SC230 SC230 OWNER’S OWNER’S MANUAL MANUAL OWNER’S MANUAL MANUAL OWNER’S
Precautions Before you use this scanner, please read and observe the Precautions following. IMPORTANT! This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it will not tune to the radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone usage. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, as amended, makes it a federal crime to intentionally intercept cellular or cordless telephone transmissions or to market this radio when altered to receive them.
WARNING! Uniden does not represent this unit to be waterproof. To 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. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. Uniden® and Bearcat® are registered trademarks of Uniden America Corporation. Close Call™ is a proprietary trademarks of Uniden America Corporation.
Contents Contents The FCC Wants You to Know ............................................................ 7 Scanning Legally ............................................................................... 7 Introduction.......................................................................................... 9 Feature Highlights ............................................................................. 11 About This Manual...........................................................................
Adjusting the Key Beep .................................................................. 40 Locking/Unlocking the Keypad ....................................................... 40 Turning Power Save On or Off ........................................................ 40 Priority Scan ................................................................................... 40 Using the Backlight ......................................................................... 41 Initializing the Scanner’s Memory ..........
Searching and Storing ......................................................................67 Service Search ................................................................................67 Quick Search ................................................................................... 68 CTCSS/DCS Search .......................................................................68 Custom Search ................................................................................68 Editing a Custom Search Range .
The FCC Wants You to Know Know The FCC Wants You to This scanner has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This scanner generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the contents of such a conversation unless you have the consent of a party to the conversation (unless such activity is otherwise illegal). This scanner has been designed to prevent the reception of cellular telephone transmissions and the decoding of scrambled transmissions.
Introduction Introduction Your SC230 scanner is a state-of-the-art scanner radio with automatic scanning capabilities. You can store frequencies such as racing, police, fire/emergency, marine, air, and other communications into the scanner. You can carry it with you wherever you go, use it at home as a base unit, or install it in your vehicle as a mobile unit.
Frequency Range (MHz) Step (kHz) Mode Transmission 29.7-49.990 50.0-54.0 10 20 NFM NFM 108.0136.9750 137.0143.9875 144.0147.995 148.0150.7875 150.800161.995 162.0-174.0 25 AM VHF Low Band 6 Meter Amateur Band Aircraft Band 12.5 NFM Military Band 5 NFM 12.5 NFM 2 Meter Amateur Band Military Band 5 NFM VHF High Band 12.5 NFM 20 NFM 12.5 NFM Federal Government 1.25 Meter Amateur Band Miscellaneous 12.5 NFM Federal Land Mobile 12.5 NFM 12.5 NFM 12.5 12.
Feature Highlights Feature Highlights General Close CallTM RF Capture Technology - you can set the scanner so it detects and provides information about nearby radio transmissions. See “Using the Close Call Feature” on Page 72 for more information. Dynamically Allocated Channel Memory - your scanner’s memory is organized so that it more closely matches how radio systems actually work, making it easier to program and use your scanner and determine how much memory you have used and how much you have left.
CTCSS and DCS Squelch Modes – prevent interference from stations not using the mode you select. Dropout Delay – You can set whether the scanner pauses at the end of a transmission to wait for a reply. You can set the delay time for each system you scan, and while searching and using the Close Call feature. Attenuator – You can set the scanner’s attenuator to reduce the input strength of strong signals by about 18 dB received by the scanner.
Memory Backup – If power is lost or disconnected, the scanner retains the frequencies you programmed 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 telephone band. Weather Weather Search – Lets your scanner receive your local NOAA weather transmission. SAME Weather Alert – Lets your scanner alert you when a SAME weather alert is transmitted on a NOAA weather channel.
Backlight and Power LCD Back Light – Makes the display easy to see in dim light. You can adjust the back light so it turns on when you press a key, when squelch breaks during a transmission, or manually. Low Battery Alert – The scanner alerts you if the batteries need to be recharged or replaced. Battery Save – You can set the scanner so it reduces the amount of power it needs if there are no transmissions.
