Uniden BCD996T Owner's Manual

This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune to the radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, as amended, makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept cellular or cordless telephone transmissions or to market this radio when altered to receive them. The installation, possession, or use of this scanning radio in a motor vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or require a permit in certain states, cities, and/or local jurisdictions. Your local law enforcement officials should be able to provide you with information regarding the laws in your community. Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any way other than as detailed by this Operating Guide, could void your authority to operate this product. Be sure to use only a monaural earphone or 32 Ω stereo headset. Use of an incorrect earphone or stereo headset might be potentially hazardous to your hearing. The output of the phone jack is monaural, but you will hear it in both headphones of a stereo headset. Set the volume to a comfortable audio level coming from the speaker before plugging in the monaural earphone or a stereo headset of the proper impedance (32 Ω). Otherwise, you might experience some discomfort or possible hearing damage if the volume suddenly becomes too loud because of the volume control or squelch control setting. This might be particularly true of the type of earphone that is placed in the ear canal. Astro®, DPL®, Digital Private Line®, Motorola®, PL®, PRIVACY PLUS®, Private Line®, SMARTNET®, and SMARTZONE® are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc. IMPORTANT! EARPHONE WARNING! WARNING! Uniden does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

EDACS® is a registered trademark of M/A-COM Private Radio Systems Inc. Uniden® and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation. Trunk Tracker™, Trunk Tracking™, and Close Call™ are proprietary trademarks of Uniden America Corporation. Other trademarks used throughout this manual are the property of their respective holders. Power Related Issues Important: To prevent memory from being corrupted, do not unplug the AC adapter during the time the memory is accessed for programming or auto store. Notes: • If when you connect the AC adapter the [VOL] /Power Switch is ON, the scanner may not power on. Should this occur, simply turn the control OFF, then ON again. • If the scanner loses power (as when you turn off your car’s ignition with the scanner’s power switch on), it can lose some system settings such as display color and backlight. To ensure that such settings persist, either change the setting using the scanner’s menu or power the scanner off then back on using the power switch after making such setting changes.When you turn off the scanner using the power switch, the scanner remembers the last settings and mode. When you turn power back on, it resumes the previous mode.

Precautions........................................................................................................................................ 2 Power Related Issues ................................................................................................................... 3 Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. 4 The FCC Wants You To Know ......................................................................................................... 9 Scanning Legally ............................................................................................................................. 9 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 11 Feature Highlights .......................................................................................................................... 12 General ....................................................................................................................................... 12 GPS ............................................................................................................................................. 15 Weather ....................................................................................................................................... 15 Search ......................................................................................................................................... 15 Auto Store ................................................................................................................................... 16 Priority ......................................................................................................................................... 16 PC Control and Cloning .............................................................................................................. 16 Memory Storage Limits .................................................................................................................. 17 Search Lockout Limits ................................................................................................................... 17 About This Manual ......................................................................................................................... 17 Using the Scroll Control [FUNC] ................................................................................................. 17 How the Scanner’s Controls Are Represented in This Manual ................................................... 18 Entering Text Within A Menu Option ........................................................................................... 18 A Short User’s Guide to Assist the First-Time Scanner Enthusiast .......................................... 19 Understanding Scanning and the BCD996T ................................................................................ 21 Understanding the Scanner’s Memory .......................................................................................... 21 Understanding Quick Keys ............................................................................................................ 21 What is Scanning? ......................................................................................................................... 22 What is Searching? ........................................................................................................................ 22 What is CTCSS/DCS? ................................................................................................................... 22 Conventional Scanning .................................................................................................................. 23 Simplex Operation ......................................................................................................................... 23 Repeater Operation ....................................................................................................................... 24 What is Trunk Tracking? ................................................................................................................ 24 Trunked Scanning .......................................................................................................................... 25 Types of Trunking Systems ........................................................................................................... 25 Motorola Trunking ....................................................................................................................... 25 EDACS Trunking ......................................................................................................................... 26 LTR Trunking .............................................................................................................................. 27 Startup Configuration ..................................................................................................................... 28 Setup/Operation .......................................................................................................................... 28 Multi-Site Trunking ......................................................................................................................... 28 I-Call (Motorola/EDACS) ................................................................................................................ 29 Where To Get More Information .................................................................................................... 29 Information On The Internet ........................................................................................................ 29 Included With Your Scanner ......................................................................................................... 30 Setting Up Your Scanner ............................................................................................................... 31 Base Station .................................................................................................................................. 31

Setting Up an Audio Recording Device or Computer Recording ................................................... 33 Vehicle Installation ......................................................................................................................... 33 Mounting Using the Bracket ........................................................................................................ 33 Mounting Using the DIN-E Sleeve .............................................................................................. 34 Removing the Scanner from the DIN-E Sleeve ........................................................................... 36 Mounting Using ISO Technique .................................................................................................. 36 Removing the Display Sticker ..................................................................................................... 37 Connecting an Optional Antenna ................................................................................................... 37 Connecting an Earphone/Headphone ........................................................................................... 37 Connecting an Extension Speaker ................................................................................................ 38 Controls, Keys, and Functions ..................................................................................................... 39 A Look At The Display ................................................................................................................... 44 Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 45 Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch ......................................................................... 45 Startup Key Operation ................................................................................................................... 45 Conventional ............................................................................................................................... 45 Trunked ....................................................................................................................................... 45 Search Range ............................................................................................................................. 45 Scanning Systems ......................................................................................................................... 46 Preprogrammed System Tips ........................................................................................................ 47 Selecting Systems to Scan ............................................................................................................ 47 Selecting System Channel Groups ................................................................................................ 47 Locking/Unlocking Systems ........................................................................................................... 48 Locking/Unlocking Channels ......................................................................................................... 48 ID Scan/ID Search Mode ............................................................................................................... 48 Holding On a System ..................................................................................................................... 49 Holding On a Channel ................................................................................................................... 49 Quickly Storing an ID During ID Search ........................................................................................ 49 Quick-Storing Channels or Talk Group ID’s (TGID) ...................................................................... 49 Trunking Activity Indicators ............................................................................................................ 50 Toggling the Display Mode ............................................................................................................ 51 Optimizing P25 Performance ........................................................................................................ 52 Conventional System .................................................................................................................. 52 Trunked System .......................................................................................................................... 52 Using the Menu .............................................................................................................................. 54 Programming General Settings .................................................................................................... 55 Setting and Using the Backlight ..................................................................................................... 55 Setting the Dimmer ..................................................................................................................... 55 Setting the Backlight Color .......................................................................................................... 56 Adjusting the Key Beep ................................................................................................................. 56 Setting the Audio AGC .................................................................................................................. 56 Setting the Display Orientation ...................................................................................................... 57 Adjusting the Display Contrast ...................................................................................................... 57 Setting the GPS Format ................................................................................................................ 57 Setting the Position Format ......................................................................................................... 57 Setting the Time Format .............................................................................................................. 58 Setting the Time Zone ................................................................................................................. 58 Setting the Distance Units ........................................................................................................... 58

Displaying Scanner Information ..................................................................................................... 59 Viewing Memory Used ................................................................................................................ 59 Viewing the Firmware Version and Electronic Serial Number ..................................................... 59 Initializing the Scanner’s Memory .................................................................................................. 59 Connecting Your Scanner to a Personal Computer ....................................................................... 60 Volume/Squelch with PC Control ................................................................................................ 60 Wired Cloning ................................................................................................................................ 60 Programming Your Scanner .......................................................................................................... 62 System Settings .......................................................................................................................... 63 System Options ........................................................................................................................... 63 Site Settings ................................................................................................................................ 65 Channel Settings ......................................................................................................................... 66 Programming Conventional Systems ............................................................................................ 66 Programming Trunked Radio Systems .......................................................................................... 67 Programming System Settings ...................................................................................................... 67 Editing the System Name ............................................................................................................ 67 Specifying the Correct System Type ........................................................................................... 68 Programming System Options ....................................................................................................68 Programming Sites ........................................................................................................................ 76 Programming Channel Groups ...................................................................................................... 83 Setting Up a Channel Group ....................................................................................................... 83 Editing a Channel Group Name ..................................................................................................83 Setting the Group Quick Key ....................................................................................................... 84 Editing Channels ......................................................................................................................... 84 Locking Out Channel Groups ...................................................................................................... 84 Deleting Channel Groups ............................................................................................................ 85 Programming Channels ................................................................................................................. 85 Creating a Channel ..................................................................................................................... 85 Editing the Channel Name (Alpha Tag) ...................................................................................... 85 Editing Frequencies .................................................................................................................... 86 Editing the Talk Group ID ............................................................................................................ 86 Setting the Audio Type ................................................................................................................ 87 Selecting CTCSS/DCS Tones .....................................................................................................87 Quick CTCSS/DCS Save ............................................................................................................ 88 Setting Channel Modulation Method ........................................................................................... 88 Setting Channel Attenuation ....................................................................................................... 89 Setting Channel Priority .............................................................................................................. 89 Setting Channel Alert .................................................................................................................. 90 Setting Channel Record ................................................................................................................. 90 Searching and Storing ................................................................................................................... 93 Service Search .............................................................................................................................. 93 Quick Search ................................................................................................................................. 94 Custom Search .............................................................................................................................. 94 Editing a Custom Search Range ................................................................................................... 95 Search With Scan .......................................................................................................................... 96 Set Delay Time .............................................................................................................................. 98 Set Attenuator ................................................................................................................................ 98 Set Record ..................................................................................................................................... 98

Assigning a Search Range to a Search Key ................................................................................. 98 Saving a Found Channel (Quick Save) ......................................................................................... 99 Auto Search and Store .................................................................................................................. 99 Selecting a System to use for Storing ......................................................................................... 99 Conventional Search and Store .................................................................................................. 99 Trunked Search and Store ........................................................................................................ 100 Using the Close Call Feature ...................................................................................................... 101 Setting Close Call Options ........................................................................................................... 101 Close Call Hits ............................................................................................................................. 103 Close Call Hits with Scan ............................................................................................................ 103 Search and Close Call Options ................................................................................................... 105 Managing Locked-Out Frequencies .......................................................................................... 105 Unlocking All Frequencies ......................................................................................................... 106 Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies ......................................................................................... 106 Searching for Subaudible Tones ............................................................................................... 106 Screening Out Broadcast Sources ............................................................................................ 106 Finding Repeater Output Frequencies ...................................................................................... 107 Setting the Maximum Auto Store Value .................................................................................... 108 Setting the Modulation Type .................................................................................................... 108 Setting Attenuation .................................................................................................................... 109 Setting Data Skip ...................................................................................................................... 109 Setting the Delay Time .............................................................................................................. 110 Setting the Search Frequency Step .......................................................................................... 110 Setting Record .......................................................................................................................... 110 Adjust P25 Level ....................................................................................................................... 111 Priority Scan ................................................................................................................................ 111 Using Weather Alert (SAME) ....................................................................................................... 113 Searching For a Weather Broadcast ........................................................................................... 113 Turning Weather Alert On/Off ...................................................................................................... 114 Programming a SAME Group ...................................................................................................... 114 Setting WX Alert Priority .............................................................................................................. 114 Fire Tone-Out ................................................................................................................................ 115 Setting Tone-Out Standby ........................................................................................................... 115 Setting Up Tone-Out .................................................................................................................... 115 Tone-Out Multi-Channel Monitoring ............................................................................................ 117 Set Record ................................................................................................................................... 117 Using the BCD996T with a GPS .................................................................................................. 118 Device Compatibility .................................................................................................................... 118 Connecting Your Scanner to a GPS Device ................................................................................ 118 Initial Scanner/GPS Operation .................................................................................................... 118 Location-Based (GPS) Scanning ................................................................................................. 119 Another Example of Multiple Site Creation .................................................................................. 120 Non-Radio Location Based GPS Features .................................................................................. 120 Setting the Options ...................................................................................................................... 122 For POI Only ............................................................................................................................. 122 Deleting a Location ...................................................................................................................... 122 For Dangerous Xing, and Dangerous Road Only ........................................................................ 123 GPS Display Mode ...................................................................................................................... 124

Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 127 General Use ................................................................................................................................. 127 Location ....................................................................................................................................... 127 Cleaning ....................................................................................................................................... 127 Birdies .......................................................................................................................................... 127 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................... 128 Specifications ............................................................................................................................... 131 Reference ...................................................................................................................................... 134 Preset Fleet Maps ....................................................................................................................... 134 User Defined Fleet Maps ............................................................................................................. 136 Type I Programming Information .............................................................................................. 136 Size Code Restrictions ............................................................................................................. 137 Preprogrammed Systems and Lockout Options ....................................................................... 138 Preprogrammed Systems with Quick Keys ............................................................................... 139 CTCSS Frequencies .................................................................................................................... 140 DCS Codes .................................................................................................................................. 140 Index .............................................................................................................................................. 142 One-Year Limited Warranty ......................................................................................................... 146

