RadioShack PRO-2055 Owners Manual

20-428

PRO-2055 1,000 Channel

Triple Trunking

Mobile/Base Scanner

NOTE: Actual product may vary from the images found in this document.

Please read this user’s guide before installing, setting up and using your new product

www.radioshack.com

Contents

Thank you for purchasing your PRO-2055 triple trunking scanner from RadioShack. You can mount your scanner in a ﬁ xed position and use it as a base scanner or you can use it as a mobile scanner by mounting it in a vehicle. No additional hardware or add-on cards are needed. This scanner is one of a new generation of scanners designed to track Motorola® Type I and II (such as Smartnet® and Privacy Plus®) and hybrid analog trunking systems, GE-Ericsson (EDACS®) type systems, and EF Johnson (LTR) type systems which are extensively used in many communication systems.

user’s guide • quick start guide • preloaded data addendum

DC cable w/fuse

Scanner

DIN sleeve and keys (2)

Antenna

AC adapter

Mounting bracket

Knob (2)

Rubber washer (2)

Lock washer (2)

Screw (2)

Rubber foot (3)

The Basics

contents

your scanner’s keypad 7

your scanner’s rear view 9

your scanner’s display 10

step 1: install your scanner 11

mounting your scanner in your dashboard 11 mobile mounting in your vehicle 12 using your scanner as a base station 13

step 2: power your scanner 14

from a wall outlet 14 through your vehicle’s ignition 15 from your vehicle’s cigarrette lighter 16

step 3: connect your scanner 17

connect the supplied antenna 17 connect an external antenna 17 connect an external speaker or headphones 18

quick start 20

understanding your scanner’s modes 20

setting up your scanner 29

turning on the scanner and setting squelch 29

The Basics

storing known frequencies into channels 30 CTCSS and DCS 32 storing trunking frequencies into channels 35 storing text tags 36

ﬁ nding and storing active

frequencies

searching a preprogrammed frequency

range 40 band charts 42 searching active frequencies in a range 47 manually tuning a frequency 49 listening to the weather band 50 skywarn 52 using frequency copy 53 Signal Stalker II 55 scanning the channels 57 using CTCSS and DCS 59 deleting frequencies from channels 59 deleting all frequencies in a channel bank 60 using delay 60 locking out channels or frequencies 61 priority 63 changing the receive mode 65 using the attenuator 66 turning the key tone on and off 67 using the dimmer 67 changing the display contrast 67 cloning the programmed data 68

The Basics

trunking 69

how trunking works 69 setting squelch for trunking mode 71 programming trunking frequencies 71

care 85

replacing fuse 85 resetting/initializing your scanner 85 service and repair 86 birdie frequencies 86

speciﬁ cations 88

The FCC wants you to know 91

scanning legally 91

glossary 93

FAQs (Frequenctly Asked Questions) 95

warranty 96

The Basics

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

Motorola, Smartnet, ASTRO and Privacy Plus are registered trademarks of Motorla Inc.

EDACS is a registered trademark of MA-COM Inc.

LTR is a registered trademark of EF Johnson.

The Basics

your scanner’s keypad

TRUNK — stores the trunking ID code or holds the trunking ID while scanning.

L/OUT — locks out selected channels and ID codes, and skips speciﬁ ed frequencies during a search.

CLEAR — clears an incorrect entry.

PROG — programs frequencies in selected

channels.

PWR/VOL/SQ — long knob turns OFF/ON, and controls volume. Short knob controls squelch.

PC/IF — connect data cable for cloning or connecting to a PC.

s — attach headphones with 1/8” jack here.

The Basics

combination with other keys

to perform various functions.

activate att

scanner sensitivity, block

strong signals). Press again to

deactivate attenuation.

FUNC — press in

TUNE — Press TUNE,

PAUSE then e or d to tune

to a frequency.

ATT — Press to

enuation (reduce

PAUSE — pauses search

or tune operation.

DIM — adjusts the

backlight level (Light, Dark,

the seven preprogrammed

weather channels, or jumps

to a Skywarn channel you

TEXT — press to input text.

or OFF).

WX/

— scans through

programmed (997-999).

SRCH — press to search

through search banks.

MAN — press to manually enter a channel number.

or d — press to

scan or search in either

direction.

PRI — turns the

priority function on or off.

