Bracket Mounting Screws BCD996T

Star Washers

1. Using appropriate screws or other hardware, secure the bracket. 2. Insert the scanner and insert the bracket knobs to lock the scanner in position. 3. Attach the Cigarette Lighter Power Cord to the rear of the scanner and plug the adapter end into a dash mounted 12V DC socket. 4. Attach a suitable mounted mobile antenna to the antenna jack on the back of the scanner.
Mounting Using the DIN-E Sleeve
If you are unsure about how to install your scanner in your vehicle using the DIN-E sleeve, consult your automobile manufacturer, dealer, or a qualified installer. Before installing, confirm that your scanner fits in the desired mounting area and you have all the necessary materials to complete the task. Your scanner requires a 2 x 7-1/8 x 5-5/16 inch (50 x 180 x 135 mm) mounting area. Allow an additional 2-3/8 inch (60 mm) space behind the unit for connectors and wires.
Opening in dash DIN-E Sleeve
BCD996T with outer case removed
1. Remove the bracket if previously attached. 2. Remove the four Philips screws on the rear that secure the outer metal case and pull off the case with care. 3. Install the DIN sleeve into the opening in your dashboard, lip facing out. 4. Push out the top and bottom tabs to hold the sleeve firmly in place. 5. Before inserting the scanner in the sleeve, attach the cable from the previously mounted antenna. Attach the DC Power leads. RED goes to a positive (+) connection on your fuse block while BLACK connects to the vehicles chassis ground (-). 6. Connect the ORANGE lead to one side of the headlamp switch so that when you activate the headlights, the scanners LCD backlight dimmer level changes color and intensity. Be sure all the connections are routed away from any potentially pinching or slicing sheet metal. 7. Slowly slide the scanner into the sleeve until it locks in place. 8. To remove the unit, see Removing the Scanner from the DIN-E Sleeve on Page 36. Note: if you plan to connect a GPS unit or external speaker at a later time, expect to remove the unit for ease of making those connections.
Setting Up Your Scanner 35
Removing the Scanner from the DIN-E Sleeve

Startup Key Operation

You can setup a Startup Key Configuration so that the scanner can change the lockout for each system or each site by pressing an assigned key while you power up the scanner or an opening screen is displayed. Navigate to Set Startup Key there are differences in the menu structure for Trunked and Conventional systems.

Conventional

[MENU] Program System F Select the conventional system F Edit Sys Option F Set Startup Key Ffor each system.

Trunked

[MENU] Program System F Select the trunked system F Edit Site F Select the site F Set Startup Key F for each system or site.

Search Range

[MENU] Search for Edit Service F Select a Service Range F Search with Scan F Set Startup Key F OR Operation 45
[MENU] Search for Edit Custom F Select a Custom Range F Search with Scan F Set Startup Key F
Assign all the systems/sites that you want to scan at the same time to the same startup key [0] to [9]. You can only assign a site/system to one startup key. To leave a system unassigned, press [.No].

Scanning Systems

To begin scanning preprogrammed or programmed systems, press [SCAN/SEARCH]. The BCD996T scans all unlocked systems in all programmed and activated quick-key groups and any searches unlocked for search with scan. To enable or disable systems or sites for scanning, press the site/systems System/Site Quick Key while scanning. Notes: If no systems are programmed, or all systems are locked out, Nothing to Scan appears. Program a system or select a system to scan. When scanning multiple systems, the BCD996T scans systems according to the assigned quick key. Systems assigned to quick key 1 are scanned first, then 2, 3, 4, etc. Systems not assigned to a quick key are scanned last, then unlocked searches. Within a quick key, systems are scanned in the order they were assigned. Within a system, channels are scanned according to the assigned channel group, with the same priority as described above for systems. The BCD996T scans a system for the duration you set using the System Hold Time option (see Setting the System Hold Time on Page 70). For trunked systems, the scanner moves to the next system after the hold time expires, the current transmission ends, and the channel delay expires. Conventional systems operate similarly, but all unlocked channels are scanned at least one time regardless of the hold time setting. Each search range is searched for the amount of time you set using the Set Hold Time option. See Setting the System Hold Time on Page 70 for more information.

Quick-Storing Channels or Talk Group IDs (TGID)
1. Hold on an existing channel in any system. 2. Enter the frequency or talk group ID you want to store (press [.No] twice to enter hyphens in talk group IDs). 3. To quick-store the channel or talk group ID, press [EYES]. Otherwise, press [.No].

Operation 49

If you enter a frequency then press [EYES], the scanner stores it in the Qck Save Grp group in a system called Qck Save Cnv Sys. These groups are created if they do not exist. Then, the scanner prompts you to save other channel settings. If you enter a talk group ID then press [EYES], the scanner stores it into a channel group named Qck Save Grp in the current system. If the talk group IDs format is not the type used by the current system, the scanner displays an error message and does not save the talk group ID. If you pressed [.No] in Step 3, the scanner prompts you to select the system and the group where you want to store the frequency or talk group ID. Note: The scanner will warn you if you try to store two channels in the same system that have the same frequency or Talk Group ID or if you try to store two systems with the same name.
Trunking Activity Indicators
To get a visual indication of the activity on trunking systems, press [HOLD/RESUME] to hold on any channel. Then tap F and then press [.No] The scanner replaces the third line on the display with trunking activity indicators. When the scanner is monitoring on EDACS or Motorola system, the activity indicators will show which system frequencies have activity. Note: For Motorola systems you must program all system frequencies (control and voice frequencies) for this feature to work.
Trunking Activity Indicators.
Toggling the Display Mode
To change the display so the channel and frequency or Talk Group ID appear instead of extended channel information, hold on any channel then press F + [0]. The scanner displays Display Mode 2. To return to Mode 1, press F + [0] Mode1 indicates the channel data under the Channel Name. Mode2 indicates the frequencies under the Channel Name for Conventional systems or the TGID number for Trunked systems.