How the Scanner’s Controls Are Represented in This Manual To help navigate 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 result. This example shows you how to use the scanner’s menu to edit an existing system name. It shows you the key to press ( Menu ) to select a menu option and the option you see (Program System) when you press Menu .
Understanding Scanning This section provides you with background on how Understanding Scanning scanning works. You 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. Understanding the Scanner’s Memory Your scanner’s memory is organized in an architecture called Dynamic Allocated Channel memory. This type of memory is organized differently and more efficiently than the bank/channel architecture used by traditional scanners.
lower and upper limits you specify. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops on that frequency as long as the transmission lasts. If you think the frequency is interesting, you can program it into the scanner’s memory. If not, you can continue to search.
You can search for the following CTCSS frequencies and DCS codes. CTCSS Frequencies (Hz) 67.0 82.5 100.0 123.0 151.4 171.3 189.9 210.7 69.3 85.4 103.5 127.3 156.7 173.8 192.8 218.1 71.9 88.5 107.2 131.8 159.8 177.3 196.6 225.7 250.3 74.4 91.5 110.9 136.5 162.2 179.9 199.5 229.1 254.1 77.0 94.8 114.8 141.3 165.5 183.5 203.5 233.6 79.7 97.4 118.8 146.2 167.9 186.2 206.5 241.
Using the Scanner at the Racetrack Keeping up with the action at the racetrack is easy and fun. You can hear drivers communicating with their pit crews, officials communicating with drivers and crews, and track workers communicating with everybody. Each user at the racetrack transmits and receives on one or more frequencies. The scanner organizes racetrack frequencies by the name of the race you are scanning and by car number.
When you want to store a conventional system, all you need to know is the frequencies they operate on. When you are scanning a conventional system, the scanner stops very briefly on each channel to see if there is activity. If there isn’t, the scanner quickly moves to the next channel. If there is, then the scanner pauses on the transmission until it is over. Simplex Operation Simplex systems use a single frequency for both transmit and receive.
Information On The Internet The Internet is a great source for current frequencies and information about scanning. Many web sites have lists of frequencies for your area. You can use a search engine to find and use them. Make a list of the agencies you want to listen to, then look up the frequencies and systems used by those agencies. Here are a few useful sites: • http://www.scannermaster.com * - frequency resources and home of Police Call. You can also call them at 1 800 SCANNER (hours are from 9:00 a.m.
Included With Your Scanner If any of these itemsYour are missing or damaged, Included With Scanner immediately contact your place of purchase or Uniden Customer Service at (800) 297-1023 during regular business hours (Central time).
Setting Up Your Scanner These guidelines will help you install and set up your new scanner: • If your scanner receives interference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from the source. • To improve the scanner’s reception, use an optional external antenna designed for multi-band coverage. (You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store). If the optional antenna has no cable, use 50-70 Ω coaxial cable for lead-in.
Before installing batteries, set the switch in the battery compartment to match the type of batteries you will use. Select REG. ALK. BATT. for non-rechargeable battery types and NI-MH. BATT. for rechargeable battery types. See also “Using Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 25 when you use rechargeable batteries. 1. Remove the battery cover and set the battery switch. 2. Install 2 AA batteries, matching the polarity symbols (+ -). WARNING! Set REG. ALK. BATT./NI-MH. BATT. to NI-MH. BATT.
3. Replace the cover. When flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, replace both batteries. Using Rechargeable Batteries You can also use two rechargeable batteries to power your scanner. Before you use rechargeable batteries, you must charge them. The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge batteries while they are in the scanner. To charge the batteries, set REG. ALK. BATT./NI-MH. BATT. inside the battery compartment to NI-MH. BATT.
Before you use rechargeable batteries for the first time, charge them for 14 hours to bring them to a full charge. Discharged batteries take about 14 hours to fully recharge. Using AC Power You can power the scanner using the supplied 6V, 500 mA AC adapter. To use the scanner on AC power, plug the AC adapter into a standard AC outlet. If rechargeable batteries are installed and REG. ALK. BATT./NI-MH. BATT. is set to NI-MH. BATT.
