PSR-300
1,000 Channel Triple Trunking Hand Held Scanner
Please read this user’s guide before installing, setting up and using your new
product.
Owner’s Manual
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CONTENTS
FEATURES .................................................................................................................... 4
PREPARATION .............................................................................................................. 7
Power Sources .............................................................................................................. 7
Using Batteries......................................................................................................... 7
Charging Rechargeable Batteries ........................................................................... 8
Using AC Power ....................................................................................................... 9
Using Vehicle Battery power.................................................................................. 10
Connecting Supplied Antenna .................................................................................... 11
Connecting an Outdoor Antenna .......................................................................... 11
Connecting Earphone/Headphone ............................................................................. 11
Connecting an Extension Speaker .............................................................................. 12
Using Belt Clip ............................................................................................................. 12
YOUR SCANNER’S CONTROLS................................................................................. 13
QUICK START ............................................................................................................. 14
SETTING UP YOUR SCANNER .................................................................................. 20
Storing Known Frequencies into Channels................................................................. 20
CTCSS And DCS ......................................................................................................... 22
Storing Trunking Frequencies into Channels .............................................................. 24
Storing Text Tags ......................................................................................................... 24
Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel ........................................................................ 24
Assigning a Text Tag to a Group ID ....................................................................... 25
Assigning a Text Tag to a Bank .............................................................................. 25
Text Input Chart ...................................................................................................... 25
Finding and Storing Active Frequencies ..................................................................... 26
Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range .................................................. 26
Band Charts ........................................................................................................... 27
Searching Active Frequencies in a Range ............................................................. 31
Using Seek Search ................................................................................................ 31
Manually Tuning a Frequency ...................................................................................... 32
Listening to the Weather Band .................................................................................... 32
Listening to a Weather Channel............................................................................. 32
SAME Standby Mode ............................................................................................ 32
WX Alert and Beep Tone Confirmation .................................................................. 34
Skywarn ....................................................................................................................... 34
Using Frequency Copy ............................................................................................... 34
Copying a Frequency into a Specified Channel .................................................... 34
Copying a Frequency into an Empty Channel within a Bank ............................... 35
Copying a Frequency into the Priority Channel .................................................... 35
Spectrum Sweeper ...................................................................................................... 35
Using Spectrum Sweeper ...................................................................................... 36
Using Spectrum Sweeper with Lockout ................................................................ 37
Scanning the Channels ............................................................................................... 38
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Turning Channel-Storage Banks Off and On ............................................................... 38
Monitoring a Single Channel/Power Save Circuit ....................................................... 38
Using CTCSS and DCS ............................................................................................... 39
Deleting Frequencies from Channels .......................................................................... 39
Deleting All Frequencies in a Channel bank................................................................ 39
Using Delay ................................................................................................................. 40
Locking Out Channels or Frequencies ....................................................................... 40
Locking Out Channels ........................................................................................... 40
Reviewing Locked-Out Channels .......................................................................... 40
Locking Out Frequencies ...................................................................................... 40
Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies...................................................................... 41
Clearing a Locked-Out Frequency ........................................................................ 41
Clearing All Locked-Out Frequencies in a Search Bank ....................................... 41
Priority .......................................................................................................................... 41
Changing the Receive Mode ....................................................................................... 43
Using the Attenuator.................................................................................................... 43
Turning the Key Tone On and Off ................................................................................ 44
Using the Display/key Backlight ..................................................................................44
Using the Keylock ........................................................................................................ 45
Changing the Display Contrast ................................................................................... 45
Cloning the Programmed Data ................................................................................... 46
TRUNKING .................................................................................................................. 47
How Trunking Works ................................................................................................... 47
Setting Squelch for Trunking Mode ............................................................................. 48
Programming Trunking Frequencies ........................................................................... 48
Programming Motorola Trunking Systems (UHF-Lo) ........................................... 49
Programming Motorola Trunking Systems (800 MHz) ......................................... 50
Programming Fleet Maps ...................................................................................... 51
Talk Group IDs ............................................................................................................. 52
Storing Talk Group IDs ........................................................................................... 52
Talk Group ID Hold ...................................................................................................... 53
Turning an ID Sub-Bank On or Off ............................................................................... 53
Locking Out Talk Group IDs ........................................................................................ 53
Reviewing Locked-Out Talk Group IDs .................................................................. 54
Clearing Talk Group IDs ............................................................................................... 54
Clearing All Talk Group IDs in a Single Bank .........................................................54
Changing the Open/Closed Mode .............................................................................. 55
Birdie Frequencies ....................................................................................................... 55
Frequency Conversion ................................................................................................ 55
Initializing Your Scanne ............................................................................................... 56
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)........................................................................... 56
CARE ........................................................................................................................... 57
IN CASE OF FAULT ..................................................................................................... 57
SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................ 57
GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................. 61
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FEATURES
Thank you for purchasing your PSR-300 1,000 channel triple trunking hand
held scanner. Your hand held scanner is one of a new generation of scanners
designed to track Motorola® Type I and II (such as Smartnet® and Privacy
Plus®) and hybrid analog trunking systems, GE-Ericsson (EDACS®) type systems, and EF Johnson (LTR) type systems which are extensively used in many
communication systems.