The FCC Wants You To Know This scanner has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This scanner generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this scanner does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the scanner on and off, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna • Increase the separation between the scanner and the receiver This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Scanning Legally Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups, including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some transmissions that you should never intentionally listen to. These include: • Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmission) • Pager transmissions • Any scrambled or encrypted transmissions According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the contents of such a conversation unless you have the consent of a party to the conversation (unless such activity is otherwise illegal). This scanner has been designed to prevent the reception of cellular telephone transmissions and the decoding of scrambled transmissions. This is done to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured so they are not easy to modify to pick

modifications that could allow it to pick up transmissions that are illegal to monitor. Modifying or tampering with your scanner’s internal components or using it in a way other than as described in this manual could invalidate your warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it. In some areas, mobile and/or portable use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit. Check the laws in your area. It is also illegal in many areas (and a bad idea everywhere) to interfere with the duties of public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident without authorization. A license is required to use this product in Canada.

and automatic scanning capabilities. You can store in the dynamic memory conventional frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, air, amateur, and other communications. You can store and scan services that use Trunked Radio Systems and so much more. You can use the scanner’s Scroll Control to quickly select channels and frequencies, and you can automatically program channels in a system using the Auto Store feature. Use your scanner to monitor: • Analog and digital trunked public safety systems (unencrypted only) • Police and fire departments (including rescue and paramedics) • NOAA weather transmissions • Business/Industrial radio and utilities • Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands • Air band • Railroad • Military and Civilian Aircraft Your scanner can monitor the following bands Frequency (MHz) Lower Edge Upper Edge Modulation Step (kHz) 25.0000 27.9950 AM 5.0 28.0000 29.6800 NFM 20.0 29.7000 49.9900 NFM 10.0 50.0000 53.9800 NFM 20.0 54.0000 71.9500 WFM 50.0 72.0000 75.9950 FM 5.0 76.0000 87.9500 WFM 50.0 88.0000 107.9000 FMB 100.0 108.0000 136.9750 AM 25.0 137.0000 143.9875 NFM 12.5 144.0000 147.9950 NFM 5.0 148.0000 150.7875 NFM 12.5 150.8000 161.9950 NFM 5.0 162.0000 173.9875 NFM 12.5 174.0000 215.9500 WFM 50.0 216.0000 224.9800 NFM 20.0 225.0000 379.9750 AM 25.0 380.0000 512.0000 NFM 12.5 764.0000 775.9875 NFM 12.5 794.0000 805.9875 NFM 12.5

the cellular telephone or UHF TV bands. Feature Highlights General DIN-E and ISO Vehicle Mountable — using an included DIN-E sleeve or a standard ISO technique, the scanner can be easily mounted in most vehicles. Close Call™ RF Capture Technology — Instantly detects and tunes to nearby transmissions with no additional programming. See “Using the Close Call Feature” on Page 101 for more information. Close Call Do-Not-Disturb — Checks for Close Call activity in between channel reception so active channels are not interrupted. Close Call Temporary Store — Temporarily stores and scans the last 10 Close Call hits so that you can continue to monitor activity on those frequencies, even after you are out of Close Call detection range. Dynamically Allocated Channel Memory — Your scanner’s 6,000 channels are organized so that it more closely matches how radio systems actually work, making it easier to program and use your scanner and determine how much memory you have used and how much you have left. Preprogrammed Systems — Your scanner is preprogrammed with over 500 agencies covering police, fire, and ambulance operations in the 25 most populated counties in the US, plus the most popular digital systems. A list of the scanner’s preprogrammed systems is on Page 139. 100 Quick Keys — You can set the scanner so you can quickly select systems and groups by using the keypad. This makes it easy to listen to or quickly lock out those systems or groups you don’t want to scan. 13 Service Searches — Frequencies are preset in separate Public Safety, News, HAM Radio, Marine, Railroad, Air, CB Radio, FRS/GMRS, Racing, TV Broadcast, 806.0000 823.9875 NFM 12.5 849.0125 868.9875 NFM 12.5 894.0125 956.0000 NFM 12.5 1240.0000 1300.0000 NFM 25.0 Frequency (MHz) Lower Edge Upper Edge Modulation Step (kHz)

specific transmissions. “Soft” Search Keys — Lets you quickly search specified ranges. Channel Lockout — You can lock out any system, group, frequency, or channel while scanning. If you lock out a system or group, any channels belonging to that system or group are also locked out. Frequency Lockout — You can lock out up to 500 frequencies (250 permanently locked out + 250 temporarily locked out). The scanner skips locked-out frequencies while using the Close Call™ feature or while searching. CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes — Prevent interference from stations not using the tone code you select. Analog and Digital Audio AGC — Helps automatically balance the volume level between different radio systems. Fire Tone-Out Standby — Lets you set the scanner to alert you if a two-tone sequential page is transmitted. You can set up to 10 settings (transmit frequency, tone frequencies) then select one for standby monitoring. Up to ten tone-outs on the same RF setting can be scanned at one time. Broadcast Screen — Sets the scanner to ignore Close Call™ or search hits on known broadcast frequencies including common pager frequencies. Custom Screen — Lets you input up to 10 frequency ranges that the scanner will ignore during Close Call™ or search operation. Scan/Search Delay — The scanner pauses at the end of a transmission to wait for a reply. You can set the delay time for each system you scan, and while searching and using the Close Call™ feature. Attenuator — Reduces the input strength of strong signals by about 20 dB. Repeater Reverse — Automatically switches to the input frequency on a conventional repeater system. Channel Alert — Alerts you when there is activity on any channel you specify using your choice of nine unique alert tones. Memory Check — Lets you see at a glance how much total memory is left. Search with Scan Operation — Lets you include selected service searches or custom search ranges during normal scan operation.

alert, emergency alert), you can select from 9 different tone patterns and also set the alert volume level independently from the main volume level. Automatic Channel Step — Accepts frequencies on any valid channel step, even if it does not fall within the band plan’s default step. Frequency Step — Lets you select a frequency step (5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5,15, 20, 25, 50 or 100 kHz) for manual mode and search mode. Text Tagging — You can name each system, group, channel, talk group ID, custom search range, and SAME group, using up to 16 characters per name. Data Skip — Allows your scanner to skip unwanted data transmissions and reduces the effect of birdies. Duplicate Frequency Alert — Alerts you if you try to enter a duplicate name or frequency already stored in a system. Memory Backup — If power is lost or disconnected, the scanner retains the frequencies you programmed in its memory. Temporary Lockout — Makes it easy to temporarily lock out a system, channel, or frequency. The lockout is cleared when you turn power off, then back on so you don’t have to remember to unlock the channels later. Startup Configuration — Lets you easily manage multiple configurations for your scanner. Single-Handed Function Control Operation — You can tap the Function/Scroll Control to enable the Function mode. It reverts to normal mode in about 3 seconds from your last press if no other action occurs. Record Out Jack — Using the appropriate cable and audio recording device with signal control, you can record live audio of designated channels. Display and Keypad Backlight — Makes the display and keypad easy to see in dim light using two color options and six light levels plus off. Vehicle Power Connection (Orange Wire) — Lets you connect to your vehicle’s dimmer circuit to also dim the scanner’s display with the vehicle’s dimmer control. Trunk Tracker IV™ Operation — Follows unencrypted conversations on analog Motorola, Motorola Astro 25 (APCO 25), EDACS, EDACS SCAT, and LTR trunked radio systems, including systems in VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and 900 MHz bands. The scanner can scan both conventional and trunked systems at the same time.

more efficiently use the scanner’s memory and more easily select sites to monitor. Control Channel Only Scanning — If the scanner is set to scan a Motorola system, you can set it so it scans using only control channel data. You do not have to program voice channel frequencies into memory in this mode as long as all possible control channels are programmed. Adaptive Digital Threshold — Automatically sets the digital decode threshold for APCO 25 systems. GPS Location Based Scanning — If you connect a GPS unit to the scanner it can automatically enable and disable systems based on the Location Information (longitude, latitude, Range) that you provide. GPS Non-Radio Based Features — The scanner alerts you to Dangerous Intersections, Speed Alerts, and Points of Interest that you program into the scanner. 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. Weather Weather Search — Lets your scanner receive your local NOAA weather transmission. SAME Weather Alert — Lets your scanner sound an alert when a SAME weather alert signal is transmitted on a NOAA weather channel. The scanner also displays the transmitted alert type. This helps you quickly find out about severe weather in your area and lets you avoid false alarms. WX Priority — Lets your scanner alert you when a weather alert is transmitted on a NOAA weather channel. Search Service Search — Lets you quickly select and search the scanner’s preprogrammed frequencies. Custom Search — Lets you program up to 10 custom search ranges. You can search any of these ranges simultaneously.

codes on any channel or during a search. The scanner can identify up to 50 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes. Quick Search — Lets you search from the currently-tuned frequency if you are searching a conventional system. Auto Store Frequency AutoStore — Automatically stores all active frequencies into the selected conventional system. Talk Group ID AutoStore — Automatically stores all new talk group ID’s into a channel group you select. Priority Priority Scan — Priority channels let you keep track of activity on your most important conventional channel(s) while monitoring transmissions on other channels. Priority Plus — You can set the scanner so it scans only the priority channels. 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 scanner’s memory, menu settings, and other parameters from one BCD996T scanner to another BCD996T scanner.

* depending on the number of TGID in the system. Search Lockout Limits 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. To get the most from this manual, review the contents to become familiar with the basic functions available. If you are new to scanning or trunk tracking, start with the following short introduction to scanning and follow-up with the enclosed reprinted article on Programming provided with the courtesy of Popular Communications magazine. Using the Scroll Control [FUNC] The Scroll Control is a dual purpose control. It also lets you switch to secondary function operations. When used in this manner, you see F in this manual. Located prominently on the right of the BCD996T’s front panel, the knob/switch lets you easily control channel selection, plus Normal and Function Modes, as well as how most of the information appears on the display. To adjust menu settings, change channels in Hold mode, and resume scanning: Simply turn the Scroll Control. Systems Sites Sites per Systems Groups per System Total Channels 500 1000 256 20 6000 Channels per Conventional Systems Channels per Trunked Systems Trunked Frequencies per Site* 1000 250 750-1000 Frequencies Temporary L/O Frequencies Permanent L/O Frequencies Skipped Review 500 250 250 Search Mode Close Call Mode Menu Mode

fully explained in the next section. When you tap the control f appears and remains in the upper left corner of the display for 3 seconds. During this time, press any button to access the button’s second function. Or, press and hold the Scroll Control for 2 seconds. The scanner beeps, and the function is “latched” so that is does not return to normal mode until you tap the Scroll Control again. f flashes at approximately 1 second intervals. If you select Function while scanning, the BCD996T continues to scan, but holds on the current system until the function operation is cancelled. How the Scanner’s Controls Are Represented in This Manual To help navigate the scanner’s menus, the steps shown in this manual show the displays you see and the keys you press or control you operate to get a desired result. We use a form of shorthand symbols to save space. The following example shows you how to use the scanner’s menu to edit an existing system name. It shows you the key to press in brackets [MENU] to select a menu option and the option you see on the LCD in Boldface Courier type (Program System) when you press [MENU]. It also instructs you to turn the Scroll Control (shown as 4) to view a series of choices then press or tap the Scroll Control (the shorthand action shown as F to enter a choice such as Edit Name. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select the system JF Edit Name J F Then, edit the system name. Entering Text Within A Menu Option To enter a letter, turn the Scroll Control (4) until the letter, numeral or other character you want appears. 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] three times. To accept an entry, press F or press [EYES]. To cancel an entry, press [MENU].

