PSR-500
Ownerʼs Manual
ADVANCED DIGITAL HANDHELD SCANNING RECEIVER
GRE America, Inc., 425 Harbor Blvd., Belmont, CA 94002
WITH OBJECT ORIENTED USER INTERFACE
A Guide to Getting The Most From Your
PSR-500 Advanced Digital Scanner
PSR-500 ADVANCED DIGITAL SCANNER
WITH OBJECT ORIENTED USER INTERFACE
OWNERʼS MANUAL - Please read before using this equipment.
IMPORTANT:
This manual uses the following symbols to emphasize Warnings, Notes and Usage Hints
WARNING
A WARNING symbol is used to indicate
possible risk of personal injury or damage
to equipment
NOTE
A NOTE symbol is used to indicate an operational note that
relates to the current paragraph of the manual
HINT
A HINT symbol is used to indicate a usage hint that relates to the
current paragraph of the manual
Please take the time to read this manual completely
before using your new scanner.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The PSR-500 Advanced Digital Scanner will not receive encrypted radio
communications, or radio transmissions that utilize ProVoice digital modulation.
FCC ID ADV0715
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, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Motorola, Smartnet, Smartzone, Omnilink, ASTRO and Privacy Plus are registered trademarks of Motorola Inc. EDACS and ProVoice are
registered trademarks of MA-COM Inc. LTR is a registered trademark of E.F. Johnson, Inc. The IMBE™ voice coding Technology
embodied in this product is protected by intellectual property rights including patent rights, copyrights and trade secrets of Digital Voice
Systems, Inc. This voice coding Technology is licensed solely for use within this Communications Equipment. The user of this Technology
is explicitly prohibited from attempting to decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the Object Code, or in any other way convert the
Object Code into a human readable form. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,870,405 and 5,517,511.
© 2007 General Research of Electronics
All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
..........................................................................................................Introduction" 7
...........................................................................................................Features" 8
..................................................................................................TGRP" 16
...................................................................................................TSYS" 16
..................................................................................................CONV" 17
....................................................................................................LMIT" 17
..................................................................................................SRVC" 17
..................................................................................................SWPR" 17
...................................................................................................Softkeys" 24
...................................................................................................Getting Started" 26
........................................Overview of the Object Oriented User Interface" 10
.............................................................................................Background" 10
......................................................What is Object Oriented Scanning?" 14
..........A Few Things To Remember about Object Oriented Scanning" 15
........................................................................................About this manual" 16
.......................................Object abbreviations used in this document" 16
......................................................................The FCC Wants You To Know" 17
..........................................................................................Scanning Legally" 18
................................................................Getting Familiar With Your PSR-500" 20
......................................................................................PSR-500 Front View" 20
.......................................................................................PSR-500 Rear View" 21
...................................................................PSR-500 Included Accessories" 22
...............................................................Understanding the Display Icons" 23
..........................................................................Understanding the Keypad" 24
......................................................................Five Way Pushbutton Pad" 24
......................................................................................Numeric Keypad" 24
.......................................................................................Operation Keys" 25
.........................................................................................First Time Startup" 26
.....................................................................................Unpack the radio" 26
..................................................................................Insert the batteries" 26
..................................................................................Attach the antenna" 27
.....................................................................................Turn the radio on" 28
..........................................................Set the battery type, if necessary" 28
.........................................................................Low Battery Warning" 29
...................................................................Battery Charge Indicator" 29
......................................................................................Listening Safely" 29
...........................................................................................Traffic Safety" 30
...........................................Connecting an Optional External Antenna" 30
.................................................Connecting an Earphone/Headphones" 31
...........................................................Connecting an External Speaker" 31
..................................................................................Using the Belt Clip" 31
......................................................................................Using AC Power" 32
..................................................................Using Vehicle Battery Power" 32
.................................................................Creating Your First New Objects" 34
..................................................Conventional Channel Object (CONV)" 34
.................................Essential Conventional Channel parameters" 34
.......................................................................Talkgroup Object (TGRP)" 38
......................................Essential Trunking Talkgroup parameters" 38
...............Setting up and using a Trunking System (TSYS) object" 38
..................................................Using DUPE to speed up object entry" 43
.....................................................................Basic Scanning Operation" 44
...................................................................................Browsing Objects" 46
............................................................................Advanced Startup Topics" 46
.......................................................................About Object Numbering" 47
...........................Using the Object ID to directly access an object" 47
.............................................................More About Wildcard Scanning" 47
.....................................................................Displaying Memory Usage" 48
...............................................................................Search Object Types" 48
...............................................................Limit Search Object (LMIT)" 49
............................................Essential Limit Search parameters" 49
..................................................Spectrum Sweeper Object (SWPR)" 50
..................................Essential Spectrum Sweeper parameters" 51
.........................................................Service Search Object (SRVC)" 53
