Bearcat UBC 175xL User manual

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uniden@
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t. J~UBC 175xL
16 CHANNEL
SCANNING RADIO
.9 BAND COVERAGE
.CRYSTAL FREE
.AUTOMATIC SEARCH
.DIRECT CHANNEL
ACCESS
.AUTOMATIC SQUELCH
.CHANNEL LOCKOUT
.TRACK TUNING
.SELECTIVESCAN DELAY
.SPEED CONTROL
.AIR CRAFT BAND
.PRIORITY CHANNEL
.WEATHER SEARCH
.MANUALUP/DOWN
SEARCH
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AGENCIES PTY. LTD.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . .3
Unpacking 4
General Description. . . . . . . . . . . . .4
MemoryBack-up 4
Optional Antenna 4
Antenna 5
Controls 5
Display 6
ProgramKeys 6
Operation Keys 6, 7
Operating the Scanner. . . . . . . . . . .7
Programming 8
Search 8
Manual Step-Search. . . . . . . . . . . .10
Manual Channel Selection. . . . . . .10
Lockout 10
Delay 11
Priority 11
Weather 11
Speed 12
EITor Message 12
External Speaker 12
UserHints 12
Birdies 12
TroubleChecks 13
WARNING
UNIDEN DOES NOT REPRESENTTHE UNIT TO HAVE BEEN WEATHERPROOFED. TO
REDUCETHE RISKOF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSETHIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
00 NOTREMOVECOVER(OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICE-
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
fA A
The lightning flash with arrow-
head symbol, within an equi-
lateral triangle, is intended to
alert theusertothe presenceof
uninsulated"dangerousvoltage"
within the product's enclosure
that maybe of sufficient magni-
tude to constitute a riskof elec-
tric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended
to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and main-
tenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
For future reference, write in the model number and serial number below. You
will find them on the bottom of the unit.
Model No.
Purchased from:
=r
Serial No. Date
2
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Size:
Weight:
Power:
Antenna:
RF Sensitivity:
IF Selectivity:
Frequency Coverage:
Channel Capacity:
Audio Output:
Rear Apron Connections:
Front Panel Controls:
240W x 62H x 180Dmm
740g
AC Adaptor
Telescoping antenna (supplied)
Connection provided for external
antenna (50-70 ohms)
0.3 microvolts 66-88 & 136-174 MHz
0.5 microvolts 406-512 MHz,
(f: 3 KHz deviation 12 dB SINAD)
0.8 microvolts 118-136MHz,
(60% MOD 12 dB SINAD)
-55 dB @ f:25 KHz
66-88 MHz
118-136 MHz
136-144 MHz
144-148 MHz
148-174 MHz
406-420 MHz
420-450 MHz
450-470 MHz
470-512 MHz
16
1W, 8 ohms, 10% THD
AC Adaptor Connector
External Antenna Jack
Ex~rnal Speaker Jack
Volume (on/off), Squelch (Auto Squelch)
SPECIFICATIONS ARE TYPICAL AND SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
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UNPACKING
Carefully remove all units from the shipping carton. If there is any visible
damage, DO NOTattempt tooperate the equipment. Notify your dealer orship-
ping carrier immediately.
Keep the shipping carton and packing materials, as well as all printed material.
The carton serves as an excellent method to transport the Uniden@ Bearcat@
175XL to other locations.
The following parts are included in this carton:
Uniden@ Bearcat@ 175XL
AC Adaptor Operating Instructions
Telescoping Antenna
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Scanning is easy and fun with the Uniden@ Bearcat@ 175XL. Advanced elec-
tronics provide programmable operation and dependability. The rubber keytop
keyboard has been designed for comfort and operating efficiency. It is divided
into two sections: PROGRAM, which allows you to command any frequencies
(VHF/UHF) on its 16 channels; and OPERATION. Volume and squelch levels
are controlled by smooth acting knob adjustments. An 8-digit, back-lighted LCD
display provides frequency, channel, lockout, delay, priority, weather search
and memory loss information. A unique capacitor type memory back-up
eUminates the need for batteries. The case is constructed of high impact plastic.
MEMORY BACK-UP
The Uniden@ Bearcat@ 175XL is equipped with a unique capacitor type memory
back-up. The capacitor back-up will provide approximately four hours of memory
retention in the event of a power interruption. When memory loss has occurred,
the memory loss message will be displayed. It will remain on the display until
any operating key is pressed. The system is completely automatic and requires
no maintenance.
