Radio Shack PRO-2018 User Manual

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	www.radioshack.comSM		422/%JCPPGN"&GUMVQR"5ECPPGT
	OWNER’S MANUAL —			20-424
	Please read before using this equipment.
	%106'065		One-Touch Search	Liquid-Crystal Display —
	Features	2	Banks — let you search
				makes it easy to view and
			preset frequencies in
	The FCC Wants You to Know	3		change programming
			separate ham radio,
	Scanning Legally .....................	4		information. The display
	Preparation	4	police/fire/emergency,
				backlight also makes the
	Using AC Power	4	aircraft, weather, and
				scanner easy to read in
	Using Vehicle Battery Power	5	marine banks, to make it
				low-light situations.
	Connecting an Antenna	5	easy to locate specific
	Connecting an Earphone/Head-		types of calls.
	phones	6
	Connecting an
	Extension Speaker ..................	7
	About Your Scanner ....................	7
	A Look at the Keypad .................	8
	A Look at the Display ..................	9
	Understanding Banks ...............	12
	Channel Storage Banks .........	12
	One Touch Banks ..................	12
	Operation ..................................	15
	Turning On the Scanner/Setting
	Volume and Squelch ..............	15
	Storing Known Frequencies Into
	Channels ...............................	15
	Searching the
	One Touch Banks .....................	16
	Using Tune ............................	17
	Scanning the
	Stored Channels ....................	18
	Turning Channel-Storage Banks
	Off and On .............................	18
	Monitoring a Stored Channel . 18		Tune — lets you tune	Priority Channel — lets
	Clearing a Stored Channel ....	19
	Listening to the Marine Bank . 19		for new and unlisted	you program a frequency
	Listening to the		frequencies starting	into the priority channel. As
	Weather Band ........................	19	from a specified	the scanner scans, it
			frequency.	checks the priority channel
				every 2 seconds so you do
				not miss transmissions on
				that channel.

#"+/2146#06"#

If an icon appears at the end of a paragraph, go to the box on that page

with the corresponding icon for pertinent information.
ý	Warning	# —	Important	±— Note
R—
. —	Caution	° —	Hint

© 2002 RadioShack Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

RadioShack and RadioShack.com

are trademarks used by

RadioShack Corporation.

Features

%106'065

Special Features .......................	20
Delay .....................................	20
Locking Out Channels or
Frequencies ...........................	21
Using Priority .........................	22
Turning the Key Tone
On and Off .............................	22
Avoiding
Image Frequencies ................	22
Resetting/Initializing
the Scanner ...........................	23
Wired Programming ...............	23
A General Guide to Scanning ...	24
Guide to Frequencies ............	24
Guide to the Action Bands .....	25
Band Allocation ......................	26
Frequency Conversion ..........	30
Troubleshooting ........................	31
Care ..........................................	32
Service and Repair ...................	32
Specifications ............................	33
Parts and Accessories ..............	35

('#674'5

Your RadioShack PRO-2018 200-Channel Desktop Scanner lets you in on all the action! 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:

Two-Second Scan Delay — delays scanning for 2 seconds before moving to another channel, so you can hear more replies.

Ten Channel-Storage Banks — let you store up to 20 channels in each of 10 different banks, to group channels so you can more easily identify calls.

Memory Backup — keeps the channel frequencies stored in memory for about 1 hour during a power loss.

HyperSearch™ and HyperScan™ — let 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.

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

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

Lock-Out Function — lets you set your scanner to skip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning or searching.

Supplied Telescoping Antenna — lets the scanner receive strong local signals.

External Antenna Terminal — lets you connect an external antenna (not supplied) to the scanner.

2

Your scanner can receive these bands: ±

	(TGSWGPE["	6[RGU"QH"6TCPUOKUUKQPU
	4CPIG"*/*\+
		10-Meter Ham Band,
	29 – 54	VHF Lo,
		6-Meter Ham Band
	108 – 136.9875	Aircraft
		Military Land Mobile,
	137 – 174	2-Meter Ham Band,
		VHF Hi
		UHF Aircraft,
		Federal Government,
	380 – 512	70-cm Ham Band,
		UHF Standard Band,
		UHF “T” Band

6*'"(%%"9#065";17"61" -019

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.

±"016'"±"

See “Specifications” on Page 33 for more information about the scanner's frequency steps.

