Auto Store

Frequency AutoStore Automatically stores all active frequencies into the selected conventional system.
Talk Group ID AutoStore Automatically stores all new talk group IDs into a channel group you select.

Priority

Priority Scan Priority channels let you keep track of activity on your most important channel(s) while monitoring other channels for transmissions. Priority Plus You can set the scanner so it scans only the priority channels

Backlight and Power

Display and Keypad Backlight Makes the display and keypad easy to see in dim light. You can adjust the back light so it turns on when you press a key, when squelch breaks during a transmission, or manually. Low Battery Alert The scanner alerts you if the batteries need to be recharged or replaced. Battery Save You can set the scanner so it reduces the amount of power it needs if there are no transmissions.

Key Controls

Key Lock You can deactivate the scanners keys to help prevent accidentally changing the scanners programming.

PC Control and Cloning

PC Control You can transfer programming data to and from your scanner and your personal computer, and control the scanner using a computer. This helps you find frequencies listed on the Internet and load them into the scanner. Free PC control and programming software will be available at http://www.uniden.com. Clone Mode You can clone all programmed data, including the contents of the scanners memory, menu settings, and other parameters from one BCD396T scanner to another BCD396T scanner.
On-Air Cloning You can clone all programmed data over the air from a PC to one or more BCD396T scanners.

About This Manual

The screen displays used in this manual are representations of what might appear when you use your scanner. Since what you see depends on the frequencies and user IDs for your area and the settings you select, you might notice some differences between what is in this manual and what appears on your scanner.

What is Searching?

The BCD396T can search each of its 12 bands and up to 10 bands together to find active frequencies. This is different from scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmed into the scanner. When you select frequency bands to search, the scanner searches for any active frequency within the lower and upper limits you specify. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops on that frequency as long as the transmission lasts. If you think the frequency is interesting, you can program it into the scanners memory. If not, you can continue to search.

What is CTCSS/DCS?

Your scanner can monitor systems using a Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) system, which allow squelch to open only when the tone you have programmed with a specific frequency is received along with a transmission. CTCSS and DCS are subaudible tone signaling systems sometimes referred to as PL or DPL (Motorolas trademarked terms for Private Line and Digital Private Line respectively). CTCSS and DCS are used only for FM signals and are usually associated with both amateur and commercial twoway frequencies. These systems make use of a special subaudible tone that accompanies a transmitted signal. CTCSS and DCS are used for many purposes. In many cases, CTCSS and DCS are used to restrict access to a commercial repeater, so that only those
units which transmit the correct tone along with their signal can talk to the repeater. CTCSS and DCS are also used in areas that receive interference where there are several stations with output frequencies close to each other. When this occurs, you might hear multiple communications on the same frequency. The stations might even interfere with each other to the point where it is impossible to clearly receive any of the stations. A scanner equipped with CTCSS and DCS (like your scanner) can code each received frequency with a specific CTCSS or DCS frequency. Then, when you receive multiple signals, you only hear the transmission with the CTCSS or DCS tone you programmed. If you do not receive the correct tone with a signal, the scanners squelch remains closed and you hear nothing. You can search for the following CTCSS frequencies and DCS codes. CTCSS Frequencies (Hz)
67.0 82.5 100.0 123.0 151.4 171.3 189.9 210.7
69.3 85.4 103.5 127.3 156.7 173.8 192.8 218.1
71.9 88.5 107.2 131.8 159.8 177.3 196.6 225.7 250.3
74.4 91.5 110.9 136.5 162.2 179.9 199.5 229.1 254.1
77.0 94.8 114.8 141.3 165.5 183.5 203.5 233.6
79.7 97.4 118.8 146.2 167.9 186.2 206.5 241.8

DCS Codes (Octal)

114 143

115 145

116 152

122 155

125 156

131 162

132 165

134 172

Conventional Scanning
Conventional scanning is a relatively simple concept. Each group of users in a conventional system is assigned a single frequency (for simplex systems) or two frequencies (for repeater systems). Any time one of them transmits, their transmission always goes out on the same frequency. Up until the late 1980s, this was the primary way that radio systems operated. Even today, there are many 2-way radio users who operate using a conventional system: Aircraft Amateur radio FRS/GMRS users Broadcast AM/FM/TV stations Many business radio users

