Uniden Bc250d Widenband Scanner Owners Manual

7
Terminology
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way
communications do not transmit continuously. The BC250D
scans the Frequencies you have programmed into the
Scanner’s channels 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 27 bands...

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
theres a short break during the conversation youre
monitoring, it’s possible that the talkgroup will be assigned 
to a completely different frequency in the trunked system. 
This...

9
Feature Highlights
•Trunk Tracking– Follow VHF 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 supported 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...

•PC Programmable– Allows you to easily program all
frequencies and Trunking Talk Groups into your BC250D
through Uniden’s E-Scanner software running on your PC.
– For more information on E-Scanner Programming
software visit our website atscanner.uniden.com.
•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...

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 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...

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.• BC250D Hand held Scanner
•  AC Adapter/Charger (AD-600U)
•  Ni-MH Battery (BP-250)
•  Rubber Antenna
•  Remote Cable
•  Beltclip
•  Operating Guide
•  E-Scanner Programming Software CD-ROM
•  Trunk Tracker Frequency Guide
•  Other Printed Material
BC250D  11/6/2 11:36 AM...

13
Setup
Installing the Battery Pack
1. Open the cover.
2. Connect the battery pack connector
observing 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...

Flexible Antenna
Attach the flexible antenna to the
antenna connector.
Beltclip
The beltclip is designed to fit snugly on
the back of the scanner.
Line up the four arms on the beltclip with
the four tabs on the scanner and slide the
beltclip into place, 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...

15
Basic Operation
Turn the Scanner On
Turn the VOLUMEcontrol clockwise out of the detent
position. The scanner automatically starts scanning. 
Since there are no frequencies programmed in your scanner
initially, you may not receive any signals. Once you set the
squelch and program some frequencies, you will begin
hearing conversations regularly.
Note: If you turn the scanner on when the optional APCO
card is not installed, APCO  P25  CARD  NOT
INSTALLEDappears on the display. To delete the
message,...

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, mute the audio,
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...