Triple Trunking Operation – tracks three trunking systems (Motorola, EDACS,
and LTR) and conventional systems at the same time.
10-Channel Storage Banks – let you store 100 channels in each bank (total
1,000 channels) to group channels so calls are easier to identify.
SAME/FIPS Weather Alert – displays the weather event for the specific cities
or counties you choose so you can hear the alert tone.
Data Cloning – lets you transfer the programmed data to another PSR-300/
400 scanner. You can also upload or download the programmed data to or
from a PC using an optional USB Scanner/PC Interface Cable.
16-Character, 4-Line Alphanumeric Display – shows you detailed operating
information clearly.
Spectrum Sweeper – a powerful new tool for you to rapidly detect, monitor
and store frequencies for nearby radio transmissions.
Preprogrammed Frequency Ranges – lets you search for transmissions within
preset frequency ranges or within ranges you set, to reduce search time and
select interesting frequencies more quickly.
High-Speed Scan/Search – the scanner scans at up to 60 channels per second and searches up to 78 frequencies per second, to help you quickly find
transmissions.
Priority Channel – lets you set the scanner to check one channel every 2 seconds so you do not miss transmissions.
Attenuate – let you program your scanner to reduce the scanner’s sensitivity
to strong local signals, to reduce interference or noise caused by these signals.
Text Input – lets you input a text label for each channel, talk group ID, or bank
so you can easily identify the transmission.
Lock Out Function – lets you set your scanner to skip over specified channels
or frequencies when scanning or searching, and skip over IDs when tracking
trunked systems.
Key Lock – lets you lock the scanner’s keys to prevent accidentally changing
the scanner’s programming.
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Supplied Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector – provides good reception
of strong local signals. You can connect an external antenna with a BNC connector to the scanner for improved reception of distant/weaker signals.
Memory Backup – keeps the frequencies stored in memory for an extended
time even without internal batteries.
Three Power Options – you can power the scanner from internal (rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries) or external AC or DC power (using a supplied AC or optional DC adaptor).
THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW
This equipment 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 equipment 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.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is 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 equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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SCANNING LEGALLY
Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private
companies, amateur radio, 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 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 transmission unless you have the consent of a
party to the communication (unless such activity is otherwise illegal).
This scanner has been designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions.
This is done to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured so as to not be easily modifiable to pick up those 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. Doing so could subject you to legal
penalties.
We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.
In some areas, mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit.
Check the laws in your area. It is also illegal in many areas to interfere with the
duties of public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident without
authorization.
Motorola, Smartnet, ASTRO and Privacy Plus are registered trademarks of
Motorola Inc.
EDACS is a registered trademark of MA-COM Inc.
LTR is a registered trademark of EF Johnson.
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PREPARATION
POWER SOURCES
You can power your scanner from any of three sources:
• internal non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries (not supplied
– see “Using Batteries”).
• standard AC power (with a supplied AC adaptor – see ”Using AC Power” on
Page 9).
• vehicle power (with an optional DC adaptor – see “Using Vehicle Battery
Power” on Page 9).
Notes:
• Connecting an AC or DC adaptor to the scanner disconnects internal batteries when you use the supplied non-rechargeable battery holder (black), but
it does not disconnect internal batteries when you use the supplied rechargeable battery holder (yellow).
