Uniden UBC780XLT User manual

500-Channel Trunk Tracking Scanner
UBC780XLT
TRUNK TRACKER III

Introduction
The UBC780XLTis a state-of-the-art radio with TrunkTracking™and automatic scanning
capabilities. It can store frequencies such as police, fire/emergency, marine, railroad, air,
amateur, and other communications into 10 banks of 50 channels each.
Use your new scanner to monitor:
•Police and Fire Departments (including rescue and paramedics), and Ambulance Services
Private and Government Trunked Systems
•VHF High Band, UHF, 800MHz
•Trunking for Motorola, EDACS and LTR Systems
•Business/Industrial Radio
•Utilities
•Marine and Amateur (ham radio) Bands
•Air Band
•And much more...
The chart below identifies the scanner band numbers, the frequency range, the modulation
mode and the default step size settings.
Important Notice
•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 Manual are violations
that could void your authority to operate this product or claim warranty on this product.
•The screen displays used in this manual are representations only of what will appear when
you use your scanner.
•This Owners Manual may include foreign terms not applicable to Australian version and
conditions.
Band Frequency Range Mode Step
No. (MHz) (kHz)
125.0000–27.9950 AM 5
228.0000–69.9900 FM 10
370.0000–87.9875 FM 12.5
488.0000–107.9000 WFM 100
5108.0000–136.9875 AM 12.5
6137.0000–147.9950 FM 5
7148.0000–173.9875 FM 12.5
8174.0000–224.9950 WFM 100
9225.0000–399.9500 AM 50
10 400.0000–512.0000 NFM 12.5
11806.0000–956.0000 NFM 12.5
12 1240.0000–1300.0000 NFM 12.5

Front View and Display
SVC
U
1. VFO/SELECT Control
2. VOLUME/SQUELCH Control
3. Scan Key (SCAN)
4. Manual Key (MAN)
5. Display
6. Search Key (SRCH)
7. Hold/Up Key (HOLD/▲)
8. Numeric Keypad (each banks
channel numbers)
9. Menu Key (MENU)
10. Trunk Key (TRUNK)
11. Limit/Down Key (LIMIT/▼)
12. Select/Mute Key (SELECT/MUTE)
13. Decimal/Reverse Key ( /RVRS)
14. Lockout Key (L/O)
15. Priority Key (PRI)
16. Service Key (SVC)
17. Enter/Remote Key (E/REM)
18. Trunk Mode Indicator
19. Trunk Type Indicators
20. Frequency Display
21. Priority Channel Indicator
22. Channel Number Display
23. Bank/Trunk Scan List Indicator
24. Scanner/Channel Mode Indicators
25. Receiving Mode Indicators
26. Frequency/Channel Indicators
27. CTCSS/DCS Indicators
28. ID/Code/Frequency Display
29. Trunk Repeater Activity Indicators
30. Enter Lock Indicator
31. Signal Meter
32. Character Display
1
18
19
20
32
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
30
31
34 5 67 8
9 10 11121314151617
2
29

Rear View
33. Antenna Connector
Uniden®and Bearcat®are registered trademarks of Uniden Corporation.
34. Tape Recorder Output Jack
35. External Speaker Jack
36. DC Power Jack
37. Remote Control Terminal
33 34 35 36 37

NOTE: SMART SCAN NOT
APPLICABLE IN
AUSTRALIA
UBC780XLT Flow Charts

UBC780XLT Flow Charts (continued)

UBC780XLT Flow Charts (continued)

UBC780XLT Flow Charts (continued)

i
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside front cover
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
What is Scanning? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
What is Searching? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
What is Trunk Tracking? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Feature Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Included with Your Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Connecting an Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Mounting an Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Optional Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Typical Mounting Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Mounting the Scanner in Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Applying Power for Vehicle Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Desktop Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Applying Power Using Standard AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Connecting an External Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Connecting an Earphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Listening Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Connecting the Clone Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Connecting the Tape Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Turn the Scanner On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Understanding the Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Storing Frequencies into Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Duplicate Frequency Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Storing Text Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Beep Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Programming Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Deleting a Stored Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
RF Attenuation Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Setting the Delay Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Channel Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Restoring a Locked-out Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Restoring All Locked-out Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..24
Priority Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Changing the Priority Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Searching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Setting a Search Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Search Hold Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Data Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Frequency Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Storing Search Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Auto Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Squelch (SQ) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Additional Menu Options for Searching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Service Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Service Search Skip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Trunked Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Programming and Receiving Trunked Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Programming Trunking Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

