Uniden UBC30XLT User manual

UBC30XLT
SCANNER
200 Channels
Air band Receiver
with FM Radio

2
Precautions
Precautions
Before you use this scanner, please read and
observe the following.
Use only a genuine Uniden earphone. An incorrect
earphone may be hazardous to your hearing.
Turn down volume before connecting the earphone
and then adjust volume to suit.
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.
Trademarks used throughout this manual are the
property of their respective holders.
EARPHONE WARNING!
WARNING!
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 2 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

3
UBC30XLT Controls and Display
UBC30XLT Controls and Display
Keypad
Display
Headphone Jack
Antenna
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 3 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

4
Contents
Contents
Introduction .......................................................... 6
Feature Highlights................................................ 8
About This Manual .......................................... 9
Understanding Scanning ..................................... 10
What is Scanning? .......................................... 10
What is Searching?......................................... 10
Conventional Scanning ................................... 10
Where To Obtain More Information ................ 12
Included With Your Scanner................................ 13
Setting Up Your Scanner..................................... 14
Installing and Replacing Batteries................... 14
Connecting the Antenna ................................. 16
Connecting an Earphone/Headphone............. 17
Attaching the Belt Clip..................................... 18
About Your Scanner ............................................ 19
A Look At The Keypad .................................... 20
A Look At The Display .................................... 23
Understanding Banks...................................... 24
Operation ............................................................. 25
Turning On The Scanner and
Setting Squelch............................................... 25
Adjusting the Volume Level ............................ 25
Frequency Search Mode................................. 25
Registering the Search Frequency
In Channel Memory......................................... 26
Scanning the Stored Channels
(Memory Scan) ............................................... 27
Manually Selecting a Channel ........................ 28
Switching the Mode......................................... 28
Special Features.................................................. 29
Delay............................................................... 29
Search Skip..................................................... 29
Locking Out Channels in Memory Mode......... 30
Priority............................................................. 30
Monitor ............................................................ 31
Using Keylock ................................................. 31
Using the Display Backlight ............................ 31
Troubleshooting ................................................... 32
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 4 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

5
Contents
Resetting the Scanner .................................... 33
Care and Maintenance ........................................ 34
General Use.................................................... 34
Location .......................................................... 34
Cleaning.......................................................... 34
Repairs............................................................ 35
Birdies ............................................................. 35
Specifications....................................................... 36
Optional Accessories ........................................... 38
Declaration of Conformity .................................... 39
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 5 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

6
Introduction
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Uniden UBC30XLT
Handheld Scanner. The scanner is versatile,
compact, and easy to use.
You can program up to 200 frequencies into the
scanner's memory. The scanner lets you scan
transmissions and is preprogrammed with service
banks and search banks for your convenience.
You can quickly search those frequencies most
commonly used in Air band, FM radio and VHF
without tedious and complicated programming.
Use your scanner to monitor:
• Air band
• FM Radio
• VHF High band
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 6 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

7
Introduction
This table lists the frequency ranges, default
frequency step, default mode (AM or FM), and type
of transmissions you can hear for each range.
BAND PLAN 1
BAND PLAN 2
To switch the band plan between 1 and 2;
1. Make sure the power is turned off
2. While holding down BAND, turn on the scanner.
Note: Please reset the scanner (see page 33) after
band plan was changed.
Frequency Range
(MHz)
Mode Step (kHz) Transmission
87.5000 - 107.9000 WFM 100 FM Radio
108.0000 - 136.9875 AM 12.5 AIRCRAFT
137.0000 - 157.9875 FM 12.5 2M AMATEUR
BAND
158.0000 - 160.5900 FM 10 VHF HIGH BAND
160.6000 - 162.5875 FM 12.5 VHF HIGH BAND
162.6000 - 173.9900 FM 10 VHF HIGH BAND
RANGE (MHz) MODE STEP
(kHz)
Program/
Subject
87.5000 - 107.9000 WFM 100 FM Radio
108.0000 - 136.9875 AM 12.5 AIRCRAFT
137.0000 - 143.9950 FM 5 MILITARY LAND
MOBILE
144.0000 - 145.9875 FM 12.5 2M AMATEUR
BAND
146.0000 - 155.9900 FM 10 VHF HIGH BAND
156.0000 - 162.0250 FM 12.5 VHF MARINE
BAND
162.0300 - 173.9900 FM 10 VHF HIGH BAND
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 7 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