• If you install the rechargeable battery holder, you can operate the scanner
and recharge the rechargeable batteries at the same time. See “Using Batteries” and “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 8.
• If the scanner stops working properly after connecting it to power, try resetting it. See “Initializing your Scanner” on Page 56).
USING BATTERIES
You can power the scanner with four AA batteries (not supplied). For the longest operation and best performance, we recommend alkaline batteries.
You can use either the supplied non-rechargeable battery holder (black), or
the supplied rechargeable battery holder (yellow). If you use the rechargeable
battery holder, we recommend nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries.
Warning: Never install non-rechargeable batteries in the rechargeable yellow battery holder. Non-rechargeable batteries can get hot or explode if you
try to recharge them.
Note: You must charge rechargeable batteries before you use them the first
time. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 8.
Cautions:
• The battery holder fits only one way. Do not force it.
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.
• Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that destroy electronic circuits.
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• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (alkaline, or
rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
• If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for a month or longer,
remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
Follow these steps to install batteries.
1. Press in on the battery compartment cover on the back of the scanner and
slide the cover down to remove it.
2. Pull the battery holder out of the battery compartment.
3. If you are using non-rechargeable batteries, place them into the black holder,
as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked on the holder. Or, if
you are using rechargeable batteries, place them into the yellow holder, as
indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked on the holder.
4. Place the battery holder into the battery compartment.
5. Replace the cover.
When battery power is low, appears and the scanner beeps continuously.
When battery power is depleted, the scanner turns itself off. Replace all four
non-rechargeable batteries, or recharge the rechargeable batteries. See "Charging Rechargeable Batteries".
Warning: Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not
burn or bury them.
CHARGING RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you charge nickel-metal
hydride (Ni-MH) or nickel cadmium (Ni-CD) rechargeable batteries (not supplied) while they are in the scanner. To charge rechargeable batteries, you need
to use a supplied AC adaptor. To charge batteries with a DC adaptor from a DC
power source, you must use a 9VDC at leaset 400mA adaptor with 4.75mm
outer/1.7mm inner plug.
It takes about 16 hours to recharge fully discharged 1600mAh Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. You can operate the scanner while recharging the rechargeable
batteries, but charging takes longer.
Notes:
• The scanner can also charge Ni-Cd batteries. 600mAh batteries require 6
hours and 850mAh batteries require 8 hours to charge.
• When you charge Ni-Cd batteries, do not over charge them. Overcharging
shortens battery life.
• Rechargeable batteries last longer and deliver more power if you let them
fully discharge once a month. To do this, use the scanner until appears.
Then fully charge the rechargeable batteries.
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USING AC POWER
You can power the scanner using a supplied AC adaptor.
Cautions:
! You must use a supplied AC adaptor.
• Always connect the AC adaptor to the scanner before you connect it to AC
power. When you finish, disconnect the adaptor from AC power before you
disconnect it from the scanner.
• The correct orientation for the enclosed power adaptor is in a vertical or
floor-mount position.
To power the scanner using an AC adaptor, connect the plug into the scanner’s
PWR DC 9V jack. Then connect the AC adaptor to a standard AC outlet.
WARNING: To prevent electric shock, do not use the AC adaptor’s polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless you can
fully insert the blades to prevent blade exposure.
USING VEHICLE BATTERY POWER
You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power source (such as cigarette-lighter socket) using a 9VDC at least 400mA adaptor with 4.75mm outer/
1.7mm inner plug. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the
scanner’s PWR DC 9V jack. Using an adaptor that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adaptor.
Cautions: Always connect the DC adaptor to the scanner before you connect
it to the power source. When you finish, disconnect the adaptor from the power
source before you disconnect it from the scanner.
To power the scanner using a DC adaptor, connect the plug into the scanner’s
PWR DC 9V jack. Plug the other end of the DC adaptor into your vehicle’s
cigarette-lighter socket.
Note: If you use a cigarette-lighter power cable and your vehicle’s engine is
running, you might hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is
normal.
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CONNECTING THE SUPPLIED ANTENNA
To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the antenna jack on top of your scanner, align the slots around the antenna’s connector with the tabs on the antenna jack. Press the antenna down over the jack and turn the antenna’s base
clockwise until it locks into place.
