RadioShack PRO-651 Owner Manual
2000651 / PRO-651
User’s Guide
DIGITAL TRUNKING
HANDHELD RADIO SCANNER
Thank you for purchasing your
Handheld Radio Scanner from
RadioShack. Please read this
user’s guide before setting up
and using your new scanner.
This user’s guide is available in Spanish at
www.radioshack.com.
Esta guía del usuario está disponible en español en
www.radioshack.com.
www.radioshack.com
Contents
Introduction .......................................... 4
What is Object Oriented Scanning? ............... 4
Features .......................................................... 5
Package Contents ........................................... 5
Scanning Legally ............................................. 6
FCC Statement ............................................... 7
Setup .................................................... 8
Antenna .......................................................... 8
Batteries ........................................................ 10
External Power .............................................. 12
Belt Clip ........................................................ 12
Headphones and Speakers ........................... 13
Understanding the Keypad .......................... 14
Turning on the Scanner ................................. 16
Setting the Battery Type ............................... 16
Understanding the Display Icons .................. 17
Programming ...................................... 18
Programming Cables .................................... 18
RadioReference.com .......................... 19
Scanner Cloning ........................................... 20
Manual Programming ................................... 21
Text Entry ...................................................... 22
Scanning ............................................. 24
Objects and Scan Lists .................................. 24
Monitoring .................................................... 26
Scanning ....................................................... 28
Priority Scan .................................................. 30
Favorites Scan List ........................................ 31
Object Lockout ............................................. 32
Multi-Site Mode (Motorola and P25) ............ 34
Home Repeater AutoMove (LTR) .................. 35
Searching ............................................ 36
Limit Search Object (LMIT) ........................... 38
Service Search Object (SRVC) ....................... 40
Signal Stalker II Object (STLK) ...................... 42
Weather Features ............................... 44
SAME Standby .............................................. 44
Configuring ........................................ 47
Using V-Scanner Storage .............................. 50
Initializing Global Settings ............................ 52
Initializing to Factory Defaults ...................... 53
Power-On Configuration Shortcuts .............. 54
Manual Programming Guide .............. 55
Conventional Objects (CONV) ..................... 56
Trunking System (TSYS) Object ................... 58
Talkgroup (TGRP) Object .............................. 60
Duplicating Objects ...................................... 62
No Scan List .................................................. 62
Deleting Objects .......................................... 63
Memory Usage ............................................. 63
Hit Counter .................................................. 64
Specifications .................................... 65
Maintenance ....................................... 69
Birdie Frequencies ........................................ 69
Limited Warranty .......................................... 70
2 3
Introduction
Scanning technology has changed dramatically
over the years. The Pro-651 scanner with Object
Oriented User Interface is designed to help hobbyist
build a collection of channels to scan:
• Start small and expand
• Organize channels and talkgroups
• Remove unwanted channels and talkgroups
What is Object Oriented Scanning?
Programming scanning receivers can be challenging,
but object-oriented programming simplifies the
process by using common conventions for scanning
concepts that have common characteristics.
A Scannable Object is any defined item that can be
scanned or monitored, including:
• Conventional, non-trunked radio frequencies
• Talkgroups used on a trunked radio system
• Radio services
• Defined searches
Because scannable objects are defined by the same
basic elements, the Object Oriented User Interface
(OOUI) is designed to simplify scanning by managing
all scannable objects similarly. When you learn how
to program one type of object, you can program
other types of scannable objects as well.
Features
• Intuitive Object Oriented User Interface
• Context Sensitive Help
• Scan List
• V-Scanner Technology - Save complete backup radio
configurations, up to 21 versions.
• SKYWARN™ Storm Spotter Function
• SAME and All Hazards Weather Alerting
• Multi-System Trunking
• Exclusive Automatic Adaptive Digital Tracking - Adapts
to multipath or fading for P25 digital systems
• Exclusive Digital AGC
• LTR Home Repeater AutoMove
• Subaudible Squelch Decoder
• Signal Stalker II – Advanced feature for finding active
frequencies.
• Zeromatic – Enhances the scanner’s ability to lock on
to the actual center frequency of a search hit instead
of an adjacent frequency.
