Radio Shack 20-423 User Manual

Download

200-Channel VHF/AIR/UHF

with WX Alert

Desktop Scanner

20-423 Owner’s Manual

Please read before using this equipment.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the RadioShack 200-Channel VHF/AIR/UHF Desktop Scanner. This scanner gives you direct access to over 25,000 frequencies, including those used by police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, air, and amateur radio services. You can select up to 200 channels to scan, and you can change your selection at any time.

The secret to your scanner's ability to scan so many frequencies is its built-in microprocessor. Your scanner also has these special features:

Four Service Banks

preset frequencies in separate fire/police, air, ham radio, and marine banks, to make it easy to locate specific types of calls.

Two-Second Scan Delay

scanning for 2 seconds before moving to another channel, so you can hear more replies.

Ten Channel-Storage Banks

store up to 20 channels in each of 10 different banks, to group channels so you can more easily identify calls.

20 Monitor Memories

save up to 20 frequencies you locate during a search, so you can move selected frequencies to channel storage later.

Memory Backup

frequencies stored in memory for about 1 hour during a power loss.

HyperSearch

you set the scanner to search at up to 50 steps per second and to scan at up to 25 channels per second, to help quickly find interesting transmissions.

— let you search

— delays

— let you

— let you temporarily

— keeps the channel

HyperScan

and

RadioShack and RadioShack.com are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.

Hyperscan, Hypersearch, and Adaptaplug are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.

TM— let

2001 RadioShack Corporation.

Introduction

Duplicate Frequency Check

automatically notifies you if you are about to store a frequency you have already stored, to help avoid wasting storage space.

Direct Search

and unlisted frequencies starting from a specified frequency.

Priority Channel

frequency in the priority channel to be scanned every 2 seconds so you do not miss important calls.

Weather Band (WX) Key

preprogrammed weather frequencies to keep you informed about current weather conditions.

Weather Alert

alarm tone to advise of hazardous weather conditions when the scanner detects an alert signal on the local NOAA weather channel.

Lock-Out Function

scanner to skip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning or searching.

Liquid Crystal Display

view and change programming information at any time.

Display Backlight

easy to read in low light situations.

Supplied Telescoping Antenna

scanner receive strong local signals.

External Antenna Terminal

connect an external antenna (not supplied) to the scanner.

— lets you search for new

— lets you program a

— automatically sounds the

— lets you set your

— makes the scanner

—

— scans seven

— makes it easy to

— lets the

— lets you

Dual Conversion

— helps prevent

interference from image frequencies.

To reduce the risk the of fire or

WARNING:

shock hazard, do not expose this produ ct to rain or moisture.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELEC-

CAUTION:

TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

The lightning symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulat ed dangerous voltage within this product’s enclosure that might be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. Do not open the product’s case.

The exclamation symbol is intende d to inform you that important operating and maintenance instructions are incl uded in

the literature accompanying this p roduct.

SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

Your scanner receives these frequencies (MHz):

• connecting your scanner to an outlet that is on a different electrical circuit from the receiver

• contacting 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

Rules

. Operation is subject to the following

FCC

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.

29–30 10m Amateur Radio 30–50 VHF Lo 50–54 6 m Amateur Radio 108–136.9875 Air 137–144 Government 144–148 2 m Amateur Radio 148–174 VHF Hi 380–420 Government 420–450 70 cm Amateur Radio 450–470 UHF Lo 470–512 UHF “T” Band

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 it. Try to eliminate the interference by:

• moving your scanner away from the receiver

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 private means of telephone signal transmission)

• pager transmissions

• any scrambled or encrypted transmissions

According to the

Privacy Act

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).

Electronic Communications

(ECPA), you are subject to fines

Introduction

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 it is not

Contents

Preparation ............................................................................................................................. 6

Power Sources .................................................................................................................. 6

Using AC Power ......................................................................................................... 6

Using Vehicle Battery Power ...................................................................................... 6

Connecting an Antenna .................................................................................................... 7

Connecting the Supplied Antenna ............................................................................. 7

Connecting an Outdoor Antenna ............................................................................... 7

Understanding Your Scanner ................................................................................................ 8

A Look at the Controls ....................................................................................................... 8

A Look at the Display ........................................................................................................ 9

Understanding Service Banks/Banks .............................................................................. 10

Channel Storage Banks ........................................................................................... 10

Service Banks .......................................................................................................... 11

Operation ............................................................................................................................ .. 14

Turning On the Scanner/Setting Volume and Squelch .................................................... 14

Storing Known Frequencies into Channels ..................................................................... 14

Finding and Storing Active Frequencies ......................................................................... 15

Searching the Service Banks ................................................................................... 15

Using Direct Search ................................................................................................. 16

Using the Monitor Memory .................................................. ... .................................... ..... 17

ýýýý

Listening to a Monitor Memory

Moving a Frequency from a Monitor Memory to a Channel ..................................... 17

Scanning the Stored Channels ....................................................................................... 17

Scanning Options .................................................................................................... 18

Turning Channel Storage Banks On and Off ................................................................... 18

Monitoring a Stored Channel .......................................................................................... 18

Clearing a Stored Channel .............................................................................................. 18

Listening to the Marine Bank ........................................................................................... 19

Listening to the Weather Band ........................................................................................ 19

Weather Channel Frequency Chart ........................................................................ 19

Using the Weather Alert ........................................................................................... 19

Special Features ................................................................................................................... 20

Frequency ............................................................... 17

legal to listen to. Doing so could subject you to legal penalties.

We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.

Warning:

receive cellular radio telephone service signals is prohibited under under federal law.

Modification of this device to

FCC rules

and

Contents

Using the Delay Function ............................................................................................... 20

Locking Out Channels and Frequencies ........................................................................ 20

Locking Out Channels ............................................................................................. 20

Locking Out Frequencies ........................................................................................ 20

Reviewing Locked-Out

Frequencies ........................................................................................................................... 21

Removing All Locked-Out Tags From Frequencies ................................................. 21

Removing All Lockout Tags from Frequencies in All Service Banks ....................... 21

Using Priority .............................................. ... .................................... ...................... 21

Turning the Key Tone On and Off ................................................................................... 21

Using a Computer to Program the Scanner ................................................................... 22

Birdie Frequencies .................................. .................................... .................................... 22

United States Broadcast Band ....................................................................................... 22

Guide to the Action Bands .................................................................................................. 23

Typical Band Usage ................................................................................................ 23

Primary Usage ................................... ... ..................................... .............................. 23

Band Allocation .......................................................................... ... ................................. 24

Avoiding Image Frequencies .......................................................................................... 27

Frequency Conversion ................................................................................................... 27

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... 28

Resetting/Initializing the Scanner ................................. ... ... .................................... ... ... .. 28

Resetting the Scanner ............................................................................................. 28

Initializing the Scanner ............................................................................................ 29

Care ................................................................................................................................ 29

Specifications .................................................................................................................... .. 30

Contents

Preparation

POWER SOURCES

Using AC Power

You can power the scanner using the supplied 12V, 300mA AC adapter.