Programming Trunked Radio Systems
[MENU] Program System New System F Then, select the system type:
MOT TYPE 1 Motorola Type I systems MOT TYPE 2/P25 Motorola Type II and APCO 25 systems EDCS WIDE/NARROW EDACS Wide and Narrow systems EDCS SCAT EDACS SCAT systems LT LTR Systems The scanner creates an empty system with a default name of System n x. Note that n is a number that increments as you add new systems. The x on the right side of the display is M for Motorola system, E for EDACS systems, and L for LTR systems. After creating the system: 1. Set the system-level settings in Programming System Settings that apply to the type of system you selected. 2. Set up at least one site for the system as described in Programming Sites on Programming Sites on Page 76. 3. To scan specific channels, create one or more channel groups with channels as described in Programming Channel Groups.
Programming System Settings
Throughout the following sections, you will notice a heading on the right, such as MECLS in the next section. This helps designate the system types to which the section applies. In this section, the instructions apply to M (Motorola), E (EDACS Wide/Narrow), C (Conventional), L (LTR), and S (EDACS SCAT).

Editing the System Name

Each system name can be up to 16 characters. Abbreviate as necessary to fit. For Motorola and EDACS Wide/Narrow systems, the system name only appears in the scanner menus Program System listings. It is not shown during scanning. For other systems, the system name alternates with the Channel group when the scanner stops on a channel. The default system names include the following letter in the 16th position to indicate the system type: M = Motorola; E = EDACS; L = LTR; C = Conventional; Programming Your Scanner 67
Specifying the Correct System Type
In order for trunk tracking to work properly, you have to specify the correct system type when you create the system. Here are some tips for selecting the correct type: Use online resources, such as the www.radioreference.com database, to identify the system type. Even though a system has digital channels, it is not necessarily a P25 system. To be P25, the system type must be described as Project 25 (there are many Motorola 800 Standard systems that have some digital channels. These should be entered as Motorola 800 Standard and not P25). EDACS Wide is the same as EDAC Standard. EDACS Networked sites are EDACS Narrow Following these steps to change the system name. [MENU] Program System Select the system F Edit Name F
To enter a letter, turn the Scroll Control until the character you want appears. To enter a decimal point, press [.No]. To move the cursor to the left, press [4]. To move the cursor to the right, press [6]. To clear a character, press [.No] twice. To clear all characters, press [.No] 3 times. To accept an entry, press [EYES] or F.

Select a desired quick key for this Group.

Editing Channels

Once you create a channel group, store channels in that group. See Programming Channels on Page 85 for specific channel options.
Locking Out Channel Groups
[MENU] Program System Select an existing system Edit Group F
Select an existing group Set Lockout F
This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this group of channels. Select your setting, then press F. Lockout the group is not scanned. Temporary L/O the group is not scanned for this session. The L/O is cancelled when you cycle power. Unlocked the group is scanned. The default setting is Unlocked.

Deleting Channel Groups

[MENU] Program System Select a system F Edit Group F Select a channel group F Delete Group F Confirm Delete? Yes=E / No=.
Important: Deleted channel groups cannot be restored. You must re-enter them.

Programming Channels

Creating a Channel
[MENU] Program System F Select a system F Edit Group F Select a channel group F Edit Channel F Select an existing channel to edit or New Channel to create a new channel. When you create a new channel you are prompted to enter the frequency (for conventional systems) or Talk Group ID (for Trunked systems). Enter the information for the channel, then press F to proceed to setting additional channel options.
Editing the Channel Name (Alpha Tag)
[MENU] Program System Select a system F
Programming Your Scanner 85
Edit Group F Select the channel group Edit Channel F Select the channel F Edit Name F
Follow these steps to enter/edit the channel name. 1. The current name displays with the first character of the name highlighted. 2. Rotate the Scroll Control to select a new first letter. 3. Press [6] to move one character to the right. 4. Repeat the Scroll Control action to change the character. To move one character to the left, press [4]. Press [.No] twice to delete the current character. Press [.No] three times to clear the entire alpha tag. 5. Repeat Step 2 until you have entered the desired name. Then press F to accept the setting. Notes: Each channel name can be up to 16 characters. Abbreviate as necessary to fit. The channel name appears on the second line of the display when the radio scans or stops on a channel. If you do not enter a channel name, the scanner displays the frequency (for conventional systems) or the talk group ID (for trunked systems) when it stops on a channel.

Setting Channel Record

[MENU] Program System Select a system F Edit Group F Select a channel group F Edit Channel F Select a channel F Set Record F
On the scanner outputs the signal. Off the scanner does not output any audio. Note: In order for the function to work, you must set the channel to record. You must also set the systems record option to either All Channel (which will record all channels regardless of the channels record setting) or Marked Channel (which only records the channels youve set to record).

Setting Lockout

[MENU] Program System Select a system F Edit Group F Select a channel group F Edit Channel F Select a channel F Set Lockout F

MECL F

Unlocked the channel is scanned when its quick key is enabled. Temporary L/O the channel is locked for this session. Lockout the channel is not scanned.

Copying a Channel

[MENU] Program System Select a system F Edit Group F Select a channel group F Edit Channel F Select a channel F Copy Channel F
You see Copy Channel Copied to Buffer. Press [MENU] to return to one level before You see Paste Channel as the last list item. At this point you can paste that channel information to another group or compatible system.

Deleting a Channel

Programming Your Scanner 91
Edit Group F Select a channel group Edit Channel F Select a channel F Delete Channel F
You see Confirm Delete? Yes= E / No=. Select one to delete the channel or to cancel.