MODE — press to

change the receive mode.

— scans

SCAN/ through the programmed channels, or activates the

Signal Stalker II function.

The Basics

Press to enter a number or a

character (in text mode).

./DELAY — press to enter a

decimal point, space, or hyphen.

Press to program delay time for a

channel/search bank.

ENT — press to

conﬁ rm frequency

and text entries.

your scanner’s rear view

ANT — connect the

supplied antenna or an

external antenna here.

SCREW HOLE — use to mount the scanner in a car with some hardware (screw not supplied).

RESET—

press to

reset your

scanner.

DC 13.8V — connect a

power source here.

EXT SP — connect an

external speaker here.

The Basics

your scanner’s display

The Basics

step 1: install your scanner

You can mount your trunking scanner in your vehicle, install it for mobility, or install it as a base station.

mounting your scanner in your dashboard

If you are unsure about how to install your scanner in your vehicle, consult your automobile manufacturer, dealer, or a qualiﬁ ed installer. Before installing, conﬁ rm your scanner ﬁ ts in the desired mounting area and you have all the necessary materials. Your scanner requires a 2 x 71/8 x 5 5/16 inch (50 x 180 x 135 mm) mounting area.

1. Remove the four rear screws and pull off the black case before installing your scanner.

2. Install the DIN sleeve into the opening in your dashboard, lip facing out.

3. Push out the top and bottom tabs to hold the sleeve ﬁ rmly in place.

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4. Slide the scanner into the sleeve until it locks in place.

The Basics

Note

To remove your scanner from the DIN sleeve, insert the two keys straight into the scanner’s front panel. Then, remove the scanner by pulling front panel.

When mounting in your dashboard, you will need to connect an external antenna and an external speaker.

mobile mounting in your vehicle

You can mount your scanner under the dashboard, or on top of it, using the mounting bracket.

1. Attach the three protective rubber feet to the

mounting bracket when you use the scanner on a ﬂ at surface. Do

not use them when you mount the bracket with screws.

2. Use the supplied

mounting bracket as a template to mark positions for the two mounting screws.

3. At the marked

positions, drill holes slightly smaller than the screws.

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

The Basics

Note

4. Remove the paper backing from each washer and stick one inside of each bracket’s ear, aligning the washer’s hole with the bracket’s hole.

5. Attach the mounting bracket to your vehicle’s surface using the supplied screws and lockwashers.

6. Slide the scanner into the bracket, aligning the scanner’s holes with the holes in the bracket, and then screw the mounting knobs into the scanner.

Note

When drilling holes, be sure to avoid obstructions behind the mounting surface. Consult a qualiﬁ ed installer if in doubt.

using your scanner as a base station

You can place your scanner on a desk, shelf, or table to use it as a base station. Since the speaker is on the bottom of the scanner, you may want to use the mounting bracket to elevate your scanner off the surface for better sound. Follow the mobile vehicle mounting instructions above to afﬁ x your scanner to a desk, shelf, table or other ﬂ at surface (except that the

bracket will be below the scanner).

The Basics

Note

Warning!

step 2: power your scanner

You can power your scanner from a wall outlet, through your vehicle’s ignition, or from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.

from a wall outlet

Note

Warning!



1. Connect the tip of the supplied AC adapter to the DC 13.8V jack at the rear of your scanner.

2. Plug the AC adapter into your wall outlet.

You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies

13.8V DC and delivers at least 600mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must ﬁ t the scanner’s DC 13.8V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these speciﬁ cations could damage the scanner or the adapter.

To prevent electric shock, do not 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.



The Basics

Note

through your vehicle’s ignition

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative (-) terminal of your vehicle’s battery.

2. Ground the black wire of the supplied DC power cord to your vehicle’s chassis.

Note

Be sure the grounding screw makes complete contact with the metal frame of your vehicle.

3. Connect the red wire of the supplied DC power cord to a voltage source that turns on and off with the ignition switch, such as a spare accessory terminal in your vehicle’s fuse box.

4. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the scanner’s DC 13.8V jack.

5. Reconnect the cable to the negative (-) terminal of your

Rear View

vehicle’s battery.

You must use a power source that supplies 12V DC and delivers at least 600 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must ﬁ t the scanner’s DC 13.8V jack. The supplied DC power cord meets these speciﬁ cations. Using a power cord that does not meet these speciﬁ cations could damage the scanner or the adapter.