Cautions:

Y ou must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 12V DC

and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner's jack. The supplied adapter meets these specifications. 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.

Warning:

use the AC adapter’s polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless you can fully insert the blades to prevent blade exposure.

To prevent electric shock, do not

DC12V

Using Vehicle Battery Power

You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power source (such as cigarette-lighter socket) using a 12V, 300-mA DC cord and a size M Adaptaplug™ connector (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store.

Cautions:

You must use a power cord that can carry 12V DC and at

least 300 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner's cord that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the cord.

• Always connect the DC cord to the scanner before you connect it to the power source. When you finish, disconnect the cord from the power source before you disconnect it from the scanner.

Follow these steps to power the scanner from a vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket.

DC12V

jack. Using an

Follow these steps to power the scanner from a standard AC outlet.

1. Insert the AC adapter’s barrel plug into

DC12V

the scanner.

2. Plug the adapter into a standard AC outlet.

jack on the back of the

Preparation

1. Connect the adaptaplug connector to the DC cord so the tip reads positive (+).

2. Insert the DC cord’s barrel plug into the

DC12V

jack on the back of the scanner.

3. Plug the cord into the vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket.

Notes

• If you use a 12V DC cord and your vehicle's engine is running, you might hear electrical noise on the scanner caused by the engine. This is normal.

to hear, adjust the antenna's length according to the chart below.

Frequency Antenna Length

29–174 MHz Extend fully

380–512 MHz Extend 2 segments

• Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in some areas. Check the laws in your area.

CONNECTING AN ANTENNA

Connecting the Supplied Antenna

You must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner.

The supplied telescoping antenna helps your scanner receive strong local signals. To install the antenna, thread it clockwise into the hole on top of the scanner.

The scanner's sensitivity depends on its location and the antenna's length. For the best reception of the transmissions you want

Connecting an Outdoor Antenna

Instead of the supplied antenna, you can connect an outdoor base-station or mobile antenna (neither supplied) to your scanner. Your local RadioShack store sells a variety of antennas. Choose the one that best meets your needs.

When deciding on an outdoor antenna and its location, consider these points:

• The antenna should be located as high as possible.

• The antenna and antenna cable should be as far as possible from sources of electrical noise (appliances, other radios, and so on).

• The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.

To connect an optional base-station or mobile antenna, first remove the supplied antenna from the scanner. Always use 50 Ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect the base-station or mobile antenna. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If the antenna cable's connector does not fit in the

ANT

jack on the back of the scanner, you might also need a PL-259-to-Motorola antenna plug adapter. Your local RadioShack store carries a wide variety of coaxial antenna cable and connectors.

Once you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna. Then route the antenna's cable to

Preparation

the scanner and connect the cable to the

ANT

jack.

Warning:

install or remove 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,

Use extreme caution when you

Understanding Y our Scanner

cable, or guy wires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to remove the antenna. Do not attempt to do so yourself.

Caution:

edges or moving parts that might damage it.

Do not run the cable over sharp

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.

frequency

A station (expressed in kHz or MHz). To find active frequencies, you can use the function.

is the tuning location of a

You can also search the

banks

, which are preset groups of

frequencies categorized by type of service. When you find a frequency, you can store it

into a programmable memory location called

channel

a channels in a can then 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.

, which is grouped with your other

channel-storage bank

scan

the channel-storage banks to

service-search

. You

A LOOK AT THE CONTROLS

Some of the scanner’s keys perform more than one function (such as marked with more than one label. The steps in this Owner’s Manual show only the label on the key appropriate to the action being performed.

MON/CL

) and are

POWER

— turns the scanner on and off.

VOLUME

SQUELCH

to an incoming signal.

— adjusts the volume.

— adjusts the scanner’s sensitivity

BAND

— lets you search service banks.

PRI/ALERT

and off, or sets the scanner to WX alert mode.

Understanding Your Scanner

— turns the priority function on

— scans through the seven

preprogrammed weather channels.

PGM

(Program) — programs frequencies into

channels.

SCAN

— scans through the programmed

channels.

MANUAL

directly enter a channel number.

L/O RVW, L/O

lets you review locked-out frequencies, or lets you lock out selected channels/ frequencies so they will not be scanned or searched.

8888#

scanner will search or scan.

MON/CL

monitor memories or clears an incorrect entry.

— stops scanning and lets you

(Lock Out Review/Lock Out) —

9999

— enters the direction the

and

(Monitor/Clear) — accesses the 20

Number Keys

label and a range of numbers. Use the digits on the keys to enter the numbers for a channel or a frequency. Use the range of numbers above the key (21–40, for example) to select the channel in a channel-storage bank.

DELAY/.

the selected channel, or enters a decimal point (necessary when programming frequencies).

ENTER

A LOOK AT THE DISPLAY

The display shows the scanner’s current operating mode.

— each key has a single-digit

—- programs a 2-second delay for

—- enters frequencies into channels.

FD/PD

— appears when you search the fire/

police service bank.

BANK

— appears with numbers (1–10). Bank numbers with a bar under them show which ones are turned on for scanning.

AIR

— appears when you search the air

service bank.

HAM

— appears when you search the ham

radio service bank.

MARINE

marine service bank.

— appears when you search the

Understanding Your Scanner

8888

9999

— indicates the search or scan

direction.

— flashes with a number (1–20) to show

which monitor memory you are listening to.

—- the digits that precede this indicator (1–200 and P) show which channel the scanner is tuned to.

L/O

— appears when you manually select a channel you locked out while scanning or when you review a locked out frequency.

— appears when you scan the weather

channels.

SRCH

— appears during service bank and

direct frequency searches.

— appears when the scanner is tuned to

the priority channel.

SCAN

— appears when you scan channels.

MAN

— appears when you manually select a

channel.

PGM

— appears while you program

frequencies into the scanner's channels.

PRI

— appears when you turn on the priority

feature.

DLY

— appears when you program a 2-

second delay.

Error

— appears when you make an entry

error.

-dUPL-

try to store a frequency that is already stored in another channel.

-d-

search.

-b-

frequency search.

Ch-FULL

a frequency during a search when all channels are full.

(Duplicate) — appears when you

— appears during a direct frequency

— appears during a service bank

— appears when you try to enter

ALErt

— appears when the scanner is

watching the WX alert tone.

