PRO-2044 Programmable 80-Channel Home Scanner
(200-0416) Banks and Bands Faxback Doc. # 38285
You can store up to 90 frequencies into either a permanent memory location
called a channel, or a temporary memory location called a monitor memory.
You can store up to 80 channels and up to 10 monitor memories. Your scanner
also has eight frequency bands, each covering a specific range of frequencies you can search.
Channel-Storage Banks
To make it easier to identity and select the frequencies you want to listen
to, the scanner's channels are divided into 10 channel-storage banks (1-10)
of 8 channels each. You can use each channel-storage bank to group frequencies, such as those used by the police department, fire department, ambulance
services, and aircraft (see "Guide to the Action Bands" on
Faxback Doc. # 38288).
For example, there might be three or four police departments in your area,
each using several different frequencies. Additionally, there might be
other law enforcement agencies such as state police, county sheriffs, or
SWAT teams that use their own frequencies.
You could program all law enforcement frequencies starting with Channel 1
(the first channel in Bank 1), then program the fire department, paramedic,
and other public safety frequencies starting with Channel 17 (the first
channel in Bank 3).
Monitor Memories
Monitor memories are temporary storage areas where you can store up to 10
frequencies during a band search or direct search while you decide whether
to save them into channels. You can manually select and listen to monitor
memories.
Frequency Bands
Your scanner has eight frequency bands, each covering a specific range of
frequencies. You can search these bands for specific broadcasts by repeatedly pressing BAND until the scanner displays the band you want.
For example, you can search through all frequencies between 29.000 and
54.000 MHz for specific broadcasts by repeatedly pressing BAND until 29-54
appears on the display. The scanner then automatically searches the frequencies in that band.
This table shows the frequency band range displayed by the scanner and the
typical usage, frequency coverage, and step rate for each.
DISPLAYED
FREQUENCY FREQUENCY COVERAGE STEP RATE
BAND RANGE TYPICAL USAGE (MHz) (MHz)
29-54 10-Meter Amateur Radio VHF 29.000 to 54.000 5.0
Lo, 6-Meter Amateur Radio
108-136 Aircraft 108.000 to 136.9750 12.5
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137-144 Government 137.000 to 144.0000 5.0
144-148 2-Meter Amateur Radio 144.000 to 148.0000 5.0
148-174 VHF Hi 148.000 to 174.0000 5.0
406-450 Government, 70-Centimeter 406.000 to 450.0000 12.0
Amateur Radio
450-470 UHF Lo 450.000 to 470.0000 12.5
470-512 UHF "T" Band 470.000 to 512.0000 12.5
NOTES: Your scanner searches at the preset frequency step rate (5 or 12.5
kHz) for each frequency. You cannot change the frequency step rate.
While searching through a frequency band, you might hear a freq uency you want to store. You can store any frequency into a monitor
memory.
When you store a frequency in a monitor memory, that frequency also
remains in the frequency band.
You cannot change or delete any of the frequencies in the frequency
bands.
NOTE: Some of the scanner's keys perform more than one function and are
marked with more than one label. The steps in your owner's manual
show only the label on the key appropriate to the action being per formed.
A Look at the Front Panel
A quick glance at this section should help you understand each control's
function.
VOLUME - Turns the scanner on or off and adjusts the volume.
SQUELCH - Adjusts the scanner's squelch. See "Turning On the
Scanner/Setting Volume and Squelch" on Faxback Doc.
# 38286.
\/ - /\ - Enters the direction the scanner will search.
HOLD - Holds/resumes a direct or band search.
MONITOR - Stores frequencies into and accesses the 10 monitor
memories. See "Monitor Memories" on Faxback Doc.
# 38285.
LOCKOUT/S/S - Locks out selected channels during scanning, or skips
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(lockout/search/ a specified frequency during a band or direct search.
skip)
PROGRAM - Programs frequencies into channels.
BAND - Searches a band you select. See "Frequency Bands" on
Faxback Doc. # 38285.
