Radio Shack PRO-76 User Manual

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Owner’s Manual

200-Channel VHF/U H F/Air

Handheld Scanner

Please read before using this equipment.

Cat. No. 20-313

PRO-76

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FEATURES

Your new RadioShack VHF / UHF/Air Handheld Scanner lets you in on al l the action! This scanner gives you direct access to over 23,000 exciting frequencies, including those used by pol ic e a nd fire departments, ambulance services, aircraft, transportation services, and amateur radio. You can select up to 200 channels for your scanner to scan and you can change your selection at any time.

Your scanner also has these special features:

Weather Alert

— the scanner automaticall y sounds an alert when it receives a weather emergency signal.

Weather Band Key

— scans seven preprogrammed weather frequencies to keep you informed about current weather conditions.

Wired Programming

— you can connect your scanner to a personal computer and program frequencies into the

scanner from the computer using an optional cable and software.

Note:

The necessary cable and software, and additional information about using your personal computer to program your scanner, are available at your local RadioShack store.

Liquid Crystal Display

— makes it easy to view and change programming information.

Search Skip

— lets you select up to 20 frequencies for the scanner to skip dur ing a limit or direct search to avoid unwanted frequencies.

Direct Search

— lets you search for a transmission starting from a spec ified frequency.

Ten Channel-Storage Banks

— you can store 20 channels in each bank (200 total channels), letting you group channels so you can more easily identify calls.

1999 Tandy Corporation.

RadioShack and Adaptaplug are registered trademarks

used by Tandy Corporation.

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Ten Monitor Memories

— let you temporarily save up to ten frequencies you locate during a search, so yo u can move selected frequencies to channel storage later.

Scan Delay

— delays scanning for about 2 second s before moving to another channel, so you can hear more replies that are transmitted on the same channel . You can also set the scanner to delay on all activ e frequencies during a search.

Memory Backup

— keeps the channel frequencies stored in memory for an extended time even if the scanner loses power.

Three Power Options

— you can power the scanner from internal (rechargeable or non-rechargeabl e) batteries or external AC or DC power (using an optional A C or DC adapter).

Low Battery Alert

— warns you when the battery power gets low.

ing the scanner’s programming.

Key Confirmation Tones

— the scanner sounds a confirmation tone when you perform an operation correctly and an error tone if you make an error.

Lockout Function

— lets you set the scanner to ignore specified channels when scanning.

Ten Priority Channels

— let you set the scanner to check up to ten channels every 2 seconds so you do no t miss important calls.

Display Backlight

— makes the scanner easy to read in low-light situations.

Supplied Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector

— provides good reception of strong local signals. You can connect an external antenna with a BNC connec tor to the scanner for i mproved reception of distant/weaker signals.

Key Lock

— lets you lock the scanner’s keys to help prevent accidentally chang-

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Your scanner can receive these bands:

Frequency

Range (MHz)

29–54 10-Meter Ham Band, VHF Lo, 6-Meter Ham Band

108–136.975 Aircraft

137–174 Military Land Mobile, 2-Meter Ham Band, VHF Hi 406–512 Federal Government, 70-cm Ham Band, UHF

Standard Band, UHF “T” Band

Note:

See “Specifications” on Page 44 for more information

Types of Transmissions

about the scanner’s frequency steps.

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FCC NOTICE

Your scanner might cause radio or TV interference even when it is operating properly. To determine whether your scanner is causing the interference, turn off your scanner. If the interference goes away, your scanner is causing it. Try the following me thods to eliminate the interferenc e:

• Move your scanner away from the receiver.

• Connect your sc an ner to an outlet that is on a different electrical circuit from the receiver.

• Contact your local RadioShack store for help.

Note:

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

SCANNING LEGALLY

Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departme nts, ambulance services, government agencies, privat e companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wireline (telephone an d telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some transmissions you should never intentionally listen to. These include:

• telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmission)

• pager transmissions

• any scrambled or encrypted transmissions

According to the

Electronic

Communications Privacy Act

(ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the

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contents of such a tr ansmission unless you have the consent of a party to the communication ( unless such activity is otherwise illegal).

This scanner is designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions, in compliance with the law which requires that scanners be manufactured in such a way 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 transm issions that it is not legal to listen to. Doing so could subject you t o legal penalties.

We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.

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CONTENTS

Preparation ...................... ................... ................... ................. 9

Installing Batteries ......................... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... .... 9

Important Information About the External Power Jacks .. 10

Using AC Power .............................................................. 11

Using Vehicle Battery Power ........................................... 12

Charging Rechargeable Batteries ................................... 12

Connecting an Antenna ................................................... 13

Connecting the Supplied Antenna ............................... 13

Connecting an Outdoor Antenna ................................. 14

Connecting an Earphone/Headphones ........................... 15

Listening Safely ........................................................... 15

Traffic Safety ............................................................... 16

Connecting an Extension Speaker .................................. 16

Using the Belt Clip ........................................................... 16

Understanding Your Scanner ............................................. 17

A Look at the Keypad ...................................................... 17

A Look at the Display ...................................................... 19

Understanding Banks ............. ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... .. 21

Channel Storage Banks .............................................. 21

Monitor Memories ......................... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... .. 21

Operation ............................... ................... .................... ........ 22

Turning On the Scanner/Setting Volume and Squelch .... 22

Storing Known Frequencies into Channels ..................... 22

Finding and Storing Active Frequencies .......................... 23

Using Limit Search ...................................................... 23

Using Direct Search .................................................... 24

Using Monitor Memory .................................................... 25

Listening to a Monitor Memory .................................... 25

Moving a Frequency from a Monitor Memory

to a Channel ................................................................ 26

Scanning Channels ......................................................... 26

Manually Selecting a Channel ......................................... 27

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Special Features ........ ....... ...... ............................................. 28

Using the Keylock ........................................................... 28

Locking Out Channels .................................................... 28

Delay ............................................... .......................... ...... 29

Turning Channel-Storage Banks On and Off .................. 29

Using Search Skip Memory ............................................ 30

Using Priority .................................................................. 30

