Uniden Bc296d Trunk Tracker Scanner Owners Manual

							Setting EDACS Emergency Alert
When the emergency status is sent on an EDACS radio, you
can have your scanner alert you to the transmission.
2:SCAN OPTION →2:TRUNK →Select the bank
→9:EMERGENCY ALT
1:ON
The scanner beeps three times to alert you and
flashes EMERGENCY during emergency
transmissions.
2:OFF
The scanner does not handle emergency
transmissions any differently than other
transmissions.
Setting EDACS Decimal Mode
By default your scanner displays EDACS talkgroups in AFS
format (see “Understanding Scanning”). However, you can
use this option to display and enter talkgroups in digital
format.
2:SCAN OPTION →2:TRUNK →Select the bank
→0:EDCS ID FORM
1:AFS
Display the talkgroup ID in Agency-Fleet-Subfleet
(AFS) format.
2:DECIMAL
Display the talkgroup ID in decimal format.
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							56
Programming APCO 25
Systems
To program an APCO 25 system, follow the steps in the
appropriate section for conventional or Motorola Trunking.
APCO 25 systems require only 1 additional setting: Sound
Quality.
Setting APCO 25 Sound Quality
Each APCO 25 system has slightly different system settings
that control how the audio is digitized. To get the best sound
quality, you need to match as closely as possible the system’s
settings.
To adjust the sound quality:
1. While monitoring a specific APCO P-25 talkgroup, press
the HOLD/MAN key.
2. Press and hold the 9key. On Line 1 of the screen you will
see SOUND QULTY: 0050(for example). This shows
the Sound Quality. The lower the level the better the
Sound Quality. 
3. To manually set the sound quality, rotate the scroll bar up
or down. As the threshold adjusts in increments of 100 at
the bottom of the screen watch the Sound Quality level
increase or decrease and continue to rotate the scroll bar
until you have achieved the best Sound Quality level.
Notes:•When APCO P-25 signal is not received, SOUND
QULTY: ****appears on the display.
•You must be receiving an APCO P-25 signal to
make this adjustment
A chart showing the Threshold Adjustment Range is listed
below.
4. Once you have adjusted the Sound Quality to the best
possible level, press E.
Press RSM to exit the Sound Quality Adjustment Mode.
Lower Mid UpperBandMin Default Max Default Min Default Max800MHz 33 533 1833 1985 2042 3342 3842UHF 33 633 1833 1985 2042 3342 3842VHF3309302130 2147 2264 3464 4064
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							Notes:•To cancel the adjusted threshold level, press 
key.
•The adjusted threshold level for the current
frequency can be set back to the default value by
pressing and holding the  key.
•When you change the Sound Quality it affects all
other APCO 25 signals in that same band. (UHF,
VHF, or 800MHz).
.
.
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							58
Programming LTR
Systems
Follow the instructions in this section to program information
for LTR trunking systems. For more information about LTR
systems, refer to “Understanding Scanning.”
2:SCAN OPTION →2:TRUNK →Enter the bank
→1:TRUNK TYPE →1:ON →9:LT →
2:TRUNK CHANNEL
1. Enter the channel number.
1:FREQUENCY
2. Enter the frequency and alpha tag for the channel.
Repeat these steps for all channels in the system. Then,
refer to “Programming Talkgroups.”
Note:LTR systems must be programmed in channel order,
skipping unused channels. For example, if the LTR
system you are programming uses only Channels 1, 3,
5, and 7, program frequencies in the first, third, fifth,
and seventh channels in the bank.
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							59
Programming Talkgroups
For many of the trunk scanning features to operate, you need
to program the scanner with the talkgroup ID’s. Each bank
can store up to 100 talkgroups in 10 ID groups of 10
talkgroups each. Group similar talkgroups together in the
same ID group. When scanning, you can turn ID groups on
and off with a quick keypress.
Storing Known Talkgroups
Follow these steps to store talkgroups you have gotten from a
list.
2:SCAN OPTION →2:TRUNK →Select the bank
→3:TALK GROUP
1. Use the scroll bar to select the talkgroup to program, then
press E.
2. Select 1:ID and press E.
3.For Type 2/Digital systems, enter the up to 5-digit
talkgroup ID, then press E.
For Type I systems, enter the 3-digit fleet,  for the
dash, then the subfleet number.
For EDACS systems, enter the two-digit agency,  for
the dash, then the fleet and subfleet number.
For LTR systems, enter the area code,  , home
repeater number,  , ID number, then E.
Note:If you replace an existing ID, the alpha tag is also
deleted.
4. Select 2:ALPHA TAG and press E.
5. Enter the alpha tag for the talkgroup.
Note:The alpha tag defaults to the numeric talkgroup ID.
6. If you want the scanner to beep three times to alert you
when the talkgroup is active, select 3:BEEP ALERT and
press E; then, select 1:ON.
7. Press MENU/BACK.
Repeat this procedure for each talkgroup in the system.
Storing Found Talkgroups
While you are ID Searching (see “Searching for Active
Talkgroups”), you can quickly store an active talkgroup ID into
an ID memory.
.
.
.
.
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							1. While the scanner is receiving the talkgroup, press
HOLD/MANto hold on that talkgroup.
2. Press TRNSFR. The scanner displays the lowest
numbered empty ID group memory.
