by the police, 02 by the ambulance service, 03 by the fire department, and so on. Each agency is then subdivided up to 16 times to provide fleet identification, and then 8 more times to identify subfleets.

For example, the complete AFS for the Police Department West District’s dispatch channel might be 01-062. 01 identifies the agency as the police department, 06 identifies the fleet as the West district, and 2 identifies the subfleet as the dispatch channel. While these assignments are somewhat arbitrary and vary from system to system, there are many resources on the web for finding the assignments for most systems. Because of the logical hierarchy of the AFS system, your BCT15 lets you assign wildcard ID’s that let you, for example, use only one ID memory to identify all units in either an agency or a fleet.

EDACS SCAT — (Single Channel Autonomous Trunking) systems operate on a single channel and alternate control data with analog voice traffic. While your BCT15 cannot track ID’s in this system, it can eliminate the control data so that all you hear is the voice transmissions when you monitor this type of system.

LTR Trunking

LTR (Logic Trunked Radio) systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers, such as taxicabs, delivery trucks, and repair services. These systems encode all control information as digital sub audible data that accompanies each transmission, so there is no separate control channel. Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talk groups, which are identified by the radio as six digit numbers.

These numbers are in the form AHHUUU, where:

A = Area code (0 or 1)

H = Home repeater (01 through 20)

U = User ID (000 through 254)

When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the LTR mode, it first decodes the LTR data included with the transmission. In the ID search mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the display. In the ID scan mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the LTR data matches a talk group ID that you have stored in the talk group ID list and have not locked out. LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique user ID.

Understanding Scanning and the BCT15

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Uniden BCT15 manual LTR Trunking
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BCT15 specifications

The Uniden BCT15 is a highly regarded mobile scanner designed specifically for enthusiasts of radio communications. This versatile scanner is equipped with advanced technologies and features, making it a popular choice among both amateur and professional users looking to keep up with various frequencies and radio transmissions.

One of the most notable features of the BCT15 is its ability to scan analog and digital frequencies, which allows users to access a wide range of communications, including police, fire stations, amateur radio operators, and even aircraft communications. The scanner supports both conventional and trunked systems, providing flexibility in monitoring different types of radio signals.

The BCT15 has a frequency range that spans from 25 MHz to 1300 MHz, which ensures users can capture a diverse selection of channels. It features an advanced microprocessor that provides fast scanning capabilities, with the ability to scan up to 30 channels per second. Additionally, the built-in 1000 channel memory allows users to store a substantial amount of frequencies, enabling seamless access to frequently used channels without the need for constant reprogramming.

One of the standout technologies included in the Uniden BCT15 is the Close Call RF Capture Technology. This feature allows the scanner to detect and instantly tune into nearby frequencies that are in use, providing a real-time listening experience. This is particularly useful in dynamic environments where new signals may frequently emerge.

The BCT15 also comes equipped with Easy-to-Program memories, making it user-friendly for those who may not be as tech-savvy. Users can also utilize the built-in search features to identify active frequencies within a specific range, which is invaluable when exploring new channels or areas. The backlit display and intuitive interface further enhance the user experience, allowing for easy navigation even in low-light conditions.

Furthermore, the scanner includes a programmable scan delay, a priority channel feature, and weather band capabilities. This allows users to stay informed about local weather conditions, an essential feature for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities.

Overall, the Uniden BCT15 is a powerful and user-friendly scanner that combines innovative technology with practical features. Whether for hobbyists or professionals, its extensive capabilities cater to a broad audience interested in the world of radio communications. With its solid performance, ease of use, and comprehensive features, the BCT15 remains a top choice for scanner enthusiasts.
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