Uniden Bearcat BC80XLT Scanner

This document provides comprehensive operating instructions, warranty information, and technical specifications for the Uniden Bearcat BC80XLT scanner.

One Year Limited Warranty

Uniden America Corporation warrants the Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship for one year from the original retail purchase date. This warranty is subject to limitations and exclusions, including conditions related to product maintenance, modification, improper installation, unauthorized servicing, use with non-Uniden equipment, or improper programming. The remedy for non-conforming products is repair or replacement at Uniden's option. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Uniden is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.

To obtain warranty service, carefully pack the product, including all original parts and accessories, with proof of original purchase and a note describing the defect. Ship freight prepaid by traceable means to Uniden America Corporation, Parts and Service, 4700 Amon Carter Blvd., Ft. Worth, TX 76155.

Uniden offers 30 days of toll-free support at (800) 297-1023, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For assistance beyond this period, call (900) 224-4UAC.

Technical Specifications

• Receiver Type: Triple conversion, super heterodyne
• Channels: 50 (5 banks with 10 channels each)
• WX: 7 Preprogrammed NOAA Weather Service Channels
• Search Bands: 11 Preprogrammed search bands
• Frequency Range: 29-29.7 MHz (10 Meter Amateur Band), 29.7-50 MHz (VHF Low Band), 50-54 MHz (6 Meter Amateur Band), 137-144 MHz (Military Land Mobile), 144-148 MHz (2 Meter Amateur Band), 148-174 MHz (VHF High Band), 406-420 MHz (Federal Government), 420-450 MHz (70 cm Amateur Band), 450-470 MHz (UHF Standard Band), 470-512 MHz (UHF-"T" Band), 806-956 MHz (Public Service Band, Except Cellular)
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C
• Scan Rate: 10 to 20 channels per second
• Search Rate: 10 to 20 steps per second
• Scan Delay: 2 seconds
• Audio Output: 18 mW nominal into 8Ω internal speaker, 3 mW nominal into 32Ω stereo headphone, 8 mW nominal into 64Ω supplied earphone
• Power Requirements: 12 VDC using AD70U DC Adapter or 4 AA Alkaline or rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
• Antenna: Rubber antenna (included)
• External Jacks: External earphone, DC 12 V power jack
• Size: 2 1/2 in. (W) x 1 in. (D) x 7 in. (H)
• Weight: 12 oz.

Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15 Sub-part C as of date of manufacture.

Troubleshooting

If problems persist, contact Uniden Parts and Service Division or call 1-800-297-1023.

General Use

• Turn the scanner off before disconnecting power or replacing batteries.
• Record programmed frequencies to prevent data loss.
• Press keypad buttons firmly until an entry tone is heard.

Location

• Avoid high-moisture environments.
• Keep away from direct sunlight, heating elements, or vents.
• Relocate the scanner or antenna if experiencing interference or electrical noise. Higher elevation may improve reception. Adjust antenna height and angle.
• Do not plug into outlets controlled by wall switches to prevent memory loss.

Cleaning

• Disconnect power before cleaning.
• Clean the exterior with a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents to prevent scratches. Do not rub the LCD Display.
• Use water sparingly.

Repairs

Do not attempt repairs. Contact Uniden Customer Service or a qualified technician.

Birdies

Radios can receive undesired internal signals called "birdies." If the scanner stops during Scan mode without sound, it might be receiving a birdie. Press [LOCKOUT] to lock out the channel, then press [SCAN] to resume scanning.

Weather Scan

The BC80XLT can scan 7 preprogrammed NOAA frequencies. It is not advisable to program weather frequencies into the 50 channels as they transmit continuously, disrupting the scanning cycle. Use the [WX] button for weather information.

1. Activate Weather Scan by pressing [WX] (ensure Squelch is set properly).
2. The scanner stops on an active weather channel.
3. To find the next active weather channel, press [SCAN] or [MANUAL].
4. Wait for the scanner to stop at the desired frequency.
5. Store the frequency in a selected channel by pressing [MANUAL], selecting the channel, entering the frequency, and pressing [E].

Repeat for other desired search frequencies. Remember the 50-channel limit.