A Short User’s Guide to Assist the First-Time Scanner Enthusiast Welcome to the family of Uniden scanner users. You have just unpacked your Uniden BCD996T scanner. You are anxious to scan and hear something so you rotate the [VOL/POWER] control and wait a moment as the opening Message and Copyright screens confirm the model information. Then, if you live in a residential area, you probably hear nothing or very little. Why? The reason is simple. The programmable BCD996T does not instinctively know where you are and what you wish to listen to. Take a few minutes to assist in the ‘educating your scanner’ process so you can enjoy listening for the first time and feel good about your purchase. Before proceeding, first follow the steps on Page 45 to set the volume and the squelch levels. Once set correctly, these settings let you listen at a comfortable level and let the scanner provide a signal whose strength is sufficient to be heard clearly. Always be sure to connect the provided antenna. There are several options that quickly assure you that your scanner works. The easiest is to activate the scanner’s Weather System. Refer to Page 112 for the steps to tune to the nearest NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) broadcast. Once you establish that the scanner operates using the NOAA information, and if you live in one of the areas listed on the Preprogrammed charts immediately following Page 139, you are ready to enter the exciting world of trunk tracking. Uniden has made it easy for you to start scanning. We have preprogrammed the BCD996T with more than 500 agencies across the U.S. If you live in one of the preprogrammed areas, simply press [SCAN/SEARCH] to start scanning. Then, press [.No] and the two-digit quick key for your area. One of the preprogrammed systems has common frequencies used across the country. By default, this system is enabled. To turn this system on or off, press [.No]. If you do not live in one of the preprogrammed system areas, refer to Page 139. There, you can follow the steps to select and search among the most popular service systems. Finally, you may decide to program the scanner yourself. To correctly program the BCD996T scanner begin on Page 62. The two programming steps are 1. Plan the system

Enclosed with the materials provided with your scanner is a reprinted article from Popular Communications, which, in clear, easy-to-understand language, tells you how to start the programming session. The article also includes a glossary of terms and other valuable data. Be sure to take time out to look it over before proceeding. To provide you with useful sized worksheets and instructions to complete them, we have established links at our company website. Visit, http://www.uniden.com/scanners to see a list of helpful forms. But first, visit http://www.radioreference.com and locate the system nearest your location that you want to scan. If you register and pay a small fee, you can download a ready-to-use formatted PDF complete with the data from your selected system. Otherwise, you can print the blank worksheet on our web page as you would any other web based page. The programming data of a large metropolitan area may consist of many pages depending on how extensive the area’s Public Service System Talkgroups are. Don’t be overwhelmed. Begin by choosing the Talkgroups of interest to you. Begin by transferring the data from the Radio Reference website to the worksheets you obtain from the Uniden website and from there, to the scanner. You can visit one of the Radio Reference forums and potentially learn of someone in your immediate area who has programmed the same model scanner in your area. Then, by using the Clone feature or by exchanging files that you each have transferred to a computer using the Uniden Advanced Scanner Director (UASD) software you can install the programmed data into your scanner. Once you have either programmed or selected the option that lets you start experiencing scanning, spend the next few minutes learning the basics of trunk tracking for an even more complete listening appreciation.

Understanding Scanning and the BCD996T This section provides you with additional background on how scanning works and how your scanner provides that feature. You don’t really need to know all of this to use your scanner, but some further background knowledge will help you get the most from your BCD996T. Understanding the Scanner’s Memory Your scanner’s memory is organized in an architecture called Dynamic Allocated Channel memory. This type of memory is organized differently and more efficiently than the bank/channel architecture used by traditional scanners. Dynamic Allocated design matches how radio systems actually work much more closely, making it easier to program and use your scanner and determine how much memory you have used and how much you have left. Instead of being organized into separate banks and channels, your scanner’s memory is contained in a pool. You simply use as much memory as you need in the pool to store as many frequencies, and talk group ID’s as desired. No memory space is wasted, and you can tell at a glance how much memory you have used and how much remains. With a traditional scanner, when you program it to track a trunked system, you must first program the frequencies. Since you can only program one trunking system per bank in a traditional scanner, if there were (for example) 30 frequencies, the remaining channels in the bank are not used and therefore wasted. Also, since some trunked systems might have hundreds of talk groups, you would have had to enter those types of systems into multiple banks in order to monitor and track all the ID’s. Understanding Quick Keys Traditional “Banked” scanners let you select and deselect banks by pressing a single digit on the keypad. The BCD996T uses a similar method to turn on and off scanning sites and systems. When you program a system or site, you assign a quick key (System/Site Quick Key, or SQK) from 0 to 99. You can use the same quick key for multiple systems, so that the systems are turned on and off together. To turn a system/site on or off, just press the digit corresponding to the assigned SQK. For two-digit SQK’s, first press [.No], then enter the two-digit SQK. The BCD996T lets you assign another quick key to a group of channels within a system. This group quick key (GQK) can be from 0-9. To turn on and off channel groups, you press F while the scanner is scanning the system containing the

channel groups, and multiple channel groups can be assigned to the same GQK. What is Scanning? Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit continuously. Your BCD996T scans programmed channels until it finds an active frequency, then stops on that frequency and remains on that channel as long as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes until the scanner receives another transmission. What is Searching? The BCD996T can search each of its 13 service search ranges and up to 10 custom search ranges to find active frequencies. This is different from scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmed into the scanner’s channels. You set the upper and the lower values of the range and then the scanner searches for any active frequency within the 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 scanner’s 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 sub-audible tone signaling systems sometimes referred to as PL or DPL (Motorola’s 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 two-way frequencies. These systems make use of a special sub-audible 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, such as your BCD996T, equipped with CTCSS and DCS, can code each received frequency with a specific sub-audible CTCSS or DCS frequency or code. 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 scanner’s squelch remains closed and you hear nothing. The tables showing the available CTCSS frequencies and DCS codes are found in the Reference Section of this manual. 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 When you want to store a conventional system, all you need to know are the frequencies they operate on. When you are scanning a conventional system, the scanner stops very briefly on each channel to see if there is activity. If there isn’t, the scanner quickly moves to the next channel. If there is, then the scanner pauses on the transmission until it is over. Simplex Operation Simplex systems use a single frequency for both transmit and receive. Most radios using this type of operation are limited to line-of-sight operation. This type of radio is frequently used at construction job sites, and with inexpensive consumer radios such as GMRS/FRS radios. The range is typically 1-15 miles, depending upon the terrain and many other factors.

repeater; the other transmits from the repeater to other radios in the system. With a repeater-based system, the repeater is located on top of a tall building or on a radio tower that provides great visibility to the area of operation. When a user transmits (on an input frequency), the signal is picked up by the repeater and retransmitted (on an output frequency). The user’s radios always listen for activity on the output frequency and transmit on the input frequency. Since the repeater is located very high, there is a very large line of sight. Typical repeater systems provide coverage out to about a 25-mile radius from the repeater location. What is Trunk Tracking? Your BCD996T is designed to track the following types of trunking systems. • Motorola Astro 25 (APCO 25) trunking systems. • Motorola Type I, Type II, Type IIi hybrid, SMARTNET, and PRIVACYPLUS analog trunking systems, which are extensively used in 800 MHz communication systems. • LTR trunking systems • EDACS SCAT trunking systems • EDACS trunking systems When tracking these types of systems, you might want to remember that your scanner can track more than one trunking system at a time and scan conventional and trunked systems at the same time. Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a frequency used by someone you want to monitor into your scanner’s memory. For example, the police in your area might transmit on 460.500 MHz, the fire department on 154.445 MHz, the highway department on 37.900 MHz, etc. So when your scanner stops on a frequency, you usually know who it is, and more importantly, you can stop on a channel and listen to an entire conversation. This type of scanning is easy and fun. However, as the demand for public communications has increased, many public radio users do not have enough frequencies to meet their needs, creating a serious problem. Trunking radio systems help solve this problem.

Trunked Scanning While conventional scanning worked great while there were only a few groups wanting to use the frequencies, with the advent of smaller, lower-cost radios more and more agencies and businesses wanted to take advantage of the utility of 2-way radio. As a result, the bands that were used most became full, so new users were not able to take advantage of the technology as quickly as they wanted. Trunking solved this frequency shortage by allowing multiple groups to use the same set of frequencies in a very efficient way. While each type of trunking system operates a little differently (see the next few sections), they all work on the same basic premise: even in a system with a lot of users, only a few users are ever transmitting at any one time. Instead of being assigned a frequency, as with conventional systems, each group is assigned a talk group ID. A central computer controls the frequency each group operates on. This frequency selection is made each time a user transmits. So, while on a conventional system queries, replies, and follow-ups are all on a single frequency, they could each be on completely different frequencies on a trunked system. This semi-random frequency assignment made monitoring such a system impossible prior to Uniden’s invention of the TrunkTracker scanner. Not only does your BCD996T scan channels like a conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know and program a talk group’s ID (TGID), you won’t miss any of the action. If you are a new scanner enthusiast, you might want to read the first part of this manual and use your scanner in conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking. Understanding scanning fundamentals and terminology will make trunk tracking much easier. If you are already an experienced scanner operator, you can review the programming worksheets and their associated pages on the Uniden website. Types of Trunking Systems Trunking systems divide a few frequencies among many different users, but the way that each system does this is slightly different. This section describes some of the technical data behind Motorola, EDACS, and LTR trunked radio systems. 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

Talk (PTT) to transmit, their radio first sends the person’s 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. 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 system’s fleet map. The most common fleet maps are included in the Reference section in this manual. You can also find fleet map resources on the web such as at http://www.radioreference.com. 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 ID’s and which talk group is assigned to which channel code for each radio, so with this system the user’s radio sends only about 1/3 the data as a Type I system with each transmission. Type II systems do not use Fleet-subfleet 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 system’s 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. Talk groups are assigned in an Agency-Fleet-Subfleet (AFS) hierarchy.There is one variation of EDACS called SCAT that your BCD996T 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 ID’s 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 District’s 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 system, your BCD996T lets you assign wildcard ID’s that let you, for example, use only one ID memory to identify all units in either an agency or a fleet. EDACS SCAT — (Single Channel Autonomous Trunking) systems operate on a single channel and alternate control data with analog voice traffic. While your BCD996T cannot track ID’s in this system, it can eliminate the control data so that all you hear is the voice transmissions when you monitor this type of system. LTR Trunking LTR (Logic Trunked Radio) systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers, such as taxicabs, delivery trucks, and repair services. These systems encode all control information as digital sub audible data that accompanies each transmission, so there is no separate control channel. Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talk groups, which are identified by the radio as six digit numbers. These numbers are in the form AHHUUU, where: A = Area code (0 or 1) H = Home repeater (01 through 20) U = User ID (000 through 254) When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the LTR mode, it first decodes the LTR data included with the transmission. In the ID search mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the display. In the ID scan mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the LTR

not locked out. LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique user ID. Startup Configuration Setup/Operation The Startup Configuration option lets you quickly and automatically lock and unlock systems based on your desired configuration. Simply hold down a number button while powering on the scanner or while the opening screens are displayed. Systems assigned to that number are automatically unlocked and systems assigned to other numbers are automatically locked. Systems that are not assigned to any startup configuration are left unchanged. You could use this feature to give you quick, single-press Quick Key access to your favorite systems even when you travel to other locations. For example, if you program your scanner as follows: When you are in the Fort Worth area, press [1] while turning on the scanner. System Quick Keys [1], [2], and [3] then allow you to select between the local systems. When you travel to the Phoenix area, hold [2] while turning on the scanner. Now, the Fort Worth systems are locked out and System Quick Keys [1], [2], and [3] allow selection between the Phoenix-area systems. Multi-Site Trunking Some systems covering a very large geographic area use multiple antenna sites that each operate on different frequencies, but that use the same Talk Group ID’s for traffic. When programming such a system, you program each site’s frequencies and other settings into the system, then program the channels into channel groups within that system. Each site can have its own quick key, so you can turn each individual site on or off while you scan. Since all sites share all the channels within the system, multi-site trunking is much more efficient than programming each site as a separate system. System/Site Quick Key Configuration 1 Configuration 2 1 Fort Worth Phoenix 2 Tarrant County Mesa 3 Arlington Mariposa Cnty

I-Call (Motorola/EDACS) I-calls are direct unit-to-unit transmissions that are not heard by other system users. Your BCD996T can receive I-call transmissions. See “Setting I-Call (Motorola and EDACS Systems Only)” on Page 72 for more information about monitoring I-call transmissions. Where To Get More Information By itself, this manual only provides part of what you need to know to have fun scanning — how to program and use the scanner. Other sources provide additional information. Information On The Internet The Internet is the best source for current frequencies and information about scanning. Many web sites are dedicated to providing lists of frequencies for your area. Many have built-in database search engines to assist you. Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to, then look up the frequencies and systems used by those agencies. Here are a few useful sites: • http://www.scannermaster.com * — frequency resources. You can also call them at 1 800 SCANNER (hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday). • http://www.radioreference.com * — the Internet’s premier source for user-supported radio system information. • http://www.bearcat1.com — frequency information from National Communications. • http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/reports/index.cfm * — conventional frequency information on file with the US Government • http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BCD996T * — a group for people interested in discussing the BCD996T. * - These web sites are not affiliated with Uniden Corporation. For more information about Uniden and our products, visit http://www.uniden.com.

