Table of Contents

Introduction. 2 Included with the BC9000XLT. 3 Feature Highlights. 4 Getting Started. 6 Base Installation. 6 What is Scanning?. 7 Searching. 7 Banks and Channels. 8 Setting the Squelch. 8 Using the Rotary Tuner. 10 Programming Channels. 11 Programming By Manual Entry. 12 Programming With the Rotary Tuner Use these controls:. 13 Programming with Search. 14 Programming With AUTO STORE. 17 Deleting a Programmed Frequency. 19 Transferring a Programmed Frequency. 19 Programming Channels with Alpha Characters. 20 To Delete Alpha Characters. 22 The Scan Mode. 24 Scanning All Programmed Channels and Banks. 24 Turning Banks ON or OFF. 25 Locking Out Channels. 26 Using Priority Scan. 28 The Search Mode. 29 Beginning a Search. 29 Scrolling Frequencies During a Search. 30 Using Turbo Search. 31 Using Search Delay. 31 Locking Out Frequencies. 32 Unlocking a Frequency. 32 Unlocking All Frequencies. 33 Birdies. 33 Additional Scanner Features. 34 Scanning Weather Channels. 34 Using Data Skip. 34 Changing the Frequency Step. 35 Setting the Signal Mode. 36 Using Signal Attenuation. 37 Preventing Accidental Programming. 38 Using COUNT to Monitor Channel Activity. 38 Displaying Bank Memory Status. 40 Using Auto Recording. 41 Viewing Scanner Status Information. 42 Display Light. 44 Using Hi-Cut. 44 CTCSS Operation. 45 Installing the CTCSS Board. 45 Using CTCSS. 47 To Change the CTCSS Tone Frequency. 48 CTCSS Tone Frequencies. 49 Care and Maintenance. 50 Troubleshooting. 51 Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts. 52 Specifications. 53

Introduction

The BC9000XLT is a sophisticated information radio with automatic scanning capabilities. You can use it at home as a base unit, or install in your vehicle as a mobile unit. The BC9000XLT can store frequencies such as, police, fire/emergency, marine, air, weather, and other broadcasts into 20 banks of 25 channels each. The new Rotary Tuner feature enables rapid and easy selection of channels and frequencies. And with AUTO STORE, you can automatically program any channel. With the BC9000XLT, you can scan all 500 channels with Turbo Scan. In the Search Mode, you can choose super fast Turbo Search. In addition, the BC9000XLT has AUTO SORT an automatic frequency sorting feature for faster scanning within each bank.

Types of Communication

You will be able to monitor communication such as:

n n n n n n n n n

Police and fire department (including paramedics) NOAA weather broadcasts Business/industrial radio Motion picture and press relay Utility Land transportation frequencies, such as trucking firms, buses, taxis, tow trucks, and railroads Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands Air band Public Service 800 MHz band
And many more in the 25-1300 MHz range. (Note: Cellular telephone frequencies cannot be received.)
Where to Obtain More Information
The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs have publications, information on computer bulletin boards, and even contests for the radio enthusiast. See the enclosed pamphlets for more information. Additional information is also available through your local library.

Included with the BC9000XLT

MEM COUNT AUX

SHIFT STATUS

BC9000XLT

TWIN TURBO

BRI DIM OFF

SQUELCH

HOLD SCAN SRC AUTO

MANUAL

PRI TURBO

12.5 KHz

25KHz LOCK

VOLUME

L/O EXT SP

HI-CUT
Operating Guide (OMBC9000XLT)
Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide
Telescoping Antenna (AT124)

900 BC

SHIFT STATU

MEM COUN

AC Adapter (AD580U)

Other Printed Material

Read this Operating Guide thoroughly before you use the scanner. Immediately fill out and mail the supplied Registration Form. If any of the above items are missing or damaged, contact the place of purchase immediately.

Feature Highlights

Twin Turbo Scan/Search This lightning-fast technology enables the BC9000XLT to scan up to 100 channels per second and search up to 300 steps per second (in 5kHz steps). Because the frequency coverage is so large (see Specifications, page 53, for band listing), a very fast scanning system is essential. That is why we combined our latest technology Turbo Scan and Search into the BC9000XLT. RotaryTuner Control Turn the large Rotary Tuner to select the desired frequency or channel. 500 Channels You can program each of these memory channels to store one frequency. 20 Banks Each bank contains 25 channels, useful for storing similar frequencies in order to maintain faster scanning cycles. 25 - 1300 MHz Indicates the range of frequencies that can be searched within the bands of your scanner. (Note: The frequency coverage is not totally continuous between 800-900 MHz.) 10 Priority Channels You can assign one Priority channel for each of the 10 banks, A-J. This allows you to keep track of activity on your most important channel(s) while monitoring other channels for transmissions. Auto Store Automatically stores all active frequencies within the specified bank(s). Auto Sorting Programmed frequencies are automatically sorted within each bank for faster scanning. Auto Recording This feature lets you record channel activity from the scanner onto a tape recorder.
Scan/Search DelayIn the Scan or Search Mode, causes the scanner to remain on a frequency two seconds after the last transmission to wait for a possible reply. Direct Channel AccessAllows you to manually select a specific channel without scanning. Direct Frequency ProgrammingAllows you to program a specific frequency into a channel without searching. Frequency TransferLets you transfer a frequency into an empty channel, or replace the frequency in the current channel. Programmable Alpha CharactersYou can program channels 1 - 250 with 16 alpha characters for easy reference. 4

