How to Program a Police Scanner Uniden Bearcat
Programming a police scanner, especially a Uniden Bearcat, can be a thrilling experience for enthusiasts who want to stay updated with real-time police, fire, and emergency communications. The Uniden Bearcat series is renowned for its advanced features and reliable performance. However, programming it might seem daunting at first. In this article, we will guide you through the process of programming a Uniden Bearcat police scanner step by step.
Understanding Your Scanner
Before diving into the programming process, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the Uniden Bearcat scanner’s interface and controls. The scanner comes with a user manual that provides detailed information about its features and operations. Take some time to read through the manual and understand the different buttons, knobs, and menus.
Step 1: Connect the Scanner
Start by connecting the Uniden Bearcat scanner to a power source. Ensure that the scanner is turned off before making any connections. If you are using a mobile scanner, mount it securely in your vehicle. For desktop scanners, place it on a stable surface.
Step 2: Power On the Scanner
Turn on the scanner by pressing the power button. The scanner will take a few moments to initialize. Once it is ready, you will see the main menu displayed on the screen.
Step 3: Access the Programming Menu
Press the “Menu” button on the scanner to access the main menu. Navigate through the menu options using the up and down arrow buttons. Locate the “Program” or “Edit” menu, and press the “Enter” button to select it.
Step 4: Select the Bank
In the programming menu, you will find a list of banks. Banks are collections of frequencies that you can search and scan through. Select the bank you want to program by pressing the “Enter” button.
Step 5: Add a Frequency
To add a frequency to the selected bank, navigate to the “Add Frequency” option in the programming menu. Enter the frequency using the number pad or by searching for it in the scanner’s database. Once you have entered the frequency, press “Enter” to save it.
Step 6: Set the Tone Code
Many police communications use tone codes for privacy and security. To decode these transmissions, you need to enter the tone code for each frequency. Navigate to the “Tone Code” option in the programming menu and enter the code using the number pad.
Step 7: Save and Exit
After adding frequencies and tone codes, save the changes by navigating to the “Save” option in the programming menu. Confirm the save, and then exit the programming menu.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully programmed your Uniden Bearcat police scanner. With your scanner now tuned to the desired frequencies and tone codes, you can start monitoring real-time police, fire, and emergency communications. Remember to keep your scanner updated with the latest frequencies and tone codes to ensure optimal performance. Happy scanning!
