Grecom PSR-310 Owner's Manual
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PSR-310
Advanced Handheld Scanning Receiver with Object Oriented User
Interface
Owner's Manual
Please read this User's Guide before installing, setting up and using your
new product.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................................................................... 2
Introduction .................................................................................................. 5
Features ....................................................................................................... 6
What is Object Oriented Scanning? ............................................................ 8
A Few Things To Remember about Object Oriented Scanning .................. 9
About this manual ...................................................................................... 10
Object abbreviations used in this document ............................................. 10
The FCC Wants You To Know .................................................................... 11
Scanning Legally ....................................................................................... 12
Getting Familiar With Your PSR-310 .......................................................... 13
PSR-310 Front View ................................................................................... 13
PSR-310 Rear View .................................................................................... 14
PSR-310 Included Accessories ................................................................. 15
Understanding the Display Icons .............................................................. 16
Understanding the Keypad ........................................................................ 17
Getting Started ........................................................................................... 19
First Time Startup ....................................................................................... 19
Unpack the radio........................................................................................ 19
Insert the batteries ..................................................................................... 19
Attach the antenna ..................................................................................... 20
Turn the radio on ........................................................................................ 20
Set the battery type, if necessary .............................................................. 21
Low Battery Warning .................................................................................. 21
Battery Charge Indicator ............................................................................ 21
Listening Safely .......................................................................................... 22
Traffic Safety ............................................................................................... 22
Connecting an Optional External Antenna ................................................ 22
Connecting an Earphone/Headphones..................................................... 23
Connecting an External Speaker ............................................................... 23
Using the Belt Clip ..................................................................................... 23
Using AC Power ......................................................................................... 23
Using Vehicle Battery Power ...................................................................... 24
Creating Your First New Objects................................................................ 25
Conventional Channel Object (CONV) ...................................................... 25
Talkgroup Object (TGRP) ........................................................................... 28
Using DUPE to speed up object entry....................................................... 33
Basic Scanning Operation ......................................................................... 33
Browsing Objects ....................................................................................... 36
Advanced Startup Topics ........................................................................... 36
About Object Numbering ........................................................................... 36
More About Wildcard Scanning ................................................................. 37
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Displaying Memory Usage ......................................................................... 38
Search Object Types .................................................................................. 38
Grouping Objects with Scan Lists ............................................................. 43
Other Advanced Startup Topics ................................................................. 47
Finding Stored Objects Easily ................................................................... 47
Object Lockout ........................................................................................... 49
Setting the Default Scan List ...................................................................... 52
Deleting Objects ........................................................................................ 52
Using Multi-Site Mode On Networked Systems ........................................ 53
LTR Home Repeater AutoMove ................................................................. 54
Priority Scan ............................................................................................... 55
Hit Counters ............................................................................................... 56
Audible Alarms and the ALERT LED .......................................................... 56
Dedicated search modes ........................................................................... 58
Using Weather Modes ............................................................................... 64
Cloning Your Radio to Another PSR-310 or PSR-410 Scanner ................. 70
Standard Text Entry Method and QuickText .............................................. 70
Entering and Editing Alphanumeric Information ....................................... 70
Using QuickText ......................................................................................... 72
Customizing QuickText .............................................................................. 72
Power-On Configuration Key Sequences .................................................. 73
Birdie Frequencies ..................................................................................... 73
Care ............................................................................................................ 74
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................... 74
Troubleshooting Chart ............................................................................... 74
In Case of Fault .......................................................................................... 75
Initializing Global Parameters to Factory Defaults ..................................... 75
Initializing the Scanner to Factory Defaults ............................................... 76
Detailed Menu Reference .......................................................................... 78
GLOB Menu Reference .............................................................................. 78
CONV Menu Reference ............................................................................. 82
TGRP Menu Reference .............................................................................. 84
TSYS Menu Reference ............................................................................... 86
LMIT Menu Reference ................................................................................ 89
SRVC Menu Reference .............................................................................. 91
SWPR Menu Reference ............................................................................. 94
Appendix A - Frequency, Step and Mode Specifications .......................... 98
Appendix B - General Specifications ......................................................... 99
Appendix C - Finding More Information .................................................. 102
Limited Warranty ...................................................................................... 103
General ..................................................................................................... 103
Warranty Limitations ................................................................................ 103
Warranty Returns ..................................................................................... 103
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Motorola, Smartnet, Smartzone, Omnilink, ASTRO and Privacy Plus are
registered trademarks of Motorola Inc. EDACS and Pro Voice are registered
trademarks of Harris Corporation. LTR is a registered trademark of E.F. Johnson, Inc.
© 2010 General Research of Electronics, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
PSR-310 ADVANCED TRUNKING SCANNER
WITH OBJECT ORIENTED USER INTERFACE
Owner’s Manual
Please take the time to read this manual comopletely
before using your new scanner.