Motorola Trunking

While there are different types of Motorola trunking systems, they all use the same basic trunking method. The system consists of one control channel (or as many as 4 per system but only one is active at any one time), plus one or more voice channels (typically 10, 20, or 28 total channels). When a user presses Push To Talk (PTT) to transmit, their radio first sends their talk group information to the control channel.
The computer then assigns that talk group to a specific voice channel and transmits that data over the control channel. All radios in that talk group switch over to the assigned voice channel and the user can begin speaking. This all typically takes place in about a second.the person transmitting hears a beep from their radio when the channel is assigned and then it is OK to start talking. The systems in use are: Motorola Type I the radios send the radio ID, the fleet and subfleet talk group ID to the control channel each time they transmit. To program a Type I system, you need to know the systems fleet map. The most common fleet maps are included in Preset Fleet Maps on Page 129. You can also find fleet map resources on the web. Motorola Type II the radios only send the radio ID and radio channel code to the control channel. The central computer keeps a database of radio IDs and which talk group is assigned to which channel code for each radio, so with this system the users radio sends only about 1/3 the data as a Type I system with each transmission. Type II systems do not use Fleetsubfleet talk groups; instead they use a 5-digit ID for each talk group. Type IIi Hybrid these systems support a mix of both Type I and Type II users. Like Type I systems, you must know the systems fleet map to ensure proper tracking. Motorola ASTRO 25 (APCO 25) these radios are similar to Type II systems, but send only the radio ID and radio channel code to the control channel, transmitting voice in digital form.

EDACS Trunking

EDACS trunking works in much the same way as Motorola trunking with a couple of major differences. In an EDACS system, each frequency used by the system is assigned a Logical Channel Number (LCN) so that less data needs to be transmitted by the control channel. Also, talk groups are assigned in an Agency-Fleet-Subfleet (AFS) hierarchy. Also, there is one variation of EDACS called SCAT that your BCD396T can monitor. Logical Channel Numbers each frequency used by the system is assigned an LCN. This information is programmed into each user radio. When a user presses PTT, their radio sends their AFS information to the control channel. The computer then assigns that talk group to a channel and sends the LCN so that all other radios in that talk group will switch to the correct channel. To program an EDACS system in your scanner, you will need to know both the frequencies used by the system and the LCN for each frequency. Agency-Fleet-Subfleet talk group IDs for EDACS systems are assigned in a way that makes it easy to see at a glance the affiliation of the user. Each radio is assigned a 2-digit agency identifier from 00 15. For example, 01 might be used by the police, 02 by the ambulance service, 03 by the fire department, and so on. Each agency is then subdivided up to 16 times to provide fleet identification, and then 8 more times to identify subfleets. For example, the complete AFS for the Police Department West Districts dispatch channel might be 01-062. 01 identifies the agency as the police department, 06 identifies the fleet as the West district, and 2 identifies the subfleet as the dispatch channel. While these assignments are somewhat arbitrary and vary from system to system, there are many resources on the web for finding the assignments for most systems. Because of the logical hierarchy of the AFS

Connecting an Extension Speaker
In a noisy area, an optional amplified extension speaker, positioned in the right place, might provide more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's 1 /8-inch (3.5-mm) mini-plug into your scanner's jack.
Never connect anything other than an earphone or the recommended amplified extension speaker to the scanners headphone jack. This might damage the scanner.
Never connect any part of the headphone jack to the antenna jack or connect the radio to an installation where the antenna and audio connection are grounded. This might damage the scanner.

Attaching the Belt Clip

To make your scanner easier to carry when you are on the go, use the supplied belt clip. Rotate the scanner upside down to remove it from the clip.
Attaching the Wrist Strap
To keep your scanner safely close at hand, use the supplied wrist strap. Push the small loop on one end of the wrist strap through the lug on the right side of the scanner, then thread the other end of the wrist strap back through the small loop to secure it.

A Look At The Keypad

Your scanner's keys have various functions labeled on the key tops and below the keys. To select the function labeled on a key, simply press the key. To select the function labeled below a key, hold down Func on the left side of the scanner then press the key. F appears on the display.
If your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the following information should help you understand each key's function. Key Name Hold/ Description Hold Holds the scan or the frequency search when pressed. Resumes the scan or the frequency search when pressed again.
Func + Quickly turns the Close Call feature on or off (see Setting Close Call Options on Page 104).

Scan/srch

Scan Scans the stored channels.
Func + srch Starts quick search or quickly accesses the search menu.
L/O Lets you lock out a selected channel or skip a specified frequency. Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to unlock all channels in a system or all frequencies in a Search mode. Lets you also exit a menu.
Func + L/O Press quickly to lock and unlock a selected system in Scan or Scan Hold mode and review search lockout frequencies in Search or Search Hold mode.

Key Name / /

Description Turns the display backlight on or off. Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to turn the scanner on or off.
Func + Locks and unlocks the keypad.

