CANNER EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR MONITORING POST Bob Parnass, AJ9S bobparnass@monitoringtimes.com http://www.parnass.org
Uniden BC80XLT Portable Scanner
ve reviewed some pretty sophisticated scanners in this column. Each model is packed with more features than its predecessor. The prices are stiff, too. The digital trunktracking portables are now in the $500 price range. So it was with some trepidation that I asked the folks at C. Crane Company to lend me a Uniden BC80XLT portable scanner for review. Of what interest could a simple, 50 channel, conventional scanner be? I spent the next few weeks with the BC80XLT and can tell you it is fun to use due to its simple programming and decent performance.
old Electra/Bearcat models, like the BC250 and BC210. Press the Manual key, the channel number, then E(nter). That gets you to the channel you want to program. Then, type the frequency digits and E(nter). The BC80XLT is smart enough to recognize duplicate memory channels and flashes the channel number if you try to program a frequency which is already programmed in another memory channel, regardless of bank. You can override the warning by a second press of the E(nter) key.
appear to be nested, with the lower priority channels having higher priorities.

Scanning and Searching

Channels may be bypassed during a memory scan by using the L/O (lockout) key. The BC80XLT does not support a limit search feature. A less powerful, but easier to use band search is provided instead. Repeated presses of the band key lets you select one of these bands to search: 29 - 29.7, 29.7 - 50, 50 54, 137 - 144, 144 - 148, 406 - 420, 420 - 450, 450 - 470, 470 - 512, and 806 - 956 MHz. A few seconds after the band is selected, the BC80XLT starts to hunt up or down the band, looking for an active frequency. The search direction can be controlled using one of the arrow keys. You can pause the search and hold a single frequency by pressing the Hold key. Pressing E(nter) writes the displayed frequency to the current memory channel. A built-in rescan delay keeps the BC80XLT on the same frequency for 2 seconds after the last transmission before resuming a scan or search. More sophisticated models permit you to defeat the rescan delay, but the BC80XLT does not. Pressing the WX key searches through the set of preprogrammed NWR weather frequencies. When priority is enabled, the BC80XLT samples a priority channel every 2 seconds. Priority is available in Manual or memory scan mode, but not during band searches. The first channel of each bank is marked as a priority channel, but you can designate a different channel within each bank if you wish. The priority channels

Other Features

The frequency digits displayed on the LCD screen are large enough to view, though the display washes out when viewed at an angle from above. Pressing the LIGHT key illuminates the LCD display for 15 seconds. There is control to turn the lamp on continuously.

Battery Options

The BC80XLT is powered by four AA batteries a simple, yet flexible power arrangement. An AD70U AC wall wart power supply is included and plugs into side of the radio. You can charge NiCd cells while they are installed inside the BC80XLTs battery compartment. A two position switch inside the battery compartment selects either alkaline or NiCd batteries. The switch permits the wall wart to recharge NiCd batteries and prevents it from interacting with nonrechargeable alkaline batteries.

Performance

My sample BC80XLT has adequate sensitivity, though the 137 - 140 MHz range could use a boost. The BC80XLTs audio quality is ample in volume and pleasing in tone. I measured a 60 millisecond squelch tail (noise burst) at the end of each transmission of a 1 V signal when the squelch control is set just past the threshold. Thats a little longer than I like, but close to the BCT8, BC9000XLT, and ICOM IC-R8500. As with most Uniden scanners, the squelch tail is shortened with tighter settings of the squelch
Mode and Frequency Coverage
The BC80XLTs frequency coverage is basic. It tunes the VHF-low, VHFhigh, UHF, and 800 MHz land mobile bands, as well as the upper portion of the 10 meter amateur band. There is no AM detector nor coverage of the VHF civilian air frequencies. Step sizes are fixed and cannot be overridden. The step size is 5 kHz below 174 MHz and 12.5 kHz above.

