Radio Shack 2000523 Users manual
20-523 Owner’s Manual
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www.radioshack.com SM
PRO-93
Handheld Scanner
Owner’s Manual
Please read before using this equipment.
Contents
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© 2001 RadioShack Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack, RadioShack.com, and Adaptaplug are registered trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.
Hypersearch and Hyperscan are trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.
Motorola, Smartnet and Privacy Plus are registered trademarks of Motorola Inc.
EDACS is a registered trademark of GE/Ericsson Inc.
Features
Your RadioShack Handheld Scanner is one of a new generation of scanners designed to track Motorola®
Type I and II (such as Smartnet® and Privacy Plus®) and hybrid analog trunking systems, and GE/Ericsson
(EDACS®) type systems, which are extensively used in many communication systems.
Trunking communications systems let a large group of 2-way radio users (or even different groups of 2-way
radio users) efficiently use a set of frequencies. Instead of selecting a specific frequency for a transmission,
the user simply selects a talk group. The trunking system automatically transmits the call on the first available
frequency, and also sends a code that uniquely identifies that transmission.
Since the trunking system might send a call and its response on different frequencies, it is difficult to listen to
trunked communications using a regular scanner. The scanner monitors the data sent with a 2-way radio
transmission, so you can hear the call and response for that user and more easily “follow” the conversation.
The scanner also lets you scan conventional transmissions, and is preprogrammed with service search
banks for convenience. By pressing a single button, you can quickly search those frequencies most
commonly used by public service and other agencies without tedious and complicated programming.
This scanner gives you direct access to over 59,000 frequencies including those used by police and fire
departments, ambulance services, government agencies, air, and amateur radio services.
Your scanner includes these features:
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Simultaneous Trunking Operation – tracks two trunking systems (Motorola and EDACS) and conventional
systems at the same time.
10 Channel-Storage Banks – let you store 30 channels in each bank (300 channels) to group channels so
calls are easier to identify.
10 ID-Storage banks – let you store 1,000 IDs in 10 ID banks, each ID bank has 5 sub-ID banks, 20 IDs are
programmed in each sub-ID bank and let you easy identify the ID code.
12-Character, 4-Line, Dot-Matrix Display – shows you detailed operating information and lets you easily
program the scanner.
Weather Alert – automatically sounds the alarm tone to advise of hazardous weather conditions when it
detects the alert signal on the local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather
channel during priority operation.
Digital Weather Alert – displays the weather event text with three alert levels so you can see and hear the
reason for the alert.
Preprogrammed Frequency Ranges – lets you search for transmissions within preset frequency ranges or
within ranges you set, to reduce search time and select interesting frequencies more quickly.
Data Cloning – lets you transfer the programmed data to another PRO-93 or PRO-2053 scanner. You can
also upload or download the programmed data to or from a PC using an optional interface kit.
Triple Conversion Superheterodyne Receiver – virtually eliminates any interference from intermediate
frequency (IF) images, so you hear only the frequency you select.
Hyperscan TM and Hypersearch TM – the scanner scans and searches at up to 60 channels per second, to
help you quickly find interesting transmissions.
Scan Delay – delays scanning for about 2 seconds before moving to another channel in conventional mode,
so you can hear more replies that are made on the same channel.
Priority Channel – you can set the scanner to check one channel every 2 seconds so you do not miss
important calls.
Signal Attenuation (Attenuate) – lets you program in your scanner to reduce the scanner’s sensitivity to
strong local signals, to reduce interference or noise caused by these signals.
Text Input – lets you input a text label for each channel, talk group ID, bank, or other memory location so you
can easily know about the transmission you are hearing.
Lock Out Function – lets you set your scanner to skip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning
or searching, and skip over IDs when tracking trunked systems.
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Key Lock – lets you lock the scanner’s keys to help prevent accidentally changing the scanner’s
programming.
Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector – provides excellent reception and is designed to help prevent
antenna breakage.
Memory Backup – keeps the frequencies stored in memory for an extended time even without internal
batteries.
Three Power Options – let you power the scanner with internal batteries (non-rechargeable batteries or
rechargeable batteries). You can also use an AC adapter (not supplied) or power the scanner in a vehicle
using a DC adapter (not supplied).
Supplied Police Call Trunking Guide – provides a quick reference to public safety trunking radio systems in
the United States.
