Uniden BC 278CLT Vhf Uhf Scanner Owners Manual

							BC 278CLT
• FULL Y PROGRAMMABLE
• FULL FREQUENCY LCD READOUT
• ALARM CLOCK
• AM/FM RADIO
• SERVICE SCAN
• CHANNEL LOCKOUT
• PRIORITY CHANNEL
• SCAN DELAY
• MEMORY BACKUP
• EMERGENCY WEATHER ALERT WITH 
S.A.M.E.
10 BAND, 100 CHANNEL SCANNER
Reference Guide
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							Precautions
Before you read anything else,
please observe the following:
Uniden®and Bearcat®are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.
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 jurisdiction.  Your local law enforcement officials
should be able to provide this 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 Reference Guide, could void your authority to operate this product.
UnidenDOES NOTrepresent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the
risk of fire or electrical shock, 
DO NOTexpose this unit to rain or
moisture.
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							Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About Scanning   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Taking Proper Care of Your Scanner   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Unpacking   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installing the BC278CLT    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Controls and Functions    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Scanning Overview   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Clock Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Initial Clock Set-up   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Using the Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Set the Squelch   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Programming Tips for Scanner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Programming Scanner Frequencies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Deleting a Scanner Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
About Memory Back-up   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Scanning Mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Bank Scanning   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Manual Mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Direct Channel Access  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Priority Scanning   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Channel Lockout   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Restore All Locked Out Channel   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Delay        . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Searching   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Service Scan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Weather Channel   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Weather Alert with S.A.M.E.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
About S.A.M.E.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Programming FIPS Code   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Additional Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
LCD Backlight  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Programming Radio AM/FM Frequencies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Deleting a Stored Radio Frequency  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Direct Channel Access for Radio Stations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Resest the Clock Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Set the Alarm Time  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Set Alarm to Tone Mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Turn the Alarm Off  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Set Alarm to Radio Mode  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Turn the Alarm Off  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
About the Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Helpful Hints   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Two-Year Extended Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Getting
Started
Operation
Clock
Set-Up
Using the 
Scanner
Additional 
Features
About the 
Unit
Troubleshooting
Specifications
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About Scanning
Scanning Options
Scanning is easy and fun with the BC278CLT 100-Channel Base Scanner with 
AM/FM Radio.
Scan channels you have programmedScan pre-programmed service and weather channels.
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most 2-way communications do not transmit
continuously (see Types of Communication below). 
The BC278CLT scans programmed channels at rate of up to 25 channels per second until it
locates an active frequency. When the scanning stops on an active frequency, it remains on
that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the
scanner stays on the channel for 2 more seconds, waiting for a responding transmission. If
no responding transmission is detected, the scanning cycle resumes until another
transmission is received (DELAY function).
Types of Communication
You can monitor communications such as:
Police and fire departments (including rescue and paramedics)NOAA weather broadcasts (7 pre-programmed channels)Business/industrial radio Motion picture and press relay AircraftAuto racing frequenciesUtilitiesLand transportation frequencies such as trucking firms, buses,
taxis, tow trucks, and railroads
Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands
INTRODUCTION
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Many more in the 29-54MHz, 108-137MHz, 137-174MHz,
406-512, 108-137MHz, and 806-956MHz ranges
AM/FM radio
You must program a frequency into each channel you want to use. If you do not have any
known local frequencies to program, a Uniden representative should be able to provide you
with a few sample frequencies.
Where to Obtain More Information
The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs have publications, information on
computer bulletin boards, and contests for the radio enthusiast. See the enclosed printed
material for more information. Additional information is also available through your local
library.
Taking Proper Care of Your Scanner
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.Do not plug the scanner into an outlet controlled by a wall switch as 
prolonged periods without power causes the clock to reset.
Unpacking
Carefully check the contents against this list:
BC278CLT Base ScannerTelescopic AntennaAM Radio AntennaAC Adapter (Model AC-144U)This Reference GuideRegistration Form Frequency Directories Order Form and other printed informationFrequency Guide Book
If any items are missing or damaged, contact the Uniden Parts 
Department at (800) 554-3988. Hours are from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Monday through Friday, Central Time. We may also be reached
at www.uniden.com.
Complete and mail your Registration Form immediately.
Read this Reference Guide thoroughly before operating the scanner.
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							Installing the BC278CLT 
1. Insert the small plug at the end of the AC Adapter cord into the AC 10Vjack on 
the scanner.
2. Plug the AC Adapter into any standard 120V AC wall outlet. Do not plug into an outlet
controlled by a wall switch; it could cause clock reset.
3. Plug the Telescoping Antenna into the ANT.jack. Extend the antenna to its full height. For
UHF frequencies, shortening the antenna may improve the reception.
4. Plug the AM Antenna into the AM Radio Antenna Jack
a. Press down to unlatch the 2 tabs at the bottom of the AM Radio Antenna Jack.
b. Insert the 2 leads into the holes. Make sure the leads are stripped to expose the wire.
c. Press up to latch the 2 tabs.
5. Plug an optional external speaker (8-ohm) into the EXT. SP.jack.
If you are operating the scanner in a fringe area or need to improve
reception, use an optional antenna designed for multi-band coverage.
(You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store.) If the
optional antenna has no cable, use a 50-70 ohm coaxial cable for lead-
in. You may need a mating plug for the optional antennas.
If your scanner receives strong interference or electrical noise, relocate
the scanner or its antenna away from the source.
GETTING STARTED
*Carefully remove the tube inserted before using the AM Antenna Jack. When the Jack is
not in use, keep the tube mounted.