Connecting an Earphone/Headphone For private listening, you can plug a 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug earphone or headphones (not supplied) into the headphone jack on top of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker. See “Earphone Warning” at the front of the manual for important information about using an earphone/ headphone.
Attaching the Wrist Strap To keep your scanner safely close at hand, use the supplied wrist strap. Push the small loop on one end of the wrist strap through the lug on the right side of the scanner, then thread the other end of the wrist strap back through the small loop to secure it. Installing the Demo Software You can operate your scanner using a personal computer and the free demo software available at http://www.uniden.com.
A Look At The Keypad Your scanner's keys have various functions labeled on the key tops and below the keys. To select the function labeled on a key, simply press the key. To select the function labeled below a key, hold down Func on the left side of the scanner then press the key. F appears on the display. If your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the following information should help you understand each key's function. Key Name Description CAR/ CAR – Selects a car in scan mode.
Key Name Description L/O L/O – Lets you lock out a selected channel or skip a specified frequency. Func + L/O – Press quickly to lock and unlock a selected system in Scan or Scan Hold mode and review search lockout frequencies in Search or Search Hold mode. Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to unlock all groups and channels in a system. / – Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to turn the scanner on or off. Press quickly to cancel a prompt. Func + – Turns the display backlight on or off.
Key Name Description 2/Wx 2 – Enters a 2. Func + WX – Selects the weather function in the menu in the Hold mode. 4/ 4 – Enters a 4. Func + – Moves the active character to the left while editing data. 6/ 6 – Enters a 6. Func + – Moves the active character to the right while editing data. 7/Rcl 7 – Enters a 7. Func + Rcl – Displays a series of prompts to quickly select a specific channel in the scan hold mode. No/ /Rev – Enters a decimal point or dash in a frequency. At a prompt, answers “No.
A Look At The Display The display has indicators that show the scanner's current operating status. The display information helps you understand how your scanner operates. The dark area shown above the icons in this illustration is the text display area. Information about the currently tuned frequency appears here. SYS - shows the currently activated system, appears with numbers (1-9). The currently active system indicator flashes.
Using Menu Menu Press Menu on the left side of the scanner to enter the menu. See “Using the Menu” on Page 44 for more information about the scanner’s menu options. Using Func Func To select the function labeled below a key on the front of the scanner, hold down Func on the left side of the scanner, then press that key. To hold on a system while scanning or temporarily stop on a channel while searching, press Func .
Basic Operation Basic Operation Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch Note: Make sure the scanner's antenna is connected before you turn it on. 1. Turn Sql fully counterclockwise. 2. Press and hold for about 2 seconds to turn on the scanner, then turn Vol clockwise until you hear a hissing sound. 3. Turn Sql clockwise until the hissing stops. Scanning Systems To begin scanning programmed systems, press Scan. The SC230 scans all unlocked systems in all activated quick-key groups.
Scanning Preprogrammed Races Before You Get To The Track Each driver’s team has several different frequencies they can use during a race. These frequencies can change depending on local interference sources or other frequency issues. Your scanner is preprogrammed with all of the drivers and their possible frequencies that were known when it was manufactured. Before you leave for the track, check the Internet to see if there are any frequency updates available for your race.
1. Press 0, rotate the scroll control to select the race, then press E. 2. Press CAR, enter the driver’s number, then press CAR. Or press CAR twice, rotate the scroll control to select the driver, then press CAR. You can select the car’s first unlocked frequency. Selecting Interference Eliminator Codes Many drivers use special codes in their radios to prevent interference from other nearby radio systems. These codes are commonly referred to as CTCSS, DCS, or subaudible tones.
control until the desired system is selected. Then, continue to hold FUNC and press L/O to either lock out or unlock the system. Selecting System Channel Groups Within a system, you can assign groups of channels to a group quick key (see “Setting the Group Quick Key” on Page 59). Follow these steps to activate or deactivate a channel group within a system while scanning. 1. Press Func to hold on the system (or hold Func and rotate the scroll control to select the system). 2.