Your scanner can receive these frequencies:
. 25—54 MHz
. 108—136.9875 MHz
. 137—174 MHz
. 216—225 MHz
. 406—512 MHz
. 806—823.9875 MHz
. 849—868.9875 MHz
. 894—960 MHz
. 1240—1300 MHz
This Owner’s Manual also includes the section “A General Guide to Scanning” on Page XX to help you target
frequency ranges in your service area so you can search for a wide variety of transmissions.
FCC NOTICE
Your scanner might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To determine whether
your scanner is causing the interference, turn off your scanner. If the interference goes away, your scanner is
causing the interference. Try the following methods to eliminate the interference.
. Move your scanner away from the TV or radio.
. Connect your scanner to an outlet that is on a different electrical circuit from the TV or radio.
. Contact your local RadioShack store for help.
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop using your scanner.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this
device must not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
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including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in some areas. Check the laws in your area.
SCANNING LEGALLY
Scanning is a fun and interesting hobby. You can hear police and fire departments, ambulance services,
government agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, aircraft, and military operations. It is legal
to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some electronic and
wire communications that are illegal to intentionally intercept. These include:
. telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmission)
. pager transmissions
. scrambled or encrypted transmissions
According to the Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), as amended, you could be fined
and possible imprisoned for intentionally listening to, using, or disclosing the contents of such a transmission
unless you have the consent of a party to the communication (unless such activity is otherwise illegal). These
laws change from time to time and there might be state or local laws that also affect legal scanner usage.
Preparation
POWER SOURCES
You can power your scanner from any of three sources:
. internal non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries (not supplied – see “Using Batteries” on Page
XX)
. standard AC power (with an optional AC adapter – see “Using AC Power” on Page XX)
. vehicle power (with an optional DC adapter – see “Using Vehicle Power” on Page XX)
Notes:
. Connecting an AC or DC adapter to the scanner disconnects internal batteries when you use the supplied
non-rechargeable battery holder, but it does not disconnect internal batteries when you use the supplied
rechargeable battery holder.
. If you install the rechargeable battery holder, you can operate the scanner and recharge the rechargeable
batteries at the same time. See “Using Batteries” below and “Charging Rechargeable batteries” on Page XX.
. If the scanner stops working properly after connecting it to power, try resetting it. See “Resetting/Initializing
the Scanner” on Page XX.
Using Batteries
You can power the scanner with four AA batteries. For the longest operation and best performance, we
recommend alkaline batteries, available at your local RadioShack store.
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You can use either the supplied non-rechargeable black battery holder, or the supplied rechargeable yellow
battery holder. If you use the rechargeable battery holder, we recommend RadoShack nickel-metal hydride
batteries.
Warning: Never install non-rechargeable batteries in the rechargeable yellow battery holder. Nonrechargeable batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge them.
Note: You must charge rechargeable batteries before you use them the first time. See “Charging
Rechargeable Batteries” on Page XX.
Follow these steps to install the batteries.
1. Press down on the battery compartment cover on the back of the scanner and slide the cover in the
direction of the arrow to remove it.
2. Pull out and slide the battery holder out of the battery compartment.
3. If you are using non-rechargeable batteries, place them into the black holder, as indicated by the polarity
symbols (+ and -) marked on the holder. Or, if you are using rechargeable batteries, place them into the
yellow holder as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and-) marked on the holder.
Cautions:
. Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.
. Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that destroy electronic circuits.
. Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (alkaline or rechargeable), or rechargeable
batteries of different capacities.
4. Place the battery holder into the battery compartment.
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Caution: The battery holder fits only one way. Do not force it.
5. Replace the cover.
When battery power is low, Low Battery! Appears and the scanner beeps continuously. When battery power
is depleted, the scanner turns itself off. Replace all four non-rechargeable batteries, or recharge the
rechargeable batteries. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries.”
Warning: Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not bury or burn them.
Caution: 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.
Charging Rechargeable Batteries
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Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you charge rechargeable batteries (not supplied) while it
is in the scanner. To charge rechargeable batteries connect an appropriate AC or DC adapter to the PWR
DC 9V jack. We recommend RadioShack rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride 1500mA/h batteries.
Note: To charge batteries with a DC adapter from a DC power source, you must use RadioShack Cat. No.
273-1810 or 273-1815 and a size C Adaptaplug® (neither supplied) available at your local RadioShack store.
