Manual / Guide · 2014
Owner's manual for the Uniden HomePatrol-II touchscreen digital scanner with built-in APCO P25 Phase I and Phase II decoding: setup, ZIP-code and GPS location, Favorites Lists, recording and replay, battery and USB power, and updating firmware and the weekly database with HomePatrol Sentinel.
This product uses one or more of the following patents: 5,199,109 5,408,692 5,428,826 5,438,688 5,465,402 5,471,660 5,483,684 5,530,296 5,548,832 5,551,071 5,574,995 5,577,076 5,598,430 5,642,424 5,710,992 5,784,388**** 5,956,648*** 5,991,346 6,025,758 6,034,573 6,064,270 6,192,223* 6,519,472*** 6,941,120* 6,839,550 7,006,797** 7,013,110 7,046,964** 7,190,937** 7,505,738 7,548,735** Other patents pending. * These patents are under license from Gray Electronics, Inc. ** These patents are under license from Counter Technologies, Inc. *** These patents are under license from G/Tracker Technologies, Inc. **** This patent is under license from Gregory D. Knox. Patented DVSI Vocoder: US Patent Nos. 5,870,405; 5,649,050; 5,630,011; 5,581,656; 5,517,511; 5,491,772; 5,247,579; and 5,226,084. These patents are all licensed from Digital Voice Systems, Inc. (DVSI). © 2014 Uniden America Corporation, Irving, Texas. SAVE YOUR RECEIPT! It is your proof of purchase and is required to establish warranty. HomePatrol is a registered trademark of Uniden America Corporation, Irving, Texas. HomePatrol-II Owner’s Manual Issue 1.00, July 2014 Questions? Problems? Get help on the web at www.HomePatrol.com or www.uniden.com. Or call our Customer Service line at 800‐292‐2294. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................................................................................................... i IMPORTANT INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 1 The FCC Wants You to Know ..................................................................................................................... 1 Modification Notice .................................................................................................................................. 1 Part 15 Information................................................................................................................................... 1 General Precautions .................................................................................................................................. 1 Earphone Warning ................................................................................................................................ 1 Liquid Exposure Warning ...................................................................................................................... 2 Power Disconnection Caution ............................................................................................................... 2 Scanning Legally ........................................................................................................................................ 2 WHAT IS THE HOMEPATROL‐II? .................................................................................................................... 3 What are HomePatrol‐II’s Features .......................................................................................................... 3 HomePatrol‐II ............................................................................................................................................ 4 How Does the HomePatrol‐II Work?......................................................................................................... 4 What You Do ......................................................................................................................................... 4 What You Hear in the United States ..................................................................................................... 5 What Else Can HomePatrol‐II Do? ............................................................................................................ 5 Create Favorites Lists ............................................................................................................................ 5 Avoid Transmissions.............................................................................................................................. 5 Replay Transmissions ............................................................................................................................ 5 Record Transmissions ........................................................................................................................... 5 Use GPS Input........................................................................................................................................ 5 Updating HomePatrol‐II Firmware............................................................................................................ 6 Updating the HomePatrol‐II Database ...................................................................................................... 6 HOMEPATROL‐II HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ............................................................................................ 7 Hardware .................................................................................................................................................. 7 Base Unit ............................................................................................................................................... 7 Software .................................................................................................................................................... 8 Main Screen .......................................................................................................................................... 8 HOMEPATROL‐II OPERATIONS .................................................................................................................... 11 Start‐Up Wizard ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Running the Startup Wizard................................................................................................................ 11 Selecting Channels to Monitor................................................................................................................ 11 Change Location .................................................................................................................................. 12 Select Service Types ............................................................................................................................ 12 Set Range ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Select Favorites Lists to Monitor ........................................................................................................ 12 Avoiding Transmissions ....................................................................................................................... 