ii
Selecting Trunking Programming Menu Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Selecting Trunking System Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Setting the Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Receiving Trunked Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Trunked Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
ID Hold and Direct Entry ID Hold Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
ID Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Restoring Locked-out IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Channel Activity Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Scan Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Programming ID Scan Lists Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
ID Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Setting Priority in Trunking Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Programming Scan Lists During Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Deleting a Stored ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Moving between Scan List Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
I-Call (Motorola/EDACS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Multi-Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
EDACS Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
EDACS Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Programming System Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
An EDACS trunked System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Special EDACS Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
LTR Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
LTR Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Motorola Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Motorola Tracking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Fleet Map Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Selecting a Preset Fleet Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Programming a Fleet Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Programming a Hybrid System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Setting the Base, Spacing Frequencies and Offset Channel for Motorola VHF/UHF Trunked Systems .51
Toggling the Status Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Control Channel Only Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Disconnect Tone Detect Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Remote Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Remote (PC Control) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Clone Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Additional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
One Year Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .inside back cover

1
Terminology
What is Scanning?
Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communications do not transmit
continuously. The UBC780XLT scans the channels you program until it finds an active
frequency.
Scanning stops on an active frequency and remains on that channel as long as the
transmission continues. When the transmission ends, the scanning cycle resumes until
another transmission is received.
What is Searching?
The UBC780XLT can search each of its 24 bands to find active frequencies. This is different
from scanning because you are searching for frequencies that have not been programmed
into your scanner. The scanner automatically chooses between two speeds while searching.
Turbo Search, can search the VHF FM bands at up to 300 channels per second.
What is Trunk Tracking?
Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a radio frequency in your scanner’s
memory which is used by someone you want to monitor. For example, the police in your
area may broadcast 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.
As the demand for public communications has increased, many public radio users don't
have enough frequencies to meet their needs, and this has created a serious problem.
Trunking radio systems solve this problem.
In a trunked radio system, which contains up to 28 different frequencies, radio users are
divided into groups, often called talkgroups, and these talkgroups are assigned specific IDs.
When someone in a talkgroup uses their radio, a brief burst of data is broadcasted before
each transmission. The trunking system computer uses this data to temporarily assign each
radio in a talkgroup to an available frequency. If the group using a frequency stops
broadcasting or pauses between replies for a few seconds, they are removed from the
frequency so another talkgroup can use it.
Sharing of the available public service frequencies, or trunking, allows cities, counties, or
other agencies to accommodate hundreds of users with relatively few frequencies.
Following a conversation on a trunked system using a scanner is difficult, if not impossible.
Because when there's a short break during the conversation you're monitoring, it’s possible
that the talkgroup will be assigned to a completely different frequency in the trunked
system. This type of scanning is difficult and frustrating.

2
TrunkTrack™ changes this! Not only does your new UBC780XLT scan channels like a
conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know
a talkgroups ID, you won’t miss any of the action.
If you're a new scanner enthusiast, you may 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 its terminology will make trunk tracking much easier. A glossary
of other commonly used terms is provided in the back. (Refer to the “Glossary of Terms”
section.) But if you're already an experienced scanner operator, you may want to skip to
Trunked System on page 32.

3
Feature Highlights
•Trunk Tracking – Follows VHF High Band, UHF, 800MHz trunked public and government
service systems just as if conventional two-way communications were used.
•Multi-Track – Track more than one trunking system at a time. Scan conventional and
trunked systems at the same time.
•500 Channels – Program one frequency into each channel. You must have at least one
channel programmed to use the Scan mode.
•24 Bands, 10 Banks – Includes 24 bands, with Aircraft and 800 MHz.10 banks with 50
channels each are useful for storing similar frequencies to maintain faster scanning cycles
or for storing all the frequencies of a trunked system.
•25 MHz-1300 MHz – Indicates the range of frequencies that can be searched within the
bands of your scanner.
Note: The frequency coverage is not continuous and excludes the 512-806MHz band.
•10 Priority Channels – You can assign one priority channel in each bank. Assigning a
priority channel allows you to keep track of activity on your most important channel(s)
while monitoring other channels for transmissions. You can also assign trunking priority
talkgroups.
•Preprogrammed Service (SVC) Search – Allows you to toggle through preprogrammed
Police, UHF CB, railroad, aircraft, and marine frequencies.
•Unique Data Skip – Allows your scanner to skip unwanted data transmissions and
reduces birdies.
•Memory Backup – If the battery completely discharges or if power is disconnected, the
frequencies programmed in your scanner are retained in memory.
•Manual Channel Access – Go directly to any channel.
•Attenuator – Reduces the signal strength on a per frequency basis.
•Turbo Search – Increases the search speed to 300 steps per second. This applies only to
transmission bands with 5 kHz steps.
•Text Tags – You can customise your scanner by storing text tags (up to 16 characters).
•Auto Store – The scanner automatically arranges a memory store for searched frequencies.
•CTCSS/DCS – The scanner can receive and search for subaudible tones.