Using the Display Backlight ............................................ 31

Turning the Key Tone On or Off ...................................... 32

Listening to the Weather Band ....................................... 32

WX Alert ...................................................................... 32

Avoiding Image Frequencies ........................................... 33

Resetting the Scanner .................................................... 33

A General Guide to Scanning ............................................ 34

Guide to Frequencies ...................................................... 34

Ham Radio Frequencies ............................................. 34

National Weather Frequencies ................................... 34

Birdie Frequencies ...................................................... 34

Guide to the Action Bands .............................................. 35

Typical Band Usage (MHz) ......................................... 35

Primary Usage ............................................................ 35

Band Allocation ............................................................... 36

Frequency Conversion .................................................... 40

Troubleshooting .................................................................. 41

Care and Maintenance ........................................................ 43

Specifications ............................... ....................................... 44

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PREPARATION

INSTALLING BATTERIES

You can power your scanner with four AA batteries (not supplied). For the best performance and longest life, we recommend RadioShack alkaline batteries. Or, you c an use rechargeable nickelcadmium or nicke l-metal hydride batteries. Both types of batteries are available at your local RadioShack store.

Cautions:

• The scanner has a builtin circuit that lets you recharge nickelcadmium batteries inside the battery compartment. However, you must never use this circuit when you have installed nonrechargeable batteries in the scanner. Be sure to read “Important In formation About the External Power Jacks” on Page 10 and “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 12.

• Use only fresh batteries of the required si ze and recommended type.

• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types

of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.

Follow these step s to install batteries.

1. While pressing down o n the tab on the bottom of the battery compartment cover, pull it away from the scanner to remove it.

2. Install two batteries in the battery compartment and two in the cover as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked on the inside of the battery compartment and insid e the cover.

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3. Replace the cover.

BATT.Lo

When the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, or if the scanner stops operating pr operly, replace or recharge th e batt eries.

flashes and

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXTERNAL POWER JACKS

Warning:

teries promptly and p roperly . Do not burn or bury them.

Caution:

use the scanner with batteries for a month or more, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.

Dispose of old bat-

If you do not plan to

The scanner has two external power jacks —

CHARGE

and that you understand the pur pose of each jack before you connect any adapter to the scanner.

POWER

The power the scanner using an external power source (AC or DC adapter). Connecting an adapter also discon nects the internal batteries.

CHARGE

The power to operate the scanner and also charges the i nternal batteries. Use the

CHARGE

have installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries.

. It is important

jack lets you

jack supplies

jack only when you

POWER

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Warning:

CHARGE

Never use the

jack when you have installed non-rechargeable batteries. If you try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries, they become very hot and could explode.

Remove the plastic plug from the

CHARGE

jack before you use it, then repla ce the plug when you finish.

POWER

CHARGE

USING AC POWER

You can power the scanner using a 9V, 300-mA AC adapter and a size H Adaptaplug ther supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store.

adapter (nei-

Cautions:

You must use a Class 2 power

source that supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner's

POWER

jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.

• Always connect the AC adapter to the scanner before you connect it to AC power. When you finish, disconnect the adapter from AC power before you disconn ect it from the scanner.

To power the scanner using an AC adapter, attach the Adaptaplug adapter to the AC adapter so the tip reads positive (+), then insert the Adaptaplug adapter into the scanner’s

POWER

jack. Then connect the other end of the adapter to a standard AC outlet.

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USING VEHICLE BATTERY POWER

You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power source (such as cigarettelighter socket) using a 9V, 300-mA DC adapter and a size H Adaptaplug adapter (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store.

Cautions:

You must use a power source

that supplies regulated 9V DC and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner's

POWER

adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.

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

jack. Using an

To power the sca nner using a DC adapter, attach the Adaptaplug adapter to the DC adapter so the tip reads positive (+). Set the adapter’s voltage switch to 9V and insert the Adaptap lug adapter into the scanner’s jack, then plug the DC adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.

Note:

If you use a cig arette lighter power cable and yo ur vehicle’s engine is running, you might hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is normal.

POWER

CHARGING RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you charge Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries while they are in the scanner.

Important:

built-in chargi ng circu it takes a long time to recharge nickel-metal hydride batteries while they are installed in the scanner. You must use an external battery charger to charge them.

The scanner’s

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To charge Ni-Cd batteries, remove the plug from the scanner’s

CHARGE

jack and connect an AC adapter to the jack.

Warning:

Do not connect an

adapter to the scanner’s

CHARGE

jack if you installed non-rechargeable batteries (standard, extra-life, or alk aline). Non-rechargeable batteries become hot and could explode if you try to recharge them.

It takes between 14 and 16 hours to recharge Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries that are fully discharged. You can operate the scanner while recharging the batteries , but charging takes longer.

Note:

Ni-Cd batteries last longer and deliver more power if you occas ionally let them fully discharge. To do this, simply use th e scanner

BATT.Lo

until

flashes and the scanner beeps ev ery 15 seconds. Then fully charge the batteries.

Important:

This scanner can use NiCd rechargeable batter-

ies. At the end of a Ni-Cd battery's useful life, it must be recycle d or disposed of properly. Contact your local, county, or state hazardous waste m anagement authorities for information on recycling or disposal programs in your area or call 1-800- 843-7422. Some options that might be available are: municipal curbside collection, drop-off boxes at retailers such as your local RadioShack store, recycling collection centers, and mail-back programs.

CONNECTING AN ANTENNA

Connecting the Supplied Antenna

You must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner.

The supplied flexible antenna helps your scanner receive strong local signals. Follow these steps to in stall the antenna.

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1. Align the slots around the antenna’s connecto r with the tabs on the antenna jack.

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

The scanner’s sensiti vity depends on the antenna’s length and various environmental conditions.

Connecting an Outdoor Antenna

Instead of the supplied antenna, you can connect an outdoor base-station or mobile antenna (not supplied) to your scanner using a BNC connector. Your local RadioShack store sells a variety of antennas. Choose the one that best meets your needs.

When deciding on a mobile or base-station ant enna and its location, consider these points:

• The antenna should be as high as possible on the vehicle or building.