13 Selecting Nationwide Systems ............................................................................................................ 13 Customizing Your Monitoring Experience .............................................................................................. 13 Adjusting Listening Volume ................................................................................................................ 15 Adjusting Screen Tap Volumes............................................................................................................ 15 Equalizing the Volume Level ............................................................................................................... 15 Adjusting the Screen ........................................................................................................................... 15 Adjusting Contrast and Backlight Level ............................................................................................... 15 Adjusting Auto Dim ............................................................................................................................. 15 Setting Automatic Shutoff................................................................................................................... 16 BUILDING FAVORITES LISTS ........................................................................................................................ 17 Creating a Favorites List .......................................................................................................................... 17 Using Submenu Pop‐Up to Create a Favorites List (No Favorites Lists Exist) ..................................... 17 Using Submenu Pop‐Up to Create a Favorites List (Favorites Lists Exist) ........................................... 18 Saving to an Existing Favorites List ..................................................................................................... 18 Use Sentinel Software to Create a Favorites List ................................................................................ 18 Managing Favorites Lists ......................................................................................................................... 18 Using Favorites Lists to Monitor Special Services ................................................................................... 19 OTHER FEATURES ........................................................................................................................................ 20 Avoid/Unavoid Transmissions................................................................................................................. 20 How to Set the Avoid Default Value ................................................................................................... 20 How to Avoid a Transmission.............................................................................................................. 20 How to Unavoid a Transmission ......................................................................................................... 20 Replay...................................................................................................................................................... 21 ii Set Replay Options .............................................................................................................................. 21 Replay Transmissions .......................................................................................................................... 21 Record ..................................................................................................................................................... 21 How to Record Transmissions ............................................................................................................. 22 How to Stop Recording Transmissions................................................................................................ 22 How to Play Back a Recorded Session ................................................................................................ 22 Weather .................................................................................................................................................. 22 Monitoring Weather Channels ............................................................................................................... 22 Monitoring Weather Alerts ................................................................................................................. 23 Displaying Unit IDs .................................................................................................................................. 23 Using HomePatrol‐II with an Accessory GPS Receiver ................................................................................ 24 Connecting Your GPS to HomePatrol‐II .................................................................................................. 24 Setting Up GPS ........................................................................................................................................ 24 HOMEPATROL‐II AND SENTINEL SOFTWARE .............................................................................................. 25 Manage Profiles ...................................................................................................................................... 25 Manage Favorites Lists ............................................................................................................................ 25 Manage Databases .................................................................................................................................. 25 Create New or Edit Existing Systems ...................................................................................................... 25 Share Favorites Lists................................................................................................................................ 25 Manage Firmware Updates .................................................................................................................... 25 Installing Sentinel .................................................................................................................................... 25 How to Install Sentinel Software ........................................................................................................ 26 TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................................................................... 27 BATTERY AND POWER INFORMATION........................................................................................................ 28 Installing the Batteries ............................................................................................................................ 