Searching and Storing

Service Search
Service Search lets you select and search the scanners preprogrammed search ranges. During service search, the scanner searches starting with the lowest frequency in the search range you select to the highest frequency in the range. There are two ways to do this. [MENU] Search for. Service Search F Select the service search range The other approach is:

F + [SCAN/SEARCH]

Quick Search? Yes=E / No=. Press [.No] then to select Service Search
The following search ranges appear as you scroll Public Safety News HAM Radio Marine Railroad Air CB Radio FRS/GMRS Racing TV Broadcast FM Broadcast Military Air Special The scanner searches the service you selected, stopping on any transmission it finds and displaying the frequency. Turn the Scroll Control to change the search direction. An arrow appears, showing the current search direction. To pause searching, press [HOLD/RESUME]. To resume searching, press F + [SCAN/SEARCH]. Or, press [HOLD/RESUME].

Using the Close Call Feature
Your scanners Close Call feature lets you set the scanner so it detects, displays the frequency of, and lets you hear a nearby strong radio transmission. You can set the scanner so the Close Call feature works in the background while you are scanning other frequencies, turn off normal scanning while the Close Call feature is working, or turn off the Close Call feature and use the scanner normally. You can set the scanner so it alerts you when the Close Call feature finds a frequency. You can also set the frequency band where you want the scanner to look for transmissions. To toggle Close Call mode, press [SQ/C]. When the feature is on, CC DND(c) or CC Pri(C) and their indicating icons appear on the display. Using CC Priority, normal operation is briefly interrupted about every 2 seconds. Notes: The Close Call feature works well for locating the source of strong local transmissions such as mobile and handheld two-way radios in areas with no other strong transmission sources. Several factors affect Close Call performance, however. Performance is increased with higher transmit power, receive antenna tuned to the target band, and a low background RF level. Other than the antenna, you have no control over these factors, but they explain why performance might vary by both location and time. The Close Call feature cannot detect satellite dishes or any transmitter with a frequency above or below the frequency ranges listed under the Set CC Bands: option on Page 103. The Close Call feature works better with some types of transmissions than others. It might not correctly display frequency information for transmitters using a highly directional antenna (such as an amateur radio beam antenna) or if there are many transmitters operating at the same time in the same area.
Setting Close Call Options

[MENU] Close Call

to select an option.
Next, turn the Scroll Control
Close Call Only Lets you set the scanner only for Close Call searching. The scanner does not scan frequencies or channels when this option is turned on. To select this option, press F. CC Auto Store Lets you select whether the scanner automatically stores Close Call hits into channels. If you turn this option on, the scanner starts Close Using the Close Call Feature 101

Close Call Hits

When the scanner detects a Close Call hit, it alerts you according to the Override and Alert settings in the previous section. While listening to a Close Call hit, you can press [HOLD/RESUME] to hold on the hit frequency, press F to quickly save the frequency into memory, press [L/O] to lock out the frequency from Close Call and Search operation, or wait for the transmission to end. If you are in Close Call Only or Close Call Override mode, and you do not press any key, the scanner returns to its previous operation after the transmission ends and the set delay time expires. If you are holding on the frequency, press [HOLD/RESUME] again to resume the previous operation. Close Call Hits are just the last 10 hits received in Close Call mode. The hits go away when you cycle power (if you want to store it permanently press F when the scanner is on the frequency; the scanner then stores the frequency into the Close Call system which does show up in the systems list).
Close Call Hits with Scan
When you turn on this option, the scanner automatically stores and scans the last 10 Close Call hits received. You can assign a Quick Key to this special scan and you can also set how long the scanner will wait after the signal stops before Using the Close Call Feature 103
resuming scan. This lets you continue to hear transmissions detected with the Close Call feature, even after you are no longer close enough to receive it as a Close Call hit. Follow these steps to set up the option. [MENU] Close Call F Hits with Scan F Set Quick Key or Set Lockout or Set Hold Time Set the available option as you would for other menu items. This special channel group is automatically cleared whenever you cycle the scanners power. To permanently save one of the channels, press [EYES] when the scanner is stopped on one of the frequencies. To keep the scanner from repeatedly stopping on an annoyance hit, press [L/O] when the scanner stops on the frequency.
Search and Close Call Options
The settings in this section affect custom searches, service searches, and Close Call operation. The following table shows what options are available for various search modes.
Setting Freq. Lockouts Broadcast Screen CTCSS/DCS Search Repeater Find Max Auto Store Set Delay Time Set Modulation Set Attenuator Set Data Skip Set Step Set Record Adjust P25 Level Service Search1 Custom Search1 Quick Search Search Close Call and Store CC Auto Store CC Hits System

3

1 Valid only for searching a range using Search with Scan. 2 Valid only for storing a frequency from Search and Store. 3 Valid only for storing a frequency from Service Search.
Managing Locked-Out Frequencies
While searching or during Close Call operation, if you press [L/O] while the scanner is stopped on a frequency, that frequency is locked out of these modes. The temporary L/O frequency limit is 250. The permanent L/O frequency number limit is up to 250.