• The antenna and its cable should be as far as possible from sources of electrical noise, such as appliances or other radios.

• The antenna should be vertical for the best performance.

Always use 50 O hm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect the basestation 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 scanner’s antenna jack, you might al so nee d an antenna plug adapter. Your local RadioShack store carries a wide variety of coaxial antenna cable and connectors.

Once you choose an antenna, follow the mounting instructions supplied with the antenna, after removing the

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supplied antenna. Then route the antenna’s c able to the scanner and connect the cable to the scanner’s antenna jack.

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:

caution when you inst all or remove an outdoor antenna. If the antenna s tarts 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.

Use extreme

CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/ HEADPHONES

For private listening, you can connect an earphone or headphones with a (3.5-mm) plug to the jack on top of the scanner. (Your local RadioShack store carries a wide sele ction of earphones and headphones). Connecting an earphone or headphones automatically disconnects the internal speaker.

Listening Safely

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

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

-inch

• Do not listen at extremely high volume

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levels. Extended highvolume listening can lead to permanent h earing loss.

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

Traffic Safety

• Do not use an earphone/ headphones with your scanner when operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle in or near traffic. Doing so ca n create a traffic hazard and could be ille gal in some areas.

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

CONNECTING AN EXTENSION SPEAKER

In a noisy area, an ampli fied extension speaker (available at your local RadioShack store) positioned in the right place might provide more comfortable listening.

Plug the speake r cable’s inch (3.5-mm) plug into your scanner’s jack.

Note:

nal speaker discon nects the scanner’s internal speaker.

Connecting an exter-

USING THE BELT CLIP

You can attach the supplied belt clip to make the scanner easier to use when you are on the go. Use a Phillips screwdriver and the two supplied screws to attach the belt clip to the scanner.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCANNER

Once you understand a few simp le t erms we us e in th is manual and familiarize yourself with your scanner’s features, you can put the scanner to w ork for you. You simply determine t he type of communications yo u want to recei ve, then se t the scann er to scan them.

frequency

A or MHz). To find active frequencies, you can use the function.

When you find a frequency , you can store it into a pro grammable memory location called a your other channel s in a

scan

the channel-sto rage ba nk s to s ee i f the re is a ct ivity on th e frequencies store d there. E ach time the scanne r finds an active frequency, it stays on that channel until the transmission ends.

is the tuning location of a station (expressed in kHz

channel

channel-storage bank

, which is grouped with

. You can then

A LOOK AT THE KEYPAD

Your scanner’s keys might seem confusing at first, but this information should help you understand each key’s function.

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Note:

Some of the scanner’s keys perf orm more than one function and are marked with m ore than one label. The steps in this Owner’s Manual show only the lab el appropriate to the action being performed.

SCAN

MANUAL

Scans programmed channels. Stops scanning and lets you directly enter a

channel number.

S/S-L/OUT

Skips a specifi ed frequency durin g limit or direct search; lets you lock out selected channels.

PRI

MON

DELAY

Turns the priority feature on and off. Accesses one of the ten monitor memories. Programs a 2-second delay for the selected

channel; sets a delay for all active frequencies during a search.

ALERT

HOLD

CLEAR

WX/E

•

(Enter) Scans the seven prepr ogrammed weather ch an-

Turns the weather alert feature on or off. Holds the frequency sea rc h. Clears an incorrect entry; enters a decimal point.

nels; enters frequencies into channels.

KEYLOCK/

PROG

LIMIT

▼

/▲

Locks/unlocks the keypad to prevent accidental entries; turns on the display light for about 15 seconds.

Programs frequencies into channels. Searches up or down for active fr equencie s; pro-

grams the limit search frequency range.

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Number Keys

Use the range of numbers above the key (21–40 for

nters a single-digi t (0 t o 9) o

example) when selecting the number for a desir ed channel-storage bank. See “Understanding Banks” on Page 21. Use the single digits to enter a channel or frequency.

r a range of numbers.

A LOOK AT THE DISPLAY

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

Appears when you listen to the priority channel.

▼

▲

ALT

BANK

BATT.Lo

Indicates the search direction. Appears when weather alert mode is active.

flashes when the scanner detects the weather alert signal.

Shows which ba nks are turned on for scanning (see “Understanding Banks” on Page 21).

Appears when the batteries are low. Appears with digits (1– 200) to sh ow which chan-

nel the scanner is tuned to.

ALT

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DLY

Appears instead o f the chann el number during a direct search.

Appears when you program a delay.

Error

KEYLOCK

(lockout)

L/O

MON

Appears when you make an entry error. Appears during a limit search hold. Appears during a direct search hold. Appears with a selected frequency to show the

search range’s upper limit. Appears when you lock the keypad.

Appears instead o f the chann el number during a limit search.

Appears with a selected frequency to show the search range’s lower limit.

Appears when you manually select a channel that was previously lock ed ou t or when y ou m anually select a frequency that was previously stored in search skip memory.

Appears when you lis ten to a m oni tor m emo ry. A number (1–10) appear s to the right of cating which monitor memory you are listening to.

MON

indi-

MHz

MAN

PGM

Digits that precede this indicator show wh ich frequency the scanner is tuned to.

Appears when you manually select a channel. Appears when yo u program freq uencies into th e

scanner’s channels.

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PRI

SCAN

SRCH

Appears when the priority featur e is turned on. Appears when the scanner scans channels. Appears during limit, direct, and weather band

searches. Indicates that the scanner is searching the

weather channels.

UNDERSTANDING BANKS

Channel Storage Banks

To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, channels are divided into 10 banks of 20 channels each. Use each channel-storage bank to group frequencies, such as those u sed by the police departme nt, fire department, ambulance services, or aircraft (see “Guide to the Action Bands” on Page 35).

For example, the police departme nt might use four frequencies , one for each side of town. You could program the police frequencies starting with Channel 1 (the first channel in bank 1) and program the fire department frequencies starting with Channel 21 (the first channel in bank 2).