• P25 NAC Functionality
• Alert LED and Audible alarms
• High Speed USB PC Interface
• Real-time Signal Strength Indicator
• Upgradeable CPU and DSP Firmware
Package Contents
• Scanner
• Antenna
• Belt Clip
• User’s Guide
• Alkaline Battery Holder
• Rechargeable Battery Holder
4 5
Scanning Legally
FCC Statement
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 means of private telephone signal
transmission)
• Paging transmissions
• Any intentionally decoded scrambled or
encrypted transmissions
According to the Electronic Communications
Privacy Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines 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). 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 are
illegal to monitor. Doing so could subject you to legal
penalties. We encourage responsible, legal scanner
use. In some areas, mobile use of this scanner is
unlawful or requires a permit. Check the laws in your
area. It is also illegal in many areas to interfere with
the duties of public safety officials by traveling to the
scene of an incident without authorization.
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.
2.)This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
6 7
Setup
Antenna
Your scanner's antenna connects easily, or you can
use a variety of antennas, such as an external mobile
antenna or outdoor base station antenna.
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.
To connect an external antenna, follow the
installation instructions supplied with the antenna.
Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or
RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. You may also
need a BNC adapter.
To connect the included antenna:
1. Align the slots around the antenna’s connector
with the tabs on the antenna jack.
WARNING: Outdoor antennas must be properly
grounded to prevent static buildup and lightning
damage. Article 810 of the National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information about
proper grounding of the antenna mast, connection
of coaxial cable to an lightning arrestor, size of
grounding conductors, location of the lightning
arrestor and connection of grounding conductors to
grounding electrodes.
Additionally, disconnect your radio from the outdoor
antenna during electrical storm activity to prevent
damage. The diagram below provides an example of
a proper antenna grounding system.
2. Press the antenna down over the jack and turn the
antenna’s base clockwise until it locks into place.
8 9
Batteries
Two battery holders are included with your PRO651, a black battery holder for non-rechargeable
alkaline batteries and a yellow battery holder for
rechargeable NiMH or NiCAD batteries.
1. Slide open the battery compartment cover.
Rechargeable
Battery Holder
2. Place 4 AA batteries into the correct battery
holder matching polarity symbols (+ / –):
• Black – Alkaline (non-rechargeable)
• Yellow – Rechargeable Ni-MH or Ni-Cd
3. Place the battery holder into the battery
compartment.The battery holder fits only one
way. Do not force it.
4. Replace the cover.
Warning: Never install non-rechargeable batteries
in the yellow rechargeable battery holder. Nonrechargeable batteries can get hot or explode if you
try to recharge them.
Recycle Rechargeable Batteries
Recycle your old rechargeable batteries at one of
the many collection sites in the U.S. and Canada. To
find the site nearest you, visit www.call2recycle.org
or call toll-free 1-877-2-RECYCLE..
Alkaline
Battery Holder
Battery Notes:
• Always dispose of old batteries promptly and
properly. Do not bury or burn them.
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and
recommended type. Do not mix old and new
batteries, different types (alkaline or rechargeable),
or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
Doing so can damage the batteries, causing
chemical leaks, fire, or explosions.
• Do not overcharge batteries. Overcharging
shortens battery life.
• When the internal battery charge circuit is active,
the battery icon briefly flashes approximately
once every second.
• The battery charge indicator does not provide
positive indication that the batteries are actually
being charged. Batteries will only charge in the
yellow battery holder.
• Rechargeable batteries last longer and deliver
more power if you let them fully discharge once
a month. To do this, use the scanner until the
battery icon flashes.
• The battery icon appears when battery power
is low. As a second warning, the battery icon
flashes and the scanner beeps every 30 seconds.
• Remove old or weak batteries. If you will not use
the scanner with batteries for a month, remove
the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that
destroy electronic circuits.
10 11
External Power
Headphones and Speakers
To power the scanner and recharge batteries, you
must use a 9VDC adapter of at least 400 mA with
the inner tip set to positive. Connect the plug into
the scanner’s PWR DC 9V jack. Then connect the
AC adapter to a standard AC outlet. Always connect
the AC adapter to the scanner before you connect it
to AC power.
You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V
power source using a 9VDC at least 400mA adapter
with 4.75mm outer/1.7mm inner plug (not included).
Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug
must fit the scanner’s PWR DC 9V jack.
NOTE: If your vehicle’s engine is running, you might
hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning.
This is normal.
Using an adapter that does not meet these
specifications could damage the scanner or the
adapter.
WARNING: 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.