Finding Repeater Output Frequencies
Search and Close Call Options 107

Repeater Find On or Off

This feature sets whether the scanner tries to tune to a repeater output frequency during Custom Search, Quick Search, or Close Call operation when it detects a transmission on a repeater input frequency. Since you can normally only hear one side of a conversation when you listen to an input frequency transmission, turning this feature on can let you hear both sides of the conversation where a standard difference frequency is set between the input and the output, to and from the repeater. On The scanner automatically applies repeater reverse to detected transmissions. If the scanner detects the transmission on the output frequency, it beeps, Repeater Found appears, and it remains on the output frequency until transmissions end. If it does not detect a transmission on the output frequency, it remains on the original frequency. Off The scanner does not try to find the output frequency.
Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value

[MENU] Srch/CloCall Opt

Max Auto Store
This value sets how many hits the scanner will automatically store when it is in either Search and Store or Close Call Auto Store mode. Use the number keys to enter a value from 1 - 256, then press F. The default value is 100. When the scanner exceeds the maximum number of hits you set, it stops the auto-store operation.
Setting the Modulation Type
This setting controls the modulation method used to receive frequencies during Quick Search and Close Call operations. In most cases, if you leave this set to Auto, the scanner automatically selects the correct modulation type for the system you are programming. [MENU] Srch/CloCall Opt

Set Modulation

Auto the scanner uses the default modulation for the frequency band. The default setting is Auto.
AM the scanner uses AM (amplitude modulation) for the frequency band. FM the scanner uses FM (frequency modulation) for the frequency band. NFM the scanner uses narrowband FM for the frequency band. WFM the scanner uses wideband FM for the frequency band. WFM (Broadcast) the scanner uses FM Broadcast for the frequency band.

Set Heading F You can input the compass direction to the site from your present location or, you can select All Range which ignores your specific heading. Using the BCD996T with a GPS 123
For example: If the Dangerous Road location is toward the Northeast and you are driving in that direction, then choose NE (45) If you know you will be driving on a road which has many curves to that site center, choose All Range which will trigger the alert regardless of direction as long as the other requirements (range, speed) are met. If you travel in a Northeast direction and do not travel either side of a northeast line by up to 22 degrees, the alert system will function. Set Speed Limit F Choose from 0, through 100 MPH in 5 MPH steps or the equivalent in KPH for metric usage. If you set it to 0 MPH, the alert beeps every time the scanner exceeds the range.
The BCD996T, a GPS, and a Dangerous Road Car One
Car One is driving south. Car Two is driving east. Car One is alerted since the Latitude and Longitude of the Dangerous Road is programmed as well as the Range and the Direction. When all three data sets are met, the alert sounds. Since Car Two is going east, no alert sounds as the Direction is not met.
Programmed Settings 58.64 N 7411 10.30 W Heading South

Car Two

GPS Display Mode
Press [GPS], to switch the scanner to a GPS display mode. In this mode, you can see location information as well as information about your position relative to the selected POI. The third line of the screen shows OFF if no POI is selected. Rotate the Scroll Control to select different POIs. Press F + [GPS] to toggle the Display mode in order.

GPS DATA Display

ETA Display

Clock Display

Elevation Display

Speed Display

Location Display

GPS Review Location Mode

If you have programmed data for a Point of Interest, Dangerous Crossing, and a Dangerous Road, you can review each set on a screen dedicated to showing just that data. Press [EYES] in GPS Mode. The most recent stored location is displayed. Use the Scroll Control to display the next screen for review. The following keys also have a different function while in GPS Review Mode. [MENU] returns to GPS Mode. [L/O] changes the status of the currently displayed location data. [L/O] press and hold to unlock all locations of the current type (POI, DXG, or DRG) Unlocked All TTTs? and Yes=E / No=. is displayed. TTT shows the location type as POI, DXG or DRD. [L/O] press and hold in Function Mode unlocks all locations of all types. Unlocked All Location? and Yes=E / No=. is displayed. [.No] returns to GPS Mode. [EYES] lets you edit a location details [SCAN/SEARCH] enter scan mode. [HOLD/RESUME] enter Scan Hold mode F enter Function Mode. Then use to review all stored locations in alphabetical order. select a programmed location from all stored locations. The location data is stored in the order POI, Dangerous Xing, and Dangerous Road. Then, in each category, the data is stored using the programmed name.

The antenna might need to be adjusted. One or more channels might be locked out. The channels frequency might not be stored in memory. The channel might not be active.
Check the antenna connection. Make sure the channels you want to scan are not locked out. Make sure the channels frequency is stored in the scanners memory. Wait for a transmission on the channel.

Problem Scan wont start.

Possible Cause You must press [SCAN/SEARCH] to scan. The squelch might need to be adjusted. One or more channels might be locked out. The antenna might need to be adjusted.
Suggestion Press [SCAN/SEARCH]. Adjust the squelch threshold. See Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch on Page 45. Make sure the channels you want to scan are not locked out. Check the antenna connection. Adjust the squelch threshold. See Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch on Page 45.
Weather scan doesnt work.
The squelch might need to be adjusted.
The antenna might need to be adjusted. There might not be a NOAA weather broadcast in your area.
Check the antenna connection. Move to an area with a NOAA weather broadcast.
If you experience difficulty while in TrunkTracker mode, try the following steps.
Problem Scanner wont track a trunked system. Possible Cause The system might not be one your scanner can scan. The data frequency might be missing. The scanner might need to be changed to a Type 1 scanner setup. The system you are trying to scan might be LTR or EDACS. No IDs have been programmed. The IDs you have stored are not active. Suggestion Change to another system and try scanning that system. Enter the data frequency. Change to a Type 1 scanner setup. See the programming instructions on the web at www.uniden.com/scanners. Set the scanner to scan LTR or EDACS systems. See the programming instructions on the web at www.uniden.com/scanners. Program one or more IDs or use the ID Search mode. Wait for the IDs to become active or scan another system.

Troubleshooting 129

Problem Scanner wont acquire the data channel.