3. Use the scroll bar to select the memory you want to store
the ID into, then press E.
Deleting Stored Talkgroup ID’s
To delete a stored talkgroup ID:
1. While scanning a trunked system in the ID scan mode
(see “Scanning Only Stored Talkgroups”), press
HOLD/MAN. 
Or, to use the menu system:
2:SCAN OPTION →2:TRUNK →Select the
bank→3:TALK GROUP
2. Use the scroll bar to select the talkgroup ID you want to
delete, then press E.
3. Select 1:ID and press E.
4. Press 0, then press E.
Adding a Text Tag to an ID List
To add a text tag to each of the 10 ID lists in each bank:
2:SCAN OPTION →2:TRUNK →Select the bank
→5:ID LIST TAG →Select the list→Enter the
alpha tag
Seeing Talkgroup Activity
In the ID Scan mode, the scanner normally only displays the
ID for talkgroups that you have stored into a scan list. This
setting lets you see the ID’s for all talkgroups as they become
active when the scanner is monitoring the control channel.
The scanner still only switches to a talkgroup if you have
stored it into a scan list.
2:SCAN OPTION →2:TRUNK →Select the bank
→7:ACTIVITY ID
1:ON
Display every talkgroup ID as it becomes active.
2:OFF
Only display active stored talkgroup ID’s.
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							61
Using the Remote
Interface
You can connect your scanner to either a PC or another
BC296D using the remote interface cable port. This allows
you to either control and program your scanner using a PC
and the supplied software and cable or clone the memory
from one BC296D into another BC296D (gender
changer/coupler required, not supplied).
PC Control Mode
To connect the Scanner to a PC, plug the scanner end of the
supplied RS232C cable into the remote port which is on the
side of the scanner. Plug the other end of the cable into your
PC’s serial port.
Start the remote mode and set the scanner’s communications
speed:
3:SYSTEM OPTION →5:PC CONTROL
To use PC control, set the scanner to any setting other than
off. You will usually want to set the speed to its highest
setting. If you seem to be having communications problems
between the scanner and PC, set this setting to a lower value.
Cloning Scanner Settings
You will need to purchase an RS232C null modem
adapter/gender changer to connect your scanners together.
(These items are available at your local electronics stores.)
To connect the Scanners together, plug the scanner ends of
the cables into the scanners, then connect the PC ends of the
cables to the null modem adapter/gender changer 
Clone all of the programming of one BC296D into another, by
selecting:
HOLD/
MAN
SCAN
CH/
FRQ
MENU/BACK
L/O
.SELECT REVERSETRUNK
RSM
E
SEARCH SERVICE
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							3:SYSTEM OPTION →6:CLONE
on both scanners. Then, on the scanner that has the data you
want to transfer, select MASTER and press E. On the scanner
that you want to transfer the data into, select SLAVE and
press E.  Then, press SCANon both scanner to start the
transfer.
Caution:This deletes all data from the unit you select as
SLAVE. Make certain that you pick the correct set-
tings for each scanner to prevent data loss.
During transfer both scanners display the following.
When transfer is complete, the scanners display COMPLETE.
Turn both scanners off and then back on to initialize them.
If data transfer is not successful, the following message
appears.
To clear the error, press  . To exit the clone mode,
repeatedly press MENU/BACK.
.
62
CLONE
== >
MASTER UNITCLONE
== <
SLAVE UNIT
CLONE
ERROR
MASTER UNIT
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							63
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 2:OFFthe 
3:KEY BEEPin the menu system.
Location
•Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments such
as the kitchen or bathroom.
•Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating 
elements or vents.
•If the scanner receives strong interference or electrical
noise, move it or its antenna away from the source of the
noise. If possible, a higher elevation, may provide better
reception.
Cleaning
•Disconnect the power to the unit before cleaning.
•Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild detergent. 
To prevent scratches, do not use abrasive cleaners or
solvents. Be careful not to rub the LCD window.
•Do not use excessive amounts of water.
Repairs
•Do not attempt any repair. The scanner contains no user
serviceable parts. Contact the Uniden Customer Service
Center or take it to a qualified repair technician.
Birdies
•All radios can receive birdies (undesired signals). If your
scanner stops during Scan mode and no sound is heard, it
may be receiving a birdie. Birdies are internally generated
signals inherent in the electronics of the receiver.
Press L/Oto lockout the channel, and then press RSMto
resume scanning.
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							Troubleshooting
If your BC296D is not performing properly, try the following
steps.
If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker mode, try the
following steps.
64
Problem Suggestion
Scanner wont 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.
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 wont stop. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 18, Setting the
Squelch.
2. Check the antenna connection.
3. Check to see if many of the channels are Loc ked 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 wont star t. 1. Press the 
SCAN key again.
2. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 18, Setting the
Squelch. 
3. Check to see if all channels are Lock ed Out.
Weather Scan wont work. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 18, Setting the
Squelch.
2. Check the antenna.
4. Check to see if Key Lock is ON (see page 23).
Problem Suggestion
Scanner wont track.1. Missing the Data Frequency.
2. Change to a Type 1 Scanner setup.
Review Appendix on page 71.
Scanner wont 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 Tr unking mode.
data channel. See page 18.
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 Appendix 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.
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