Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product SC230 Uniden
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SC230 OWNER’S MANUAL O WNER’S MANU AL SC230 OWNER’S MANUAL O WNER’S MANU AL SC230 Paper OM.fm Page 1 Wednesday, O ctober 6, 2004 10:51 AM.
2 Precautions Pr ecautions Before you use this scanne r , please read an d observe the following. IMPORT ANT! This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune to the radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage.
3 Precautions WA R N I N G ! Uniden does not represent this un it to be wat erproof. T o reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture . Motorola ® , PL ® , Private Line ® , DPL ® , and Digital Private Line ® are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc.
4 Contents Contents The FCC Wan ts You to Know ............................................................ 7 Scanning Legally ............................................................................... 7 Introduction .............................
5 Contents Adjusting the Key Beep .................................................................. 40 Locking/Unlocking the Keypad ................................... .................... 40 Turning Power Save On or Off .............................
6 Contents Searching and Storing ............................... .......................................67 Service Search ................................................................................ 67 Quick Search ........................ .......
7 The FCC Wants You to Know The FCC W ant s Y ou to Know This scanner has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning r eceiver , pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules . These limits are designed to pr ovide rea son ab le protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
8 The FCC Wants You to Know According to the Electronic Communications Pr ivacy Act (ECP A), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for in tentionally listening to, using, or divulging the content s of such a conver sation unless you have the consent of a p arty to the conversation (unless such activity is otherwise illegal).
9 Introduction Introduction Y our SC230 scanner is a state-of-the-art scanne r radio with automatic scanning capab ilities. Y ou can store fre- quencies such as racing, police, fire/emergency , marine, air , and other communicat ions into the scanner .
10 Introduction Frequency Range (MHz) Ste p (kHz) Mode T ransmission 29.7-49.990 10 NFM VHF Low Band 50.0-54.0 20 NFM 6 Meter Amateur Band 108.0- 136.9750 25 AM Aircraft Band 137.0- 143.9875 12.5 NFM Military Band 144.0- 147.995 5N F M 2 M e t e r Amateur Band 148.
11 Feature Highlights Feature Highlight s General Close Call TM RF Capture T echnology - you can set the scanner so it detects and pr ovides information about nearby radio transm issions. See “Using the Close Call Feature” on Pa ge 72 for more information.
12 Feature Highlights CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes – prevent interference from st ations not using the mode you select. Dropout Delay – Y ou can set whether the scanner pauses at the en d of a transmi ssion to wait for a reply . Y ou can set the delay time for each system you scan, and while searching and using the Close Call feature.
13 Feature Highlights Memory Backup – If power is lost or disconnected, the scanner ret ains the frequencies you programme d in its memory . 22 Bands – Includes 22 bands, with Aircraft and 800 MHz. Note : The scanner’s frequency coverage is not continuous and does not include the cellular teleph one band.
14 Feature Highlights Backlight and Power LCD Back Light – Makes the display easy to see in dim light. Y ou can adjust the back light so it tur ns on when you press a key , when squelch breaks during a transm ission, or manually . Low Battery Alert – The scanner alerts you if the batteries need to be recharge d or replaced.
15 Feature Highlights How the Scanner ’s Controls Are Represented in This Manual T o help navig ate the scanner ’s menus, the steps shown in this manual show the displays you see and the keys you press or control you operate to get a desired r esult.
16 Understanding Scanning Underst anding Scanning This section provides you with background on how scanning works. Y ou don’t really need to know all of this to use your scanner , but some background knowledge will help you get the most from your SC230.
17 Understanding Scanning lower and upper limit s you specify . When the scanner finds an active frequency , it stops on that frequen cy as long as the transmission last s. If you think the frequency is interesting, you can program it into the scanner ’s memory .
18 Understanding Scanning Y ou can search for the following CT CSS frequencies and DCS codes. CTCSS Frequencies (Hz) DCS Codes (O ct al) 67.0 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7 82.5 85.4 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4 100.0 103.5 107.2 1 10.9 1 14.8 1 18.8 123.0 127.3 131.
19 Understanding Scanning Using the Scanner at the Racetrack Keeping up with the action at the racetrack is easy and fun. Y ou can hear drivers communicating with their pit crews, of ficials co mmunicati ng with drivers and crews, and track workers communicatin g with everybody .
20 Understanding Scanning When you want to store a conventio nal system, all you need to know is the frequencies they opera te on. When you are scanning a conven tional system, the scanner stop s very briefly on each channel to see if there is activity .