Specifications 131

Range (MHz) Step (kHz) 764.0000 to 775.9875 12.5 794.0000 to 805.9875 12.5 806.0000 to 823.9875 12.5 849.0125 to 868.9875 12.5 894.0125 to 956.0000 12.5 1240.0000 to 1300.Sensitivity (nominal) 12dB SINAD : 0.4V 0.3V 0.7V 0.3V 0.6V 0.4V 0.3V 0.6V 0.3V 0.4V 0.4V 0.3V 0.7V 25 - 27.995 MHz 28 - 53.98 MHz 54 - 71.95 MHz 72 - 75.995 MHz 76 - 107.9 MHz 108 - 136.975 MHz 137 - 173.9875 MHz 174 - 215.95 MHz 216 - 224.98 MHz 225 - 379.975 MHz 380 - 512 MHz 764 - 954 MHz 1240 - 1300 MHz
Mode NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM
Public Service Band Public Service Band Public Service Band Public Service Band Public Service Band 25 cm Amateur Band
AM NFM WFM FM WFM/FMB AM NFM WFM NFM AM NFM NFM NFM
Attenuation : Scan Rate : Search Rate : Audio Output :
20dB nominal 100 channels per second (Conventional mode) max 300 steps per second (5 kHz step only) max 2.6W nominal into 8 speaker 30mW nominal into 32 stereo headphone:

Power Requirements :

DC 11.0V to 16.6V AC Adapter (AD-1009) or Cigarette Lighter Cord or DC Cord with Orange Wire
External Jacks : Antenna Jack Phone Jack Ext. Speaker Jack REC. Out Jack DC Power Jack BNC Type 3.5mm (1/8-in.) Stereo Type 3.5mm (1/8-in.) Monaural Type 3.5mm (1/8-in.) Stereo Type 5.5mm Center Positive
Remote Interface Jack GPS / Remote Interface Jack Ext. DC Power / ORNG Wire Jack Operating Temperature :
4pin Mini Type D-sub 9pin Male Type 3pin (Center Orange Wire) -4F to +140F +14F to +140F
Nominal -20C to +60C Close Call -10C to +60C

Size :

7.2 in. (W) x 6 in. (D) x 2.2 in. (H) 184mm (W) x 154mm (D) x 56mm H)

Weight :

3.5 lbs [1.6 kg.] (without Mounting Bracket)
Features, specifications, and availability of optional accessories are all subject to change without notice. Contact your local Uniden Dealer or call the Uniden Parts Center at: (800) 554-3988, 8:00AM to 5:00PM EST, Monday through Friday, for information about ordering these optional accessories.

Specifications 133

Reference

Preset Fleet Maps

Note: Size Codes in parenthesis indicates that the Size Code spans more than one block. Preset Map 1
Block 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

Preset Map 2

Frequencies 141 Quick Save 88 Selecting 87 What is 22 D Dangerous Xing, Road Deleting Location 122 Review Mode 125 Road 121 Screens 126 Settings 122-123 Xing 121 Data Alpha 99 Channel 51 Download 60 GPS 58 LCN 26 Programming 16 SCAT 27 Setting Skip 109 Skip 14, 70 Talk Group 26 Transfer 60 Dimmer 14, 35, 55 DIN-E 31, 34, 36 E Edit Channel Data 43 Menu 43 System 62 System Name 67 Tone Out 43 Editing Band Plan 80 Channel Groups 75 Channel Name 85 Channels 84 Custom Search Range 95 Frequencies 86 Index 143
Service Search 97 Sites 75 System Quick Key 68 Talk Group ID 85 End Code 72 F Fleet 26, 27, 71, 135, 137 G GPS Compatible 118 Connecting 118 Distance Units 58 Features 15 Initial Operation 118 Location Based Scanning 119 Location Information 71 Non-Location Based 120 Position Format 57 Saving Longitude/Latitude 99 Setting Format 57 Time Format 57 Time Zone 58 Using the Scanner 119 I I-Call Feature 29 Operations 72 ID Scan 48, 49, 70 Indicators 44, 47, 50 ISO 31, 36, 37 L Lockout Automatic 120 Channel Groups 84 Custom Search Range 96 Options 138 Search Limits 17 Setting 91
Sites 79, 120 Systems 69 LTR Display 84 ID 27 LCN 78 Scan Time 80 Site Limit 76 Trunking 27 M Menu 16 Entering Text 18 Using 18, 54 Motorola Band Plan 80 Control Channel 82 Edit System Names 67 Emergency Alert Options 73 End Code 72 Fleet Maps 71 I-Call 29 Specifying System Type 68 Status Bit 72 Trunking 25 Types 26 Multi-Site 14, 28 N NOAA 19, 107, 112, 114 P POI Display 127 Distance 58 Example 123 Location, Range 120 Lock, Unlock 125 Only For 122 Setting 122 Port 58, 61
Preprogrammed 12, 15, 19, 47, 62, 93, 113, 139, 140 Preset Edit Maps 71 Fleet Maps 134-135 Search Ranges 94 R Range All 124 Display 126 Edit 95 GPS 15 Search 22, 45, 94, 98 Set 71 S Scan Close Call Hits 103 Control Channel Only 15 Conventional 23 Function 17 ID 48 Legally 9 Priority 16, 111 Search Delay 13 Search With 13, 96 Selecting Systems 47 Systems 46 Trunked 25 Understanding 21 What is 22 SCAT 14, 26, 27, 76, 80, 84, 100 Search Assigning a Range to a Search Key 98 Auto and Store 99 Close Call Options 105 Conventional 99 Custom 94 Edit a Service 97 Edit Custom Range 95 Feature 12, 15 Frequency Step 110
ID 48 Lockout Limits 17 Quick 94 Range 45 Reviewing ID Lockouts 74 Scan Delay 13 Service 93 Store ID 49 Trunked and Store 100 Weather 15 What Is 22 Squelch 13, 22, 45, 60 Subfleet 26-27, 136 W Weather Alert Priority 114 Features 15 SAME Alert 15 Searching 112 Turning on Alert 113

