Uniden Bc785d Trunk Tracker Scanner Owners Manual

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Terminology
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit
continuously. The BC785D scans the Frequencies you have programmed into the Scanner’s
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 BC785D can search each of its 27 bands to find active frequencies. This is different
from scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmed
into your Scanner’s channels. 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 dont
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 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 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
type of scanning is difficult and frustrating.
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							TrunkTracker III changes this! Not only does your new BC785D 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 youre 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 youre already an experienced scanner operator, you may want to skip to
Programming and Receiving Digital and Trunked Systems on page 46.
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 – control channel operates at 3600
Baud.
- Mixed Mode – trunked system with an analog control channel alternating/mixing analog
and digital voice communications.
- Trunked with digital control channel and digital voice. Control channel operates at 9600
Baud. (This type of APCO P-25 System is not supported with this radio.)
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							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 programmed to use the Scan mode.
•27 Bands– Includes 27 bands, with aircraft and 800 MHz.
•10 Banks– 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– Allows you to scan only priority channels.
•Preprogrammed Service– 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.
•PC Programmable– Allows you to easily program all frequencies and Trunking Talk
Groups into your BC785D through Uniden E-Scanner software running on your PC.
– For more information on E-Scanner Programming software visit our website at
scanner.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 stores found active frequencies into an assigned
bank.
•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.
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							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 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.)
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
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
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							11
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.
• BC785D Scanner
• AC Adapter (AD 580D)
• Cigarette Cord
• DC Cord
• Mounting Bracket
• Telescopic Antenna
• Operating Guide
• Trunk Tracker Frequency Guide 
• Other Printed Material
• E-Scanner Programming Software CD-ROM
• Screwdriver
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							12
Setup
Connecting an Antenna
You must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner. You have been provided a
standard telescopic antenna that works well with this scanner, but you may want to 
purchases another type to increase the range. To connect the telescopic antenna, simply
connect it to the BNC type ANT. connector on the rear of the scanner. You can purchase a
variety of scanner antennas for both mobile and base station available at a local electronics
store. Choose the one that best meets your needs.
When deciding on a mobile or base station antenna and its location, consider these points.
•The antenna should be as high as possible on a vehicle or a house.
•The antenna and its cable should be as far as possible from sources of electrical noise
(ignition systems, gauges, and so on).
•The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.
Mounting an Antenna
Once you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna.
Then route the antenna cable to the scanner.
The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety of
antennas, such as an external mobile antenna or an outdoor base station antenna.
Always use 50 ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna.
For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable If your antenna’s cable
does not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC adapter (available at a local 
electronics store).
Follow the Installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to the
scanner, then connect it to the ANT. jack.
Warning: Use extreme caution when you install or remove an outdoor antenna. If the
antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the 
antenna touches a power line, contact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy
wires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to remove 
the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do it yourself.
Optional Antenna
If you have chosen an optional mobile antenna, connect the antenna plug into the ANT. 
connector on the rear of the scanner. (For more information on antenna installation, please
refer to the instruction guide that came with your antenna.)
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							13
Typical Mounting Methods
The BC785D can be conveniently mounted on a table, bulkhead, overhead, or any other
desired location (refer to figure below for typical mounting methods).
Caution: Make sure there are no hidden electrical wires or other items behind the desired
location before proceeding. Check that free access for mounting and cabling 
is available.
Mounting the Scanner in Your Vehicle
Before you mount the scanner, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Then
confirm that the scanner fits your vehicle’s mounting area. This unit requires a mounting
area of 2-3/8 inch high by 6-15/16 inch wide by 6-9/16 inch deep (61 x 176.5 x 167 mm).
Caution: Be sure to avoid obstructions behind the mounting surface.
Follow these steps to mount the scanner in your vehicle.
1. Choose a mounting location, then use the supplied 
mounting bracket as a template to mark the positions for
the mounting screw holes.
2. In the marked positions, drill holes slightly smaller than 
the supplied screws.
3. Attach the mounting bracket to the mounting location
using the supplied screws and lock washers.
4. Attach the scanner to the mounting bracket using the
supplied mounting knobs.
5. Connect the antenna’s cable to the ANT. connector
on the back of the scanner.
Note: If the antenna cable’s connector does not fit in the ANT.
connector, you might also need a Motorola-to BNC 
antenna plug adapter (available at a local 
electronics store).
