Uniden Bearcat UBC144XLT User manual

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UBC144XLT
16-Channel Base Scanner
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OPERATING GUIDE -
1

PRECA UTI 0 NS
Before you read anything else,
please observe the following:
WARNING!
Uniden DOES NOT represent this unit to be waterproof. To
reducethe riskof fire or electrical shock,DO NOT exposethis
unit to rain or moisture.
Uniden- is a registered trademark of Uniden Corporation. .
Bearca~ is a registered trademark of Uniden Corporation.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
AboutScanning 2
TakingProperCareofYourScanner 3
Unpacking 3
Installation
InstallingtheUBC144XLT 4
Operation
ControlsandFunctions 5
ScanningOverview 7
Getting Started 7
AdjustingtheSquelch 8
Programming Tips 8
Programming Frequencies 9
AboutMemoryBack-up 9
Scanning 10
Direct Channel Access 10
CheckingtheProgrammedFrequency 11
WeatherChannelScan 11
Priority Scanning 12
ChannelLockout 12
About the Unit
HelpfulHints 14
Troubleshooting 15
TechnicalSpecifications 16
Warranty
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Introduction
About Scanning
Scanning
Options
Typesof
Communication
2
r<:
Scanning is easy and fun with the UBC144XL T 16-Channel
Base Scanner. You can scan in 2 ways:
. Scan channels you have programmed
. Scan pre-programmed weather channels.
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most 2-way
communications (see "Types of Communication" below) do
not transmit continuously. The UBC144XL T scans
programmed channels at the rate of about 15 channels per
second until it locates an active frequency. When the
scanning stops on an active frequency, it remains on that
channel as long as the transmission continues. When the
transmission ends, the scanner stays on the channel for
2 more seconds, waiting for a responding transmission. If
no responding transmission is detected, the scanning cycle
resumes until another transmission is received.
You can to monitor communication such as:
. Police and fife department
(includingrescue and paramedics)
. Weather broadcasts
. Business/industrialradio
. Motion picture and press relay
. Utility
. Land transportation frequencies such as trucking firms,
buses, taxis,tow trucks, and railroads
. Marine and amateur (ham radio) bands
. And many more
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TakingProperCareofYourScanner
1+1 .Do 'not use the scanner in high-moisture environments such as thekitchen or bathroom. I
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~.Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or nearheating elementsor
vents.
Unpacking
Carefullycheckthecontentsagainstthislist:
. UBC144XLTBase Scanner
. TelescopicAntenna
. ACAdaptor(ModelAC-l44U)
. ThisOperatingGuide
I@f If anyitemsaremissingordamaged,contactyourplaceof purchase
immediately.
I@f ReadthisOperatingGuidethoroughlybeforeoperatingthescanner.
3
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Installation
Installingthe UBC144XLT Antenna Jack
AC 1aV Jack
AC Plug /Telescopic Antenna
ACAdaptor
Model AC-144U
1.Insert the DC plug end of the ACAdaptor into the AC 10 V jack on the
scanner.
2. Plug the AC Adaptor into any standard 240 VAC wall outlet.
3. Plug the Telescopic Antenna into the ANT~jack. Extend the antenna to its
full height. For UHF frequencies, shorteningthe antenna may improve the
reception.
4. Plug an optional external speaker C8-ohm)into the EXT.SP.jack.
Notes
.If strong interference or electrical noise is received, relocate the scanner or
its antenna away from the source.
.If you are operating the scanner in the fringe area or need to improve
reception, use an optional 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 50-70 ohm coaxial cable for lead-in.
A mating plug may be necessary for the optional antennas:
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Operaticn
Controls and Functions
I
5
IDdI!n atKw:ot
1eCHANNa 8 BAND SCANNING RADIO UBCI4<4XL T
1
3
4
1. Numeric
Keys
2. EnterKey
CD
3. PRIORITYKey
(PRiORITY)
4. LOCKOUTKey
~
6
LQQCCU1'
WEIICII-IM 0
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1
Useto program a frequency into each channel for scanning.
Also, use for direct channel access with ~ .
Press CD to complete the programming of a frequency to
the selected channel.