5
Introduction
Welcome to an exciting new world of radio scanning! Recognizing that
contemporary scanning receivers are too hard to program and use, GRE's
engineers conducted extensive research to determine the functional requirements for an entirely new scanning receiver user interface. We call this new
user interface the Object Oriented User Interface (OOUI), and it is based on
the premise that, to a hobbyist, a scanner is easiest to use if all of the things
that can be scanned are handled using common conventions for interaction
between the user and the radio, at least to the extent that this is possible
given that the ”things” that can be scanned are different from one another in
either subtle or major ways.
In this new user interface design, we call “things” that can be scanned Scannable Objects. Simply put, a Scannable Object is defined as something that
can be scanned or monitored. Scannable Objects include the following:
• Conventional, non-trunked radio channels
• Trunked talkgroups used on a trunked radio system
• Service searches to search for a specific radio service
• Search ranges with upper and lower limits
• Spectrum Sweeper setups with band segments that can be enabled or
disabled by the user
One of the goals of the Object Oriented User Interface is to make the scanner as easy to use as possible. The OOUI does this by treating all Scannable
Objects the same in terms of how they are created, edited, manipulated and
grouped. Once you have learned how to create and store a conventional
channel, you know most of what you need to know to create a trunking talkgroup, and so on.
While we have designed this radio to be the easiest scanning receiver in its
class to program and use, we encourage you to read this manual in its entirety so that you will fully understand all of the radio's capabilities. However,
if you consider yourself to be an experienced scanning hobbyist and are
feeling adventurous, we invite you to dive right in and get started programming your favorite “objects” into the radio.
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Features
Upgradeable CPU Firmware - keep your radio current with enhancements
as they become available with free upgrades from www.greamerica.com!
Intuitive "Object Oriented" User Interface Design is designed for ease of
use, yet powerful enough to satisfy the most sophisticated experts. Common
data entry, browsing and control methods are used for non-trunked conventional channels, trunking talkgroups, search configurations and Spectrum
Sweeper setups. The radio grows with you - you can start out with a small,
easy to manage configuration, then expand it whenever you need to.
Menu Driven Programming With Context Sensitive Help - Each menu
item provides a few lines of help text that provide assistance with programming and using the scanner.
Powerful and flexible Scan List functionality - allows you to arrange,
group and scan objects according to your preference.
Flexible Free-Form Memory Organization - memory is assigned as objects
are created using a sophisticated internal file management system. You are
not constrained to traditional bank/channel scanner memory layouts. No
memory is wasted as a result of bank/channel programming constraints. The
scanner has sufficient main memory capacity to store over 1,800 conventional channels, trunking talkgroups, search configurations and Spectrum
Sweeper objects in any combination, providing ample capacity for more
sophisticated hobbyists and professionals while keeping the database size
manageable for beginners.
SKYWARN Storm Spotter Functionality - Instant access to frequencies
used by storm spotter networks. You can monitor storm conditions as they
occur, and become aware of dangerous conditions before the media or
emergency management officials are able to announce them to the general
public.
SAME and All Hazards Weather Alerting - Your scanner can operate in
dedicated Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) weather alerting mode,
and alert you to severe weather and other hazards in the specific area(s) that
you select, or, your scanner can check your local NOAA weather frequency
periodically, even while scanning and alert you when an All Hazards alert occurs.
Multi-System Trunking - Scans most common trunked radio system signaling formats, including Motorola, EDACS, and LTR.
LTR Home Repeater AutoMove - Takes the guesswork out of programming
LTR trunking systems when the home repeater order is not known. Enter
the LTR system frequencies in any order, and the PSR-310 will automatically
move the frequencies to the proper home repeater slots as transmissions
are received on the system.
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The Subaudible Squelch Decoder in the Scanning Industry - CTCSS and
DCS subaudible squelch coding is processed by the CPU.
Powerful Spectrum Sweeper - Quickly sweeps the scanner's frequency
ranges for transmissions from nearby sources. When a nearby active frequency is found, the scanner automatically tunes to that frequency and receives the traffic.
Exclusive ALERT LED - Programmable tri-color LED can be configured to
illuminate or flash when certain objects are active. Eight user-defined colors
and brightness levels can be specified from thousands of possible combinations. Provides visual alerts when certain channels are active, e.g., blue can
be used to signal activity on your primary police channel, red for fire, etc.
Audible alarms - Programmable audible alarms can be configured to sound
when certain Scannable Objects are active. Can be used in conjunction
with, or separately from, the ALERT LED described above.
High Speed PC Interface - uses GRE's 100-016 USB cable in full duplex
mode at 6 times the speed of previous scanner models for PC transfer and 8
times the speed of previous models for radio to radio cloning.
Real-time Signal Strength Indicator - shows relative strength of received
signals.
Sleek, compact case design with large speaker is designed for one-handed operation and ease of use.
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What is Object Oriented Scanning?
To put it simply, Object Oriented Scanning describes a new user interface
design for scanning receivers (the Object Oriented User Interface, or OOUI).