MONITOR MEMORIES

The scanner has 10 mo ni tor m emo ries th at y ou c an use to temporarily store frequencies while you decide whether to save them into channel s. This is handy for qu ickly storing an activ e frequency when you are searchin g through an entire b and. You can store a frequency into a monitor memory during a limit or direct search. See “Finding and Storing Active Frequencies” on Page 23.

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OPERATION

TURNING ON THE SCANNER/ SETTING VOLUME AND SQUELCH

1. Turn counterclockwise.

2. To turn on the scanner, turn until you hear a hissing sound.

3. Turn wise, just until the hissing sound stops.

Notes:

• To listen to a weak or

• If

SQUELCH

VOLUME

SQUELCH

distant station, turn

SQUELCH

clockwise. If reception is poor, turn

SQUELCH

to cut out weak transmissions.

SQUELCH

adjusted so you always hear a hissing sound, the scanner will not scan or search properly.

fully

clockwise

clock-

counter-

clockwise

STORING KNOWN FREQUENCIES INTO CHANNELS

Good references for active frequencies are the RadioShack

including Fire and Eme rgency Services nautical Frequency Directory quency Directory

date these directories every year, so be sure to get a current copy.

Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels.

1. Press

2. Press

3. Use the number keys

Police Call Guide

Official Aero-

Maritime Fre-

, and

. We up-

MANUAL

enter the channel number (1–200) where you want to store a frequency.

PROG

pears.

and • to enter the frequency (including the decimal point) you want to store.

then

PGM

ap-

4. To turn off the scanner when you finish, turn

VOLUME

wise to

counterclock-

OFF

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4. Press E to store the frequency into the channel.

Notes:

• If you made a mi sta ke

in Step 3, appears and the scanner beeps three times when you pr ess

. Simply start again

from Step 3.

• Your scanner auto-

matically rounds the entered frequency down to the closest valid frequency. For example, if you enter a frequency of

151.473, your scanner accepts it as

151.475.

5. Repeat Steps 1–4 to program more channels. Or to program the next channel in sequence, repeat Steps 2–4.

To listen to a stored frequency, press channel number, t hen press

MANUAL

again.

Error

, enter the

FINDING AND STORING ACTIVE FREQUENCIES

Using Limit Search

A limit search lets you search for active frequencies between upper and lower

then

appears

then

LIMIT

limits that you set. during a limit search.

Follow these steps to enter the search frequency range.

1. Press

2. Use the number keys and • to enter the lower limit frequency of the range you want to search.

3. Press appears.

Note:

you entered is not valid,

Error

different frequency then repeat Step 3.

4. Use the number keys and • to enter the upper limit frequency of the range you want to search.

PROG

appears.

If the frequency

appears. Enter a

5. Press

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6. Press ▼ to search from the upper to the lower limit or ▲ to search from the lower to the upper limit. The current monitor memory number flashes.

7. When the scanner stops on a transmission you want to save, press

MON

to store the frequency in the current monitor memory. The monitor memory number stops flashing.

8. Press either ▼ or ▲ to continue the search. If you saved a frequency in a monitor memory, the monitor memory number advances by one and starts flashing again. (If the last monitor memory was 10, the scanner returns to monitor memory 1.)

Note:

To replace a frequency in a monitor memory, store a new frequency in that monitor memory.

9. To hold the frequency,

HOLD

press

. H appears.

To resume the limit search, press

HOLD

again.

Notes:

• You can press

▼▼▼▼

▲▲▲▲

while H appears to step through the frequencies toward the upper or lower limit.

• If you tune to a search skip frequency,

L/O

appears (see “Using Search Skip Memory” on Page 30).

Using Direct Search

During a direct search, the scanner searches up or down starting from the displayed frequency. during a direct search.

Follow these steps to use direct search.

Note:

You can use the scanner’s delay feature while using direct search.

1. Press

MANUAL

the number keys and to enter the starting frequency of the ra nge you want to search.

Or, to select a frequen cy stored in a channel,

MANUAL

press number keys to enter the channel number,

appears

then use

, use the

•

20-313.fm Page 25 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

then press again.

2. Press ▼ or up or down from the selected frequency.

3. When the scanner stops on a transmission you want to save, press to store the frequency in the current monitor memory. The monitor memory number stops flashing.

4. Press either ▼ or ▲ to continue the search. If you saved a frequency in a monitor memory, the monitor memory number advances by one and starts flashing again. (If the last monitor memory was 10, the scanner returns to monitor memory 1.)

MANUAL

▲

to search

MON

Notes:

• You can press ▼ or while step through the frequencies upward or downward.

• If you tune to a search skip frequency, appears (see “Using Search Skip Mem ory” on Page 30).

appears to

▲

L/O

USING MONITOR MEMORY

Listening to a Monitor Memory

To listen to the monitor memories you stored dur ing a search, press

MON

, then the number of the memory you want to listen to. Use the for memories 1–9, and memory 10. Or repeatedly press the stored monitor memories.

1–9

MON

to cycle through

MANUAL

number keys

for

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Moving a Frequency from a Monitor Memory to a Channel

Follow these steps to move a frequency stored in a monitor memory to a permanent channel.

1. Press appears.

2. Enter the number (

200

where you want to store the monitor frequency. The channel number appears.

3. Press rently stored frequency appears.

4. Press number of the monitor memory number that has the frequency you want to store. The c hannel number flashes.

5. Press stores the frequency in the selected channel, and the channel number stops fl ashing.

MANUAL

) for the channel

PROG

. The cur-

MON

. The scanner

MAN

1–

then the

SCANNING CHANNELS

Note:

You cannot scan channels until you have stored frequencies in them.

To scan channels stored in the channel-storage banks, press scans through all channels in the active banks.

To select one or more channelstorage banks while scanning, select each bank you want to scan by pressing its number key so the bank’s number appears on the display.

To turn off channel-storage banks, press the number key for each of the bank(s) so the bank’s number disappears. The scanner does not scan any of the st ored cha nnels within banks you have turned off.

To set the scanner to remain on the current channel even after the transmission stops, press during the transmission.

SCAN

. The scanner

MANUAL

at any time

20-313.fm Page 27 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

To lock out channels so the scanner does not stop for a transmission on those channels, see “Locking Out Channels” on Page 28.

