Special EDACS® Features

AFS Partial Entry Feature

AFS is Uniden's method of encoding EDACS talkgroups. AFS stands for 'Agency-Fleet-Subfleet'.

AFS talkgroups are used in all EDACS reception -- in ID SEARCH, ID LOCKOUT and ID SCAN scanlists.The powerful AFS Partial Entry feature designed into the BC780XLT lets you use either a complete talkgroup code, or just the most significant part.

This feature lets you expand or narrow searching and scanning to one of 4 levels. By entering only the desired part of an AFS talkgroup, you can select 2048 talkgroups, 128 talkgroups, 8 talkgroups, or a single talkgroup. For example, you could program every talkgroup in a police department with just 4 key presses. You can use the AFS

Partial Entry feature anywhere that you need to specify EDACS talkgroup.

Your BC780XLT can also enter or display EDACS talkgroups in decimal format (0-2047). Press MENU - TRUNK DATA, and for banks selected as EDACS banks, select Item 8, EDACS ID FORM and change it to Decimal. You can use this feature to translate decimal talkgroups lists to the much more powerful AFS format.

Examples of how you might use AFS are shown above in the description of an EDACS trunked system, and elsewhere in this manual. It is very easy to use. Be sure to become familiar with AFS Partial Entry, and your scanning will become far more flexible and efficient.

Emergency Call Alert

Your BC780 alerts you when an EDACS Emergency transmission occurs.

EDACS systems often provide users with an 'Emergency' button on their radios. Users in trouble can alert the dispatcher and other units and get priority access to the radio system. When a user activates Emergency mode your scanner will flash EMERGENCY during the entire transmission. At the beginning of each transmission it will sound a distinctive emergency alert tone three times.

Patch Tracking

The BC780 can follow EDACS patched talkgroups.

EDACS systems sometimes bring several talkgroups together in a 'Patch'. A patch might be used by a police agency at night to provide a single channel with a single dispatcher for a wide area. A patch is created when a single, temporary talkgroup substitutes for the original talkgroups. While the patch is running, which may be for hours or days, the original talkgroups cease to be used. If you were monitoring one of these talkgroups, you might think there was no traffic, but in fact the talkgroup was operating at the different temporary number.

If a talkgroup in your Scan List is patched, your scanner will continue to receive it under its new identity until the patch is ended. When a patch is being received, the radio will display [PATCH ID], and will show the temporary common talkgroup plus all the included talkgroups in a cycling display. The BC780 is limited to following one patch.

The temporary talkgroups used for patches are usually found in AFS code 15-xxx, and sometimes 00-xxx.

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Uniden BC780XLT manual Special Edacs Features, AFS Partial Entry Feature
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BC780XLT specifications

The Uniden BC780XLT is a versatile and popular scanner that has made a name for itself among scanning enthusiasts and professionals alike. Released in the early 2000s, this model is known for its extensive feature set, allowing users to monitor a wide range of frequencies and communications.

One of the primary features of the BC780XLT is its capability to scan multiple frequency bands, including VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz frequencies. This makes it an ideal choice for monitoring public safety communications, utility services, and various other two-way radio frequencies. The scanner operates in an impressive frequency range of 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz, allowing users to enjoy a broad spectrum of signals.

The BC780XLT features TrunkTracker technology, which enables it to follow trunked radio systems. This is crucial for monitoring communications from agencies that operate on these complex frequency systems, like police and fire departments. The scanner can decode both Motorola and EDACS trunked systems, providing extensive coverage of public safety communications.

User-friendly controls and advanced features make the BC780XLT accessible for both beginners and experienced users. The numeric keypad allows for quick entry of frequencies, while the large LCD display provides easy visibility of channel information, including frequency and mode. The 10-channel pre-programmed memory allows users to store their favorite frequencies and easily scan between them.

In addition to its scanning capabilities, the BC780XLT also supports close call technology. This feature allows the scanner to automatically detect nearby signals, instantly alerting users to any active frequencies in their vicinity. This is particularly useful for users in urban areas, where multiple frequencies may be in use simultaneously.

The BC780XLT also has a robust battery-saving feature, making it an excellent option for those who need to scan on the go. This functionality, coupled with its ability to operate on AC or DC power, adds to its versatility, ensuring uninterrupted scanning during extended use or in field operations.

In conclusion, the Uniden BC780XLT Scanner stands out for its comprehensive feature set, including TrunkTracker technology, extensive frequency coverage, and user-friendly design. Whether for hobbyists, emergency responders, or professionals needing reliable communication, the BC780XLT continues to be a valuable tool in the world of scanning. Its enduring popularity speaks to its performance and adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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