In Object Oriented Scanning, we introduce the concept of the Scannable
Object. A Scannable Object is defined as “something that can be scanned”.
The Scannable Object concept is very important in the OOUI design. Recall
that one of the more frustrating things about current trunking scanners is
that entirely different methods of programming and interacting with the radio
are used depending on whether the user is working with trunking talkgroups
or conventional channels. A method that works with one does not work
well with the other. The user must learn two entirely different “languages”
for “talking to” the radio - one for trunking and one for conventional, nontrunked frequencies.
What if it was possible to use the same basic “language” regardless of
whether a user is working with trunked talkgroups or conventional channels, such that once a user has learned how to enter a conventional channel
into memory, they already know most of what they need to know to enter a
trunked talkgroup? Or, a search range, or other “Scannable Objects”? This
is how the OOUI works - the two primary Scannable Objects, talkgroups on
trunked radio systems and conventional non-trunked frequencies use the
same user interface elements.
Additionally, we include limit and service search configurations and Spectrum Sweeper configurations as Scannable Objects. This means that it is
possible to create, edit, group, scan and delete service and limit searches,
and Sweeper configurations using the same methods that are used when
working with trunked talkgroups and conventional channels.
Object Oriented Scanning makes it very easy for newcomers to the hobby or
the radio to start off with a small collection of scannable objects and expand
their collection as needed later. Object Oriented Scanning makes it easy to
group Scannable Objects in Scan Lists, a powerful and flexible grouping
system. Object Oriented Scanning makes it easy to search for new frequencies or talkgroups to monitor, and add them to existing or new Scan List
groups. Object Oriented Scanning makes it very easy to delete or deactivate
objects and Scan Lists that you do not want to listen to, including a powerful temporary lockout mode that allows you to zero in on activity associated
with a specific incident, then restore your desired configuration when the incident is over. Finally, Object Oriented Scanning makes it exceedingly easy
for the scannist to enjoy the collection of channels and talkgroups they have
programmed into the scanner, and to share them with other scannists.
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A Few Things To Remember about Object Oriented
Scanning
Object oriented scanning is completely different from any prior scanning
receiver technology. Accordingly, some users may find it difficult to visualize
and understand how Object Oriented Scanning works. This may be especially true for users who have become very familiar with more recent scanning receiver technologies.
We suggest that you keep the following “OOUI Tenets” in mind as you proceed with your study of this manual. If you find yourself confused or stuck
about the basics of Object Oriented Scanning, it may be helpful to review
this section again.
1. The OOUI memory organization is nothing more than a large list of "Scannable Objects".
2. A "Scannable Object" is simply "something that can be scanned", including conventional channels, trunking talkgroups, limit searches, service
searches and Spectrum Sweeper setups.
3. In OOUI scanning, there are no "systems", "banks", "groups", "sub-groups"
or "ID lists". There is simply a very large collection of objects, each with
their own attributes. Scannable Objects all exist at the same level or hierarchy within the scanner - no single type of Scannable Object is more
important than another, and Scannable Objects do not have dependencies on or links to other Scannable Objects in order for them to function
properly.
4. The primary method of grouping the collection of objects is by mapping
them to Scan Lists. Mapping a Scannable Object to one or more Scan
Lists does not change the physical location of the object in the memory
system. Even when an object is mapped to one or more Scan Lists, the
object itself has not moved nor changed from what it is - a simple, standalone object that is part of a larger collection.
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About this manual
Object abbreviations used in this document
We described how your new GRE scanner utilizes an Object Oriented User
Interface in the Introduction and Overview sections of this manual. You
learned that the key components of this new user interface are the Scannable Objects, which are, of course, “things that can be scanned”. As you
begin to use your new scanner, you will notice that the object names are abbreviated so that they can easily fit into the 16 character LCD. (Imagine what
the radio's display would look like if “Trunking Talkgroup Object” was spelled
out in its entirety every time it was necessary to show it in the display.)
You should take a moment and become familiar with these abbreviations
now. For consistency, the same abbreviations for the different object types
are used in the radio and here in the manual.
TGRP
TGRP is used to represent a Trunking Talkgroup Object. Trunking Talkgroups are “virtual” channels that exist on a trunked radio system. A trunked
radio system is a radio system where a small group of radio channels are
automatically shared between a larger number of users and user groups.
This sharing of channels is managed automatically by a special computer,
called a controller, or by other specialized hardware. For now, all you need
to know is this; if you want to monitor a talkgroup on a trunked radio system,
you must store that talkgroup's parameters in a TGRP object.
TSYS
TSYS is used to represent a Trunking System Object. A TSYS is a special
object type that is used when creating TGRP objects. A trunking talkgroup
must be associated with a specific trunked radio system in order for it to operate. There are parameters that are associated with trunking systems, such
as the type of trunked radio system technology used, the frequencies that
the system uses to broadcast control data, etc. Instead of entering these
parameters over and over again every time you create a new TGRP on the
same trunked radio system, you create a TSYS object with all of the system
parameters, then specify that TSYS object for each TGRP you create on the
same trunked radio system. A TSYS cannot be scanned by itself and is not
considered a Scannable Object. It is a “configuration object” that can be
used over and over again when adding talkgroups for a specified trunked
radio system.