If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central, Monday through Friday. BCD996T Scanner AC Adapter (P/N AD-1009) Cigarette Lighter Adapter Power Cord Three Wire DC Power Cord — See Step 5, “Mounting Using the DIN-E Sleeve” on Page 34 Mounting Bracket and Hardware DIN-E Sleeve and Removal Keys for vehicle installation Push-on type Telescopic Antenna Remote PC to Scanner Cable (scanner plug to Front PC Connecter) Owner’s Manual and Other Printed Material

Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: The BCD996T can be placed on a convenient surface in your home as a base station, and connected to a standard outlet that supplies 120VAC, 60Hz. You must use either the supplied antenna or an electrically correct outdoor antenna, properly and safely mounted at your chosen site. The scanner is also designed to accommodate the DIN-E and ISO-DIN automotive mounting configurations. A DIN-E sleeve is supplied. The unit can also be placed above or beneath the dash of your vehicle using the supplied bracket and mounting hardware. • If your scanner receives interference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from the source. • To improve the scanner’s reception, use an optional external antenna designed for multi-band coverage. (You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store). If the optional antenna has no cable, use 50-75 Ω coaxial cable for lead-in. A mating plug might be necessary for the optional antennas. • Use an optional mono earphone or mono headset with proper impedance (32 Ω) for private listening. Read the precautions on the inside front cover of this Owners Manual. • Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments such as the kitchen or bathroom. • Avoid placing the scanner in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents. Base Station This is the simplest approach to let you get started quickly. Decide on a location that is convenient to a nearby wall outlet, has desk space to let you complete your programming worksheets, will safely allow the indoor antenna to be extended, or near a window to use an outdoor antenna.

steps below: 1. Attach the four protective rubber feet to the mounting bracket when you casually use the scanner on a flat surface. Should you desire to permanently mount the scanner, remove the feet and use wood screws through the bracket as described in Steps 2 and 3. 2. Use the bracket as a template to mark positions for the two mounting screws. 3. At the marked positions, drill holes slightly smaller than the screws. 4. Align the bracket with the threaded holes on the sides of the radio case so the bracket is beneath the radio. Secure the bracket using the two threaded knobs. Never overtighten the knobs. Once the radio is positioned, connect it to a source of AC power using the supplied 13.8V, 750 mA AC adapter. Insert the barrel of the AC adapter to the jack on the rear, upper right side of the radio marked . BCD996T Bracket Wood Screws Desk Surface Mounting Feet (4) Apply beneath the bracket; between bracket and desk surface. WARNING! Use only the Uniden-supplied AC adapter with this scanner.

Insert the connector of the supplied indoor telescoping antenna to the BNC Antenna Connector and apply moderate pressure to secure it. Setting Up an Audio Recording Device or Computer Recording It is best if you plan ahead when you initiate the basic setup of the scanner if you include the components to record incoming reception. You need only an audio recording device which can be controlled by a Voice Operated module (VOX) either externally or from within the unit and the correct connecting cable. The REC jack on the rear apron provides a constant-level audio output which is not affected by the setting of the volume control. Use a mono or stereo cable that ends in a 3.5mm plug for the scanner. The recorder might have its own requirements as to the proper plug. Check the recorder’s instructions to be sure. Connect the cable to an external or internal VOX control so that the recorder activates when audio is present. You can also connect the cable to the appropriate input jack on your PC so that with controlling software, you can record to your hard disc. In order for the function to operate, you must set the channel to record. You must also set the system’s record option to either All Channel, which will record all channels regardless of any channel’s setting, or Marked Channel which only lets recording occur if you have selected record for that channel. Which you choose will depend on various factors. Vehicle Installation You can mount your scanner in your vehicle, using either the supplied bracket or the supplied DIN-E sleeve. Mounting Using the Bracket With the bracket removed from the radio, use the holes in the bracket as a template to initially mark the location you plan to use in your vehicle. Be absolutely certain of what might be behind the mounting surface before making any holes, be it above, or below, or in front of your dash, armrest console, or other location. If you drill carelessly, expensive damage can result. If in doubt, consult your vehicle dealer’s service department or a qualified professional installer.

concern may result in bodily harm and the inability of the airbag to perform properly. 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. Bracket Star Washers BCD996T Screws Mounting

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 vehicle’s 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. DIN-E Sleeve Opening in dash BCD996T with outer case removed

If you plan to connect other devices or wires to the radio, such as a GPS unit, at a later time, you should plan to remove the scanner from the DIN-E sleeve. This is easily done using the provided Removal Keys. Refer to the illustration that shows the removal key(s), on Page 30. Fully insert both Removal Keys into the slots on the left and the right edges of the radio’s dress panel. You cannot remove the radio if only one key is available. Press in fully and the radio will unlock from the sleeve making withdrawal from the sleeve possible. Store the keys in a safe place for future use. Mounting Using ISO Technique Some vehicles can take advantage of another approach to mounting a radio in a vehicle, called the ISO technique. However, this technique requires a very detailed and thorough knowledge of the technique. Therefore, we strongly suggest that if you have any doubt about your experience and abilities, please consult with a professional installer who is familiar with the ISO approach to radio installation. To begin the process, it is first necessary to remove the scanner's outer metal sleeve from the inner chassis. Unthread the four screws in the rear of the unit. Slide the cover toward the rear and off. Once the sleeve is removed, you will see threaded, metric machine screw holes on either side of the chassis cabinet. Uniden does not supply these screws. Their diameter, length, and screw type should be chosen by a qualified installer based on the internal vehicle bracket which will be used in securing the scanner chassis. Removal Keys

Once the original radio is removed from the vehicle dash and the fit of the scanner is correct, be sure to connect all the power, audio, antenna, and any other cables or wires, to the scanner before the scanner is secured. The following illustration is a typical example of the ISO technique and the general side mounting screw holes often encountered. It does not actually represent your vehicle or your vehicle’s mounting bracket. Only a professional installer will be able to determine the best and correct approach. Removing the Display Sticker Before you use the scanner for the first time, remove the protective plastic film over the display. Connecting an Optional Antenna The scanner’s BNC connector makes it easy to connect a variety of optional antennas, including an external mobile antenna or outdoor base station antenna. Note: Always use 50- or 75-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8, BNC terminated coaxial cable to connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna is over 50 feet from the scanner, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. Cable loss increases with higher frequency. Connecting an Earphone/Headphone For private listening, you can plug a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug earphone or headphones (not supplied) into the headphone jack on the front of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker. See “Earphone Warning” at the front of the manual for important information about using an earphone/headphone. Internal Bracket Dash

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 back-panel Ext. Sp. Jack. WARNING! Never connect anything other than the recommended amplified extension speaker to the scanner’s headphone jack. Damage to the scanner might occur. WARNING! 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 also damage the scanner.

Controls, Keys, and Functions The knobs and keys on the BCD996T produce several different actions. You can, for example, rotate the knobs as well as press them to achieve a different result. Pressing a key briefly can produce one result while pressing and holding, gives a different result. Many controls and keys behave differently depending on the mode your radio is in when you use them. Carefully examine the following table to separate those actions. Note: “Press” means press and release briefly. “Press and hold” means press and hold down for at least 2-seconds. F means Tap or Press the Scroll Control to put the scanner into Function mode then press the key under discussion. 3 4 11 2 15 5 7 13 6 1 16 9 8 10 12 17 14 Antenna Connector Record Out External Spkr DC Adapter DC Vehicle GPS/Remote Power In

decrease All Press Backlight enabled and intensity changes: Green Low-Green Medium-Green High-Red Low-Red Medium-Red High Function Press F then tap VOL Rotate Scroll Control Sets APCO threshold Squelch 2 All Rotate Sets the Squelch Level to permit strong signals to be heard with no background noise or lower strength signals with some background noise Press Toggle: Close Call DND-CC Pri-OFF Press & Hold Turns on Close Call Only Mode + F Press Toggles to Tone-Out stand by mode Scroll Control and Function F 3 All Rotate Turn to change scanning or searching direction. Scan or Custom Search Scroll Control + Rotate Turn to select System or Search Range Hold Rotate Turn to Select channel or frequency Menu Rotate Turn to scroll to menu item-Tap to select current option Press Use as the key for menu choices Name Edit Rotate Turn to select alpha/numeric entry for names Monitor Rotate Turn to resume scanning or searching GPS F+ Rotate Turn to operate alphabet skip Function Press/Tap Switches to Function Mode; To latch Function Mode, press and hold [PRI] 4 Scan Press Toggle Priority Mode (On-Plus On-Off) Func

[WX] 5 WX Scan or WX Alert Scan Press Toggle between WX Scan and WX Alert Scan Other Press Turn to toggle WX Alert Priority On and Off Press & Hold Starts WX Scan [GPS] 6 All Press Changes to GPS Mode GPS Press & Hold Stores current GPS data F + Press Change GPS Display [L/O] 7 Scan Search Hold Press Temporarily locks out a system channel, a search frequency, or location data. Cancelled when Power is turned off. Press 2X Permanently locks out system channel, a search frequency, or location data. Remains locked after power cycle. Menu Press Exit the menu. Scan/ Scan Hold Press & Hold Enables System Quick Key and Group Quick Key in the current system. Unlocks System, Group and Channel in the current system. F + Press & Hold Enables all System quick Keys and group Quick Keys and unlocks all systems, groups, channels, and search ranges. Search Search Hold Close Call Only Close Call Hold Press & Hold Unlocks all frequencies of Global Lockout List. Control/Key Label Mode Action Result

8 Scan Press Enable/Disable selected System/Site Quick Keys Custom Search Press Turn on and off each custom search number All Hold Close Call Tone-Out Press Directly enter frequencies or Talk Group IDs Scan F + Press Enable/Disable Group Quick Key Other than Scan or GPS F + Press [1] to [6] [1] to [6] to start check of set search range Other than Scan or GPS F + Press [7] [7/ATT] to toggle attenuator setting All F + [0] Switches to Display Mode- Mode 1 default Scan/Scan Hold F + [.No] Enables Trunking activity Indicators [4] move left [6] move right Editing Name Press Moves the cursor left or right during name or label editing. [.No] 9 All Press Cancel error or warning messages Hold Close Call Only Tone-Out Press Enter [.No] For frequency Press Enter “-” or “I” for TGID Press 2X Delete current character in name edit Press 3X Clear all letters in name edit Press Enter “-” or “I” for Direct Entry Scan Scan Hold F + Press Toggle Active Channel Display On or Off Scan Press Starts two-digit of (SQK) System/Site Quick Key Control/Key Label Mode Action Result

[EYES] 10 MENU Press Use as the key for menu choices Scan Scan Hold Press Edit the channel data for active channel Search Search Hold Close Call Close Call Hold WX Scan WX Scan Hold Press Saves the active frequency Tone-Out Standby Press Switches to Tone Out edit Menu to change Tone Out Settings [SCAN/SEARCH] 11 Scan Hold Press Start Scanning Other than Scan or Scan Hold or GPS Press Instant switch to Scan Mode Search Hold F + Press Toggle to resume searching GPS Press Toggle to scanner LCD Trunking Scan F + Press Toggle ID Search and ID Scan. [HOLD/RESUME] 12 Scan Search Close Call Only WX Scan Press Toggles HOLD on or off; In Close Call mode, error tone sounds if no frequency is detected. [MENU] 13 Scan Scan Hold GPS F + Press Initiates edit menu for current system, current search range, or current location data Menu Press Back up one level in the menu. All Press Use with Scroll Control to select menu settings Front Serial Port 14 Clone & UASD Connect Supplied Cable Connect supplied serial cable to use wired clone mode or create/edit settings with UASD software. Close Call Indicator 15 Lights Lights to indicate a Close Call hit. Alert Indicator 16 Lights Lights for various alerts like WX Alert. Headphone Jack 17 All Insert Use 1/8-inch audio plug to listen privately. Control/Key Label Mode Action Result

The display has indicators that show the scanner’s current operating status. The display information helps you understand how your scanner operates. The LCD screens shown here are only a few of many that you will see while in different modes. The ones we show here are more common and will assist you to get started. 1. Group Quick Key 2. Site Quick Key 3. Channel Name 4. System Name/ Channel Group Name 5. Hold indicator 6. Signal Strength indicator 7. Close Call enabled 8. Talk group ID Number 9. Talk group Frequency 10. System Type (M, C, E, L) 11. Modulation Type (Narrowband FM shown) 12. Attenuation enabled 13. Priority ON 14. CTCSS or DCS Indicator 㪛㪸㪻㪼㩷㪚㫆㫅㫍㪼㫅㫋㫀㫆㫅㪸㫃 㪚㪪㪠㩷㪦㫇㪼㫉 㪪㫇㫉㫀㫅㪾㪽㫀㪼㫃㪻㩷㪫㪸㫏㫀 㪡㪼㫉㫆㫄㪼㩷㪥㫆㫉㫋㪿 㪙㫉㫆㫅㫏㩷㪜㪤㪪

To turn the scanner on, rotate [VOL] clockwise. Turn the knob to a comfortable sound level. Rotate the squelch control [SQ] clockwise until you either hear a broadcast or noise just stops. The control is now set for strong signals. If you desire to hear a weaker signal, turn it counter clockwise from that point until you hear background noise once more. 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] J 4 Program System JF Select the conventional system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set Startup Key JFfor each system. Trunked [MENU] J 4 Program System JF Select the trunked system JF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select the site JF 4 Set Startup Key JF for each system or site. Search Range [MENU] J 4 Search for… JF 4 Edit Service JF 4 Select a Service RangeJF 4 Search with Scan JF 4 Set Startup KeyJF OR

4 Edit Custom JF 4 Select a Custom RangeJF 4 Search with Scan JF 4 Set Startup KeyJF 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/system’s 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.