WIrEd

— appears when you turn on the

wired programming mode.

StArt

— appears when the scanner starts

wired programming.

C-Err

— appears when the scanner receives a check sum error during wired programming.

D-Err

— appears when the scanner finds a data error while using wired programming.

End

— appears when the scanner finishes

wired programming.

oFF tonE

tone off.

on tonE

tone on.

— appears when you set the key

UNDERSTANDING SERVICE BANKS/BANKS

Channel Storage Banks

F L-out

search from a locked-out frequency.

FLo -FULL

lockout a frequency during a search when 50 frequencies are already locked out.

L-r

frequencies.

dEFAULt

the locked-out frequencies from the service bank.

FLo ALL-CL

all the locked out frequencies during a service bank/direct search.

— appears when you start direct

— appears when you try to

— appears when you review the lockout

— appears when you unlock all

— appears when you remove

Understanding Your Scanner

To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, channels are divided into 10 banks of 20 channels each. Use each channel-storage bank to group frequencies, such as those used by the police department, fire department, ambulance services, or aircraft (see “Guide to the Action Bands” on Page 23). For example, the police department might use four frequencies, one for each side of town. You could program the police frequencies starting with Channel 1 (the first channel in bank 1) and program the fire department frequencies starting with Channel 21 (the first channel in bank 2).

Service Banks

The scanner is preprogrammed with the frequencies allocated by fire/police, aircraft, ham radio, and marine services. In these service banks, you can search through the frequencies and store them in channels for fire/police, aircraft, ham radio, and marine banks. This is handy for quickly finding active frequencies instead of searching through an entire band.

Note:

The frequencies in the scanner's service bank are preset. You cannot change them.

Air

Group

— 108.000–136.9875 12.5

Frequency Range

(MHz)

Amateur Radio

Group

1 29.000–29.700 5 2 50.000–54.000 5 3 144.000–148.000 5 4 420.000–450.000 12.5

Frequency Range

(MHz)

Step

(kHz)

Step

(kHz)

Understanding Your Scanner

Marine

Channel Frequency (MHz) Channel Frequency (MHz)

06 156.3000 64 156.2250 07 156.3500 65 156.2750 08 156.4000 66 156.3250 09 156.4500 67 156.3750 10 156.5000 68 156.4250 11 156.5500 69 156.4750 12 156.6000 70 156.5250 13 156.6500 71 156.5750 14 156.7000 72 156.6250 15 156.7500 73 156.6750 16 156.8000 74 156.7250 17 156.8500 77 156.8750 18 156.9000 78 156.9250 19 156.9500 79 156.9750

20 157.0000/161.6000 80 157.0250 21 157.0500 81 157.0750 22 157.1000 82 157.1250 23 157.1500 83 157.1750 24 157.2000/161.8000 84 157.2250/161.8250 25 157.2500/161.8500 85 157.2750/161.8750 26 157.3000/161.9000 86 157.3250/161.9250 27 157.3500/161.9500 87 157.3750/161.9750 28 157.4000/162.0000 88 157.4250

Understanding Your Scanner

Fire/Police

Group

1 33.420–33.980 20

2 153.770–154.130 60

Frequency Range

(MHz)

37.020–37.420 20

39.020–39.980 20

42.020–42.940 20

44.620–45.860 40

45.880 —

45.900 —

45.940–46.060 40

46.080–46.500 20

154.145–154.445 15

154.650–154.950 15

155.010–155.370 60

155.415–155.700 15

155.730–156.210 60

Step

(kHz)

158.730–159.210 60

166.250 —

170.150 —

3 453.0375–453.9625 12.5

458.0375–458.9625 12.5

460.0125–460.6375 12.5

465.0125–465.6375 12.5

Understanding Your Scanner

Operation

TURNING ON THE SCANNER/SETTING VOLUME AND SQUELCH

1. Turn

2. Slide

3. Turn

4. Turn

5. To turn off the scanner when yo u finish,

SQUELCH

until the indicator points to

POWER

scanner.

VOLUME

hissing sound.

SQUELCH

hissing sound stops.

Notes:

• To listen to a weak or distant station,

SQUELCH

turn reception is poor, turn clockwise to cut out weak transmissions.

SQUELCH

•If hear a hissing sound, the scanner does not scan or search properly.

POWER

slide

fully counterclockwise

MIN

to turn on the

clockwise until you hear a

clockwise, just until the

counterclockwise. If

SQUELCH

is adjusted so you always

OFF

STORING KNOWN FREQUENCIES INTO CHANNELS

Good references for active frequencies are the RadioShack

Frequency Directory Frequency Directory

directories every year, so be sure to get a current copy.

Police Call, Aeronautical

Maritime

, and . We update these

Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels.

PGM

1. Press (1–200) where you want to store a frequency, then press channel number appears.

2. Use the number keys and • to enter the frequency (including the decimal point) you want to store.

3. Press the channel.

Notes

• If you made a mistake in Step 2,

Error

beeps when you press Simply start again from Step 2.

• Your scanner automatically rounds

the entered frequency down to the closest valid frequency. For example, if you enter a frequency for 151.473, your scanner accepts it as 151.470.

• If you entered a frequency that is

already stored in another channel, the scanner beeps three times and displays the lowest channel number where the frequency is already stored, and frequency flashes. If you want to store the frequency anyway, press

ENTER

the frequency.

• Press

to pause 2 seconds on this channel after a transmission ends before it proceeds to the next channel (see “Using the Delay Function” on Page 20). The scanner also stores this setting in the channel.

, enter the channel number

PGM

again. The

ENTER

to store the frequency into

appears and the scanner

ENTER

-dUPL-

again. Press

DELAY

if you want the scanner

then the

MON/CL

to clear

Operation

4. To program the next channel in sequence, press 2 and 3.

PGM

and repeat Steps

FINDING AND STORING ACTIVE FREQUENCIES

Searching the Service Banks

• T o reverse the search direction at any

8888

9999

time, hold down scanner reverses the search direction.

• To search the band up or down in small increments repeatedly press

8888

and release Banks” on Page 11).

until the

9999

(see “Service

Your scanner contains groups of preset frequencies called service banks. Each service bank is associated with a specific activity (see “Understanding Service Banks/ Banks” on Page 10). You can search for fire/ police, air, ham, and marine transmissions even if you do not know the specific frequencies that are used in your area. Then you can store the frequencies you found into the scanner's channels or monitor memories.

Note:

You can use the scanner's delay feature while searching the service banks (see “Using the Delay Function” on Page 20).

The following steps describe the operation of the HAM, FD/PD, and AIR service banks. To listen to the marine bank, see “Listening to the Marine Bank” on Page 19.