CONV
CONV is used to represent a Conventional Channel Object. A Conventional
Channel Object is a regular, non-trunked frequency used for radio communications. CONV objects are used to store the parameters for any radio channel that is not a part of a trunked system. For example, if you want to moni-
11
tor specific VHF marine channels, they should be programmed as CONV
objects. If you want to monitor your favorite amateur radio channel, it should
be stored as a CONV object. If your police or fire department uses a channel, or channels that are not trunked, but part of a “plain old radio system”,
they should be stored as CONV objects.
LMIT
LMIT is used to represent a Search Range, or Limit Search Object. LMIT
objects contain the parameters necessary for the radio to search a range of
individual frequencies between a lower and upper limit frequency.
SRVC
SRVC is used to represent a Service Search Object. SRVC objects are
further divided into Public Safety, Aircraft, Amateur, CB, Marine, and FRS/
GMRS/MURS/DOT. SRVC objects are similar to LMIT objects, but are preprogrammed to search all frequencies associated with the selected service. For
example, selecting the Amateur SRVC search will search selected amateur
radio frequency ranges in the VHF and UHF portions of the radio spectrum.
SWPR
SWPR is used to represent a Spectrum Sweeper Object. SWPR objects contain the parameters necessary for the radio to rapidly sweep a range of radio
spectrum for strong signals from nearby transmitters.
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.
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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.
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 you should never intentionally listen to. These include:
• Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other means of private
telephone signal transmission)
• Paging transmissions
• Any intentionally decoded 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.
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Getting Familiar With Your PSR-310
The following illustrations are provided to help you get familiar with your
PSR-310's controls and accessories.
PSR-310 Front View
Figure 1 - PSR-310 front view
Volume Control
Squelch Control
Headset Connector
BNC Antenna
Connector
LCD Display
PC/IF Jack
External DC
Power Jack
Softkeys
Five Way Pushbutton Pad
Numeric Keypad
FUNC and
Backlight Keys
Operations Keys
Alert LED
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PSR-310 Rear View
Figure 2 - PSR-310 rear view
Volume Control
Squelch Control
Headset Connector
BNC Antenna
Connector
PC/IF Jack
External DC
Power Jack
Belt Clip
Battery Compartment
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PSR-310 Included Accessories
Figure 3 - PSR-310 Included Accessories
AC/DC Adaptor
Antenna
Rechargeable
Battery Holder
Non-Rechargeable
Battery Holder
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Understanding the Display Icons
Your PSR-310 features a high contrast, white backlit Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) to provide important information about the status of the radio while
you are programming and using it. The LCD includes a row of icons at the
top that provides information about the status of the scanner while it is operating. Beneath this row of icons, there are 4 rows of 16 characters each that
provide alphanumeric information for frequencies, object names, Scan List
status and menu information. Figure 4 provides an example of the display
that is shown while the radio is scanning.
Figure 4 - Scanning Display
The top row of icons are defined as follows:
The Function Key (FUNC) has been pressed. FUNC acts as a “shift” key
and typically enhances in some way the action of the button that follows
it. When using FUNC, press the FUNC key first and release it, then press
the next key.
The scanner is currently receiving trunking control channel data.
The attenuator is set for Global mode.
The attenuator is currently active.
The radio's squelch circuit is open.
Signal meter indicating strength of the received signal.
Battery status indicator. All black indicates battery is fully charged. An
animated icon indicates the Ni-MH or Ni-Cd battery is being chaged. (Battery Type Selection should be NiMH or NiCad and radio connected to
external power.) Indicator shows to that the battery is weak. All brank
flashes ( ) approximately once every second when the radio is connected to external power and the internal battery charger circuit is active.
NOTE: The “internal battery charger circuit active” indicator provides an indication that the battery charger circuit is active, and does not provide positive indication that the batteries are actually being charged. Batteries will not
charge unless the yellow battery holder is used.
Menu position and search direction indicators.
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Understanding the Keypad
Your PSR-310 features an easy-to understand backlit keypad with 34 keys
that are used to control and program the radio. Figure 5 highlights the various keys and their basic functions.
Figure 5 - Keypad layout
Softkeys
F1, F2, F3 - activate function shown in the LCD display immediately above
the softkey.
Five Way Pushbutton Pad
5 6 3 4
keys are used for navigation while browsing objects and menus.
SEL key activates data entry fields and toggles Scan List selection in object
menus. FUNC SEL activates context sensitive help in menus.
Numeric Keypad
Used for data entry of frequencies, talkgroup IDs and alphanumeric labels.
Used while scanning, 1-9 and 0 toggle Scan Lists 1-10 on and off. FUNC 1-9
and 0 toggle Scan Lists 11-20 on and off.