Notes:

• You can manually sele ct any channel in a bank, even if the bank is turned off.

• You cannot turn off all ten banks.

MANUALLY SELECTING A CHANNEL

You can continuously monitor a specific channel without scanning. This is useful if you hear an emergency broadcast on a chan nel and do not want to miss any details (even though there might be periods of silence ) or if you simply want to monitor that channel.

Follow these steps to ma nually select a channel.

1. Press

2. Enter the channel num-

3. Press

MANUAL

ber (1–200).

MANUAL

again.

20-313.fm Page 28 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

SPECIAL FEATURES

USING THE KEYLOCK

Once you program your scanner, you can protect it from accidental program changes by turning on the keylock feature. When the keypad is locked, the only controls that operate are

SCAN, MANUAL, KEYLOCK VOLUME

Note

: The keylock does not

prevent the scanner from scanning channels.

To turn the keylock on or off, turn on the scanner then hold down about 3 seconds. The scanner beeps and appears or disappears.

, and

SQUELCH

KEYLOCK

for

LOCKING OUT CHANNELS

frequency (see “Birdie Frequencies” on Page 34).

To lock out a channel, manually select the c hanne l then

L/OUT

press To remove the lockout from

a channel, manually select the channel then press

L/OUT

To unlock all me mory channels, follow these steps.

1. While scanning, turn on the memory banks you want to unlock.

2. Press

3. Hold down least 3 seconds. The scanner beeps twice and unlocks all memory channels you prev iously locked out (in the selected banks).

Notes:

L/O

disappears.

MANUAL

L/O

L/OUT

appears.

for at

You can increase the effective scanning s peed by l ocking out individual channels that have a continuous transmission, such as a weather channel (see “National Weather Frequencies” on Page 34) or a birdie

• Your scanner automatically locks out empty channels.

• You can still manually select locked-out channels.

20-313.fm Page 29 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

DELAY

Many agencies use a twoway radio system that has a period of several seconds between a query and a reply. To avoid missing a reply, you can program a 2second delay into an y channel or frequency. When yo ur scanner stops on a channel or frequency with a programmed delay, pears. The scanner continues to monitor that frequency for 2 seconds after the transmission stops. Then the scanner resumes scanning or searching.

You can prog r am a 2-s ec o nd delay in any of these ways:

• If the scanner is scanning and stops on an active channel, quickly press resumes scanning.

• If the desire d channel is not selected, manually select the channe l, then press

• If the scanner i s searching, press appears and the scanner automatically adds a 2-second delay to every transmission it stops on

DELAY

DLY

before it

DELAY

ap-

DLY

during a limit or direct search.

To turn off the 2-second delay on a channel or frequ ency, press scanner is monitoring that channel or frequency. disappears.

DELAY

while the

DLY

TURNING CHANNELSTORAGE BANKS ON AND OFF

You can turn each channelstorage bank on and off. When you turn off a bank, the scanner does not scan any of the 20 channels in that bank.

While scanning, press the number key corresponding to the bank you wan t to turn on or off. (Press bank 10). If the memory bank indicator is on, the bank is turned on and the scanner scans all channels within that bank that are not locked out. If the indicator is off, the scanner does not scan any of the channels within that bank.

to select

20-313.fm Page 30 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

Notes:

• You can manually sel ect any channel in a bank, even if the bank is turned off.

• You cannot turn off all banks. One bank is always active.

USING SEARCH SKIP MEMORY

You can skip specified frequencies during a l imit or direct search. This lets you avoid unwanted frequencies or ones you have already stored in a channel . Y ou c an program up to 20 frequencies to be skipped into the scanner’s memory.

To skip a frequency, press

S/S

when the scanner sto ps

on the frequency during a limit or direct search. (lockout) appears the next time you display that frequency.

To clear a single frequency from search skip memory so the scanner can stop on it during a limit or direct search, press the search. Then press ▼ or

▲

to select the frequency

HOLD

L/O

to hold

L/O

(where hold down appears.

To clear all the skip frequencies from search skip memory at once, during a search, hold down the scanner beeps twice.

Notes:

• If you program more than 20 skip frequencies, each new frequency replaces one you stored earlier, starting from the first stored frequency.

• Y ou can select a skipped frequency by usin g ▼ or

▲

holding. when you select a skipped frequency.

appears). Then

S/S

when the scanner is

until

L/O

dis-

S/S

until

appears

USING PRIORITY

You can scan throug h channels and still not miss important calls on specific channels. You can program one stored channel i n each b ank as a priority chan nel (for up to a total of 10 stored channels). As the sc anner scans the bank, if the priority feature is turned on, the scanner checks the priority

20-313.fm Page 31 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

channel for activity every 2 seconds. whenever the scanner is set to use priority.

The scanner automatically designates each ba nk’s first channel as its priority channel. Follow these steps to select a different cha nnel as the priority channel for a bank.

1. Press

2. Enter the channel number you want to select as the priority channel, then press the right of the channel number.

3. Repeat Step 2 for the channel in each bank you want to program as a priority channel.

To turn on the priority feature, press

SCAN

As you scan the bank, the scanner checks the bank’s priority channel ever y 2 seconds in each bank that is turned on, starting from the lowest to the highestnumbered priority channel.

PRI

PROG

PRI

appear.

appears

. P appears to

MAN

while

PRI

appears.

Notes:

• You cannot select a monitor memory when priority is turned on.

• You can lock out priority channels. If you lo ck out all priority channels,

LOC Out

when you turn on the priority feature.

appears

USING THE DISPLAY BACKLIGHT

You can turn on the display’s backlight for easy vi ewing in the dark. Press to turn on the display light for 15 seconds. To turn off the light sooner, press again.

Note:

The scanner locks the keypad (see “Us ing the KeyLock” on Page 28) if you hold down . If this happens, hold down until the scanner beeps (if the key tone is turned on) and

LOCK

disappears.

KEY-

To turn off the priority fea-

PRI

ture, press pears.