21 Understanding Scanning Information On The Internet The Internet is a gre at source for current frequencies and information about scanning. Many web site s have lists of frequencie s for your ar ea. Y ou can us e a search engine to find and use them.
22 Included With Your Scanner Included With Y our Scanner If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately cont act your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at: (800) 297-1023, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Central, Monday through Friday .
23 Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: • If your scanner re ceives in terference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna aw ay from the source. • T o improve the scanner ’s re ception, use an optional external antenna designed for multi-band coverage.
24 Setting Up Your Scanner Before installing batteries, se t the switch in the battery compartment to match the type of batteries you will use. Select REG . ALK. BA TT . for non- rechargeable battery types and NI-MH. BA TT . for re chargeable battery types.
25 Setting Up Your Scanner 3. Replace the cove r . When flashes and the sca nner beeps every 15 seconds, replace both batteries. Using Rechargeable Batteries Y ou can also use two rechargeable batteries to power your scanner . Before you use rechargea ble batteries, you must charge them.
26 Setting Up Your Scanner Before you use rechargeable batteries fo r the first time, charge them for 14 hours to bring them to a full charge. Discharged batteries take ab out 14 ho urs to fully recharge. Using AC Power Y ou can power the scanner using the supplied 6V , 500 mA AC adapter .
27 Setting Up Your Scanner Connecting an Earphone/Head phone For private listen ing, you can plug a 1 / 8 -inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug earph one or headphones ( not supplied) into the headph one jack on top of you r scanner . This automatically disconnect s the internal speaker .
28 Setting Up Your Scanner Att aching the Wrist S trap T o keep your scanner safely clos e at hand, us e the supplied wrist strap. Push the small loop on one en d of the wrist strap through the lug on the rig ht side of the scanner , then thread the othe r end of the wrist strap back through the small loop to se cure it.
29 Setting Up Your Scanner A Look At The Keyp ad Y o ur scanner's keys have various functions labeled on the key tops and belo w the keys. T o select the function labeled on a key , simply press the key . T o select the function labeled below a key , hold down on th e left side of the scanner then press the key .
30 Setting Up Your Scanner L/O L/O – Lets you lock out a selected channel or skip a specified frequency . + L/O – Press quickly to lock and unlock a selected system in Scan or Scan Hold mode and review search lo ckout frequencies in Search or Search Hold mode.
31 Setting Up Your Scanner 2/Wx 2 – Enters a 2. + WX – Selects the weather function in the menu in the Hold mode. 4/ 4 – Enters a 4. + – Moves the active characte r to the left while editing data. 6/ 6 – Enters a 6. + – Moves the active character to th e right while editing data.
32 Setting Up Your Scanner A Look At The Display The display has indicators that show th e scanner's current opera ting status. The display inform ation helps you underst and how your scanner operates. The dark area shown above the icons in this illustration is the text display area.
33 Setting Up Your Scanner Using Menu Press on the left side of the scanner to enter the menu. See “Using the Menu” on Page 4 4 for more information about the scanne r ’s menu options. Using Func T o select the function labeled below a key on the front of the scanner , hold down on the left sid e of the scanner , then press that key .
34 Basic Operation Basic Operation T urning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch Note: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected before you turn it on. 1. T urn Sql fully counterclockwise. 2. Press and hold for about 2 seco nds to turn on the scanner , then turn Vo l clockwise until you hear a hissing sound.
35 Basic Operation Scanning Preprogrammed Races Before Y ou Get T o The Track Each driver ’s team ha s several diffe rent frequencies they can use during a race. These frequencies can change depending on local inte rference sources or other frequency issues.
36 Basic Operation Selecting Interference Eliminator Codes Many drivers use special codes in their ra dios to prevent interference from other nea rby radio systems. These codes are commonly referr ed to as CTCSS, DCS, or subaudible tones. Y ou can use these same codes to prevent interference from other systems.
37 Basic Operation Selecting System Channel Group s Within a system, you can assign group s of channels to a group quick k ey (see “ Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 59). Follow thes e steps to activa te or deactivate a channel group within a system while sca nning.
38 Basic Operation 3. Rotate the scroll control to select the channel you want to lock or unlock. 4. Press L/O to lock or unlock the channe l. Y ou can also lock out an active channel by pressing L/O while the scanner is stopped on the channel. T emporarily Holding On a System T o temporarily hold on a system, press and hold .
39 Basic Operation Quickly Recalling Channels 1. Press Hold to hold on any channel. 2. Press + Rcl . The scanner prompts you to select the system where the ch annel is stor ed. 3. Rotate the scroll control to select the system, then press E . The scanner prompts yo u to select the channel group where the cha nnel is stored.
