Radio Shack PRO-89 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
Cat. No. 20-514
200-Channel VHF/Air/UHF/800 MHz
Handheld Race Scanner
Please read before using this equipment.
A
PRO-89
INTRODUCTION
Your new RadioShack 200-Channel VHF/Air/UHF/800 MHz
Handheld Race Scanner lets you in on all the action in the pits
or on the track at the big race. This scanner gives you direct
access to over 33,500 frequencies, including those used by
participants and staff at auto races, police and fire departments, ambulance services, and amateur radio services. You
can select up to 200 channels to scan, and you can change
your selection at any time.
Your scanner also has these special features:
Five Service Banks
— lets you search preset frequencies in
separate fire/police, air, ham radio, auto race, and marine
banks, to make it easy to locate specific types of calls.
Two-Second Scan/Search Delay
— delays scanning for 2
seconds before moving to another channel, so you can hear
more replies.
Ten Channel-Storage Banks
— you can store up to 20 channels in each of 10 different banks, to group channels so you
can more easily identify calls.
20 Monitor Memories
— let you temporarily save up to 20 frequencies you locate during a search, so you can move selected frequencies to channel storage later.
Memory Backup
— keeps the channel frequencies stored in
memory for about 1 hour during a power loss.
Triple Conversion Superheterodyne Receiver
— virtually
eliminates any interference from intermediate frequency (IF)
images, so you hear only the frequency you select.
HyperSearch
and HyperScan
— let you set the scanner
to search at up to 50 steps per second and scan at up to 25
channels per second, to help you quickly find interesting transmissions.
Duplicate Frequency Check
— automatically notifies you if
you are about to store a frequency you have already stored, to
help avoid wasting storage space.
2001 RadioShack Corporation.
©
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by RadioShack Corporation.
HyperSearch, HyperScan, and Adaptaplug are trademarks used by
2
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack Corporation.
Direct Search
— lets you search for new and unlisted frequen-
cies starting from a specified frequency.
Priority Channel
— lets you designate a channel to be
scanned every two seconds so you do not miss important calls.
Weather Band Key
— scans seven preprogr ammed weather
frequencies to keep you informed about correct weather conditions.
Weather Alert
— automatically sounds the alarm tone to advise of hazardous weather conditions when it detects the alert
signal on the local NOAA weather channel.
Lock-Out Function
— lets you set the scanner to skip over
specified channels or frequencies when scanning or searching.
Key Lock
— lets you lock the scanner’s keys to help prevent
accidentally changing the scanner’s programming.
Two Supplied Antennas with BNC Connector
— lets you
select the antenna that best meets your needs. The supplied
stub antenna helps your scanner receive strong local signals
and makes the scanner easy to carry and use at events. The
supplied flexible antenna provides excellent reception of weaker signals and is designed to help prevent antenna breakage.
Liquid Crystal Display
— makes it easy to view and change
programming information.
Display Backlight
— makes the scanner easy to read in low
light situations.
Three Power Options
— let you power the scanner from in ternal batteries (non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable Ni-MH
(nickel-metal hydride) or regular or high-capacity Ni-Cd ( nickelcadmium) batteries), external AC power (using optional adapters), or vehicle battery power (using optional adapters).
3
Your scanner can receive all of these frequencies:
• 29–54 MHz
• 108–136.9875 MHz
• 137–174 MHz
• 380–512 MHz
• 806–823.9875 MHz
• 849–868.9875 MHz
• 894–960 MHz
This Owner’s Manual also includes the section “A General
Guide to Scanning” on Page 52 to help you target frequency
ranges in your service area so you can search for a wide variety of transmissions.
FCC NOTICE
Your scanner might cause TV or radio interference even when
it is operating properly. To determine whether your scanner is
causing the interference, turn of f your scanner. If the interference goes away, your scanner is causing it. Try to eliminate
the interference by:
• moving your scanner away from the receiver
• connecting your scanner to an outlet that is on a different
electrical circuit from the receiver
• contacting your local RadioShack store for help
If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that
you stop using your scanner.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device must not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Note:
Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a per-
mit in some areas. Check the laws in your area.