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Operation Keys
FUNC - activates alternate key functions. FUNC key operation is very intui-
tive - typically it “amplifies” the keypress that follows it.
LIGHT - activates backlight, FUNC LIGHT locks keypad.
MAN - Places scanner in Manual Mode for monitoring single objects.
SCAN - Places scanner in Scan Mode for scanning enabled objects, FUNC
SCAN launches Spectrum Sweeper.
TUNE - Allows direct tuning of any valid frequency, FUNC TUNE loads the
current or most recently scanned frequency into TUNE
SRCH - Dedicated Search mode for service and frequency searches
ATT - Toggles Attenuator on and off, FUNC ATT toggles Global Attenuator
mode
PRI - Toggles the Priority setting for selected or active object, FUNC PRI
toggles Priority Mode on or off for the scanner
FAV - Activates Favorites Scan Mode, FUNC FAV adds the current object to
the Favorites Scan List
WX - Activates Weather scan, FUNC WX activates Skywarn mode
PGM - Places scanner in Program Mode for editing radio-wide options, add-
ing new objects or editing existing objects
L/OUT - Toggles Temporary Lockout on active or selected object, FUNC L/
OUT applies permanent lockout (can be changed in the GLOB menu)
ENT - Enter key
PSE - Pauses scan or search operation on active object
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!
Getting Started
First Time Startup
We believe that your new PSR-310 is so easy to use that scannists with
minimal experience in the hobby should be able to get up and running in a
matter of just a few minutes. If you already know the difference between a
conventional channel and a talkgroup, or a search range and a Spectrum
Sweeper, we invite you to dive right in and set the radio up to begin scanning your first objects. If you get stuck, you can refer to this Getting Started
section, or see the relevant sections in the Detailed Menu Reference. Otherwise, please read on and allow us to help you get acquainted to your new
scanner!
WARNING: Always protect your scanner from exposure to extreme heat or
cold temperatures.
WARNING: Your scanner is not waterproof. Do not expose it to rain, extreme
high humidity or moisture.
WARNING: The external DC power input is designed to accept 9 VDC using
a tip-positive coaxial power plug. Do not connect the radio to external power
sources that are greater than 9 VDC. Ensure that the DC polarity is correct
before connecting your radio to an external power source. Turn the radio off
prior to connecting or disconnecting external power.
Unpack the radio
Unpack your radio carefully. Save all documentation and packing materials
in case it is necessary to return your scanner for repair.
Insert the batteries
Remove the door covering the battery compartment by pressing gently
where the door is marked OPEN and sliding the door downwards until it
stops, approximately 1/4”. Lift the door away from the radio. Select the correct battery holder for the type of batteries you are going to use. Use the
black battery holder for non-rechargeable batteries, and the yellow battery
holder for rechargeable batteries.
Insert four AA batteries into the holder, taking care to ensure that the batteries are inserted according to the polarity diagram shown inside of the holder
assembly. Insert the holder into the battery compartment, then replace the
battery compartment door by placing it back over the batteries and sliding it
upward gently until it locks in place.
20
NOTE: Two battery holders are included with your PSR-310. The black battery holder should be used with non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. The
yellow battery holder should be used with rechargeable Ni-MH or Ni-Cd
batteries. The radio will charge the batteries when the yellow holder is used
in conjunction with the supplied AC adapter or other external 9 VDC power
supply rated at 400 mA. If desired, you may use rechargeable batteries in
the black holder. They will not be charged while installed in the radio.
WARNING: Never place non-rechargeable batteries in the yellow holder.
Intentionally or accidentally recharging non-rechargeable batteries will
cause them to overheat, leak or explode. Dispose of rechargeable batteries
properly by taking them to an approved battery recycling facility. Many communities offer battery recycling services - check with your local solid waste
management agency.
WARNING: Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that destroy electronic circuits. 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. When you charge rechargeable batteries, do
not over charge them. Overcharging shortens battery life.
Attach the antenna
Remove the antenna from its protective plastic wrapper. Align the slots on
the antenna's BNC male connector with the posts on the radio's BNC female
connector and slide the antenna in place, then rotate the antenna's BNC
connector 1/4 turn clockwise until it snaps in place.
NOTE: If desired, you may also connect a mobile or base station antenna
equipped with a BNC male connector to the antenna connector
Turn the radio on
Rotate the top knob of the VOLUME/SQUELCH control clockwise to turn
the radio on. Set both the VOLUME and SQUELCH knobs at their mid-point
(12 o'clock) position.
NOTE: While 12 o'clock is a good squelch setting to start with, it may cause
your radio to miss some calls with weak signals. You will probably want
to optimize the squelch setting to set it close to threshold. To optimize the
squelch setting to be close to the best threshold, press TUNE, then rotate
the squelch control counterclockwise until a rushing sound is heard from
the speaker. Rotate the squelch control clockwise just past the point where
the rushing sound stops. The squelch is now set to the optimum point.