n n n n

Variable Frequency Steps (Increments)In the search or Manual Mode, lets you change the steps between frequencies. Channel/Frequency LockoutLets you temporarily remove channels or frequencies from the scanning or search cycle. Signal AttenuationReduces the scanners sensitivity for unusually strong signals often found on the WFM (wide frequency modulation) bands. Data SkipLets you set the scanner to automatically continue searching or scanning when it encounters an unmodulated or data signal. Enter LockTemporarily disables programming keys to prevent accidental programming. External Speaker JackAllow you to connect an external speaker or earphone for custom listening. See Included with your Scanner on page 3, and Optional Accessories & Replacement Parts on page 52. Line, and AUX JacksAllow you to connect a tape recorder. Display LightLets you view the display more easily in dark or low-light conditions.

Getting Started

DC 13.8V Jack Auxillary Jack Antenna Jack Telescoping Antenna
AC Adapter/ Charger (AC580U)

OFF ON

Standard 120V AC Wall Outlet

DC13.8V

ENTER LOCK ANT
Off-On/ Enter-Lock Switch

Base Installation

1. Insert the DC plug end of the AC Adapter into the DC 13.8V jack on the rear panel. 2. Plug the AC Adapter into a standard 120V AC wall outlet. 3. Plug the Telescoping Antenna into the ANT connector. Extend the antenna to its full height. For frequencies higher than 406 MHz, shortening the antenna may improve the reception. 4. If you need a better viewing angle, flip the folding legs down to raise the front of the scanner.
For use with an optional external speaker:
Plug the external speaker into the EXT SP jack located on the front of the scanner.
For use with an optional tape recorder:
Be sure to use a tape recorder with microphone and remote input jacks.

L EXT SP

1. Connect a cable from the LINE jack on the front of the scanner to the microphone input of a tape recorder. 2. Connect a cable from the RCA-type AUX jack on the back of the scanner to the recorders REMOTE jack. (See Using Auto Record, page 41.)

For use with an optional CTCSS Tone Board:
See CTCSS Operation, page 45.

What is Scanning?

Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications (listed below) do not transmit continuously. The BC9000XLT scans programmed channels at the rate of up to 100 channels per second 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, and no response is detected, the scanning cycle resumes until another transmission is received.

CHANNELS

Frequency Not Entered
Frequency Locked Out (L/O)
An optional DELAY can be set so that the scanner stays on the channel for 2 more seconds, waiting for another transmission before resuming scanning.

Searching

Scanning and searching are similar in that they both involve finding active frequencies within a group of frequencies. The difference is Scanning looks only at a group of programmed frequencies that are stored in the scanners channels and grouped into banks. Searching looks at all the frequencies within a pre-selected range of frequencies. If you find an interesting frequency while searching, you can store it in a channel for easier access later. See Programming with Search on page 14. The main purpose of the Search function is to help you find active frequencies to program into memory.

Banks and Channels

BC9000XLTBanks and channels are the way stored frequencies are organized in your scanner. A channel is a memory location where you store a frequency. The channels in the BC9000XLT are numbered 1 - 500. A bank is a group of channels. The BC9000XLT has 20 banks with 25 channels in each. The banks are useful for storing similar frequencies in order to maintain faster scanning cycles. You can turn each bank on or off to control whether its channels are included during scanning. When you turn off a bank, its channels are not erased, but are only temporarily excluded from scanning. You can also temporarily lock out individual channels within a bank during scanning.

Setting the Squelch

Use these controls:
ON/OFF/VOLUME and SQUELCH Controls
1. Press muntil you do not hear a signal. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable listening level.
Bank A ch 22 L/O 000.0000MHz
2. Think of the Squelch Control as a gate. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise. This raises the Squelch Gate so high that no signals can get through.
3. Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise until you hear a hiss. This lowers the Squelch Gate so that everything gets through. noise, weak signals, and strong signals.
4. Turn SQUELCH back counter clockwise just until the hiss stops. Now the Squelch Gate allows only strong signals through.