You can plug headphones (not supplied) or an
amplified speaker (not supplied) with a
1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug earphone or in the
headphone jack on top of your scanner. This
automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
NOTE: Use an amplified speaker with this scanner;
Non-amplified speakers do not provide sufficient
volume for comfortable listening.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines
when you use headphones:
Set the volume to zero before putting on
headphones. With the headphones on, adjust the
volume to a comfortable level.
Avoid increasing the volume after you set it. Over
time, your sensitivity to a volume level decreases, so
volume levels that do not cause discomfort might
damage your hearing.
Avoid or limit listening at high-volume levels.
Prolonged exposure to high-volume levels can
cause permanent hearing loss.
Belt Clip
The PRO-651 ships with the belt clip already
installed. To remove the belt clip, disengage the
retaining catch at the top of the belt clip from the
back of radio, and slide the belt clip upwards. To
attach the belt clip, slide it down into the belt clip
receptacle on the back of the radio until it locks in
place.
12 13
Wearing headphones while operating a motor
vehicle or riding a bicycle can create a traffic hazard
and is illegal in most areas. Even though some
headphones let you hear some outside sounds
when listening at normal volume levels, they still can
present a traffic hazard. Exercise extreme caution!
Understanding the Keypad
BNC Antenna
Connector
Headphone
Connector
Volume Control
Squelch Control
Alert LED
LCD Display
Softkeys
Four-direction
keypad
Operations
Keys
Your PRO-651 features an easy-to understand
backlit keypad.
Referred to as "softkeys;" These keys activate
F1
functions currently displayed immediately
F2
above them.
F3
FUNC Function. Press and release the FUNC key
MAN
SCAN Scan Mode, (FUNC + SCAN launches Signal
TUNE
SRCH
ATT Attenuator On/Off, (FUNC + ATT sets Global
FAV Favorites Scan Mode, FUNC + FAV adds the
PGM Program objects, (FUNC + PGM accesses
L/OUT Temporary Lockout (FUNC + L/OUT
ENT
PSE
first, and then press the next key.
Backlight, (FUNC+ locks the keypad)
Manual Mode monitors single objects.
Stalker II)
Direct tuning of any valid frequency,
(FUNC + TUNE loads the most recently
scanned frequency)
Search Mode for service and conventional
frequencies
Attenuator On/Off)
PRI Priority setting for current object, (FUNC + PRI
Sets Priority Mode On/Off)
current object to the Favorites Scan List.
WX Weather scan, (FUNC + WX activates
Skywarn)
V-Scanner)
permanent lockout).
Enter
Pause
Scroll
Four-direction keypad – Used to navigate through
objects and menu items. For some menu items, the
side buttons can be used to change settings. Press
SEL to select the highlighted item.
14 15
Change
Setting
Turning on the Scanner
Understanding the Display Icons
The squelch and attenuator control scanner
sensitivity. If squelch is set too low, the scanner may
stop on noise or silence.
Note: Make sure the scanner’s antenna is connected
before you turn it on.
1. Turn the SQUELCH knob to about mid-position.
2. Turn the VOLUME knob to turn on the radio.
3. Turn SQUELCH down (counterclockwise) until
you hear noise.
4. Turn SQUELCH up (clockwise) a little past where
the noise stops. The higher the squelch is set,
the stronger the signal required to break the
squelch.
Setting the Battery Type
Setting the battery type is necessary for low battery
detection and to enable battery charging. By default,
your new scanner is configured to use alkaline
batteries.
If you are using rechargeable batteries:
1. Press the PGM key.
2. Press the GLOB softkey.
3. Use the 4-direction keypad to select the
Battery setting and set your battery type.
4. Press the SAVE softkey.
Your PRO-651 features a high contrast, backlit
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
T
F
GA
Srch Limit ZD
FM 154.935000
154.00 155.00
FrL/O Mode Stor
The scanner uses the following top row of icons:
The Function Key ( FUNC) has been pressed.
F
This acts as a “Shift” key.
The scanner is currently receiving trunking
T
control channel data.
The attenuator is set for Global mode.
G
The attenuator is currently active.
A
The radio’s squelch circuit is open.
S
Signal meter indicating signal strength.
Battery status indicator. Flashes when
charging, solid when batteries are weak,
and flashes quickly when battery failure is
imminent.
NOTE: This indicates if the battery charger
circuit is active, but does not indicate charging.
Batteries will only charge if the yellow battery
holder is in use.
Indicate scan or search direction.
S
16 17
Programming
Programming Cables
The simplest method for programming a new
scanner is using a USB synch cable, which is available
at your local RadioShack store. The cable lets you
use software provided by RadioReference.com and
their constantly updated database to program your
new scanner quickly and easily. RadioReference.com
also provides a range of resources to help improve
your overall scanning experience.
RadioReference.com
18 19
Scanner Cloning
If you have access to a compatible scanner that is
already programmed for your area, you can transfer
that scanner's programming using a standard stereo
patch cord (not included), terminated with 1/8” male
stereo plugs at each end.
The PRO-651 is compatible with the following
scanner models: PRO-106, PRO-197, PRO-651,
PRO-652, GRE PSR-500, PSR-600, Whistler
WS1040, and WS1065.
To clone a scanner:
1. Connect the two scanners at their PC/IF ports.
2. Turn on both scanners.
3. On the source scanner, press PGM.
4. Press the GLOB softkey.
5. Use the 4-direction keypad to locate the Clone
Send option.
6. Press SEL to transfer data.
In some cases, the CCDump output may interfere
with cloning.
To turn off CCDump:
1. Press PGM.
2. Press FUNC and then the GLOB softkey.
3. Use the 4-direction keypad to locate the
CCDump option and change the setting.
4. Press the Save softkey.
Manual Programming
Modern radio systems can be complex and
challenging to program. If you choose to program
your scanner manually, refer to the "Manual
Programming Guide" on page 55.
NOTE: Working memory and global settings are
transferred but not V-Scanner folders. The target
scanner's working memory will be overwritten.
20 21
Text Entry
Your scanner uses several text parameters, such as
the tags that identify objects.
To enter a letter in a text field, press the number key
below the letter, then press the number key that
corresponds with the position of the letter.
For example: K = 5 2
Uppercase is the
default; use the
FUNC key as a
shift key to type
lowercase letters.
For punctuation, refer to the following list.
Char Press Char Press Char Press Char Press
A 21 a 2 (F) 1 1 11 $ 01
B 22 b 2 (F) 2 2 12 % 02
C 23 c 2 (F) 3 3 13 ! 03
D 31 d 3 (F) 1 4 14 ^ 04
E 32 e 3 (F) 2 5 15 ( 05
F 33 f 3 (F) 3 6 16 ) 06
G 41 g 4 (F) 1 7 17 ? 07
H 42 h 4 (F) 2 8 18 -> 08
I 43 i 4 (F) 3 9 19 ‘ 09
J 51 j 5 (F) 1 0 10 <- 00
K 52 k 5 (F) 2 . 0(F)1
L 53 l 5 (F) 3 - 0(F)2
M 61 m 6 (F) 1 # 0(F)3
N 62 n 6 (F) 2 _ 0(F)4
O 63 o 6 (F) 3 @ 0(F)5
P 71 p 7 (F) 1 + 0(F)6
Q 72 q 7 (F) 2 * 0(F)7
R 73 r 7 (F) 3 & 0(F)8
S 74 s 7 (F) 4 / 0(F)9
T 81 t 8 (F) 1 , 0(F)0
U 82 u 8 (F) 2
V 83 v 8 (F) 3
W 91 w 9 (F) 1
X 92 x 9 (F) 2
Y 93 y 9 (F) 3
Z 94 z 9 (F) 4
Letter Position
Letter Key
Use the 4-direction keypad to move the cursor.
Press FUNC and the 4-direction keypad to move the
cursor to the beginning or end of the field.
Use CL as a backspace key, or press FUNC and then
CL to clear the entire field.
QuickText
You can store up to 10 commonly used QuickText
phrases for later use in text fields. Your scanner
provides some common QuickText words, which
you can keep or edit.
To edit QuickText:
1. Press PGM.
2. Press the GLOB softkey.
3. Scroll to one of the QTXT items.
4. Press
5. Edit the text. To keep the cursor at the end of
your quick text insert a dollar sign ($).
6. Press the Done softkey
7. Press the SAVE softkey.
To insert QuickText:
1. Position the cursor in the text field.
2. Press the QTXT softkey. The available
QuickText phrases appear.
3. Use the 4-direction keypad to select a phrase
and press SEL. (Shortcut: You may press the
number that corresponds to the QuickText
item).
to edit the QTXT entry.
22 23
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