........................................Essential Service Search parameters" 53
........................................................Grouping Objects with Scan Lists" 55
...................................................................................Geographically" 55
...........................................................................By trunking system" 56
....................................................................................By object type" 56
....................................................................................By application" 56
.......................................................................................By Favorites" 56
........................................................Mapping Objects to Scan Lists" 57
...................................Naming, enabling and disabling Scan Lists" 58
............................................................Other Advanced Startup Topics" 60
..........................................................Finding Stored Objects Easily" 60
............................................Searching For Objects Using FIND" 60
..............................................................Filtering By Object Type" 61
..................................................................................Object Lockout" 61
......................................................................Temporary Lockout" 61
.....................................................................Permanent Lockout" 63
............................................................................Search Lockout" 63
.......................................................................Talkgroup Lockout" 64
...........................................................Setting the Default Scan List" 65
................................................................................Deleting Objects" 66
..............................Using Multi-Site Mode On Networked Systems" 66
........................................................LTR Home Repeater AutoMove" 68
......................................................................................Priority Scan" 68
...............................................Turning Object Priority On or Off" 69
........................................Turning Priority Scan Mode On or Off" 69
......................................................................CONV Priority Scan" 69
......................................................................TGRP Priority Scan" 69
.......................................................................................Hit Counters" 70
...............................................Audible Alarms and the ALERT LED" 70
...................................Audible Alarm and ALERT LED Settings" 71
................................ALERT LED with Audible Alarm Examples" 71
..................................................................Dedicated search modes" 72
.................Using Dedicated Spectrum Sweeper (SWPR) Mode" 72
......................................................Using dedicated TUNE mode" 74
...................Using dedicated Limit and Service search modes" 76
.......................................................................LMIT Search Mode" 76
......................................................Using dedicated SRVC mode" 77
.......................................................................Using Weather Modes" 79
....................................................................Weather Radio Mode" 80
.................................................................Weather Priority Mode" 80
...................................................................SAME Standby Mode" 81
.................................................................SAME Entry Examples" 82
...............................Entering SAME Location and Event Codes" 83
.................................................Activating SAME Standby Mode" 86
.................................................................Using V-Scanner Storage" 86
.............................Saving Main Memory To A V-Scanner Folder" 88
..............Loading A Stored V-Scanner Folder To Main Memory" 88
.........................................................Erasing V-Scanner Folders" 89
................Cloning Your Radio to Another PSR-500 or PSR-600 Scanner" 89
..............................................Standard Text Entry Method and QuickText" 89
.................................Entering and Editing Alphanumeric Information" 90
......................................................................................Using QuickText" 91
..........................................................................Customizing QuickText" 92
..................................................Power-On Configuration Key Sequences" 93
.......................................................................................Birdie Frequencies" 94
...............................................................................................................Care" 95
............................................................................................In Case of Fault" 95
...........................................................................................Troubleshooting" 96
...........................................................................Troubleshooting Chart" 96
..............................Initializing Global Parameters to Factory Defaults" 96
.........................................Initializing the Scanner to Factory Defaults" 97
..................................................................................Detailed Menu Reference" 99
..............................................................................GLOB Menu Reference" 100
..............................................................................CONV Menu Reference" 103
...............................................................................TGRP Menu Reference" 105
...............................................................................TSYS Menu Reference" 107
................................................................................LMIT Menu Reference" 109
...............................................................................SRVC Menu Reference" 111
..............................................................................SWPR Menu Reference" 113
..........................................................Appendix A - Remote Control Protocol" 115
..............................................................................................Get Status" 116
..................................................................................................Get LCD" 116
................................................................................................Send Key" 117
........................................................................................................Tune" 118
.....................................................................................Appendix B - CCDump" 119
.............................Appendix C - Frequency, Step and Mode Specifications" 122
.............................................................Appendix D - General Specifications" 123
........................................Appendix E - About Trunked Radio Technologies" 126
...........................................Appendix F - About CTCSS, DCS and P25 NAC" 129
..............................................................................................CTCSS" 129
...................................................................................................DCS" 130
...........................................................................................P25 NAC" 130
........................................................Appendix G - Finding More Information" 131
.....................................Learning About Scanning and your PSR-500" 131
....................Finding Frequencies and Trunked System Information" 131
.................................................................................................................Index" 133
...........................................................................................................Warranty" 137
Introduction
Welcome to an exciting new world of radio scanning!