To program the frequency, press h to stop searching. Then, proceed to step 6a, 6b, or 6c. If you do not want to program the frequency, press S to continue searching.
6a. Program the frequency into the current channel. Press e.
12. 5KHz ch 53 NFM 450.3875MHz

Bank D ch 53 450.3875MHz

6b. Program the frequency into another channel: 1. Press hto stop the search.
2. Press N to enter the Transfer Mode.
Enter Bank or ch 450.3875MHz
3. Enter the channel number. Example: Channel 200. 4. Press h.

200 450.3875MHz

Bank H ch200 000.0000MHz

(Display flip-flops)

450.3875MHz
5. Press e to Program the frequency.

Bank H ch200 450.3875MHz

6c. Program the frequency into the first open channel of another bank. 1. Press hto stop the search.
3. Choose a bank. Example: Press D.
P ch201 Bank I 450.3875MHz

4. Press e.

Programming With AUTO STORE
This procedure searches a frequency range and automatically stores active frequencies into empty channels of the selected bank(s). Note: Be sure to set SQUELCH before you begin a search. See Setting the Squelch on page 8. Use these keys:
Programming, Search, Scan, Mode, Numeric, and Bank Keys and Rotary Tuning Controls
1. Select a frequency range. See page 53, or see the Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide. Example: 810.000 MHz to 856.000 MHz
2. Press m. 3. Enter the frequency and press lto enter the lower limit of the search range. Example: 810.000 MHz 4. Enter the frequency and press l to enter the upper limit of the search range. Example: 856.000 MHz
NFM 450.0000MHz NFM 810.0000MHz

NFM NFM

810.0000MHz 856.0000MHz
5. Press U to enter the Auto Store Mode.

ABCDEFGHIJ 1234567890

6. Select the bank(s) for programming. The selected bank indicator(s) stop blinking. Example: Press C and D. 7. Press U to begin the Auto Store. The LED on the U key flashes.
Note: You hear no audio during Auto Store. Note: If the bank you chose is already fully programmed, a double beep sounds. Choose another bank. Searching frequencies
1 2. 5KHz STOch 54 NFM 810.0625MHZ
Storing an active frequency.
1 2. 5KHz STOch 54 NFM 810.1125MHZ

Search resumes.

1 2. 5KHz STOch 55 NFM 810.2000MHZ
To stop Auto Store, press m, s, or P. You can change these functions during Auto Store: Frequency Step (See page 35.) Turbo Search (See page 31.) Signal Mode (See page 36.) 8. The unit tells you when Auto Store is complete.

Store CD end

Deleting a Programmed Frequency
Use this procedure when you want to delete a frequency from a channel without storing a new frequency in its place. Use these keys:

Programming, Search, Scan, and Numeric Keys, and Rotary Tuning Controls
1. Enter the channel number.

Bank D ch 86 854.8625MHz

2. Press 0. 3. Press e.
Bank D ch 86 L/O 000.0000MHz
Transferring a Programmed Frequency
This procedure lets you transfer a programmed frequency to another channel. 1. Press m.
2. Enter the channel number and press m or select CHAN , with the Rotary Tuner Mode Selector and locate the channel.

Bank D ch 83 855.9125MHz

3a. To select the transfer channel, press N.
Enter Bank or ch 855.9125MHz
3b. Then enter the channel number.

8 855.9125MHz

3c. Then press h.

Bank A ch 8 000.0000MHz

4. Press e to transfer the frequency.

Bank A ch 8 855.9125MHz

Programming Channels with Alpha Characters
Use this feature to name programmed channels (from 1 - 250) for easy reference. Example: Channel 1, Local Police. Use these keys:
Programming, Search, Scan, Mode, and Numeric Keys, and Rotary Tuning Controls

1. Press P.

Select ALPHA or CTCSS
Select chan 8 from 1 to 500

Then press Z.

2. Enter the channel number. Note: You must select a programmed channel. Example: Channel 1 Then press h. The Alpha Edit Screen appears.

from 1

1 to 500

56789 /()& ch

3. Turn the Rotary Tuner left/right to choose a letter from the upper line of characters. Example: L Press h for uppercase characters, l for lowercase letters.

LMNOPQRSTU ch 1

LMNOPQRSTU ch 1 L
Repeat to choose more characters. You can enter up to 16 characters. Note: Press U to move the edit cursor on the lower line to the right. Press S to move the edit cursor to the left. 4. Press e to program the Alpha entry into the channel.
Bank A P ch L o c a l Po l i c e
You can program channels 1 through 250 with alpha characters. If you try to program channels above number 250, the scanner returns to the SELECT CHAN screen. Press s, m, or Pto exit the Program Alpha mode. To display the alpha characters, press Zwhile in the Scanning or Manual Mode. 21
To Delete Alpha Characters

Use these keys:

Program, Search, Scan, Mode, and Numeric Keys, and Rotary Tuning Controls

1. Press m. 2. Press P.

3. Enter the channel number with the alpha characters you want to delete, then press h. 4. Turn the Rotary Tuner and select the space between the 9 and the / characters. 5. Press h to erase the first letter.
56789 / ( )& ch 1 ocal Police
6. Press h repeatedly to erase all the letters.
7. Press e to store the changes.