28 Recharging the Batteries ......................................................................................................................... 28 How to Set the Battery Charge Time ...................................................................................................... 29 How to Recharge the Batteries ............................................................................................................... 29 iii APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................................ 31 Appendix A: HomePatrol‐II Specifications ............................................................................................. 31 Appendix B: Band Coverage ................................................................................................................... 33 Appendix C: Services Types .................................................................................................................... 34 ONE‐YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.................................................................................................................. 36 iv IMPORTANT INFORMATION The FCC Wants You to Know IMPORTANT! This scanning radio has been manufactured so that it cannot tune to radio frequencies assigned by the FCC for cellular telephone use. 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. The installation, possession, or use of this radio in a motor vehicle may be prohibited, regulated, or require a permit in certain states, cities, and/or local jurisdictions. Your local law enforcement officials should be able to information you regarding the local laws. Modification Notice Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Uniden, or operation of this product in any way other than as detailed by this User’s Guide, could void your authority to operate this product. Part 15 Information 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. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this scanner does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the scanner on and off, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the scanner and the receiver This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference, and This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. General Precautions Before you use this scanner, please read and observe the following: Earphone Warning You can use an optional 32Ω stereo headset or earphone with your scanner. Using incorrect earphone or headset might be hazardous to your hearing. The output of the phone jack is monaural, but you will hear it in both headphones of a stereo headset. 1 Set the volume to a comfortable audio level coming from the speaker before plugging in the earphone or headset. Otherwise, you might experience some discomfort or possible hearing damage if the volume suddenly becomes too loud because of the volume or squelch setting. This might be particularly true of the type of earphone that is placed in the ear canal. Liquid Exposure 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! Power Disconnection Caution Important: Always turn the scanner off before disconnecting external power. Some settings are saved only as the scanner is powering down. Scanning Legally Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups, including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some transmissions that you should never intentionally listen to. These include: Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmission) Pager transmissions Any scrambled or encrypted transmissions 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. This is done to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured so they are not easy to modify to pick up these transmissions. Do not open your scanner’s case to make any modifications that could allow it to pick up transmissions that are illegal to monitor. Modifying or tampering with your scanner’s internal components or using it in a way other than as described in this manual could invalidate your warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it. In some areas, mobile and/or portable use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit. Check the laws in your area. It is also illegal in many areas (and a bad idea everywhere) to interfere with the duties of public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident without authorization. 2 WHAT IS THE HOMEPATROL‐II? Uniden’s HomePatrol‐II is the first digital TrunkTracker IV Communications Receiver that requires no user programming. Simply turn it on, enter your location, and you will immediately begin hearing communications in your area. This functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from RadioReference.com with Uniden’s patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems. With the HomePatrol‐II, you can also listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channels and monitor weather alerts. Set your HomePatrol‐II to monitor these transmissions when it is in a standby state or when it is turned on. What are HomePatrol‐II’s Features System support: o APCO 25 Trunked and Conventional o Motorola Analog and Mixed Digital o EDACS Narrow and Wide o LTR o Conventional o Phase 2 TDMA microSD for storing favorites lists and recording transmissions Factory programmed for all known radio systems in the United States and Canada Zip code entry for instant reception of local Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) City selection for instant reception of local services Autolocate that can quickly find local systems even if you don’t know where you are Connectible to a GPS accessory receiver (not included) for precise system selection and continuing reselection when traveling USB connection to PC for firmware and database updates through Sentinel software Weather Alert Standby (SAME) Instant replay plays back up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the most recent transmissions. One‐touch recording to capture transmissions for later playback Optional car mount kit NOTE: For information on features added in the Extreme Upgrade, see the separate manual available by download at http://info.uniden.com/HomePatrol. 