2. Release Func then press Hold within 2 seconds to hold on the system. 3. Rotate the scroll control to select the channel you want to lock or unlock. 4. Press L/O to lock or unlock the channel. You can also lock out an active channel by pressing L/O while the scanner is stopped on the channel. Temporarily Holding On a System To temporarily hold on a system, press and hold Func . To hold on a different system, continue to hold Func and rotate the scroll control to select the system.
If you pressed No in Step 3, the scanner prompts you to select the system and the group where you want to store the frequency. Quickly Recalling Channels 1. Press Hold to hold on any channel. 2. Press Func + Rcl. The scanner prompts you to select the system where the channel is stored. 3. Rotate the scroll control to select the system, then press E. The scanner prompts you to select the channel group where the channel is stored. 4. Rotate the scroll control to select the group, then press E.
Other Settings Other Settings Displaying System Information Viewing Memory Used Menu See Scanner Info % Memory Used E E A bar showing the percent of memory used appears. Press any key to return to the previous menu. Viewing the Firmware Version Menu See Scanner Info Firmware Version E E Press any key to return to the previous menu. Adjusting the Key Beep Menu Adjust Key Beep E • Off: The scanner is silent when you press a key. • On: The scanner beeps when you press a key.
• Priority Off: Normal scanning • Priority On: While scanning, the scanner interrupts every 2 seconds and checks the priority channels in each unlocked system. Priority channels in lower priority key numbered systems (starting from 1) have highest priority. Pri appears when you select this mode. • Priority Plus: The scanner only scans priority channels in unlocked systems. Pri flashes when you select this mode.
Using the PC Control and Cloning Options Use the included connection cable to connect your scanner to another SC230 scanner or your personal computer. Menu Xfer Information E • PC Control Lets you set the baud rate your scanner uses to communicate with a personal computer. See “Connecting Your Scanner to a Personal Computer”. • WIRED Clone Lets you set your scanner as a master or a slave, letting you transfer programming to or from another SC230 scanner. See “Cloning the Scanner” on Page 43.
Cloning the Scanner To clone (copy) data from one SC230 scanner to another SC230 scanner, you must first connect the scanners to each other using the included connection cables and a DB9 null modem adapter and DB9 gender changer (neither included), available at most computer stores. Then you must set one scanner as the master (source) and the other as the slave (destination). Note: You can also copy data to your SC230 scanner using a radio transmitter and a personal computer.
Using the Menu The scanner’s lets you select options that let you Using themenu Menu set up and use the scanner. To use the menu, press Menu on the left side of the scanner. In most cases, the current menu position appears on the upper line of the menu. Menu items and a place to input information appear on the lower line of the menu. To select a menu item, turn the scroll control on top of the scanner clockwise or counterclockwise.
Menu Item -- M E N U -- Lets You ... Set up priority options. See ... “Priority Scan” on Page 40. Set up weather options. “Using Weather Alert (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. Set up battery save options. “Turning Power Save On or Off” on Page 40. View information about your scanner. “Displaying System Information” on Page 40. Transfer information between it and your personal computer.
Programming Radio Systems Your SC230 comes Radio preprogrammed with the major Programming Systems analog systems used in the 25 most populous counties in the US. However, to get the most enjoyment from your scanner (especially if you do not live near one of these counties), you must customize the programming for your area. To edit an existing system, use the menu to navigate to the system setting you want to change. This section assumes you are programming a new system.
Quickly Programming Racing Systems You can use the menu system to program a racing system (see “Manually Programming Racing Systems” on Page 49). Or you can follow the onscreen prompts as described in this section to quickly program your scanner. These prompts are designed to help you quickly enter a new race from a frequency list purchased at the track (if the system is not already preprogrammed into your scanner).
8. Set the modulation type (Auto is almost always the correct choice), then press E 9. Set the attenuator (turn it on to eliminate interference from other sources), then press E 10. Set the channel priority (turn it on if you want the scanner to interrupt operation every few seconds to check for transmissions by this driver), then press E Set Modulation Auto Set Attenuator Off Set Priority Off 11.