Select chan from 1 to

Press s, m, or Pto exit the Program Alpha Mode.

The Scan Mode

Scanning All Programmed Channels and Banks
Scan, Mode, Numeric, and Bank Keys
1. Turn on the scanner OR Press s to begin scanning. 2. When the scanner stops on a channel you can:
Bank ABCDEFGHIJ Sca n 1234567890
2a. Press mto stay on the channel. 2b. Press Yto turn on Delay. 2c. Or press sto resume scanning.

Turning Banks ON or OFF

After you have programmed channels in several of the scanners banks you can customize which channels you scan by turning the banks on or off. 1. Press s.
2. To turn a Bank OFF, press the letter or number. Example: E, G , H , J, 2 , 3 , 4 , 6,8,9,0. 3. To turn a Bank ON, press the number or letter again. Example: e , I , 0.

Bank Sca n

ABCD F 7

ABCDEF I 7 0

Locking Out Channels
The lock-out feature lets you further customize the channels that you want to scan at a particular time. For example, if a stored frequency broadcasts almost all the time, the scanner will stop on it and stay. You can lock out that channel when you are more interested in the other channels for the current scanning session. When you lock out a channel, it is temporarily excluded from scanning, but it remains programmed so that you can easily unlock it for scanning later. You can select a locked out channel using the Manual Mode. See page 12. Use these keys:
Scan, Mode, and Numeric Keys, and Rotary Tuning Controls.

Locking Out a Channel

1. Press s.
2. Scanner stops on an undesired channel.
Bank E c hL/O 853.1125MHz
3. Press Lto lock out the channel. Scan resumes immediately. 26

Unlocking a Channel

1. Press m. 2. Enter the channel or press the Channel Mode Selector and use the Rotary Tuner to find the channel you want to unlock. 3. Press L.
Bank A P ch 1 482.7625MHz
4. Press s to resume scanning.

Unlocking All Channels

1. Press m.
2. Press and hold L. You hear a double beep when all channels are unlocked.

Using Priority Scan

You can program one Priority Channel in each of the first 10 banks. During Priority Scanning, your scanner checks these special channels every two seconds, whether or not the scanner has located an active channel. Use these keys:

Press p. You can turn Priority Scan ON in Scan Mode or Manual Mode.

P Bank

Moving the Priority Channel
The scanner is pre-programmed with the first channel of each bank as a priority channel. However, you can change the priority channel to be any other channel within the bank. 1. Press m. 2. Select the new priority channel. Example: Press 9. OR Use the Rotary Tuner. 3. Press and hold p for two seconds. You hear a double beep.

A ch 9 325.0500MHz

Bank A P ch 9 325.0500MHz

The Search Mode

In the Search Mode, the scanner looks for any active frequencies within a range of frequencies you select. It is best to select a narrow range, so that you have a better chance of finding all the active channels. Use Search if you dont have a frequency directory handy, or if new stations have been added since the directory was published. Use these keys:
Search, Scan, Mode, Numeric and Special Function Keys, and Rotary Tuning Controls Beginning a Search
1. Select a frequency range (See page 53, or see the Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide.)Example: 46.000 MHz to 48.000 MHz 2. Press m. 3. To enter the lower limit of the search range, enter the frequency and press l. 4. To enter the upper limit of the search range, enter the frequency and press l. 5. Press S to begin the search.
NFM 46.0000MHz NFM 856.0000MHz

46.0000MHz 48.0000MHz

SRC NFM 5. 0 KHz 47.1400MHz
Scrolling Frequencies During a Search
Scrolling temporarily suspends a search and allows you to manually move up or down through the frequencies. Use these keys:
Search Keys, and Rotary Tuning Controls
To begin scrolling, press <to step up.
5. 0KHz ch 230 NFM 47.7000MHz
Or press >to step down.
5. 0KHz ch 230 NFM 47.6250MHz
Press and hold <or >to scroll rapidly. OR Press the FREQ mode selector and use the Rotary Tuner. Turn the knob right to step up, left to step down.

Using Turbo Search

Turbo Search increases the search speed from 100 frequencies per second to 300 frequencies per second in ranges where the frequencies are spaced 5 kHz apart. Use these keys:

Mode Keys

While searching, press t.

T SRC NFM

5. 0 KHz 4 6.0150MHz

Using Search Delay

On some two-way channels there might be short lapses in the signal before a reply. The Search Delay feature causes the scanner to wait two seconds after the end of a transmission before resuming searching, in case there is a reply. Unlike Scan Delay, you dont have to turn on Search Delay for each frequency in the search range. Search Delay works for the entire frequency range you chose. Press Y to turn Search Delay ON.