1-9, 0

1-9, 0 Enters a frequency, enters quick key numbers, and selects a custom search range in Custom Search mode. Selects systems by quick key in scan mode.

to select a

- appears when the scanner is set to a Close Call feature mode (see Using the Close Call Feature on Page 103). SCAN - scrolls while the scanner is scanning. DSKP - appears when data skip is turned on. HOLD - appears while the scanner is set to scan or search hold mode. P - appears if priority is turned on ATT - appears if the attenuator is turned on. SCR - appears when one or more broadcast screen bands are turned on. REP - appears when repeater find is turned on. P25 - appears when an APCO P25 digital voice transmission is being received. - appears to show signal strength (0 to 5)
LNK - appears when data on a voice channel is being received. DAT - appears when data on a control channel is being received. ENC - appears when APCO P25 encrypted data is being received on a voice channel.

Using Menu

Press Menu on the left side of the scanner to enter the menu. See Using the Menu on Page 49 for more information about the scanners menu options.

Using Func

To select the function labeled below a key on the front of the scanner, hold down Func on the left side of the scanner, then press that key. To hold on a system while scanning or temporarily stop on a channel while searching, press Func. To select a system in Scan or Scan Hold mode, hold down Func and rotate the scroll control.

Basic Operation

Basic Operation Scanner and Turning On the Setting the Squelch

Scroll Control

Note: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected before you turn it on. 1. Press and hold the scanner. for about 2 seconds to turn on
2. Briefly press the scroll control once. VOLUME LEVEL and a number appear on the display. 3. While VOLUME LEVEL appears, rotate the scroll control to set the volume to a comfortable listening level. Note: If you do not press any key or turn the scroll control within about 10 seconds, VOLUME LEVEL disappears. If this happens, simply press the scroll control again. 4. While holding down Func on the left side of the scanner, briefly press the scroll control once. SQUELCH LEVEL and a number appear on the display. 5. While SQUELCH LEVEL appears, rotate the scroll control to set the squelch to the level you want. Note: If you do not press any key or turn the scroll control within about 10 seconds, SQUELCH LEVEL disappears. If this happens, briefly press the scroll control while holding down Func.

Scanning Systems

To begin scanning programmed systems, press Scan. The BCD396T scans all unlocked systems in all activated quick-key groups and any searches unlocked for search and scan. Notes: If no systems are programmed, or all systems are locked out, an error message appears. Program a system or select a system to scan. When scanning multiple systems, the BCD396T 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 BCD396T scans a system for the duration you set using the System Hold Time option (see Setting the System Hold Time on Page 76). 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 76 for more information.

Other Settings Using the Backlight
Set Backlight 10 sec The backlight stays on for 10 seconds after you press. 30 sec The backlight stays on for 30 seconds after you press. Squelch The backlight turns on when the squelch opens then stays on for 5 seconds.
Keypress The backlight turns on when any key is pressed then stays on for 10 seconds. Infinite The backlight turns on when you press then stays on until you press again. Pressing any key while the backlight is on extends the backlight period. Pressing while the backlight is on turns off the backlight.

Setting the Audio AGC

Set Audio AGC
This setting helps balance the audio level you hear as you listen to different radio sources so you can hear them at a similar volume. Use this setting if you listen to an audio source that has natural changes in audio level for which you want to compensate. Analog Rotate the scroll control to select. This setting lets you set the audio AGC for receiving analog channels. On Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC is turned on. Off Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC is turned off. Digital Rotate the scroll control to select. This setting lets you set the audio AGC for receiving digital channels. On Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC is turned on. Off Press the scroll control to select. Audio AGC is turned off.
Adjusting the Display Contrast
Adjust Contrast Contrast 1 - 15 the scanner adjusts the display to the contrast level you select.
This setting controls the displays contrast (how light or dark it appears). Use this setting to change the contrast for different viewing conditions. There are 15 contrast settings. You see the change in contrast as you scroll through the settings.
Initializing the Scanners Memory
Important! This clears data you have entered. You cannot restore user programmed data that has been deleted. To initialize the scanners memory, turn off the scanner. Then, press 2, 9, and Hold while turning it on. You can retore factory programmed data when you next see: Restore Preprogram List? Press E yes for Yes or. for No.