____
DATA - Turns the scanner's data detection feature on or off.
DELAY - Programs a 2-second delay for the selected channel.
PRIORITY/H/S - Sets and turns on or off priority for a particular
(priority/hyper- channel, or selects the hypersearch speed.
search)
SCAN - Scans through the channels.
MANUAL - Stops scanning to let you listen to a monitor memory
or directly enter a channel number.
NUMBER KEYS - Each key has a single-digit 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 (57-64, for example) to
select the channels in a channel-storage band. See
"Channel-Storage Banks" on Faxback Doc. # 38285.
CLEAR/. - Clears an incorrect entry, or enters the decimal point
when you enter a frequency.
WX/E - Stores frequencies into channels, or scans the preset
(weather/enter) weather frequencies.
A look at the Display
The display has indicators that show the scanner's current operating mode.
A good look at the display will help you understand your scanner.
MON Appears with a number (1-10) to the right to show which monitor
memory you are listening to.
BANK Appears with a number (1-10) to the right to show which channel storage banks are turned on for scanning. See "Understanding
Banks and Bands" on Faxback Doc. # 38285.
[P] Appears when you tune to a priority channel.
CH Appears with a number (1-80) to the left to show which of the
scanner's 80 channels it is tuned to.
MHz Appears with digits to the left to show which frequency your
scanner is currently tuned to.
SCAN Appears when you scan channels.
MAN Appears when you manually select a channel.
PGM Appears when you program the scanner.
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L/O Appears when you skip a channel or frequency, when you manually
(lockout) select a channel or frequency that is locked out or skipped. Or
when a frequency is stored in search skip memory during a direct
search or band search hold.
PRI Appears when the priority feature is turned on.
DLY Appears when scanning stops at a channel you have programmed for
a 2-second delay.
____
DATA Appears when the data detection feature is turned on.
WX Appears when the scanner is searching the weather band.
(weather)
SRCH Appears during band or direct search, or while scanning the
weather band. Also blinks in hypersearch mode.
/\ - \/ Indicates the search direction during a search.
-b- Appears instead of the channel number during a band search.
-d- Appears instead of the channel number during a direct search.
-H- Appears during a band search hold.
-h- Appears during a direct search hold.
(EB 3/7/97)
Privacy Policy
PRO-2044 Programmable 80-Channel Home Scanner
(200-0416) Features Faxback Doc. # 38281
Your Radio Shack PRO-2044 Programmable 80-Channel Home Scanner lets you in
on all the action! This scanner gives you direct access to over 23,000
exciting frequencies, including those used by police and fire departments,
ambulance and transportation services, aircraft communications, government
agencies, and amateur radio services. You can select up to 80 channels to
scan and you can change your selections at any time.
The scanner's frequency bands let you search specific pre-set ranges of
frequencies quickly and easily. The data detection feature lets you prevent
the scanner from stopping on data signals, so you can quickly scan for
interesting signals.
Your scanner has all these special features:
Hyperscan - lets you scan 50 channels per second.
Hypersearch - lets you set the scanner to search at up to 300 steps per
second in frequency bands with 5 kHz steps, to help you quickly find
interesting broadcasts.
Weather Band Key - scans seven preprogrammed weather frequencies to keep
you informed about current weather conditions.
Ten Channel-Storage Banks - lets you store eight channels in each bank to
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group channels so calls are easier to identify.
Ten Monitor Memories - lets you temporarily save 10 frequencies located
during a frequency search, so you can decide if you want to move them to
permanent channel storage.
Ten Priority Channels - lets you set the scanner to check up to 10-channels
every 2 seconds so you do not miss important calls.
Eight Frequency Bands - lets you quickly and easily search preset frequency
ranges, so you can find new and unlisted broadcasts.
Band Search - lets you select and search a frequency band.
Direct Search - lets you select up to 20 frequencies for the scanner to
skip during a search, so you can search more efficiently.
Search Skip - lets you select up to 20 frequencies for the scanner to skip
during a search, so you can search more efficiently.
