Radio Shack PRO-91 User Manual

Download

20-521 .fm Page 1 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Owner’s Manual

Cat. No. 20-521

PRO-91 150-Channel

Handheld Trunking Scanner

Please read before using this equipment.

20-521 .fm Page 2 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

FEATURES

Your RadioShack PRO-91 150-Channel Handheld Trunking Scanner is one of a new generation of scanners designed to track Motorola Type I and Type II (such as Smartnet and Privacy Plus) and hybrid analog trunking systems, which are extensively used in many 800 MHz communicat ion systems.

Trunking communications systems let a large group of 2-way radio users (or even different groups of 2-way radio users) efficiently use a large range of frequencies. Instead of selecting a specific frequency for a transmission, the user sim ply selec ts a talk g r ou p. The t run ki ng system automatically transmits the call on the first available frequency, and also sen ds (on a dif ferent frequency called a data channel) a code that uniquely identifies that transmission.

Since the trun king sys tem m ight send a c all an d its re sponse on di fferent fr eq ue ncies, it is difficult to l ist e n t o trunked co mmunicat ions using a reg ular scanne r. The PRO-91 l ets you select and mo nitor the data channe l frequency se nt w it h a 2-w ay rad io transmission, so you can he ar the ca ll and res ponse for that u se r and more easily “follow” the conversation.

The scanner also lets you scan conventional transmissions, and is preprogrammed with service banks for convenience. By pressing a single button, you can quickly search those frequencies most commonly used by public service and other agencies without tedious and complicat ed programming.

This sc an n er gives y o u d ir ec t ac c es s to ov er 30 ,00 0 e xciting frequencies, including police and fire departments, ambulance services, and amateur radio services, and you can change your selection at any time.

Your scanner also has th ese special features:

Triple-Conversion Circuitry

— virtually eliminates any interference from IF (intermediate frequency) images, so you hear only the selected frequency.

1998 Tandy Corporation.

RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.

Hypersearch and Hyperscan are trademarks used by

Tandy Corporation.

20-521 .fm Page 3 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Five Channel-Storage Banks — you can store up to 30 channels in each of 5 different banks to group channels so you can more easily identify calls.

Five Scan Lists — you can store up to 50 trunking IDs in each trunk tracking bank.

Two-Second Scan Delay — delay s scanning for about 2 seconds before moving to another channel, so you can hear mor e replies that are made on the same channel.

Lock-Out Functi on — lets you set your scanner to sk ip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning or searching, and skip over IDs when tracking trunked systems.

Priority Channels — lets you program one channel in each bank (5 in all) and then have the scanner check that channel every 2 seconds while it scans the bank, so you don't miss transmissions on those channels.

Five Service Banks — frequencies are preset in separate police (fire/emergency), aircraft, ham, marine, and weather banks, to make it easy to locate specific types of calls.

Hypersearch — lets you set the scanner to search at up to 300 steps per second. The normal search speed is 100 steps per second.

Hyperscan — the scanner automatically scans up to 50 channels per second in frequency bands with 5 kHz steps, to help you quickly find interesting broadcasts.

Key Lock — lets you lock the scanner's keys to help prevent accidental changes to the scanner's programming.

Data Signal Skip — lets you set the scanner to skip non-modulated or data signals (such as fax or modem transmissions) during searches. This lets the scanner avoid non-voice signals, making a search faster.

Manual Access — lets you directly access any channel. Liquid-Crystal Display — makes it easy to view and

change programming information. Display Backlight — makes the scanner easy to read

in low-light si tuations.

20-521 .fm Page 4 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector — provides excellent reception and is designed to help prevent antenna breakage. Or, you can connect an external antenna.

Moni tor Memori es — let y o u tem p orarily st ore up t o 5 frequencies or IDs.

Memory Backup — keeps the frequencies stored in memory for an extended time if the PRO-91 loses power.

Three Power Options — let you power the scanner using internal batteries, external AC power using an optional AC a dapter/charger, or DC power using an optional DC cigarette-l ighter power cable.

Key Confirmation Tones — the scanner sounds a tone when you perform an operation correctly, and an error tone if you make an error.

Battery Save — saves battery power when the scanner does not detect any transmissions for more than 5 seconds when a channel is manually selected.

Battery Low Alert — warns you when battery power gets low.

Your scanner can recei ve these bands:

Frequency Range (MHz)

Step (kHz)

Transmission

29–29.7 5 10-Meter Ham Band

29.7–50 5 VHF Lo 50–54 5 6-Meter Ham Band 108–136.9750 12.5 Aircraft 137–144 5 Military Land Mobile 144–148 5 2-Meter Ham Band 148–174 5 VHF Hi 406–420 12.5 Federal Government 420–450 12.5 70-cm Ham Band 450–470 12.5 UHF Standard Band 470–512 12.5 UHF “T” Band 806–956 12.5 Public Service

“800” Band, except cellular band

20-521 .fm Page 5 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

We recommend you record your scanner’s serial number here. The number is on the back panel.