Connecting an Outdoor Antenna
The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner with
a variety of antennas, such as an external mobile antenna or outdoor base
station antenna.
Always use 50 Ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial
cable. If the antenna cable’s connector does not have a BNC connector, you
will also need a BNC adaptor.
Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna
cable to the scanner, then connect it to the antenna jack.
Warning: Use extreme caution when you installing or removing an outdoor
antenna. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power
lines. If the antenna touches a power line, contact with the antenna, mast,
cable, or guy wires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to remove the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do so yourself.
CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/HEADPHONES
For private listening, you can plug an 1/8 -inch (3.5-mm) mini-plug earphone or
headphones (not supplied), into the jack on the top of the scanner. This
automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone
or headphones.
• Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you
begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt
to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort
might still damage your hearing.
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Traffic Safety
Do not wear an earphone or headphones with your scanner when operating
a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle in or near traffic. Doing so can create a
traffic hazard and could be illegal in some areas.
If you use an earphone or headphones with your scanner while riding a bicycle, be very careful. Do not listen to a continuous transmission. Even though
some earphones and headphones let you hear some outside sounds when
you listen at normal levels, they still can present a traffic hazard.
CONNECTING AN EXTENSION SPEAKER
In a noisy area, an amplified extension speaker (not supplied), might provide
more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) miniplug into your scanner’s jack.
Note: You must use an amplified speaker with this scanner. Non-amplified speakers do not provide sufficient volume for comfortable listening.
USING THE BELT CLIP
You can use the belt clip attached to the back of the scanner for hands-free
carrying when you are on the go. Slide the belt clip over your belt or waistband.
To remove the belt clip, pull the tab out and slide the clip upward.
Transferring Data to or from Another Scanner or PC
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another PSR-300 (or PSR-
400) scanner using an optional connecting cable which has 1/8-inch stereo
(TRS) phone plugs on both ends. Connect the cable between each scanner’s
PC/IF jacks. See “Cloning the Programmed Data”. You can also upload or download the programmed data to or from a PC using a USB Scanner/PC Interface
Cable and application software.
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YOUR SCANNER’S CONTROLS
SCAN/ – scans through the programmed channel, or activates the Spectrum Sweeper function.
FUNC (function) – lets you use various functions by pressing this key in combination with other keys.
MAN – stops scanning and lets you directly enter a channel number.
TRUNK – stores the trunking ID code or holds the trunking ID while scanning.
WX/ – scans through the seven preprogrammed weather channels, or
jumps to a Skywarn channel you programmed (999CH).
PRI (Priority) – sets and turns the priority function on or off.
TEXT – lets you input text.
PSE – stops search.
MODE – changes the receive mode (AM, FM, CT, DC, MO, ED, LT).
/ – turns on/off the backlight, or when used with FUNC locks/unlocks the
keypad to prevent accidental entries.
TUNE – lets you input a frequency and allows you to fine tune a frequency
along with or .
ATT (Attenuate) – turns attenuation on to reduce the scanner’s sensitivity and
block extremely strong signals, or turns it off to return the sensitivity to normal.
or – selects the scan or search direction.
SRCH – lets you search the seven search banks.
L/OUT (Lock Out) – lets you lock out a selected channel, skip a specified fre-
quency during search, or lock out a selected ID code.
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PGM (Program) – programs frequencies into channels.
ENT – completes the entry of frequencies and text.
1 – enters a 1, or inputs characters 0 through 9 in text mode.
2/ABC – enters a 2, or inputs characters A, B, or C.
3/DEF – enters a 3, or inputs characters D, E, or F.
4/GHI – enters a 4, or inputs characters G, H, or I.
5/JKL – enters a 5, or inputs characters J, K, or L.
6/MNO – enters a 6, or inputs characters M, N, or O.
7/PQRS – enters a 7, or inputs characters P, Q, R, or S.
8/TUV – enters an 8, or inputs characters T, U, or V.
9/WXYZ – enters a 9, or inputs characters W, X, Y, or Z.
0 – enters a zero, or inputs characters .,-,#,_,@,+,*, &, /, ,, $, %, !, ^, (, ), ?, ~,
‘, or .