Press(PRiORITY)to turnPriority mode on or off. In Priority
mode, the scanner samplesChannel! every 2 seconds,
regardless of any other mode the scanneris in. If a
transmissionon Channel! is detected, the scanner monitors
Channel! until no signal is present. Priority mode is
cancelled when you turn off the scanner.
Press ~to prevent scanning of the displayed channel.
TheLOCKOUTLED lights when the current channel is
lockedout. Lockout is retained in memory. Press ~
again to unlock the channel. The LOCKOUTLED turns off.
Lockout is active only when the scanner stops on an active
channel or a channel selected in Manual mode.
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5. Channel
Display
6. WXKey
0iX)
7. SQUELCH
Control
8. VOLUME
Control I
Power Switch
9. REVIEWKey
(REVIEW)
10. MANUAL Key
0ANUAl)
11. SCAN Key
GSCAN)
12. LOCKOUT
LED
13. WeatherLED
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Press0iX) to find thelocal weather channel.
Adjust SQUELCHto set the scan threshold. When you are
monitoring a single channel in Manual mode, adjust
SQUELCHto eliminate the background "rushing" noise
heard in the absence of an incoming signal.
TurnVOLUMEclockwise to turnthe scanner on to increase
the volume. Turn counterclockwise to decrease the volume
or turn the scanner off.
Press (REVIEW) to review the frequency of the current channel.
Press ~to stop scanning. Press ~againtostep
to the next channel. Also, use for direct channel acc~ss b~
first entering the channel number and thenpressing. MANUAL
to go directly to that channel.
Press GSCAN)to start scanning.
Lights when the current channel
is locked out.
Lights when in Weather Search
(WX) mode. Flashes when
searching for the active weather
channel in your area.
UD«XJT 1~5
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Display Mode
Currentchannel. Scan or Manual
Channel that was current before was Weather
pressed.
Each numeric entry, decimal (-), and CD if Programming
entry error.
When (REVIEW)is pressed, displays Review
programmedfrequency, digit-by-digit.
LMemory Loss
P,whenscannerstopsonthe PriorityChannel. Priority

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Scanning Overview
The UBC144XLT has 16 memory channels, each of which can be programmed to
store 1 frequency within the band of frequency coverage. (For a listing of frequency
ranges and bands, see "Technical Specifications" on page 16.)
When you press C. SCAN),each of the programmed frequencies is scanned for an
active frequency (channels that are locked out are skipped) at the rate of about 15
channels per second.
When the scanning stops on an active frequency, it remains on that channel as long
as the transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanner will remain
on the same channel for 2 more seconds, waiting for a responding transmission. If
there is n() responding transmission within 2 seconds, the scanning cycle resumes. I
Getting Started
)
)~\ Turn SQUELCHfully clockwise to the highest number
setting (9).
Turn on the power by turning VOLUMEclockwise. Adjust
the volume to where you can hear a steady noise.
)
)~j Set the squelchat the scanning threshold by turning
SQUELCHcounterclockwise just until the noise
disappears.
VOLUME The scanner automatically starts scanning.
If you have not programmed any channel, press C. wx)
to hear your local weather broadcast.
Adjust the volume to a comfortable listening level.
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Adjusting the Squelch
Open the squelch by turning SQUELCHclockwise to
position 8 or 9. You should hear a steady sound
(scanning stops).
~\ Now turn SQUELCHcounterclockwise slowly until the
sound disappears. This is the threshold point at which
scanning starts. At the squelch threshold, an incoming
signal just slightly stronger than the noise will open the
squelch.
When squelch is open, you can hear the broadcast (scanning is stopped). If squelch
is set too tight (that is, too far counterclockwise from the threshold point), a stronger
signal is required to open the squelch.
If squelch is set on a point clockwise from the threshold, you hear a constant sound
(noise, if no signal is present); the scanner does not scan.
Programming Tips
. You can program 1 frequency per channel.
.Channel! is the fixed priority channel. Program themost important
frequency,or the one of major interest, into Channel!.
. To quickly program a series of channels, start programming at the lowest
number channel you want to program. For example, when you program five
new frequencies intoChannels 4 through 8, start with Channel 4. After you
completethe programming in 1 channelby pressing ~, press~ to
step up to the next channel to be programmed.