PRI

disap-

20-313.fm Page 32 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

T URNING THE KEY TONE ON OR OFF

The scanner is preset to sound a tone ea ch time you press any of its keys . Follow these steps to turn the scan ner’s key tone on or off.

1. If the scanner is turned on, turn terclockwise until it clicks to turn it off.

2. Hold down turn on the scanne r.

bEEP

off) or key tone is on) appe ars for about 3 seconds.

VOLUME

S/S

while you

coun-

(if the key tone is

On bEEP

(if the

LISTENING TO THE WEATHER BAND

WX Alert

Your scanner warns you of serious weather conditions by sounding an alarm if a National Weather Service broadcaster in your area broadcasts an alert tone. Follow these steps to set the scanner so it sounds an alarm when a weather alert tone is broadcast.

1. Press weather channels.

2. Press pears.

If the scanner detects the weather alert, it sounds an alarm and Press any key to turn of f the alarm. To cancel al l weather alert checking, press

to scan the

ALERT

ALT

flashes.

ap-

ALERT

To hear your local forecast and regional weather information, press scanner begins to scan through the weather band.

Your scanner should stop within a few secon ds on your local weather broadcast. If the broadcast is weak, you can press

▲

to resume scanning.

. Your

again or ▼ or

20-313.fm Page 33 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

AVOIDING IMAGE FREQUENCIES

You might discover on e of your regul ar stations o n another frequency that is not listed . It might be what is k nown as an image frequency. For ex ample, you m ight find a ser vice that reg ularly uses a frequency of 431.875 also on 474.675.

To see if it is an image, do a little math. Note the new frequency 474.675 Double the intermediate frequency of 21.4 MHz (42.800) and subtract it from the new frequency –42.800 If the answer is the regular frequency 431.875

then you have tuned to an image. Occasionally, you might get interference on a weak or distant

channel from a stron g broadcast 42.8 MHz above or below the tuned frequency. This is rare, and the image signal is usually cleared whenever there is a broadcast on the actual frequency.

RESETTING THE SCANNER

If the scanner’s displ ay lock s up o r does no t work pr operly after you connect a power so urce , you mi ght n eed to res et the scanner.

Caution:

stored into the scanner. Bef ore you reset the scanner , try turning it off and on to see if it begins working pro perly. Reset the scanner only when you are sure it is not working properly.

To reset the scanner, turn it off then turn it back on while holding the

This procedure clears all the information you have

and 9 keys.

CLEAr

appears.

20-313.fm Page 34 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

A GENERAL GUIDE TO SCANNING

Reception of the frequenci es cover ed by y our scann er is mai nly “line-of-sight.” Tha t me ans y ou us ual ly c an not hear stations that are beyond the horizon.

GUIDE TO FREQUENCIES

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:

Wavelength (Meters) Voice (MHz)

10-Meter 6-Meter 2-Meter 70-Centimeter

29.000–29.700 MHz

50.100–54.000 MHz

144.100–148.000 MHz

420.000–450.000 MHz

National Weather Frequencies

162.400 162.425 162.450 162.475

162.500 162.525 162.550

Birdie Frequencies

Every scanner ha s birdie fr equenci es. Bird ies are signals c reated inside the scanner’s receiver. These operating frequencies might interfere w ith broadcast s on the sam e frequenci es. If you program one of these freque ncies, you hear only noise on that frequency. If the interference is not severe, you might be able to

SQUELCH

turn birdie frequency (in MHz) is 146.65 MHz

To find the birdies i n your individual scanner, beg in by disconnecting the antenna and moving it away from the scanner. Make sure that no other near by radio or TV sets are turned on near

clockwise to cut out the birdie. This scanner’s

20-313.fm Page 35 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

the scanner. Use the search function and search every frequency range from its lowest freque ncy to the high est. Occasi onally , the scanner will stop sear ching a s if it had found a sig nal. Ho wever, the signal often i s silent. T hat is a b irdie. Make a list of all the birdies in your scanner for future reference.

GUIDE TO THE ACTION BANDS

Typical Band Usage (MHz)

VHF Band

Low Range 6-Meter Amateur U.S. Government 2-Meter Amateur High Range

29.00–50.00

50.00–54.00

137.00–144.00

144.00–148.00

148.00–174.00

UHF Band

U.S. Government 70-Centimeter Amateur Low Range FM-TV Audio Broadcast, Wide Band

406.00–420.00

420.00–450.00

450.00–470.00

470.00–512.00

Primary Usage

As a general rule, most of th e radio activity is concentra ted on the following frequencies:

VHF Band

Activities Frequencies (MHz)

2-Meter Amateur Band 144.000–148.000 Government, Police, and Fire 153.785–155.980 Emergency Services 158.730–159.460 Railroad 160.000–161.900

20-313.fm Page 36 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

UHF Band

Activities Frequencies (MHz)

70-Centimeter Amateur Band FM Repeaters Land-Mobile “Paired” Frequencies 450.000–470.000 Base Stations 451.025–454.950 Mobile Units 456.025–459.950 Repeater Units 460.025–464.975 Control St ations 465.025–469.975

Note:

Remote control stations and mobile units operate at 5

440.000–450.000

MHz higher than their associated base stations and relay repeater units.

BAND ALLOCATION

To help decide whi ch frequenc y ranges to scan , use the following listing of th e typical services that use th e frequencies your scanner receives. These frequencies are subject to change, and might vary from area to area . For a more comple te listing, refe r to the

Services

Police Call Radio Guide including Fire and Emergency

, available at your local RadioShack store.