Recognizing that contemporary scanning receivers are too hard
to program and use, GREʼs 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 radioʼs 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.
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 7
Features
Upgradeable CPU and DSP Firmware - keep your radio current
with enhancements as they become available with free upgrades
www.greamerica.com!
from
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.
GRE's Exclusive V-Scanner Technology - Allows you to save
complete radio configurations within the radio, for recall into main
memory as needed in the field. This is similar to having a laptop
computer and programming software available anytime. You can
use V-Scanners to store configurations for different geographical
areas or usage styles. Twenty one V-Scanner Folders are
provided, each capable of storing over 1,800 objects. Total
memory capacity of main memory combined with V-Scanners is
over 37,800 objects!
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
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 8
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, LTR and
P25 trunked radio networks. Both talkgroup and individual call
monitoring are supported.
GRE's Exclusive Automatic Adaptive Digital Tracking - When
monitoring P25 digital systems, instantly adapts the digital
decoder to the digital modulation format of the transmitted signal,
then analyzes the signal over 50 times each second and adapts
to any subtle changes caused by multipath or fading. No
cumbersome manual adjustments are required.
GRE's Exclusive Digital AGC - instantly compensates for low
user audio levels that are very common on digital systems. This
makes the radio easier to listen to, and provides you with a more
enjoyable scanning experience.
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-500 will automatically move the frequencies
to the proper home repeater slots as transmissions are received
on the system.
The Best Subaudible Squelch Decoder in the Scanning
Industry - CTCSS and DCS subaudible squelch coding is
processed by the same powerful DSP chip that is used for P25
digital decoding. Provides fast and reliable decoding of
subaudible squelch signaling with squelch tail elimination.
Powerful Spectrum Sweeper - Quickly sweeps the scannerʼs
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.
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 9
P25 NAC Functionality - Much like CTCSS and DCS with
analog signals, P25 Network Access Code (NAC) is used to
provide selective squelch operation on conventional digital
channels. Your PSR-500 will detect the NAC that is being used
on a P25 conventional digital channel, and allow you to program
NAC codes to block transmissions that do not have a matching
NAC, including analog traffic on the same frequency!
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 GREʼs 30-3290 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.
Overview of the Object Oriented User Interface
Background
Long time scanner enthusiasts probably remember the days
before microprocessors became common in everyday consumer
devices. Back then, scanners had very limited capabilities. A
typical scanner was able to scan between 2 and 10 frequencies,
and relied on plug-in crystal elements for each frequency that a
user wished to scan. Scanning activity was typically shown on a
row of incandescent or LED indicators. These indicators would
show scanning operation in progress as the scanner moved from
one channel to the next, looking for activity, and would indicate
the active channel when activity was found. Pushbuttons or
switches were used to skip or lock out undesired channels. The
scanning row of LEDs or incandescent indicators seemed to
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 10
personify the hobby at the time, and it was quite an experience to
see the light show from multiple radios in a well-equipped
scanner shack
Early microprocessor controlled scanners eliminated the need for
crystals and increased the number of channels that could be
scanned. Without keypads and numeric or alphanumeric displays
these early microprocessor controlled radios still relied on the
traditional row of lights to show scanning activity. A row of
switches was used to enter binary code to store individual
frequencies. In some later models a punch card or metal comb
was used to load the binary code.
The true predecessors of todayʼs modern scanning receivers are
those first radios to use a numeric keypad to store frequency
information and control the radio, and numeric LCDs to show the
programmed information and display the status of the radio. The
row of lights was replaced with a row of zeroes or other display
elements in the LCD to show scanning activity.
As it became possible to increase the memory capacity of these
microprocessor controlled scanners, designers started looking
for ways to organize this expanded memory to make operation
easier for users. This lead to the typical bank/channel memory
organization that is still used in many scanning receivers today.
This design works well when scanning conventional, non-trunked
frequencies.
Trunking presented new challenges for designers. Early trunking
scanner designs operated in trunking or conventional mode, but
not both at the same time. Because programming for trunked
systems includes many parameters not normally used in
conventional radio scanning, it was necessary to design a
completely separate user interface for entering trunking
parameters and scanning trunked systems. Soon after the first
early models were released, new “multi-scanning” receivers
appeared that allowed users to scan different combinations of
trunked systems or conventional channels simultaneously.