8
Feature Highlights
Feature Highlights
MEMORY CHANNEL SCAN - lets you scan the
channel memory frequency.
FREQUENCY SEARCH MODE - specifies the
frequency where searching starts from.
Channel-Storage Banks - the scanner has 3 banks.
You can store up to 200 frequencies into the banks.
Selectable Scan Delay - delays scanning from 0 to
5 seconds according to your setting before moving
to another channel, so you can hear more replies
that are made on the same channel.
Lock-Out Function - lets you set your scanner to
skip over specified channels or frequencies when
scanning or searching.
Priority Channels - lets you program one channel
in each bank (3 in all) and then have the scanner
check that channel every 2 seconds while it scans
the bank, so you do not miss transmissions on those
channels.
Monitor - Opens the squelch to receive all the signal
regardless of its strength.
Key Lock - lets you lock the scanner's keys to help
prevent accidental changes to the scanner's
programming.
Display Backlight - makes the scanner easy to
read in low-light situations.
Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector - provides
adequate reception in strong signal areas and is
designed to help prevent antenna breakage.
Or, you can connect an external antenna for better
reception.
Memory Backup - keeps the frequencies stored in
memory for an extended time if the scanner loses
power.
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 8 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

9
Feature Highlights
AUTO POWER OFF - allows the scanner to
automatically become low power consumption mode
of microcomputer, if the battery voltage is lower then
voltage where battery low alert is occurred. Once
power off feature starts, LCD is turned off and all
operations are not effective.
Key Confirmation Tones - the scanner sounds a
tone when you perform an operation correctly, and
an error tone if you make an error.
Battery Low Alert - warns you when battery power
gets low.
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 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, be sure to
read “Understanding Scanning” on Page 10 for a
quick background on the technology behind the
hobby. The first thing you’ll need to do is install
batteries in the scanner. Then you need to connect
the included antenna to the scanner. See “Installing
and Replacing Batteries” on Page 14 and
“Connecting the Antenna” on Page 16 if you need
any help doing this.
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 9 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

10
Understanding Scanning
Understanding Scanning
This section provides you with background on how
scanning works. You don’t really need to know all of
this to use your scanner, but some background
knowledge will help you get the most from your
UBC30XLT.
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-
way communications do not transmit continuously.
Your UBC30XLT 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 UBC30XLT can search for active frequencies.
This is different from scanning because you are
searching for frequencies that have not been
programmed into the scanner. When you select
frequency bands to search, the scanner searches
for any active frequency within the lower and upper
limits you specify. When the scanner finds an active
frequency, it stops on that frequency as long as the
transmission lasts. If you think the frequency is
interesting, you can program it into one of the banks.
If not, you can continue to search.
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 1980’s
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 10 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

11
Understanding Scanning
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
• PMR users
• Broadcast AM/FM/TV stations
• Many business radio users
When you want to store a conventional system, all
you need to know is 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
PMR radios. The range is typically 1.5-12 km,
depending upon the terrain and many other factors.
Repeater Operation
Repeater systems use two frequencies: one transmits
from the radio to a central 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
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 11 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

12
Understanding Scanning
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 40 km radius from the repeater
location.
Where To Obtain More Information
By itself, this manual really only provides part of
what you need to know to have fun scanning – how
to program and use the scanner.
Information On The Internet
The Internet is a great source for current frequencies
and information about scanning.
Many web sites have lists of frequencies for your area.
You can use a search engine to find and use them.
Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to,
then look up the frequencies and systems used by
those agencies.
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 12 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