INSTRUCTIONS OPTIONAL ANTENNA
An external antenna may behelpful in fringe areas.Always use50-70ohm coax-
ial cable for lead-in. For lengths in excess of 50 feet, RG8AU Iow-loss foam
dielectric coax is recommended. Your scanner is equipped with a standard
automotive type antenna connector. A mating plug (optional) must be used.
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ANTENNA
The telescopic antenna provided with the Uniden@Bearcat@ 175 XL is recom-
mended for most monitoring. Insert the antenna swivel connector into the anten-
na jack located on the back panel (fig. 1). Extend the antenna. The swivel con-
nector allows the antenna to be angled if desired. For weak signal reception
or electrically noisy locations, an external antenna may be helpful.
You can also store your antenna in the handy compartment located under the
unit. Simply remove the antenna from the connector and snap it in place. When
you are ready to set it up again unsnap the antenna and plug it in.
Telescoping
Antenna
EXT.SP. Figure 1
CONTROLS
1. On-Off/Volume: Turns the receiver power on or off, and also varies the
audio output level (fig. 2).
2. Squelch: Eliminatesthe annoying "rushing" sound that is presentbetween
transmissions when no signal is being sent. Proper setting of this control
keeps the receiver"quiet" and allows scanning until a signal is received
(fig. 2). The 175XLalso has an automatic squelch setting marked "AUTO".
Turn the squelch control to "AUTO" for a preset level that allows all clear
signals to be received.
Squelch Control
Figure 2
ON/OFF
Volume Control
5"
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DISPLAY
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Your Uniden@Bearcat@ 175XLhas an 8-digit backlighted display which indi-
cates the channel and frequency being monitored as well as lockout, delay,
priority, weather (WX)search and memory loss (fig. 3). All of the functions of
the display will be discussed in detail later in the programming section.
Memory Channel
Number
LOCKOUT"" C, .-.-l-'
DELAY c' ILI C .~ ~ -
PRIORITY WX SEARCH MEMORY LOSS
7)1 8~I 9 ,
)I5~I6~
) I 2~I 3~
)1. 'I El
[
[ 4
[ 1
[ 0
Frequency
in MHz
UBC 175XL
16CHANNELSCANNINGRADIO
Figure 3
PROGRAM KEYS
Numeric keys0 through 9 and 0are used to program the frequencies into
your scanner. []] allows frequencies to be entered into the 16 memory chan-
nels for scanning.
)Provides a 3 second delay on any channel to receive a reply
transmission before resuming search or scan. Delay is retained
in memory.
IEnters two selected frequencies as upper and lower search limits.
Also when receiver is stopped on a signal in the search mode,
LIMIT permits manual searching lower in frequency, one frequen-
cy at a time. Search limits will be retained in memory.
)Starts search operation.
)Stops search. Also when receiver is stopped on a signal in the
search mode, HOLDpermits manual searchinghigher in frequen-
cy, one frequency at a time.
OPERATION KEYS
[DELAY
LIMIT
SRCH
HOLD
6.---...
:r: 1
IPRI 1SPEED Iwx
I LIMIT I SRCH, I HOLD
IDELAY,ILOCKOUT'
ISCAN IMANUAL I

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PRI ISamples channel 1 every three seconds regardless of other opera-
tional settings. Priority function will be retained in memory.
wx )Searches all seven NOAA weather frequencies until locking on
the one actively broadcasting in your area.
ISPEED ISelect high (15 channels per second) or Iow (5 channels per
second) scan speed.
ILOCKOUT~ Locks out reception of signals on any selected channels during
scanning. Lockout is retained in memory.
SCAN I Starts scan of all memory channels that are not locked out.
IMANUAL IStops scan or search. Steps scanner individually through all chan-
nels in the selected bank(s). Also permits Direct Channel Access.
OPERATING THE SCANNER
The Uniden@ Bearcat@ 175XL has 16 memory channels each of which can be
programmed to store one frequency. When ISCAN ~is pressed, each of the
programmed frequencies will be sampled in sequence, but locked out chan-
nels will be skipped.
In each programming example, the keysto be pressed are listed in sequence
after the word PRESS. After the word "Display" will be an illustration of the
actual displayed data. Follow the examples carefully, and programming will
be easy.
.:!