Make sure the adapter’s voltage is set to 9V.
It takes about 15 hours to recharge rechargeable batteries that are fully discharged 1500mA/h NiMH
batteries. You can operate the scanner while recharging the rechargeable batteries, but charging takes
longer.
Notes:
. The scanner can also charge Ni-Cd batteries. 600mA/h batteries require 6 hours and 850mA/h batteries
require 8 hours to charge.
. When you charge Ni-Cd batteries, please pay attention not to over charge. Over charge makes short
batteries life.
. Rechargeable batteries last longer and deliver more power if you let them fully discharge once a month. To
do this, use the scanner until Low Battery! appears. Then fully charge the rechargeable batteries.
Important: The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling Seal on the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery indicates
RadioShack is voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end
of their useful life, when taken out of service in the United States or Canada. The RBRC program provides a
convenient alternative to placing used Ni-Cd batteries into the trash or the municipal waste stream, which
may be illegal in your area. Please call 1-800-THE-SHACK (1-800-843-7422) for information on Ni-Cd
battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. RadioShack’s involvement in this program is
part of the company’s commitment to preserving out environment and conserving our natural resources.
Using AC Power
You can power the scanner using a 9V, 300 mA AC adapter and a size C Adaptaplug (neither supplied). We
recommend RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1767 (available at your local RadioShack store).
Cautions:
! You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must
be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s PWR DC 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet
these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
. Always connect the AC adapter to the scanner before you connect it to AC power. When you finish,
disconnect the adapter from AC power before you disconnect it from the scanner.
Follow these steps to connect the adapter.
1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapter’s cord with the tip set to positive.
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2. Plug the adapter’s barrel plug into the scanner’s PWR DC 9V jack.
3. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.
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Using Vehicle Power
You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power source (such as a cigarette-lighter socket) using a
9V, 300 mA DC adapter and a size C Adaptaplug (neither supplied). We recommend RadioShack Cat. No.
273-1810 (available at your local RadioShack store).
Cautions:
! You must use a power source that supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be set to
positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s PWR DC 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these
specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
. Always connect the DC adapter to the scanner before you connect it to the power source. When you finish,
disconnect the adapter from the power source before you disconnect it from the scanner.
Follow these steps to connect the adapter.
1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapter’s cord with the tip set to positive.
2. Plug the adapter’s barrel plug into the scanner’s PWR DC 9V jack.
3. Plug the adapter’s cigarette-lighter plug into your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket.
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Note: If the scanner does not operate properly when you connect a DC adapter, unplug the DC adapter from
the cigarette-lighter socket and clean the socket to remove ashes and other debris.
CONNECTING THE ANTENNA
Follow these steps to attach the supplied flexible antenna to the ANT jack on the top of your scanner.
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1. Align the slots around the antenna’s connector with the tabs on the ANT jack.
2. Press the antenna down over the jack and turn the antenna’s base clockwise until it locks into place.
Connecting an Optional Antenna
The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety of antennas, such
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as an external mobile antenna or outdoor base station antenna. Your local RadoShack store sells a variety of
antennas.
Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna. For lengths over
50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable, If your antenna’s cable does not have a BNC connector,
you will also need a BNC adapter (also available at your local RadioShack store).
Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to the scanner, then
connect it to the ANT 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, contact with the antenna,
mast, cable or guy wires can cause electrocution and death! Call the power company to remove the antenna.
Do not attempt to do so yourself.
CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/HEADPHONES
For private listening, you can plug an earphone or mono/stereo headphones (not supplied), available at your
local RadoShack store, into the (headphone symbol) jack on top of your scanner. This automatically
disconnects the internal speaker.
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Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or headphones:
. Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent
hearing loss.
. Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening, adjust the volume
to a comfortable level.
. Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume
level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.
Traffic Safety
Do not wear an earphone or headphones while you drive a vehicle or ride a bicycle. This can create a traffic
hazard and can be illegal in some areas.
Even though some earphones and headphones let you hear some outside sounds when you listen at normal
levels, they still can present a traffic hazard.
CONNECTING AN EXTENSION SPEAKER
In a noisy area, an amplified speaker (not supplied), available at your local RadioShack store, might provide
more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into your scanner’s
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(headphone symbol) jack.
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Note: You must use an amplified speaker with this scanner. Non-amplified speakers do not provide sufficient
volume for comfortable listening.