Locking Out Frequencies

This feature is similar to locking out a programmed channel, except you can only lock out 50 frequencies. Use these keys:
Search, Mode, and Numeric Keys, and Rotary Tuning Controls
While searching press Lwhen the scanner stops on an undesired frequency. Search resumes immediately.
5. 0KHz ch 230 NFM 46.0550MHz

Unlocking a Frequency

1. Press hto stop the search.
5. 0KHz ch 230 NFM 47.9450MHz
2. Press <or >to find the frequency you want to unlock. Or choose FREQ with the Rotary Tuner Mode Selector and tune in the frequency. 3. Press L.
5. 0KHz ch 230 L/O 46.0550MHz
Unlocking All Frequencies
1. Press h to stop the search. 2. Find any locked-out frequency.
5. 0KHz ch 230 L/O 47.2250MHz
3. Press and hold Lfor two seconds.
5. 0KHz ch 230 NFM 47.2250MHz
You hear a double beep when all frequencies are unlocked.

Birdies

Birdies are internally generated frequencies that cause the scanner to stop during search. If you have problems with these frequencies, use the lockout features to keep the scanner from stopping.
Birdie Frequencies in MHz
32.000 74.200 128.000 139.995 140.000 167.995 171.250 312.4375 312.4625 383.9875 407.9875 415.9375 423.5875 423.9875
428.5875 431.9875 443.9375 447.9875 471.9875 483.9250 511.9250 794.5500 811.9750 967.9125 967.9875 1084.0625 1084.1375
Additional Scanner Features
Status, Search, Mode, Numeric and Special Function Keys

Scanning Weather Channels
The BC9000XLT is not preprogrammed with NOAA Weather frequencies. See the Betty Bearcat Frequency Guide for a list of weather frequencies in your area. Then, see page 11 of this Operating Guide to program the frequencies into the BC9000XLT.

Using Data Skip

Some frequencies carry un-modulated signals or data signals (such as pager preamble signals or telefax signals). You can set the scanner to continue scanning after a 3-second delay, when it encounter such signals. Press d to turn Data Skip ON. Note: Data Skip is not available for the AM band and is not active during Priority scan. Note: You can turn Data Skip on or off at any time during scanning, searching and during Auto Store.
Changing the Frequency Step
The frequency step is the minimum space between frequencies in the Manual or Search Mode. Your scanner is pre-programmed with a default frequency step for each of its frequency bands. You can override the default frequency step to search in larger or smaller increments when searching, during Auto Store, or when stepping through frequencies with h, l or the Rotary , Tuner. 1. Press h to stop the search.
5. 0KHz ch 230 NFM 48.0000MHz
2. Press f. 3. Press the desired step on the numeric keypad. Example: Press ).
50. 0KHz ch230 STEP: 50.0KHz
5 0.0KHz ch 230 NFM 48.0000MHz
To return to the original frequency step, press ? twice.

Setting the Signal Mode

Your scanner is capable of receiving three signal modes: AM Amplitude Modulation
NFM Narrow Frequency Modulation WFM Wide Frequency Modulation Each of the scanners frequency bands is pre-programmed with a default signal mode. If you want to override the default signal mode for a particular frequency, use these keys:
Status, Numeric and Special Function Keys
1. Press f. 2. Press the signal mode. Example: ^.
T SRC WFM 5.0KHz MODE : WFM T SRC WFM

5. 0 KHz 46.6000MHz

Using Signal Attenuation
When the ATT LED is on, the incoming signal strength is attenuated (reduced) by about 15 dB. This prevents unusually strong signals from over-loading the scanner. In the Scan Mode, you must individually program each channel you want to use the Signal Attenuation feature. You can use the Signal Attenuation feature in the Manual, Search, or Scan Mode. Use these keys:
While Scanning: 1. Press m.
2. Press T. The display does not change. While Searching, press T.

Preventing Accidental Programming
The BC9000XLT has a lock feature to prevent accidental programming entries. To disable the e , P, N , and U keys, move the rear panel switch to ON.

OFF ON ENTER LOCK

When you press e , P, N , or U , a message appears.
Bank C ch 69 ENTER LOCKED
Using COUNT to Monitor Channel Activity
The Count feature counts the number of times scanning stops on an active channel. Use Count to determine the amount of activity on channels during a scanning session. Use these keys:

Scan, and Mode Keys

2. Press c.
Count :01P ch 1 482.7625MHz
3. Press m, <, > or use the Rotary Tuner to see , the count for each channel. Counter counts up to 99. To reset the counter for individual channels 1. Press m. 2. Enter the channel number or use <, >, or the Rotary Tuner to select the channel. 3. Press ? twice.
Count :00P ch 1 482.7625MHz
Note: Turning off power resets the counter for all channels. To turn COUNToff: 1. Press m. 2. Select a channel with the Count feature ON.