Data Detection - while scanning or searching, you can set the scanner to
detect non-modulated data signals, such as preamble signals for pagers, to
keep the scanner from stopping on these frequencies.
Two-Second Channel Scan/Search Delay - lets you set the scanner so it delays scanning or searching for 2 seconds before moving to another channel/
frequency, so you can hear more replies.
Key Confirmation Tones - the scanner sounds a tone when you perform an
operation correctly, and sounds an error tone if you make an error.
Memory Backup - keeps channel frequencies stored in memory for 3 days or
more during a power loss.
Lock-Out Function - keeps channels you select from being scanned, so you
can skip over busy channels such as those with a continuous transmission.
Squelch Control - lets you adjust the scanner's sensitivity low enough to
receive weak signals or high enough to eliminate receiver noise when not
receiving a signal.
Backlit Display - makes it easy to view and change programming information
at any time.
AUDIO Jack - lets you connect an amplified external speaker, or an earphone
or headphones for private listening.
Supplied Telescoping Antenna - lets you receive strong local signals
External Antenna Terminal - lets you connect an external antenna (not supplied) to
the scanner.
WARNING: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to
rain or moisture.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or
back, No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel.
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We recommend you record your scanner's serial number here. The number is
on the scanner's back panel.
Serial Number: ___________________________________________________________
Your PRO-2044 Scanner can receive all of these bands:
Your scanner can also receive these preprogrammed weather channel frequencies:
162.400 MHz
162.425 MHz
162.450 MHz
162.475 MHz
162.500 MHz
162.525 MHz
162.550 MHz
FCC Notice
Your scanner might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating
properly. To determine if 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
Connecting your scanner to an outlet that is on a different electrical
circuit from the receiver.
Contacting your local Radio Shack store for help.
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop
using your scanner.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following 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.
To help decide which frequency ranges to scan, use the following listing of the
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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, ref
er to the "Police Call Radio Guide including Fire and Emergency Services",
available at your local Radio Shack store.
Abbreviations Services
BIFC ................................... Boise (ID) Interagency Fire Cache
BUS ............................................................. Business
CAP ..................................................... Civil Air Patrol
CB ......................................................... Citizens Band
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
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 453.075 also on
474.775.
To see if it is an image, do a little math.
Note the new frequency. 474.775
Double the intermediate frequency of 10.85 MHz (21.700)
and subtract it from the new frequency. -21.700
_______
If the answer is the regular frequency, 453.075
then you have tuned to an image.
Occasionally, you might get interference on a weak or distant channel from a strong
broadcast 21.7 MHz 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 megahertz by 1,000:
9.62 (MHz) x 1,000 = 9620 kHz.
To convert from kHz to MHz, divide the number of kilohertz by 1,000:
2780 (kHz) / 1,000 = 2.780 MHz.
To convert MHz to meters, divide 300 by the number of megahertz:
300 / 7.1 MHz = 42.25 meters.
1. Turn SQUELCH and VOLUME fully counterclockwise.
2. Turn VOLUME clockwise until you hear a hissing sound.
3. Turn SQUELCH clockwise, then leave it set to a point just after the
hissing sound stops.
NOTES: If the scanner picks up unwanted, partial, or very weak transmis sions, turn SQUELCH clockwise to decrease the scanner's sensitivity
to these signals.
If you want to listen to a weak or distant station, turn SQUELCH
counterclockwise.
If the scanner will not scan, turn SQUELCH further clockwise.
Resetting the Scanner
You might need to reset the scanner if any of the following occur:
The scanner's display locks up.
The scanner does not work properly after you connect power.
The scanner is dropped or subjected to a physical or electrical shock.
CAUTION: This procedure clears all the information you have programmed
into the scanner. Use this procedure only when you are sure your
scanner is not working properly.
1. Turn off the scanner.
2. While you press and hold down 2 and 9, turn on the scanner.
Manually Storing Frequencies into Channels
If you know a frequency you want to store, you can store it manually into a
channel.