21
Please note the position of the squelch control for future reference. Once the
squelch setting is complete, you may press PGM to exit TUNE mode.
Set the battery type, if necessary
By default, your new scanner is configured to use standard alkaline batteries. Specifying the proper type of battery is necessary for proper operation
of the low battery detection feature, and also enables the charge circuit if
you are using rechargeable batteries.
If you are not using alkaline batteries, you should change the battery type by
following these steps:
1. Press the PGM key.
2. Press the F3 key, which should show the label
GLOB
immediately above
it in the LCD display.
3. Press the 6 nine times, or until the middle line of the display reads
Battery:Alkaline
.
4. Press the 3 or 4 to select the type of batteries that are installed in the
radio. Use Alkaline for standard alkaline batteries, NiCad for nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, and NiMH for nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries.
5. Press the F1 key (the
SAVE
softkey) to save your battery settings to the
radio's configuration memory.
Low Battery Warning
Your scanner will provide two warnings when the batteries are low. The first
warning will typically occur approximately 15 to 30 minutes prior to the point
where the batteries are completely depleted, and is indicated by a hollow
battery icon in the top row of the LCD display. The second warning will typically occur approximate five minutes before the batteries are completely depleted, and is indicated by a flashing battery icon (approximately two flashes
per second) in the top row of the LCD display, and an audible low battery
alert every 30 seconds.
NOTE: Actual timing of low battery warnings will depend on the age and
condition of the batteries you are using.
Battery Charge Indicator
An animated icon indicates the Ni-MH or Ni-Cd battery is being charged
(Battery Type selection must be set to NiMH or NiCad and the radio connected to external power.
22
!
NOTE: An animated battery icon provides an indication that the battery charger circuit is active. If you set Alkaline in battery type selection , and you use
rechargeable battery holder with rechargeable battery, the battery charger
circuit is active and animated battery icon does not appear.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use headphones.
Set the volume to zero before putting on headphones. With the headphones
on, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
Avoid increasing the volume once you set it. Over time, your sensitivity to
a volume level decreases, so volume levels that do not cause discomfort
might damage your hearing.
Avoid or limit listening at high volume levels. Prolonged exposure to high
volume levels can cause permanent hearing loss.
Traffic Safety
Wearing headphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle can
create a traffic hazard and is illegal in most areas.
Even though some headphones let you hear some outside sounds when
listening at normal volume levels, they still can present a traffic hazard. Exercise extreme caution!
Connecting an Optional External 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 low-loss dielectric
coaxial cable. If your antenna's cable does not have a BNC connector, you
will also need a BNC adapter. 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 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, touching 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.
WARNING: Outdoor antennas must be properly grounded to prevent static
buildup and lightning damage. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information about proper grounding of the antenna
23
mast, connection of coaxial cable to a lightning arrestor, size of grounding
conductors, location of the lightning arrestor and connection of grounding
conductors to grounding electrodes. Additionally, you may wish to disconnect your radio from the outdoor antenna during electrical storm activity to
prevent damage. The diagram below provides an example of a proper antenna grounding system.
Connecting an Earphone/Headphones
For private listening, you can plug an 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug earphone
or headphones (not supplied) in the jack on top of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
Connecting an External Speaker
In a noisy area, an amplified speaker (not supplied) might provide more
comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug
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 handsfree carrying when you are on the go. The PSR-310 ships with the belt clip
already installed. To remove the belt clip, use your finger to disengage the
retaining catch at the top of the belt clip from the back of radio, and slide the
belt clip upwards. To install the belt clip, slide it down into the belt clip receptacle on the rear of the radio. Press down on the belt clip until it locks in
place. Slide the belt clip over your belt, pocket or waistband.
NOTE: You can order a replacement belt clip from GRE America (http://
www.geramerica.com if the one that came with your radio becomes lost or
damaged.
Using AC Power
You can power the scanner using a supplied AC adaptor.
Caution:
• You must use the supplied AC adaptor.
• The correct orientation for the enclosed power adaptor is in a vertical or
floor-mount position.
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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.
Note: Plug the adaptor into an easily accessible power outlet located near
the equipment.
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 400-mA 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.
WARNING: 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.
25
Creating Your First New Objects
When the scanner is first turned on after it is unpacked, you are working with
a clean slate. You will notice that your scanner tells you this:
The scanner is in program mode and is ready for you to enter the first Objects into the memory. The scanner prompts you to Press
NEW
to create
objects.
You will also notice that there are three pushbutton keys beneath the display,
and above each button in the display, a label that indicates the current function of these three keys. These keys are called softkeys, and they function
much like the softkeys on many Automatic Teller Machines. Their meaning
can change depending on the operational state that the radio is in. Right
now, the softkeys on your radio should read as follows:
NEW EDIT GLOB
Let's focus on the
NE W
softkey for a few minutes. As you might have
guessed,
NEW
is an invitation for you to create a new Scannable Object
(CONV, TGRP, LMIT, SRVC, or SWPR). So, what would you like to create
first? We suggest that you start with a Conventional Channel Object (CONV)
first, to get familiar with the radio's user interface and display.