,Plug the AC power cord into astandard 220 Vac wall outlet and into the AC
Power receptacle (fig.1)on the radio. Slip the cord into the retaining channel on
the bottom of the unit to avoid accidental disconnection. Turn the unit ON by
rotating the ON-OFF volume switch clockwise. Press MANUAL key and adjust
the "SQUELCH" CONTROL (fig. 2) clockwise until you hear background noise;
then turn it back counterclockwise until the noise disappears.
If you know the exact frequencies you wish to Scan, proceed with "Program-
ming". If you do not know the frequencies of the agencies (Le., police, fire,
weather, etc.) you wish to scan, check with your dealer. Activefrequencies
can also be found through "Search".
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PROGRAMMING
Example: To program 162.550 MHz into channel 2:
PRESS: 01 MANUAL I
2X X X .
[Q[!]0D00~
XXX
Display:
PRESS:
Display: 2 1 6 2 .5 5 0(Final zero to the right of the
decimalwill enterautomatically.)
NOTE: X denotes the digits of the previously programmed frequency.
To program 471.2375 into next channel (3).
PRESS: IMANUAL IEach time MANUAL is pressed, the channel will
advance. In this case it advances from 2 to 3.
PRESS:
3XXX
~0[QD000~
L'11=-3 1
-, , .L-
X X X
Display:
Display: 3
NOTE: X denotes the digits of the previously programmed frequency.
Repeatthis step until all desired channels have been programmed. Ifyou make
an error while entering a frequency, begin again. You may omit the decimal
point on frequencies except those between 66 MHz and 88 MHz. Your
Uniden@Bearcat@175XL has been designed to enter this automatically. On
Iow band (66-88 MHz) you must press the decimal point key.
SEARCH
Your Uniden@ Bearcat@ 175XL will search for unknown signals between two
frequency limits in the same band (66-88 MHz, 118-136MHz, 136-174 MHz,
or 406-512 MHz). The Frequency Allocation listing in the back of the manual
will give you an indication of what you might expect to find in the various
bands and frequency ranges. To SEARCH, enter the search limits in any
sequence, making sure they are in the same band as shown above.
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Example: To search between 152.150 MHz and 155.575 MHz on channel 2:
PRESS: 01MANUAL I
2XXX.
QJ~0DQJ01
XxX
Display:
PRESS: LIMIT I
Display: 27.- j
~ C , 1C0
I-' (Final zero to the right of the
decimal will enter automatically.)
NOTE: X denotes the digits of the previously programmed frequency.
When an active frequency is found, the SEARCH stops and the frequency is
displayed.
During your search, record (on paper) the frequency numbers you wish to re-
tain as you identify them. Later you can program these individual frequencies
into memory channels or press Wand the frequency displayed wiHim-
mediately be programmed into the indicated channel. Search is not affected
and may be continued.
To remain on a frequency after the signal goes off the air:
PRESS: IHOLD ~You may now press IHOLD Ito step higher in
frequency which will sometimes produce clearer reception. You
may also press ILIMIT Ito step lower in frequency again,
to improve reception or just to select a new frequency. If
(!] is pressed, the frequency in the display will be
entered into the memory channel being displayed.
..,
To resume searching within the same limits:
[ PRESS: ISRCH I
To remove search:
PRESS:IMANUAL lor ISCAN I,search will turn off.
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I
PRESS: QJ00D0001 LIMIT I
Display: 27'-'- 575
'- -
PRESS: ISRCH I

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MANUAL STEP-SEARCH
Your Uniden@ Bearcat@ 175XL has the ability to be stepped, one frequency
at a time, either up or down throughout its search range. This feature is helpful
in tuning in a frequency or for stepping to any new frequency within search limits.
To Step-Search while in search mode:
HOLD I
HOLD) repeatedly to step upward to the desired higher
PRESS: [
PRESS: (
frequency.
OR:
I
PRESS: IHOLD I
PRESS: ILIMIT Irepeatedly to step downward to the desired lower
frequency.
MANUAL CHANNEL SELECTION
If you wish to select a specific channel to monitor, two methods are provided:
PRESS: IMANUAL Irepeatedly until the desired channel number
appears.
OR, Direct Channel Access:
IPRESS: 1CHANNELNUMBER'I MANUALI
LOCKOUT
You may wish to lock out certain frequencies and skip over them when scan-
ning. To program Locko.ut on a channel (example 5), first select that channel
manually.
PRESS: [!] I MANUAL I
ILOCKOUT'
LOCKOUT The lockout message will be displayed.