Good references for active frequencies are Radio Shack's "Police Call Radio
Guide Including Fire and Emergency Services", "Aeronautical Frequency
Directory", and "Maritime Frequency Directory". We update these directories
every year, so be sure to get a current copy. See also "Guide to the Action
Bands" on Faxback Doc. # 38288.
NOTE: If you do not have a reference to frequencies in your area, follow
the steps in "Searching For and Temporarily Storing Active Freq uencies", below.
1. If the scanner is scanning, press MANUAL.
2. Using the number keys, enter the channel number where you want to store
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a frequency.
3. Press PROGRAM. BANK and the bank number, the selected channel number
and CH, PGM, L/O (if the selected channel number is empty), and 000.0000
MHz appear on the display.
4. Using the number keys, enter the frequency you want to store into that
channel, including the decimal point.
NOTE: Your scanner automatically rounds the entered frequency up to the
closest valid frequency. For example, if you try to enter a frequency
of 151.473, your scanner accepts it as 151.475.
5. Press E to store the frequency.
NOTE: If you enter an invalid frequency in Step 4, the scanner displays
Error. Press CLEAR, then repeat Steps 4 and 5.
6. To program the next channel in sequence, repeat Steps 3-5. To program
another channel (not in sequence), repeat Steps 2-5.
Searching for and Temporarily Storing Active Frequencies
You can search for transmissions within any of the scanner's eight frequency
bands using either a frequency band or direct search, then temporarily store
the frequencies into monitor memories.
Band Search
You can select a frequency band and search for transmissions within that
band.
NOTE: You can use the scanner's delay feature while using band search. See
"Delay" on Faxback Doc. # 38287.
1. Repeatedly press BAND until you see the frequency band you want to
search.
The scanner displays SRCH and /\ or \/ and the range for each frequency
band, and the number of the current monitor memory blinks on the dis play. Then the scanner starts to search the frequencies in the band.
When the scanner finds a transmission, it stops and displays the freq uency's number until the transmission stops, then it starts searching
again.
2. To manually search the band, press HOLD after the scanner starts auto matically searching the frequencies. The scanner displays -H- (hold),
SRCH /\ or \/ SRCH, and a frequency within the band you selected.
Repeatedly press /\ to search from the lower to the upper range, or \/
to search from the upper to the lower range.
Press and hold down /\ or \/ or press HOLD to return to automatic
search.
3. When the scanner finds an active frequency, you can do any of the
following:
To save the frequency into the current monitor memory, press MONITOR.
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To continue searching, press /\ or \/.
To stop searching and listen to the frequency, press HOLD. -H- (hold)
appears on the display.
NOTES: You can change the direction of either an automatic or manual search
by pressing /\ or \/ once.
If you manually tune to a search skip frequency, the display shows
L/O (see "Skipping Frequencies/Channels" on Faxback Doc. # 38387).
Direct Search
You can enter a frequency, then search for transmissions above or below that
frequency within the frequency bands.
NOTE: You can use the scanner's delay feature while using direct search.
See "Delay" on Faxback Doc. # 38287.
1. Press MANUAL.
2. Use the number keys to enter the frequency where you want to start the
search. Press . to enter the decimal point.
3. Press /\ or \/ to search up or down from the selected frequency. -d (direct), SRCH, and /\ or \/ appear on the display, and the next avail able monitor memory number flashes.
NOTE: If you enter an invalid frequency in Step 2, the scanner displays
Error. Press ., then repeat Steps 2 and 3.
4. When the scanner finds an active frequency, you can do any of the
following:
To save the frequency into the current monitor memory, press MONITOR.
To continue searching or change the search direction, press /\ or \/.
To stop searching and listen to the frequency, press HOLD. -h- (hold)
appears on the display.
To manually step through frequencies one at a time after you stop a
search, repeatedly press /\ or \/. To continue searching after you stop
a search, either press HOLD or press and hold down /\ or \/ for about 1
second.