BAND

1. Press name (such as frequency and the group number (if any) appear.

2. To select a different band, repeatedly press appears on the display. After about 2 seconds, the scanner begins searching rapidly up or down in that band for an active frequency.

Notes

• To search through the frequencies,

hold down seconds. The scanner tunes through the frequencies until it finds an active frequency .

. The last selected band

HAM

SRCH, -b-

BAND

until the desired band name

8888

9999

for a few

, the

• T o pause the search while receiving a

8888

signal, press and release T o continue the search, hold down

9999

for about 2 seconds.

• To move quickly up or down through the frequencies, press and hold down

8888

9999

. The scanner tunes through

the frequencies until you release

9999

• Use the number keys to select search groups.

3. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops searching and displays the frequency's number. To store the displayed frequency in the lowest available channel, press then press frequency flash twice, and the scanner stores the displayed frequency. The scanner then continues to search for frequencies.

Notes:

• If there is no empty channel,

FULL

To store more frequencies, you must clear some channels. See “Clearing a Stored Channel” on Page 18. To continue searching after appears, press and hold down

9999

• If you entered a frequency that is

already stored in another channel,

dUPL-

channel containing the duplicate

ENTER

. The channel and

appears when you press

and the lowest-numbered

PGM

Ch-

Ch-FULL

9999

PGM

8888

Operation

frequency flash for about 3 seconds. If you want to store the frequency anyway, press delete the frequency later.

4. To store the displayed frequency in the selected channel, press channel number you want to enter the channel and press

ENTER

press frequency flash twice, and the scanner stores the displayed frequency. The scanner continues to search for frequencies.

5. To store the displayed frequency in the monitor memory, press monitor memory number, M, and the frequency flash twice.

6. To search for another active frequen cy in the selected band, hold down

9999

until the radio begins searching.

7. To select a different band and search for another active frequency, begin again from Step 2.

ENTER

again. Y ou can

PGM

, press the

PGM

again, then

. The channel and

MON/CL

. The

8888

9999

2. Hold down to search up or down.

8888

9999

appear on the display.

Notes:

• T o reverse the search direction at any

time, hold down seconds.

• To search up or down in th e selected

band in small increments (in steps of 5 or 12.5 kHz), press and release

9999

• To pause the search, press and

release again, hold down

• To quickly move up or down through

the frequencies, press and hold down

8888

the frequencies until you release or

8888

9999

. The scanner tunes through

9999

for a few seconds

-d-, SRCH

8888

9999

. T o begin searching

8888

for a few

9999

, and

8888

Using Direct Search

During a direct search, the scanner searches up or down, starting from a frequency you specify. Follow these steps to use direct search.

Note

: You can use the scanner's delay

feature while using direct search.

1. Press

MANUAL

frequency (including the decimal point) you want to use as a starting point for the search.

Note:

To start from a frequency already stored in one of your scanner's channels, press the desired channel number, then press

MANUAL

PGM

MANUAL

again.

, then enter the

PGM

, enter

Operation

3. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops searching and displays the frequency. To store the displayed frequency in the lowest

PGM

8888

then press

Ch-

appears,

9999

available channel, press

ENTER

. The channel and frequency flash twice, and the scanner stores the frequency. The scanner continues to search for frequencies.

Notes:

• If there is no empty channel,

FULL

appears. To store more frequencies, you must clear some channels. “Clearing a Stored Channel” on Page 18. To continue searching after press and hold down

Ch-FULL

• If you entered a frequency that is already stored in another channel,

dUPL-

and the lowest-numbered channel containing the duplicate frequency flash for about 3 seconds. If you want to store the frequency

ENTER

anyway, press

• To store the displayed frequency in the selected channel, press press the channel number you want to use and press

ENTER

press frequency flash twice, and the scanner stores the frequency. Then the scanner continues to search for frequencies.

. The channel and

again.

PGM

again, then

PGM

the current monitor memory frequency appears. To select other monitor memories, enter the desired monitor memory's number (1–20), then press

MON/CL

again.

Moving a Frequency from a Monitor Memory to a Channel

1. Press

PGM

, enter the channel number where you want to store the frequency, then press selected channel number appear.

PGM

again.

PGM

and the

4. To store the frequency in the monitor

8888

MON/CL

memory, press memory number, and the frequency flash twice.

5. To search for another active frequency, hold down

. M, the monitor

9999

USING THE MONITOR MEMORY

The scanner has 20 monitor memories that you can use to temporarily store frequencies while you decide whether to save them into channels. This is handy for quickly storing an active frequency when you are searching through an entire band. You can store a frequency into a monitor memory during a service bank or direct search.

You can select monitor memories manually, but you cannot scan them. See "Listening to a Monitor Memory Frequency."

Listening to a Monitor Memory Frequency

2. Press

3. Enter the desired monitor memory's

4. Press

5. To move another monitor memory

MON/CL

number, and CH flash, and the monitor memory frequency appear.

number (1–20), then press again. The selected monitor memory's frequency appears.

ENTER

frequency in the selected channel.

frequency to the next channel, press

PGM

and repeat Steps 2–4.

. M, a monitor memory

MON/CL

. The scanner stores the

SCANNING THE STORED CHANNELS

To set the scanner to continuously scan through all channels with stored frequencies,

SCAN

press scanner begins to rapidly scan until it finds an active frequency.

and 8 appear, and the

To recall a frequency stored in the monitor memory, press monitor memory number, and CH flash and

MANUAL

then

MON/CL

. M, the

If the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops and displays that channel and

Operation

frequency number, then it automatically begins scanning again when the transmission ends on that frequency.

Scanning Options

While scanning you can select from several options to enhance your scanning enjoyment.

• To reverse the scanning direction at any

8888

time, press

• To set the scanner to remain on the current channel for 2 seconds after the transmission ends, see “Using the Delay Function” on Page 20.

• To set the scanner to remain on the current channel even after the transmission stops, press any time during the transmission so appears and “Monitoring a Stored Channel.”

• To lock out channels so the scanner does not stop for a transmission on those channels, see “Locking Out Channels and Frequencies” on Page 20.

9999

SCAN

disappears. See

MANUAL

MAN

TURNING CHANNEL STORAGE BANKS ON AND OFF

To turn off banks while scanning, press the bank’s number key until the bar under the bank’s number disappears. The scanner does not scan any of the channels within the banks you have turned off.

To turn on banks while scanning, press the bank’s number key until a bar appears under the bank’s number.

Notes:

• You cannot turn off all banks. There must be at least one active bank.

• You can manually select any channel in a bank, even if the bank is turned off.

• When you turn on the bank while scanning, the scanner moves to the selected bank's first channel and continues scanning.