SeeSetting the Motorola Status Bit (Motorola Systems Only) on Page 78 See Setting the End Code Operation (Motorola Systems Only) on Page 79 See Setting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only) on Page 79 See Setting Emergency Alert (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only) on Page 80 See Adjusting the P25 Level (Motorola and Conventional Systems Only) on Page 81 See Setting Control-Channel Only (Motorola Systems Only) on Page 80 See Setting System Lockout on Page 75 See Reviewing Locked Out Frequencies on Page 107 See Setting System Attenuation (Trunked Systems Only) on Page 83 See Deleting Systems on Page 83 See Copying Systems on Page 83 See Setting System Frequencies on Page 64 See Entering/Editing Motorola Channel Groups on Page 66
Setting System Frequencies
Select the system Set Frequencies Input a system frequency, then press the scroll control. To enter additional frequencies, press Menu , use the scroll control to select New Frequency, then repeat the above. Note: If you select Control Channel Only mode (see Setting Control-Channel Only (Motorola Systems Only) on Page 80), you only need to enter the frequency(s) that can be assigned as the control channel. Most frequency lists usually indicate which of
the frequencies are the control channel frequencies. Otherwise, you must enter all of the frequencies.

Setting Modulation

Select the system Set Modulation Auto - the scanner uses the default 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. Note: The default setting is Auto. This setting controls the modulation method used for the frequency band. In most cases, if you leave this set to Auto, the scanner automatically selects the correct modulation type for the system you are programming.

Setting Attenuation

Select the system Set Attenuator This setting controls whether the attenuator will be on or off for the current system. Select your setting then press the scroll control. Off - the attenuator is off. On - system frequencies are attenuated by about 18 dB. Notes: Turn on this setting if you are near strong signal sources. Attenuation can help reduce interference and desensitization that strong signals create.
You can also turn this setting on or off by holding on a trunked system, then pressing Func + E.
Entering/Editing Motorola Channel Groups
To enter channels in a system, first set up a channel group (or groups) to hold the channels. Then, enter the channel and channel parameters in the group(s).
Select the system Edit Group The scanner creates a group with a default name of Group nn. nn increments by one for each new group you create within a system. Next, refer to the appropriate section to set group-wide options: See Entering/Editing the Group Name on Page 84 See Setting the Group Quick Key on Page 85 See Deleting Groups on Page 85 See Copying Systems on Page 83 See Entering/Editing Motorola Channels on Page 66 See Setting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only) on Page 79

New Sys Name? Enter a name for the copied system, then press E.

Group-Level Settings

The settings in this section apply to all of the channels stored in the current group.
Entering/Editing the Group Name
Program System Select the system Edit Group
Select the group Edit Name Follow these steps to enter/edit the group name. 1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter. 2. Press and hold down Func then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter. 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the system name. Then press E or press down on the scroll control to accept the setting. Hints: Each group name can be up to 16 characters. Abbreviate as necessary to fit. The group and system name alternate in the top line of the display when the scanner stops on a channel. Press Press twice to delete the current character. three times to clear the entire alpha tag.
Setting the Group Quick Key
Select the group Set Quick Key After selecting this option, press 0-9 to assign the group to a quick key or press to assign the system to no quick key, then press E. Hints: You can assign as many groups to the same quick key as you want. A groups quick key must be activated to be scanned.

Setting Group Lockout

Select the group Set Lockout This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this group when it is enabled. Select your setting, then press E. Lockout - the group is not scanned. Unlocked - the group is scanned. Note: The default setting is Unlocked.

Deleting Groups

Select the group Delete Group The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To confirm, press E. To cancel, press. Note: Deleted groups cannot be restored. You must re-enter them.

Channel-Level Settings

These settings affect only the channel you are programming.

Editing the Channel Name

Select the group Edit Channel Select the channel Edit Name Follow these steps to enter/edit the channel name. 1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter. 2. Press and hold down Func then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter. 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the channel name. Then press E or press down on the scroll control to accept the setting. Hints: 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 scanner stops on a channel. If you do not enter a channel name, the scanner displays the frequency (for conventional systems)

Srch/CloCall Opt

Set Modulation Auto - the scanner uses the default modulation for the frequency band. 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. Note: The default setting is Auto. This setting controls the modulation method used for the frequency band. In most cases, if you leave this set to Auto, the scanner automatically selects the correct modulation type for the system you are programming.
Setting Channel Attenuation (Conventional Channels Only)
Select the channel Set Attenuator This setting controls whether the scanner attenuates signals on this channel. Select your setting, then press E. On - the channel is attenuated by about 18 dB. Off - the channel is not attenuated. Notes: The default setting is Off. For trunked systems, the attenuation is a systemlevel setting. You can also toggle this setting by holding on the channel and pressing Func and E.

Setting Channel Lockout

Program System E E E
Select the system Edit Group Select the group Edit Channel Select the channel Set Lockout
This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this channel when its system and group are enabled. Select your setting, then press E. Lockout - the channel is not scanned. Unlocked - the channel is scanned. Notes:
The default setting is Unlocked. You can also lock or unlock a channel by selecting it while scanning or holding, then pressing L/O. See Basic Operation on Page 42.