3. Press c.

Displaying Bank Memory Status
This feature shows the programming status of the channels in a bank. Use these keys:
1. Press m. 2. Enter the channel number or use the Rotary Tuner to select any channel in the bank. 3. Press and hold cfor two seconds.
Bank E ch 110 854.9800MHz
Bank E P L L L _____________

** * *

The display shows: The bank (A through J or 0 through 9) An asterisk character (p) to represent each programmed channel. An underscore (_) character for an unprogrammed channel A P to designate a Priority channel An L to show a channel that is locked out. To check bank memory status in other banks, turn the Rotary Tuner to move from one bank to the next. To exit from this mode, press m or s.

Using Auto Recording

The Auto Recording feature allows you to automatically tape record activity from any channel of your scanner. When scanning stops on the assigned channel, the recorder records the broadcast. Before using the Auto Tape feature, connect the scanner to a tape recorder. (See page 6.) Use these keys:
Status, Scan, and Numeric Keys, Rotary Tuning Controls, Line jack
2. When the scanner stops on a channel you want to record, press m, then press x.

Record ch 1 482.7625MHz

Note: You can also select the channel manually. To select other channels for recording, repeat steps 1 and 2. To record transmissions, you need a tape recorder with Remote and Microphone inputs. 1. Connect the REMOTE jack of your tape recorder to the AUX jack on the rear of the BC9000XLT. This can be used to start and stop your recorder. 2. Put a tape in your recorder, and put it in the Record mode. 3. Press s.
When scanning stops on a channel that displays Record, the channel will automatically be recorded. To deselect a channel so that it is not recorded: 1. Display the assigned channel on your screen.

2. Press x. Record disappears on the display to indicate that channel will not be recorded.
Viewing Scanner Status Information
This feature lets you quickly review the settings for several features of the BC9000XLT. Use these keys:
Status, Search, and Scan Keys
In Scan Mode: 1. Press m.

Bank C ch 72 854.2875MHz

2. Press and hold ufor two seconds. You hear two beeps, then the status information scrolls across the display.

Bank C ch 72 MODE:NFM

Bank C ch STEP:12.5KHz 72
Bank C ch 72 CTCSS:OFF 000.0 Bank C HICUT:OFF ch 72
Bank C ch 72 RECORD :OFF Bank C c h 72 DIMMER : BRIGHT
In Search Mode: 1.Press hto stop the search.

5. 0KHz ch 10 MODE:NFM

5.0KHz ch 10 HICUT:OFF
5.0KHz ch10 DIMMER:BRIGHT
5. 0KHz ch10 TURBO SRCH: ON
Use these keys for Display Light and Hi-Cut
Status and Special Function Keys Display Light
The Display Light has three settings: BRIGHT, DIM, and OFF. 1. Press f. 2. Press the setting. Example: Press #.
Bank ABCDEF DIMMER : OFF I

Using Hi-Cut

To Turn HI-CUT ON or OFF: 1. Press f. 2. Press .
Bank ABCDEF H I C U T: O N I
You can turn HI-CUT on or off while searching or scanning.

CTCSS Operation

This section applies only if you are installing and using an optional CTCSS Tone Board with your scanner.
Installing the CTCSS Board
Installing the CTCSS Tone Board is a simple procedure, and requires only a few minutes following the steps below. CAUTION: Be sure to turn the scanner off and disconnect the power cord before attempting to open the scanner. 1. Remove the five screws from the top cover.
2. Carefully lift the cover up from the back of the unit and turn it to the left - being careful not break the speaker wire. 3. Stand the cover on its left side panel. (Continued, next page)
4. Align the pins on the CTCSS Board installed CTCSS Board with the sockets on the mother board. Make sure they go straight into the sockets. The 4 pin socket is toward the front of the scanner. The 3 pin socket is toward the back of the scanner. 5. Gently push straight down on the CTCSS Board until the pins are fully seated in the sockets.
To speaker (Inside Top Cover)

3 pins

4 pins
6. Carefully replace the cover and the five screws. Note: The tabs on the cover hook under the front part of the chassis.

Using CTCSS

The CTCSS (Continuous Tone Control Squelch System) feature allows squelch to be broken during scanning only when a CTCSS Tone is received. To program a channel for CTCSS, use these keys:

Press P.

3. Press K.
4. Enter the channel number.

5. Press h.

72 to 500
00. 0KHz ch 72 854.2875MHz
6. Use the Rotary Tuner to select a tone frequency. (See page 49 for a list of tone frequencies.) 7. Press e to program the frequency.
67. 0Hz ch 72 854.2875MHz
After programing the frequency, the scanner returns to step three. Continue programming CTCSS frequencies , or press m to exit.
Select chan 72 from 1 to 500
To Change the CTCSS Tone Frequency
1. Press m. 2. Find the channel and CTCSS Tone Frequency you want to change. 3. Press P.