NOTE: If you manually tune to a search skip frequency, display shows L/O
(see "Skipping Frequencies/Channels" on Faxback Doc. # 38287).
Listening to Monitor Memories
After you temporarily store frequencies into the scanner's monitor memories,
you can listen to them by pressing MANUAL, MONITOR, then the number for the
desired monitor memory.
NOTE: To listen to the monitor memories, the priority channel feature must
be turned off (see "Priority" on Faxback Doc. # 38287).
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Moving a Frequency from a Monitor Memory to a Channel
1. If the scanner is scanner, press MANUAL.
2. Use the number keys to enter the channel number where you want to store
the monitor frequency, then press PROGRAM. PGM appears on the display.
3. Press MONITOR, then use the number keys to enter the monitor memory
number that has the frequency you want to store into the channel. The
channel number flashes, and MON and the frequency appear.
4. Press E. The scanner stores the frequency in the selected channel
number.
Deleting a Frequency From a Channel
Follow these steps to delete a frequency from a channel.
1. If the scanner is scanning, press MANUAL.
2. Using the number keys, enter the channel number containing the frequency
you want to delete.
3. Press PROGRAM.
4. Press O, then E. The frequency is deleted from the channel.
To delete a frequency from a monitor memory, store a new frequency in that
monitor memory.
Scanning Channels
NOTE: You cannot scan channels until you have stored frequencies in them.
To scan channels stored in the channel-storage banks, press SCAN. The
scanner scans through all non-locked channels in the active banks.
To select one or more channel-storage banks while scanning, select each bank
you want to scan by pressing its number key until the bank's number appears
on the display.
To turn off channel-storage banks, press the number key for the bank(s)
until the bank's number disappears. The scanner does not scan any of the
stored channels within banks you have turned off.
NOTE: You can manually select any channel in a bank, even if the bank is
turned off.
Manually Selecting a Channel
You can continuously monitor a specific channel without scanning. This is
useful if you hear an emergency broadcast on a channel and want to hear all
the details (even though there might be periods of silence) or if you want
to monitor only a specific channel or a locked-out channel.
Follow these steps to manually select a channel.
1. Press MANUAL.
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2. Use the number keys to enter the channel number you want to hear, then
press MANUAL again.
NOTES: If your scanner is scanning and stops at the channel you want,
simply press MANUAL to manually select the channel.
If you repeatedly press MANUAL, the scanner steps through the
channels.
This scanner is primarily designed for use in the home as a base station.
You can place it on a desk, shelf, or table.
Your scanner's front feet fold up or down. Adjust them to give you the best
view of the display.
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, screw it clockwise into the hole on the
scanner's top.
The scanner's sensitivity depends on the antenna's length and various
environmental conditions. For the best reception of the transmissions you
want to hear, adjust the antenna's length.
FREQUENCY ANTENNA LENGTH
29-54 MHz Extent fully
108-174 MHz Collapse one segment
406-512 MHz Collapse both segments
Connecting an Outdoor Antenna
Instead of the supplied antenna, you can connect an outdoor base-station or
mobile antenna (not supplied) to your scanner. Your local Radio Shack store
sells a variety of antennas. Choose the one that best meets your needs.
When deciding on a mobile or base-station antenna and its location, consider these points:
The antenna should be as high as possible on a vehicle or the house.
The antenna and its cable should be as far as possible from sources of
electrical noise (appliances, other radios, etc.).
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
Page 16
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, you might also need a
Motorola-to-BNC antenna plug adapter, such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 278-117.
Your local Radio Shack 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 the scanner and connect the
cable to the ANT. Jack on the back of the scanner.
CAUTIONS: Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts that might
damage it.
Do not run the cable next to power cables or other antenna
cables.
WARNING: Use extreme caution when you install or remove an out-door an
tenna. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact
overhead power lines. If the antenna touches a power line, contact
with the antenna, mast, cable or guy wires can cause electrocution
and death. Call the power company to remove the antenna. DO NOT
attempt to do so yourself.