Deleting Channels

Select the group Edit Channel Select the channel Delete Channel The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To confirm, press E. To cancel, press. Note: Deleted channels cannot be restored. You must re-enter them.

Copying/Pasting Channels

To copy a channel including all settings:
Select the group Edit Channel Select the channel Copy Channel The scanner copies the channel into a copy buffer. To paste the channel into the same or another system:

Set CC Bands: Lets you select the Close Call band settings. You can turn the following bands on or off. VHF Low 1 (25.0000-53.9800 MHz) VHF Low 2 (54.0000-107.9000 MHz) Air Band (108.0000 - 136.9750 MHz) VHF High1 (137.0000-224.9800 MHz) VHF High2 (225.0000-319.9500 MHz) UHF (320.0000 - 512.0000 MHz) 800MHz+ (764.0000 - 775.9875 MHz, 794.0000 - 823.9875 MHz, 849.0125 - 868.9875 MHz, 894.0125 - 956.0000 MHz, 1240.000 - 1300.0000 MHz) Use the scroll control to select a band, press the scroll control, then use the scroll control to select On or Off and press the scroll control. Turning off undesired bands speeds up Close Call operation (works for all frequencies listed above).

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 to hold on the hit frequency, press the scroll control 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 again to resume the previous operation.
Search and Close Call Options
The settings in Close Call Options Search and this section affect custom searches, service searches, and Close Call operation.
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. You can lock out up to 200 frequencies. Note: Locking out a frequency does not lock out a channel that contains that frequency.
Unlocking All Frequencies
Freq Lockouts Unlock All The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To confirm and delete all locked-out frequencies, press the scroll control. Otherwise, to cancel, press.
Freq Lockouts Rvw Search L/O The scanner displays the first locked-out frequency and prompts you to unlock the frequency. Press the scroll control to unlock the frequency. Or, rotate the scroll control or press to select a different frequency. To exit the review, press Menu.

Searching for Subaudible Tones
CTCSS/DCS Search This setting controls whether the scanner will search for a subaudible tone when it stops on a transmission during search or Close Call operation.
Off The scanner does not search for subaudible tones. On The scanner searches for and displays any subaudible tone found. Note: This feature does not operate when the scanner is in AM/WFM modulation mode.
Screening Out Broadcast Sources
Broadcast Screen This setting determines whether the scanner automatically ignores transmissions found during Custom Search, Service Search, or Close Call operation that are on common broadcasts, paging systems, and other annoyance radio sources. Note: Broadcast screen is not effective during some service searches. Set All Band On - turns on broadcast screen on each band. Set All Band Off - turns off broadcast screen on each band. Set Each Band - lets you set broadcast screen only on specific bands you select. On or Off appears next to each option. Turn the scroll control to select an option then press the scroll control to change the setting. Pager - the scanner skips known paging system frequencies. FM - the scanner skips known FM frequencies. UHF TV - the scanner skips known UHF TV frequencies. VHF TV - the scanner skips known VHF TV frequencies.
NOAA WX - the scanner skips known NOAA weather frequencies. Band 1-10 - select the custom band where you want to screen out broadcast sources. Program Band - lets you program a custom frequency range for broadcast screen. Turn the scroll control to select an option then press the scroll control to change the setting. Band 1-10 - select the group where you want to screen out broadcast sources. Set Lower Limit - turn the scroll control to enter the lower limit of the frequency range, then press the scroll control to set it. Set Upper Limit - turn the scroll control to enter the upper limit of the frequency range, then press the scroll control to set it.
Finding Repeater Output Frequencies
Repeater Find 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. 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.

want to scan by visiting the forums section of http://www.radioreference.com/forums. Before you start to program your scanner, decide how you want to organize the frequencies you want to scan. For example, some areas are best organized by geographic location (east, north, south, west, central, etc), while others are best organized by agency (police, sheriff, ambulance, fire, etc.). You might even find it easier to organize a mixture of frequencies (north, southeast, and west for police but fire all in one group for example). 2. Organize the system information using these system worksheets included in this appendix. Use Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet on Page 135 to organize info about conventional frequencies. Use Filling Out The Motorola Worksheet on Page 136 to organize information about Motorola frequencies. Use LTR/EDACS System Worksheet on Page 142 to organize information about LTR and EDACS frequencies. 3. Follow the instructions in Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet on Page 135, Filling Out The Motorola Worksheet on Page 136, and Filling Out the LTR and EDACS Worksheet on Page 138 to program your scanner. Tips: Before you start, make as many copies of the worksheets as you think you'll need. You can also go to the download section of http://www.uniden.com/productsupport.cfm and download the worksheets there. All worksheet instructions assume that you have completed the critical Step 1 (collecting the system information). Don't skip this step.
Use a pencil to fill out the worksheets. This lets you change information if necessary.
Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet
System Name and Quick Key
Fill in a name that describes the system you want to create. For example, you can enter "Dallas Police" or "Amateur Radio" here. If you want to store more than one type of frequency, you can enter "Mixed." Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate/ deactivate the system. You can assign the same quick key to multiple systems.