4. Press K.

5. Enter the current channel number.

6. Press h.

7. Use the Rotary Tuner to select a new frequency. (See below for a list of CTCSS tone frequencies.) 8. Press e.
77. 0Hz ch 72 854.2875MHz
After programming the frequency, the scanner returns to step four. Continue programming CTCSS frequencies, or press m to exit.
Note: To remove a CTCSS Tone Frequency, from a channel, program the frequency as 00.0.

CTCSS Tone Frequencies

000. 67.0 71.94.8 97.4 100. 103. 136. 141. 146. 151. 203. 210. 218. 225. 74.4 77.0 79.7 82.5 85.4 88.5 91.5 107. 110. 114. 118. 123. 127. 131. 8 156. 162. 167. 173. 179. 186. 192. 8 233. 241. 250. 000. 3 0

Care and Maintenance

General Use
Write down the programmed channels/frequencies in case of a memory loss. Firmly press each scanner key so that you hear the entry tone.

Location

If strong interference or electrical noise is received, move the scanner. Also, a higher antenna location usually results in better reception. Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments, such as a kitchen or bathroom. Avoid placing the scanner in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents. Do not plug the scanners AC adapter into an outlet controlled by a wall switch. Prolonged periods without power can cause loss of memory.

Cleaning

Disconnect the AC adapter while you clean the scanner. Clean only the outside of the scanner with a mild detergent. To prevent scratches, do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents to clean the scanner. Do not rub the display window. Do not use excessive amounts of water.

Repairs

Do not attempt any repairs. The scanner contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact the Uniden Customer Service Center at 800-297-1023, or take the scanner to a qualified repair technician.

Troubleshooting

If your BC9000XLT is not performing properly, try the steps listed below.
PROBLEM SUGGESTION Check the connections at both ends of the AC Adapter. Turn on the wall switch of your room. You could be using an outlet controlled by the wall switch. Move the AC Adapter to another wall outlet. Make sure the power switch is turned on.

CANNER EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR MONITORING POST Bob Parnass, AJ9S bobparnass@monitoringtimes.com http://www.parnass.org

Uniden BC898T Scanner

he Uniden BC898T is a 500 channel, tabletop scanner which follows conversations in conventional and several different types of analog trunked systems. It is convenient to view the new BC898T as a significantly modernized version of the older BC895XLT (Dec. 1997 MT). Neither model supports a text label feature. The BC898T is powered by 12 VDC and an AC operated wall wart power supply is included.
are divided into 10 banks of 50 channels each. This is an increase from the BC895XLTs 300 channels. Each channel may be marked for selectable rescan delay, attenuation, and recorder activation.

Trunking Capabilities

The older BC895XLT supports only Motorola trunking and doesnt permit scanning a mixture of conventional systems and multiple trunked system banks. The BC898T supports more types of trunked systems and lets you scan a mixture of several trunked and conventional systems one after another. Like other Uniden models, you can mix conventional and trunked frequencies within the same bank, although no two trunked systems can occupy the same bank. The BC898T tracks signals in these analog trunked systems: LTR; Motorola Type 2 VHF, UHF, 800, and 900 MHz band; Motorola Type 1; EDACS wideband (9600 bps), narrowband (4800 bps), and SCAT. Due to the way Uniden implements trunk tracking, you must know the appropriate channel numbering for each EDACS and LTR system before programming its frequencies into the BC898T. Each trunked bank supports 100 talk group IDs divided in 10 lists of 10 IDs.
to the Line jack on the BC898Ts front panel for memory channels marked with the Record flag. This differs from the older BC9000XLT which provides low level audio at its Line jack whenever the squelch is open. The BC9000XLT had an additional jack on the rear panel used to remotely control non-VOX recorders in conjunction with a Record flag.

Computer Control

The BC898T uses an industry standard DB9 9-pin connector for computer interfacing. Optional software will be available for purchase from the Uniden web site. You can download a description of the BC898Ts computer interface commands from the Uniden web site only after pledging to abide by Unidens licensing agreement.

Frequency Coverage

The BC898T tunes all the traditional scanner frequencies with the addition of 216 - 400 MHz. Top end frequency coverage ends at 956 MHz and it doesnt tune the 75 MHz and commercial FM broadcast bands like the older, nontrunking BC9000XLT. The discontinued BC9000XLT tunes to 1300 MHz, but is too susceptible to reception of cellular telephone signals to meet todays more rigid FCC standards. The manual specifies coverage of 50 - 54 MHz, but our BC898T cannot detect the 54.000 MHz signal from either of our signal generators when the radio is tuned to 54.000 MHz. Reception at 53.995 MHz and below is fine. As in other reviews, we recommend that you download an electronic copy of the owners manual from the Support section at http://uniden.com because there are many features we dont have space to discuss.