IRST LOOK

CONSUMER RADIOS AND ELECTRONICS
A Marvel of 21st Scanning Technology
By Larry Van Horn, N5FPW Assistant Editor Monitoring Times
396 sibling, the 996 has a whopping 6,000 memory locations for programming frequencies, talkgroups, and alpha tags. There are over 500 agencies (133 systems) preprogrammed in the scanner covering police, re, and ambulance operations in 30 metro areas and 12 states in the U.S., plus some of the more popular digital trunk systems, and a selection of nationwide allocations. One hundred Quick keys let you quickly select systems and groups by using the keypad. This makes it easy to listen to or quickly lock out systems or groups. There are 13 Service search frequency ranges preprogrammed for public safety, news, amateur radio, marine, railroad, military and civilian air, CB radio, FRS/GMRS, racing, TV broadcast, FM broadcast, and special searches. Personal Computer (PC) Control allows you to transfer programming data to and from the 996 and a PC, or actually control the scanners operation using your computer. Uniden will make available for download their UASD PC control/programming software and a free registration key via their company website at www.uniden.com. Cloning over-the-air lets you clone all programmed data, the contents of the scanners memory, menu settings, and other parameters over a user-selectable frequency from a PC to one or more 996 scanners. Cloning is also possible from one 996 to another using a serial computer cable, null modem adapter and gender changer (not included), and the computer interface cable included with each unit. Adaptive Digital Threshold automatically sets the digital decode threshold for APCO digital systems. You can also manually adjust or reset to default digital reception levels. Analog and digital audio automatic gain control (AGC) helps automatically balance the volume level between different radio systems both digital and analog. Fire Tone-out Standby lets you set the scanner to sound an alert if a two-tone sequential page commonly used on re dispatch frequencies is transmitted. You can set up to 10 settings (transmit frequency, tone frequencies, tone duration and tone gap), then select one of the programmed positions for standby monitoring and alerting. Broadcast Screen sets the scanner so it ignores Close Call or search hits on FM/TV broadcast frequencies, including known pager frequencies. The custom screen lets you input up to 10 frequency ranges that the scanner will ignore during Close Call or search operation.

The Uniden BCD996T

he new Uniden BCD996T base/mobile is truly a marvel of modern scanning technology. Released hot on the heels of the popular Uniden BCD396T handheld scanner, many of the innovative features included in that scanner can be found in this new Uniden release. Some of the features have been expanded and updated, and a host of new features have been added to this new base/mobile unit.
Case, Controls and Antenna
The BCD996T is the first new tool up of a base/mobile unit by Uniden in over four years. Not only has the case changed compared to earlier models, but changes have been made in the RF sections as well. However, the lineage of this units firmware comes from the BCD396T. The 996 case is much smaller than its 796 predecessor, measuring 7.2 (W) x 5.9 (D) x 2.2 (H) inches and weighs in at 3.46 lbs without mounting bracket. There is an orange or green backlight system (user selectable) for the 1-1/8 by 2-1/8-inch (64 x 128 full dot matrix) liquid crystal display and the keyboard. You can turn off backlighting or set three levels for each color without going into the scanner menu system by pressing the volume control on the front of the unit. Controls/Switches on the 996 include a knurled rotary encoder knob (with push switch for function operations), volume control with power on/off switch (with push switch for back light control), and squelch control (with push switch for Close Call mode).

Checking under the hood

Looking inside the radio, we found a world of scanning capability. Here are some features that will be familiar to BC246T/BCD396T owners:

Close Call RF capture technology can set the scanner so it detects and provides information about nearby radio transmissions. In a head to head test between the 246, 396 and the 996, the 996 was superior. Dynamically allocated channel memory was rst introduced in the BC246T. See the December 2004 issue or go to www.monitoringtimes.com/htm/mtuniden246t.pdf for a detailed description of how this works. This type of scanner memory can be organized so that the scanner operation more closely matches how radio systems actually work, making it easier to program and use the scanner. Through the menu system you can determine how much scanner memory is being used and how much is left. Like its
Some of the other features found in the BCD996T include: Scan/Search delay, a 20 dB attenuator, repeater reverse, channel alert, search with scan operation, enhanced custom alerts, better automatic channel step selection (frequency steps of 5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5,15, 20, 25, 50 or 100 kHz for manual mode and search modes), text tagging, data skip, duplicate frequency entry alert, memory backup, frequency and talkgroup auto store, and priority scan/priority channel scan. Like many of the recently released Uniden scanner models, the 996 can perform a NOAA weather band search, SAME weather alert, and weather priority scan. There is also a nearly instant CTCSS/DCS tone search capability that can identify up to 50 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes in the scan, search and Close Call modes. There are a lot of other BC996T features that BCD396T owners will recognize, far too many to include in this review. You can get more information on all of the BCD996T features by viewing a copy of the owners manual on the Grove Enterprises website at: www.groveent.com/BCD996Tman.pdf
Trunk Tracking Capability
The BCD996T is a Trunk Tracker IV
Photo courtesy of www.rigpix.com

MT Rating: 4-3/4 Stars

MONITORING TIMES

July 2006

model scanner. This lets you follow unencrypted conversations on analog Motorola, Motorola mixed mode (analog and digital/3600 baud) systems, Motorola Astro 25 (APCO baud) digital systems, EDACS (wide and narrow), EDACS SCAT, and LTR trunked radio systems. Trunk systems in VHF, UHF, the new 700 MHz public safety band, 800 and 900 MHz bands can be tracked. This includes some of the trunk systems now being installed by the Department of Defense in the new 380-399.9 MHz LMR subband. This makes the 996 only the second scanner capable of following trunk systems in all the bands where trunk systems are currently operational. The scanner can also scan both conventional and trunked systems at the same time. The BCD996T also follows Motorola control channel trunking. If the scanner is set in this mode, the user can set it up so that it tracks a Motorola trunk system using only control channel data. You do not have to program all of the system's voice channel frequencies into memory in this mode, as long as all possible control channels have been programmed.