Storing Search Frequencies

You can store frequencies found during Search mode:

1. Enter Manual mode.
2. Select the channel where the frequency will be stored.
3. Enter Search mode.

Ensure the channel is selected before entering Search to avoid overwriting stored frequencies.

Access Frequencies Manually

1. Stop the Search.
2. To move to the next higher frequency, press [SEARCH UP] (triangle pointing up).
3. To move to the previous frequency, press [SEARCH DOWN] (triangle pointing down).
4. Wait or press [SEARCH UP]/[SEARCH DOWN] to begin Search.
5. When a transmission is detected, the scanner stops.
6. When the transmission ends, Search resumes, or you can monitor the frequency by pressing [HOLD].
7. To continue searching, press [SCAN].

Record or store interesting frequencies found during Search.

Search

Use Search to find active frequencies in your area within the 11 covered bands (29 MHz - 956 MHz).

1. Enter Manual mode.
2. Select the desired band using the [BAND] button.
3. Press [BAND] again to cycle through bands.

Priority Scan

With Priority Scan active, the scanner checks priority channels every 2 seconds. If a signal is present, it monitors the priority channel until the transmission ends, then resumes normal scanning. The BC80XLT comes with one priority channel preprogrammed in each bank (1, 11, 21, 31, 41).

• To activate Priority Scan: Enter Manual or Scan mode, press [PRI].
• To de-activate Priority Scan: Enter Manual or Scan mode, press [PRI] again.

Changing the Priority Channel

1. Enter Manual mode.
2. Select the new Priority channel.
3. Press and hold [PRI] for 2 seconds. Two beeps confirm the change.

Locking a Channel While Scanning

To prevent the scanner from stopping on a noisy or frequently transmitting channel:

1. Wait until the scanner stops at the desired channel.
2. Press [LOCKOUT]. The scanner immediately resumes scanning, excluding the locked-out channel.

Banks

Channels are grouped into 5 banks for scanning control. Active banks display during scanning.

• To deactivate a Bank: Enter Manual mode, select a channel in the bank, press [LOCKOUT].
• To restore a Bank: Enter Manual mode, select a channel in the bank, press [LOCKOUT] again.

Channel Lockout

You can lock out channels to exclude them from scanning. Up to 49 channels can be locked out; at least one channel must remain active.

• Lockout in Manual Mode: Enter Manual mode, select the channel, press [LOCKOUT].
• Lockout Tips: To quickly lock out a series of channels, start with the lowest numbered channel. Record locked-out channels for future reference.
• Restore a Locked Out Channel: Enter Manual mode, select the channel, press [LOCKOUT] again to unlock it.

Scanning

The BC80XLT starts in Scan mode upon power-up. During scanning, it skips unprogrammed or locked-out channels. When a transmission is received, scanning stops and resumes 2 seconds after the transmission ends.

• To stop on a channel during scanning: Press [MANUAL].
• To resume scanning: Press [SCAN].

Programming Tips

• Do not program weather frequencies into channels; use the [WX] button.
• Group similar frequencies into adjacent channels (e.g., police in channels 1-10).
• Program your most frequently listened-to frequency into a Priority channel.
• To program a series of channels quickly, start with the lowest number channel and use [MANUAL] or [Δ] to step to the next channel.
• To erase a channel, enter [0] or [E]. Unprogrammed channels are automatically locked out.
• Record programmed channels and frequencies to prevent memory loss.

Programming

At least one frequency must be programmed into a channel before scanning.

1. Select the channel.
2. Enter Manual mode.
3. Enter the frequency using the numeric keypad. Press [E] to confirm.

To clear a mistake, press [CLEAR] twice and restart. If an entered frequency is outside the scanner's range, a beep sounds; press [CLEAR] and return to Step 4.

Setting the Squelch

Squelch acts as a gate, controlling which signals are heard. Adjust the VOLUME to a comfortable level first. In Manual Mode, with no signal present:

• Turn the Squelch control counter-clockwise until hiss is heard (lowering the gate to allow all signals and noise).
• Turn the Squelch control clockwise just until the hiss stops (raising the gate to allow only strong signals).

Keylock

Key lock prevents accidental key presses.