Memory

The BC80XLT has 50 memory channels divided across five banks. The memory capacity is dwarfed by more upscale 1000 channel models, but is adequate for a basic model. Programming memory is as easy as it gets. The BC80XLT uses the same keypad sequence as the

MONITORING TIMES

September 2004

Measurements

Uniden BC80XLT Scanner S/N 34028626 Uniden America Corp. 4700 Amon Carter Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76155 tel. (800) 554-3988 http://www.uniden.com Frequency coverage (MHz): 29 - - - - 823.9875 849.0125 - 868.9875 894.0125 - 956 Step sizes: fixed, not user selectable 5 kHz below 174 MHz 12.5 kHz above 174 MHz Modes: NFM NFM modulation acceptance: 12 kHz Audio output: 0.165 watts into 8 ohms @ 10% distortion Attenuator: none Intermediate Frequencies: 380.7 (approx.), 10.85, 0.45 MHz Squelch tail near threshhold (1 uV @ 155 MHz): 60 ms. Current Consumption (mA): 0.25, off 62, scanning 153, open squelch, max volume Practical memory scan speed: 19 channels/sec.
control. A stronger signal is required to break the tighter squelch. Alkaline batteries might last longer and rechargeable batteries could require less frequent charging when used in the BC80XLT than in most other models. Without a lot of fancy circuitry to rob power, the BC80XLT is economical in current consumption. It draws only about 62 mA while scanning, which is lower than most scanners I measured (see chart). It is bested only by my Yaesu VR-120 and the older BC100 and BC200XLT.

Summary

One of the toughest problems facing the scanner radio industry is making radios which are too complicated for customers to use. Nothing can discourage a hobbyist faster than a radio too complex to understand. This is especially true for newcomers to the hobby who may be forever turned off by purchasing too much radio the first time. The first few generations of keyboard programmable scanners were much easier to use than their high end, modern descendants.
The BC80XLT is as simple as the earlier model scanners, but is a better performer due to its triple up conversion circuitry. The early model scanners used a 10.7 or 10.8 MHz first IF and had poor image rejection. If you keep in mind the lack of air band coverage, the BC80XLT is a good first scanner for people new to the hobby or as a second knock around scanner for those who already own a high end model. The BC80XLT is available for $174.95 from C. Crane Company, 1001 Main St., Fortuna, CA 95540-2008, tel. (800)522-8863, Web site http://ccrane.com

Precautions

Before you use this scanner, please read and observe the following:

Earphone Warning!

Be sure to use only the recommended optional monaural earphone (EPOO9). You may also use a 32Q stereo headset. Use of an incorrect earphone or stereo headset may be potentially hazardous to your hearing. The output of the Phone jack is monaural, but you will hear it in both headphones of a stereo headset. Set the Volume to a comfortable audio level coming from the speaker before plugging in the monaural earphone or a stereo headset of the proper impedance (32Q). Otherwise you might experience some discomfort or possible hearing damage if the Volume suddenly becomes too loud because of the Volume Control or Squelch Control setting. This may be particularly true of the type of earphone that is placed in the ear canal.

WARNING!

Uniden does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

IMPORTANT!

The installation, possession, or use of this scanning radio in a motor vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or require a permit in certain states, cities, and/or local jurisdiction. Your local law enforcement officials should be able to provide you with information regarding the laws in your community.

General Battery Warning!

Do not short-circuit any Battery. Do not discard Batteries in a fire; they may explode.
Alkaline Battery Warning!
Do not recharge Alkaline Batteries in this product.
Doing so may cause serious damage to the product and will void the warranty. Uniden does not recommend using rechargeable Alkaline Batteries in this product.
Nickel-Cadmium Battery Warning! When using Nickel-Cadmium Batteries with this product, take note of the following warnings: Cadmium is a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. Do not charge Nickel-Cadmium Batteries with any charger other than the one supplied with this product. Using another charger may damage the Batteries, or cause them to explode. Nickel-Cadmium Batteries must be disposed of properly Residents of Minnesota should contact 1-800-225-PRBA for information concerning reclamation and disposal of nickel-cadmium batteries. Residents outside of Minnesota should contact their local authorities for information concerning reclamation and disposal of nickel-cadmium batteries. Uniden and Bearcat are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.