Conventional Channel Object (CONV)
A Conventional Channel Object (CONV) is a record that stores the parameters for a regular, non-trunked conventional AM or FM channel. When you
create a CONV object, you are creating an object that will allow you to scan
and monitor a “plain old radio channel”, that is, a single frequency and the
associated parameters that are necessary for you to receive traffic on that
frequency.
Essential Conventional Channel parameters
CONV objects are the simplest objects supported by the radio. By this we
mean that there really isn't that much for you to do if you want to create one.
There are only a few essential parameters in the CONV object fields that
must be set correctly for a CONV object to work. The Frequency must be set
26
to match the frequency of the transmitter you want to scan or monitor, and
the MODE should be set to Auto, or, if desired, AM, FM or NFM. Note that
the scanner will automatically select the default mode based on the frequency you enter when MODE is set for AUto. In most cases it will not be necessary to change this.
We also recommend that you label your CONV object by giving it a name in
the TAG field. This will make it easier for you to find the CONV object later,
and identify it when the scanner stops to monitor activity. Enter your CONV
object by following these steps.
As we mentioned above, a brand new radio will launch into Program Mode
when it is first turned on, which allows for creation and editing of Scannable
Objects. If this is the first time you have turned on your radio, you should
see these softkey labels at the bottom of your screen:
NEW EDIT GLOB
If not, press the PGM (Program) key now.
Press the
NEW
softkey to begin entry of a new object.
Press the
CONV
softkey to begin entry of a CONVentional Channel object.
Your scanner's display should read as follows:
Now, take a moment and study the display. You will notice that the icon is
active. Its purpose is to indicate that you are at the very top position of the
menu for a conventional channel object, and there are more parameters that
can be accessed if you scroll down. We also see three new softkeys:
Save Exit Dflt
The Save softkey will save your new CONV object to the file system when
pressed (but don't press it yet!). The
Exit
softkey aborts the creation of
the new CONV object, and the
Dflt
softkey restores the selected CONV
menu parameter to its default setting.
27
If you press the 6 key on the bottom of the 5-way pushbutton pad, you can
scroll down and see all of the parameters that can be specified for a CONV
object. Go ahead and take a peek - then scroll back to the very top of the
display so you can begin entering information for your first CONV object.
HINT: Pressing FUNC 5 or FUNC 6 will jump to the top or bottom of a
menu, respectively.
Note that as you scroll both the upward and downward scroll indicators will
illuminate to indicate that there are parameters above and below the current
cursor position, until you get to the very end of the menu, where only the upward scroll indicator will be on to indicate that there are no more parameters
below the current cursor position. Also note that a few lines of context sensitive help are available for each menu item. To see the help text for a menu
item, press FUNC, then press SEL on the 5-way pushbutton pad. To exit
help, press SEL again.
As you scroll the object menu, you will see a line that states:
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EXPERT BELOW
66
This line is found in the object menus and the Global configuration menus.
Its purpose is to delineate between the basic settings that are important to
each object and the operation of the radio, and the expert settings that may
be of interest to advanced users, but, if left alone, will not adversely impact
the operation of the radio. For more information about the Basic and Expert
settings, please refer to the Detailed Menu Reference at the end of this Owner's Manual.
Use the
56
keys to scroll the screen until the flashing cursor appears next
to the
Freq:
label. Key in a known local frequency and press the ENT key,
or press the
DONE
softkey - either one will do the same thing. There! You
just entered the frequency for your first CONV object.
By default, your new CONV object will be tagged “Channel”. If you'd like to
change this, just scroll the screen down one click until the flashing cursor
highlights the
Tag:
field, then press SEL to edit the tag. You can move the
cursor around using the
34
keys on the 5-way pushbutton pad, use the CL
key to clear the old text, or press FUNC CL to erase the entire field. To enter
text, find the letter you want to enter on the front panel of the radio, press the
numeric key beneath it, then press 1, 2, 3, or 4 depending on the position of
the letter in the group for that number. For example, to enter FIRE, press:
3 3 F
4 3 I
7 3 R
3 2 E
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Press the ENT key or
DONE
softkey to store the new tag information for
your CONV object.
Now you are ready to store your first CONV object. There are other parameters that you can change, and we invite you to scroll through the CONV
menu to see the other settings that are available. You can experiment with
the different settings. If you make a change that you aren't certain about,
press the
Dflt
softkey to restore the setting to its original values.
When you're ready, simply press the
Save
softkey to save your new conventional object. Once the object is saved, you can continue to enter other
new objects, or press MAN to listen to the CONV object you just entered, or
SCAN to start scanning!