All systems preprogrammed into the scanner are assigned to a Quick Key. See “Preprogrammed Systems with Quick Keys” on Page 139 for a list of preprogrammed systems and their Quick Key assignments. Notes: • The systems preprogrammed into the scanner are located primarily in major metropolitan areas. • You might hear transmissions on frequencies assigned to very distant stations. This will happen if a local system also uses the same frequency. • The Nationwide system assigned to SQK 20 is enabled by default. Selecting Systems to Scan To select systems to scan, press Scan then press the quick key assigned to the system or systems you want to scan. For quick keys [0] - [9], press the quick key’s number. For quick keys 10-99, press [.No] then press the quick key’s 2-digit number. To stop scanning the system(s), press [.No] (if the quick key is a 2-digit quick key) then the number button or buttons again. The Sx: (system) indicators on the display show the systems that are currently selected. To select or lock out a system that is not assigned to a key, press F then rotate the Scroll Control until the desired system is selected. Then, press [L/O] within 2 seconds to either lock out or unlock the system. Selecting System Channel Groups Within a system, you can assign groups of channels to a group quick key (see “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 84). Follow these steps to activate or deactivate a channel group within a system while scanning. 1. Tap F then turn the Scroll Control to switch to the Function Mode. Then 4 to select the system that has the channel group you want to enable or disable. 2. While f still appears on the display, press the number key corresponding to the channel group you want to activate or deactivate.

key is selected. 1. Tap F to switch to the Function Mode then rotate the control to select the desired system. 2. Press [L/O] to temporarily lock out the system. Temporary L/O appears. Or, quickly press [L/O] twice to permanently lockout the system. Locked Out appears. 3. To unlock temporarily locked out systems, turn power off and then back on. To unlock permanently locked out systems, repeat Steps 1 and 2. System Unlocked appears. Locking/Unlocking Channels If the scanner has stopped on a channel press [L/O] once to temporarily lock it out or quickly press [L/O] twice to permanently lock it out. Cycling power off/on automatically unlocks temporarily locked-out channels. To lockout a channel when the scanner has not stopped on the channel, or to unlock a permanently locked-out channel. 1. Press [HOLD/RESUME] to hold on a channel. 2. Tap F to switch to the Function Mode , then rotate the control 4 to select the system where the channel is stored. 3. Tap F or wait 2 seconds, then rotate the Scroll Control 4 to select the channel you want to lock or unlock. 4. Press [L/O] to temporarily lock or unlock the current the channel. Double-tap L/O to permanently lockout the current channel. ID Scan/ID Search Mode While you are scanning a trunked system, the scanner can be in either ID Scan or ID Search mode: • ID Scan — the scanner only stops on talk group ID’s (TGID) that you have programmed into the system that are unlocked. • ID Search — the scanner stops on any unlocked talk group that becomes active.

while the scanner is scanning the system. If the scanner does not scan the system long enough for you to easily do this, press F and rotate the Scroll Control to select the changed system. Then, press [SCAN/SEARCH] within 2 seconds. Holding On a System To temporarily hold on a system, tap F. To hold on a different system, tap F then rotate the control to select the system. Normal scanning resumes 2 seconds after your last selection. To permanently hold on a site or system, press and hold the Scroll Control for 2 seconds. f flashes in the display’s upper left corner. The scanner continues to scan only the current system. To hold on a different site or system, rotate the Scroll Control 4 to select the new site or system then press [EYES]. Holding On a Channel To hold on a channel, press [HOLD/RESUME] while the channel is active. To select a different channel, turn the Scroll Control. If you scroll past the beginning or end of the current system, the scanner selects channels in the previous or next system. To resume scanning, press [SCAN/SEARCH]. Quickly Storing an ID During ID Search To quickly store an active talk group ID during ID search, press [EYES]. You see: Quick TGID Save? To save the ID into a channel, press [EYES]. Otherwise, press [.No]. If you press [EYES], the scanner stores the ID into a channel group called Qck Save Grp in the current system. Quick-Storing Channels or Talk Group ID’s (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 ID’s). 3. To quick-store the channel or talk group ID, press [EYES]. Otherwise, press [.No].

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 ID’s 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.

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. 㪛㪸㪻㪼㩷㪚㫆㫌㫅㫋㫐 㪚㪪㪠㩷㪦㫇㪼㫉 㪛㪸㪻㪼㩷㪚㫆㫌㫅㫋㫐 㪚㪪㪠㩷㪦㫇㪼㫉 Channel Name Display Mode 1 Channel Name Display Mode 2

You can optimize the scanner’s performance with digital APCO 25 systems. Follow these steps for each system where you can hear APCO 25 traffic. Notes: These steps work only when you can clearly receive the system. If you are in a weak-signal area or receive interference, these steps will not work. These steps do not compensate for weak signals or signals subject to interference. If you set an incorrect decode threshold level in Step 5, the scanner might stop decoding all digital signals in the system. If this happens, change the setting to a value between 8 and 12 then repeat these steps. Conventional System [MENU] JProgram System JF 4 Select the system JF 4 Edit Sys OptionJF 4 Adjust P25 LevelJF Trunked System [MENU] JProgram System JF 4 Select the system JF 4 Edit SiteJF 4 Select the site JF 4 Adjust P25 Level JF Make sure the system’s P25 Level option is set to Auto. Press [HOLD/RESUME] on an active digital channel on the system. HOLD appears on the display. Press F then [VOL]. f disappears and APCO threshold Adjust Mode appears at the bottom of the display. 㪭㪸㫅㩷㪚㫆㫉㫋㩷㪧㪸㫋㫉㫆㫃 This number shows the current threshold setting. Threshold voltage levels. *In Manual mode or Auto mode, if you rotate the knob clockwise, the threshold level is adjusted wider than default level. If you rotate the knob counterclockwise, the level is adjusted narrower.

• The next to last line on the display now shows the digital error rate and the AUTO decode threshold start level (0-20). • The last line on the display shows the decode threshold levels for the system. Allow the scanner to monitor channel activity for several minutes. The error rate should drop for each transmission and the threshold levels should automatically adjust to a more optimal setting. Then, once the threshold level settles to a stable setting, write down these values. This is the system’s optimum decode threshold. Rotate the Scroll Control 4 to set the AUTO decode threshold start level to a setting that most closely matches the system’s optimum decode threshold. Now, when the scanner stops on a system, it will use this threshold as the starting point for automatic optimization. To exit when the settings are complete, press F then press [VOL].

The BCD996T incorporates an effective menu system that lets you make all the necessary setting options required to program the scanner and effectively use the many features. To use the menu, press [MENU]. You immediately see the screen display the menu title at the top and three of ten menu options beneath. Using the Multifunction Scroll Control, you can rotate the control left or right to quickly review all ten listings. The depth of each menu selection is extensive. For the purpose of this manual, the following chart indicates the primary menu selection, the purpose of that selection, and a reference to the page or pages that provide the details associated with the option. Menu Item Let’s You… For Detail, See… Program System Select options related to setting up a new system or editing one already programmed. See "Scanner Programming" reprint. Program Location Choose GPS related locations for data to alert, confirm location, and provide you with an audible warning if desired. Srch/CloCall Opt Lets you adjust settings that affect the scanner during search and Close Call operation See “Search and Close Call Options” on Page 100 Search for... Choose and search programmed ranges of desired services See “Searching and Storing” on Page 93 Close Call Setup the radio to receive, and let you hear, nearby strong stations. See “Using the Close Call Feature” on Page 101 Set Priority Lets you scan a conventional system and check for designated priority channels. See “Priority Scan” on Page 111 WX Operation Set choices for weather scanning. See “Using Weather Alert (SAME)” on Page 112 Tone-Out for... Select up to 10 Tone-Out settings or Standby See “Fire Tone-Out” on Page 115 Wired Clone Copy data directly from one BCD996T to another BCD996T. See “Wired Cloning” on Page 60 Settings Choose settings for miscellaneous but convenient options. See the respective pages for each option:

Programming General Settings This section covers your scanners general settings. Setting and Using the Backlight The LCD has a backlight that can be set to green or red with three levels of intensity for each color plus OFF. To make your selection, press [VOL]. Each time you press the control, the backlight cycles in the following order. OFF — Low Intensity Green — Medium Intensity Green — High Intensity Green — Low Intensity Red — Medium Intensity Red — High Intensity Red When you stop at the desired level, the scanner remembers your setting the next time you turn on the scanner. You can also set the backlight using the menu. Setting the Dimmer If you connect the orange wire to a wire in your car that changes state when you turn on the headlights, the scanner can automatically dim the display when you turn on the headlights. Tapping [VOL] overrides the menu setting and cycles through all backlight settings. [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set Backlight JF 4 Set Dimmer JF Auto — Use this setting if you have connected the scanner to your vehicle’s headlights using the orange wire. If you have connected the wire, the scanner automatically dims the backlight when you turn on the headlights. After selecting this option, select either: + Polarity — If the headlight wire is connected to +12V when the headlights are on. - Polarity — If the headlight wire is connected to vehicle ground when the headlights are on.

Low, or Off. To guide you in your selection, at each setting the display shows what you can expect to see. Setting the Backlight Color [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set Backlight JF 4 Set Color JF Set this option to either Red or Green. Adjusting the Key Beep [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Adjust Key Beep JF Auto — the scanner automatically sets the key beep to match the master volume setting level you select. Level 1 - 15 — the scanner lets you manually select one of fifteen key beep levels. As you turn the Scroll Control, the beep gets louder. Press F when you reach the desired level. Off — the scanner turns the key beep off. Setting the Audio AGC [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set Audio AGC JF 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. You can set the Analog or the Digital mode to be on or off. 4 to select either Analog or Digital Once you have made your selection press F to toggle between On or Off.

Setting the Display Orientation [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set Upside-down JF This setting controls the orientation of the display. If you set Upside-down to On, the scanner inverts the display text and graphics. Adjusting the Display Contrast There are 15 contrast levels. As you scroll from level 1 to 15 you see the contrast change. Press the Scroll Control to lock the desired level until the time you desire to change it. [MENU] J 4 Settings JF Adjust Contrast J F 4 Select a level Level 1 to Level 15 J F Setting the GPS Format [MENU] J 4 Settings J F 4 Set GPS Format J F These settings control how the scanner handles GPS input when you are using the location-based functions. Setting the Position Format [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set GPS Format JF 4 Set Pos Format JF This setting controls the format used for entering GPS coordinates into the scanner. DMS: DDD° MM’ SS.ss — Enter the location in Degree, Minute, Second format. DEG: DDD.dddddd — Enter the location in Degree and fraction format. Setting the Time Format [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set GPS Format JF 4 Set Time Format JF

screens. 12H — the scanner displays time in 12-hour format using am for mornings and pm for evening times. 24H — the scanner displays time in 24-hour format using 0 for midnight and 23 for 11 pm. Setting the Time Zone [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set GPS Format JF 4 Set Time Zone JF This setting controls the format used for adjusting Universal time to local time. Set your local time’s offset from UTC (formally known as GMT). Setting the Distance Units [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set GPS Format JF 4 Set Unit JF This setting controls the distance units shown in the GPS data screens and used for entering distance for POI’s mile — The scanner uses miles. km — The scanner uses kilometers. Setting the Serial Port Speed [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 Set Serial Port JF 4 Set Baud Rate JF 4 Set Front Port or Set Rear Port JF Use this setting to control the data rate used for the front and back panel serial ports. You typically set the front port to match the speed used to communicate with your PC (default 115200 bps) and the back port to the speed used to communicate with an attached GPS (default 4800 bps). Note that the back port is male. You may need a gender changer and a null modem adapter to use a typical DB9 serial cable from the rear port.

