BCD436HP/536HP Installing: Antenna, Speaker & Vehicle Mounting

Summary: How to place and mount the BCD536HP (and connect antennas and speakers on both models): base station use, bracket and DIN-E mounting, and the orange dimmer wire.

General Guidance

The BCD536HP can sit on a desk as a base station from a standard 120V AC outlet, or go in a vehicle using the supplied bracket. Use the supplied antenna or a properly and safely mounted outdoor antenna.

• If you get interference or electrical noise, move the scanner or its antenna away from the source.
• Don’t use it in high-moisture places such as a kitchen or bathroom. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and vents.

Connecting an Antenna

The BNC connector takes a range of optional antennas, including a mobile antenna or an outdoor base antenna. Use 50-ohm RG-58 or RG-8, BNC-terminated coax. If the antenna is more than 50 feet away, use low-loss RG-8. Cable loss increases with frequency. (The BCD436HP comes with an SMA-to-BNC adaptor for the same purpose.)

Extension Speaker (Ext. SP Jack)

In a noisy place, an optional amplified extension speaker can help. Plug its 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into the Ext. SP jack on the back panel.

Warnings:

• Never connect the audio output line of an external speaker or headphone jack to a power supply and ground – it can damage the scanner.
• BCD536HP only: all audio output is Class-D amplified (PWM). Never connect the Ext. SP or headphone jack to an external Class-D amplifier.
• Use only a 32-ohm stereo headset for private listening and set the volume low before plugging it in.

Base Station Set-Up (BCD536HP)

1. Fit the four protective feet to the bracket if you’ll use it on a flat surface. For a permanent mount, remove the feet and use wood screws through the bracket.
2. Use the bracket as a template to mark the two screw positions and drill holes slightly smaller than the screws.
3. Align the bracket with the threaded holes on the sides of the radio so it’s beneath the radio, and secure it with the two threaded knobs. Don’t overtighten.
4. Connect the supplied 13.8V, 750 mA AC adapter to the DC jack at the rear, upper right.
5. Push the telescopic antenna’s connector onto the BNC connector.

Vehicle Installation (BCD536HP)

Avoid airbag deployment zones – ignoring this can cause injury and stop the airbag working. Be certain what’s behind a surface before drilling. If in doubt, ask a dealer or professional installer. Switch the scanner off before you switch the ignition off (see BCD436HP/536HP Power, Batteries, microSD Card & Turning On).

Using the bracket: mark and secure the bracket, fit the scanner and lock it with the knobs, plug the cigarette-lighter cord into a 12V DC socket, and connect a mounted mobile antenna to the antenna jack.

Using the optional DIN-E sleeve: the scanner needs a 2 x 7-1/8 x 5-5/16 inch (50 x 180 x 135 mm) opening with about 2-3/8 inch (60 mm) free behind it.

1. Remove the bracket if fitted.
2. Remove the four Phillips screws on the rear tabs and pull the outer metal case off toward the rear.
3. Fit the DIN sleeve into the dash opening with the lip facing out, and push out the top and bottom tabs.
4. Before sliding the scanner in, connect the antenna cable and DC leads: red to a positive (+) fuse-block connection, black to chassis ground (-).
5. Connect the orange lead to one side of the headlamp switch so the display dims with the headlights.
6. Route all wiring clear of anything that could pinch or cut it, and slide the scanner in until it locks.

Removing it: fully insert both removal keys into the slots on the left and right edges of the front panel (one key alone won’t work; don’t twist) and slide the radio out. Plan to remove it if you’ll later add a GPS or other connections.

ISO mounting: some vehicles suit ISO mounting, using the metric threaded holes on the chassis sides once the outer case is off. Uniden doesn’t supply the screws, and the technique needs detailed knowledge – use a professional installer if you’re unsure. Connect all cables before securing the scanner.

The Orange Wire (Display Dimming)

Connect the orange wire of the DC cable to a vehicle circuit that’s powered when the headlights are on, and the display dims automatically. Set the polarity under Display Options, Set Dimmer (see BCD436HP/536HP Menus, Data Naming, Display & Settings Options).