MT RATING (0-10 SCALE)

Audio Quality. 9 Audio Levels.10 Backlight/Display.10 Ease of Use.. 7 Feature Set..10 Keyboard/Control Layout. 9 Overall Construction.10 Overall Reception.10 Owners Manual.. 9 Sensitivity.. 9 Selectivity.. 9 Spectrum Usability. 9 tion, which lets you easily manage multiple congurations you program into your scanner. The single-handed function control operation lets you tap the function/scroll control to enable the function mode. It reverts to normal mode in about three seconds from your last press if no other action occurs. This is a neat feature when you are mobile. A record out jack, when used with the appropriate user supplied cable and audio recording device with signal control, lets you record live audio of designated channels. A new vehicle power connector (orange wire) lets you connect the BCD996T to your vehicles dimmer circuit to also dim the scanners display with the vehicles dimmer control. Another innovative feature in the 996 is the upside down display. You can ip the display upside down if you need to mount the unit upside down in your mobile for better audio quality. Dual display mode: Mode 1 (default) displays extended channel information under the channel name. Mode 2 (selectable by front panel control) indicates frequencies under the channel name or the talkgroup ID number for trunk systems. Finally, there are the new GPS functions. This is location based scanning that can automatically enable and disable systems based on the location information (longitude, latitude, and range) that you provide if you connect a GPS unit to the scanner. Some non-radio GPS-based features let the scanner alert you to dangerous intersections, speed alerts, and points of interest (POI) that you program into the scanner. The GPS display mode lets you display extended GPS information such as distance to a POI, direction to a POI, time to a POI, speed, position, and more.
Table One: BCD996T Frequency Coverage
Frequency Range (MHz) 25.0000-27.9950 28.0000-29.6800 29.7000-49.9900 50.0000-53.9800 54.0000-71.9500 72.0000-75.9950 76.0000-87.9500 88.0000-107.9000 108.0000-136.9750 137.0000-143.9875 144.0000-147.9950 148.0000-150.7875 150.8000-161.9950 162.0000-173.9875 174.0000-215.9500 216.0000-224.9800 225.0000-379.9750 380.0000-399.9875 400.0000-512.0000 764.0000-775.9875 794.0000-805.9875 806.0000-823.9875 849.0125-868.9875 894.0125-956.0000 1240.000-1300.000 Default Modulation AM NFM NFM NFM WFM FM WFM FMB AM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM WFM NFM AM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM NFM Default Step (kHz) 5.0 20.0 10.0 20.0 50.0 5.0 50.0 100.0 25.0 12.5 5.0 12.5 5.0 12.5 50.0 20.0 25.0 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 25.0

What's New

There are several new features and innovations in the 996 that are unique to this radio. They include:
The new multi-site trunking feature lets you share system channels across multiple trunk system sites to more efciently use the scanners memory. This upgrade alone, in the authors opinion, elevates this scanner above any other trunk scanner in the marketplace. If you have a statewide system, and you want to program in multiple sites/frequencies for that system, you only have to program in one set of talkgroups using the multi-site feature. Another example of how you could use multisite trunking is in conjunction with a GPS unit in an urban public safety environment. You could program one transmit site (say, the west side of the city) with talkgroups associated only with that portion of the city. As you travel around the city, the GPS would hand your BCD996T off to the appropriate programmed site and talkgroups as you travel. This would let you monitor only those talkgroups that are pertinent to the area you are transiting and cut out talkgroups for other areas of the city. Close Call do-not-disturb is a new feature that, when set, lets the unit make periodic Close Call checks whenever the scanner is not receiving audio in another mode. This eliminates annoying breaks in conversation while still allowing for Close Call functionality. Another new innovation is Close Call temporary store that temporarily saves the last 10 Close Call hits and includes them when scanning. Soft search keys let you quickly search specied ranges and quick search lets you search from the currently-tuned frequency if you are searching a conventional system. A new frequency lockout function lets you lock out up to 500 frequencies (250 permanently locked out and/or 250 temporarily). The scanner skips locked out frequencies while using Close Call, scanning memories or while searching a frequency range. Temporary lockout is cleared when you turn power off, then back on, so you dont have to remember to unlock those channels later. Another new feature is startup congura-

Note: The scanners frequency coverage is not continuous and does not include the cellular telephone, most of the UHF TV bands, or the 956-1240 MHz frequency range.

Whats in the box?

In addition to the BCD996T scanner, accessories in the box include an AC adapter, cigarette lighter adapter power cord, three wire DC power cord, ISO mounting bracket and hardware, and a DIN-E sleeve and removal keys for vehicle installation, a push-on type (BNC) telescopic antenna, remote PC or scanner cable (scanner plug to front of PC connector), owners manual, and other printed material. The manual is well written and should be studied to get the most out of the BCD996T and understand all of its operations.

Overall Rating

This is the first base/mobile of its kind from Uniden. The author worked with this radio for over five months and tested it on over 115 radio
systems here in the southern United States. This included single/multi-site Motorola Analog/Digital P16/P25, EDACS Analog/Digital, and LTR trunk systems in the VHF/VHF Gov/UHF/UHF Gov/700/800 MHz bands, as well as a variety of conventional analog and P25 frequencies, including civilian and mil-air band frequencies. The radio handled all the monitoring chores well and was a pleasure to use in the mobile environment. I was particularly impressed with the BCD996T performance when I conducted a side by side test with my Uniden BC796D. In most cases the BCD996T was the better performer in sensitivity, and especially so in selectivity. Those of you who have read this column in the past know that I maintain no scanner is perfect. Almost my only complaint with the 996 is the steep learning curve. Honestly, given this feature-rich scanner and the systems it can monitor, I do not know how Uniden could simplify this learning curve or the overall complexity of the scanners operation. So let me offer three pieces of advice to those who purchase this radio: read the manual several times, use the free UASD software to program the radio, and read the manual again. A strange quirk I noted is the radio default to 5 kHz spacing in the 150.8-162.0 MHz public safety band. The majority of this band now uses 7.5 kHz spacing. Other than that, Uniden has come a long way in getting their search steps in line with current spectrum practices. Finally, while the GPS capability is a neat feature, it is very labor and research intensive to get it up and operating. I am sure that with time, like other aspects of the scanner hobby, information will be shared through the internet to aid hobbyists in programming location information for a variety of radio systems nationwide. But that will be at some point down the road and probably only a few will fully utilize the GPS features in continued on page 73