NOTE: Your scanner uses Scan Lists as a way to group objects together
according to your preferences for scanning. By default, all new objects are
mapped to Scan List 01. There are a total of twenty regular Scan Lists in
your radio, a special Favorites Scan List, and a Scan List to hold Skywarn
objects. Scan List membership for an object is assigned in the individual object menus. For now, just let your new objects go to the default Scan List 01.
Later in this section we will show you how you can group your objects into
Scan Lists.
NOTE: When entering data into a numerical field, you can start typing as
soon as you have scrolled to the desired field, which will replace the contents of the field with your new entry. Alternatively, you can press the 4 key,
which will preserve the original contents of the field so you can make small
changes without retyping all of the data.
Talkgroup Object (TGRP)
A Trunking Talkgroup Object (TGRP) is a record that stores the parameters
for a trunked talkgroup on a trunked radio system. When you create a TGRP
object, you are creating an object that will allow you to scan and monitor a
talkgroup on a particular trunked radio system.
Essential Trunking Talkgroup parameters
As a standalone object, a TRGP object is really no more complicated than
a CONV object. The trunking system (TSYS) that the TGRP is a member of
must be specified. Each talkgroup has a digital “address” on the trunking
system, which is called the talkgroup ID, and this must be provided. We also
recommend that you label your TGRP object by giving it a name in the TAG
field. This will make it easier for you to find the TGRP object later, and identify it when the scanner stops to monitor activity.
Setting up and using a Trunking System (TSYS) object
We just mentioned that the TSYS is an essential parameter needed in order
for a TGRP object to function properly and receive radio traffic. The TSYS
object has its own set of essential parameters, and these parameters vary
29
depending on the type of trunked radio system you plan to monitor. If you
are a reasonably experienced user you probably already know what the
essential parameters are for the system you wish to monitor. For example,
each TSYS must correctly specify the type of system being monitored, the
control channel or LCN frequencies used by the system, and so on. A detailed description of each type of system supported by this radio and the
essential parameters required to make the different types of trunked radio
systems work properly is provided in the Detailed Menu Reference. So, if all
of this makes sense to you then you should proceed and enter the required
data for the system you wish to monitor to make a new TSYS as you create
your TGRP. If not, please refer to the TGRP section of the Detailed Menu Reference so that you will understand which TSYS parameters are required for
the type of trunked radio system you wish to monitor.
The first time you make a TGRP for a particular trunked radio system, you
must also create a TSYS that contains the system parameters associated
with that trunked radio system. Once you create a TSYS object for the
trunked radio system, you can use the TSYS object over and over again
without having to re-enter all of the system data.
Assuming that you have already entered one or more CONV objects (which
we recommend you do prior to attempting the entry of the slightly more
complicated TGRP object), you should press the PGM key to place your
scanner into Program Mode, then press the
NEW
softkey, then press the
TGRP
softkey. Your radio display should appear as follows:
In the same way as with the CONV object, this menu of TGRP parameters
can be scrolled up and down to access and enter or change the various parameters associated with a trunking talkgroup.
For the purpose of this example, we will assume that you wish to create a
TGRP object for a Motorola Type II 800 MHz trunked radio system, which
is one of the more common types of trunked radio systems in use. (If this
is not the case, we encourage you to refer to the Detailed Menu Reference
section of this manual for more information that applies to the type of TSYS
you wish to monitor.)
Scroll the display by pressing the down arrow once so that the flashing cursor is highlighting the TSYS field, then press the SEL key in the center of the
5-way pushbutton pad. Your radio's display should appear as follows:
30
We are entering a new Motorola Type II 800 MHz system, so we can leave
the
Type:
field as-is. It's a good idea (in fact, a REALLY good idea, for reasons you will see as you proceed) to give your TSYS a unique name. Press
the down arrow key once to scroll to the
Tag:
field, then press the SEL key
and enter a name for the system using the methods previously described for
naming your CONV object. We will use the tag My System for this particular
example in the documentation:
6 1 M
9 3
Y
. <space>
7 4 S
9 3
Y
7 4 S
8 1 T
3 2 E
6 1
M
If necessary, use the decimal/period key or the CL key to delete any unnecessary characters, and press the
Done
softkey to save your TSYS name.
Next, scroll to the
Frequencies:
field to begin entering the control
channel frequencies for the My System trunked radio system. Press the SEL
key, and at the
Ch01:
field you should enter the first control channel frequency for your Motorola trunked radio system. Simply key in the frequency
including the decimal point, and press the ENT key or the
DONE
softkey to
store the control channel frequency. Press the 6 key and repeat this step
to add any other control channels used by the system. Typically, a Motorola
trunked radio site or system will have one active control channel and three
backup control channels. You need only enter the active control channel for
the scanner to track the system, but if the system switches to a backup control channel the scanner will not receive traffic unless the frequency for the
backup control channel has been entered.
Once you have finished entering the control channels, press the
SAVE
soft-
key, then press the
SAVE
softkey again. This will store the new TSYS into
memory and return you to the TGRP parameter entry. Your display will now
appear as follows:
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