Connecting Power
Using AC Power
The scanner's supplied AC adapter lets you power the scanner from a standard
AC outlet. To connect power to the scanner, insert the AC adapter's barrel
plug into the DC 12 V jack on the back of the scanner, then plug the AC
adapter into a standard AC outlet.
WARNING: Do not use the AC adapter's polarized plug with an extension cord
receptacle unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent
blade exposure.
CAUTIONS: Be sure to connect the AC adapter to the scanner before you
connect it to an AC outlet, and disconnect the AC adapter from
the AC outlet before you disconnect it from the scanner.
The supplied AC adapter supplies 12 bolts DC power and delivers
500 milliamps. Its center tip is set to positive, and its plug
properly fits the scanner's DC 12V jack. Using an adapter that
does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or
the adapter.
Using Your Vehicle's Battery
If your AC power does not work in an emergency, you can power your scanner
from your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket with an optional DC cigarette
lighter power cable, such as Cat. No. 270-15633 (not supplied).
To connect an optional DC cigarette lighter power cable, insert its barrel
plug into the DC 12V jack on the back of the scanner, then plug the power
cable into your vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.
CAUTIONS: If you use a DC cigarette lighter power cable with the scanner,
it must supply 12 bolts and deliver at least 500 milliamps. Its
Page 17
center tip must be set to positive, and its plug must correctly
fit the DC 12V jack on the back of the scanner. The recommended
power cable meets these specifications. Using a power cable that
does not meet these specifications could seriously damage the
scanner or the power cable.
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.
NOTE: Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in some
areas. Check the laws in your area.
Connecting an External Speaker
You can connect an optional amplified external speaker with a 1/8 inch plug
(such as Cat. No. 21-541) to the scanner.
Insert the speaker's plug into the (symbol) jack on the front of the
scanner.
NOTE: Plugging in an external speaker disconnects the scanner's internal
speaker.
Connecting an Earphone/Headphones
You can connect an optional earphone (such as Cat. No. 33-175) or a pair of
monaural headphones (such as Cat. No. 20-210) with a 1/8-inch plug to the
scanner.
Insert the earphone's or headphones' plug into the (symbol) jack on the
front of the scanner.
NOTE: Plugging in an earphone or headphones disconnects the scanner's
internal speaker.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone
or headphones. you put
on the earphone or headphones, adjust VOLUME to a comfortable level.
Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listen-ing can
lead to permanent hearing loss.
Once you set VOLUME, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the
volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still
damage your hearing.
Reception of the frequencies covered by your scanner is mainly "line-of-sight".
That means you usually cannot hear stations that are beyond the
horizon.
Page 18
Ham Radio Frequencies
Ham radio operators often broadcast emergency information when other means
of communication break down.
The following chart shows the voice frequencies that you can monitor:
Every scanner has birdie frequencies. Birdies are signals created inside
the scanner's receiver. These operating frequencies might interfere with
broadcasts 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 to turn SQUELCH clockwise to cut out the birdie.
The birdie frequencies to watch for with this scanner are:
To find the birdies in your individual scanner, begin by disconnecting the
antenna and moving it away form the scanner. Make sure that no other nearby
radio or TV sets are turned on near the scanner. Use the search function and
search every frequency range from its lowest frequency to the highest.
Occasionally, the searching will stop as if it had found a signal, often
without any sound. That is a birdie. Make a list of all the birdies in your
scanner for future reference.
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.
Guide to the Action Bands
Page 19
Typical Band Usage
VHF Band (29.00-174.0 MHz)
Low Range 29.00-50.00 MHz
6-Meter Amateur 50.00-54.00 MHz
Aircraft 108.00-136.00 MHz
U.S.Government 137.00-144.00 MHz
2-Meter Band 144.00-148.00 MHz
High Range 148.00-174.00 MHz
UHF Band (300.00 MHz-512 MHz)
U.S.Government 406.00-420.00 MHz
70-Meter Band 420.00-450.00 MHz
Low Range 450.00-470.00 MHz
FM-TV Audio Broadcast, Wide Band 470.00-512.00 MHz
Primary Usage
As a general rule, most of the radio activity is concentrated on the following
frequencies:
VHF Band
Activities Frequencies
Government, Police, and Fire 153.785-155.980 MHz
Emergency Services 158.730-159.460 MHz
Railroad 160.000-161.900 MHz
UHF Band
Activities Frequencies
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.