For Serial Port Speed (Baud Rate), select from 4800 bps 9600 bps 19200 bps 38400 bps 57600 bps 115200 bps OFF Displaying Scanner Information Viewing Memory Used [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 See Scanner Info JF 4 % Memory Used JF The scanner displays the percent of memory that is used and the number and the percent of systems, sites and channels that are created. Press any key to return to the previous menu, then press any key to exit the menu. Viewing the Firmware Version and Electronic Serial Number [MENU] J 4 Settings JF 4 See Scanner Info JF 4 Firmware Version JF Press any key to return to the previous menu, then press any key. Initializing the Scanner’s Memory Warning: This clears data you have entered. You cannot restore user programmed data that has been deleted. You can, at a last step, restore only the original factory data. 1. To initialize the scanner’s memory, turn off the scanner. 2. While pressing [2], [9], and [HOLD] at the same time, turn on power. At that point anything you have programmed is gone.

see the question: Restore Preprogram List? Yes=”E”/”No= ”.” If you do not say Yes, the scanner is totally empty. Connecting Your Scanner to a Personal Computer You can connect your scanner, by means of the supplied cable, to a personal computer to download data from the computer to the memory of the scanner. Before you proceed, you must first set the scanner’s communications speed as described in the previous section. In addition you will need a copy of Uniden Advanced Scanner Director software. You can download the software from http://www.uniden.com in the Customer Service Downloads link. Important: Start with a high baud rate setting. If, during transfer, you get an error message, reduce the setting and start again until you get reliable, complete transfer of data. Volume/Squelch with PC Control If you use a PC to control the scanner, and you change the scanner’s volume or squelch setting using the PC, the scanner ignores the front-panel control’s current setting. However, if you later change the volume or squelch setting using the front-panel control, the scanner uses the control’s setting (i.e. the scanner pays attention to the last method used). Wired Cloning Using the scanner in a cloning setup lets you transfer programmed data directly from a source or master BCD996T to a target or slave BCD996T. Wired cloning between other models to the BCD996T is not possible. [MENU] J 4 Wired Clone JF 4 Master or Slave (select one as the master and one as the slave) To clone (transfer) data directly from one BCD996T scanner to another BCD996T scanner, you must first connect the scanners to each other using the included connection cables and a DB9 null modem adapter and for the rear port, a DB9

gender changer (neither included), available at most computer stores. Then you must set one scanner as the source and the other as the target. 1. Select the Front Port for the Master. Select the Rear Port for the Slave or vice versa. 2. Plug the 9-pin serial connector into the unit designated as the Rear Port. 3. Plug the smaller connector into the front port of the unit designated as Front Port. 4. When you are ready to clone the scanner, press [SCAN/SEARCH] on the slave scanner first, then [SCAN/SEARCH] on the master scanner. The master scanner checks the connection between the two scanners, then transfers its data to the slave scanner. 5. When the transfer is complete, Complete appears on both scanners. If the transfer did not work, Error appears on the master scanner. Readjust the baud rate to a lower setting and try again. Connected as shown, and with both ports correctly selected, no other hardware is needed.

Your BCD996T comes preprogrammed with over 500 state and local agencies, both analog and digital, selected from the most populous areas in the US. This should let you get started quickly to enjoy your new scanner. However, to get the most enjoyment from your scanner (especially if you do not live near one of these counties), you must customize the programming for your area. To edit an existing system, use the menu to navigate to the system setting you want to change. This section assumes you are programming a new system. Programming radio systems is completed in two major steps. Don’t skip either step! 1. Plan the system. 2. Program the system into your scanner according to the plan you prepared in Step 1. To make this easier, planning worksheets are available as a download for each system type from the Uniden America Corporation website [www.uniden.com]. General Notes You can store up to 6000 channels in up to 500 systems. Each trunking system can have up to 256 sites and up to 250 trunked channels (TGID). Each conventional system can have up to 1000 channels. Your scanner can have up to a total of 1000 sites. Each system can have up to 20 channel groups. The following table provides you the information to successfully perform various steps connected with programming each of the systems: Conventional, Motorola, EDACS, and LTR. Some operations are common to all of the systems while some are specific to a given system. Use the following table to quickly locate the step you want or need to perform (where required), the reference page for that step, and to which system or systems it applies.

System Settings System Options System Settings CNV MOTOROLA EDACS LTR See Pages TYPE I P25 / TYPE II Wide /Narrow SCAT Edit Name • • • • • • P. 67 Edit Sys Option • • • • • • P. 68 Edit Site • • • • • P. 76 Edit Group • • • • • P. 83 Copy System • • • • • • P. 76 Delete System • • • • • • P. 76 System Option Settings CNV MOTOROLA EDACS LTR See Pages TYPE I P25/ TYPE II WIDE/ NARROW SCAT Set Quick Key • P. 68 Set Startup Key • P. 69 Set Lockout • P. 69 Set Hold Time • P. 70 ID Scan/Search • • • • P. 70 Set Delay Time • • • • • • P. 70 Set Data Skip • P. 70 Set LocationInfo • P. 71 Edit Fleet Map • P. 71 Set Status Bit • • P. 72 Set End Code • • P. 72

• • • • P. 74 Adjust P25 Level • P. 75 System Option Settings CNV MOTOROLA EDACS LTR See Pages TYPE I P25/ TYPE II WIDE/ NARROW SCAT

Site Settings Site Setting MOTOROLA TYPE I MOTOROLA P25/TYPE II EDACS L T R 800MHz Standard 800MHz Splinter P25 800MHz Standard 800MHz Splinter 900MHz Band VHF Band UHF Band WIDE NARROW SCAT Edit Name • • • • • • • • • • Set Quick Key • • • • • • • • • • • • Set Startup Key • • • • • • • • • • • • Set Frequencies • • • • • • • • • • • • Set Modulation • • • • • • • • • Set Attenuator • • • • • • • • • • • • Set Lockout • • • • • • • • • • • • Set Hold Time • • • • • • • • • • • • Edit Band Plan • • • Set C-Ch Only • • • • • • • Set LocationInfo • • • • • • • • • • • • Adjust P25 Level • • • • • • • • • • • Delete Site • • • • • • • • • • New Site • • • • • • • • • •

[MENU] J Program System JF 4 New System JF 4 Conventional JF Confirm? Yes=”E” / No=”.” The scanner creates an empty conventional system with a default name of System n C. Note that “n” is a number that increments as you add new systems. The C on the right side of the display indicates that this is a conventional system. After creating the system: 1. Set system-level settings that apply to conventional systems in “Programming System Settings.” 2. Create one or more channel groups with channels as described in “Programming Channel Groups.” Channel Setting CNV MOT TYPE I MOT TYPE II/P25 EDACS LTR Edit Name • • • • • Edit Frequency • Edit TGID • • • • Set Audio Type • • • • • Set Modulation • Set Attenuator • Set Priority • Set Alert • • • • • Set Record • • • • • Set Lockout • • • • • Copy Channel • • • • • Delete Channel • • • • • New Channel • • • • •

Programming Trunked Radio Systems [MENU] J Program System JF 4 New System JF 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). 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 menu’s 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; Editing the System Name MECLS

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] J Program System JF 4 Select the system JF 4 Edit Name JF 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a conventional system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set Quick Key JF After selecting this option, select any number from 0-99 to assign the system to a quick key or press [.No] to assign the system to no quick key, then press F. Programming System Options MELCS Editing the System Quick Key C

Notes: • Access single-digit system/site Quick Keys by pressing the single digit on the keypad during scanning. Access two-digit system Quick Keys by pressing [.No] then both digits. • You can assign as many systems to the same quick key as you want. • To be scanned, a system’s Quick Key must be activated and the system must be unlocked. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a conventional system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set Startup Key JF Select a startup key from 0-9 or select [.No] for no startup key. Notes: • To unlock the system at startup, press and hold the selected startup key while you apply power. If you do not press the startup key at the time you turn on power, you can still act while the opening screens are displayed. • The system Quick Key is also enabled. • If you press a different key at startup, the system is locked out. • If you do not assign the system a startup key, the system is not affected by any key press during startup. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a conventional system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set Lockout JF Unlocked — The system is scanned when its quick key is enabled. Temporary L/O — The system is not scanned, even if its quick key is enabled. Cycling power removes the lockout. Lockout — The system is not scanned, even if its quick key is enabled. You must manually unlock the system. Setting the Startup Key C Setting the System Lockout C

4 Select a conventional system JF 4 Edit Sys Option J F 4 Set Hold Time J F Set how long the scanner will remain scanning on this system before moving to the next system (up to 255 seconds). Note that the scanner will scan all unlocked channels at least one time, regardless of the system hold time setting. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 ID Scan/Search JF Sets whether the scanner only stops on talk groups you have programmed in (ID Scan) or whether the scanner stops on any unlocked channel (ID Search). [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set Delay Time JF This setting controls how many seconds the scanner waits after a transmission ends before resuming scanning. Enter a value from [1] to [5] or Off, then press F. Notes: • The default setting is 2 seconds for each system. • This setting applies to all channels within the system. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a Conventional system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set Data Skip JF Setting the System Hold Time C Setting ID Scan/ID Search MEL Setting Channel Delay Time MELCS Setting Data Skip C

This setting controls whether the scanner automatically skips channels it identifies as data. This includes channels with either no audio or a constant-level audio source. If turned on, the scanner resumes scanning as soon as it detects the data signal. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a Conventional system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set LocationInfo JF This setting control whether the system is automatically enabled and disabled when you connect a GPS to the scanner. Set Latitude — Enter the system’s latitude using the format you selected in the system settings. Set Longitude — Enter the system’s longitude using the format you selected in the system settings. Set Range — Set the system’s range using the units you selected in the system settings. Set GPS Enable — L/O status is automatically controlled by receiving data from GPS. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a Motorola Type I system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Edit Fleet Map JF Preset — select from the16 most common fleet maps Custom — allows you to enter a custom fleet map. Enter the size code (0 to 14) for each block. Press F to select. For Motorola Type I and Type IIi Hybrid systems, you must enter a system fleet map in order for the scanner to properly track and display talk group ID’s. The fleet map is usually included in the same resource that provided system frequencies and talk group ID lists. Note: If you don’t know the fleet map for your Motorola Type I system, check the Internet such as www.radioreference.com or the other websites we reference. Setting Location Information C Setting the Fleet Map M (Type I Only)

4 Select a Motorola Type I or II system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set Status Bit JF Ignore — the scanner rounds all received ID’s down to the next interval of 16. The default setting is Ignore. Yes — the scanner treats all received ID’s as unique ID’s. Note: Motorola analog systems use talk group ID’s in multiples of 16. ID numbers that fall between these ID’s indicate special status flags for the system. This setting determines how the scanner will handle ID’s that are not multiples of 16. Select your setting then press F. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a Motorola Type I or II system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set End Code JF This setting determines how the scanner handles the transmission end code sent by most Motorola systems. Select your setting then press F. Yes — the scanner immediately returns to the control channel when it detects the end code. Ignore — the scanner does not return to the control channel until the carrier drops. Note: The default setting is Yes. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a Motorola Type I, II or EDACS Wide/Narrow system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set I-Call JF This setting determines how your scanner treats I-calls while ID Searching. On — the scanner tracks I-calls. Setting the Status Bit M Setting End Code Operation M Setting I-Call Operation ME