3 HomePatrol‐II The HomePatrol‐II includes many advanced features available by purchasing a registration key from Uniden. For information on unlocking and using these features, see the separate HomePatrol‐II Extreme Owner’s Manual. Even without the registration key, you can take advantage of these advanced features, many of which can be programmed using Sentinel software: Per‐channel delay – lets you determine how long the HomePatrol‐II stays on a channel after the transmission ends. Longer delays help prevent missing replies. Shorter delays improve overall scanning speed. Better location precision for systems – allows you to define a department’s location and range using up to 32 rectangles instead of a single circle (circles are still supported). Multi‐Favorite List Support – lets you monitor up to 256 Favorites List at a time, or combine Favorites Lists and the Full Database for monitoring. Channel Alerts – sounds a programmable alert when a channel set to alert becomes active. Unit ID Tagging – displays an alpha tag showing the information about a specific radio unit being received. ID Search – stops on all unavoided radio traffic, even if the channel is not in HomePatrol‐II’s database. Emergency Alert – sounds an alert when a unit triggers their emergency status (on compatible radio systems). A coordinated HomePatrol‐II website (www.HomePatrol.com) provides a variety of support features and information. Become part of the HomePatrol‐II family by getting involved in the discussion forums. How Does the HomePatrol‐II Work? What You Do When you set your location, HomePatrol‐II searches its databases for channels near that location. If you enter your zip code, HomePatrol‐II searches within a 10 mile radius of the center of that zip code. If you enter the city, that range is 20 miles from the center of the city. If you use the AutoLocate feature, that range increases to 30 miles. If you manually enter your latitude and longitude or connect an accessory GPS receiver, your HomePatrol‐II will select channels that apply to your precise location. HomePatrol‐II uses these databases: Radio System Database – provided by www.radioreference.com , this database contains radio system information including frequencies, trunked talk groups, and geographic locations for radio systems across most of North America. ZIP Code Geographic Database – provides geographical coordinates for most zip and postal codes in the US and Canada. RadioReference SysID Database – contains system ID and geographic location information for trunked radio systems across North America. City Location Database – includes the center point of most named cities and counties. 4 What You Hear in the United States Your HomePatrol‐II receiver has over 10,000 police, fire, ambulance, business, utility, and other agencies set for instant access. You can also listen to weather channels and weather alerts, and you can set your HomePatrol‐II to monitor weather alerts while it is in a standby state. NOTE: There are some communications that the public is locked out from monitoring. Your HomePatrol‐II cannot receive agencies that scramble their communications; it also cannot receive agencies on private proprietary systems. Because there are so many different kinds of communications going on, you can turn on specific types of agencies you want to hear (and turn off those you don’t). Tap Menu/Service Types to select these agencies. Appendix C provides a list of service types and a brief description of them. What Else Can HomePatrol‐II Do? Create Favorites Lists As you find transmissions you like and would like to monitor again, you can save them to a Favorites List. When you opt to listen to a Favorites List, HomePatrol‐II will monitor only the transmissions on that list. Avoid Transmissions You can also select transmissions for HomePatrol‐II to avoid (ignore). Replay Transmissions HomePatrol‐II’s Replay feature acts as an instant replay of the transmissions you’ve just heard. You can set how long a period Replay records for instant playback. This period can range from 30 seconds to 240 seconds (4 minutes). While you can replay that recording immediately and continue replaying it, you cannot save it for future listening. Record Transmissions With HomePatrol‐II, you can tap a button and begin recording transmissions. When you begin recording, HomePatrol‐II adds the Replay recording buffer to the recording. HomePatrol‐2 will continue recording until you tap again to stop. These recording sessions are saved and can be replayed on demand. Rename and delete sessions through the Review Recordings screen, accessed through Advanced Menu/Replay Options/Review Recordings (tap on the session to bring up an options screen). Use GPS Input HomePatrol‐II works with an accessory GPS receiver to provide the most accurate location setting possible. You can set HomePatrol‐II to use GPS settings while you are traveling so you always receive the most accurate transmissions for your location. A Word About HomePatrol‐II Profiles When you entered your zip code the first time, you began creating your first HomePatrol‐II profile. A profile contains settings like your location and associated transmissions from the database, Favorites Lists, and Avoids, etc. You automatically develop a profile as you monitor transmissions and save some to Favorites Lists, avoid others, and adjust how HomePatrol‐II receives and plays them. 5 HomePatrol‐II operates on a single profile at a time, so, if you want to significantly change your current profile, save it to Sentinel first. The saved profile becomes a snapshot of your HomePatrol‐II configuration at that moment. When you want to restore that specific profile later, write it back to HomePatrol‐II. For example, if you are traveling to another city and you will be creating a profile for that city, write your current profile to Sentinel. You can restore that profile when you return and all your settings will be saved. Refer to the Sentinel software Help files for detailed information about profiles. Updating HomePatrol‐II Firmware From time to time, Uniden will release firmware updates to improve existing functionality, add new features, or address issues found in its operation. Updating the firmware takes just a few minutes and is easily accomplished using the Sentinel software you installed on your PC at HomePatrol‐II initialization. If you did not install Sentinel software, refer to the HomePatrol‐II and Sentinel section later in this manual. Simply connect your HomePatrol‐II to your PC using the supplied USB cable and select “Mass Storage.” Then, in Sentinel select UPDATE Update Firmware and follow the on‐screen prompts. Updating the HomePatrol‐II Database To update the HomePatrol‐II’s database, connect it to your PC using the supplied USB cable. If you have upgraded to the extreme features, then select “Mass Storage.” Then, in Sentinel, select UPDATE Update Master HPDB. Finally, write the new database to your HomePatrol‐II by selecting HomePatrol Write to Homepatrol. 