The Basics

Notes

from your vehicle’s cigarrette lighter

To power your scanner from a 12V power source in your vehicle, such as a cigarette-lighter socket, you need a 12V, 600 mA DC cigarette-lighter adapter (not supplied), available at your local RadioShack store.

1. Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into the scanner’s DC

13.8V jack.

2. Plug the adapter’s other end into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or power socket.

Notes

When you use a cigarette-lighter adapter, you might hear electrical noise from your engine while scanning. This is normal.

The Basics

step 3: connect your scanner

connect the supplied antenna

Push the antenna onto your scanner’s antenna connector and rotate until it locks into place.

Your scanner’s sensitivity to various frequencies depends on its location and the antenna’s length. For best reception, adjust the antenna’s length as follows:

Frequency Antenna Length

25-54 MHz Extend fully

108-174 MHz Extend 4 segments

216-225 MHz Extend 3 segments

225-406 MHz Extend 2 segments

406-1300 MHz Collapse fully

connect an external antenna

You will need to connect an external antenna when you mount your scanner in the dashboard of your vehicle. You may also want to connect an external antenna if you use your scanner as a base station.

The Basics

Warning!

Your local RadioShack store sells a variety of antennas. Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna. For lengths exceeding 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If your coaxial cable does not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC adapter (not supplied).

Warning!

Use extreme caution when installing or removing an outdoor antenna. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches a power line, 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.

connect an external speaker or headphones

When you mount your scanner in your dashboard, you will need to connect an external speaker or headphones.

Connect

headphones here

Connect external

speaker here

The Basics

listening safely

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

•

Adjust VOL (volume) to its lowest level before

putting on headphones. With the headphones on, adjust VOL to a comfortable level.

• Avoid increasing the volume once you set it. Over time, your sensitivity to volume decreases, so volume levels that do not cause discomfort might damage your hearing.

• Avoid listening at high volume levels. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause permanent hearing loss.

trafﬁ c safety

Do not wear headphones while driving. This can create a trafﬁ c hazard and is illegal in some areas. Even though some headphones let you hear outside sounds when you listen at normal levels, they still can present a trafﬁ c hazard.

The Basics

Note

quick start

To help familiarize yourself with the scanner’s functions, keypad, and available frequencies, you can utilize one of these four features before you begin programming the scanner.

Signal Stalker II — searches nearby strong signals quickly. See “Signal Stalker II”.

Preprogrammed Search Banks — allow you to listen to frequencies and decide which frequencies you want to store when you are ready to program the scanner. See “Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range”.

Manual Tuning — allows you to manually move through the entire range of available frequencies. (See “Speciﬁ cations” for a list of the available frequency ranges.)

Weather Radio — allows you to listen to NOAA weather broadcasts without programming. See “Listening to the Weather Band”.

understanding your scanner’s modes

You can program each channel with any of seven receive modes (AM, FM, CT, DC, MO, ED, and LT).

Each receive mode affects how your scanner operates when scanning and receiving transmissions.

Note

Trunked modes (MO, ED and LT) can only be selected for frequencies above 137 MHz.

Your scanner’s closed mode lets you hear only those trunking talkgroups you specify. For more information, see “Open and Closed Modes”.

The Basics

AM mode

The AM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using amplitude modulation (AM), primarily used for aircraft, military, some amateur radio, and some government transmissions. (Refer to “Speciﬁ cations” for a list of the frequencies covered.) When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the AM mode, it always stops on the transmission.

FM mode

The FM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM), used for most public safety transmissions, as well as broadcast, business, and amateur radio transmissions. When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the FM mode, it always stops on the transmission.

CTCSS (CT) mode

CTCSS mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) with Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) subaudible tone codes. CTCSS allows multiple users to share a single radio frequency without hearing each other’s transmissions. CTCSS mode also features a Code Search setting that allows you to instantly display and store unknown codes into the channel memory. CTCSS tones can sometimes be heard as a low “hum” in the background of a voice transmission.

