS SCAT feature turned “ON”, the data stream
transmissions will be eliminated allowing you to clearly
monitor the voice communications on EDACS SCAT systems.
To monitor EDACS SCAT systems you only need to turn this
feature EDCS SCT. “ON” with designated frequency. You
do not need to enter group ID’s.
Note: As EDACS SCAT is different from the other tracking
feature, and it is not a feature which the scanner
tracks any ID, you do not need to program TALK
GROUP ID in the menu mode.
74
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 74
75
APCO Project 25
Reception
APCO Project 25 is a modulation process where Voice
Communications are converted into Digital Communications.
This conversion is similar to the technology used with digital
mobile phones. There are several Types of Project 25
systems available!
- Conventional – One frequency with Digital voice.
- Trunked with Analog Control Channel and Digital Voice –
Many Frequencies shared by many Departments and the
control channel is analog with digital voice. Control channel
operates at 3600 Band.
Note: Do not install the APCO card with AC Adapter
connected.
Installing the APCO card
1. Turn off the scanner, and open the
cover.
2. Carefully unplug the battery pack.
3. Insert the APCO card.
4. Carefully plug the battery pack.
5. Replace the cover and press down
until it clicks into place, and then
turn On the scanner.
APCO 25 CARD INSTALLED
appears on the display.
Installation is completed. You can
use APCO Project 25.
Turn the APCO operation On
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SCAN OPTION - TRUNK by rotating the VFO
and pressing E.
3. Select the bank number by rotating the VFO and pressing
E.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 75
4. Select APCO Card - ENABLE by rotating the VFO and
pressing E, and exit from this menu mode and APCO 25
CARD INSTALLED appears on the display. You can
use APCO Project 25.
Precautions for Installing the BCi25D Card
1. Do not touch the BCi25D card without first removing the
static electricity from your body. Touch any metal to
release static electricity build-up before you touch the
BCi25D card.
2. Turn Off the scanner, before inserting the BCi25D card
into the slot.
3. Hold the BCi25D card by its edges when inserting it into
the slot.
4. Do not touch any of the terminals. The BCi25D is a
sensitive electrical device.
5. Do not operate with an open battery compartment cover.
This exposes the circuitry to dust and other environmental
particles that cause the unit to function improperly.
6. When you remove the BCi25D card, pull out the ribbon.
76
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 76
77
Remote Interface
You can communicate and program your BC250D in
numerous ways with peripheral devices using the Remote
Interface Cable port. This radio offers the following modes:
 PC Control MODE
Program and control your scanner from a PC using third
party software.
 CLONE MODE
Clone all the frequencies, trunking talkgroups, and fleet
maps programmed into your scanner to another BC250D
scanner or BC785D.
PC Control Mode
To connect Scanner to PC:
Plug the smaller end of the supplied Remote Interface cable
into the remote port which is on the right side of the scanner.
Plug the other end of the cable (DB-9 serial connector) into
a personal computer’s serial port. A few PC’s may require an
adapter, most will not. 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
REMOTE interface cable.
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 77
Start Remote Mode:
Through the Menu system, select
SYSTEM OPTION - PC CONTROL
by rotating the VFO and pressing E. To
start Remote mode, select the transfer
speed listed below except for OFF.
A unique feature of the BC250D is that all the front panel keys
as well as the VFO on the radio remain operational in Remote
mode.
For information on purchasing cables, connectors, and third
party software to program and control your BC250D, you can
contact 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)
scanner.uniden.com
Scanner Master (800) 722-6701
(Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Monday through Friday)
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
Change Transfer Speed
To change transfer speed, enter into the Menu mode.
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION-PC CONTROL by rotating
the VFO and pressing E.