USING THE BELT CLIP
You can use the belt clip attached to the back of the scanner for hands-free carrying when you are on the go.
Slide the belt clip over your belt or waistband.
CONNECTING THE CLONE CABLE
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another PRO-93 or PRO-2053 using the clone cable (not
supplied). We recommend RadioShack Cat. No. 42-2420. Connect the cable between each scanner’s PC/IF
jacks. See “Cloning the Programmed Data from Scanner to Scanner” on Page XX. You can also upload or
download the programmed data to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit available by special order
from your local RadioShack store.
About Your Scanner
Once you understand a few simple terms used in this manual and familiarize yourself with your scanner’s
features, you can put the scanner to work for you. You simply determine the type of communications you
want to receive, then set the scanner to scan them.
A frequency is the receiving signal location (expressed in kHz or MHz). To find active frequencies, you can
use the search function.
You can also search the SEARCH banks, which are preprogrammed frequencies in the scanner’s memory
(see “Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range” on Page XX for the frequency list). You can change
the one SEARCH band (SR5) frequency ranges.
When you find a frequency, you can store it into a programmable memory location called a channel, which is
grouped with your other channels in a channel-storage bank. You can then scan the channel-storage banks
to see if there is activity on the frequencies stored there. Each time the scanner finds an active frequency, it
stays on that channel until the transmission ends. See “Trunking Operation” on Page XX for terms related to
trunking systems.
SCAN – scans through the programmed channels.
FUNC (function) – lets you use various functions by pressing this key along with other keys.
MANUAL – stops scanning and lets you directly enter a channel number.
WX – scans through the 7 preprogrammed weather channels.
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TRUNK – stores the trunking ID code or holds the trunking ID while scanning.
PRI (Priority) – sets and turns the priority function on or off.
TEXT – lets you input text.
PAUSE – stops search or scan.
MODE – changes the receive mode (AM, FM, MO, ED). See “Changing the Receive Mode” on Page XX.
(Light Symbol)/(Key Symbol)– turns on/off the display’s backlight or locks/unlocks the keypad to prevent
accidental entries.
TUNE – lets you input a frequency and allows you to fine tune a frequency along with /¥ or ¥/.
ATT (Attenuate) – turns attenuation on to reduce the scanner’s sensitivity, or turns it off to increase it.
/¥ or ¥/ – selects the search direction during frequency search or tuning.
SEARCH – lets you search the six search banks.
L/OUT (Lock Out) – lets you lock out a selected channel, skip a specified frequency during search, or lock
out a selected ID code.
PGM – programs frequencies into channels.
ENTER – lets you complete the entry of frequencies and text.
A LOOK AT THE KEYPAD
Your scanner’s keys might seem confusing at first, but this information should help you understand each
key’s function.
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1 – enters a 1, or inputs characters 0 through 9.
2/ABC – enters a 2, or inputs characters A, B, or C.
3/DEF – enters a 3, or inputs characters D, E, or F.
4/GHI – enters a 4, or inputs characters G, H, or I.
5/JKL – enters a 5, or inputs characters J, K, or L.
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6/MNO – enters a 6, or inputs characters M, N, or O.
7/PQRS – enters a 7, or inputs characters P, Q, R, or S.
8/TUV – enters a 8, or inputs characters T, U, or V.
9/WXYZ – enters a 9, or inputs characters W, X, Y, or Z.
0 – enters a zero, or inputs characters . , -, #, _, @, +, *, &, /, ‘, $, %, !, ^, (, ), ?, ->, ` or <-.
./DELAY – enters a decimal point (necessary when programming frequencies), space, or programs delay
time for the selected channel/search bank, or hyphen (in Motorola type I code setting).
CL – clears an incorrect entry.
A LOOK AT THE DISPLAY
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UNDERSTANDING BANKS
Channel Storage Banks
To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, channels are divided into 10 banks
(0—9) or 30 (00 to 29) channels each. Use each channel-storage bank to group frequencies, such as those
used by the Motorola trunking, EDACS trunking, Marine, CB, Police, Fire, Aircraft and Ham (see “Typical
Band Usage” on Page XX). For example, police department might use four frequencies, one for each side of
the town. You could program the police frequencies starting with 000 (the 1st channel in bank 0) and
program the fire department frequencies starting with 100 (the 1st channel in bank 1). The 1st digit identifies
the bank (0-9). The 2nd and 3rd digits identify the channel within the bank (00-29).
