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Uniden UBCD396XT Digital Scanner: Quick Guide
Getting started
Turn ON or OFF:
press and hold the lower left button
Volume:
press the knob once, and then rotate to adjust the volume
Scan/Hold:
If the unit is scanning press “Hold” to stop on a particular channel.
Channels:
while on “Hold” rotate the knob to choose a pre-programmed channel/frequency
Lockout:
pressing the Lockout (L/O) button twice in quick succession will permanently lock out a
channel from scanning, the channel can still be selected via the knob, or unlocked by pressing L/O.
Belt clip:
Rotate the belt clip upside down with the hinge at the bottom to insert or remove from the
scanner, otherwise it will eventually break.
Power supply (6 volts DC,
)
The scanner comes with three rechargeable AA batteries which in theory can be charged within the
scanner. However, if the scanner is left permanently connected to the plug-pack, the batteries will
be ruined, according to the web. The recommendation is that a small switch located behind the
batteries is switched to the “Alkaline” position; this turns off the charger. The plug-pack can then be
left plugged into the scanner to power it and removed if you require portability. Rechargeable NI-
MH batteries or standard non-rechargeable alkaline batteries can be used if needed. The scanner
can operate on the plug-pack without batteries. A 12v-6v car adaptor can be used but should be a
high quality regulated adaptor. Some cheap switch-mode adaptors may damage the scanner.
Reception
The four closest RFS repeaters are located at; Mt Spring, Gunning, Bookham and Tarago. Depending
on your location, one of these repeaters will provide better reception than the others. Like digital TV
the digital reception will either be perfect or no signal. The scanner is also capable of receiving
analogue transmissions. If an external antenna is required then a UHF CB antenna can be used as the
RFS frequencies are close enough to CB. The repeaters carry all Southern Tablelands RFS radio
transmissions so there is no need to change channels unless you move location.
Scanner Specs
The scanner is capable of storing about 20,000 channels and comes programmed with most of the
public safety (police, fire, SES) channels in Australia and NZ. However, it does not contain the new
RFS digital Southern Tablelands PMR channels/frequencies. I have removed all the other services
and programmed in the RFS, Ambo, SES, Police, ACT-RFS, Country Energy and Fire and Rescue. See
me if you want some of the other services back. You can of course add additional frequencies
yourself.
Closest RFS repeater frequencies and (channels), and screen
Location
Digital
Mt Spring
424.0125 (S133)
Gunning
420.1875 (S128)
Bookham
422.0750 (S132)
Tarago
420.2250 (S130)