4
Included with Your Scanner Package
If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase.
•AC Adaptor •Cigarette Lighter
Adaptor Cord
•Operating Guide
•Other Printed Materials
•Mounting Bracket •Telescopic Antenna
•DC Cord

5
Setup
Connecting an Antenna
You must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner. You have been provided a
standard telescopic antenna that works well with this scanner, but you may want to
purchases another type to increase the range. To connect the telescopic antenna, simply
connect it to the BNC type ANT. connector on the rear of the scanner. You can purchase a
variety of scanner antennas for both mobile and base station available at a local electronics
store. Choose the one that best meets your needs.
When deciding on a mobile or base station antenna and its location, consider these points.
• The antenna should be as high as possible on a vehicle or a house.
• The antenna and its cable should be as far as possible from sources of electrical noise
(ignition systems, gauges, and so on).
• The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.
Mounting an Antenna
Once you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna.
Then route the antenna cable to the scanner.
The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety of
antennas, such as an external mobile antenna or an outdoor base station antenna.
Always use 50 ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna.
For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If your antenna’s cable
does not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC adaptor (available at a local
electronics store).
Follow the Installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to the
scanner, then connect it to the ANT. jack.
Warning: Use extreme caution when you install or remove an outdoor antenna. If the
antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the
antenna touches a power line, contact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy
wires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to remove
the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do it yourself.
Optional Antenna
If you have chosen an optional mobile antenna, connect the antenna plug into the ANT
connector on the rear of the scanner. (For more information on antenna installation, please
refer to the instruction guide that came with your antenna.)

6
Typical Mounting Methods
The UBC780XLT can be conveniently mounted on a table, bulkhead, overhead, or any other
desired location (refer to figure below for typical mounting methods).
Caution: Make sure there are no hidden electrical wires or other items behind the desired
location before proceeding. Check that free access for mounting and cabling
is available.
Mounting the Scanner in Your Vehicle
Before you mount the scanner, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Then
confirm that the scanner fits your vehicle’s mounting area. This unit requires a mounting
area of 61mm high by 176.5mm wide by 167mm deep.
Caution: Be sure to avoid obstructions behind the mounting surface.
Follow these steps to mount the scanner in your vehicle.
1. Choose a mounting location, then use the supplied
mounting bracket as a template to mark the positions for
the mounting screw holes.
2. In the marked positions, drill holes slightly smaller than
the supplied screws.
3. Attach the mounting bracket to the mounting location
using the supplied screws and lock washers.
4. Attach the scanner to the mounting bracket using the
supplied mounting knobs.
5. Connect the antenna’s cable to the ANT. connector on the
back of the scanner.
Note: If the antenna cable’s connector does not fit in the ANT.
connector, you might also need a Motorola-to-BNC
antenna plug adaptor (available at a local
electronics store).
•Table top mount •Bulkhead mount •Overhead mount

7
Applying Power for Vehicle Installation
You can power your scanner using either the supplied DC power cord or your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket using DC cigarette lighter power cord.
Caution: You must use a power source that supplies 13.8 V DC and delivers at least
700 mA. Your standard 12V car battery should be sufficient. The cord connector’s
centre tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s DC 13.8 V
jack. The supplied DC power cord meets these specifications. Using a power cord
that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adaptor.
• Always connect the adaptor or DC power cord to the scanner before you connect it to the
power source. When you finish, disconnect the adaptor or DC power cord from the power
source before you disconnect it from the scanner.
• For added safety and to protect your scanner,
disconnect the cable from your vehicle battery’s
negative (-) terminal before you begin.
Follow these steps to connect the supplied DC power cord.
1. Connect the power cord’s black wire to a chassis ground, such as a metal screw
attached to a metal part of the vehicle’s frame. Be sure that the screw is not insulated
from the frame by a plastic part.
2. Connect the power cord’s red wire (with in-line fuse)
to a source of voltage that turns on and off with the
ignition switch, such as a spare accessory terminal in
your vehicle’s fuse box.
3. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the DC 13.8 V
jack on the back of the scanner.
4. Reconnect the cable to the vehicle battery’s
negative (-) terminal.
To power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12 V power source
(such as a cigarette-lighter socket), use the supplied cigarette-lighter adaptor cord.
To connect the supplied DC cigarette-lighter power cord, insert its barrel plug into the
DC 13.8 V jack on the back of the scanner, then plug the power cord into your vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket.
Note: If you use a cigarette-lighter power cord and your vehicle’s engine is running, you
might hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is normal.