13
Included With Your Scanner
Included With Your Scanner
Note: If any of these items are missing or damaged,
contact your place of purchase.
Owners Manual
Scanner
with
Antenna
UBC30XLT
SCANNER
200 Channels
Air band Receiver
with FM Radio
Belt Clip
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 13 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

14
Setting Up Your Scanner
Setting Up Your Scanner
These guidelines will help you install and use your
new scanner:
• 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 50-70 ohm
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 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.
Installing and Replacing Batteries
You can power your scanner using three AA alkaline
batteries.
1. Make sure the power is turned off.
2. If the belt clip is attached, remove it (See
page 18).
3. Slide the battery compartment cover.
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 14 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

15
Setting Up Your Scanner
4. Install three batteries in the compartment as
indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and -)
marked inside.
5. Replace the cover.
Using Rechargeable Batteries
You can also use three rechargeable batteries
(Ni-MH) to power your scanner. Before you use
rechargeable batteries, make sure the batteries are
fully charged.
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 15 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

16
Setting Up Your Scanner
Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and
recommended type.
• Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries
can leak chemicals that destroy electronic
circuits.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types
of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable),
or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
Connecting the Antenna
To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the
connector on the top of your scanner, align the slots
around the antenna's connector with the tabs on the
scanner's BNC connector. Then slide the antenna's
connector down over the scanner's connector and
rotate the antenna connector's outer ring clockwise
until it locks into place.
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.
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 16 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

17
Setting Up Your Scanner
Note: Always use 50-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8, coaxial
cable to connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna
is over 15 metres from the scanner, use RG-8 low-
loss dielectric coaxial cable. You can get a BNC
adapter at your local electronics store.
Connecting an Earphone/Headphone
For private listening, you can plug a 3.5mm mini-
plug earphone or mono headphones (not supplied)
into the headphone jack on top of your scanner. This
automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
If you connect an external speaker to the scanner's
headphone jack, never connect the audio output line
to a power supply and ground. This might damage
the scanner.
WARNING!
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 17 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

18
Setting Up Your Scanner
Attaching the Belt Clip
To make your scanner easier to carry when you are
on the go, use the supplied belt clip. Slide the belt
clip into the hanger piece on the back of the
scanner. To remove, slide up the belt clip pulling the
pinch at the middle of the belt clip.
Pinch
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 18 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

19
About Your Scanner
About Your Scanner
We use a few simple terms in this manual to explain
the features of the scanner. Familiarize yourself with
these terms and the scanner's features, and you can
put the scanner to work for you right away. Simply
determine the type of communications you want to
receive, then set the scanner to scan those
communications.
A frequency, expressed in kHz or MHz, is the tuning
location of a station. To find active frequencies, you
use the search function or refer to a frequency
reference.
Besides searching within a selected frequency
range, you can also search your scanner's service
banks. Service banks are preset groups of
frequencies categorized by the type of services that
use those frequencies.
When you search and find a desired frequency, you
can store it into a programmable memory location
called a channel. Channels are grouped into
channel-storage banks. The scanner has 3 channel-
storage banks. You can scan the channel-storage
banks to see if there is activity on the frequencies
stored there.
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 19 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM

20
About Your Scanner
A Look At The Keypad
Your scanner's keys have various functions labeled
on the key tops and below the keys.
To select the function labeled on a key, simply press
the key. To select the function labeled below a key,
first press FNC then release it. appears on the
display. Then press the next key in the function key
sequence while appears. appears or
disappears as you press FNC.
If your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the
following information should help you understand
each key's function.
Key Name Description
FNC Lets you use various functions
by pressing this key in
combination with other keys.
F
F F
UB333 Paper OM reduced size.fm Page 20 Friday, June 3, 2005 1:43 PM