(EB 3/10/97)
Privacy Policy
PRO-2044 Programmable 80-Channel Home Scanner
(200-0416) Special Features Faxback Doc. # 38287
Delay
Many agencies use a two-way radio system that might have a pause of several
seconds between a query and a reply. To avoid missing a reply, you can
program a 2-second delay into any of your scanner's channels or frequencies.
Then, when the scanner stops on the channel or frequency, DLY appears on the
display and the scanner continues to monitor the channel/frequency for 2
seconds after the transmission stops before it resumes scanning.
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You can program a 2-second delay in any of the following ways:
If the scanner is scanning and stops on an active channel, quickly press
DELAY before it starts to scan again.
If the desired channel is not selected, manually select the channel then
press DELAY.
If the scanner is searching, press DELAY during the search. DLY appears
on the display and the scanner automatically adds a 2-second delay to
every transmission it stops on.
To turn off delay on any channel or frequency, press DELAY when the channel
or frequency appears on the display. DLY disappears.
Skipping Frequencies/Channels
You can scan channels and search for frequencies faster by skipping ones
that have a continuous transmission, such as a weather channel. You can
skip up to all 80 channels while scanning or up to 20 frequencies during a
band or direct search.
NOTE: If you skip all channels, the scanner will not scan.
To skip a channel/frequency while scanning or searching, press S/S when the
scanner stops on it.
NOTES: If you skip more than 20 frequencies, each new frequency replaces
earlier ones, starting from the first stored frequency.
You can manually select skipped frequencies after you press HOLD to
stop a search. The scanner displays L/O when you select a skipped
frequency.
Removing Skip from Frequencies
To remove the skip from a frequency while searching, press HOLD to stop the
search, press /\ or \/ to select the skipped frequency, then press S/S until
L/O disappears from the display. To remove the skip from all frequencies at
once while searching, press and hold down S/S until the scanner beeps twice.
Removing Skip from Channels
To remove the skip from a channel while scanning, press MANUAL to stop the
scan, use the number keys to enter the channel number, press MANUAL, then
press S/S until L/O disappears from the display.
To remove the skip from all channels at once while scanning, select the
banks containing the skipped channels, press MANUAL, then press and hold
down S/S until the scanner beeps twice.
Priority
The priority feature lets you scan through programmed channels and still not
miss important or interesting calls on specific channels. You can program
one stored channel in each bank as a priority channel (up to 10 stored
channels). As the scanner scans each bank, it checks that bank's priority
channel every 2 seconds for activity.
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NOTES: You cannot use the priority and data detection features at the same
time (see "Detecting Data Signals", below).
You can skip priority channels. If you skip all priority channels,
the display shows P CH LOC Out when you turn on the priority fea ture. See "Skipping Frequencies/Channels", above.
The priority feature must be turned off to listen to monitor
memories.
The scanner automatically designates the first channel in each bank as that
bank's priority channel.
Follow these steps to program a different channel as the priority channel.
1. Press PROGRAM.
2. Use the number keys to enter the channel number you want to program as
the priority channel, then press PRIORITY. P appears on the display to
the right of the channel number.
3. Repeat Steps 1-2 for each channel you want to program as a priority
channel.
4. To confirm all priority channel numbers for all banks, press PROGRAM
then repeatedly press PRIORITY.
To turn on the priority feature, press PRIORITY during scanning. PRI appears
on the display, and the scanner checks the priority channel in each selected
bank every 2 seconds. It stays on the channel if there is activity , and P
appears on the display.
To turn off the priority feature, press PRIORITY. PRI disappears from the
display.