40 Other Settings Other Settings Displaying Sys tem Information V iewing Memory Used See Scanner Info E % Memory Used E A bar showing the pe rcent of memory us ed appears.
41 Other Settings • Priority Off : Normal sc anning • Priority On : While scanning, the scanner interrupts every 2 seconds and checks the priority channels in each unlocked system. Prio rity channels in lower priority key n umbered s ystems (starting fro m 1) have highest priority .
42 Other Settings Using the PC Control and Cloning Options Use the included conne ction cable to connect your scanner to another SC230 scanne r or your personal computer . Xfer Information E • PC Control Lets you set th e baud rate your scanner uses to communicate with a personal compute r .
43 Other Settings Cloning the Scanner T o clone (copy) data fr om one SC230 scanner to another SC230 scanner , you must first connect the scanners to each other using the included connection cables an d a DB9 null modem adapter and DB9 gende r changer (neither included), availabl e at most computer stores.
44 Using the Menu Using the Menu The scanner’s menu lets you select options th at let you set up and use the scanner . T o use the menu, press on the lef t side of the scanner . In most cases, the current menu position appears on the upper line of the menu.
45 Using the Menu Set up priority options. “Priority Scan ” on Page 40. Set up weather options. “Using Weather Aler t (SAME)” on Page 80. Set up backlight options. “Using the Backlight” on Page 41. Set up key beep options. “Adjusting the Key Beep” on Page 40.
46 Programming Radio Systems Programming Radio Systems Y our SC230 comes preprogrammed with the major analog systems used in the 25 most populous countie s in the US. However , to get the most enjoyment from your scanner (especially if you do not live ne ar one of these counties), you must customize the programming for your area.
47 Programming Radio Systems Quickly Programming Racing Systems Y ou can use the menu system to program a racing system (see “Manually Pr ogramming Racing Systems” on Page 49). Or you can fo llow the onsc reen prompts as described in this sectio n to quickly program your scanner .
48 Programming Radio Systems 8. Set the attenuator (turn it on to eliminate interference from other sources), then press E 9. Set the channel priority (turn it on if you want the scanner to interru pt operation every few seconds to check for transmissions by this driver), then press E 10.
49 Programming Radio Systems Manually Programming Racing Systems Program SysteM E New System E Racing E Confirm? E The scanner creates an empty c onventional system, with a default name of S y s t e m n n n R . nnn in crements as you add new systems.
50 Programming Radio Systems Entering/Editing a Car Nu mber Program SysteM E Select the system E Edit Car E Select the car E Edit Car No E 1. Rotate the scroll co ntrol to s elect the first digit, then press 0 - 9 to enter the correct digit.
51 Programming Radio Systems Setting a Car ’s Quick Key Program SysteM E Select the system E Edit Car E Select the car E Set Quick Key E After selecting this option, press 0 - 9 or rotate the scroll control to assign the car to a quick key or press No to assign the car to no quick key , then press E .
52 Programming Radio Systems Setting Lockout On A Car Program SysteM E Select the system E Edit Car E Select the car E Set Lockout E This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this car when it is enabled.
53 Programming Radio Systems Entering/Editing Conventional Channel Groups T o enter channels in a conventional system, first set up a channel group (or group s) to hold the channels.
54 Programming Radio Systems T o program another cha nnel within the same group, press , then repeat the above. T o create an other chann el group and ente r more channels, press four times, then proceed from “Set- ting Up a Channel Group” on Page 53.
55 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Programming/Editin g Optional Settings This section details the inst ructions for each of the optional pr ogramming steps referred to in “Pro gramming Radio Systems” on Page 46. Use the instructions in the appropriate section to enter or edit a setting.
56 Programming/Editing Optional Settings After selecting this optio n, press 1 - 9 to as sign the system to a quick key or press No to assig n the system to no quick key , then press E . Hints: • Y ou can assign as many systems to the same quick key as you want.
57 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Notes: • If you sele ct 0, the scan ner stays on the syst em for a minimal time (only long enou gh to check current system activity). • The default setting is 2 seconds for each system. • All unlocked channels will be scanned at least once regardless of this setting.
58 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Notes: • This setting is ignored for AM chann els. • The default setting for this feature is On . Deleting Systems program system E Select the system E Delete System E The scanner prompt s you to confirm deletion.
59 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Select the group E Edit Name E Follow thes e steps to enter/edit the group name. 1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter . 2. Press and hold d own then rot ate the scroll control once to select the next letter .