Trunking scanners soon earned a reputation for being complex
and difficult to program. Even experienced and expert users
were frustrated when confronted with the challenges of
programming and operating a trunked scanning receiver. Part of
the problem with trunking scanners was the way that trunking
functionality was added to the radio. Until recently, trunking
functionality was forced into the traditional bank/channel scanner
design. This confused and frustrated users, who had to learn two
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 11
different methods for programming and controlling their scanners
– one for conventional, non-trunked channels, and another for
trunked systems and talkgroups.
GREʼs engineers carefully studied the challenges of
programming and operating todayʼs current crop of trunked
scanning receivers. We have also carefully studied how scanning
hobbyists like to use their radios, and the role the Internet plays
in the scanning hobby. We have studied the scanning hobby
itself, which has changed dramatically over the years as radio
systems, scanning receivers and scanner hobbyists have all
become more sophisticated. Sophistication is a generally good
thing, but in this case it can have the effect of discouraging
newcomers from joining the hobby.
Our engineers decided that an entirely new method of
programming and controlling scanning receivers was needed –
essentially, a new user interface. Several design objectives were
defined. These included the following:
There should be a strong focus on ease-of-use. The radio
•
should do as much work as possible for the user. A brand
new hobbyist should be able to begin using the radio quickly
with minimal frustration. There should also be enough
advanced features and functionalities to satisfy the most
sophisticated expert users.
The user interface should be intuitive. Interactions with the
•
radio should be standardized to the extent possible. For
example, the same basic methods should be used whether
adding a new conventional channel or adding a trunked
talkgroup.
The scanner should include efficient memory usage. Bank/
•
channel designs result in much wasted memory. Memory
should be allocated as it is needed for new Scannable
Objects.
Our engineers realize that our scanners are used by a wide
variety of users with varying levels of experience and expertise.
These include amateur radio operators, scanner hobbyists, fire
buffs, railfans, public safety professionals, volunteer firefighters,
news and media organizations, and most importantly, everyday
people who just want to know what is going on around them.
All of these users share a few things in common about the way
they use scanning receivers. First, they all follow the same basic
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 12
process when configuring and programming the radio for use.
Second, all have one or more collections of frequencies,
talkgroups, or other things they listen to.
As our engineers studied the scanning hobby and those who use
scanners, they began to realize that the scanning hobby had
much in common with hobbies that involve collections, like stamp
collecting, coin collecting, and so on.
Hobbies of collection all have some things in common:
Typically, a collector starts off small, and adds to the
•
collection
A collector groups items in the collection according to their
•
type
A collector looks for new things to add to the collection
•
A collector removes items from the collection that they no
•
longer desire
A collector enjoys the collection
•
Specifically, with regard to scanning:
At first, the typical scannist starts off small, and expands. This
•
is especially true with beginners and newcomers to the
hobby.
The scannist groups channels and talkgroups according to
•
area or type of use
The scannist searches or tunes to find new things to scan
•
A scannist removes channels and talkgroups they no longer
•
need
A scannist enjoys the collection of channels and talkgroups
•
they have programmed into the scanner
Our engineers determined that a new scanner design would be
most useful if it could be used as a tool by the scanning hobbyist
to build and enjoy the collection of channels and trunked
talkgroups they have programmed into the scanner.
Much of what you see in the design of your new GRE scanner
with Object Oriented User Interface is intended to meet the
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 13
objectives we describe above, and serve as a tool to help you
manage and enjoy your collection of “Scannable Objects”.
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, non-trunked 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 also lends itself quite well to the
“collector hobbyist model” we describe above. 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
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 14
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.
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
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 15
moved nor changed from what it is - a simple, standalone
object that is part of a larger collection.
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 radioʼs 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
TSYS
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 talkgroupʼs parameters
in a TGRP object.
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
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 16
CONV
LMIT
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 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 monitor 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 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
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 17
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.
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
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 18
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.
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 19
Getting Familiar With Your PSR-500
The following illustrations are provided to help you get familiar
with your PSR-500ʼs controls and accessories.
