Uniden Bearcat UBCD-260DN

Full specifications and features

• Illuminated LCD screen and keypad : makes it easy to use the scanner at night.
• 3 Search Keys : You can assign 3 of the number keys to start a range search, weather scan, Tone-Out search, Service search, or view the 'Band Scope' mode.
• 10 Channel Storage Banks : You can store up to 100 frequencies in each bank for a total of 1,000 frequencies, making it easier to identify calls.
• 10 Custom Searches : Allows you to program up to 10 custom search ranges.
• 26 Service Searches : Frequencies are preset in separate searches for Marine, Railroad, Aviation, CB Radio, Racing, FM Broadcasting, Public Safety, Military Aviation, FRS/GMRS, Media, and Amateur Radio to make it easier to find specific transmissions.
• Adjustable scan/search delay/resume : Set a delay up to 30 seconds or a forced resume up to 10 seconds (per channel or search).
• Attenuator : You can set the scanner's attenuator to reduce the input strength of strong signals by approximately 20 dB per channel or search band.
• Automatic Channel Selection : Accepts frequencies on any valid channel step, even if it does not fall within the standard frequency plan steps.
• Band Scope Mode : Band Scope mode is a special search mode where the scanner displays the strength of each signal it finds. In this mode, the scanner starts at the lowest frequency within range and works its way up through the search range. In Max Hold Search mode, the scanner displays the strongest signal it finds.
• Broadcast Filter : Allows the scanner to ignore hits on known broadcast frequencies, including pagers, in search mode.
• Configurable Band Settings : Allows you to set the step (Auto, 5, 6.25, 7.5, 8.33, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50, or 100 kHz) and modulation (AM, FM, NFM, WFM, or FMB) for 30 different bands.
• CTCSS/DCS/Digital Code Decoding : Decodes and displays Continuous Tone Code Squelch System tones being transmitted and plays Digital Coded Squelch, DMR Color Code, NXDN Area and NXDN RAN code being received.
• CTCSS/DCS/Digital Code Search : This allows you to search for CTCSS, DCS, DMR Color Code, NXDN Area or NXDN RAN Code when it finds an active frequency in search modes.
• Custom Alerts : You can program your scanner to alert you when you receive a channel or a Tone-Out hit. For each alert in the scanner, you can choose from 9 different tone patterns, 15 volume levels, 7 colors, and 2 flashing patterns.
• DIN-E and ISO vehicle mounting : Using the optional DIN-E sleeve or standard ISO technology, the scanner can be easily mounted in most vehicles.
• DMR and NXDN support : This allows you to receive transmissions with these decoding protocols.
• Duplicate frequency warning : Warns you if you try to enter a duplicate name or frequency that is already stored in the scanner.
• Individual Channel Volume Compensation : This allows you to adjust the volume of each channel.
• Intermediate Frequency Switch : Changes the IF used for a selected channel/frequency to avoid interference from ghosting and other mixer products.
• LCD Backlight : Makes the LCD screen easily visible in dim light using three brightness levels.
• Multi-color LED warning light : LCD warning light LED can be set to 1 of 7 colors: Blue, Red, Magenta, Green, Cyan, Yellow and White (default).
• Orange Vehicle Connection Wire : A special wire that allows you to connect to your vehicle's dimmer circuit so that the vehicle's dimmer will also dim the scanner's lights.
• PC Programmable: You can transfer data to and from your scanner and control your scanner with a computer via the BCDX60DN SS program (available from the product page at www.uniden.com/products ).
• Priority/Priority Plus Scan : Priority channels keep you informed of activity on your most important channels while monitoring other channels for transmissions and you can scan only the priority channels. Priority Plus monitors only priority channels.
• Quick Search Function : Allows you to search from the currently tuned frequency or channel or enter a frequency and start searching. Turn the Scroll knob to change the search direction.
• Recording output : You can connect an output jack to a VOX-controlled recorder or PC audio input to record the received audio.
• SAME Weather Alert/Priority : (with programmable FIPS codes) Have your scanner alert you when a SAME weather alert is broadcast on a NOAA weather channel. The scanner will also display the alert type.
• 12 Search Blocks : You can block up to 400 frequencies (200 temporary, 200 permanent) during a search.
• Signal Strength Meter : Shows the signal strength for the stronger transmissions.
• Temporary Block : Automatically unlocks temporarily blocked channels/systems/searches/locations when you restart your device.
• Text Tagging : You can name each channel, custom search scope, Tone-Out, service list, and SAME group with up to 16 characters per name.
• Tone-Out Standby/Tone Search : This allows you to set the scanner to warn you when a two-tone sequence is transmitted. You can configure up to 10 settings (transmission frequency, tone frequencies) and then select one for standby monitoring. The scanner will also search for and display unknown tones.
• Turbo Search Function : Automatically increases the search speed from 100 to 300 steps per second for bands with 5 kHz steps.

What is scanning?

Scanning is a process in which the Uniden Bearcat UBCD-260DN searches through pre-programmed channels until an active frequency is found. Unlike standard AM or FM radio stations, most two-way communication systems do not transmit continuously. The UBCD-260DN stops at an active frequency and remains there until transmission is complete. Once transmission stops, the scanner resumes scanning for other active channels.

Frequency Search vs. Scan

In addition to scanning, the UBCD-260DN also offers the ability to search for active frequencies that are not pre-programmed into the scanner. This is done by selecting frequency bands that you want to search. The scanner will stop at an active frequency within the limits you specify, and you can store this frequency in one of the channel banks if it is of interest. If not, you can continue searching for other frequencies.

CTCSS displays and DCS codes

The UBCD-260DN supports both Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) . This means that the scanner will only open to transmissions that have been coded with the correct sub-audible tone or digital code. These systems are used for FM signals and are commonly associated with both amateur and commercial two-way frequencies. They are also used to restrict access to commercial repeaters, allowing only signals with the correct code to enter.

Conventional scanning

Conventional scanning assigns groups of users to specific frequencies. This method of communication was the standard until the late 1980s and is still widely used by e.g. aviation, amateur radio and FRS/GMRS users. The UBCD-260DN scans these frequencies and stops when there is an active transmission.

Simplex and repeater system

Simplex systems use a single frequency for both transmit and receive, which is typically used for short-range communications, such as on construction sites or with consumer-grade radios like GMRS/FRS radios. Repeater systems, on the other hand, use two frequencies: one to transmit signals to a repeater and the other to receive signals from the repeater. Repeater systems offer much greater range, often up to 25 miles.

Memory capacity

The UBCD-260DN offers 1000 channels divided into 10 storage banks, each with 100 channels. This makes it easy to group frequencies based on location, area of ​​interest or type of communication, for example. You can enable or disable each storage bank by simply pressing the number buttons.

Service and custom search

The scanner is pre-programmed with frequencies for various services such as aviation, CB radio, marine, and public safety. In addition, you can program 10 custom search ranges to search for specific frequencies of interest to you.

With these extensive features, the Uniden Bearcat UBCD-260DN is a powerful scanner for both novice and experienced scanner users, ideal for monitoring a wide range of communication channels