4
FCC Rules
. Operation
SCANNING LEGALLY
Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different
groups including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amate ur 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 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 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 it is not legal to listen to. Doing so
could subject you to legal penalties.
We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.
5
CONTENTS
Preparation ........................................................................... 8
Installing Batteries ........................................................... 8
Using AC Power ............................................................... 9
Using Vehicle Battery Power ......................................... 10
Charging Rechargeable Batteries ................................. 10
Connecting an Antenna ...................................... ... ........ 11
Connecting a Supplied Antenna ........... .... ... ... ... .... ... . 11
Connecting an Outdoor Antenna ............................... 12
Connecting an Earpho n e/ He ad ph o nes ........................ . 13
Listening Safely ........................................ ... ... ... .... ... . 13
Traffic Safety ............................................................. 14
Connecting an Extension Speaker ................................ 14
Understanding the Scanner ................................ ... ... .... ... . 15
A Look at the Keypad ............ ....................................... . 15
A Look at the Display ................... .... ... ... ... .... ... .............. 17
Understanding Banks .................................................... 20
Channel Storage Banks ............................................. 20
Service Banks ............................................................ 21
Monitor Memories .......................................................... 25
Operation ............................................................................ 26
Turning On the Scanner/Setting Volume and Squelch .. 26
Storing Known Frequencies into Channels .................... 26
Finding and Storing Active Frequencies ........................ 27
Searching the Service Banks .................................... 27
Using Direct Search ................................................... 30
Using Monitor Memor y .......................... ... .... ... ... ........... 31
Listening to a Monitor Memory .............................. ... . 31
Moving a Frequency from a Monitor Memory
to a Channel ................................................ .............. 32
Scanning the Stored Channels ...................................... 32
Turning Channel-Storage Banks Off and On ................. 33
Monitoring a Stored Channe l ....... .... ... ........................... 34
Clearing a Stored Channel ............................................ 34
Clearing all Stored Channels ......................................... 34
Clearing all Locked-Out Channels ................................. 35
Listening to the Marine Bank ......................................... 35
Listening to the Weather Band ...................................... 35
WX Alert .................................................................... 36
Scanning at the Races ....................................................... 37
Storing a Car Number and Frequency ........................... 37
Adding Frequencies to a Car Number ........................... 38
Adding a Car Number to the Channel ........................... 39
6
Changing the Stored Car Number ................................ 39
Viewing Frequencies Associated with a Car Number ... 39
Deleting a Frequency from a Car Number .................... 40
Scanning by Car Number .............................................. 40
Finding Car Numbers Associated With Channels ......... 41
Special Features ........... .... ... ... ... ....................................... . 42
Delay .................................................. ........................... 42
Locking Out Channels or Frequencies .......................... 42
Locking Out Channels ............................................... 42
Clearing All Lockouts from Channels ........................ 43
Locking Out Frequencies .......................................... 43
Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies ......................... 43
Removing a Lockout From a Frequency ................... 44
Removing Lockouts From All Frequencies ............... 44
Removing Lockouts From All Frequencies in
All Service Banks ...................................................... 44
Using Priority ................................................................ 45
Using Power Save ......................................................... 46
Using the Display Backlight ........................................... 46
Turning the Key Tone On and Off .................................. 46
Using the Key Lock ....................................................... 47
Resetting/Initializing the Scanner . ... .............................. 47
Resetting the Scanner .............................................. 48
Initializing the Scanner ....................................... ... ... . 48
Wired/On-Air Programming ...... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ... . 49
Using Wired Programming ............................................ 49
Wired Programming Specifications ........................... 50
Using On-Air Programming ........................................... 50
On-Air Programming Specifications .......................... 51
A General Guide to Scanning ........................................... 52
Guide to Frequencies .................................................... 52
National Weather Frequencies .................................. 52
Birdie Frequencies .................................................... 52
Guide to the Action Bands ............................................ 53
Typical Band Usage (MHz) ....................................... 53
Primary Usage .......................................................... 53
Band Allocation ............................................................. 54
Frequency Conversion .................... ... ... .... ... ... .............. 58
Troubleshooting ................ ...... ...... ....... ...... .......... ....... ...... . 59
Care and Maintenance ...................................................... 60
Specifications .................................................................... 61
7
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.