The FCC Wants You to Know

3

Preparation

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

			5ECPPKPI".GICNN["
			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 Electronic Communications Privacy Act
	R"9#40+0)"R"		(ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment
			for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the contents
	To prevent electric shock, do not		of such a transmission unless you have the consent of a
	use the AC adapter's polarized
			party to the communication (unless such activity is
	plug with an extension cord,
			otherwise illegal).
	receptacle, or other outlet unless
	you can fully insert the blades to		This scanner has been designed to prevent reception of
	prevent blade exposure.
			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
	."%#76+10".		could allow it to pick up transmissions that are illegal to
		You must use a	monitor. Doing so could subject you to legal penalties.
	!
		Class 2 power	We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.
		source that supplies
		12V DC and delivers	Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in
	at least 300 mA. Its center tip		some areas. Check the laws in your area.
	must be set to positive and its
	plug must fit the scanner's DC		24'2#4#6+10
	12V jack. Using an adapter that
	does not meet these
	specifications could damage		75+0)"#%"219'4
	the scanner or the adapter.

•Always connect the AC adapter You can power the scanner using the supplied 12V, 300 mA

to the scanner before you	AC adapter. To power the scanner using an AC adapter,
connect it to AC power. When	insert the AC adapter’s barrel plug into the scanner's DC 12V
you finish, disconnect the	jack. Then connect the other end of the adapter to a
adapter from AC power before	standard AC outlet. Rý.
you disconnect it from the
scanner.

4

75+0)"8'*+%.'"$#66'4;"219'4

You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power source (such as a cigarette-lighter socket) using a 12V, 300 mA DC adapter and a size D Adaptaplug™ adapter (neither supplied).

Both are available at your local RadioShack store. .

To power the scanner using a DC adapter, attach the Adaptaplug to the DC adapter so the tip reads positive (+) and set the adapter's voltage switch to 12V. Next, insert the Adaptaplug into the scanner's DC 12V jack. Plug the other end of the DC adapter into your vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket. ±

%100'%6+0)"#0"#06'00#

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

	(TGSWGPE["	#PVGPPC".GPIVJ
	4CPIG"*/*\+
	29 – 174	Extend fully
	380 – 512	Extend 2 segments

%QPPGEVKPI"CP"1WVFQQT"#PVGPPC

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.

."%#76+10".

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

±"016'"±"

•If you use a cigarette-lighter power cable and your vehicle's engine is running, you might hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is normal.

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

Preparation

5

Preparation

R"9#40+0)"R"

Use extreme caution when installing or removing an outdoor antenna. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches a power line, touching the antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to remove the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do so yourself.

."%#76+10".

Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts that might damage it.

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 an outdoor antenna. For distances longer than 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If the antenna cable's connector does not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC adapter (not supplied, available at your local RadioShack store). Your local RadioShack store carries a wide variety of coaxial cable and connectors.

Once you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna. Then route the antenna's cable to the scanner and connect the cable to the ANT connector. Rý.

%100'%6+0)"#0"'#42*10'1 *'#&2*10'5

For private listening, you can plug a 1/8-inch (3.5-mm) miniplug earphone or headphones (not supplied), available at your local RadioShack store, into /PC on the back of the scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker.

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To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or headphones.

•Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

•Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.

•Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not initially cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.

6

6TCHHKE"5CHGV[

Do not use an earphone or headphones with your scanner when operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle in or near traffic. Doing so can create a traffic hazard and could be illegal in some areas.

If you use an earphone or headphones with your scanner while riding a bicycle, be very careful. Do not listen to a continuous broadcast. Even though some earphones/ headphones let you hear some outside sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they still can present a traffic hazard.

%QPPGEVKPI"CP"'ZVGPUKQP"5RGCMGT

In a noisy area, an extension speaker (not supplied) available at your local RadioShack store, might provide more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into /PC.

#$176";174"5%#00'4

Once you understand a few simple terms used in this manual and familiarize yourself with your scanner's features, you can put the scanner to work for you. You simply determine the type of communications you want to receive, then set the scanner to scan them.

A frequency is the receiving signal location (expressed in kHz or MHz). To find active frequencies, you can use the search function.

You can also search the One Touch Search 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 a channel, which is grouped with other channels in a channel-storage bank. You can then scan the channel-storage banks to see if there is activity on the frequencies stored there. Each time the scanner finds an active frequency, it stays on that channel until the transmission ends.

About Your Scanner

7

Keypad the at Look A

#".11-"#6"6*'"-';2#&

MAR Lets you search the scanner's preprogrammed marine band.

HAM Lets you search the scanner's preprogrammed amateur radio band.