Manually Programming Racing Systems Menu E New System Confirm? E Program SysteM Racing E E The scanner creates an empty conventional system, with a default name of System nnn R. nnn increments as you add new systems. R indicates that this is a racing system.
Entering/Editing a Car Number Menu E Program SysteM Select the system E E Edit Car Select the car E E Edit Car No 1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first digit, then press 0-9 to enter the correct digit. 2. Repeat Step 1 to enter or correct the second and third digits if necessary, Then press E or press down on the scroll control to accept the setting. Hints: • Each car number can be up to three digits. • Press to delete the entire car number.
Setting a Car’s Quick Key E Program SysteM Select the system E Edit Car E Select the car E Set Quick Key E Menu 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. Hints: • You can assign as many cars to the same quick key as you want. • Preprogrammed conventional systems are set to quick key 9. • To be scanned, a car’s quick key must be activated and the system must be unlocked.
Setting Lockout On A Car E Program SysteM Menu Select the system E E Edit Car Select the car Set Lockout E E This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this car when it is enabled. Select your setting, then press E. Lockout - the car is not scanned. Unlocked - the car is scanned. Note: The default setting is Unlocked.
Entering/Editing Conventional Channel Groups To enter channels in a conventional system, first set up a channel group (or groups) to hold the channels. Then, enter the channel and channel parameters in the group(s). Setting Up a Channel Group Edit Group E New Group E The scanner creates a group with a default name of Group nn. nn increments by one for each new group you create within a system.
To program another channel within the same group, press Menu , then repeat the above. To create another channel group and enter more channels, press Menu four times, then proceed from “Setting Up a Channel Group” on Page 53.
Programming/Editing Optional Settings This section details the instructions for eachSettings of the Programming/Editing Optional optional programming steps referred to in “Programming Radio Systems” on Page 46. Use the instructions in the appropriate section to enter or edit a setting. System-Level Settings These settings apply to the entire system. Editing the System Name Menu E Program SysteM Select the system E E Edit Name Follow these steps to enter/edit the system name. 1.
After selecting this option, press 1-9 to assign the system to a quick key or press No to assign the system to no quick key, then press E. Hints: • You can assign as many systems to the same quick key as you want. • Preprogrammed conventional systems are set to quick key 9. • To be scanned, a system’s quick key must be activated and the system must be unlocked.
Notes: • If you select 0, the scanner stays on the system for a minimal time (only long enough 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. • The scanner moves to the next system after the hold time expires, any current transmission ends, and the channel delay time expires.
Notes: • This setting is ignored for AM channels. • The default setting for this feature is On. Deleting Systems Menu program system Select the system E E E Delete System The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To confirm, press E. To cancel, press No. Notes: • Deleted systems cannot be restored. You must re-enter them. • You cannot restore preloaded systems.
Select the group Edit Name E E Follow these steps to enter/edit the group name. 1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter. 2. Press and hold down Func then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter. 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the system name. Then press E or press down on the scroll control to accept the setting. Hints: • Each group name can be up to 16 characters. Abbreviate as necessary to fit.
Setting Group Lockout program system Select the system E Edit Group E Select the group E Set Lockout E Menu E This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this group when it is enabled. Select your setting, then press E. Lockout - the group is not scanned. Unlocked - the group is scanned. Note: The default setting is Unlocked. Deleting Groups program system Select the system E Edit Group E Select the group E Menu Delete Group E E The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion.
Select the channel Edit Name E E Follow these steps to enter/edit the channel name. 1. Rotate the scroll control to select the first letter. 2. Press and hold down Func then rotate the scroll control once to select the next letter. 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until you have entered the channel name. Then press E or press down on the scroll control to accept the setting. Hints: • Each channel name can be up to 16 characters. Abbreviate as necessary to fit.
On - when you turn on the Priority 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. Setting Channel Alert program system Select the system E Edit Group E Select the group E Edit Channel E Select the channel E Set Alert E Menu E This setting controls whether the scanner will alert you when the channel becomes active. Select your setting, then press E.