You can use either the black non-rechargeable battery holder
or the yellow rechargeable battery holder (both supplied) to
hold the batteries. If you use the yellow battery holder, we recommend nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries (not
supplied).
Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechar geable), or rechargeable
batteries of different ca pacities.
Warning:
low rechargeable battery holder. Non-rechargeable batteries
can get hot or explode if you try to recharge them.
Follow these steps to install batteries.
1. Press down on the battery compartment cover then slide
2. If you are using non-rechargeable batteries, place them
3. Place the battery holder into the battery compartment.
4. Replace the cover.
When flashes on the display and the scanner beeps, or if
the scanner stops operating properly, replace the batteries.
Never install non-rechargeable batteries in the yel-
the cover in the direction of the arrow to remove it.
into the black holder, as indicated by the polarity symbols
(+ and –) marked on the holder. Or, if you are using
rechargeable batteries, place them into the yellow holder
as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked on
the holder.
Caution:
battery compartment. Do not force it.
The battery holder fits only one way inside the
B
8
Warning:
not burn or bury them.
Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do
Caution:
for a month or more, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak
chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries
USING AC POWER
You can power the scanner using a 9V, 300-mA AC adapter
and a size C Adaptaplug adapter (neither supplied). Both are
available at your local RadioShack store.
Cautions:
You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 300 mA. Its cen-
!
ter tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit
the scanner's
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 disconnect it from the
scanner.
PWR DC 9V
jack. Using an adapter that does
To power the scanner using an AC a dap te r, at ta ch t he Ada pt aplug to the AC adapter so the tip reads positive (+), then insert
the Adaptaplug into the scanner’s
the other end of the adapter to a standard AC outlet.
PWR DC 9V
jack. Connect
9
USING VEHICLE BATTERY POWER
You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power source
(such as a cigarette-lighter socket) using a 9V, 300-mA DC
adapter and a size C Adaptaplug (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 cen-
!
ter tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit
the scanner's
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 sour ce bef o re you disconnect it from the scanner.
To power the scanner using a DC adapter, attach the Adaptaplug to the DC adapter so the tip reads positive (+), set the
adapter’s voltage switch to 9V, then insert the Adaptaplug into
the scanner’s
adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket.
PWR DC 9V
PWR DC 9V
jack. Using an adapter that does
jack. Plug the other end of the DC
Note:
If you use a cigarette-lighter power cable and your vehicle’s engine is running, you might hear electrical noise fr om the
engine while scanning. This is normal.
CHARGING RECHARGEABLE
BATTERIES
Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets yo u charge
rechargeable batteries while they are in the scanner. To
charge rechargeable batteries, you need to use an AC adapter
which supplies 9V (RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1767) or a DC
adapter which supplies 10V (Cat. No. 273-1830). Connect a
size C Adaptaplug to the adapter’s cable with the tip set to positive then insert the Adaptaplug into the scanner’s
jack.
10
PWR DC 9V
Note:
Do not overcharge Ni-Cd batteries. Overcharging caus-
es them to get hot and shortens their life.
It takes between 14 and 16 hours to recharge Ni-MH or 7 and 8
hours to recharge Ni-Cd 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
occasionally let them fully discharge. To do this, simply use the
scanner until flashes on the display and the scanner
B
beeps. Then fully charge the batteries.
Important:
Seal on the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery indicates
RadioShack is voluntarily participating in an industry
program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end
of their useful life, when taken out of service in the United States or Canada. The RBRC program provides a conveni ent alternative to placing used Ni-Cd batteries into the trash or the
municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in your area. Please
call 1-800-THE-SHACK (1-800-843-7422) for information on Ni-Cd
battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area.
RadioShack’s involvement in this program is part of the company’s
commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.
The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling
CONNECTING AN ANTENNA
Connecting a Supplied Antenna
You must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner.