• To lock the keypad: Press and hold [MANUAL] until a key symbol appears on the display.
• To unlock the keypad: Press and hold [MANUAL] until the key symbol disappears.

Controls and Indicators

The BC80XLT features:

• Display: Shows bank, channel, frequency, and status indicators (SCAN, HOLD, PRI, L/O, WX, SRCH).
• Numeric Keypad: For entering frequencies and channel numbers.
• [E] (Enter): Confirms frequency entry.
• [PRI] (Priority): Sets or activates Priority Scan.
• [LOCKOUT] / [L/O]: Locks out or unlocks channels.
• [WX] (Weather): Activates Weather Scan.
• Speaker: Built-in audio output.
• [SCAN]: Starts or resumes scanning.
• [MANUAL]: Enters Manual mode or activates Key Lock.
• [HOLD]: Stops scanning or searching.
• [SEARCH UP] / [SEARCH DOWN] (Triangles): Navigates frequencies during search.
• [KEY LOCK]: Activates/deactivates keypad lock.
• [BAND]: Selects search bands.
• [LIGHT]: Activates display light.
• Antenna Connector: For attaching the antenna.
• Phone Jack: For connecting earphones or headsets.
• Squelch Control: Adjusts the threshold for receiving signals.
• On/Off Volume Control: Controls audio volume and powers the unit on/off.

Included with Your Scanner

• Rubber Antenna (AT218)
• Monaural Earphone (EP009)
• BC80XLT Operating Guide (OMBC80XLT)
• Betty Bearcat Starter Frequency Guide
• Belt Clip with Screws (BCK150)
• AC Adapter (AD70U)
• Other Printed Material

Contact your place of purchase immediately if any items are missing or damaged. Read this Operating Guide thoroughly and complete and mail the Registration Form.

Scanner Care & Safety Tips

• Do not use in high-moisture areas.
• Do not plug into outlets controlled by wall switches to prevent memory loss.
• Avoid direct sunlight or placement near heating elements or vents.
• Earphone Warning: Use only recommended earphones/headsets. Adjust volume before plugging in to avoid hearing damage.
• Waterproof: This unit is not waterproof. Do not expose to rain or moisture.
• Motor Vehicle Use: Installation, possession, or use may be regulated or require permits in certain jurisdictions. Consult local law enforcement.
• Battery Warnings: Do not short-circuit, discard in fire, or recharge alkaline batteries. Use only the supplied AC adapter or approved power cords. Ensure correct battery type (Alkaline or Ni-Cd) is selected. Do not mix battery types.

Where to Obtain More Information

The "Betty Bearcat Scanner Frequency Guide" lists typical frequencies. For local frequencies or assistance, contact "Mr. Scanner" or purchase a local frequency list. Radio hobby clubs and libraries may also offer resources.

Introduction

The BC80XLT is a state-of-the-art radio with scanning capabilities, featuring 5 banks of 10 channels each.

What is Scanning?

Scanning allows the BC80XLT to monitor programmed channels, stopping on active frequencies until the transmission ends, then resuming the scan cycle.

What is Searching?

Searching allows the BC80XLT to scan 11 bands to find active frequencies not yet programmed.

Types of Communications

Monitor communications such as Police, Fire, NOAA Weather, Business/Industrial, Military, Amateur Radio, and more across various frequency bands.

Frequency Ranges and Transmission Types:

Contents

This manual covers Introduction, Feature Highlights, Scanner Care & Safety, Included Items, Setup, Basic Operation, Programming, Scanning, Banks, Channel Lockout, Priority Scan, Search, Weather Scan, Care and Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Technical Specifications, and Warranty.

Precautions

• Earphone Warning: Use only recommended earphones/headsets. Adjust volume before plugging in to avoid hearing damage.
• Waterproof: This unit is not waterproof. Do not expose to rain or moisture.
• Motor Vehicle Use: Installation, possession, or use may be regulated or require permits in certain jurisdictions. Consult local law enforcement.
• Battery Warnings: Do not short-circuit, discard in fire, or recharge alkaline batteries. Use only the supplied AC adapter or approved power cords. Ensure correct battery type (Alkaline or Ni-Cd) is selected. Do not mix battery types.

Uniden and Bearcat are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.