MONITORING A STORED CHANNEL

You can continuously monitor a specific channel without scanning. This is useful if you hear an emergency broadcast on a channel and do not want to miss any details — even though there might be periods of silence — or if you simply want to monitor that channel.

Follow these steps to manually select a channel.

1. Press

2. Enter the channel number (1–200).

3. Press

MANUAL

again.

CLEARING A STORED CHANNEL

If you no longer want a frequency stored in a channel (and you do not want to replace that frequency with a different one), follow these steps to clear the stored frequency.

1. Press

2. Use the number keys to select the

3. Press

4. Press 0, then press

MANUAL

or to stop scanning.

desired channel number, then press

MANUAL

PGM

frequency number changes to

000.0000

cleared.

to exit the service banks

PGM

appears.

ENTER

. The

to indicate the channel is

Operation

5. To clear another channel, use the number keys to enter that channel number, then press repeatedly press channel number appears. Then repeat Step 4.

PGM

again. Or,

PGM

until the desired

Weather Channel Frequency Chart

Weather Channel

Frequency (MHz)

LISTENING TO THE MARINE BANK

1. To listen to the marine bank, repeatedly

BAND

press

2. To change the channel, press either

9999

, or enter the two-digit channel.

3. To scan through the marine bank, rotate

SQUELCH

disappears, then hold down either

9999

for about 2 seconds.

disappears and

4. To exit scanning and to ch ange the channel manually, hold down for about 2 seconds.

MARINE

until

clockwise until the hiss just

appears.

8888

MAN

SCAN

appears.

8888

9999

8888

LISTENING TO THE WEATHER BAND

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has allocated seven frequencies for use by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA broadcasts your local forecast and regional weather information on one or more of these frequencies. We have programmed your scanner with these seven frequencies.

1 162.400 2 162.425 3 162.450 4 162.475

Using the

This scanner can receive NOAA weather alert tone broadcasts in case of an emergency. The weather alert tone sound warns you of serious weather conditions.

To listen for an alert tone, press while you are tuned to the weather channel.

ALErt

weather alert, it sounds a tone. Press any key to mute the tone. To cancel the alert monitoring and return to the weather channel standard broadcast, press

5 162.500 6 162.525 7 162.550

Weather Alert

appears. If the scanner detects a

PRI/ALERT

again.

To hear your local forecast and regional

weather information, press begins to scan the weather band.

You will probably receive one frequency better than the others for your area. The scanner should stop within a few seconds on that frequency. If the broadcast is weak,

press

again to resume scanning.

. The scanner

Operation

Special Features

USING THE DELAY FUNCTION

Many agencies use a two-way radio system that has a period of several seconds between a query and a reply. To avoid missing a reply, you can program a 2– second delay into any channel or frequency.

When your scanner stops on any channel or

DLY

frequency with a programmed delay, appears and the scanner continues to monitor that frequency for an additional 2 seconds after the transmission stops before resuming scanning or searching.

You can program a 2 second delay in any of these ways:

• If the scanner is scanning and stops on an active channel, quickly press before it continues scanning.

• If the desired channel is not selected, manually select the channel, then press

DELAY

• If the scanner is searching, press

DELAY

automatically adds a 2-second delay to every transmission it stops on in that band.

To turn off the delay, press scanner is monitoring the channel or frequency.

DLY

appears and the scanner

DELAY

DLY

disappears.

while the

DELAY

LOCKING OUT CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES

You can increase the scanning or search speed by locking out individual channels or frequencies that have a continuous transmission, such as a weather channel (see the “Weather Channel Frequency

Chart” on Page 19) or birdie frequency (see “Birdie Frequencies” on Page 22).

Locking Out Channels

To lock out a channel while scanning, press

until

L/O (L/O RVW)

L/O

appears.

when the scanner

L/O (L/O RVW)

and release stops on the channel.

To lock out a channel manually, select the channel then press and release

RVW)

To unlock a channel, manually select that channel again, then press

disappears from the display.

Notes

• The scanner automatically locks out empty channels.

• Y ou can still manually tune to locked-out channels.

Locking Out Frequencies

To lock out a frequency during a service bank, or a direct search, press when the scanner stops on the frequency. The scanner locks out the frequency then continues searching. You can lock out frequencies in both direct search and service bank searches.

Note

: You can lock out as many as 50 frequencies during a search. If you try to lock out more, “Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies” on Page 21and “Removing All Locked-Out Tags From Frequencies” on Page 21).

FLo -FULL

appears (see

L/O (L/O RVW)

L/O (L/O

Special Features

Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies

tags, press reviewing the lockout frequencies.

MON/CL

to continue

To review the frequencies you locked out, hold down during a search.

8888

or in sequence. When you reach the highest frequency, the scanner beeps twice then returns to the lowest locked-out frequency.

L/O (L/O RVW)

L-r

9999

, all locked-out frequencies appear

at least 2 seconds

appears. As you press

Removing All Locked-Out Tags From Frequencies

1. Start a service bank or direct search. See “Using Direct Search” on Page 16.

2. To review the fre quencies you locked out, hold down seconds during the search. appears.

3. Hold down

RVW)

FLo ALL-CL

4. Press

ENTER

The frequency clears and appears. To exit without clearing all locked out frequencies, press

L/O (L/O RVW)

MON/CL

then press

appears.

to clear all lockout tags.

for about 2

L-r

L/O (L/O

000.0000

MON/CL

Removing All Lockout Tags from Frequencies in All Service Banks

1. Start a service bank or direct search. See “Using Direct Search” on Page 16.

2. To review the fre quencies you locked out, hold down seconds during the search. appears.

3. Hold down

dEFAULt

4. Press

ENTER

frequencies in all the service banks (except the weather and marine banks). If you do not want to clear the lockout

L/O (L/O RVW)

MON/CL

appears.

then press

to clear the lockout

for about 2

L-r

BAND

Using Priority

You can scan the programmed channels using the priority feature, and still not miss an important or interesting call.

Follow these steps to program the priority channel.

PGM

1. Press

2. Enter the desired frequency using the number keys.

3. Press

4. To turn on the priority feature, press

(ALERT)

The scanner checks the priority channel every 2 seconds and stays on the channel if there is activity. when the scanner is set to the priority channel.

5. To turn off the priority feature, press

PRI

If you designate a weather frequency as the priority channel, the scanner detects the weather alert tone while the priority feature is on. When the scanner detects a weather alert tone, alert tone, press any key. The scanner continues to monitor the weather channel.

, then press

ENTER

while scanning.

disappears.

ALErt

flashes. To cancel the

PRI/ALERT

TURNING THE KEY TONE ON AND OFF

The scanner is preset to sound a tone each time you press one of its keys. You can turn the key tone on or off.