Contents

Introduction
What is Scanning? What is Searching? Types of Communications Feature Highlights Scanner Care & Safety Tips Where to Obtain More Information 7
Included with your Scanner Setup
Power Install Batteries AC Adapter/Charger Flexible Antenna Belt Clip

Basic Operation

How Squelch Works Setting the Squelch Key-Lock Programming Programming Tips

Scanning

Banks Channel Lockout Lockout in Manual Mode Locking a Channel While Scanning. Lockout Tips Restore a Locked Out Channel. Restore All Locked-out Channels. Priority Scan Changing the Priority Channel

Search

Access Frequencies Manually Storing Search Frequencies
Weather Scan Care and Maintenance
General Use Location Cleaning Repairs
Birdies Troubleshooting Technical Specifications Warranty
The BC80XLT is a new state-of-the-art radio with scanning capabilities. Store frequencies into 5 banks of 10 channels each.

What is Scanning?

Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications (listed on this page) do not transmit continuously. The BC80XLT scans programmed 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. While the BC8OXLT scans channels, it is in Scan mode. When you stop scanning with MANUAL it is in Manual mode.

What is Searching?

The BC80XLT can search 11 bands to find active frequencies. This gives you the opportunity to find new frequencies that have not been programmed. While the BC80XLT searches for active frequencies, it is in Search mode. When you stop the search with HOLD it is in Search Hold mode.

Types of Communications

Monitor communications such as: Police and fire department (including rescue and paramedics) NOAA weather broadcasts (preprogrammed channels) 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 And more in the following 11 Bands: Frequency Range Transmission 29-29.7 29.7-50 50-54 137-144 144-148 148-174 406-420 420-450 450-470 470-512 806-956 MHz 10 Meter Amateur Band MHz VHF Low Band MHz 6 Meter Amateur Band MHz Military Land mobile MHz 2 Meter Amateur Band MHz VHF High Band MHz Federal Govt. Land Mobile MHz 70 cm Amateur Band MHz UHF Standard Band MHz UHF T Band MHz Public Service Band except Cellular Band

Feature Highlights

50 Channels Program one frequency into each channel. You must have at least one channel programmed to use the Scan mode. 29 MHz-956 MHz Search these frequency ranges with your scanner. (The frequency coverage is not totally continuous from 29 MHz to 956 MHz.) 5 Priority Channels Assign one Priority channel in each bank. Keep track of the activity on most important channel(s) while monitoring others. Manual Channel Access Go directly to any channel. Memory Backup Frequencies programmed in the channels are retained in memory. If the power is disconnected, the memory retains the frequencies for 7 days. Weather Scan Use as a weather information radio. Preset 2-Second Delay Scanner waits 2 seconds after transmission stops before resuming scanning.
Scanner Care & Safety Tips
Do not use the scanner in high-moisture areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. Do not plug the scanner into an outlet controlled by a wall switch as prolonged periods without power causes scanner memory loss. Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents.
Where to Obtain More Information
Before you can scan, you must program a frequency into each channel you want to use. The Betty Bearcat Scanner Frequency Guide lists typical frequencies used around the U.S. and Canada that you may program into the BC80XLT. If the frequencies listed in the Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide do not work in your area, call the enclosed Mr. Scanner 800 number. A Uniden representative should be able to provide you with a few sample frequencies. Or, use the enclosed order form to purchase a local frequency list. The Bearcat Radio Club and other similar hobby clubs have publications, information on computer bulletin boards, and even contests for the radio enthusiast. Also, your local library has more information.
Included With Your Scanner

Warning!

Do not mix alkaline batteries with nickel-cadmium batteries. Be sure to install 4 batteries of the same type.
Use only the supplied AC Adapter (AD7OU) or one of the optional power cords (UA502 or UA51O).

Battery Warning!

Do not charge alkaline batteries in this scanner. Doing so may cause serious damage to the product and void the warranty. Before attempting to recharge batteries, make sure you have installed 4 rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries and the selector switch is set to Ni-Cd.

Caution

The AC Adapter included with this scanner may be equipped with a polarized alternating line plug (a plug with one blade wider that the other.) This plug will fit into the power outlet only ope way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet. Do not alter the shape of the blades to the polarized plug.

Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any way other than as detailed by the owners manual, could void your authority to operate this product.

AC Adapter/Charger

Use the AC Adapter/Charger to power the BC80XLT from the AC outlet.