Search - the scanner searches for and displays any CTCSS or DCS tone that accompanies 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 enter or scroll to the desired tone. DCS - the scanner only opens squelch if the DCS tone you select is also present with the signal. The scanner then prompts you to enter or scroll to the desired tone.
NFM - the scanner uses narrowband FM for the frequency. Note: The default setting is AUTO. Setting Channel Attenuation Menu program system Select the system E Edit Group E Select the group E Edit Channel E Select the channel E Set Attenuator E E This setting controls whether the scanner attenuates signals on this channel. Select your setting, then press E. On - the channel is attenuated by about 18 dB. Off - the channel is not attenuated. Notes: • The default setting is Off.
5.0 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 7.5 kHz, 10.0 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. Note: The scanner defaults to Auto. Setting Channel Lockout program system Select the system E Edit Group E Select the group E Edit Channel E Select the channel E Set Lockout E Menu E This setting determines whether the scanner will scan this channel when its system and group are enabled. Select your setting, then press E. Lockout - the channel is not scanned.
The scanner prompts you to confirm deletion. To confirm, press E. To cancel, press No. Note: Deleted channels cannot be restored. You must re-enter them. Copying/Pasting Channels To copy a channel including all settings: Menu program system Select the system Edit Group E E E Select the group E E Edit Channel Select the channel E E Copy Channel The scanner copies the channel into a copy buffer.
Searching and Storing Searching and Storing Service Search Service Search lets you quickly select and search the scanner’s preprogrammed search ranges. During service search, the scanner searches starting with the lowest frequency in the search range you select to the highest frequency in the range. 1. Press Menu then turn the scroll control until Search For . . . appears. Then press E. Or press Func and Srch, then No. The search feature options appear. 2.
• If the service you select uses channels (such as CB radio or marine), the scanner displays the service channel number. Quick Search Quick Search lets you search from the currently-tuned frequency. Press Func and Scan/Srch to start quick search. QUICK Search? appears. Quick Search Hold appears if you press Hold. Press E to start quick search or No to go to the search menu.
Notes: • Search ranges are preset. See “Editing a Custom Search Range” on Page 69 to change the range. • You cannot turn off all custom search ranges. 1. Press Menu then turn the scroll control until Search For ... appears. Or, press Func + Scan/Srch, then select No, then turn the scroll control, then press E. One of the search feature options appear. 2. Turn the scroll control until CUSTOM Search appears, then press E to select it.
and Srch, then No. One of the search feature options appear. 2. Turn the scroll control until EDIT CUSTOM appears, then press E to select it. 3. Turn the scroll control until the name of the custom search range you want to edit appears, then press E to select it. The following options appear as you turn the scroll control. EDIT NAME - lets you edit the custom search range’s name EDIT SRCH LIMIT - lets you view and select the frequency ranges to search.
2. Turn the scroll control until Search and Store appears, then press E to select it. 3. Turn the scroll control until the system where you want to store the frequencies appears, then press E to select it. Note: You cannot select a racing system. If no systems are programmed, or all systems are locked out, No System Stored appears. Storing a System You can store frequencies into the system you selected in “Selecting a System”. Otherwise, the scanner stores frequencies in a new group it creates. 1.
Using the Close Call Feature Your scanner's Close Call CallTM Feature feature lets you set the Using the Close scanner so it detects, displays the frequency of, and lets you hear a nearby strong radio transmission. You can set the scanner so the Close Call feature works "in the background" while you are scanning other frequencies, turn off normal scanning while the Close Call feature is working, or turn off the Close Call feature and use the scanner normally.
Setting Close Call Options 1. Press Menu then turn the scroll control until Close Call appears. Then press E. Close Call feature options appear. 2. Turn the scroll control to select an option. • Close Call Only: Lets you set the scanner only for Close Call searching. The scanner does not scan frequencies or channels when this option is turned on. To select this option, press E. • Set CC Bands: Lets you select the Close Call band settings. You can turn the following bands on or off. VHF Low (25.0000 - 54.