PSR-500 Front View
Headset
Connector
BNC Antenna
Connector
LCD Display
External DC
Power Jack
Five Way
Pushbutton Pad
Volume Control
Squelch Control
Alert LED
PC/IF Jack
Softkeys
FUNC and
Backlight Keys
Operations Keys
Numeric Keypad
Figure 1 - PSR-500 front view
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 20
PSR-500 Rear View
Volume Control
Headset Connector
Squelch Control
PC/IF Jack
BNC Antenna
Connector
Belt Clip
External DC
Power Jack
Battery Compartment
Figure 2 - PSR-500 rear view
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 21
PSR-500 Included Accessories
DC Adapter
USB Cable
Antenna
Non-rechargeable
battery holder
Rechargeable
battery holder
Figure 3 - PSR-500 Included Accessories (Compact Disc not shown)
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 22
Understanding the Display Icons
Your PSR-500 features a high contrast, 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
press the
FUNC key first and release it, then press the
FUNC,
next key.
The scanner is currently receiving trunking control channel
data.
The attenuator is set for Global mode.
The attenuator is currently active.
The radioʼs squelch circuit is open.
Signal meter indicating strength of the received signal.
Battery status indicator. Comes on solid when battery is
weak, and flashes two times each second when battery
failure is imminent. Briefly flashes approximately once
every second when the radio is connected to external
power and the internal battery charger circuit is active.
PSR-500 User Manual Page 23
NOTE: The “internal battery charger circuit active” indicator provides an
Pad
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.
Understanding the Keypad
Your PSR-500 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.
Softkeys
Five Way
Pushbutton
Numeric
Keypad
Operational
Keys
Figure 5 - Keypad layout
Softkeys
F1, F2, F3 - activate function shown in the LCD display
immediately above the softkey.
Five Way Pushbutton Pad
keys are used for navigation while browsing objects
and menus.
List selection in object menus.
SEL key activates data entry fields and toggles Scan
FUNC SEL activates context
sensitive help in menus.
Numeric Keypad
Used for data entry of frequencies, talkgroup IDs and
alphanumeric labels. Used while scanning,
Scan Lists 1-10 on and off. FUNC 1-9 and 0 toggle Scan Lists
11-20 on and off.
PSR-500 User Manual Page 24
1-9 and 0 toggle
Operation Keys
FUNC - activates alternate key functions. FUNC key operation is
very intuitive - typically it “amplifies” the keypress that follows it.
MAN - Places scanner in Manual Mode for monitoring single
objects.
SCAN - Places scanner in Scan Mode for scanning enabled
objects,
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
- activates backlight, FUNC locks keypad.
FUNC SCAN launches Spectrum Sweeper.
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, adding new objects or editing existing objects,
PGM accesses V-Scanner mode
L/OUT - Toggles Temporary Lockout on active or selected object,
FUNC L/OUT applies permanent lockout (can be changed in the
FUNC
GLOB menu)
ENT - Enter key
PSE - Pauses scan or search operation on active object
PSR-500 User Manual Page 25
Getting Started
First Time Startup
We believe that your new PSR-500 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
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 26
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.
NOTE: ! Two battery holders are included with your PSR-500. The black
!battery holder should be used with non-rechargeable alkaline
! batteries. The yellow battery holder should be used with
! rechargeable NiMH or NiCAD 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
!500 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. Always turn off the
!scanner when not in use to prevent deep discharge and
!possible battery leakage. Do not mix old and new batteries,
! different types of batteries (alkaline, or rechargeable),
! rechargeable batteries of different capacities or rechargeable
! batteries with different charge states. 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 Ni-Cd batteries, do not over
!charge them. Overcharging shortens battery life.
WARNING:!Do not allow metal objects such as key rings, necklaces, coins,
!etc., to touch the (+) and (-) terminals of the battery holder when
!batteries are installed. Shorting the (+) and (-) terminals of the
!battery holder will destroy the batteries and cause a fire.
!Discontinue use of any battery that exhibits leakage, swelling or
!abnormal generation of heat.
Attach the antenna
Remove the antenna from its protective plastic wrapper. Align the
slots on the antennaʼs BNC male connector with the posts on the
radioʼs BNC female connector and slide the antenna in place,
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 27
then rotate the antennaʼs 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 oʼclock) position.
NOTE: !While 12 oʼclock 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.# 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
2. Press the F3 key, which should show the label GLOB
immediately above it in the LCD display.
3. Press the nine times, or until the middle line of the display
reads Battery:Alkaline.
4. Press the or 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.
PGM key.
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 28
5. Press the F1 key (the SAVE softkey) to save your battery
settings to the radioʼs 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 solid 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
Your scanner provides an indication when the internal battery
charge circuit is active. The battery icon briefly 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.
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.
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 29
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 lowloss dielectric coaxial cable. If your antennaʼs 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 mast, connection of coaxial
! cable to an 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.
PSR-500 User Manual"Page 30
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