Search Banks
This scanner has five preprogrammed search bands plus one limit search band. You can set the lower and
higher frequency limit in limit search band. (For the default setting, see “Searching a Preprogrammed
Frequency Range” on Page XX.)
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCANNER’S MODES
You can program each channel with any of four receive modes except VHF band (no MO or ED mode in
VHF)). Each mode affects how your scanner operates when scanning and receiving transmissions, and also
affects what transmissions you receive when you set the scanner to the closed mode (see “Open and
Closed Modes” on Page XX). The following sections describe each mode and how they affect your scanners
operation. See “Changing the Receive Mode” on Page XX.
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In all major metropolitan areas of the United States, every available radio channels is assigned to more than
one user. Public safety radio systems on the same frequency are usually set up at a distance of 40 miles
apart, or more. This means that you may hear transmissions from a distant system when your local system is
not transmitting.
Open and Closed Modes
You can set your scanner to change the way it receives signals. These settings, called open mode and
closed mode, affect how the scanner receives signals from communications systems that use some type of
closed squelch (such as MOT, and ED systems).
You can set each of the scanner’s channel storage ID banks to open or closed mode.
In open mode, the scanner scans signals transmitted in all systems. In closed mode, the scanner scans
signals transmitted only under the following conditions:
. When the signals are in the FM mode.
. When the signals are in the MO, or ED mode and the signal’s ID code matches the programmed ID code.
You can also select the users or talk groups you want the scanner to receive in closed mode.
When you set a channel storage bank to open mode, + (open) appears under the bank’s number while
scanning. When you set a channel storage bank to closed mode, - (closed) appears under the channel
storage bank’s number while scanning. Or, OPEN or CLOSED appears while the scanner is in manual mode
or while the scanner is receiving a signal during scanning.
See “Changing the Open/Closed Mode” on Page XX for more information about setting the open and closed
modes.
AM Mode
This sets the scanner to receive transmissions using amplitude modulation (AM). AM is used for aircraft,
military, some amateur radio, and some government transmissions. When the scanner receives a
transmission on a channel set to the AM mode, it always stops on the transmission.
FM Mode
This sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM). FM is used for most public
safety transmissions, as well as broadcast, business, and amateur radio transmissions. When the scanner
receives a transmission on a channel set to the FM mode, it always stops on the transmission.
Motorola Mode
You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with Motorola trunking systems. This setting
is called the Motorola mode.
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Motorola systems are trunking systems used primarily by business and public safety groups to efficiently
allocate a small number of frequencies (as few as 5) to many groups of users (as many as several thousand).
To do this, each group of users in the system is assigned to a specific talk group. For example, the east side
patrol officers might all be assigned to talk group 2160. One channel in the system is continuously
transmitting data that identifies which talk groups are active on which channel. In addition, this talk group
information is also transmitted as subaudible data on each active channel.
When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the Motorola mode, it first decodes the talk
group ID data included with the transmission. In the open mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and
displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only stops on the
transmission if the talk group ID matches a talk group ID that you have stored in the bank’s talk group ID list
and have not locked out.
Motorola trunking systems come in three categories: Type I, Type II, and Type I/II Hybrid. Each category
displays and uses talk group IDs in slightly different ways.
Motorola Type I IDs are in the form FFF-SS, where:
FFF=Fleet ID
SS=Subfleet ID
Type I systems are usually organized with different user groups assigned to different fleets. For example, a
valid fleet/subfleet ID identifying all detectives within a police department might be 000-12, where 000
identifies all police users and 12 identifies the Detective division.
To properly map the raw Type I data to the correct fleet-subfleet format, you must program the correct fleet
map into the scanner. Fleet map information is widely available on the Internet for most Type I systems in
use.
Type II system talk groups are identified by a 5-digit number. Valid talk group IDs are divisible by 16. If you try
to enter an invalid talk group ID, the scanner rounds the ID down to the next valid ID.
Type I/II hybrid systems use both fleet-subfleet and 5-digit formats for talk group IDs.
Note: If the scanner decodes control channel data while receiving transmissions from a Motorola trunking
system, CNTRL appears on the bottom line of the display.
EDACS Mode
You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with EDACS (GE/Ericsson) trunking
systems. This setting is called the EDACS mode.