Group Name and Quick Key

Each worksheet documents the settings for one channel group within a system. If you have fewer channels in the group than fits on the page, you can skip a line and enter an additional group of channels (enter the group info in the line you skipped). If you have more channels for the group than will fit on the page, use additional pages. Fill in the key you want to press with Func to quickly activate/deactivate the channel group. You can assign the same quick key to multiple groups within a system.

Uniden BCD396T Firmware Revision Notes 3.00.00
As part of Unidens commitment to the continued support of the BCD396T, Uniden has, from time to time, issued firmware updates. These updates contain enhancements to the BCD396T that directly reflect requests from our customers. Please take a few minutes to read all of these instructions before applying the update. Notes: This update is cumulativeit includes all improvements made in all previous updates. You must have applied the v1.20.13 ESN Loader update prior to applying this update. You must have entered your ESN and ESN Checksum on the My Uniden web site and received a Registration Key for this update. This key is not the same key as was used for the Version 2.x update! Most update problems are caused by serial port issues. See the troubleshooting hints in the Update Troubleshooting section if you have problems. Two great forums exist for sharing information about this scanner within the user community: o The RadioReference forums (http://www.RadioReference.com/forums) o The BCD396T Yahoo! Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BCD396T)

Contents:

What is changed by this update? Backing Up Your Scanner Applying the Update Update Troubleshooting UASD After the Update Using the P25 Band Plan Setting Using the Digital End Code Option Adjusting AGC Parameters Adjusting P25 Waiting Time Close Call Do-Not-Disturb Motorola 800 Custom Band Plan (Rebanding)
What is Changed by This Update?
This update makes the following changes to your BCD396T scanner: Added a Custom Band Plan to 800 MHz systems to support rebanded Motorola systems (see instructions for use later in this document). Automatic support for EDACS systems that use ESK. No settings are needed for this support; ESK systems are automatically detected and tracked. Improved P25 decoding on systems operating outside of the P25 industry specification. Added P25 Waiting Time to the Settings menu. This is no longer a hidden menu item. Added Digital End Code to the System options. This is no longer a hidden menu item. Added AGC tweak settings to the Settings menu. These are no longer hidden menu items. Added a 30-second delay option to the Fire Tone-Out menu. Added Close Call Do-Not-Disturb to the Close Call modes (see instructions later in this document). Updated the PC protocol to support all operation changes.

Previous Update 2.00.07

Improved decoding on P25 Multipacket Systems. Improved P25 Baseband decoding this will improve the digital decoding quality on all P25 channelsthose on P25 systems, Motorola Type II systems, and conventional channels. Improved digital noise rejection Improved EDACS channel end detection (reduced EDACS beeping) Improved auto-threshold adjustment. The settings remain in the menus to maintain compatibility with UASD, but the setting itself is just a placeholder now. When you resume from holding on a channel with the BCD396T, the scanner will now start from the next channel, not back to the first. Trunked systems are released faster when the scan hold time is set to 0, resulting in a faster scan rate. ESN, QSC, CSC, and PWR added to the PC protocol. See the separate protocol document for syntax. Added P25 Wait Time hidden menu. See separate instructions later in this document.

Previous Update 1.20.13

Add ESN (electronic serial number) and ESN checksum to the scanner

Previous Update 1.13.17

Add compatibility for the BC-RH96 Remote Head. Add WACN display to P25 systems. Hold on a P25 control channel and press FUNC. The SysID is replaced by the 5-digit hex WACN code. Fix Multi Packet issue on some P25 systems. Fix Stops on Control Channel issue for Motorola systems. Fix the Ghost Talkgroups issue where the incorrect talkgroup can be displayed for P25 systems. Improve rejection of close call hits on nearby frequencies when the signal level is weak. Change alpha tag advance method to use <4 and 6> to move left and right during text entry; add display to indicate this. Improve P25 audio performance in the Auto Threshold mode. Improve digital audio performance with AGC when the person transmitting suddenly speaks loudly. Make the squelch control more logarithmic to more closely emulate analog control.