SCAN/MAN

Scans any preprogrammed channels; stops scanning and lets you directly enter a channel number.

FD/PD Lets you
search the scanner's	PRI/ALERT Turns the priority feature and WX alert
preprogrammed fire/	mode on and off.
police band.
WX
Lets you search	AIR Lets you search the
the scanner's	scanner's preprogrammed
preprogrammed	aircraft band.
weather channels.

Number Keys Each key has a single digit

(0 to 9) and a range of numbers. Use the range of numbers above the key (21-40

for example) to select

the channel in a

channel-storage

bank. See “Understanding

Banks” on Page 12.

PGM

Programs

L/O RVW/L/O
Reviews
locked-out
frequencies;
lets you lock	H or G
out selected	Searches up or
channels or	down for active
frequencies.	frequencies or
	selects the
	direction when
	scanning
	channels.

	frequencies	DELAY/´
	into	Programs a
	channels.
		2-second
		delay for the
	TUNE/CLEAR	selected
	Lets you tune a	channel;
	frequency along	enters a
	with H or G;	decimal point.
	clears an
	incorrect entry.

ENT (enter) Enters frequencies into channels.

8

#".11-"#6"6*'"&+52.#;

The display has indicators that show the scanner's current operating status. This quick look at the display will help you understand how your scanner operates.

C7H?D;

87DA

7?H

Indicates that the

Appears with

Indicates that

scanner is

numbers (1-10)

searching the

to indicate the

the scanner is

marine bank (see

scan bank.

searching the

“Listening to the

Bank numbers

aircraft bank.

Marine Bank” on

with a bar under

>7C

Page 19).

them show

which banks are

Indicates that

turned on for

the scanner

scanning (see

is searching

“Understanding

the amateur

Banks” on

radio bank.

Page 12).

	MN	C7D	9>
	Indicates	Appears when you	Appears with
	that the	manually select a	digits (1-200)
	scanner is	channel.	or F to show
	searching		which
	the weather
		IH9>	channel the
	channels.
			scanner is
		Appears during service
			tuned to.
		bank searches.

B%Eý(lockout) Appears when you manually select a channel that was previously locked out during scanning or when you review a locked-out frequency.

<:%F:

Indicates that the scanner is searching the fire/police bank.

H or G

Indicates the search or scan direction.

I97D

Appears when the scanner scans channels.

A Look at the Display

9

Display the at Look A

F=C

Appears when you program frequencies into the scanner's channels.

FH?

Appears when the priority feature is turned on.

:BO

Appears when you program a 2-second delay.

7BBý9>ýBe$#ekj

Appears when you lock out all frequencies in the marine bank.

XýNý#<KBB

Appears when you try to enter a frequency during a search when all displayed bank’s channels are full.

#ZKFB#

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

Z<7KBj

Appears when you remove all the lock-outs from the FD/PD, AIR, or HAM bank frequencies.

:#;hheh

Appears when the scanner receives a data error during wired programming.

;dZ

Appears when the scanner has finished wired programming.

;hheh

Appears when you make an entry error.

<Beý7BB#9B

Appears when you remove all the locked-out frequencies during a FD/PD, AIR, or HAM bank or tune search.

<Be#<KBB

Appears when you try to lock out a frequency during a tune or search when 50 frequencies are already locked out.

<ýB#ekj

Appears when you start a tune from a locked-out frequency.

B#h

Appears when you review locked-out frequencies.

e<<ýjed;

Appears when you turn the key tone off.

10

edýjed;

Appears when you turn the key tone on.

F

Appears when the scanner is tuned to the priority channel.

Ij7hj

Appears when the scanner starts wired programming.

#j#

Appears when the scanner is tuning frequencies.

M_h;Z

Appears when you set the scanner to its wired programming mode to program frequencies into it.

C7h

Appears about 2 seconds after you press MAR.

<?h; / FeB?9;

Appears about 2 seconds after you press FD/PD.

7?h

Appears about 2 seconds after you press AIR.

>7C

Appears about 2 seconds after you press HAM.

M;7j^;h

Appears about 2 seconds after you press WX.

BeýL><

Appears when you turn on the low VHF sub-bank while searching in the fire/police bank.

>_ýL><

Appears when you turn on the high VHF sub-bank while searching in the fire/police bank.

K><

Appears when you turn on the UHF sub-bank while searching in the fire/police bank.

'&ýC

Appears when you turn on the 10m sub-bank while searching in the ham bank.

,ýC

Appears when you turn on the 6m sub-bank while searching in the HAM bank.

A Look at the Display

11