.If you make an error during programming, or the frequency is out of range,
IIEIIappears on the channel display.
. During numeric entry, if you know that you pressed the wrong number,
press ~twice. This cancels the entire numeric entry, and displays the
current channel number.
. Above 406 MHz, the frequencysteps are in 12.5kHz increments. To enter
a frequency such as 450.4875, press each key in sequence. You will not
see the last digit entered in the display (even when reviewed). However, the
correct frequency is storedin the scanner.
. Once you have programmed a channel, you cannot erase the frequency in
that channel..However, you can change the frequency in a specific channel
by programming a new frequency over the existing one.
.If you want to manua~y er~e all the
.
memory, fIrst turn off the scanner.
Then, press and hold. MANUAL,(]), and CD simultaneously while you turn
the scanner back on. The channel display shows IILI!, and all memoryis
erased.
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Programming Frequencies
Before you can use your UBC144XL Tt you must follow these steps to program the
channels, except weather frequencies.
Ci) G) CV
CD0
OJ Q Ci)
G) CV
1)CD0
QCD
CD CD CD
CD CD CD
(Q)O
Example: Program 420.150 MHz into Channel 12.
Press C. MANUAIJ to stop scanning.
To select the channel (12), press CI), then (gJ on the
numerickeypad.
Thenpress~again. I
Type in the frequency numbers, including the decimal
point using the numeric keypad:
CD(gJ @) CDCI) CI) @)
The decimal point ( C!J) appears as a dash (-) on the
channel display.
Press CD to complete the entry.
About MemoryBack-up
Your UBC144XLT has a convenient type of memory back-up system. In the event of
a power failure, the scanner provides approximately 1days of memory retention so
you don't immediately lose the frequencies stored in any of the channels.
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Scanning
SCAN
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Turn on the power, or press C. SCAN)to start scanning.
(When the scanner is turned on, it is automatically in
Scan mode.)
Scanning stops on any active channel automatically,
except those channels programmed with ~ .
Scanning resumes automatically 2 seconds after the
channel becomes inactive.
Press C.MANUAL)anytime to stop scanning. When you press
~, you are out of Scanmode, and the scanner
remains on the displayed channel.
Pres~c:scAN)to start scanning again, or press ~to
step up 1 channel.
You can press ~repeatedly to manually scan all 16
channels, 1 press per channel, including the channels that
are locked out.
Direct Chan nel Access
This feature allows you to instantly access a specific channel you want to monitor.
Example: Select Channel 4.
G) (i) IPressG).
CDCD
om
SCAN Press C. MANUAIJ .
When you press~, the display changes to "4", but the scanner still monitors the
previous channel displayed. You must press C. MANUAL)to successfully complete the
direct access to Channel 4.
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Checking the Programmed Frequency
Press(REViEW)to check the frequency programmed in the
display channel.
Each digit of the frequency is displayed individually, and
then the channel number returns.
Repeat these steps to review additional frequencies in the
other channels.
Nbte
. Ifyouenterafrequencythatis notanexactstepwithintherange
(e.g.,151.056 insteadof 151.055),thenearestcorrec(frequ:fnCYwill
automatically be storedand displayed when you press REVIEW.
Weather Channel Scan (Weatherchannelsarenotused
inAustralia)
The UBC144XL T allows you to search for your local weather channel.
~IORr0 Yr) IPress GViX) to find the active weather channel in your
area from 7 pre-programmed channels.
. SCAN
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It is possible that your area is covered by more than 1
weather station.
When you press GViX), the UBC144XL T immediately finds an active broadcast. ITthe
broadcast sounds weak and distant, press GViX) again to look for a closer station.
Note
. Allweather channels transmit continuous broadcasts. Once the Weather
scan stops on a transmission, it will remain on that channel. Weather scan
will not resume automatically. You must press GViX) again to reactivate
scannmg.
.In some parts of the country, you may not be able to monitor weather
broadcasts,asinlow-lyingareas. Normally,ahigherlocationimproves
reception.
( LOCKOUT) REVIEW
. MANUA
ToexitWeathermode,pressc:scAN)or~,or turn
off the scanner.
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Priority Scanning
Your UBC144XL T has fixed Priority Channel, Channel I. Priority Scan works like
a "dual watch" function. When you activate Priority Scan mode, the scanner starts
"sampling," or keeping track of the activity on Channel 1 while listening to other
channels.
Every 2 seconds, the scanner checks Channel 1 for activity. If a signal is present,
Channel 1 will be monitored until the transmission ends, and a constant "P" appears
on the channel display. When the signal stops for more than 2 seconds, normal
operation resumes.
(DC[)
CDC6
CD
Chan nel Lockout
First program the frequency most important to you into
Channel1.
Press ~RIORITY) to set the scanner in Priority Scan mode.
"P" appears on the display momentarily every 2 seconds
to indicate that the Priority scan is on.
To exit Priority scan, press (PRiORiTY).
You can lock out a channel so it is not scanned. This does not erase the frequency
from the channel when it is locked out. You can lock out up to 15 channels,
including the Priority channel, but not all 16 channels.
Example: Suppose you want to lock out Channel 2 because it stops on transmissions
you don't want to hear.
Press ~when the scanner stops on Channel 2. The
scanner locks out Channel 2 and immediately advances to
thenext channelto resumescanning.
In the Manual mode, press LOCKOUTto lock out the
displayed channel. Pressing LOCKOUT doesnot advanceto
the next channel in Manual mode.
TheLOCKOUTLED lights to indicate the displayed
channel is locked out.
Whenever you want to search for channels that are locked out, press ~
repeatedly to go through all 16 channels. If a channel is locked out, the LOCKOUT
LED lights.
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Restoringa
LockedOut
Channel
SCAN
REVIE
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To unlock a channel so that it can be monitored during
scanning:
Use 0ANUA0to find the locked out channel.
Press ~to unlockthe displayed channel.
The LOCKOUTLED for the displayed channel turns off.
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About the Unit
Helpful Hints
GeneralUse
Location
Cleaning
Repairs
Birdies
14
. Turnthe scanner off before disconnecting the power.
.Always write down the programmed frequencies in the
event of memory loss.
.If memory is lost, simply reprogram each channel. The
display shows IIL"when memory is lost.
.Always press each keypad button firmly until you hear the
entry tone for that key entry.
.If strong interference or electrical noise is received,
relocate the scanner or its antenna away from the source of
the noise. If possible, a higher elevation may provide
better reception. Also, try changing the height or angle of
the antenna.
.Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments
such as the kitchen or bathroom.
.Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating
elements or vents.
. Disconnect thepower to the unit before cleaning.
. Clean the outside of the scanner with a mild detergent.
To prevent scratches,do not use abrasive cleanersor
solvents. Be careful not to rub the LED window.
.Do not use excessive amounts of water.
.Do not attempt any repair. The scanner contains no
serviceableparts. Contact the Vniden Customer Service
Division or take it to a qualified repair technician.
. Allradiosaresubjecttoreceivingundesiredsignalsor
"birdies". If your scanner stops during Scan mode and no
sound is heard, it may be receiving a birdie. Birdies are
internally-generated signals inherent in the electronics of
thereceiver.PressGSCAN)toresume scanning.

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Troubleshooti ng
IfyourUBC144XLT isnotperfonningproperly,trythestepslistedbelow.
I
If you still cannot get satisfactoryresults and want additional infonnation, or to
return the unit for service, please call or write the Uniden Customer Service Division.
The address and phone numberare listed in the Warranty (atthe end of this manual).
15
Problem Solution
Scanner won't work .Check the connections at both ends of the AC Adaptor
.Turn on the wall switch of your room. You could be
using an outlet controlled by the wall s':V,itch
.Move the AC Adaptor to another wall outlet
Improper reception .Check antenna connection
.Move or angle the antenna
.If programmed frequency is higher than 406 MHz, a
shorter antenna length may improve the reception
.Relocate the scanner.
.You may be in a fringe area. This may require an
optional multi-band antenna. Check with your dealer
or local electronics store.
Scan won't stop. .Adjust Squelch to the threshold
(see page 8, "Adjusting the Squelch.")
.Check the antenna connection.
.Ch((ck to see if many of the channels are locked out.
If so, the scanner has less chance of finding an active
channel.
.Review each channel's frequency to see if it is correct
and no memory has been lost.
.It is possible that none of the programmed
frequencies are active at this time.
Scan won't start. .Press the Scan button again.
.Adjust the Squelch Control.
.Check to see if 15 channels are locked out. If so,
unlock the channels as needed.
Weather Scan won't work. .Adjust Squelch to the threshold
(see page 8, "Adjusting the Squelch.")
.Check antenna.
.No active station within range.

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Technical .specifications
Band Coverage:
F'rfttuencyCoverage:
Sensitivity (nominal)
121dB SINAD:
Selectivity (nominal):
Channels :
Scan ,Rate:
Scan Delay:
Audio Output (nominal):
Power Requirements:
Antenna:
External Jacks:
Size:
Weight:
8bands
66.0-88.0MHz VHFLowBand
137-144MHz LandMobile
144-148MHz 2MeterAmateurBand
148-174MHz VHFHighBand
Above bands in 5kHz steps
406-420 MHz Land Mobile
420-450 MHz 70cm Amateur Band
450-470 MHz UHF Standard Band
470-512 MHz Land Mobile
Above bands in 12.5kHz steps
0.5 f.1V 66-88 MHz
0.4 f.1V137-174 MHz
0.6 f.1V406-512 MHz
-6 dB at 180kHz<J62.4MHz 20 dB QS)
-50 dB at 30 kHz (162.4 MHz 20 dB QS)
16
Up to 15 channels per second
2 seconds
0.9 W (max.) 10%THD
10VAC using AC-l44U AC Adaptor
Telescopic (included)
Antennajack
External speaker
AC 10Vpowerjack
245 mm (W) x 200 mm (D) x 59.5 mm (H)
585g
Features, specifications, and availability of optional accessories are all subject to
change without notice.
16

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Warranty
Uniden UBC144XLT Scanning Receiver
Australian 1Year Warranty
Note: Please keep your sales docket as it provides evidence of warranty.
WARRANTOR: Vniden Australia Pty. Limited ACN 001 865498
ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Vniden warrants to the original retail owner for
the duration of this warranty, its UBC144XLT Scanning Receiver (hereinafter
referred to as the Product), to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship
with only the limitations of exclusions set out below.
WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original retail owner only, shall
terminate and be of no further effect ONE (I) Year after the date Qforiginal retail sale.
This warranty will be deemed invalid if the product is; (A) Damag~dor not main-
tained as reasonable and necessary,(B) Modified, altered or used ~ part of any
conversion kits, subassemblies,or any configurations not sold by Vniden, (C)
Improperly installed, (D) Repaired by someone other than an authprized Vniden
Repair Agent for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E)Used in
conjunction with any equipment or parts or as part of a system not manufactured by
Vniden, (F) Installed, programmed or servicedby anyone other than an authorized
Vniden Repair Agent, (G) Where the Serial Number label of the product has been
removed or damaged beyond recognition.
PARTS COVERED: This warranty coversfor 1year, the UBC144XLT Scanning
Receiver Unit Only. Telescopic Antenna, AC Adaptor and other accessories are covered
for 90 days.
STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In theevent that the product does not conform to
this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect, the warrantor at its
discretion, will repair the defect or replace the product and return it to you without
charge for parts and service.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSE-
11ENTOR PAY11ENTOF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
WARRANTY CARD: If a warranty card has been included with this product then
please fill it in and return it to uswithin 14days of purchase. Your name and serial
number of the product will then be registered in our database and this will help up
process your claim with greater speed and efficiencyshould you require warranty
servIce.
PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: In the
event that the Product does not conform to this warranty, the Product should be
shipped ordelivered, freight pre-paid, with evidence of original purchase, (eg/ a
copy of the salesdocket), to the warrantor at:
UNIDEN AUSTRALIA PTY. LIMITED
SERVICE DIVISION
345 Princes Highway, Rockdale, NSW 2216
Ph [phone]FAX [phone]
Customers in other States should ship or deliver the Product
freight pre-paid to their nearest Vniden Authorized Repair Centre.
(Contact Vniden for the nearest Warranty Agent to you)
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unid~ne~
@1994Uniden AustrnliaPty. Limited All rights reserved \.
UBZZOI236AZ Printed in thePhilippines
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