6 HOMEPATROL‐II HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE Hardware The HomePatrol‐II unit comprises a base unit and antenna. Accessories included in the box are: MiniUSB to USB Connection Cable 4 X AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries Rubber Antenna Antenna Connector microSD card (installed) Table Stand Base Unit The HomePatrol‐II base unit is 3.3 in (84.5 mm) H x 5.9 in (149 mm) W x 1.5 in (38.4 mm) D. It contains a 3.5‐inch diagonal color touch‐sensitive LCD screen. The left side of the unit provides headphone and line out jacks and SMA antenna jack while the right side contains the USB port and serial port for GPS. Volume and Power buttons are on the top of the unit. TOP VIEW VOLUME Button POWER Button LEFT SIDE RIGHT SIDE AUDIO OUT Jack FRONT VIEW SERIAL Port for GPS USB Port HEADPHONE Jack ANTENNA Screw 7 Software Main Screen The HomePatrol‐II Main screen is the screen you will see when monitoring. From that screen, you can also access other screens that let you adjust various settings and manage HomePatrol‐II features. Main Screen Overview The Main screen is the primary screen for HomePatrol‐II. It displays the names of the transmission you are listening to and gives you access to other features. The following sections provide a general overview of this screen. System, Department, and Channel Transmission The three center rows of the Main screen display the system, department, and channel associated with the transmission. If you want to hold on any of these, tap on it. HomePatrol‐II will hold and monitor that specific level until you tap it again. A lock icon on that row displays to indicate the hold. Level Name Description The overall system being monitored. (Example: Dallas) System The small text below the system name indicates which Favorite List is being used (or “Full Database” for the main database). (Example: DFW) The name of the department being monitored. This department is part of the system Department described previously. (Example: Grand Prairie) The name of the channel being monitored. (Example: Grand Prairie Fire Dispatch). Also Channel shows the service type, frequency or talk group ID and Unit ID (if enabled) for the channel. 8 Submenu Pop‐Ups Tap on the ‹ tab on the right side of each line and a submenu pop‐up displays. You can select from a set of operations for that level, although some operations are not available for every level. Submenu Definition System Department Channel Blocks HomePatrol‐II from receiving Avoid X X X transmissions for a specific element. Provides access to advanced features, such as Advanced site information as well as those unlocked by X X X purchasing a V2 registration key. Provides information about that transmission Info X X X level. Prev Backs through the selected level. X X Note Moves HomePatrol‐II to the next system, Next X X X department, or channel. Fave Lets you add the channel to a Favorites list. ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ X Radio Control Bar The row of buttons across the top of the Main screen lets you fine‐tune HomePatrol‐II reception, access Help, and reenter system configuration. Button Definition Squelch Sets how strong a signal must be before HomePatrol‐II stops on it. Controls how many channels are selected based on your location and system’s Range locations. Small range settings result in fewer systems and departments selected. A selection bar lets you set the range in 2‐mile increments. Each screen tap is 0.5 miles. Reduces signal interference if you are in an area where there are a lot of radio signals. If both Attenuation and Global Attenuation are set to OFF, the status indicator is white. Atten If both Attenuation and Global Attenuation are set to ON, the status indicator is (Attenuation) red. If Attenuation is set to ON and Global Attenuation is set to OFF, the status indicator is yellow. GPS Displays the status of a connected GPS unit. Displays Help text. Help Tap and hold to redo initial setup configuration. 9 Status Icons Three status icons reside in the right corner of the Main screen: Icon Description Shows the status of the screen touch lock. Tap to lock (grey color icon)/unlock (gold color icon) the screen controls. NOTE: The gold locked icon is the same icon that displays when you lock a transmission level. Shows relative signal strength. (Example shows three bars strong) Battery level/charge status. When AC power is connected, a lightning bolt displays on the icon. Feature Navigation Bar The row of buttons across the bottom of the Main screen allows you to record and play back transmissions; Menu allows you to configure specific elements of the HomePatrol‐II system (i.e., Audio Options, Replay Options, Set Charge Time, etc). Button Description Menu Displays options for managing HomePatrol‐II features and operations Provides an instant replay of the previous transmissions (30 – 240 seconds as set Replay through the Replay Options menu). Tap and hold this button to display Replay Options. Records ongoing transmissions. When you begin recording, the Record status Record indicator turns red. Tap Record again to stop recording. Tap and hold this button to see a list of saved recordings. Mutes the current transmission for as long as the Mute value has been set. Tap and hold Mute to display the Mute Options menu. Set the length of time for Mute to be Mute active and the Mute level (0 – 6). From this menu you can also silence the transmissions and/or the keytap volume. 10 HOMEPATROL‐II OPERATIONS Start‐Up Wizard The first time you turn on your HomePatrol‐II, it will take you through a startup wizard to install the Sentinel software and set up basic scanning criteria. To run the startup wizard again, tap and hold Help. Running the Startup Wizard 1. Plug the provided USB cable into your computer and into HomePatrol‐II’s USB jack. HomePatrol‐ II’s screen turns white during PC connection. When connected to the PC, HomePatrol‐II installs like an additional drive. 2. Allow the installation to Autorun. If you don’t see an Autorun prompt, open the drive and navigate to the setup.exe file in the Setup folder. Double click setup.exe to run that program. 3. Sentinel will ask you where you want to install the software. Once the software is installed, click Close when prompted. NOTE: Sentinel uses the internet to check for firmware and radio data updates. 4. After installing Sentinel, disconnect HomePatrol‐II from the PC. HomePatrol‐II restarts initialization. Selecting Channels to Monitor HomePatrol‐II operations revolve around the ability for you to listen to the transmissions you want to. There are many ways to fine‐tune the transmissions your HomePatrol‐II receives: Change your location Select service types Change the Range Select Favorites Lists to use Avoid transmissions Selecting Nationwide Systems While HomePatrol‐II selects channels, the Channel Selection screen appears. For the first 5 seconds, the screen shows the message “0 Channels Selected” with Cancel (activated) and Other Option (deactivated) in the Feature Navigation bar. After 5 seconds, the screen shows the number of channels selected, increasing as more channels are selected. When channel selection completes, Other Options is activated and Cancel changes to Listen. If you select Other Options at this point, you can choose to take any of the actions listed previously except Avoid transmissions. If yo