1. If the scanner is on, slide to turn it off.

PRI

appears.

PCH

POWER

PRI

appears

PRI

OFF

Special Features

2. While you hold down 2 and on the scanner. The display shows

tonE

keys.

or on

tonE

. Then release the

ENTER

, turn

oFF

The known birdie frequencies to watch for are:

29.800 122.9375 388.3875

USING A COMPUTER TO PROGRAM THE SCANNER

You can connect your scanner to a personal computer and program frequencies into the scanner from the computer using an optional cable and software.

Note:

The necessary cable and software, and additional information about using your personal computer to program your scanner, are available at your local RadioShack store.

BIRDIE FREQUENCIES

Every scanner has birdie frequencies. Birdies are signals created inside the scanner’s receiver. These operating frequencies might interfere with transmissions on the same frequencies. If you program one of these frequencies, you hear only noise on that frequency. If the interference is not severe, you might be able

SQUELCH

to turn birdie.

To find the birdies in your scanner, follow these steps.

clockwise to cut out the

30.375 128.000 398.5625

32.075 128.375 414.6125

38.400 136.5875 426.7875

40.000 149.400 431.1625

40.980 152.655 441.3875

51.200 160.470 457.4375

112.4875 162.200 462.7875

115.200 168.495 478.8375

120.5125 384.550

UNITED STATES BROADCAST BAND

In the United States, there are several broadcast bands. The standard AM and FM bands are probably the most well known. There are also four television audio broadcast bands — the lower three transmit on the VHF band and the fourth transmits on the UHF band. You can use your scanner to monitor the 470–512 MHz portion of the UHF band.

1. Disconnect the antenna and move it away from the receiver. Make sure that no other operating radio or TV sets are nearby.

2. Search in each frequency band from the lowest frequency to the highest. If the search stops on a frequency, but you hear no sound, chances are you have located a birdie. Note all birdie frequencies for reference.

Special Features

Guide to the Action Bands

Typical Band Usage

HF Band (3.00–30.00 MHz)

10 m Amateur High Range

VHF Band (30.00–300.0 MHz)

Low Range 6 m Amateur U.S. Government 2 m Amateur High Range

UHF Band (300.00 MHz–3.0 GHz)

U.S. Government 70 cm Amateur Low Range FM-TV Audio Broadcast, Wide Band

29.00–29.70 MHz

29.70–29.90 MHz

30.00–50.00 MHz

50.00–54.00 MHz

137.00–144.00 MHz

144.00–148.00 MHz

148.00–174.00 MHz

380.00–420.00 MHz

420.00–450.00 MHz

450.00–470.00 MHz

470.00–512.00 MHz

Primary Usage

As a general rule, most of the radio activity is concentrated on the following frequencies:

VHF Band

Government, Police, and Fire 153.785–155.980 MHz

Emergency Services 158.730–159.460 MHz

Railroad 160.000–161.900 MHz

UHF Band

Land-Mobile Paired Frequencies 450.000–470.000 MHz

Base Stations 451.025–454.950 MHz

Mobile Units 456.025–459.950 MHz

Repeater Units 460.025–464.975 MHz

Control Stations 465.025–469.975 MHz

Note:

Remote control stations and mobile units operate at 5 MHz higher than their associated

base stations and relay repeater units.

Guide to the Action Bands

BAND ALLOCATION

To help decide which frequency ranges to scan, use the following listing of the typical services that use the frequencies your scanner receives. These frequencies are subject to change, and might vary from area to area. For a more complete listing, refer to the available at your local RadioShack store.

Abbreviations Services

AIR ................................................................................................................................... Aircraft

BIFC .................................................................................... Boise (ID) Interagency Fire Cache

BUS ............................................................................................................................. Business

CAP ..................................................................................................................... Civil Air Patrol

CCA .......................................................... ....................................................... Common Carrier

CSB ........................................................................................................ Conventional Systems

CTSB ........................................................................................ Conventional/Trunked Systems

FIRE ................................................................................................................. Fire Department

HAM ........................................................................................................ Amateur (Ham) Radio

GOVT ........................................................................................................ Federal Government

GMR ........................................................................................................ General Mobile Radio

GTR ................................................................................................................. General Trunked

IND .................................. .................................... ..................................... .... Industrial Services

(Manufacturing, Construction, Farming, Forest Products)

MAR ...................................................................................................... Military Amateur Radio

MARI ..................................................................................................... Maritime Limited Coast

(Coast Guard, Marine Telephone, Shipboard Radio, Private Stations)

MARS ......................................................................................... Military Affiliate Radio System

MED ............................................................................................ Emergency/Medical Services

MIL ......................................................................................................................... U.S. Military

MOV ................................ ... .................................... ... .................. Motion Picture/Video Industry

NEW ........................................................................................................... New Mobile Narrow

NEWS ............................................................................... Relay Press (Newspaper Reporters)

OIL .......................................... ... ..................................... .. ..................... Oil/Petroleum Industry

POL .............................................................................................................. Police Department

PUB ................................................................................................................... Public Services

(Public Safety, Local Government, Forestry Conservation)

PSB ....................................................................................................................... Public Safety

PTR .............................. ... ... ...................................................................... ........ Private Trunked

ROAD ........................................................................................ Road & Highway Maintenance

RTV .............................. ... ... .................................... ... ... .... Radio/TV Remote Broadcast Pickup

TAXI ....................................................................................................................... Taxi Services

TELB .............................................................................................................. Mobile Telephone

(Aircraft, Radio Common Carrier, Landline Companies)

TELM .................................................................................................... Telephone Maintenance

TOW ........................................... .................................. ... .. .................................. ... .. Tow Trucks

TRAN .................................................................................................... Transportation Services

(Trucks, Tow Trucks, Buses, Railroad, Other)

TSB ................................................................................................................ Trunked Systems

TVn ...................................................................................................... FM-TV Audio Broadcast

USXX ..................................................................................................... Government Classified

UTIL ....................................................................................................... Power & Water Utilities

WTHR ........................................................................................................................... Weather

Beyond Police Call

HIGH FREQUENCY (HF)—(3 MHz–30MHz)

10 m Amateur Band (28.0–29.7 MHz)

29.000–29.700 ................................................................................................................... HAM

Guide to the Action Bands

VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF)—(30 MHz–300 MHz) VHF Low Band (29.7–50 MHz—in 5 kHz steps)

29.700–29.790 ..................................................................................................................... IND

29.900–30.550 .......................................................................................................... GOVT, MIL

30.580–31.980 ............................................................................................................ IND, PUB

32.000–32.990 .......................................................................................................... GOVT, MIL