Previous Update 1.11.03

Add P25 band plan setting for Implicit Mode systems. Improve Audio AGC. Adjust the Volume Table for smaller increments at low volumes. Change P25 Individual Call display format (Source and Destination) ([Before] DST SRC; [After] SRC - DST (as same as analog individual call) Fix an issue where EDACS beeps are sometimes not detected and suppressed. Fix an issue where, If you are doing an ID Search or Scan with the 396T on an EDACS Wide system (and just that one system), once it acquires the system and shows you the control channel, it will NEVER lose that indicator that it's locked on. The problem occurs only if system hold time is 0 or 1. The problem goes away if hold is set to 2 or higher. Fix an issue where Close Call and Wx Priority do not work when in ID SCAN/SEARCH Mode if there is no TGID information on control channel (no traffic on the system). Improve scanning when there are adjacent strong signals. Adds a Digital End Code option (unofficial) Adds AGC Parameter Adjustments (unofficial)

Backing Up Your Scanner

While it doesnt happen often, it is possible that applying a firmware update could affect some of your scanners programmed settings or systems. We recommend you make a full backup of your scanners programming and configuration before you apply the update. Follow these quick steps to make a backup of your BCD396T programming using Uniden Advanced Scanner Director (UASD): 1. Install (if necessary) and run UASD. 2. From the top menus, select Setup Options. 3. Set the COM port to the port youve connected the BCD396T to and select the baud rate that matches your scanners Settings Set Serial Port Set Baud Rate Front Port setting and then click OK. 4. Select Connect to Scanner from the left function bar. The software will begin to read the contents of your scanner. 5. When UASD finishes reading from the scanner, select Save from the top function bar. 6. Make sure the check boxes next to Save Configuration, Save Selected Systems, and Replace existing files with same names are checked, then enter a name for your configuration in the text box next to Save Configuration as:, the click OK.

Applying the Update

The following files are required for this update: BC_VUP_v2.0.0.3.exe this is the firmware updater software. If you have installed a previous version, this will automatically replace that version. BCD396T_V3_00_00.zip this is the firmware load for your scanner 1. If you have not previously installed BC_VUP V2, download and install it now. 2. Download and unzip BCD396T_V3_00_00.zip to your computer. 3. Go to your product page at My Uniden and click Get Registration Key next to your scanner. A registration key will now appear along with your other scanner information. Make a note of this key (or keep that window open so you can refer to it). The key is specific to the scanner youve selected. Note that this key will be different from the key used for the Version 2.x update. 4. If this option does not appear, you need to update your records to include your scanners ESN and ESN checksum, which can be found on your scanner by MENU Settings See Scanner Info Firmware Version. If The ESN and ESN checksum do not appear, you need to update your scanner to Version 1.20.13 prior to applying this update. 5. Run BC_VUP and select the V3.00.00 update file you saved in Step 2. 6. When prompted, select the correct COM port and the desired transfer speed, then click in the check box labeled Enable Major Version Up and enter the registration key we provided for that scanner. 7. Click OK and the update will be applied.

Update Troubleshooting

Follow these tips to troubleshoot any update problem you encounter: If you do not select Enable Major Version Up or if you enter a registration key for a scanner other than the one you are updating, your scanner will be disabled after the update. You must successfully complete the above steps using the correct registration key in order to apply the update. If the update fails, repeat the above process to reapply the update using the correct information. When prompted, be sure to turn off the scanner, remove the batteries, and hold down both the L/O and 6 buttons while plugging in the AC adapter. The blue backlight should come on and remain on until the end of the update. If an error occurs during the update, simply repeat all steps, including removing power, holding down L/O and 6, and plugging in AC power. Even if the backlight is already on, you need to repeat this step if you restart the update. Almost all update error messages are caused by: o Incorrect COM port selection: Be sure you have selected the COM port that the scanner is plugged into. o COM port software conflicts: No other software can be running that uses the COM port. Be sure to close UASD and any other scanner control software. Also, if you have ever used a PDA with this PC, there is probably synchronization software running all the time that takes over the COM port. You can usually stop that software by right-clicking on its icon in the lower right side of your PC screen, then selecting Quit or Exit. If your PC does not have a COM port, you can use a USB RS232 adapter. Uniden sells such an adapter specifically for this scanner (Model USB-1). Or, you can use many other adapters that are available at computer retailers. Note that some adapters do not work, or require updated drivers. Uniden only supports the USB-1. If some or all of your systems do not scan as expected, restore your scanners programming using UASD. Select Write to Scanner from UASDs main menu and select the backup you created before you performed the firmware update. (You will need to register UASD in order to write all systems back to your scanner.)