The Basics

DCS (DC) mode

DCS mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) with Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) subaudible data signaling. DCS is very similar to CTCSS, except that a digital code is transmitted instead of an audio tone. Like CTCSS, DCS allows multiple users to share a single radio frequency without hearing each other’s transmissions. DCS mode also features a Code Search setting that allows you to instantly display and store unknown codes into the channel memory. DCS data can sometimes be heard as a low “purring” sound in the background of a voice transmission. Some DCS systems transmit a special “turn off code” at the end of each transmission. The turn off code causes a properly equipped receiver to mute before the transmission ends, eliminating the “squelch tail” burst of noise the commonly occurs when the signal is lost.

Motorola mode

You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with Motorola trunking systems. This setting is called the Motorola mode.

Motorola systems are trunking systems used primarily by business and public safety groups to efﬁ ciently allocate a small number of frequencies (as few as ﬁ ve) to many groups of users (as many as several thousand). To do this, each group of users in the system is assigned to a speciﬁ c talk group. For example, the east side patrol ofﬁ cers might all be assigned to talk group 2160. One channel in the system is continuously transmitting data that identiﬁ es which talk groups are active on which channel. In addition,

The Basics

Note

this talk group information is also transmitted as subaudible data on each active channel.

When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the Motorola mode, it ﬁ rst decodes the talk group ID data included with the transmission. In the open mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the talk group ID matches a talk group ID that you have stored in the bank’s talk group ID list and have not locked out.

Motorola trunking systems come in three categories: Type I, Type II, and Type I/II Hybrid. Each category displays and uses talk group IDs in slightly different ways.

Motorola Type II IDs are in the form FFF-SS, where;

FFF=Fleet ID

SS=Subﬂ eet ID

Type I systems are usually organized with different user groups assigned to different ﬂ eets.

Note

For example, a valid ﬂ eet-subﬂ eet ID identifying all detectives within a police department might be 000-12, where 000 identiﬁ es all police users and 12 identiﬁ es the Detective division.

Tuning the scanner to an active control channel while in Motorola mode will display the Motorola System. ID and the approximate control channel message decode success rate. This information can help you identify the Motorola trunking system that you are monitoring and the receive quality of the control channel signal.

The Basics

Note

To properly map the raw Type I data to the correct ﬂ eet-subﬂ eet format, you must program the correct ﬂ eet map into the scanner. Fleet map information is widely available on the Internet for most Type I systems in use.

Type II system talk groups are identiﬁ ed by a 5-digit number. Valid talk group IDs are divisible by 16. If you try to enter an invalid talk group ID, the scanner rounds the ID down to the next valid ID.

Type I/II hybrid systems use both ﬂ eet-subﬂ eet and 5-digit formats for talk group IDs.

Note

If the scanner decodes control channel data while receiving transmissions from a Motorola trunking system, CNTRL appears on the bottom line of the display.

EDACS mode

You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with EDACS (GE/Ericsson) trunking systems. This setting is called the EDACS mode.

EDACS systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers, as well as by some public safety organizations. EDACS systems transmit active talk group information only on a dedicated control channel.

EDACS frequencies are organized in a speciﬁ c order. Each frequency is assigned a Logical Channel Number (LCN). For the scanner to correctly switch to an active frequency, you must program the frequencies in LCN order, starting with Memory 01. EDACS talk group IDs are entered as a 4-digit decimal number from 0001 to 2047 or AFS (Agency Fleet Subﬂ eet) number from 00001 to 15-157.

The Basics

When there is activity on an EDACS system, that information is sent out on the control channel. The scanner decodes the ID for the active talk group. In the open mode, the scanner then goes to the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only goes to transmissions with IDs that match talk group IDs you have stored in the bank’s talk group ID list which are not locked out.

Because EDACS scanning requires clear reception of the control channel at all times, EDACS systems tend to have a smaller usable area. An external antenna can greatly improve EDACS scanning in a fringe area. If you are having trouble scanning an EDACS system, try manually selecting the data channel. If you are getting good reception, the scanner will indicate talk group CTL-01. Try changing your location or using an outdoor antenna to improve reception.

LTR m od e

You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with LTR systems. This setting is called the LTR mode.

LTR frequencies are organized in a speciﬁ c order. Each frequency is assigned a Home Repeater Number (HR). For the scanner to correctly switch to an active frequency, you must program the frequencies in HR order, starting with Memory X01 in the selected bank.

Your PRO-2055 scanner features a new tool to help you determine the correct channel mapping for LTR system frequencies. The scanner’s LTR Repeater Finder displays the current Home Repeater when monitoring LTR transmissions in manual mode.