8
Desktop Installation
You can place this scanner on a desk, shelf, or
table to use it as a base station.
1. Flip up the feet for desk installation.
2. Extend the antenna to full vertical position. Adjust
the angle for best reception.
Applying Power Using Standard AC Power
To power the scanner from an AC outlet, use the provided AC adaptor with a 5.5 mm outer
diameter/2.1mm inner diameter tip.
Caution: You must use only the AC adaptor provided as power source that supplies
13.8 V DC and delivers at least 700 mA. The cord connector’s centre tip must be
set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s DC 13.8 V jack. Using an
adaptor that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the
adaptor.
• Always connect the AC adaptor to the scanner before you connect it to AC power.
When you finish, disconnect the adaptor from the AC power before you disconnect it from
the scanner.
1. Insert the adaptor’s barrel plug into the DC
13.8 V jack on the back of the scanner.
2. Plug the adaptor into a standard AC outlet.
Note: Use only the AC adaptor supplied with
your scanner.
Connecting an External Speaker
In a noisy area, an external speaker (available at a local electronics store) positioned in the
right place might provide more comfortable
listening.
Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8 inch (3.5 mm)
plug into your scanner’s EXT. SP. jack.
Note: Connecting an external speaker
disconnects the scanner’s
internal speaker.
13.8V

9
Connecting an Earphone
For private listening, you can connect an earphone (not supplied) with a 3.5 mm plug to the
EXT. SP. jack on the back of the scanner. Be very careful as damage to your hearing can
result if the VOLUME control is not set to the lowest level first. See below for “Listening
Safely” instructions. (Your local electronics store should carry a wide selection of
earphones.) Once the earphone is connected, it will automatically disconnects the internal
speaker.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or headphones.
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high volume listening can lead to
permanent hearing loss.
• Set the VOLUME to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening,
adjust the VOLUME to a comfortable level.
• Once you set the VOLUME, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume
level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.
Connecting the Clone Cable
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another UBC780XLT scanner using an
RS232C Cable (9 pin to 9 pin) (not supplied). Connect the cable between each scanner’s
REMOTE jacks. See “Clone Mode” on page 56. You can also upload or download the
programmed data to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit available through your
local electronics store.
Connecting the Tape Recorder
You can use a standard tape recorder or a VOX (Voice Operated Control) recorder.
To connect the recorder to the scanner, connect a cable with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug from
the tape recorder’s remote jack to the TAPE OUT jack on the back of the scanner. (Your
local electronics store should carry a wide selection of cables and tape recorders.) Refer to
the “Record” section under “Additional Features” in the manual.
Remember!
• You must mark a channel, ID, talkgroup, or bank for Recording in order for this
feature to work. The LINE icon appears on all channels that have been properly marked.
• This feature does not work if your scanner is set with MUTE ON.
• The VOLUME control affects the Audio output. Do not set the volume on
minimum. Make a trial taping to be certain the volume levels are set correctly.

10
Basic Operation
Turn the Scanner On
Turn the VOLUME control clockwise out of the detent position. The scanner automatically
starts scanning. Since there are no frequencies programmed in your scanner initially, you
may not receive any signals. Once you set the squelch and program some frequencies, you
will be hearing conversations regularly.
Setting the Squelch
To set the squelch, you must be in the Manual mode, and you
should not be receiving a signal on your scanner.
1. Press MAN until you do not hear a signal.
2. Make sure that the VOLUME is set to a
comfortable listening level.
3. Think of the Squelch Control as a gate. Turn
SQUELCH fully counter-clockwise. This raises
the “Squelch Gate” so high that only very
strong signals can get through.
4. Turn SQUELCH fully clockwise until you hear
a hiss. This lowers the “Squelch Gate” so that
everything gets through – noise, weak signals,
and strong signals.
5. Turn SQUELCH back counter-clockwise just
until the hiss stops. Now the “Squelch Gate”
allows only clear signals through.
Next you must program some frequencies. (Page 18) It is recommended that you read the
next part “Understanding the Menu System” because it will assist you in accessing and
understanding many of the features. Later in a section called “Additional Features”, you will
find explanations on how to disable the keypad acknowledgement tones, how to mute the
audio, how to change the appearance of the display and other general features.
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE
STRONG SIGNALS
MEDIUM SIGNALS
WEAK SIGNALS
NOISE