33.020–33.980 .................................................................................................. BUS, IND, PUB

34.010–34.990 .......................................................................................................... GOVT, MIL

35.020–35.980 ....................................................................................... BUS, PUB, IND, TELM

36.000–36.230 .......................................................................................................... GOVT, MIL

36.230–36.990 ............................................................................. Oil Spill Cleanup, GOVT, MIL

37.020–37.980 ............................................................................................................ PUB, IND

38.000–39.000 .......................................................................................................... GOVT, MIL

39.020–39.980 .................................................................................................................... PUB

40.000–42.000 ............................................................................................... GOVT, MIL, MARI

42.020–42.940 .................................................................................................................... POL

42.960–43.180 ..................................................................................................................... IND

43.220–43.680 ................................................................................................ TEL M, IND, PUB

43.700–44.600 .................................................................................................................. TRAN

44.620–46.580 ........................................................................................................... POL, PUB

46.600–46.990 ................................................................................................................. GOVT

47.020–47.400 .................................................................................................................... PUB

47.420 ....................................................................................................... American Red Cross

47.440–49.580 ............................................................................................................ IND, PUB

49.610–49.990 ..................................................................................................................... MIL

6 m Amateur Band (50–54 MHz)

50.00–54.00 ....................................................................................................................... HAM

U.S. Government Band (138–144 MHz)

137.000–144.000 ...................................................................................................... GOVT, MIL

2 m Amateur Band (144–148 MHz)

144.000–148.000 ............................................................................................................... HAM

VHF High Band (148–174 MHz)

148.050–150.345 .............................................................................................. CAP, MAR, MIL

150.775–150.790 ................................................................................................................MED

150.815–150.980 ....................................................................................TOW, Oil Spill Cleanup

150.995–151.475 .................................................................................................... ROAD, POL

151.490–151.955 ........................................................................................................ IND, BUS

151.985 ............................................................................................................................. TELM

152.0075 ............................................................................................................................ MED

152.030–152.240 .............................................................................................................. TELB

152.270–152.480 .............................................................................................. IND, TAXI, BUS

152.510–152.840 .............................................................................................................. TELB

152.870–153.020 ....................................................................................................... IND, MOV

153.035–153.725 ................................................................................................ IND, OIL, UTIL

153.740–154.445 ...................................................................................................... PUB, FIRE

154.490–154.570 ........................................................................................................ IND, BUS

154.585 ............................................................................................................ Oil Spill Cleanup

154.600–154.625 ................................................................................................................ BUS

154.655–156.240 ................................................................................ MED, ROAD, POL, PUB

156.255–157.425 ....................................................................................................... OIL, MARI

157.450 .............................................................................................................................. MED

Guide to the Action Bands

157.470–157.515 .............................................................................................................. TOW

157.530–157.725 ....................................................................................................... IND, TAXI

157.740 .............................................................................................................................. BUS

157.770–158.100 .............................................................................................................. TELB

158.130–158.460 .......................................................................... BUS, IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL

158.490–158.700 .............................................................................................................. TELB

158.730–159.465 .......................................................................................... POL, PUB, ROAD

159.480 ................................................................................................................................ OIL

159.495–161.565 ............................................................................................................. TRAN

161.580–162.000 ............................................................................................. OIL, MARI, RTV

162.0125–162.35 ......................................................................................... GOVT, MIL, USXX

162.400–162.550 ............................................................................................................ WTHR

162.5625–162.6375 ..................................................................................... GOVT, MIL, USXX

162.6625 ............................................................................................................................ MED

162.6875–163.225 ....................................................................................... GOVT, MIL, USXX

163.250 .............................................................................................................................. MED

163.275–166.225 ......................................................................................... GOVT, MIL, USXX

166.250 ......................................................................................................... GOVT, RTV, FIRE

166.275–169.400 ................................................................................................... GOVT, BIFC

169.445–169.505 .................................................................................. Wireless Mikes, GOVT

169.55–169.9875 ......................................................................................... GOVT, MIL, USXX

170.000–170.150 ................................................................................ BIFC, GOVT, RT V, FIRE

170.175–170.225 ............................................................................................................. GOVT

170.245–170.305 ............................................................................................... Wireless Mikes

170.350–170.400 ..................................................................................................... GOVT, MIL

170.425–170.450 ............................................................................................................... BIFC

170.475 .............................................................................................................................. PUB

170.4875–173.175 ....................................................................... GOVT, PUB, Wireless Mikes

173.225–173.5375 .............................................................................. MOV, NEWS, UTIL, MIL

173.5625–173.5875 .......................................................................... MIL Medical/Crash Crews

173.60–173.9875 ............................................................................................................. GOVT

ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY (UHF)—(300 MHz–3 GHz) U. S. Government Band (380–406 MHz)

381.800–383.900 ............................................................................................................. GOVT

U. S. Government Band (406–450 MHz)

406.125–419.975 ................................................................................................. GOVT, USXX

70 cm Amateur Band (420–450 MHz)

420.000–450.000 ............................................................................................................... HAM

Low Band (450–470 MHz)

450.050–450.925 ................................................................................................................ RTV

451.025–452.025 ................................................................................... IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL

452.0375–453.00 ..................................................................... IND, TAXI, TRAN TOW, NEWS

453.0125–454.000 ...................................................................................................... PUB, OIL

454.025–454.975 .............................................................................................................. TELB

455.050–455.925 ................................................................................................................ RTV

457.525–457.600 ............................................................................................................... BUS

458.025–458.175 ............................................................................................................... MED

460.0125–460.6375 ........................................................................................ FIRE, POL, PUB

460.650–462.175 ............................................................................................................... BUS

462.1875–462.450 ..................................................................................................... BUS, IND

462.4625–462.525 ................................................................................. IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL

462.550–462.925 ..................................................................................................... GMR, BUS

Guide to the Action Bands

462.9375–463.1875 ........................................................................................................... MED

463.200–467.925 ................................................................................................................ BUS

FM-TV Audio Broadcast, UHF Wide Band (470–512 MHz) (Channels 14 through 20 in 6 MHz steps)

475.750 .................................................................................................................... Channel 14

481.750 .................................................................................................................... Channel 15

487.750 .................................................................................................................... Channel 16

493.750 .................................................................................................................... Channel 17

499.750 .................................................................................................................... Channel 18

505.750 .................................................................................................................... Channel 19

511.750 .................................................................................................................... Channel 20

Note:

Some cities use the 470–512 MHz band for land/mobile service.

AVOIDING IMAGE FREQUENCIES

You might discover one of your regular stations on another frequency that is not listed. It might be what is known as an image frequency. For example, you might find a service that regularly uses a frequency of 453.275 also on 474.675.