•/DELAY – enters a decimal point (necessary when programming frequencies), space, or programs delay time for the selected channel/search bank, or
enters a hyphen (in trunking ID setting).
CL (Clear) – clears an incorrect entry.
PWR DC 9V – connect a power source here.
PC/IF – connect an optional PC interface cable here to use the scanner with
your computer.
Antenna Jack – connect the supplied antenna or an external antenna here.
– connect an earphone or headphone here.
OFF VOL/SQ – turn the scanner on or off and adjust the squelch.
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QUICK START
To help familiarize yourself with the scanner’s functions, keypad, and available
frequencies, you can utilize one of these four features before you begin programming the scanner.
Spectrum Sweeper – searches nearby strong signals quickly. See “Spectrum
Sweeper”.
Preprogrammed Search Banks – allow you to listen to frequencies and decide which frequencies you want to store when you are ready to program the
scanner. See “Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range”.
Manual Tuning – allows you to manually move through the entire range of
available frequencies. (See “Specifications” for a list of the available frequency
ranges.)
Weather Radio – allows you to listen to NOAA weather broadcasts without
programming. See “Listening to the Weather Band”.
Understanding Your Scanner’s Modes
You can program each channel with any of seven receive modes (AM, FM, CT,
DC, MO, ED, and LT).
Each receive mode affects how your scanner operates when scanning and
receiving transmissions.
Notes:
• Trunked modes (MO, ED, and LT) can only be selected for frequencies above
137 MHz.
• Your scanner’s closed mode lets you hear only those trunking talkgroups
you specify. For more information, see “Open and Closed Modes”.
AM mode
The AM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using amplitude modulation (AM), primarily used for aircraft, military, some amateur radio, and some
government transmissions. When the scanner receives a transmission on a
channel set to the AM mode, it always stops on the transmission.
FM mode
The FM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM), used for most public safety transmissions, as well as broadcast,
business, and amateur radio transmissions. When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the FM mode, it always stops on the transmission.
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CTCSS (CT) mode
CTCSS mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) with Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) subaudible
tone codes. CTCSS allows multiple users to share a single radio frequency
without hearing each other’s transmissions. In your PSR-300 scanner, the
CTCSS feature can be used to block the reception of transmissions on shared
channel to only those that use the CTCSS mode also features a Code Search
setting that allows you to instantly display and store unknown codes into the
channel memory. CTCSS tones can sometimes be heard as a low “hum” in the
background of a voice transmission.
DCS (DC) mode
DCS mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) with Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) subaudible data signaling. DCS is
very similar to CTCSS, except that a digital code is transmitted instead of an
audio tone. Like CTCSS, DCS allows multiple users to share a single radio
frequency without hearing each other’s transmissions. In your PSR-300 scanner, the DCS feature can be used to block the reception of transmissions on a
shared channel to only those that use the DCS tone that you have specified.
DCS mode also features a Code Search setting that allows you to instantly
display and store unknown codes into the channel memory. DCS data can
sometimes be heard as a low “purring” sound in the background of a voice
transmission. Some DCS systems transmit a special “turn off code” at the end
of each transmission. The turn off code causes a properly equipped receiver to
mute before the transmission ends, eliminating the “squelch tail” burst of noise
the commonly occurs when the signal is lost.
Motorola (MO) mode
You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with Motorola
trunking systems. This setting is called the Motorola mode.
Motorola systems are trunking systems used primarily by business and public
safety groups to efficiently allocate a small number of frequencies (as few as
five) to many groups of users (as many as several thousand). To do this, each
group of users in the system is assigned to a specific talkgroup. For example,
the east side patrol officers might all be assigned to talkgroup 2160. One channel in the system is continuously transmitting data that identifies which
talkgroups are active on which channel. In addition, this talkgroup information
is also transmitted as subaudible data on each active channel.
When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the Motorola
mode, it first decodes the talkgroup ID data included with the transmission. In
the open mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the
talkgroup ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner
only stops on the transmission if the talkgroup ID matches a talkgroup ID that
you have stored in the bank’s talkgroup ID list and have not locked out.
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Motorola trunking systems come in three categories: Type I, Type II, and Type
I/II Hybrid. Each category displays and uses talkgroup IDs in slightly different
ways.
