BCD260DN Band Scope Mode

Summary: Using the BCD260DN’s Band Scope to see signal strength across a range of frequencies in real time.

What It Is

Band Scope searches a frequency range and shows the signal level in real time, with frequency increasing left to right. It sweeps between the ends of the range and updates each bar segment every pass. It’s useful for getting a picture of spectrum activity, spotting intermittently active frequencies, checking antenna performance and coax quality, and identifying interference. In Hold mode you can listen to the frequency at the marker.

Starting It

Press HOLD on any channel or frequency, then FUNC knob + 3 (SRCH 3). That frequency becomes the centre frequency. Band Scope can only be started with the SRCH 3 key, which is its default assignment.

The Three Modes

• Search (SRCH) – real-time display; the centre marker blinks while searching. Turn the Scroll knob to move the marker by the preset step (STP). If the sweep range is wide, one bar covers several frequencies, so the marker moves slowly; use a narrower span to pinpoint a frequency. A wide signal such as FM broadcast shows as several bars.
• Max Hold (MAX) – bars freeze at their strongest signal so brief signals stay visible. Toggle between SRCH and MAX with FUNC knob + SCAN/SEARCH. A bar in Max Hold may be old information.
• HOLD – freezes the sweep so you can move the marker (including to the centre frequency) and listen. Toggle between Hold and Search/Max Hold with HOLD.

FUNC knob then L/O returns the marker to the centre frequency (in Search it clears the history and restarts). Press HOLD to return to Search.

Changing the Settings

Press . No to cycle through SPN (Search Span), CF (Center Frequency) and STP (Search Step); press L/O to exit. Set-up times out after 10 seconds of no input.

• Centre frequency: press . No until CF blinks, then E Yes, enter the frequency and press E Yes. Or, with CF blinking, press E Yes to make the frequency at the marker the new centre.
• Span: press . No until SPN blinks and turn the Scroll knob to choose 0.2 to 500 MHz. Press L/O to exit.
• Step: press . No until STP blinks and turn the Scroll knob to pick the step (5-100 kHz). Press L/O to exit.
• Modulation: FUNC knob + 9 (MOD), and keep pressing to cycle. Normally use Auto.
• Attenuation: FUNC knob + 7 (ATT) toggles it; hold for global attenuation (ATT blinks).

Press the FUNC knob to check the current modulation and attenuator settings.