Abbreviations Services

AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aircraft

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

(Manufacturing, Construction, Farming, Forest Products)

20-313.fm Page 37 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

MAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Military Amateur Radio

MARI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maritime Limited Coast

MARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Military Affiliate Radio System

MED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emergency/Medical Services

MIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Military

MOV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Motion Picture/Video Industry

NEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Mobile Narrow

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Relay Press (Newspaper Reporters)

OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil/Petroleum Industry

POL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Police Department

PUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Services

(Public Safety, Local Government, Forestry Conservation)

PSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Safety

PTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Trunked

ROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Road & Highway Maintenance

RTV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radio/TV Remote Broadcast Pickup

TAXI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taxi Services

TELB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile Telephone

(Aircraft, Radio Common Carrier, Landline Companies)

TELC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cordless Phones

TELM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone Maintenance

TOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tow Trucks

TRAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transportation Services

(Trucks, Tow Trucks, Buses, Railroad, Other)

TSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trunked Systems

TVn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FM-TV Audio Broadcast

USXX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Government Classified

UTIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power & Water Utilities

WTHR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weather

(Coast Guard, Marine Telephone,

Shipboard Radio, Private Stations)

HIGH FREQUENCY (HF) — (3 MHz–30 MHz) 10-Meter Amateur Band (28.0–29.7 MHz)

29.000–29.700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM

VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF) — (30 MHz–300 MHz) VHF Low Band (29.7–50 MHz—in 5 kHz steps)

29.700–29.790 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND

29.900–30.550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL

30.580–31.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, PUB

32.000–32.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL

33.020–33.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS, IND, PUB

34.010–34.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL

35.020–35.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS, PUB, IND, TELM

36.000–36.230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL

36.230–36.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Spill Cleanup, GOVT, MIL

37.020–37.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB, IND

20-313.fm Page 38 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

38.000–39.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL

39.020–39.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB

40.000–42.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, MARI

42.020–42.940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POL

42.960–43.180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND

43.220–43.680 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELM, IND, PUB

43.700–44.600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRAN

44.620–46.580 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POL, PUB

46.600–46.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, TELC

47.020–47.400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB

47.420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Red Cross

47.440–49.580 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, PUB

49.610–49.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIL, TELC

6-Meter Amateur Band (50–54 MHz)

50.00–54.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM

Aircraft Band (108–136 MHz)

108.000–121.490 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIR

121.500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIR Emergency

121.510–136.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIR

U.S. Government Band (137–144 MHz)

137.000–144.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL

2-Meter Amateur Band (144–148 MHz)

144.000–148.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM

VHF High Band (148–174 MHz)

148.050–150.345 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAP, MAR, MIL

150.775–150.790 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED

150.815–150.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOW, Oil Spill Cleanup

150.995–151.475 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROAD, POL

151.490–151.955 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, BUS

151.985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELM

152.0075 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED

152.030–152.240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB

152.270–152.480 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, TAXI, BUS

152.510–152.840 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB

152.870–153.020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, MOV

153.035–153.725 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, OIL, UTIL

153.740–154.445 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB, FIRE

154.490–154.570 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, BUS

154.585 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Spill Cleanup

154.600–154.625 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS

154.655–156.240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED, ROAD, POL, PUB

156.255–157.425 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OIL, MARI

157.450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED

157.470–157.515 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOW

20-313.fm Page 39 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

157.530–157.725 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, TAXI

157.740 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS

157.770–158.100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB

158.130–158.460 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS, IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL

158.490–158.700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB

158.730–159.465 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POL, PUB, ROAD

159.480 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OIL

159.495–161.565 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRAN

161.580–162.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OIL, MARI, RTV

162.0125–162.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX

162.400–162.550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WTHR

162.5625–162.6375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX

162.6625 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED

162.6875–163.225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX

163.250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED

163.275–166.225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX

166.250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, RTV, FIRE

166.275–169.400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, BIFC

169.445–169.505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wireless Mikes, GOVT

169.55–169.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX

170.000–170.150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIFC, GOVT, RTV, FIRE

170.175–170.225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT

170.245–170.305 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wireless Mikes

170.350–170.400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL

170.425–170.450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIFC

170.475 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB

170.4875–173.175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, PUB, Wireless Mikes

173.225–173.5375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MOV, NEWS, UTIL, MIL

173.5625–173.5875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIL Medical/Crash Crews

173.60–173.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT

ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY (UHF) — (300 MHz–3 GHz) U. S. Government Band (406–420 MHz)

406.125–419.975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, USXX

70-Centimeter Amateur Band (420–450 MHz)

420.000–450.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM

Low Band (450–470 MHz)

450.050–450.925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RTV

451.025–452.025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL

452.0375–453.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, TAXI, TRAN TOW, NEWS

453.0125–454.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB, OIL

454.025–454.975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB

455.050–455.925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RTV

457.525–457.600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS

458.025–458.175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED

460.0125–460.6375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FIRE, POL, PUB

460.650–462.175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS

462.1875–462.450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS, IND

20-313.fm Page 40 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

462.4625–462.525 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL

462.550–462.925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GMR, BUS

462.9375–463.1875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED

463.200–467.925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS

FM-TV Audio Broadcast, UHF Wide Band (470–512 MHz) (Channels 14 through 20 in 6 MHz steps)

475.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 14

481.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 15

487.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 16

493.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 17

499.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 18

505.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 19

511.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 20

Note:

Some cities use th e 470–512 MHz band for land /mobile

service.

FREQUENCY CONVERSION

The tuning location of a statio n can be expressed in frequency (kHz or MHz) or in wav elength (meter s). The following information can help you make the necessary conversions.

1 MHz (million) = 1,000 kHz (thousand)

• To convert MHz to kHz, multiply the num ber of megahertz by 1,000:

9.62 (MHz) × 1000 = 9620 kHz

• To convert from kHz to MH z, divide the number of kilohert z by 1,000:

2780 (kHz) ÷ 1000 = 2.780 MHz

• To convert MHz to meters, divide 300 by the number of megahertz:

300 ÷ 7.1 MHz = 42.25 meters

20-313.fm Page 41 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your scanner is n ot working as it should, these sugges tions might help you eliminat e the problem. If the scanner still does not operate properly , take it to your local R adioShack store for assistance.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

Scanner is totally inoperative.

Poor or no reception

The AC or DC adapter is not connected.

The batteries are dead.

The scanner might be locked.

An antenna is not connected or is connected incorrectly.

SQUELCH

not be set properly.

Programmed frequencies are the same as “birdie” frequencies.

might

Be sure the adapter’s barrel plug is fully inserte d into the

POWER

Replace the batteries with fresh ones, or recharge the rechargeable batteries.