Motorola Type II IDs are in the form FFF-SS, where;
FFF=Fleet ID
SS=Subfleet ID
Type I systems are usually organized with different user groups assigned to
different fleets.
Notes:
• For example, a valid fleet-subfleet ID identifying all detectives within a police
department might be 000-12, where 000 identifies all police users and 12
identifies the Detective division.
• Tuning the scanner to an active control channel while in Motorola mode will
display the Motorola System. ID and the approximate control channel message decode success rate. This information can help you identify the Motorola
trunking system that you are monitoring and the receive quality of the control channel signal.
To properly map the raw Type I data to the correct fleet-subfleet format, you
must program the correct fleet map into the scanner. Fleet map information is
widely available on the Internet for most Type I systems in use.
Type II system talkgroups are identified by a 5-digit number. Valid talkgroup
IDs are divisible by 16. If you try to enter an invalid talkgroup ID, the scanner
rounds the ID down to the next valid ID.
Type I/II hybrid systems use both fleet-subfleet and 5-digit formats for talkgroup
IDs.
Note: If the scanner stays manual mode and decodes control channel data
while receiving transmissions from a Motorola trunking system, Control XX%
or ID number appears on the bottom line of the display.
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EDACS (ED) mode
You can set your scanner so it decodes the talkgroup IDs used with EDACS
(invented by GE/Ericsson) trunking systems. This setting is called the EDACS
mode.
EDACS systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private
communications service providers, as well as by some public safety organizations. EDACS systems transmit active talkgroup information only on a dedicated control channel.
EDACS frequencies are organized in a specific order. Each frequency is assigned a Logical Channel Number (LCN). For the scanner to correctly switch to
an active frequency, you must program the frequencies in LCN order, starting
with Memory 01. EDACS talkgroup IDs are entered as a 4-digit decimal number from 0001 to 2047 or AFS (Agency Fleet Subfleet) number from 00-001 to
15-157.
When there is activity on an EDACS system, that information is sent out on the
control channel. The scanner decodes the ID for the active talkgroup. In the
open mode, the scanner then goes to the transmission and displays the
talkgroup ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner
only goes to transmissions with IDs that match talk group IDs you have stored
in the bank’s talk group ID list which are not locked out.
Because EDACS scanning requires clear reception of the control channel at all
times, EDACS systems tend to have a smaller usable area. An external antenna can greatly improve EDACS scanning in a fringe area. If you are having
trouble scanning an EDACS system, try manually selecting the data channel. If
you are getting good reception, the scanner will indicate talkgroup CTL-XX or
ID number. Try changing your location or using an outdoor antenna to improve
reception.
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LTR (LT) mode
You can set your scanner so it decodes the talkgroup IDs used with LTR systems. This setting is called the LTR mode.
LTR frequencies are organized in a specific order. Each frequency is assigned
a Home Repeater Number (HR). For the scanner to correctly switch to an active frequency, you must program the frequencies in HR order, starting with
Memory X01 in the selected bank.
Your PSR-300 scanner features a new tool to help you determine the correct
channel mapping for LTR system frequencies. The scanner’s LTR Repeater
Finder displays the current Home Repeater when monitoring LTR transmissions in manual mode.
To determine the correct Home Repeater programming, enter the system channels of an LTR system in any order. Be sure to program the mode for each LTR
channel to LT. Listen to each channel one at a time in manual mode and watch
for the decoded LTR data at the bottom of the scanner’s display. When an LTR
transmission occurs, you should see the LTR talkgroup information on the bottom line of the display, and a number preceded by “R” in the bottom right hand
corner (i.e., R12). The “R” number is the Home Repeater number that the current transmission is occurring on. To correctly program this Home Repeater
number into your scanner, be sure that the channel number in the bank is
equal to the number that is displayed after the “R”. For example, if you see R12
displayed on a particular LTR frequency, that frequency needs to be programmed into Channel 12 of the current bank in order to track the LTR system
activity properly.