3
AC 10V
USE AC-144U ONLY EXT.SPAM RADIO ANT
ANT
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Controls and Functions 
1. LCD DisplayDisplays time, channel, frequency, and functions. (Page 6)
2. Numeric KeysPress to program a frequency into each channel for scanning. Also, 
press for time entries and direct channel access with MANUALkey. And 
press for channel presets in Radio mode.
3. Decimal KeyPress to enter the decimal point in the frequency. Also, use for 
clearing mistakes during entries by pressing twice.
4. EKeyEnters the frequency or time setting into memory.
5. VOLUMETurn clockwise to increase the volume. Turn counterclockwise to
decrease the volume.
6. SQUELCHAdjusts the squelch threshold, or use AUTO for the factory setting.
7.OFFKeyTurns scanner and radio off and Clock mode on.
8. SCANNER KeySelects the  Scanner mode .
9. 
RADIO AM/FM KeySelects the Radio mode. Also selects AM/FM in Radio mode.
7
12 15 20 21 13 16 18 22 19 17 1456 8 9 10 11
WEATHER ALERT
12 BAND                  800MHz
OPERATION
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10. WX/ALERT KeySelects Weather Mode. Also Selects Weather Alert ON/OFF in WX Scan mode 
and WX Hold Mode and S.A.M.E.mode.
11. ALARM KeyTurns on the Tone Alarm. Turns the Radio Alarm ON/OFF by pressing
the key more than 2 seconds.
12. 
ALARM SET/DATAKeyPress and hold for 2 seconds to enter the Alarm Time Set mode.
Press less than 2 seconds to change Data Skip ON/OFF.
13. 
TIME SET/SERVICEKeyPress and hold for 2 seconds to enter the Present Time Set mode.
Press to go to Service Scan mode. 
Press in Service Scan mode to toggle between the channels.
14. 
AM/PM/TIMEKeySelect a.m. or p.m. when setting the clock time or alarm time.
Press to review the clock time and cancel the Alarm time set and Present 
Time Set mode.
15. LOCKOUTKeyPrevents scanning of the displayed channel. The L/O indicator appears 
when the current channel is locked out.
Press LOCKOUT again to unlock the channel. Lockout is active only when 
the scanner stops on an active channel or a channel selected in Manual 
mode.
16.PRIORITYKeyTurns Priority mode ON/OFF. In Priority mode the scanner samples the 
designated Priority Channel every 2 seconds while in Scan or Manual mode.
If a transmission on the designated Priority Channel is detected, the scanner
monitors that channel until no signal is present.
17. DELAYKeyTurns Delay function on and off. When Scan stops on a channel 
it causes scanner to remain on that channel for 2 seconds before 
the scanning resumes to wait for a possible reply.
18.SEARCHKeyPress to start search.
19.  HOLD
KeyPress to go to the Scan Hold mode while scanning. Steps up through the 
minutes in the clock mode, channel in the Manual mode, frequency in the 
Limit Search Hold mode.
20. 
LIMIT KeyPress to program the range of frequency for searching. Press to go to the 
Frequency Step mode in the Normal Radio mode. Change to Search Hold 
mode while scanning. Steps down through the minutes in the clock 
mode,channel in the Manual mode, frequency in the Limit Search mode.
21SCANKeyPress to start scanning.
22. MANUALKeyPress to stop scanning. Press MANUAL again to step to the next channel. 
Also use for direct channel access by first entering the channel number and 
then pressing MANUAL to go directly to that channel.
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23. ALARMAppears when Alarm function is active. Flashes in the snooze 
function mode.
24. BANKAppears when in Scan mode, Manual mode and Weather mode.
25. 1-5In Scan Mode, displays the bank being scanned. In Manual Mode, displays 
the bank number associated with the channel. 
26. SCANAppears when in Scan mode.
27. PRIDisplays when priority function is active.
28. DLY Displays when delay function is active.
29. SEARCHDisplays while searching.
30. HOLDDisplays when in Manual mode and WX Hold mode.
31. L/OAppears when the current channel is locked out in manual mode, and 
when the frequency is skipped in search mode.
32. RADIOAppears when in Radio mode.
33. POLICEDisplays when in Police Station Service Scan mode.
34. FIRE/EMGDisplays when in Fire/Emergency Service Scan mode. 
35. AIRDisplays when in Air Channel Service Scan mode.
36. MARINEDisplays when in Marine Channel mode.
37. WXDisplay when in weather mode and S.A.M.E.mode.
38 ALERTAppears when Weather Alert Mode is active. It flashes when 
Weather Alert and S.A.M.E signals is detected.
39 DATAAppears when in Data Skip operation.
27 37 30 31
41 3223 24
40
42 4336 3829
28
33 353439 25 26
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40. AM,FMAppears when receiving band is AM or FM in Radio mode.
41. PAppears next to the channel that has been assigned as the current priority
channel.
42. ChannelRepresents the current channel 1 through 100.
43. 
Frequency/Time7-digit display that shows the current frequency and time. Last digit shows
A for a.m. P for p.m.
Scanning Overview
The BC278CLT has 100 memory channels. Each can be programmed to store one frequency
within the band of frequency coverage. (For a listing of frequency ranges and bands, see
Technical Specifications on page 38.)
When you press SCAN, the BC278CLT scans each programmed frequency for activity
(skipping channels that are locked out) at the rate of up to 25 channels per second. As the unit
scans, the word SCANmoves across the display and the bank number flashes.
When the scanning stops on an active frequency, it remains on that channel as long as the
transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes. If you are in
the delay mode, the scanner stays on the channel for 2 more seconds, waiting for a responding
transmission. If no responding transmission is detected, the scanning cycle resumes.
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