Performance

Our BC898T is sensitive below 512 MHz and fairly sensitive above 806 MHz. Like the other Uniden models weve connected to a rooftop antenna, our BC898T receives intermod in the VHFhigh band when paging signals mix with 162 MHz range NWR broadcasts. There is a pronounced chuffing noise when using the VFO tuning knob with the squelch open. The chuffing is much louder on our BC898T than on the BC9000XLT. The squelch has a reasonable degree of hysteresis, but more than the GRE/Radio Shack models we tested. The squelch threshold varies by a small amount depending on the band. The audio level and fidelity produced by the top mounted speaker are adequate. The audio circuitry produced less than 3% distortion into a resistive load at maximum volume. As with most tabletop scanners, an external speaker pointed directly at the listener sounds better. Our BC898T scans a mixture of conventional memory channels at a rate of about 25 channels/ second. The older BC895XLT we tested scans at 85 channels/second because it scans them in order of frequency. The BC898T performs limit searches at a rate of about 240 steps/second when using 5 kHz steps. Searches with larger steps are slower. Our BC898T is programmed with two banks of conventional frequencies, two other banks with Motorola Type II systems, and a bank with an EDACS system. The radio scans each bank smoothly, without significant hesitation when switching banks. The tone display feature shows the subaudible code transmitted by a station

Scanning and Searching

You can designate one conventional channel in each bank as a priority channel. When the priority feature is active, the BC898T checks the priority channel in each unlocked bank for activity. Ten pairs of frequencies may be programmed for limit searching and limit search banks may be chained or linked together to search multiple ranges in succession. Up to 100 frequencies may be skipped during a limit search half as many as the BC796D (May 2004 MT). Auto Store permits unique, active frequencies found during a limit search to be stored automatically in selected banks.

Steps, Modes

The BC898T supports more emission modes and types of trunking than the earlier BC895XLT. The new model lets you choose among AM, FM, and NFM (Narrow FM) modes for conventional systems. The Narrow FM mode is useful in light of the new FCC band plan regulations which allocate frequencies closer together and mandate that stations transmit with lower deviation and require less bandwidth. One of the restrictions we noted with the earlier BC895XLT was that a user could not choose AM or FM mode, a flexibility which is valuable for monitoring in the military aircraft bands. The BC895XLT mode is set internally according to frequency and you have no say in the matter. The new BC898T is more flexible. There is a default mode for each frequency, but the new model lets you override the default and choose AM, FM, or NFM. Tuning step sizes are 5, 6.26, 12.5, and 25 kHz. The BC898Ts 500 memory channels 78
MONITORING TIMES October 2004

Other Features

A small, 5 bar S-meter displays relative signal strength. The recorder feature routes low level audio

Measurements

Uniden BC898T Scanner S/N 322Z44000006 Uniden America Corp. 4700 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76155 tel. (800) 554-3988 http://www.uniden.com Frequency coverage (MHz): 25 - 53.- - - 823.9875 849.0125 - 868.9875 894.0125 - 956 Step sizes (kHz): 5, 6.25, 12.5, and 25, user selectable Modes: AM, FM, NFM, user selectable NFM modulation acceptance: 11 kHz Audio output power at external speaker jack (see text): 0.72 watts @ 2.6% distortion Attenuator:
22 dB @ 40 MHz, 20 dB @ 155 MHz, 17 dB @ 460 MHz, 16 dB @ 860 MHz
IFs (approx., in MHz): 380, 45, 0.450 Squelch tail near threshhold (1 uV @ 155 MHz): 30 ms. Practical memory scan speed (approx.): 25 channels/sec Search speed: 240 steps/sec (5 kHz step size)
within about one second or less and identifies it as either CTCSS or DCS. Thats much faster than older Uniden models and more flexible than the Radio Shack PRO-2067 and PRO-92. The Radio Shack models are quick, too, but those models force you choose either CTCSS or DCS before displaying the transmitted code. The variety of widely spaced keys make the BC898T easier to operate and program than the smaller BC796D mobile and BC296D handheld (April 2004 MT). The last two models have fewer keys and employ a complicated system of nested menus requiring multiple keypresses. The Uniden BC898T is in stock at Grove Enterprises for $202.95 plus shipping. Call 1-800438-8155 or email order@grove-ent.com for ordering information.

Bottom Line

The BC898T works well and is a significant step up from the BC895XLT. If you dont require APCO 25 digital capability or text labels, the BC898T is a considerably better value than the BC796D for desktop use.
CSI Flex Series Multiprotocol Decoder
We reviewed the Connect Systems Inc. Flex Series Multiprotocol Decoder in July 2004. A photograph of the front panel was omitted from the column inadvertently and is reproduced here.

October 2004

MONITORING TIMES