•Table top mount•Bulkhead mount•Overhead mount
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							Applying Power for Vehicle Installation
You can power your scanner using either the supplied DC power cord or your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket using DC cigarette lighter power cord.
Caution: You must use a power source that supplies 13.8 V DC and delivers at least 
700 mA. Your standard 12 V car battery should be sufficient. The cord
connector’s center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s
DC 13.8 Vjack. The supplied DC power cord meets these specifications. Using a
power cord that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or
the adapter.
•Always connect the adapter or DC power cord to the scanner before you connect it to the
power source. When you finish, disconnect the adapter or DC power cord from the power
source before you disconnect it from the scanner.
•For added safety and to protect your scanner, 
disconnect the cable from your vehicle battery’s 
negative (-) terminal before you begin.
Follow these steps to connect the supplied DC power cord.
1. Connect the power cord’s black wire to a chassis ground, such as a metal screw
attached to a metal part of the vehicle’s frame. Be sure that the screw is not insulated
from the frame by a plastic part.
2. Connect the power cord’s red wire (with in-line fuse) to a source
of voltage that turns on and off with the ignition switch, such as
a spare accessory terminal in your vehicle’s fuse box.
3. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the DC 13.8 Vjack
on the back of the scanner.
4. Reconnect the cable to the vehicle battery’s negative (-)
terminal.
To power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12 V power source
(such as a cigarette-lighter socket), you need a cigarette-lighter
adapter.
To connect an optional DC cigarette-lighter power cable, insert its barrel plug into the 
DC 13.8 Vjack on the back of the scanner, then plug the power cable into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket.
Note: If you use a cigarette-lighter power cable and your vehicle’s engine is running, you
might hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is normal.
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							Desktop Installation
You can place this scanner on a desk, shelf, or table to use it as
a base station.
1. Flip up the feet for desk installation.
2. Extend the antenna to full vertical position. 
Adjust the angle for best reception.
Applying Power Using Standard AC Power
To power the scanner from an AC outlet, use the provided AC adapter with a 5.5 mm outer
diameter/2.1mm inner diameter tip.
Caution: You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 13.8 V DC and delivers at
least 700 mA. The cord connector’s center tip must be set to positive and its plug
must fit the scanner’s DC 13.8 Vjack. Using an adapter that does not meet these
specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
•Always connect the AC adapter to the scanner before you connect it to AC power. When
you finish, disconnect the adapter from the AC power before you disconnect it from 
the scanner.
1. Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into the DC 
13.8 Vjack on the back of the scanner.
2. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.
Note: Use only the AC adapter supplied with
your scanner.
Connecting an External Speaker
In a noisy area, an external speaker (available at a local electronics store) positioned in the
right place might provide more comfortable listening.
Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug into your scanner’s EXT. SP.jack.
Note: Connecting an external speaker 
disconnects the scanner’s 
internal speaker.
Connecting an Earphone
For private listening, you can connect an
earphone with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug to the 
EXT. SP. jack on the back of the scanner. Be very careful as damage to your hearing
can result if the VOLUME control is not set to the lowest level first.See below for
Listening Safely instructions. (Your local electronics store should carry a wide selection of
earphones.) Once the earphone is connected, it will automatically disconnects the internal
speaker.
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13.8V
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							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 VOLUMEto the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening,
adjust the VOLUMEto 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 Clone Cable
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another BC785D scanner using a
RS232C Cable (9 pin to 9 pin) (not supplied). Connect the cable between each scanner’s
REMOTEjacks. See Clone Mode on page 73. You can also upload or download the
programmed data to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit available through your
local electronics store.
Connecting the Tape Recorder
You can use a standard tape recorder or a VOX (Voice Operated Control) recorder. To
connect the recorder to the scanner, connect a cable with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug from the
tape recorder’s remote jack to the TAPE OUTjack on the back of the scanner. (Your local
electronics store should carry a wide selection of cables and tape recorders.) Refer to the
Record section under Additional Features in the manual.
Remember!
•You must mark a channel, ID, talkgroup, or bank for Recording in order for this feature to
work. 
•This feature does not work if your scanner is set with MUTE  ON.
•The VOLUME control affects the Audio output. Do not set the volume on minimum. Make
a trial taping to be certain the volume levels are set correctly.
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