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. Turn the scroll control to display an option, then press E. • Set CC Mode: Lets you select the Close Call mode. If you turn this option on, the scanner sets itself to its Close Call settings about once every 2 seconds. Turn the scroll control to display an option, then press E.
Search and Close Call Options The settings in this section affect custom searches, Search and Close Call Options service searches, and Close Call operation. Managing Locked-Out Frequencies While searching or during Close Call operation, if you press L/O while the scanner is stopped on a frequency, that frequency is locked out of these modes. You can lock out up to 200 frequencies. Note: Locking out a frequency does not lock out a channel that contains that frequency.
Note: This feature does not operate when the scanner is in AM modulation mode. Screening Out Paging Systems Menu Pager Screen Srch/CloCall Opt E E This setting determines whether the scanner automatically ignores transmissions found during searching or Close Call operation that are on common paging system frequencies. On The scanner skips known paging system frequencies. Off The scanner stops on any detected transmission, including paging systems. Notes: • The default setting for this feature is On.
On The scanner automatically applies repeater reverse to detected transmissions. If the scanner detects the transmission on the output frequency, it beeps, REPEATER FIND appears, and it remains on the output frequency until transmissions end. If it does not detect a transmission on the output frequency, it remains on the original frequency. Off The scanner does not try to find the output frequency.
Setting Attenuation Srch/CloCall Opt Set Attenuator E Menu E This setting controls the attenuator for quick search and Close Call operation. Select your setting, then press E. Off The attenuator is off. On Reception is attenuated by about 18 dB. Note: Turn on this setting if you are near other strong signal sources. Attenuation sometimes helps to reduce interference and desensitization that strong signals create.
Off The scanner resumes immediately when the transmission ends. 1-5 sec The scanner waits the set amount of time after the transmission ends before resuming. Note: The default setting is 2 seconds. Setting the Search Frequency Step Srch/CloCall Opt Menu Set Step E E This setting selects the frequency step used for setting the channels. Select your setting, then press E. Auto The step is based on the band (see the table at the front of the manual) 5.0 kHz, 6.25 kHz, 7.5 kHz, 10.0 kHz, 12.5 kHz, 15.
Using Weather Alert (SAME) Using Weather Alert (SAME) Your scanner has been primarily designed to be a radio scanner. While it incorporates weather alert as one of its features, we strongly recommend that you not use the scanner as your sole means for receiving emergency alerts. Your local electronics retailer carries several weather radios specifically designed for this function.
This setting determines which types of signals will trigger an alert. Select your setting, then press E. Alert Only - the scanner alerts when it detects the 1050 Hz tone that accompanies all weather alerts. ALL FIPS - the scanner alerts and displays information about the weather alert when it receives any FIPS code (see “Programming a SAME Group” on Page 81).
For example, Tarrant County in Texas is assigned to FIPS code 048439. 0 indicates the entire county 48 indicates the state of Texas 439 indicates Tarrant County To get the FIPS code for your county, visit the National Weather Service web site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov and search for “FIPS Listing”. Menu PrograM SAME WX Operation E E SELECT SAME select the SAME group to edit E Select the setting to change, then press E.
Care and Maintenance Care and Maintenance • Turn the scanner off before disconnecting the power. General Use • Always write down the programmed frequencies in the event of memory loss. • If memory is lost, simply reprogram each channel. • Always press each button firmly until you hear the entry tone for that key entry. Location • Do not use the scanner in high-moisture environments such as the kitchen or bathroom. • Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near heating elements or vents.
Repairs Do not attempt any repair. The scanner contains no user serviceable parts. Contact the Uniden Customer Service Center or take it to a qualified repair technician. Birdies All radios can receive “birdies” (undesired signals). If your scanner stops during Scan mode and no sound is heard, it might be receiving a birdie. Birdies are internally generated signals inherent in the electronics of the scanner. Press L/O to lock out the channel.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If your SC230 is not performing properly, try these steps. Problem The scanner doesn’t work. Possible Cause The scanner might not be receiving any power. Suggestion Make sure the AC adapter is connected to an AC outlet and the scanner. If there is a wall switch that controls power to the AC outlet where you connected the AC adapter, make sure it is on. Improper reception. The antenna might need to be adjusted.
