The frequencies for many of the 800 MHz public safety systems are listed in the National Public Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide included with your BC246T scanner.

Conventional scanning is a simple concept. You enter a frequency used by someone you want to monitor into your scanner’s memory. For example, the police in your area might transmit on 460.500 MHz, the fire department on 154.445 MHz, the highway department on 37.900 MHz, etc. So when your scanner stops on a frequency, you usually know who it is, and more importantly, you can stop on a channel and listen to an entire conversation. This type of scanning is easy and fun.

However, as the demand for public communications has increased, many public radio users do not have enough frequencies to meet their needs, creating a serious problem. Trunking radio systems help solve this problem.

Trunked Scanning

While conventional scanning worked great while there were only a few groups wanting to use the frequencies, with the advent of smaller, lower-cost radios more and more agencies and businesses wanted to take advantage of the utility of 2-way radio. As a result, the bands that were used most became full, so new users were not able to take advantage of the technology as quickly as they wanted.

Trunking solved this frequency shortage by allowing multiple groups to use the same set of frequencies in a very efficient way. While each type of trunking system operates a little differently (see the next few sections), they all work on the same basic premise: even in a system with a lot of users, only a few users are ever transmitting at any one time.

Instead of being assigned a frequency, as with conventional systems, each group is assigned a talk group ID. A central computer controls the frequency each group operates on...and this frequency selection is made

Understanding Scanning

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Uniden BC246T owner manual Trunked Scanning

BC246T specifications

The Uniden BC246T is a versatile and advanced handheld scanner that has gained popularity among radio enthusiasts and professionals alike. Designed for those who want to stay informed about their surroundings, this device offers a blend of features, technologies, and characteristics that make it a standout choice in the world of scanners.

One of the primary attributes of the BC246T is its wide frequency coverage. Capable of receiving frequencies from 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz, it includes VHF, UHF, and 800 MHz bands. This broad range allows users to monitor a variety of communications, including police, fire, and emergency services, as well as amateur radio and aviation transmissions.

Another essential feature of the BC246T is its 1000-channel memory capacity. Users can easily program and store their favorite frequencies, organizing them into manageable banks for quick access. This is particularly useful for those who wish to track multiple agencies or services simultaneously. The scanner also supports alpha tagging, allowing users to assign a name to each frequency, making it easier to identify and navigate channels.

The BC246T incorporates advanced digital technologies, including support for APCO P25 digital communications. This feature allows users to listen to transmissions from public safety agencies that utilize digital formats. Furthermore, with Close Call™ technology, the scanner can automatically detect and tune into nearby frequencies that are in use, providing real-time alerts to users about active communications around them.

Ease of use is another hallmark of the Uniden BC246T. The device features a clear LCD display that shows relevant information, including channel names, frequency, and the type of received signal. The user interface is intuitive, with easy-to-access buttons and a well-organized menu system that simplifies programming and operation.

Built to last, the BC246T is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for on-the-go monitoring. Its battery life is commendable, providing extended usage for those who require reliable performance during extended listening sessions.

In conclusion, the Uniden BC246T is a robust handheld scanner, offering extensive frequency coverage, advanced digital capabilities, and user-friendly features. Whether you are a seasoned scanner enthusiast or a casual user, the BC246T provides a comprehensive solution for monitoring a wide array of communications. Its combination of technology, functionality, and portability makes it a valuable tool for anyone interested in radio communications.