July 2006 MONITORING TIMES
continued from page 71 this scanner in the near term. Bottom line, this is one heck of a scanner. This unit is the most advanced and feature rich radio scanner ever released by any radio company. No scanner in the marketplace even gets close to the BCD996T in features, listening capability, and overall performance, especially in its price range. There is a lot of scanning capability loaded into this small package. So if you are looking for one unit that does a lot, with the features you could only dream about three years ago, this is it the first, truly high tech base/mobile scanner of the 21st century. Figure 2 The log (at top) with a few entries and the entry screen (bottom) for the new 20 meter ham logging. the logging function, the R7000 can perform a form of scanning. converter and then to the PCs serial port. After trying a few port addresses, I decided to use 00, thinking that it might default to the serial port directly. Bad move. It was late at night and I ignored the manual: I thought it shouldnt cause any major problem. All I would just have to do is to reset to the correct addresses. Right? WRONG! The program locked up. So, I restarted the program. It began to start normally and then immediately crashed with an error message. Then began hours of deleting and re-installing, registry fixing, virus checks, hard drive cleaning and just about everything I could imagine to cure the problem. I even download the program again and installed yet again. It crashed exactly in the same manner each and every time! After a night of little sleep I ran another receiver control program to see if it would work. It worked fine and I shut it down. But when I started ICOM_OKA, it still gave the error message and stopped. Then, while again running the other receiver control program, I started ICOM_OKA. Why? On a hunch. OKA started and then immediately went to a Com Port In Use screen. It then continued loading without error and asked me to pick a com port and properties. Rejoice! Needless to say, I picked a valid radio and controller address (08), shut down the other control program and then let OKA continue. It has worked great ever since. Moral: Do not mess with the serial port parameters! The Uniden BCD996T (SCN 49) is available from Grove Enterprises (1-800-438-8155 or /www.grove-enterprises.com) For $539.95 plus shipping.

Table Two: Miscellaneous Specifications
Receiver type Triple Conversion Dynamic allocation capacity Systems: 500 maximum; Groups: 20 per system; Sites: 1000 maximum (all)/256 per system; Channels: up to 6000 (3000 typical); Channels per trunk system: up to 250. Operating temperature Normal 20C to +60C; Close Call 10C to +60C; Storage -30C-+70C Scan rate 100 channels per second (conventional mode) Search rate 300 steps per second (5 kHz step only) maximum Audio output 2.6W nominal into 8-ohn speaker; 30mW nominal into 32-ohm stereo headphone Power Requirements DC 11.0V to 16.6V via Cigarette Lighter Cord or DC Cord with Orange Wire, AC Adapter (AD-1009) all included. External Jacks: Antenna Jack BNC Type 50-ohm nominal impedance Phone Jack 3.5-mm (1/8-inch) Stereo Type External Speaker Jack 3.5-mm (1/8-inch) Monaural Type Record Out Jack 3.5-mm (1/8-inch) Stereo Type DC Power Jack 5.5-mm center pin positive and Orange Wire Jack : Three pin (Center Orange Wire) Remote Interface Jack Four pin mini type GPS Interface Jack D-sub nine pin (male type)

Logging

Other tuning methods include the use of stored memory channels and band buttons. The logging part of OKA provides more tuning and scanning methods in addition to log functions. The log is accessed using the buttons at the bottom left of the main screen, Figure 1. Once you have tuned to a frequency that you want to log, click on the >LB key at the bottom left of Figure 1. This will enter the mode and frequency into the log and display the entire log, as seen in the log at the top of Figure 2. You can see from the log that we have previously stored two other entries. Highlighting our 20-meter entry and clicking the Edit Entry key brings up the Log Book Entry screen, also seen in Figure 2. This screen allows the user to add details to the log entry. Closing the log or the main program saves the log.
Log Tuning & Scanning
When the log is displayed, the radio can be tuned by simply left clicking on a log entry. Scanning a group of log entries is very easy. With the PCs Ctrl key depressed, left click on each of the entries that you want to scan. Then click the Scan button on the log screen. This scanning method works with the R7000; however, there is no way of controlling the R7000s squelch. Therefore the scan will not stop automatically. In Figure 2 the Scan button is not lit since we have not as yet selected any entries for scanning.

Sweet!

Note: Features, specifications, and availability of optional accessories are all subject to change without notice by the manufacturer. Information presented above was based on the test unit provided by the manufacturer. Specifications certificated accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15 Subpart C as of date of manufacture.

Pushing TOO Hard

Remember that we discussed the critical nature of the serial port parameters? Here is the story. Never satisfied, and trying to push the envelope, I attempted to control a PCR-1000 with ICOM_OKA. The difference between the 1000 and other radios is the serial interface. The 1000 uses a direct serial connection to the PC. The other radios connect via the CT-17 level

I think the R75 receiver has a similar control and memory operating system to the IC-703. Although I have not yet tried mine, it should have full computer functionality with ICOM_OKA. For anyone with an ICOM, you will find ICOM_OKA a useful and valuable radio tool. It works great and the price is right. Get it at www.honeysw.com And the name Honey Soft? The author of ICOM_OKA is KD70KA, Howard Honig. His last name is German for honey.