The Basics

To determine the correct Home Repeater programming, enter the system channels of an LTR system in any order. Be sure to program the mode for each LTR channel to LT. Listen to each channel one at a time in manual mode and watch for the decoded LTR data at the bottom of the scanner’s display. When an LTR transmission occurs, you should see the LTR talkgroup information on the bottom line of the display, and a number preceded by “R” in the bottom right hand corner (i.e., R12). The “R” number is the Home Repeater number that the current transmission is occurring on. To correctly program this Home Repeater number into your scanner, be sure that the channel number in the bank is equal to the number that is displayed after the “R”. For example, if you see R12 displayed on a particular LTR frequency, that frequency needs to be programmed into Channel 12 of the current bank in order to track the LTR system activity properly.

LTR systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers, such as taxicabs, delivery trucks, and repair services. These systems encode all trunking information as digital subaudible data that accompanies each transmission. Users on an LTR system are assigned to speciﬁ c talk groups, which are identiﬁ ed by the radio as six-digit numbers. These numbers are in the form AHHUUU, where:

A = Area code (0 or 1)

H = Home repeater (01 through 20)

U = User ID (000 through 254)

When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the LTR mode, it ﬁ rst decodes the LTR data included with the transmission. In the open mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays

The Basics

Note

the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the LTR data matches a talk group ID that you have stored in the bank’s talk group ID list and have not locked out.

LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique ID code.

open and closed modes

You can set your scanner to change the way it receives signals. These settings, called open mode and closed mode, affect how the scanner receives signals from communications systems that use some type of closed squelch (such as Motorola, EDACS, and LTR systems).

Note

In open mode, you hear all active talk groups except those you speciﬁ cally exclude, making it easy to hear everything going on. In closed mode, you hear only those talk groups you specify. This makes it easy to listen only to talk groups you are interested in and exclude others.

When you select a system voice channel manually, any transmission opens squelch, regardless of the current mode.

When no ID code is programmed into the scanner, it receives the signal in MO, ED, or LT mode. In open mode, the scanner stops on any transmission. If the ID is stored, the text tag appears on the display. Otherwise, the talk group ID appears on the display. In closed mode, the scanner only stops on a transmission if the ID is stored.

You can set each of the scanner’s channel storage banks to open or closed mode.

The Basics

In open mode, the scanner scans signals transmitted in all systems. The scanner stops on any ID code and only uses the ID list to look up ID text tags.

In closed mode, the scanner stops only on signals that have an ID code which is found in the ID list for the bank. Also, the scanner scans signals transmitted only under the following conditions:

• When the signals are in the FM, CT, or DC mode.

• When the signals are in the MO, ED, or LT mode and the signal’s ID code matches the programmed ID code

You can also select the user or talk groups you want the scanner to receive in closed mode.

When you set a channel storage bank to open mode, + appears under the bank’s number while scanning. When you set a channel storage bank to closed mode,

- appears under the channel storage bank’s number

while scanning. OPEN or CLOSED appears while the scanner is in manual mode or while the scanner is receiving a signal during scanning. See “Changing the Open/Closed Mode” for more information about setting the open and closed modes.

The Basics

Note

setting up your scanner

turning on the scanner and setting squelch

1. To turn on the scanner, turn VOL clockwise. Multisystem Trunking Scanner appears. After about 3

seconds, you might hear a hissing sound. Then adjust VOL to a comfortable level.

2. Turn SQ fully counterclockwise, then turn SQ clockwise until the hissing sound stops.

3. To turn off the scanner, turn VOL counterclockwise to OFF.

Note

The scanner does not scan if there are no frequencies stored in channels. If the scanner does not scan and you have already stored frequencies in channels, turn SQ further clockwise.

If the scanner picks up unwanted, partial, or very weak transmissions, turn SQ clockwise to decrease the scanner’s sensitivity to these signals. If you want to listen to a weak or distant station, turn SQ counterclockwise.

If SQ is adjusted so you always hear a hissing sound, the scanner will not scan properly.

To ensure the scanner operates properly while in the trunking mode, we suggest you set SQ using the steps listed above.

If SQ is adjusted precisely at the threshold where the hissing sound stops, the radio will be most sensitive to very weak signals. The radio may also receive unwanted noise or signals that are too

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