RadioShack PRO-2017 Owners Manual
200-Channel VHF/AIR/UHF
with WX Alert
Desktop Scanner
20-423
Owner’s Manual
Please read before using this equipment.
A
ˆ
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.
2
TM
— 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.
All Rights Reserved.
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
3
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
ˆ
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
4
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
5
ˆ
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.
6
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
7
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,
ˆ
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
search
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.
8
— 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
WX
— 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
or
— indicates the search or scan
direction.
M
— flashes with a number (1–20) to show
which monitor memory you are listening to.
CH
—- 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.
WX
— appears when you scan the weather
channels.
9
SRCH
— appears during service bank and
direct frequency searches.
P
— 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
— 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.
10
— 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).
Loading...