3. To change the transfer speed, rotate the VFO and then
press E
Clone Mode
You will need to purchase an GENDER CHANGER and a null
modem adapter. GENDER CHANGER cables are available as
male to male or male to female. Even if the GENDER
CHANGER you buy already has the male to male connectors,
you will still have to have the null modem adapter. On the
78
SPEED
3:9600 bps
4:19200 bps
5:OFF
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 78
79
next page 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 smaller end of each of the
supplied Remote interface cables into the
remote ports which are on the right sides
of each of the two scanners.
Plug the other ends of the cables (DB-9
serial connector) together using a DB-9 to
DB-9 null modem adapter, and GENDER
CHANGER available at most computer
stores.
You can clone all of the programming of one BC250D 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/BACK.
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - CLONE by rotating the VFO
and pressing E.
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.
5. On the scanner that is the "Slave
Unit", select SLAVE, then press E.
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.
SELECT REVERSE
TRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE SEARCH SERVICE
Female
DB9
Male
DB9
1 4
2 3
3 2
4 6 & 1
5 5
6 4
7 8
8 7
9 Not used
Null Modem Adapter
Pin connections
CLONE
SELECT UNIT
MASTER
SLAVE
>CLONE
> SELECT UNIT
MASTER
SLAVE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 79
80
6. Press SCAN 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 complete,
COMPLETE displays.
If the data transfer is not successful,
the following error message will
appear.
Note: To clear ERROR, press (decimal key).
To exit the clone mode, press MENU/BACK
repeatedly.
Note: Once you have completed the cloning of the scanners,
reset the scanners by turning the scanners Off and
then On again. This is particularly important to know if
you wish to clone another scanner right away.
.
CLONE
== >
MASTER UNIT
CLONE
COMPLETE
MASTER UNIT
CLONE
ERROR
MASTER UNIT
CLONE
== <
SLAVE UNIT
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 80
81
Additional Features
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/BACK.
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - DIMMER by rotating the
VFO and pressing E.
3. Select one from HIGH or MEDIUM or OFF by rotating
the VFO and then press E.
To change lighting time:
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - DIMMER by rotating the
VFO and pressing E.
3. Select 15 SECONDS or INTINATE by rotating the
VFO and then press E.
Enter Lock
You can lockout the keypad to prevent re-programming of
channels, talkgroups and tones (see page 90).
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - ENTER LOCK by rotating
the VFO and pressing E.
3. Set to ON by rotating the VFO and then press E.
Key Lock
Key Lock prevents accidental key entries except the following
keys (KEYLOCK, HOLD/MAN and RSM).
1. Press and hold for 2 seconds to turn ON or OFF ,
and then two beep tone sounds.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 81
82
Key Beep Option
To choose beep sound ON or OFF:
1. Press MENU/BACK.
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - KEY BEEP by rotating the
VFO and pressing E.
3. Set to ON or OFF by rotating the VFO and 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/BACK.
2. Select SYSTEM OPTION - SCREEN MASK by
rotating the VFO and pressing E.
3. Set to ON or OFF by rotating the VFO and then press E.
Reverse Mode
This key will allow you to observe the reverse frequency of
the repeater. While pressing REVERSE, 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 display will indicate ERROR and NO
REVERSE. This feature does not work in the Weather
Search mode.
Channel Step Selection
You can set channel steps, 5 kHz - 100 kHz or Auto, in
Conventional 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.
Mute On/Off
To manually turn On the Mute function, press and hold MUTE
for more than 1 second until MUTE ON is 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 MUTE again.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 82
83
Receiving Mode Selection
You can also set the receiving mode, AM or FM etc., in
Conventional mode or Chain Search mode.
See MODE in "Menu Description" for details.
Frequency and Channel Tuning with the VFO
Control
The VFO knob can be used for changing frequencies or
changing memory channels (for Conventional channels or
talkgroup ID Scan Lists).
1. In Conventional mode, when the setting for VFO is
channel, rotate the VFO to move up (to step up through
channels) or down (to step down through channels). If you
are in Trunk Manual mode, you will step through Scan List
memory locations (whether the CHAN or the FREQ icon
is active).
2. In Chain Search mode, when the setting for VFO is
frequency, rotate the VFO to move up to step up through
frequencies sequentially or to down to step down through
frequencies. To change the step, you will need to go into the
Chain Search menu and adjust the step for the desired
memory location.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 83
84
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 BEEP in 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/O to lockout the channel, and then press RSM
to resume scanning.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 84
85
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 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 15, "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 SCAN key again.
2. Adjust the SQUELCH control.
3. Check to see if all channels are Locked Out.
Weather Scan won't work. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page XX, "Setting the
Squelch".
2. Check the antenna.
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 70.
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 51.
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 71.
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.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 85
86
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
scanner.uniden.com for additional information.
Problem Suggestion
APCO 25 CARD
INSTALLED screen
does not 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.
1. Check to see if the BCi25D is properly installed.
2. Check to see if the P25 Mode is ON or DISABLE in
the Menu mode (See page 76-77).
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 P25
system you are trying to monitor.
2. You might be in a dead-spot for the P25 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 ENCRYPTION message
appears on the display.
The scanner doesn’t monitor encrypted voice
communications.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 86
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 AW
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 MHzNFM
849.0125 - 956.0 MHz NFM
1240.0 - 1300.0 MHz NFM
Operating Temperature: –20 °C to +60 °C
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
(8 internal speaker)
38 mW nominal
(32 stereo headphone)
9 mW nominal
(64 earphone)
Internal Speaker: 8 ohms (36 mm outer diameter)
Power Requirements: AD600U AC Adapter
(4.8V DC, 1500mA)
or
4.8V DC 1500mAh (internal battery)
12V DC (AD600U AC Adapter)
Antenna: Rubber Antenna (included)
Antenna Jack: BNC type
External Jacks: DC 12 V Power Jack
(center is positive)
Remote Jack (DB-9)
Earphone Jack
87
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 87
88
Size: 65mm (W) x 45mm (D) x 153mm (H)
Weight: 350 g (11-1/4 oz.)
Features and specifications are all subject to change without notice.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 88
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
89
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 89
90
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.
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 90
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 the Uniden national database or third
party software. You can change the transfer speed on the
scanner needed to be compatible with your PC. (See page
XX)
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
91
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 91
programmed the unique number, then you don’t have to
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.
92
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 92
Appendix
Preset Fleet Maps
93
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
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 93
94
Preset Map 9
Preset Map 11
Preset Map 13
Preset Map 15 Preset Map 16
Preset 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
7
Size 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
7
Size 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
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 94
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 you're 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, you'll track all the Fleet-Subfleet combinations
used by the system. In other words, you'll hear complete
communications while monitoring a trunked system.
If you don't already know the size codes used, you'll have to
guess at them. But since you don't have to figure out all the
blocks at once, this isn't 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 you've probably selected the right
size code and can work on the next block of the map.
95
Block
(1 digit)
Subfleet
(1 or 2 digits)
Which Fleet
within the Block
(2 or 3 digits)
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 95
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.
96
Size Fleets Subfleets IDs
Blocks
Used
0 Reserves block for Type II IDs +
1 128 4 16 1
2 16 8 64 1
3 8 8 128 1
4 1 16 512 1
5 64 4 32 1
6 32 8 32 1
7 32 4 64 1
8 16 4 128 1
9 8 4 256 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
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 96
NWR-SAME EVENT CODE
97
Event Code Standard Event Level (Siren Type) LCD Display
Warning Watch Statement Test
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning HUW 0 HURRICANE
Tsunami Warning TSW 0 TSUNAMI
Coastal Flood Warning CFW 0 COASTAL FLOOD
Special Marine Warning SMW 0 SPECIAL MARINE
Avalanche Warning AVW 0 AVALANCHE
Volcano Warning VOW 0 VOLCANO
Shelter In Place Warning SPW 0 SHELTER
Civil Danger Watch CDA 0 CIVIL DANGER
Radiological Hazard Watch RHA 0 RADIOLOGICAL
Hazardous Material Watch HMA 0 HAZARDOUS
Winter Storm Watch WSA 0 WINTER STORM
High Wing/ Dust Storm Watch HWA 0 THUNDERSTORM
Tornado Watch TOA 0 HIGH WIND
Service Thunderstorm Watch SVA 0 THUNDERSTORM
Flash Flood Watch FFA 0 FLASH FLOOD
Flood Watch FLA 0 FLOOD
Hurricane/ Tropical Storm Watch HUA 0 HURRICANE
Tsunami Watch TSA 0 TSUNAMI
Coastal Flood Watch CFA 0 COASTAL FLOOD
Avalanche Watch AVA 0 AVALANCHE
Volcano Watch VOA 0 VOLCANO
Event Code Standard Event Level (Siren Type) LCD Display
Warning Watch Statement Test
Emergency Action Notification EAN 0 EMG NOTIFY
Emergency Action Termination EAT 0 EMG TERMINATE
National Information Center NIC 0 NATIONAL INFO
Tornado Warning # TOW(or TOR) 0 TORNADO
Service Thunderstorm Warning # SVW(or SVR) 0 THUNDERSTORM
Flash Flood Warning FFW 0 FLASH FLOOD
Flash Warning FLW 0 FLOOD
Winter Storm Warning WSW 0 WINTER STORM
Blizzard Warning BZW 0 BLIZZARD
High Wing/ Dust Storm Warning HWW 0 HIGH WIND
Radio logical Hazard Warning RHW 0 RADIOLOGICAL
Civil Danger Warning CDW 0 CIVIL DANGER
Local Area Emergency LAE 0 LOCAL EMG
Hazardous Material Warning HMW 0 HAZARDOUS
Civil Emergency Message CEM 0 CIVIL EMG
Immediate Evacuation Warning IEW 0 EVACUATION
Immediate Evacuation Notice EVI 0 EVACUATE NOTE
Law Enforcement Warning LEW 0 LAW ENFORCEMENT
Fire Warning FRW 0 FIRE
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 97
98
Range Offset
29.520 - 29.580 +0.1 MHz
29.620 - 29.680 -0.1 MHz
52.010 - 52.990 +1 MHz
53.010 - 53.990 -1 MHz
143.750 +4.375 MHz
143.900 +4.25 MHz
144.510 - 144.890 +0.6 MHz
145.110 - 145.490 -0.6 MHz
146.010 - 146.385 +0.6 MHz
146.415 - 146.505 +1 MHz
146.595 +1 MHz
146.610 - 146.985 -0.6 MHz
147.000 - 147.390 +0.6 MHz
147.415 - 147.505 -1 MHz
147.595 -1 MHz
147.600 - 147.990 -0.6 MHz
148.125 -4.375 MHz
148.150 -4.25 MHz
222.120 - 223.380 +1.6 MHz
223.720 - 224.980 -1.6 MHz
420.000 - 424.9875 +5 MHz
425.000 - 429.9875 -5 MHz
440.000 - 444.9875 +5 MHz
REVERSE LIST
Event Code Standard Event Level (Siren Type) LCD Display
Warning Watch Statement Test
Service Weather Statement SVS 0 SERVICE WX
Special Weather Statement SPS 0 SPECIAL WX
Flash Flood Statement FFS 0 FLASH FLOOD
Flood Statement FLS 0 FLOOD
Hurricane Statement HLS 0 HURRICANE
National Periodic Test NPT 0 NATION PERIOD
Required Monthly Test RMT 0 MONTHLY
Required Weekly Test RWT 0 WEEKLY
System Demonstration/ Practice DMO Note SYSTEM DEMO
National Hazard Warning NHW 0 NATION HAZARD
Unknown Emergency Tune TV **E 0 UNKNOWN TV
Unknown Warning Tune TV **W 0 UNKNOWN TV
Unknown Watch Tune TV **A 0 UNKNOWN TV
Unknown Statement Tune TV **S 0 UNKNOWN TV
Range Offset
445.000 - 449.9875 -5 MHz
450.000 - 454.9875 +5 MHz
455.000 - 459.9875 -5 MHz
460.000 - 464.9875 +5 MHz
465.000 - 469.9875 -5 MHz
470.000 - 472.9875 +3 MHz
473.000 - 475.9875 -3 MHz
476.000 - 478.9875 +3 MHz
479.000 - 481.9875 -3 MHz
482.000 - 484.9875 +3 MHz
485.000 - 487.9875 -3 MHz
488.000 - 490.9875 +3 MHz
491.000 - 493.9875 -3 MHz
494.000 - 496.9875 +3 MHz
497.000 - 499.9875 -3 MHz
500.000 - 502.9875 +3 MHz
503.000 - 505.9875 -3 MHz
506.000 - 508.9875 +3 MHz
509.000 - 511.9875 -3 MHz
806.000 - 823.9875 +45 MHz
851.000 - 868.9875 -45 MHz
896.000 - 901.000 +39 MHz
935.000 - 940.000 -39 MHz
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 98
99
CTCSS Frequency List (Hz)
DCS Tone Code
67.0
91.5
118.8
156.7
210.7
71.9
94.8
123.0
162.2
218.1
74.4
97.4
127.3
167.9
225.7
77.0
100.0
131.8
173.8
233.6
79.7
103.5
136.5
179.9
241.8
82.5
107.2
141.3
186.2
250.3
85.4
110.9
146.2
192.8
88.5
114.8
151.4
203.5
023
051
114
143
174
245
266
332
411
452
506
612
703
025
053
115
145
205
246
271
343
412
454
516
624
712
026
054
116
152
212
251
274
346
413
455
523
627
723
031
065
122
155
223
252
306
351
423
462
526
631
731
032
071
125
156
225
255
311
356
431
464
532
632
732
036
072
131
162
226
261
315
364
432
465
546
654
734
043
073
132
165
243
263
325
365
445
466
565
662
743
047
074
134
172
244
265
331
371
446
503
606
664
754
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 99
100
BC250D Flow Charts
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
WEATHER
PUBLIC SAFETY
NEWS
TV BROADCAST
HAM RADIO
MARINE
RAILROAD
AIR
CB RADIO
FRS
RACING
SPECIAL
CHAIN SEARCH
1
2
MONITOR
ALERT 1: ON FIPS CODE 1
:
:
FIPS CODE15
ALL FILPS CODE
1
2
3
4
5
6
CHAIN SEARCH
SEARCH RANGE
(RANGE SELECT)
DELAY
ATTENUATOR
TONE DATA
AUTO STORE
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: CTCSS/ 2: DCS/ 3: OFF
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1
2
3
4
5
RANGE
(RANGE SELECT)
STEPS
MODE
ALPHA TAG
TRUNK
1 SERVICE OPTION
2: OFF
1: 5KHz/2: 7.5KH/3: 10KHz/4: 12.5KHz/
5: 25KHz/6: 50KHz/7: 100KHz/8: AUTO
1: AM/2: FM/3: WFM/4: NFM/5: AUTO
ON
OFF
PLAN 1
PLAN 2
PLAN 3
PLAN 4
1
2
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 100
101
1
2
CONVENTIONAL
(CHANNEL SELECT)
TRUNK
(BANK SELECT)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
FREQUENCY
DELAY
TONE DATA
BEEP ALERT
ATTENUATOR
STEPS
MODE
FREQUENCY
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: CTCSS/2: DCS/ 3: OFF
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: 5KHz/ 2: 7.5KHz/ 3: 10 KHz/
4: 12.5 KHz/ 5: 25 KHz/ 6: 50 KHz/
7: 100 KHz/ 8: AUTO
1:AM/ 2:FM/ 3:WFM/ 4:NFM
ALPHA TAG
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
9
9
0
0
TRUNK TYPE
TRUNK CHANNEL
(CHANNEL SELECT)
TALK GROUP SET
(SELECT ID NO. )
DELAY
ID LIST TAG
L/O ID REVIEW
ACTIVITY
I-CALL
(MOTOROLA/ EDACS)
ID SCAN LIST (LTR)
EMERGENCY ALT (EDACS)
STATUS BIT (MOTOROLA)
EDACS ID FORM (EDACS)
END CODE (MOTOROLA)
CNTRL CH ONLY
(TYPE1/ TYPE2 800,900)
1
2
3
1: ON/ 2: OFF
1: ON/ 2: OFF
1: ON/ 2: OFF/ 3: ONLY
1: ON/ 2: OFF
1: ON/ 2: OFF
1: AFS/ 2: DECIMAL
1: DETECT/ 2: IGNORE
(TYPE2 800/TYPE1 SYSTEM)
1: PLAN1/ 2: PLAN2/ 3: PLAN3/
4: PLAN4/ 5: OFF
(TYPE 2 900 SYSTEM)
1: ON/ 2: OFF
FREQUENCY
STEPS
MODE
ALPHA TAG
1: 5KHz/2: 7.5KH/3: 10KHz/4: 12.5KHz/
5: 25KHz/6: 50KHz/7: 100KHz/8: AUTO
1: AM/2: FM/3: WFM/4: NFM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
ON
OFF
TYPE2 800
TYPE1
TYPE2 900
TYPE2 UHF
TYPE2 VHF
EDCS WIDE
EDCS NARROW
EDCS SCT.
LT
1
2
3
ID
ALPHA TAG
BEEP ALERT
SET FLEET
MAP USER
CUSTOM /
PRESET 1-16
SET BASE
CONFIG 1-3
SET BASE
CONFIG 1-3
ENTER SPACE
FREQUENCY
ENTER SPACE
FREQUENCY
ENTER
OFFSET
CHANNEL
ENTER
OFFSET
CHANNEL
2 SCAN OPTION
ENTER BASE
FREQUENCY
ENTER BASE
FREQUENCY
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 101
102
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
DIMMER
SCREEN MASK
KEY BEEP
ENTER LOCK
PC CONTROL
CLONE
DATA SKIP
SQ MODE
BANK TAG
(SELECT BANK)
APCO CARD
BATTERY SAVE
DIMMER LIGHT
DIMMER TIME
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: 2400 bps / 2: 4800 bps /
3: 9600 bps/ 4: 19200 bps/
5: OFF
MASTER / SLAVE
1: ON/ 2:OFF
1: CSQ/ 2: TONE SQ/
3: TONE SEARCH
ENABLE/DISABLE
1: ON/ 2: OFF
HIGH/MEDIUM
15SECONDS/INFINITE
3 SYSTEM OPTION
BC250D 9/20/2 2:52 PM Page 102
One Year Limited Warranty
Important: Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty
service.
WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (Uniden)
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for one year, to the
original retail owner, this Uniden product to be free from defects in
materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions
set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall
terminate and be of no further effect 12 months after the date of
original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is
(A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary,
(B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion kits,
subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden,
(C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other
than an authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction
covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment
or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F)
installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the
owners manual for this product.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not
conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect,
warrantor will either, at its option, repair or replace the defective unit
and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost
(except shipping and handling) incurred by warrantor or its
representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty.
Warrantor, at its option, may replace the unit with a new or
refurbished unit. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE
IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PERTAINING TO THE
PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER
EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE
FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the
above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty is void outside the United States of America.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY:
If, after following the instructions in the owners manual you are certain
that the product is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably
in its original packaging). The product should include all parts and
accessories originally packaged with the Product. Include evidence
of original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused
you to return it. The Product should be shipped freight prepaid, by
traceable means, to warrantor at:
UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION
Parts and Service Division
4700 Amon Carter Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76155
(800) 554-3988, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through
Friday
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