EDACS systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service
providers, as well as by some public safety organizations. EDACS systems transmit active talk group
information only on a dedicated control channel.
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EDACS frequencies are organized in a specific order. Each frequency is assigned a Logical Channel
Number (LCN). For the scanner to correctly switch to an active frequency, you must program the frequencies
in LCN order, starting with Memory 01. EDACS talk group IDs are entered as a 4-digit decimal number from
0001 to 2047 or AFS (Agency Fleet Subfleet) number from 00-001 to 15-157.
When there is activity on an EDACS system, that information is sent out on the control channel. The scanner
decodes the ID for the active talk group. In the open mode, the scanner then goes to the transmission and
displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only goes to
transmissions with IDs that match talk group IDs you have stored in the bank’s talk group ID list which are not
locked out.
Because EDACS scanning requires clear reception of the control channel at all times, EDACS systems tend
to have a smaller usable area. An external antenna can greatly improve EDACS scanning in a fringe area. If
you are having trouble scanning an EDACS system, try manually selecting the data channel. If you are
getting good reception, the scanner will indicate talk group CTL-01. Try changing your location or using an
outdoor antenna to improve reception.
Operation
TURNING ON THE SCANNER AND SETTING SQUELCH
1. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise until the indicator points to MIN before you turn on the scanner.
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2. To turn on the scanner, turn VOLUME clockwise. Welcome To Dual Trunking appears. After about 3
seconds, you hear a hissing sound.
3. Turn SQUELCH clockwise, just until the hissing sound stops.
4. To turn off the scanner when you finish, turn VOLUME counterclockwise to OFF.
Notes:
• The scanner does not scan if there are no frequencies stored in channels. If the scanner does not scan and
you have already stored frequencies in channels, turn SQUELCH further clockwise.
• If the scanner picks up unwanted, partial, or very weak transmissions, turn SQUELCH clockwise to
decrease the scanner’s sensitivity to these signals. If you want to listen to a weak or distant station, turn
SQUELCH counterclockwise.
• If SQUELCH is adjusted so you always hear a hissing sound, the scanner will not scan properly.
• To ensure the scanner operates properly while in the trunking mode, we suggest you set SQUELCH using
the above steps, even if the scanner is automatically muted.
STORING KNOWN FREQUENCIES INTO CHANNELS
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Good references for active frequencies are RadioShack’s Police Call, Aeronautical Frequency Directory, and
Maritime Frequency Directory. We update these directories every year, so be sure to get a current copy. Also
see the supplied Police Call Trunking Guide.
Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels.
1. Press MANUAL, enter the channel number where you want to store a frequency, then press MANUAL
again. M and the channel number appear at the upper left corner of the display (for example: M100).
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Notes:
You can also select your desired bank and channel number by follow those steps while program mode.
1). Press FUNC then /¥ (¥/) and the bank number moves upward (downward).
2). Press FUNC then press and hold /¥ (¥/) and the bank number moves upward (downward).
3). Press PGM or /¥ and the channel number moves upward one by one.
4). Press down and the channel number moves downward one by one.
2. Press PGM. M changes to P.
3. Use the number keys and •/DELAY to enter the frequency (including the decimal point) you want to store.
If you make a mistake, hold down CL for about 1 second to delete a single digit and about 2 seconds to
delete all digits.
4. Press ENTER to store the frequency into the channel. The blinking cursor disappears.
Notes:
• If you made a mistake in Step 3, Invalid Freq briefly appears and the scanner beeps when you press
ENTER. Starts again from Step 3.
• Your scanner automatically rounds the entered frequency to the nearest valid frequency. For example, if
you enter a frequency of 151.473, your scanner accepts it as 151.470.
• Press •/DELAY to turn the delay function on or off. To have the scanner pause for 2 seconds on this
channel after a transmission before proceeding to the next active transmission, see “Using the Delay
Function” on Page XX. The scanner stores this setting in the channel.
• If you are storing frequencies for an EDACS system, you must store them in logical channel number order,
with the first frequency in channel 1 for the current bank.
5. If necessary, press MODE to change the receiving mode.
6. If desired, program a text tag for the channel (see “Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel”).
7. The next channel in sequence is ready for programming. Press PGM and then repeat Steps 3 through 5.
STORING TEXT TAGS
You can customize your scanner by storing text tags (up to 12 characters) for easy identification of channel
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