PRESS:
Display:
To remove Lockout:
PRESS: ILOCKOUT Iagain and the message will disappear.
NOTE: If all channels are locked out, the scanner will go into manual mode.
This may be eliminated by removing lockout from one channel.
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DELAY
Your scanner can be programmed to pause for about three seconds after a
transmission ends on any selected channel. This is useful when both sides
of a conversation are transmitted on the same frequency.
To program Delay on a selected channel:
PRESS: IMANUAL Istep to that channel.
PRESS: IDELAY I
Display: DELAY The delay message will be displayed
To remove Delay:
PRESS: IDELAY' The message will disappear.
PRIORITY
Itis often desirable to bealertedto atransmission occurring on a channel other
than that to which you are listening. The priority feature samples any frequen-
cy which has been entered into channel 1, every 3 seconds.
If a signal is detected on the priority frequency, (channel 1) when sampled,
the receiver will remain tuned in to it until the transmission ceases, at which
time the scanner will revert to the.last mode of operation.
To activate the priority function:
PRESS: IPAl IThe priority message will be displayed.
To remove priority:
PRESS: IPAl Iagain and the priority message will disappear.
WEATHER
Searches all seven NOAA weather frequencies until locking on the one active-
ly broadcasting in your area.
To search for local weather:
PRESS: IMANUAL'
IWX IDisplay will indicate the weather frequency
being received.
PRESS:
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To remove weather:
PRESS: IMANUAL ~or ISCAN (, weather will turn off.
SPEED
The Uniden@Bearcat@17SXL has a high/Iow scan speed adjustment.
Wheneverthe unit isturned on, the scanspeedwill automaticallybehigh. Press
the ISPEED Ikey to select the slow scan speed. Press the ISPEED Ikey again
to switch back to high.
ERROR MESSAGE
To inform the user anytime an out-of-band frequency is stored in memory,
the USC 175XLautomatically displays "ERROR"in this event. The condition
may arise when the user presses ENTER with an invalid number in the
display. The usershould simply enter an in-band frequency (see programming
section) to clear the ERRORindication.
EXTERNAL SPEAKER
Although the internal speaker of the scanner will provide ample room volume,
in some applications an external speaker may be desired. The external speaker
should be plugged into the rear-apron jack (fig. 1) which will cut off the internal
scanner speaker. The external speaker impedance should be 8 ohms.
USER HINTS
Your scanner is a versatile instrument. The following operating hints will help
you use all of its features.
1. Always remember to press the I!Jkey when programming a desired
frequency.
2. When disconnecting the AC adapter from the outlet, make sure the radio
is turned off. You may wish to record your programmed frequencies (on
paper) before disconnecting the AC adapter since memory will be lost in
approximately 4 hours.
3. When memory is lost, simply reprogram the proper frequencies. Memory
loss will be indicated by the appear9nce of non-user programmed frequen-
cies in the display.
4. In case of strong interferring noise or signals, it may be desirable to move
the unit to a different location, and under extreme conditions, reduce the
length or change the angle of the antenna.
5. When operating the keyboard, it is important to press firmly in the center
of the key with the tip of your finger.
BIRDIES
All radios are subject to receiving undesired signals. If the Uniden@ Bearcat@
17SXL stops during search mode and no sound is heard, simply press the
ISRCH , key one or more times-to resume.
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NOTE: Environmental sources of interference such as power line noise, a televi-
sion set or other electrical appliances may generate signals that create the same
effect. Moving the scanner may eliminate such interference.
TROUBLE CHECKS
1. Scanner is not working
properly.
2. Signal is weak or
distorted.
T
A. Is radio plugged in and receiving power?
B. Is OFF-ON-VOLUME switch on?
C. Go through the complete section on pro-
gramming all functions.
A. Check antenna-adjust height.
B. Go through all the checks in number 1.
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5anlronlc )
AGENCIES PTY. LTD.
13 GAREMA CIRCUIT, KINGSGROVE
PHONE 7581522, TELEX AA73170
FAX 7502722
P.O. Box 12, Kingsgrove, NSW 2208
BRISBANE: 3/12 BANDALL ST
SLACKS CREEK, OLD 4127
PHONE 07 2901188
MELBOURNE: 446-448 BELL STREET
EAST PRESTON VIC 3072
PHONE: (03) 484 0373
PERTH: 23 GEDDES ST.,
BALACATTA W.A. 6021
PHONE: (09) 3443937
UBSNO1105GZ (GRN) Printed in Taiwan
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