Uniden Bc796d Trunk Tracker Scanner Owners Manual

							Using the Remote Interface
You can connect your scanner to either a PC or another BC796D 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 (not supplied) or clone the memory from one BC796D into
another BC796D (gender changer/coupler required, not supplied).
PC Control Mode
To connect the Scanner to a PC, plug the scanner end of the RS232C cable (not supplied)
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 BC796D into another, by selecting:
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 settings for each scanner to prevent data loss.
EXPANSION SLOT
55 
						

							56
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..
CLONE
== >
MASTER UNITCLONE
== <
SLAVE UNIT
CLONE
ERROR
MASTER UNIT 
						

							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 sig-
nals inherent in the electronics of the receiver.
Press 
L/Oto lockout the channel, and then press RSMto resume scanning.
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							58
Troubleshooting
If your BC796D is not performing properly, try the following steps.
If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker mode, try the following steps.
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 19, 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.
3. Check to see if all channels are Lock ed Out.
Weather Scan wont work. 1. Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 19, Setting the Squelch.
2. Check the antenna.Adjust squelch threshold - refer to page 19, Setting the Squelch. 
Problem Suggestion
Scanner wont track.1. Missing the Data Frequency.
2. Change to a Type 1 Scanner setup.
Review User Defined Fleet Maps on page 66.
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.. See page 19.
data channel.
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 User Defined Fleet Maps on page 66.
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 intentionally
Indicators are flashing  blocked by your scanner.
but no sound is heard.
2. The ID on your display is not activ e .
Scanner not tracking  1. Logical channel numbers (frequencies) for the system are not
an EDACS system programmed in the correct order. 
properly. Check frequency resources and reprogram.
2. Not all frequencies for the system are programmed.
Check frequency resources. 
						

							59
Problem Suggestion
APCO  P25  CARD 
NOT  INSTALLED  
appear when the scanner 
is turned ON.
Neither APCO  P25 
CARD  INSTALLED 
9600  SYSTEM nor 
APCO  P25  CARD 
NOT  INSTALLED 
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.
When CARD  ERROR 
appears every 10 seconds 
while you are using P-25 
Card.1. Check to see if the P-25 Card is properly installed.
1. Check to see if the P-25 Card Mode is 1:ENABLE or 
2:DISABLE in the Menu mode.
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 P-25 system you 
are trying to monitor.
2. You might be in a dead-spot for the P-25 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 ENC message appears on the display.
The scanner doesn’t monitor encrypted voice communications.
1. Re-install the P-25 Card.
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 is 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.comfor additional information.  
						

							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: 25.0-28.0 MHz Petroleum Prod., CB Class D channels,
Business and Forest Products
28.0-29.7 MHz 10 Meter Amateur Band
29.7-50.0 MHz VHF Low Band
50.0-54.0 MHz 6 Meter Amateur Band
54.0-108 MHz VHF TV, FM broadcast, Intersystem
and Astronomy
108-137 MHz Aircraft Band
137-144 MHz Military Land Mobile
144-148 MHz  2 Meter Amateur Band
148-174 MHz VHF High Band
174-406 MHz VHF TV, 1.25 Meter Amateur Band, UHF
Aircraft Band
406-420 MHz Federal Government
420-450 MHz 70 cm Amateur Band
450-470 MHz UHF Standard Band
470-512 MHz UHF TV Band
806-956 MHz 800 Band
1240-1300 MHz 25cm Amateur Band
Operating Temperature:–20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140)
Scan Rate: 100 channels per second (conventional mode)
Search Rate: 100 steps per second (Normal Search)
300 steps per second (Turbo Search)
Audio Output: Maximum 3.0W (2.3W normal @ 10% THD)
Internal Speaker: 8 ohms (56 mm outer diameter)
Power Requirements: AD580U AC Adapter (13.8V DC, 700mA)
Antenna: Telescopic Antenna (included)
Antenna Jack: BNC type
External Jacks: External Speaker (EXT.SP.) (3.5 mm)
DC 13.8 V Power Jack, (center is positive)
Remote Control (REMOTE) Jack (DB-9)
Tape Recorder Out (TAPE OUT) Jack (3.5 mm)
Digital Card Slot
Size: 6-15/16 in. (W) x 6-9/16 in. (D) x 2-3/8 in. (H)
176.5mm (W) x 167mm (D) x 61mm (H)
Weight: 1.44 kg (50.8 oz.)
Features and specifications are all subject to change without notice.
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							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 spe-
cific 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 transmis-
sions 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 BC796D to another or
BC296D.
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 func-
tions 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 subaudi-
ble 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 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-pro-
gramming 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
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							• 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.
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 third party software. You can change the
transfer speed on the scanner needed to be compatible with your PC. (See page 55)
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.
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							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 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.
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							Appendix
Preset Fleet Maps
64
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