Scan won’t start. Weather scan doesn’t work. You must press Scan to scan. Press Scan. The squelch might need to be adjusted. Adjust the squelch threshold. See “Turning On the Scanner and Setting the Squelch” on Page 34. One or more channels might be locked out. Make sure the channels you want to scan are not locked out. The antenna might need to be adjusted. Check the antenna connection. The squelch might need to be adjusted. Adjust the squelch threshold.
Specifications Specifications Certified in accordance with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15, Subpart C, as of date of manufacture. Dynamic Allocation Capacity (with Name Assigned To Each System, Group, and Channel): Systems: .......................................................... 200 max Groups: Conventional Systems ........................ 20 per system Racing Systems ......................................... No Limit Channels: ............................................... up to 2500 Attenuation: .
Operating Temperature: Normal ................................................ –20°C to +60°C Close Call ........................................... –10°C to +60°C Scan Rate: ...............................100 channels per second (conventional mode) Search Rate: ...... 300 steps per second (5 kHz step only) Scan Delay: ...................................................0-5 seconds Audio Output: ..
Optional Accessories Optional Accessories Contact your local Uniden Dealer or call the Uniden Parts Center at: (800) 554-3988 during regular business hours (CST) for information about ordering these optional accessories.
Planning Planning Getting your scanner programmed and scanning takes a Collecting Information few steps. This help guides you through these steps that will make it easier for you to start scanning. 1. Collect information about the system(s) you want to monitor. Do you want to listen to your favorite driver at the track? How about your local police and fire departments, the highway patrol, ambulance service, and aircraft? You might even want to listen to race officials as they dispatch the pace car.
• Before you start to program your scanner, decide how you want to organize the frequencies you want to scan. For example, some areas are best organized by geographic location (east, north, south, west, central, etc), while others are best organized by agency (police, sheriff, ambulance, fire, etc.). You might even find it easier to organize a mixture of frequencies (north, southeast, and west for police but fire all in one group for example). 2.
Filling Out The Racing System Worksheet Race Name Fill in the name of the race you want to scan. For example, you can enter "Daytona 500" here. Car #/Driver-Frequency-Priority-CTCSS/DCS Fill in the details for each car number and driver, frequency, whether the car number/driver is a priority car number/driver, and information about the car number/ driver’s CTCSS/DCS information (if any) you want to store for this race.
Racing System Worksheet Ra cing Syste m W orkshe e t Race Nam e Car #/Driver Frequency Priority CTCSS/DCS Planning 93
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 enter "Dallas Police" or "Amateur Radio" here. If you want to store more than one type of frequency, you can enter "Mixed." Fill in the key you want to press to quickly activate/ deactivate the system. You can assign the same quick key to multiple systems.
Conventional System Worksheet Conve ntiona l Syste m W orkshe e t System Name Group Name System Quick Key Group Quick Key Frequency Priority CTCSS/DCS Alpha Tag Planning 95
Preprogrammed Systems Preprogrammed Systems Your scanner is preprogrammed with frequencies used at races within the NASCAR Nextel, Busch, Craftsman, Indy, ARCA, and Champ racing series. One racing system and one conventional system are preprogrammed for each race. By default, all of the preprogrammed conventional systems and one of the racing systems are unlocked, and your scanner begins to scan them when you turn it on.
One-Year Limited Warranty Important: Evidence ofLimited original purchase is required ranty One-Year Warfor warranty service. WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“Uniden”) ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for one year, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.
BURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion might not apply to you. LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you might also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.
, S E R RI & OM O F SO NE .C I N S E NL E D C C O NI A O .U G W W W REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! THANK YOU FOR BUYING A UNIDEN PRODUCT. May be covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents.