The supplied stub antenna helps your
scanner receive most strong transmissions at events and makes the scanner
easier to carry and use. The supplied
flexible antenna provides slightly better
reception and helps your scanner receive strong local signals. Follow these
steps to attach either antenna to the
scanner.
11
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.
Connecting an Outdoor Antenna
Instead of a 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 antenna 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 Ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to
connect the base-station or mobile antenna. For lengths over
50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If the antenna cable’s connector does not fit in the scanne r’s antenna ja ck,
you might also need a PL-259-to-BNC antenna plug adapter.
Your local RadioShack store carries a wide var iety of coaxial
antenna cable and connectors.
Once you choose an antenna, follow the
mounting instructions supplied with the antenna, after removing a supplied antenna.
Then route the antenna’s cable to the scanner and connect the cable to the scanner’s
antenna jack.
12
Cautions:
• Do not run the cable over shar p edges or mo ving par ts that
might damage it.
• Do not run the cable next to power cables or othe r anten na
cables.
Warning:
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, contact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy
wires can cause electrocution and death. Call the power co mpany to remove the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do so yourself.
Use extreme caution when you install or remove
CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/
HEADPHONES
For private listening, you can connect an earphone or headphones with a
the scanner. (Your local RadioShack store carries a wide selection of earphones and headphones). Connecting an earphone or headphones automatically disconnects the internal
speaker.
1
/8-inch (3.5-mm) plug to the jack on the top of
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, 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.
13
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended
high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time,
your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that
does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing.
Traffic Safety
• Do not use an earphone or headphones with your scanner
when operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle in or
near traffic. Doing so can create a traffic hazard and could
be illegal in some areas.
• If you use an earphone or headphones with your scanner
while riding a bicycle, be very careful. Do not listen to a
continuous transmission. Even though some earphones or
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 amplified extension speaker (available at
your local RadioShack store) might provide more comfortable
listening. Plug the speaker cable’s
your scanner’s jack.
Note:
Connecting an external speaker disconnects the scan-
ner’s internal speaker.
14
1
/8-inch (3.5-mm) plug into
UNDERSTANDING THE SCANNER
Once you understand a few simple terms used in this manual
and familiarize yourself with your scanner’s features, you can
put the scanner to work for you. You simply determine the type
of communications you want to receive, then set the scanner to
scan them.
frequency
A
kHz or MHz). To find active frequencies, you can use the
search
is the tuning location of a station (expressed in
function.
You can also search the
preset groups of frequencies categorized by type of service.
When you find a frequency, you can store it into a programmable memory location called a
your other channels in a
scan
the channel-storage banks to see if there is activity on
the frequencies stored there. Each time the scanner finds an
active frequency, it stays on that channel until the transmission
ends.
service-search banks
channel
channel-storage bank
, which is grouped with
, which are
. You can then
A LOOK AT THE KEYPAD
If your scanner’s keys seem confusing at first, the following illustration and information should help you understand each
key’s function.
Note:
Some of the scanner’s keys perform more than one
function and are marked with more than one label. The steps in
this Owner’s Manual show only the label on the key appropriate to the action being performed.
15
CAR
BAND
Lets you store car numbers and frequencies in
the scanner’s channels, add and delete frequencies from car numbers, display car numbers, and listen to the channel where a car
number is stored.
,
Each time you press
CAR
you see the following
information in the following order:
– Manual Mode
– Car Number Input Mode
– Car Number Display Mode
– Car Number Input Mode
– Manual Mode
Lets you search the scanner’s preprogrammed
service-search banks.
PRI/ALERT
WX
SCAN
MAN
Number Keys
▼
/▲
L/O RVW/L/O
16
Turns the priority feature on and off; turns the
WX alert mode on and off.
Scans the seven preprogrammed weather
channels.
Scans any programmed channels.
Stops scanning and lets you directly enter a
channel number.
Each key has single-digit (0 to 9) and a ra nge of
numbers. Use the single digits to enter a channel or frequency. The range of numbers above
the key (21–40 for example) indicate the channels that make up a channel-storage bank. See
“Understanding Banks” on Page 20.
Searches up or down for active frequencies or
selects the direction when scanning channels.