60 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Setting Group Lockout program system E Select the system E Edit Group E Select the group E Set Lockout E This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this group when it is enabled.
61 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Select the channel E Edit Name E Follow these step s to enter/edit the chann el name. 1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter . 2. Press and hold d own then rot ate the scroll control once to select the next letter .
62 Programming/Editing Optional Settings On - when you turn on the Prio rity feature, the channel will be scanned every 2 seconds. P appears at the end of the default name. Off - the channel will not be treated with priority . Note: The default setting is Off .
63 Programming/Editing Optional Settings Search - the scanner search es for and displays any CTCSS or DCS tone that accomp anies the transmission. CTCSS - the scanner only opens squelch if the CTCSS tone you select is also present with the signal. The scanner then prompts you to ente r or scroll to the desired tone.
64 Programming/Editing Optional Settings NFM - the scanner uses narrowband FM fo r the frequency . Note: The default setting is AUTO . Setting Channel Attenuation program system E Select t.
65 Programming/Editing Optional Settings 5.0 kHz, 6. 25 kHz, 7.5 kHz, 1 0.0 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 15 .0 kHz, 20.0 kHz, 25.0 kHz, 50.0 kHz, 100.0 kHz - The scanner uses the selected step.
66 Programming/Editing Optional Settings The scanner prompt s you to confirm deletion. T o confirm, press E . T o cancel, pres s No . Note: Deleted channels cannot be restored.
67 Searching and Storing Sear ching and S toring Service Search Service Sear ch lets you quic kly select and search the scanner ’s p reprogrammed search ranges. During service search, the scanner search es starting with the lowest frequency in the search range you select to the highest frequency in the range.
68 Searching and Storing • If the service you select uses channels (such as CB radio or marine), th e scan ner displays the service channel number . Quick Search Quick Search let s you search from the currently-tuned frequency . Press an d Scan/Srch to start quick search.
69 Searching and Storing Notes: • Search ranges are preset. See “Ed iting a Custom Search Range” on Page 69 to change the range. • Y ou cannot turn off all custom search ranges. 1. Press then turn the scroll control until Search For ... appears.
70 Searching and Storing and Srch , then No . One of the search featur e options appear . 2. T urn the scroll control until EDIT CUSTOM appears, then press E to selec t it. 3. T urn the scroll control until the name of the custom search range you want to edit appears, then p ress E to select it.
71 Searching and Storing 2. T urn the scroll control until Search and S tore appears, then press E to select it. 3. T urn the scroll control u ntil the system where you want to store the freque ncies appea rs, then press E to select it. Note: Y ou cannot select a racing system.
72 Using the Close Call Feature Using the Close Call Featur e Y our scanner's Close Call TM feature lets you set the scanner so it detects, displays the fre quency of, and lets you hear a nearby stron g radio transmission.
73 Using the Close Call Feature Setting Close Call Opt ions 1. Press then turn the scroll control until Close Call appears. Then press E . Close Call feature options appear . 2. T urn the scroll control to select an option. • Close Call Only : Lets you set the sc anner only for Close Call searching.
74 Using the Close Call Feature If this option is turned on, the scanner overrides the current channel and goes to the Close Call hit. The scanner displays CC Found! Press Any Key . When you press a key , the frequency is displayed. T urn the scroll control to display an option, then press E .
75 Search and Close Call Options Sear ch and Clos e Call Options The settings in this sectio n af fect custom searches, service searches, and Close Call operation.
76 Search and Close Call Options Note: This feature does not operate when the scanne r is in AM modulat ion mode. Screening Out Paging Systems Srch/CloCall Opt E Pager Screen E Thi.
77 Search and Close Call Options On The scanner automatically applies repeater rever se to detected transmissions. If the sc anner detects the transmission on the ou tput frequency , it beeps, REPEATER FIND appears, and it remains on th e output frequency until transmissi ons end.
78 Search and Close Call Options Setting Attenuation Srch/CloCall Opt E Set Attenu ator E This setting contr ols the attenuator for quick search and Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press E . Off The attenuator is of f.
79 Search and Close Call Options Off The scanner resume s immediately when the transmission end s. 1 - 5 sec The scanner waits the set amount of tim e after the transmission ends before resu ming.
80 Using Weather Alert (SAME) Using W eather Alert (SAME) Y our scanner has been primarily designed to be a radio scanner . While it incorporates weather alert as one of its features, we strongly reco mmend that you not use the scanner as your sole means for re ceiving emergency alerts.
81 Using Weather Alert (SAME) This setting determines which types of signals will trigger an alert. Select your setting, then press E . Alert Only - the scanner alert s when it detects the 1050 Hz tone that accompanies all wea ther alerts.