UASD After the Update

While you can continue to use UASD after the update, note that the new features incorporated into this update have not yet been applied to UASD. So, new settings are only available through direct entry at this time.
Using the P25 Band Plan Setting
The BCD396T includes two operation modes for P25 systems: explicit mode and implicit mode channel assignment. Explicit mode systems include all information needed to determine voice frequencies on the control channel. You must supply the systems band plan for implicit systems for the scanner to correctly determine voice frequencies. To set the band plan for a P25 system: [MENU] Program System Edit Sys Option E Edit Band Plan E Then, follow these steps: 1. the Band Plan table entry you want to edit and press E. 2. Enter the base frequency for the table entry and press E. 3. Enter the spacing for the table entry (in kHz) and press E. Repeat 1-3 for additional table entries. Notes: For Explicit mode systems, leave all entries blank. There is no way to determine the correct entries using the scanner (other than trial and error). You must get this information from another source. Uniden America Corporation does not have this information. E

Using the Digital End Code Option
This change adds a Digital End Code Option for P16 Systems Motorola 3600 bps digital systems. It might be a solution to the issue that systems with stuck repeaters hang the scan cycle.

Adjusting AGC Parameters

Digital AGC Settings
To access these settings: 1. Turn on the Digital AGC option and turn off the Analog AGC option. 2. Start scanning. 3. Hold F then tap the scroll knob three times. The scanner displays the current DIGITAL AGC RESPONSE TIME parameter setting (see below for option details). 4. Rotate the scroll control to change the setting. 5. F+rotate the scroll to select another setting. Parameters: DIGITAL AGC RESPONSE TIME Range: -8 to +8 (0 is default) This parameter determines how frequently the AGC factor updates. Decreasing this value makes AGC respond faster, but could result in pumping. A higher value decreases the response time. DIGITAL AGC REFER GAIN Range: -5 to +5 (0 is default) This parameter determines the reference level that AGC attempts to adjust the volume to. If digital/analog volume is not matched, adjust this parameter.

Analog AGC Settings

To access these settings: 1. Turn off the Digital AGC option and turn on the Analog AGC option. 2. Start scanning. 3. Hold F then tap the scroll knob three times. The scanner displays the current ANALOG AGC RESPONSE TIME parameter setting (see below for option details). 4. Rotate the scroll control to change the setting. 5. F+rotate the scroll to select another setting. Parameters: ANALOG AGC RESPONSE TIME Range: -4 to +6 (0 is default) This parameter determines how frequently the AGC factor updates. Decreasing this value makes AGC respond faster, but could result in pumping. A higher value decreases the response time. ANALOG AGC REFER GAIN Range: -5 to +5 (0 is default) This parameter determines the reference level that AGC attempts to adjust the volume to. If digital/analog volume is not matched, adjust this parameter. ANALOG AGC GAIN RANGE Range: 0 to 15 (6 is default) This parameter controls the total dynamic range of the AGC adjustments. A larger value allows a wider variation in volume.
Adjusting P25 Waiting Time
In order to prevent false decode problems (digital noise at the beginning of transmissions) for channels on conventional and Motorola analog or mixed (not P25) systems, a 400 mS delay has been added to such channels. During this time, the scanner will evaluate the received signal and, if it detects P25 data, will open squelch immediately. If P25 is not detected before the delay expires, the scanner will open squelch at the end of this delay. This setting only affects conventional channels that do not have CTCSS or DCS set and channels on Motorola (non P25) systems. To access the P25 Decode Delay menu, MENU Settings P25 Waiting Time Set the waiting time from 0 to 1000 mS.

Close Call Do-Not-Disturb
Close Call Do-Not-Disturb (DND) lets you enjoy the Close Call feature without having other transmissions interrupted every 2 seconds. When you select this mode, the scanner only performs Close Call checks when the scanner is not otherwise receiving an audio signal. To turn on Close Call DND, press F+HOLD repeatedly until the scanner displays CC DND. Or, set the feature using the menu: MENU Close Call Set CC Mode CC DND
Motorola 800 Custom Band Plan (Rebanding)
This update adds the ability to create a Motorola 800 MHz system using a custom band plan. When you create a system that has been rebanded to use the frequencies newly added for use by the FCC, you have the option now of selecting 800MHz Custom as the Motorola system type. Once you create the system, you can set the custom band plan as follows: 1. Edit System Option Edit Band Plan 2. Select the band plan entry to edit. 3. Set each of the following entries for the band plan: a. Set Base Freq (Lower and Upper) b. Set Offset c. Set Spacing For standard rebanded systems, you need to set Band Plan 1 and Band Plan 2 as: Band Plan Base Freq (Lower) Base Freq (Upper) Offset Polarity Spacing 851.025MHz 851.0125MHz 854.000MHz 868.9875MHz + + 25 kHz 25 kHz