Reviews locked-out frequencies; lets you lock
out selected channels or frequencies.
MON/CL
Lets you listen to frequencies stored in the 20
monitor memories; clears an incorrect entry.
LIGHT/
Locks and unlocks the keypad to prevent accidental entries; turns the backlight on and off.
PGM
DELAY
/
•
Programs frequencies into channels.
Programs a 2-second delay for the selected
channel; enters a decimal point.
ENT
(enter) Enters frequencies into channels.
A LOOK AT THE DISPLAY
The display has indicators that show the scanner’s curr ent operating status. This quick look at the display will help you understand how your scanner operates.
Appears when you lock the keypad.
BANK
MRN
CAR#
WX
Appears with numbers (1–10) to indicate the
scan bank. Bank numbers with a bar under
them show which banks are turned on fo r scan ning (see “Understanding Banks” on Page 20).
Indicates that the scanner is searching the marine service bank.
Appears when you store car numbers and frequencies into the scanner’s channels, add and
delete frequencies from car numbers, display
car numbers, and move to the channel where a
car number is stored.
Indicates that the scanner is searching the
weather channels.
17
FD/PD
AIR
HAM
/▼
▲
Indicates that the scanner is searching the fire/
police service bank.
Indicates that the scanner is searching the air
service bank.
Indicates that the scanner is searching the amateur radio service bank.
Indicates the search or scan direction.
M
CH
B
L/O
SRCH
SCAN
MAN
PGM
PRI
DLY
(lockout)
Flashes with a number (1–20) to show which
monitor memory you are listening to.
and a frequen-
Appears with digits (1–200) or
cy
to show which channel the scanner is tuned
to.
Appears when the batteries are low.
Appears when you manually select a channel
that was previously locked out during scanning
or when you review a locked-out frequency.
Appears during service bank and direct frequency searches.
Appears when the scanner scans channels.
Appears when you manually select a channel.
Appears when you program frequencies into
the scanner’s channels.
Appears when the priority feature is turned on.
Appears when you program a 2-second delay.
P
Error
-dUPL-
-d-
-b-
18
Appears when you make an entry error.
Appears when you try to store a frequency that
is already stored in another channel.
Appears during a direct frequency search.
Appears during a service bank frequency
search (except auto race and marine bank).
CAr
Appears when you listen to the car race
service bank.
CAr No.
Ch-FULL
F L-out
FLo-FULL
L-r
dEFAULt
_ _ _
FLo ALL-CL
L-o Ch0000
Appears when you input the car number.
Appears when you try to enter a frequency
into a channel during a search when all
channels are full.
Appears when you start a direct search
from a locked-out frequency.
Appears when you try to lock out a frequency during a search when 50 frequencies are already locked out.
Appears when you review the locked-out
frequencies.
Appears when you remove all the lockouts from the service bank frequencies.
Appears when you remove all the lockedout frequencies during a service bank or
direct search.
Appears when you clear all locked-out
channels.
Lo ALL-CL
ALL Ch0000
P
ALErt
On Air
WirEd
Appears when you remove all lockouts
from channels.
Appears when you clear all stored channels.
Appears when the scanner is tuned to the
priority channel.
Appears when the weather alert is on.
Appears when you set on-air program-
ming mode to program frequencies into
your scanner.
Appears when you set wired programming
mode to program frequencies into your
scanner.
19
StArt
Appears when the scanner starts wired or
on-air programming.
C-Err
d-Err
End
oFF tonE
on tonE
P.-SA
on P.-SA
oFF P.-SA
Appears when the scanner receives a checksum error during wired or on-air programming.
Appears when the scanner receives a data
error during wired or on-air programming.
Appears when the scanner has finished
wired or on-air programming.
Appears when you turn off the key tone.
Appears when you turn on the key tone.
Appears when the power save function is
turned on.
Appears when you turn on power save.
Appears when you turn off power save.
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 used by the police department, fire department,
ambulance services, or aircraft (see “Guide to the Action
Bands” on Page 53).
For example, the police department might use four frequencies, one for each side of town. You could pro gram 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).
20
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