The BC355N Scanner User Guide: Installing for Home and Mobile

For Home Use (Desktop Installation)

1. Insert the DC plug end of the AC Adapter into the DC 13.8V jack on the rear panel.

2. Plug the AC Adapter into a standard 120V AC wall outlet.

3. Plug the Telescoping Antenna into the ANT connector. Extend the antenna to its full height. For frequencies higher than 406MHz, shortening the antenna may improve the reception.

Use the desktop stand (fold out from bottom of unit) for a better viewing and operating angle. 

Helpful Hints

• If strong interference or electrical noise is received, relocate the scanner or its antenna away from the source.

• If you are operating the scanner in a fringe area or need to improve reception, use an optional antenna designed for multi-band coverage. (You can purchase this type of antenna at a local electronics store.)

• If the optional antenna has no cable, use 50-70 ohm coaxial cable for lead-in. A mating plug may be necessary for the optional antennas.

For Mobile Use (In-Car Installation)

Temporary Mobile Installation

A Vehicle Power Adapter is provided for an easy, temporary power supply.

Warning: Do not use the Vehicle Power Adapter in a positive ground vehicle.

1. Plug one end of the Vehicle Power Adapter into the vehicle’s accessory power jack and the other end into the DC 13.8V jack on the back of the scanner.

2. Connect the mobile antenna plug into the ANT connector on the rear panel. For more information on antenna installation, please refer to the instruction guide that came with your mobile antenna.

Permanent Mobile Installation

Permanently installing the BC355N scanner into a vehicle involves two main steps - physically installing the scanner and physically connecting the power supply. It does not matter which is installed first; perform these procedures in an order that is most appropriate for your vehicle’s configuration.

Permanently Mounting the BC355N Unit

1. Select a location in your vehicle to mount the BC355N unit. Avoid any locations that could interfere with your driving. In a passenger car, the ideal location is underneath the dashboard on the passenger side.

2. Use the mounting bracket (optional) as a template for marking the location of the mounting screws.

Note: If there are screws already holding the dashboard, you may be able to use the same screw holes to mount the bracket.

3. Drill the necessary holes and secure the mounting bracket in place using the screws provided.

CAUTION: Do not drill into air bags. Do not drill if what is behind the dashboard is unknown.

4. Mount the scanner to the bracket only after the wiring has been connected to the rear panel.

Permanently Connecting the Mobile Power Supply CAUTION: If you are not experienced in connecting accessories to the vehicle fuse box, please see your

automotive dealer for advice on proper installation.

1. Check the vehicle battery connections to determine which battery terminal (positive or negative) is grounded to the engine block or chassis. Most of today’s vehicles use a negative ground. If your vehicle has a negative ground, follow Steps 2 and 3. Otherwise, skip to the Caution in Step 3.

2. Connect the RED wire of the DC power cord to the accessory contact in your vehicle’s +13.8 VDC fuse box.

3. Connect the BLACK wire of the DC power cord to the negative side of the vehicle (usually the chassis). 

CAUTION: In vehicles with a positive ground, the RED wire connects to the chassis and the BLACK wire connects to the accessory contact in the fuse box.

4. Insert the DC plug into the DC 13.8V jack on the back panel.