To see if it is an image, do a little math.

Note the new frequency. 474.675 Double the intermediate frequency of 10.7 MHz (21.400)

and subtract it from the new frequency. –21.400 If the answer is the regular frequency, 453.275

then you have tuned to an image.

Occasionally, you might get interference on a weak or distant channel from a strong broadcast

21.4 MHz above or below the tuned frequency. This is rare, and the image signal is usually cleared whenever there is a broadcast on the actual frequency.

FREQUENCY CONVERSION

The tuning location of a station can be expressed in frequency (kHz or MHz) or in wavelength (meters). The following information can help you make the necessary conversions. 1 MHz (million) = 1,000 kHz (thousand)

To convert MHz to kHz, multiply the number of MHz by 1,000:

30.62 MHz × 1000 = 30,620 kHz

To convert from kHz to MHz, divide the number of kHz by 1,000.

127,800 kHz ÷ 1000 = 127.8 MHz

To convert MHz to meters, divide 300 by the number of MHz.

300 ÷ 50 MHz = 6 meters

Guide to the Action Bands

Troubleshooting

If your scanner stops operating properly, these suggestions might help you eliminate the problem. If the scanner still does not operate properly, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.

PROBLEM SUGGESTION

Scanner is on, but will not scan. Be sure

Scanner receives stations poorly or not at all.

The scanner’s keys do not work, or the display shows random segments.

Scanner does not work at all. Check that the power supply (AC adapter/AC outlet) is working.

Scanner locks on frequencies that have an unclear transmission.

SQUELCH

Scanner/Setting Volume and Squelch” on Page 14.

MAN

Be sure Check the antenna (indoor or outdoor). Signals may be blocked from being received by the scanner due

to metal frames or material in the building. Change the scanner’s location and try again.

The scanner might be locked. Reset the scanner. If that does not work, reinitialize the scanner. See “Resetting/Initializing the Scanner.”

SQUELCH

Be sure Be sure birdie frequencies are not programmed, or listen to

birdie frequencies manually. See “Birdie Frequencies” on Page 22.

is adjusted properly. See “Turning On the

is not displayed. If it is, press

is adjusted properly.

SCAN

RESETTING/INITIALIZING THE SCANNER

If the scanner's display locks up or does not work properly after you connect a power source, you might need to reset or initialize the scanner.

Important

reset the scanner. If that does not work, you can initialize the scanner; however, this clears all information stored in your scanner's memory.

Resetting the Scanner

1. Turn off the scanner, then turn it on

: If you have problems, first try to

again.

Troubleshooting

2. Insert a pointed object, such as a straightened paper clip, into the reset opening on the back of the scanner (as shown) and gently press then release the reset button inside the opening. If the scanner still does not work properly, you might need to initialize the scanner.

Initializing the Scanner

Important

: This procedure clears all information you stored in the scanner's memory. Initialize the scanner only when you are sure the scanner is not working properly.

1. Turn off the scanner, then turn it on again.

2. Hold down

MON/CL

3. While you hold down

MON/CL

, insert a

pointed object, such as a straightened

RESET

paper clip, into the

opening on the back of the scanner and gently press then release the reset button inside the opening. The display should clear.

4. When the display reappears, release

MON/CL

Note:

before you release

You must release the reset button

MON/CL

, otherwise the

memory might not clear.

CARE

Keep the scanner dry; if it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Use and store the scanner only in normal temperature environments. Handle the scanner carefully; do not drop it. Keep the scanner away from dust and dirt, and wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.

Modifying or tampering with the scanner’s internal components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your scanner is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Frequency Coverage:

Ham ................................................................................................ 29–30 MHz (5.0 kHz Steps)

VHF Lo ........................................................................................... 30–50 MHz (5.0 kHz Steps)

Ham ................................................................................................ 50–54 MHz (5.0 kHz Steps)

Air .................................................................................... 108–136.9875 MHz (12.5 kHz Steps)

Government ................................................................................... 137–144 MHz (5 kHz Steps)

Ham ............................................................................................... 144–148 MHz (5 kHz Steps)

VHF Hi ........................................................................................... 148–174 MHz (5 kHz Steps)

Ham/Government ..................................................................... 380–450 MHz (12.5 kHz Steps)

UHF Lo ..................................................................................... 450–470 MHz (12.5 kHz Steps)

UHF Hi (T) ................................................................................ 470–512 MHz (12.5 kHz Steps)

Channels of Operation ................................................200 Channels and 20 Monitor Memories

Sensitivity (20 dB S/N):

29–54 MHz ............................................................................................................... 0.5 µV

108–136.9875 MHz .................................................................................................. 1.0 µV

137–174 MHz ........................................................................................................... 0.5 µV

380–512 MHz ........................................................................................................... 0.7 µV

Selectivity:

±10 kHz ..................................................................................................................... –6 dB

±18 kHz ..................................................................................................... ... ... ........ –50 dB

Spurious Rejection ............................................................................... 50 dB (FM at 154 MHz)

Scanning Rate ................................................................................. Up to 25 Channels/Second

Search Rate .......................................................................................... Up to 50 Steps/Second

Delay Time .............................. .................................................................................. 2 Seconds

Intermediate Frequencies (IF):

1st ........................................................................................................................ 10.7 MHz

2nd ......................................................................................................................... 455 kHz

IF Interference Ratio (10.7 MHz) ................................................................... 70 dB at 154 MHz

Squelch Sensitivity:

Threshold ................................................................................................. Less than 0.5 µV

Tight (FM) .................................................................................................... (S+N)/N 25 dB

Tight (AM) ................................................................................................... (S+N)/N 20 dB

Antenna impedance .................................................................................................... 50 Ohms

Specifications

Audio Output Power (10% THD) ......................................................................... 0.8 W Nominal

Built-in Speaker ............................................................ 3 inch (77 mm), 8-Ohm, Dynamic Type

Power Requirements ............................................................................... 120 V AC, 60 Hz, 8W

Current Drain ................................................................................................................. 300 mA

Operating Temperature ........................................................................................ 32°F to 110°F

(0°C to 43°C)

Dimensions (HWD) ............................................................................... 2

/16 × 81/4 × 67/8 inches

(52 × 210 × 175 mm)

Weight (without antenna and batteries) ............................................................................. 24 oz

(680 g)

Supplied Accessories .............................................................................. Telescoping Antenna,

AC Adapter

Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.

Specifications

Limited One-Year Warranty

This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from Radi oSha ck company- owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT T O ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limit ation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the warranty period. This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallat i on. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102

12/99

RadioShack Corporation Fort Worth, Texas 76102

20-423

GE-01D-5370

11A01

Printed in China

Radio Shack 20-423 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual