Contents

 

Introduction

.1

Front and Rear Views

.2

Icon Display

.3

Terminology

.4

What are Highway Patrol Alerts?

.4

What is Scanning?

.4

What is Searching?

.4

What is Trunk Tracking?

.4

Feature Highlights

.6

Where to Obtain More Information

.7

Information on the Internet

.7

Included with Your Scanner Package

.8

Optional Accessories

.8

Installing the BCT8

.9

For Home Use (Desktop Installation)

.9

For Mobile Use (In-Car Installation)

.9

Typical Mounting Methods

11

Mounting the Scanner in Your Vehicle

11

Applying Power for Vehicle Installation

12

DC power Installation

12

Applying Power Using Standard AC Power

13

Connecting an External Speaker

13

Listening Safely

13

Connecting the Clone Cable

13

Scanning Overview

14

Turn the Scanner On

14

How Squelch Works

15

Setting the Squelch

15

Highway Patrol Scanning

16

Selecting the State

16

Scanning Highway Patrol Frequency

16

Highway Patrol Scan Hold

17

Highway Warning Alert

17

Alert Tone Volume

17

Muting the Alert Tone

17

Alert Light Adjustment

18

Skip Frequencies

18

Priority Channels

18

Trunked Highway Frequency

20

Private Bank Scanning

21

Programming Frequencies into Channels

21

Deleting a Stored Frequency

21

Duplicate Frequency Alert

22

Memory Lock

22

Scanning Private Bank

22

Hold/Resume

23

Channel Lockout

23

Restoring a Locked-out Channel in Hold Mode

23

Restoring All Locked-out Channels

24

Priority Scan

24

Changing the Priority Channel

24

Service Scanning

25

Band Search

26

Setting a Search Band

26

Search Hold Feature

27

Data Skip

27

Frequency Skip

27

Storing Search Frequencies

28

Delay

28

iii

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Uniden BCT-8 manual Contents

BCT-8 specifications

The Uniden BCT-8 is a portable scanner that has made a significant impact in the world of communications monitoring. Designed for both amateur enthusiasts and professional users, this device provides a robust set of features, making it an essential tool for anyone interested in receiving and decoding a wide range of radio frequencies.

One of the standout features of the BCT-8 is its ability to scan both conventional and trunked radio systems. This versatility allows users to listen to everything from local police and fire department communications to amateur radio operations and even aviation channels. The scanner operates between 25 MHz and 1300 MHz, covering a wide array of frequencies that cater to diverse listening interests.

The BCT-8 is equipped with a user-friendly interface, featuring an LCD screen that displays clearly readable information such as channel frequencies and descriptions. Additionally, it utilizes a programmable scan feature, enabling users to store frequencies in memory for quick access. This functionality is particularly useful for those who regularly monitor specific channels, saving time and simplifying the scanning process.

Another notable technology in the BCT-8 is its capability to decode CTCSS and DCS tones, allowing users to filter out unwanted signals and focus on the conversations that matter most to them. This feature is particularly beneficial for monitoring crowded frequencies, ensuring that listeners can hone in on their desired transmissions without interference.

The battery life of the Uniden BCT-8 is also impressive, providing extended use for those on the go. It can operate on AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack, giving users flexibility depending on their listening habits and requirements.

In terms of build quality, the BCT-8 is sturdy yet compact, making it portable enough to carry during outdoor activities or while traveling. This is complemented by an included belt clip, allowing for hands-free operations, perfect for fieldwork or public safety applications.

Overall, the Uniden BCT-8 stands out for its extensive feature set and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for individuals who wish to explore the rich world of radio communications. Its combination of advanced scanning capabilities, ease of use, and portability makes it a valuable addition to any scanner enthusiast's toolkit. Whether for personal use or professional monitoring, the BCT-8 excels in delivering comprehensive reception of diverse radio signals.