expensive, Hex allowed programmers to save memory by using less characters to represent larger numbers. For example, it takes 4 characters
to represent the number 1234 in Decimal yet only 3 in Hex (4D2). While scanners in the past converted the Hex to a more easily understood
Decimal number purists and programmers would prefer the Hex version.
For EDACS systems scanners give you the option of using AFS, short for Agency-Fleet-Subfleet or Decimal. Decimal mode uses regular
numbers, up to 2047.
The AFS system is based upon a binary version if the talkgroup number and is broken up into 2 sections divided by a dash, such as 12-157. In
this example "12" is the "Agency" number, "15" is the "Fleet" and "7" is the Subfleet. There are up to 16 Agency numbers (00 thru 15), 16
Fleet codes (00 thru 15) and 8 Subfleets (0 thru 7). The BCT15X allows you to program a system with Wildcards so that you can hear all
talkgroups within an Agency or a Fleet using the AFS mode.
Some users are more comfortable with one method or the other, and the BCT15X allows users to choose which method you want to use to
represent systems. Most scanner information resources use both methods to identify talkgroups, if your reference only uses one then you can
change your scanner to match. If you program a System using one method you can change the method and switch over to the other, the radio
automatically translates to the other version.
Priority ID Scan
Now you can include trunked systems and ID's in your Priority settings. You are no longer limited to conventional channels for Priority.
Preemptive Priority on Motorola analog systems
When scanning Motorola trunked systems you can set a channel (talkgroup) to Priority to force the scanner to go immediately to that channel
even when the radio is already engaged on another voice channel.
Firmware Updates
The scanner world is a dynamic place, things change all the time. The BCT15X allows you to update the radio to accommodate some of these
changes by upgrading the firmware of the radio. This feature allows you to apply fixes and updates provided by Uniden. Some of these changes
might include bug fixes, rebanding fixes, updates due to new FCC rules or allocations, or new features, such as the Trunked Unit ID feature. So
far all Uniden Firmware updates have been free, although Uniden has indicated that there might be some future optional updates that you can
purchase if you want them.
You can view the current Firmware Version in the Settings Menu under "See Scanner Info"
Miscellaneous Settings
The BCT15X has a lot of options that you can set, many of which you will never see. Some however obscure, may come up from time to time,
and some of these are in the Setting Menu.
You can do things like:
-Adjust the Keyboard Beep volume so that it follows the volume control or is set to a specific volume level regardless of the regular
volume control.
-Make adjustments to the AGC (Automatic Gain Control) settings for analog signals.
-Adjust the LCD contrast and color of the display to suit your tastes.
-Adjust how the radio communicates with the GPS unit and how it will display coordinates.
-Set the speed of the serial port to match your GPS and computer as needed.
-Adjust the default step size and modes of the various scanner bands. When these modes change the radio can change with it.
Close Call
Like its predecessors the BCT15X has the CloseCall feature that allows you to find nearby transmitters. This is basically a very fast search thru
large chunks of spectrum looking for strong signals. When a signal is detected the search narrows quickly and then stops on the active channel.
All this takes place in milliseconds.