NOTE: If you are scanning more than one bank in which a priority channel
has been programmed, the scanner stops on the lowest-numbered prior ity channel first while scanning.
Changing The Search Speed
You can adjust your scanner's search speed. You can set the scanner to
search at either 100 steps per second (normal search speed) or 300 steps per
second (hypersearch speed).
NOTE: You can use the hypersearch speed only in 5 kHz-step bands. See
"Band Mode and Frequency Step", below.
To select the hypersearch speed during a band or direct search, press H/S.
SRCH flashes on the display.
Detecting Data Signals
You can set the scanner to detect un-modulated carriers or data signals
(such as preamble signals for pagers) during scanning, band search, or
direct search.
NOTE: You cannot detect data signals in the air band (AM Mode). See "Band
Mode and Frequency Step", below.
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To detect data signals, press DATA until DATA appears on the display. If
the scanner pauses on a transmission and detects a data signal, it resumes
searching in 2 or 3 seconds.
To stop detecting data signals, press DATA until DATA disappears from the
display.
Listening to The Weather Band
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has allocated 11 channels for
use by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA
broadcasts your local forecast and regional weather information. We have
preprogrammed your scanner with seven of the U.S. frequencies available to
NOAA.
NOTE: For a list of all 11 national weather frequencies, see "National
Weather Frequencies" on Faxback Doc. # 38288.
To scan the preprogrammed weather channels, press WX. WX appears on the
display, and the scanner searches through the weather band and stops on an
active broadcast. If a broadcast is weak, press WX again to continue to
search through the weather band.
Band Mode and Frequency Step
The scanner scans in the following band modes:
AM (amplitude modulation) - used in aircraft bands
NFM (narrowband Frequency modulation)- used in action bands such as
police, fire, ambulance, Amateur Radio, etc.
The table below shows the preset band modes and frequency steps your scanner
uses for each frequency range.
FREQ. RANGE (MHz) BAND MODE FREQ. STEP (kHz)
29.000-54.000 NFM 5
108.000-136.975 AM 12.5
137.000-144.000 NFM 5
144.000-148.000 NFM 5
148.000-174.000 NFM 5
406.000-450.000 NFM 12.5
450.000-470.000 NFM 12.5
470.000-512.000 NFM 12.5
NOTE: The band modes and frequency steps are preset. You cannot change
them.
Turning The Key Tone On or Off
Each time you press any of the scanner's keys, the scanner sounds a tone.
Follow these steps to turn the scanner's key tone on or off.
1. If the scanner is on, turn VOLUME counterclockwise until it clicks to
turn the scanner off.
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2. While you press and hold down S/S, turn on the scanner. OFF bEEP (if
the key tone is off) or ON bEEP (if the key tone is on) appears on the
display for about 3 seconds.
If your scanner is not working as it should, these suggestions might help you
eliminate the problem. If the scanner still does not operate properly, take it to
your local Radio Shack store for assistance.
SYMPTOM SUGGESTION
Scanner is on, but will Be sure SQUELCH is adjusted properly. See
not scan. "Turning On the Scanner/Setting Volume and
Squelch" on Faxback Doc. # 38386.
Be sure the scanner is in the scan mode (make
sure SCAN is displayed).
Scanner receives stations Check the antenna (indoor or outdoor).
Poorly or not at all.
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's keys do not The scanner might be locked. Reset the scanner.
work. See "Resetting the Scanner" on Faxback Doc. #
38286.
The display shows random
segments.
Scanner does not work at Check that the power supply (either vehicle
all. Battery or AC adapter/AC outlet) is working.
The scanner might be locked. Reset the scanner.
See "Resetting the Scanner" on Faxback Doc. #
38286.
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Scanner locks on frequen- Be sure SQUELCH is adjusted properly. See
cies that have an unclear "Turning On the Scanner/Setting Volume and
transmission. Squelch" on Faxback Doc. # 38286.
Be sure birdie frequencies are not programmed,
or listen to birdie frequencies manually. See
"Birdie Frequencies" on Faxback Doc. # 38288.