Off — the scanner ignores I-calls. The default setting is Off. Only — the scanner only tracks I-calls and ignores other radio traffic on the system. Press F to select. Note: To set the I-Call to a wildcard receive condition, press [.No] + [0]. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a Motorola Type I, II or EDACS Wide/Narrow system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Emergency Alert JF Off — the scanner does not alert you to emergency transmissions. Alert 1 - 9 — the scanner sounds an alert beep to notify you of the emergency transmission. The default alert is Off. You can choose any of 9 different beep types. Once you choose an alert tone, next: 4 J Set Level J F Auto — the scanner automatically sets the emergency alert beep to the master volume level. Level 1 - 15 — the scanner adjusts the volume you hear to the level you select. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select an EDACS Wide/Narrow system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 EDCS ID Format JF EDACS Talk Group ID’s are commonly provided in one of two formats: AFS and Decimal. This setting determines how you enter EDACS ID’s and how the scanner displays them. AFS Format — the scanner uses AFS format for Talk Group ID’s Decimal Format — the scanner uses decimal format for Talk Group ID’s Note: The scanner defaults to AFS (agency, fleet, subfleet) format - the format used in most EDACS systems. Setting the Emergency Alert Option ME Setting the EDACS ID Format E

4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Set Record JF This setting controls how the scanner handles the record option for channels in the system. All Channel — The scanner sends the audio for all channels in the system to the REC jack, regardless of the channel’s record option setting. Marked Channel — The scanner only sends the audio for channels that have the Record option turned on to the REC jack. Off — The scanner does not send any audio from any channel in the system to the REC jack, even if the record option is turned on for a channel. Note: In order for the function to work, you must set the channel to record. You must also set the system’s record option to either All Channel (which will record all channels regardless of the channel’s record setting) or Marked Channel (which only records the channels you’ve set to record). [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Rvw ID:Srch L/O JF The scanner displays each ID you have locked out in ID Search mode and gives you the option to unlock the ID. To unlock an ID, rotate the scroll to select the locked out ID, then press [EYES]. If no ID’s are locked out, the scanner displays “Nothing Locked / Press Any Key.” [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Clr All L/O IDs JF To quickly unlock all IDs in the system, answer “Y” to “Confirm? Unlock All (Y/N).” Setting the System Record Option MELCS Reviewing ID Search Lockouts MEL Clearing All Locked Out ID’s MEL

[MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a conventional system JF 4 Edit Sys Option JF 4 Adjust P25 Level JF This setting determines some system-specific parameters for digital channels. In most cases, setting this to Auto provides the best performance. However, you can also manually set the digital decode threshold. This setting affects all channels in the current system. See “Optimizing P25 Performance” on Page 52. Auto — the scanner automatically adjusts the digital decode threshold to match the transmission you are hearing when it receives a strong signal and has a high decode rate. Manual — lets you manually adjust the digital decode threshold. To manually adjust the P25 level, select Manual. Default — sets the digital decode threshold to the default value. Use this setting to return to the value that usually provides adequate performance. This is handy as you have manually adjusted the value to a setting that prevents proper decoding. Note: This setting has no effect on how these systems are received. Use this option to enter and edit site information for the current system. See “Programming Sites” on Page 76 for instructions for each site option. Note that you must program at least one site for each trunked system in order for your scanner to scan the system. Use this option to enter and edit channel groups and channel information. See “Programming Channel Groups” for instructions for each channel group and channel option. Note that you must program at least one channel group and one channel for each conventional system in your scanner. You do not have to enter channel group information for trunked systems, but doing so makes it easier to follow specific talk groups. Adjust the P25 Decode Threshold C Editing Sites MESL Editing Channel Groups MECL

over another. One system might be called City - Fire and the same system City - PD with adjustments to data within. This lets you quickly locate the desired set of data. To copy a system including all settings, groups, and channels: [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select the existing system JF 4 Copy System JF New Sys Name? Enter your new name using the Scroll Control and [4] and [6] to traverse the display and enter characters. Press F when finished. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select the existing system JF 4 Delete System JF Confirm Delete? Yes=”E” / No= ”.” Important: Deleted systems cannot be restored. You must re-enter them. This section covers settings that apply to trunked radio site. You must program at least one site for each trunked radio system. When you program multiple sites, all sites share the same channel groups and channels within the system. Note: You can only program one site in an EDACS SCAT and LTR system. Each site name can be up to 16 characters. Abbreviate as necessary to fit. The site name alternates with the Channel group when the scanner stops on a channel. The default site names include the following letter in the 16th position to indicate the system type: Copying Systems MECSL Deleting Systems MECSL Programming Sites MESL Setting the Site Name ME

MS1: Motorola 800 MHz Type I Standard MS2: Motorola 800 MHz Type II Standard MP1: Motorola 800 MHz Type I Splinter MP2: Motorola 800 MHz Type II Splinter P25: APCO 25 (all bands) M92: Motorola 900 MHz MV2: Motorola VHF MU2: Motorola UHF EDW: EDACS Wide EDN: EDACS Narrow Follow these steps to change the system name. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked systemJF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select a Site JF 4 Edit Name JF 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked systemJF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select a Site JF 4 Set Quick Key JF After selecting this option, select any number from 0-99 to assign the system to a quick key or press [.No] to assign the system to no quick key, then press F. Setting the Site Quick Key MESL

keypad during scanning. Access two-digit system Quick Keys by pressing [.No] then both digits. • You can assign as many systems to the same quick key as you want. • To be scanned, a system/site’s Quick Key must be activated and the system must be unlocked. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked systemJF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select a Site JF 4 Set Startup Key JF Select a startup key from [0] to [9] or select [.No] for no startup key. Notes: • To unlock the system at startup, press and hold the selected startup key while you turn on the scanner. • The system/site’s Quick Key is enabled when it is unlocked. • If you press a different key at startup, the system is locked out. • If you do not assign the system a startup key, the system is not affected by any key press during startup. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked systemJF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select the site JF 4 Set Frequencies JF 4 New Frequency (or select an existing frequency) J F Input a system frequency using the number keys and [.No] key, then press F. If you are entering frequencies for an LTR or EDACS system, the scanner also prompts you to enter the LCN for the frequency you just entered. Obtain LCN’s (logical channel numbers) from the same source as the other system information. To enter additional frequencies, press [MENU], then 4 to select New Frequency. Then repeat the above. Setting the Site Startup Key MESL Setting Site Frequencies MESL

Note: If you select Control Channel Only mode (see “Setting Control-Channel Only (Motorola Systems Only)” on Page 81), 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system J F 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select a Site JF 4 Set Modulation JF 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. Enable Attenuation 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 F + [7]. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select a Site JF 4 Set Attenuator JF Off — the attenuator is off. On — site frequencies are attenuated by about 20 dB. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF Setting Site Modulation ML Setting Site Attenuation MESL Setting Site Lockout MESL

4 Select a site JF 4 Set LockoutJF 4 Select from the following choices then press F Unlocked — the system is scanned when its quick key is enabled. Temporary L/O — the system is locked for this session. Lockout — the system is not scanned. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select a site JF 4 Set Hold Time JF This setting controls how many seconds the scanner looks at a site before moving to the next unlocked site or system. Using the number keypad, enter a value from 0-255, then press F to save the setting. Notes: • If the scanner cannot detect a control channel on an EDACS or Motorola system, it immediately moves to the next site or system. The scanner always scans LTR or SCAT systems for at least 1 second to check for current activity. • If you select 0 and the control channel is received, the scanner stays on the system for a minimal time (only long enough to check current system activity). • The default setting is 2 seconds for each system. • The scanner moves to the next system after the hold time expires, any current transmission ends, and the channel delay time expires. In order for the scanner to scan Motorola VHF and UHF sites, you must enter parameters that allow the scanner to determine the frequencies in use by the system. This information is normally available at the same source where the other system information is found. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Site JF Setting Site Hold Time MESL Editing the Band Plan M (VHF and UHF only)

4 Select a site JF 4 Edit Band Plan JF You can enter up to 3 band plans. Select the plan to enter or edit, then follow the prompts to enter the Base Frequency, Channel Step, and Channel Offset for the site. The BCD996T 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 system’s band plan for implicit systems for the scanner to correctly determine voice frequencies. To set the band plan for a P25 system: [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a Motorola Type II/P25 system JF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select a P25 site JF 4 Edit Band PlanJF Then, follow these steps: 1. 4 the Band Plan table entry you want to edit and JF. 2. Enter the base frequency for the table entry and JF. 3. Enter the spacing for the table entry (in kHz) and JF. 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Site (current) JF Setting P25 Band Plans M (P25 Only) Setting Control-Channel Only Mode M (except for P25)

4 Set C-Ch Only JF This setting determines the frequencies you need to enter for Motorola systems. Select your setting, then press F. On — You only need to enter control channel frequencies. Off — You must enter all voice and control channel frequencies. Note: The scanner defaults to On. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Site (current) JF 4 Select a site JF 4 Set LocationInfo JF This setting control whether the system is automatically enabled and disabled when you connect a GPS to the scanner. Set Latitude — Enter the system’s latitude using the format you selected in the system settings. Set Longitude — Enter the system’s longitude using the format you selected in the system settings. Set Range — Set the system’s range using the units you selected in the system settings. Set GPS Enable — Depending on the data received from the GPS, the L/O status of the site is automatically controlled. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Site (current) JF 4 Select a site JF 4 Adjust P25 Level JF This setting determines some site-specific parameters for digital channels. In most cases, setting this to Auto provides the best performance. However, you can also Setting Site Location Information MESL Adjust P25 Level MEL

manually set the digital decode threshold. This setting affects all channels in the current site. See “Optimizing P25 Performance” on Page 52. Auto — the scanner automatically adjusts the digital decode threshold to match the transmission you are hearing when it receives a strong signal and has a high decode rate. Manual — lets you manually adjust the digital decode threshold. To manually adjust the P25 level, select Manual. Default — sets the digital decode threshold to the default value. Use this setting to return to the value that usually provides adequate performance. This is handy is you have manually adjusted the value to a setting that prevents proper decoding. Note: This setting has no effect on how these sites are received. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Site JF 4 Select a site JF 4 Delete Site JF Confirm Delete? Yes=”E” / No= ”.” Important: Deleted sites cannot be restored. You must re-enter them. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 New Group JF The scanner creates a group with a default name of Group n. n increments by one for each new group you create within a system. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF Deleting Sites ME Programming Channel Groups MECL Setting Up a Channel Group MECL Editing a Channel Group Name MECL

4 Edit Name JF Follow these steps to enter/edit the group 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. Press [6] to move one character to the right. Repeat the Scroll Control action to change the character. To move one character to the left, press [4]. 3. Repeat Step 2 until you have entered the system name. Then press F to accept the setting. Notes: • Each group name can be up to 16 characters. Abbreviate as necessary to fit. • The group and system (for conventional, SCAT, and LTR systems) or site (for Motorola and EDACS systems) name alternate in the top line of the display when the scanner stops on a channel. • Press [.No] twice to delete the current character. • Press [.No] three times to clear the entire alpha tag. To assign a Quick Key to a Group, follow these steps. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select the Group JF 4 Set Quick Key JF Select a desired quick key for this Group. Once you create a channel group, store channels in that group. See “Programming Channels” on Page 85 for specific channel options. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select an existing system JF 4 Edit Group JF Setting the Group Quick Key Editing Channels MECL Locking Out Channel Groups MECL

4 Select an existing group JF 4 Set Lockout JF 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Delete Group JF Confirm Delete? Yes=”E” / No= ”.” Important: Deleted channel groups cannot be restored. You must re-enter them. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel J 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF Deleting Channel Groups MECL Programming Channels MECL Creating a Channel MECL Editing the Channel Name (Alpha Tag) MECL

4 Select the channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select the channel JF 4 Edit Name JF 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a conventional system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select the channel JF Edit Frequency JF Use the [0] to [9] and [.No] keys to enter or modify a frequency. When you press the first place key, the cursor automatically moves one character to the right. You can also 4, clockwise or counter-clockwise to highlight any digit. Editing Frequencies C

[MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a trunked system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select the channel JF 4 Edit TGID JF To edit the Talk Group ID, enter the Talk Group ID you want using the number keys. Then press F. For each channel, you can select the audio type that the channel receives. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select the system JF 4 Edit Group 4 Select the channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select an existing channel JF 4 Set Audio Type JF Select from All, Digital Only, Analog Only JF All — The scanner automatically determines whether the audio is analog or digital. Digital Only — The scanner only remains on the channel if it is carrying APCO 25 digital audio Analog Only — The scanner only remains on the channel if it is carrying analog audio. If you are programming a conventional system and select Analog Only, the scanner prompts you to select the CTCSS/DCS tone setting. See the next section. To program a channel with a CTCSS or DCS setting, your conventional system audio must be set to Analog Only first. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select the system JF Editing the Talk Group ID MEL Setting the Audio Type MECL Selecting CTCSS/DCS Tones C

4 Select the channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select the channel JF 4 Set Audio Type JF 4 Analog Only JF At this point you can scroll to CTCSS or DCS and select the subaudible frequency in the CTCSS range or the DCS code. 4 CTCSS or DCS JF This setting controls how a sub audible CTCSS or DCS is used for the channel. Select your setting, then press F. Off — any signal opens squelch. The default setting is Off. Search — the scanner searches for and displays any CTCSS or DCS tone that accompanies the transmission. CTCSS — the scanner only opens squelch if the CTCSS tone you select is also present with the signal. The scanner then prompts you to enter or scroll to the desired tone. DCS — the scanner only opens squelch if the DCS tone you select is also present with the signal. The scanner then prompts you to enter or scroll to the desired tone. Set Lockout — the scanner does not stop on the channel if the tone you select is present. The scanner prompts you to select a CTCSS or DCS tone. Note: The scanner does not detect or decode a P25 digital signal if the channel or search has CTCSS/DCS search turned on. Quick CTCSS/DCS Save If you set a channel to CTCSS/DCS Search and the scanner detects a tone, when you press [EYES], the first option is Save found CTCSS/DCS? [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select the conventional system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF Setting Channel Modulation Method C

4 Select the Channel JF 4 Set Modulation JF Auto — the scanner uses the default modulation for the channel. The default setting is Auto. AM — the scanner uses AM (amplitude modulation) for the channel. FM — the scanner uses FM (frequency modulation) for the channel. NFM — the scanner uses narrowband FM for the channel. WFM — the scanner uses wideband FM for the channel. WFM (Broadcast) — the scanner uses FM Broadcast for the channel. This setting controls the modulation method used for the channel. In most cases, if you leave this set to Auto, the scanner automatically selects the correct modulation type for the channel you are programming. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a conventional system JF 4 Edit Group (existing site) JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel J F 4 Select a channel JF 4 Set Attenuator JF This setting controls whether the scanner attenuates signals on this channel. Select your setting, then press F. On — the channel is attenuated by about 20 dB. Off — the channel is not attenuated. The default setting is Off. You can also toggle this setting by holding on the channel and pressing F then [7] within 2 seconds. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a conventional system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF Setting Channel Attenuation C Setting Channel Priority C

4 Set Priority JF This setting controls whether the scanner treats the channel as a priority channel while scanning. Select On or Off, then press F. On — when you turn on the Priority feature, the channel will be scanned every 2 seconds. Off — the channel will not be treated with priority. The default setting is Off. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select the channel JF 4 Set Alert JF Off — the scanner does not alert you when the channel becomes active. Alert 1 - 9 — the scanner sounds an alert beep to notify you that the channel has become active. You can choose any of 9 different beep types. Once you choose an alert tone, then: 4J Set Level JF Auto — the scanner automatically sets the channel alert beep to match the master volume level. Level 1 - 15 — the scanner adjusts the volume of the beep to the level you select. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select a channel JF 4 Set Record JF Setting Channel Alert MECL Setting Channel Record MECL

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 system’s record option to either All Channel (which will record all channels regardless of the channel’s record setting) or Marked Channel (which only records the channels you’ve set to record). [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel groupJF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select a channel JF 4 Set Lockout JF 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF 4 Edit Group JF 4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select a channel JF 4 Copy Channel JF 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. [MENU] J Program System JF 4 Select a system JF Setting Lockout MECL Copying a Channel MECL Deleting a Channel MECL

4 Select a channel group JF 4 Edit Channel JF 4 Select a channel JF 4 Delete Channel JF 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 scanner’s 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] J 4 Search for ... JF 4 Service Search JF 4 Select the service search range JF The other approach is: F + [SCAN/SEARCH] J Quick Search? Yes=”E” / No=”.” Press [.No] then to select Service Search JF The following search ranges appear as you scroll 4 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].

lock it out (Temporary L/O appears) or twice to permanently lock it out (Locked Out appears). Notes: • If all frequencies in the search range you selected are locked out, All Locked! appears and the scanner does not search the range. • If the service range you select uses channels (such as CB Radio or Marine), the scanner displays the service channel number. Quick Search Quick Search lets you search from the currently-tuned frequency if you are scanning a conventional system or sets the system to ID search if you are scanning a trunked system. If you are on a conventional system or channel, press F + [SCAN/SEARCH] to start quick search. Quick Search? Yes = ”E” / No = ”.” appears. Press [HOLD/RESUME] to go to quick search hold. Press [EYES] to start quick search or [.No] to go to the search menu. Custom Search Custom Search lets you program and search 10 custom search ranges. You can search any of these ranges simultaneously and select each custom search range you set. During custom 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 methods to begin a custom search. Notes: • Search ranges are preset. These ranges can be edited. See “Editing a Custom Search Range” on Page 95 to change the range. • You cannot turn off all custom search ranges. [MENU] J 4 Search for ... JF 4 Custom Search ... JF The other approach is: F + [SCAN/SEARCH] J Quick Search? Yes=”E” / No=”.” Press [.No] then 4 to Custom Search JF

The scanner starts custom search of the custom search range 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 turn search ranges on or off, press [0] and [1] - [9]. To hold searching, press [HOLD/RESUME]. To resume searching, press [HOLD/RESUME]. To lock out a frequency found while searching, press [L/O]. There are two different results based on the number of times you press [L/O]. Press [L/O] 1 time: Temporary L/O appears Press [L/O] 2 times: Locked Out appears and the scanner resumes custom search. If you turn off the active custom search range, the scanner skips to the next custom search range and continues searching. Note: If all frequencies in all active custom search ranges are locked out, All Locked! appears and the scanner does not stop. Editing a Custom Search Range You can edit up to 10 custom search ranges. The names of the custom search ranges appear on the display. The default custom search range names appear as Custom 1, Custom 2, and so on. [MENU] J 4 Search for ... JF 4 Edit Custom JF 4 Custom 1, Custom 2 to Custom 10. JF Another approach is F + [SCAN/SEARCH] J Quick Search? Yes=”E” / No=”.” Press [.No] then 4 to Edit Custom JF At this point you can edit each of the settings that comprise a custom search. Edit Name — lets you edit the custom search range’s name. Edit Srch Limit — lets you view and select the frequency ranges to search. The scanner prompts you to enter the upper and lower search limits.

continuing to search after a transmission ends. Set Modulation — lets you set the custom search range’s modulation type. Set Attenuator — lets you set whether the scanner will attenuate reception by 20 dB during search. Set Data Skip — lets you set whether the scanner will skip data transmissions during search. Set Step — lets you set the custom search range’s step (the gap between frequencies). Set C-Ch Only — lets you search for a Motorola control channel. If it finds one, the scanner scans the system. Set Record — if during your listening to the selected service, if a transmission is received, choosing On will send an audio signal to the connected audio recording device. Adjust P25 Level — adjusts the digital decode threshold to match the transmission you are hearing when it receives a strong signal and has a high decode rate. Search with Scan — sets whether the scanner includes the custom search during scanning. If unlocked, the scanner first scans all selected systems, then searches the selected service searches for the selected hold time (0-255 seconds). Within this menu item are the following settable options Set Quick Key — lets you assign a Quick Key for the custom search range. Set Startup Key — lets you decide which custom search range should be unlocked and scanned at power up Set Lockout — lets you lock the custom search range for this session or permanently as with any other L/O action. Set Hold Time — sets how long (seconds) the custom search range is checked before the scanner moves to the next programmed entry. Search With Scan When you press [SCAN/SEARCH] the BCD996T starts a scan of those sites, channels, etc you have manually programmed or the Uniden preprogrammed data

for your metropolitan area that are unlocked and have their System Quick key enabled. In addition to this scan you can search any of the preprogrammed service or custom search ranges. While scanning, press F. Rotate the Scroll Control until you reach the desired service or custom search range. Press [L/O] to unlock it. You can also assign a System Quick Key to the search to make it easy to quickly enable/disable the search range for search and scan. The Search with Scan Hold time determines how long the scanner stays on a search before moving on. The default is 2 seconds. F to set the Search with Scan settings. Editing a Service Search You can change the way service search works for each service. There are also two methods to reach the point of editing. Method One [MENU] J 4 Search for ... JF 4 Edit Service JF 4 Select a service range: Public Safety, News, HAM Radio, Marine, Railroad, Air, CB Radio, FRS/GMRS, Racing, TV Broadcast, FM Broadcast, Military Air, Special JF Method Two F + [SCAN/SEARCH] J Quick Search? Yes=”E” / No=”.” Press [.No] then 4 to Edit Service JF At this point you can edit each of the settings that comprise each custom search range. The following show you how to set the various option settings associated with a Service. For each, your starting operation is [MENU] J 4 Search for ... JF 4 Edit Service JF 4 Select a service range:

Choose a delay time to set how long the scanner stays on a transmission after it ends. 4 to select a value from 1 sec, 2 sec, 3 sec, 4 sec, 5 sec, and Off. JF Set Attenuator Choose to attenuate all frequencies by about 20 dB. 4 to select to choose an attenuation for all frequencies in the range. JF On — the frequencies are attenuated. Off — the frequencies are not attenuated. Set Record 4 to enable real time audio output from REC to an audio recording device. On — the scanner outputs the signal. Then press F to select. Off — the scanner does not output any audio. Then press F to select. Assigning a Search Range to a Search Key You can assign any of the Service or Custom Searches to the six Search keys for quick access to your favorite searches. [MENU] J 4 Search for ... JF 4 Set Search Key JF 4 Select the key to assign JF 4 Select a search range JF Now, to access that search, hold on any channel, then press F and the number key [1] to [6] corresponding to the search range. The default settings are: SRCH 1: Custom 1 SRCH 2: Public Safety SRCH 3: Railroad SRCH 4: FRS/GMRS SRCH 5: TV Broadcast SRCH 6: FM Broadcast

Saving a Found Channel (Quick Save) If you hold on a channel or receive a desired channel, you can save it by pressing [EYES] instead of using Direct Entry. The alpha data is also stored. If a GPS unit is attached, the longitude and latitude data is saved and becomes the name of that channel. For example, if the position is 32°57’33.60 N latitude and 97°05’34.18 W longitude, the name saved is 3257.33-09705.34. Auto Search and Store Your scanner’s Auto Store feature lets you search for new frequencies in custom search ranges or within a service search range on a conventional system, or new talk group ID’s on a trunked system. Selecting a System to use for Storing To store frequencies or talk group ID’s you find during Auto Store, you must first select a system where the frequencies or talk group ID’s will be stored. [MENU] J 4 Search for ... JF 4 Search and Store JF 4 Select the system for storing the frequencies or talk group IDs JF If no system is selected, No System Stored appears. If you have already stored too many channels or channel groups, Over Limit appears. Conventional Search and Store You can store frequencies into the system you selected in “Selecting a System” above. Otherwise, the scanner stores frequencies in a new group it creates. Follow the steps in the preceding section but be sure to select a Conventional System. A search option appears that lets you choose from a Custom Search to the other service search ranges previously mentioned (Public Safety, News…etc). Turn the Scroll Control until the search range you want appears, then press F to select it. One of the search ranges appears. If frequencies in your selected search range are all locked out, All Locked! appears and the scanner does not store any frequencies. When you select a search range, the scanner looks for active frequencies within that range. The top line of the display alternates between the system name and the search range name while SEARCH AND STORE appears beneath it. The second

is checking to see if the frequency has already been stored. When the scanner finds an active transmission, it checks to see if the frequency has already been stored in the system. If it has already been stored, the scanner continues to search. If the frequency has not been stored, it stores the frequency into a group named Found Channels, then resumes searching. The scanner creates this group if it doesn’t already exist. Trunked Search and Store You can store talk group ID’s into the system you selected in “Selecting a System”. Otherwise, the scanner stores talk group ID’s in a new group it creates. Note: Trunked system search and store does not work if an EDACS SCAT system is selected, a system with no frequency is selected, the quick key to which the system belongs is turned off, and the group you selected to store found talk group ID’s contains more talk group ID’s than the maximum set in Max Auto Store. To store a trunked system, follow the beginning steps in Selecting A System above. When you select a Trunked System and press F, the scanner enters TGID Search and Store mode. When you select a trunked system, the scanner looks for active talk group ID’s within that range and ID SEARCH AND STORE appears and scrolls across the display’s lower line while the system/site name appears on the display’s upper line. When the scanner finds an active talk group ID, it checks if the talk group ID has already been stored in the site. If it has, the scanner continues to search. If the talk group ID has not been stored, it stores the talk group ID into a group named Found Channels, then resumes searching. The scanner creates this group if it does not already exist.