LTR systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers, such as taxicabs, delivery trucks, and repair
services. These systems encode all trunking information as digital subaudible
data that accompanies each transmission. Users on an LTR system are assigned to specific talkgroups, which are identified by the radio as six-digit numbers. These numbers are in the form AHHUUU, where:
A=Area code (0 or 1)
H=Home repeater (01 through 20)
U=User ID (000 through 254)
When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the LTR mode,
it first decodes the LTR data included with the transmission. In the open mode,
the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talkgroup ID on the
bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only stops on the
transmission if the LTR data matches a talkgroup ID that you have stored in the
bank’s talkgroup ID list and have not locked out.
LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique ID
code.
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Open and Closed Modes
You can set your scanner to change the way it receives signals. These settings,
called open mode and closed mode, affect how the scanner receives signals
from communications systems that use some type of closed squelch (such as
Motorola, EDACS, and LTR systems).
Notes:
• In open mode, you hear all active talkgroups except those you specifically
exclude, making it easy to hear everything going on. In closed mode, you
hear only those talkgroups you specify. This makes it easy to listen only to
talkgroups you are interested in and exclude others.
• When you select a system voice channel manually, any transmission opens
squelch, regardless of the current mode.
• When no ID code is programmed into the scanner, it receives the signal in
MO, ED, or LT mode. In open mode, the scanner stops on any transmission.
If the ID is stored, the text tag appears on the display. Otherwise, the talkgroup
ID appears on the display. In closed mode, the scanner only stops on a
transmission if the ID is stored.
You can set each of the scanner’s channel storage banks to open or closed
mode.
In open mode, the scanner scans signals transmitted in all systems. The scanner stops on any ID code and only uses the ID list to look up ID text tags.
In closed mode, the scanner stops only on signals that have an ID code which
is found in the ID list for the bank. Also, the scanner scans signals transmitted
only under the following conditions:
• When the signals are in the FM, or AM mode.
• When the signals are in the CT, or DC mode while these setting is Code
Search setting.
• When the signals are in the CT, or DC mode and the signal’s ID code matches
the programmed ID code.
• When the signals are in the MO, ED, or LT mode and the signal’s ID code
matches the programmed ID code
You can also select the user or talkgroups you want the scanner to receive in
closed mode.
When you set a channel storage bank to open mode, + appears under the
bank’s number while scanning. When you set a channel storage bank to closed
mode, – appears under the channel storage bank’s number while scanning.
OPEN or CLOSED appears while the scanner is in manual mode or while the
scanner is receiving a signal during scanning. See “Changing the Open/Closed
Mode” for more information about setting the open and closed modes.
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SETTING UP YOUR SCANNER
Turning on the Scanner and Setting Squelch
1. To turn on the scanner, turn VOL clockwise. Welcome to Scanning Receiver
appears. After about 3 seconds, you might hear a hissing sound. Then adjust VOL to a comfortable level.
2. Turn SQ fully counterclockwise, then turn SQ clockwise until the hissing sound
stops.
3. To turn off the scanner, turn VOL counterclockwise to OFF.
Notes:
• The scanner does not scan if there are no frequencies stored in channels. If
the scanner does not scan and you have already stored frequencies in channels, turn SQ further clockwise.
• If the scanner picks up unwanted, partial, or very weak transmissions, turn
SQ clockwise to decrease the scanner’s sensitivity to these signals. If you
want to listen to a weak or distant station, turn SQ counterclockwise.
• If SQ is adjusted so you always hear a hissing sound, the scanner will not
scan properly.
• To ensure the scanner operates properly while in the trunking mode, we
suggest you set SQ using the steps listed above.
• If SQ is adjusted precisely at the threshold where the hissing sound stops,
the radio will be most sensitive to very weak signals. The radio may also
receive unwanted noise or signals that are too weak to understand. Most
users prefer to position the squelch control a little bit past the point of threshold to avoid receiving noise or signals that are too weak to understand.
Storing Known Frequencies into Channels
Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels.
Notes:
• If you are storing frequencies for an EDACS system, you must store them in
order, with the first frequency in channel 1 for the current bank. For example,
if you want to store frequency of 150.0100, 150.0200, 150.0300, and 150.0400
MHz, you must store them in Channels 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively.
• When M appears on the display, you can use FUNC and the arrow keys to
select your desired bank and channel number.
1. Press MAN, enter the bank (0-9) and channel number (00-99) where you
want to store a frequency, then press MAN again. M and the bank and channel number appear at the 2nd line left end of the display (for example: M000).
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