82 Using Weather Alert (SAME) For example, T arrant County in T exas is assigned to FIPS code 048439. 0 indicates the entire county 48 indicates the state of T exa s 439 indicat es T arrant County T o get the FIPS code for your county , visit the National Weather Ser vice web site at http://www .
83 Care and Maintenance Care and Maintenance General Use • T urn the scanner of f before disconnectin g the power . • Always write down the programmed frequencies in the event of memory loss. • If memory is lost, simp ly reprogram each chan nel.
84 Care and Maintenance Rep airs Do not attempt any rep air . The scanner cont ains no user serviceable part s. Contact the Uniden Custome r Service Center or take it to a qualified repair technician. Birdies All radios can receive “birdies” (undesire d signals).
85 Troubleshooting T roubleshooting If your SC230 is not performing properly , try these steps. Pro ble m Possible Cause Sug ges tio n The scanner doesn’t work. The scanner might no t be receiving any power . Make sure the AC adap- ter is connected to an AC outlet and the scanner .
86 Troubleshooting If you still cannot get satisfac tory results while using your scanner or if you want additional informatio n, please call or write the Un iden Part s and Service Division. The address and ph one number are listed in the W arranty at the end of this manual.
87 Specifications S pecifications Certified in accordance with FCC Rules an d Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture. Dynamic Allocation Capacity (with Name Assigned T o Each System, Group, and Channel): Systems: ........ ..........
88 Specifications Operating T emperatur e: Normal .............. ................ ................ .. –20°C to +60°C Close Call ............ .................... ........... –10°C to +60°C Scan Rate: ...... ................... ...... 100 channels per sec ond (conventional mode) Search Rate: .
89 Optional Accessories Optional Accessories Contact your local Uniden Deal er or call the Uniden Part s Center at: (800) 554- 3988, 8:00AM to 5:00PM EST , Monday through Friday , for information about ordering these optional accessories.
90 Planning Planning Collecting Information Getting your scanner programmed and scanning t akes a few steps. This help guides yo u through these steps that will make it easier for you to start scanning. 1. Collect information about the system( s) you want to monitor .
91 Planning • Before you st art to program your sca nner , decide how you want to organize the frequencies you want to scan. For example, some ar eas are best organized by geographic location (east, north, south, west, central, etc), while others are best orga nized by agency (police, sherif f, ambulance, fire, etc.
92 Planning Filling Out The Racing System Worksheet Race Name Fill in the name of the ra ce you want to scan. For example, you can enter "Daytona 5 00" here.
93 Planning Racing System Wo rksheet Rac e Nam e Car #/Driv er Fre quenc y P r ior ity CT CS S / DCS R ac i n g Sy s t em W o r k s h eet SC230 Paper OM.
94 Planning Filling Out The Conventional System Worksheet System Name and Quick Key Fill in a name that describes the system you want to create. For example, you can en ter "Dallas Police" or "Amateur Radio" here. If you want to store more tha n one type of frequency , you can enter "Mixed.
95 Planning Conventional System Worksheet S ys te m N ame Gr o u p N a m e Syst e m Q u i ck Ke y G r o u p Q u i ck Ke y F r equen c y A lpha T ag P r iority CT CS S / DCS C o n v en t i o n al Sy s t em W o r k s h eet SC230 Paper OM.
96 Preprogrammed Systems Preprogrammed Sys- tems Y our scanner is preprogrammed with frequencies used at races within the NASCAR Nextel, Busch, Craft sman, Indy , ARCA, and Champ racing series. One racing system and one conventiona l system are preprogrammed for each race.
97 One-Year Limited Warranty One-Y ear Limited W ar- ranty Import ant : Evidence of original purchase is required for warranty service. W ARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORA T ION (“Uniden”) ELEMENTS.
98 One-Year Limited Warranty BURSEMENT OR P A YMENT OF IN CIDENT AL OR CON- SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do no t allow this exclusion or limit ation of incidental or consequential dam- ages so the above limitation or exclusion might not apply to you.
100 REGISTER ONLINE TOD A Y! THANK Y OU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PR ODUCT . May be covered under one or more of the following U.S . patents. 4,398,304 4,409,688 4,455,679 4,461,036 4,521,915 4,597,104 4,62.
An important point after buying a device Uniden SC230 (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Uniden SC230 yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Uniden SC230 - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Uniden SC230 you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Uniden SC230 will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Uniden SC230, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Uniden SC230.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Uniden SC230. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Uniden SC230 along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