Reset the scanner. “Resetting the Scanner” on Page 33.

Make sure an antenna is properly connected to the scanner.

Be sure justed properly. See “Turning On the Scanner/Setting Volume and Squelch” on Page 22.

Avoid programming frequencies listed under “Birdie Frequencies” on Page 34 or only listen to them manually.

jack.

SQUELCH

See

is ad-

Keypad does not work.

Keylock is turned on.

The scanner might need to be reset.

Turn off the keylock.

Reset the scanner (see “Resetting the Scanner” on Page 33

20-313.fm Page 42 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION

Scanner is on but will not scan

(continued)

During scanning, the scanner locks on frequencies that have an unclear transmission.

Only one channel is (or no channels are) stored.

The scanner is not set to scan.

All channels are locked out.

Programmed frequencies are the same as “birdie” frequencies.

SQUELCH

might

not be set properly.

Store frequencies into m ore than one channel.

SCAN

Press

Make sure at least two channels are not l ock ed out.

Avoid programming frequencies listed under “Birdie Frequencies” on Page 34, or only listen to them manually.

Be sure

SQUELCH

is adjusted properly. See “Turning On the Scanner/Setting Volume and Squelch” on Page 22.

20-313.fm Page 43 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Your RadioShack 200-Channel VHF/UHF/Air Handheld Scanner is an example of superior design and craftsmans hip. The following suggestions will help you care for your scanner so you can enjoy it for years.

Keep the scanner dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids might co ntain minerals that can c orrode the electronic circuits.

Use and store the scanner only in norma l temperatur e environments. Temper ature extre mes can shorte n the life of electronic devices and distort or melt plastic parts.

Keep the scanner away from d ust and dirt, which can cause premature wear of parts.

Handle the scanner gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit boa rds and cases and can cau se the scanner to work improperly.

Wipe the scanner with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the scanner.

Modifying or tampering with the scanner’ s internal compo nents can cause a malf unction and might inva lidate its warranty and void your FCC authoriz ation to operate i t. If you r scann er is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack st ore for assistan c e.

20-313.fm Page 44 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Coverage (MHz):

10 Meter Amateur Radio .................. 29–29.7 (in 5 kHz steps)

VHF Lo ............................................. 29.7–50 (in 5 kHz steps)

6 Meter Amateur Radio ....................... 50–54 (in 5 kHz steps)

Aircraft ................................. 108–136.975 (in 12.5 kHz steps)

Government .................................... 137–144 (in 5 kHz steps)

2 Meter Amateur Radio ................... 144–148 (in 5 kHz steps)

VHF Hi ............................................. 148–174 (in 5 kHz steps)

UHF/70-cm Amateur Radio ........ 406–512 (in 12.5 kHz steps)

Channels of Operation ...... 200 channels/10 monitor memories

Sensitivity (20 dB S/N with 60% modulation for AM; 3 kHz deviation for FM):

29–54 MHz .................................................................... 0.4 µV

108–136.975 MHz ......................................................... 2.0 µV

137–174 MHz ................................................................ 0.6 µV

406–512 MHz ................................................................ 0.5 µV

Spurious Reject ion :

40.84 MHz ...................................................................... 37 dB

162.4 MHz ...................................................................... 20 dB

Selectivity:

–6 dB ......................................................................... ±10 kHz

–50 dB ................ ...... ....... ...... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... .... ±17 kHz

Search Speed .......................................................20 Steps/Sec

Scan Speed .................................................... 17 Channels/Sec

Delay Time ............................................................... 2 Seconds

IF Frequencies:

1st IF .......................................................................... 21.4 MHz

2nd IF ........................................................................... 450 kHz

20-313.fm Page 45 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

Squelch Sensitivity:

Threshold ................... 0.3 µV for VHF Lo, 0.4 µV for all others

Tight (FM) ...................................................... (S + N)/N 25 dB

Tight (AM) ...................................................... (S + N)/N 17 dB

IF Rejection (at 162.4 MHz) ............................................. 75 dB

Priority Sampling ...................................................... 2 Seconds

Antenna Impedance ................................................... 50 Ohms

Audio Power (Maximum):

FM .................................... ...................................... 230 mW

AM .............................. ...................................... ...... 250 mW

Built-In Speaker ........................... 1

Inches (36 mm), 8 Ohms

(–20

to 140° F

to 60° C)

Operating Temperature .......................................... –4

Power Requirements ..................... +6 Volts DC, 4 AA Batteries

Optional AC and DC Adapter ......................9 Volts DC, 300 mA

Current Drain ................................................................. 300 mA

Dimensions (HWD) (without antenna) 5

× 1

Inches

(147 × 64.5 × 42.5 mm)

Weight (without antenna) ............................................... 7.76 oz

(220 g)

Supplied Accessories .................................................. Antenna

Belt Clip

Specifications ar e typical; ind ividual units might vary . Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.

20-313.fm Page 46 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

NOTES

20-313.fm Page 47 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

20-313.fm Page 48 Friday, January 7, 2000 3:09 PM

Limited One-Year Warranty

This product is warr anted by RadioShack aga inst manufacturing defects in material and workmanship u nder normal use for one (1) year fro m the date o f purchase fro m RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty la sts or th e exclusion or limitation of incident al or consequential dam ages, so the above limitat ions or exclusions may not apply to you. In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack sales receipt as proof of purcha se date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair withou t charge for part s and labor; (b ) replace the pro duct with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All repla ced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the property of RadioShack. New or reco nditione d parts and products m ay be use d in the p erforman ce of warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the warranty period. This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse, accident, misuse , improper or abnor mal usage, failure to fol low instructions, improper inst allation or mainten ance, alteration , lightning or othe r incidence of excess voltage or cu rre nt; ( b) an y r ep airs other than those p rov i ded b y a Ra di oSh ack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batte ries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportati on, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of pr oduct removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102

We Service What We Sell

12/99

RadioShack

A Division of Tandy Corporation

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

UBZZ01308ZZ

12A99 Printed in the Philippines

Radio Shack PRO-76 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual