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

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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

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Scanning Legally

Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government

agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some transmissions you should never intentionally listen to.

These include:

•Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other 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.

FCC Statement

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.

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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.

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.

2.Press the antenna down over the jack and turn the antenna’s base clockwise until it locks into place.

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.

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.

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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	Alkaline
Battery Holder	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..

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.

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External Power

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.

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.

Headphones and Speakers

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.

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!

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Understanding the Keypad

BNC Antenna

Connector

Headphone

Connector

Volume Control

Squelch Control

Alert LED

LCD Display

Softkeys

Four-direction keypad

Operations

Keys

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Your PRO-651 features an easy-to understand backlit keypad.

F1 Referred to as "softkeys;" These keys activate

F2 functions currently displayed immediately

F3 above them.

FUNC Function. Press and release the FUNC key first, and then press the next key.

Backlight, (FUNC+ locks the keypad)

MAN Manual Mode monitors single objects.

SCAN Scan Mode, (FUNC + SCAN launches Signal Stalker II)

TUNE Direct tuning of any valid frequency, (FUNC + TUNE loads the most recently scanned frequency)

SRCH Search Mode for service and conventional frequencies

ATT Attenuator On/Off, (FUNC + ATT sets Global Attenuator On/Off)

PRI Priority setting for current object, (FUNC + PRI Sets Priority Mode On/Off)

FAV Favorites Scan Mode, FUNC + FAV adds the current object to the Favorites Scan List.

WX Weather scan, (FUNC + WX activates Skywarn)

PGM Program objects, (FUNC + PGM accesses V-Scanner)

L/OUT Temporary Lockout (FUNC + L/OUT

permanent lockout).

ENT Enter

PSE Pause

Scroll

Change

Setting

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.

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Turning on the Scanner

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.

Understanding the Display Icons

Your PRO-651 features a high contrast, backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

F T GA

S

Srch

Limit

ZD

FM

154.935000

154.00155.00

FrL/O Mode Stor

The scanner uses the following top row of icons:

			F								The Function Key ( FUNC) has been pressed.
											This acts as a “Shift” key.
			T								The scanner is currently receiving trunking
											control channel data.
			G								The attenuator is set for Global mode.
			A								The attenuator is currently active.
			S								The radio’s squelch circuit is open.
											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.

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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

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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.

NOTE: Working memory and global settings are transferred but not V-Scanner folders. The target scanner's working memory will be overwritten.

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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.

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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								Letter Position
Uppercase is the
default; use the								Letter Key
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

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 to edit the QTXT entry.

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).

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