Serial Number: ____ _______________________

FCC NOTICE

Your scanner might cause radio or TV interference even when it is operating properly. To deter mine whether your scanner is causing the interference, turn off your scanner. If the interference goes away, your scanner is causing it. Try the following methods to eliminate the interference:

• Move your scanner away from the receiver

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

• Contact your loca l RadioShack store for hel p

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 includin g police and fire depar tmen ts, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some transmissions you should never intentionally listen to. These include:

• Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other 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 f or intentionally listen ing to, using, or divulging the contents of such a transmission unless you have the consent of a party to the communication (unless such activ ity is otherwise ill egal).

This scanner is designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions, in compliance with the law which re-

20-521 .fm Page 6 Wed ne sday, August 4, 199 9 3:32 PM

quires that scanners be manufact ured 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 transmissions that it is not legal to listen to. Doing so could subject you to legal penal ties.

We encourage respon sible, legal scanne r use.

CONTENTS

Preparation ............................................................ 10

Power Sources ................................................. 10

Using Internal Batteries ............................ 10

Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batterie s ......... 12

Using AC Power ....................................... 13

Using Vehicle Battery Power .................... 14

Connecting the Ante nna ... .. ............................. 16

Connecting an Optional Antenna .............. 16

Connecting an Earphone/Headphones ............ 17

Listening Safely ........................................ 17

Traffic Safety ............................................. 17

Connecting an Extension Speaker ................... 18

Attaching the Belt Clip ...................................... 18

About Your Scanner .............................................. 19

A Look at the Keypad ....................................... 20

A Look at the Display .......... ............................. 21

Understanding Bank s ... ................... ........ .. ....... 23

Service Banks ........................................... 23

Channel Storage Banks ......... .. ........ .. ....... 23

Monitor Memories ..................................... 24

Operation ............................................................... 25

Turning On the Scanner/Setting Squelch ......... 25

Storing Known Frequen cies into Channels ...... 26

Searching For and Temporarily Storing

Active Frequenc ies .............. .. ........ .. ................. 27

Limit Search .............................................. 27

Direct Search ............................................ 28

Service Bank Search ................................ 29

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

Listening to the Monitor Memories ................... 31

Moving a Frequency From a Monitor Memory

to a Channel ..................................................... 31

Scanning the Stored Channels ........................ 32

Manually Select ing a Channel ......................... 32

20-521 .fm Page 7 Wed ne sday, August 4, 199 9 3:32 PM

Special Features .................................................... 34

Delay ................................................................ 34

Turning Channel-Storage Banks On and Off ... 34

Locking Out Channels ................ ........ .. ........ .. .. 35

Priority .............................................................. 35

Using the Keylock ............................................ 37

Using the Display Backlight .............................. 37

Changing Search Speeds ................................ 37

Turning the Key Tone Off/On ............................ 38

Turning the Battery Save Function Off/On ..... .. 38

Skipping Data Signals ...................................... 39

Trunk Tracking ....................................................... 40

Types of Trunking Systems .............................. 40

Setting the Scanne r to the

Trun k Tracking Mode ......... ......... ........ ........ ...... 41

Setting Squelch for the Trunk Tracking Mode .. 42

Storing Trunked Frequencies ........................... 42

Scanning a Trunked Bank ................................ 44

Monitoring an Active ID ............................. 45

Temporarily Storing an ID into the

Monitor ID Memory ................................... 45

Locking Out IDs ........................................ 46

Unlocking a Single ID ................................ 46

Unlocking All IDs ....................................... 46

Using Trunk Tracki ng Scan Delay ............. 47

Monitoring IDs ........................................... 47

Channel Activity Bars ....................................... 48

Scan Lists ......................................................... 49

Manually Storing IDs into Scan Lists ........ 49

Moving IDs to Scan Lists .......................... 50

Deleting a Stored ID .................................. 50

Scanning the Scan Lists ................................... 51

Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunked

Systems ............................................................ 51

Selecting a Preset Fleet Map .................... 55

Programming a Fleet Map ........................ 56

Programming a Hybrid System ................. 57

A General Guide to Scanning ............................... 58

Guide to Frequenci es ........... ........... ................. 58

National Weather Frequencies ........... ....... 58

Canadian Weather Frequencies ............... 58

Birdie Frequenc ies .. ........................... ....... 58

Guide to the Action Bands ............................... 59

Typical Band Usage .................................. 59

Primary Usage ........... .. ........................... .. 59

Band Allocation ................................................ 60

20-521 .fm Page 8 Wed ne sday, August 4, 199 9 3:32 PM

Frequency Conversio n 63

Troublesh ooting 64

Resetting the Scanner ..................................... 67

Care and Maintenance .......................................... 68

Specifications ........................................................ 69

20-521 .fm Page 9 Wed ne sday, August 4, 199 9 3:32 PM

PREPARATION

POWER SOURCES

You can power your scann er fr om any of thre e sou rces:

• Internal batteries (not suppli ed)

• Standard AC power (usin g an opti onal AC adapt er)

• Vehicle battery power (using an optional DC adapter)

Using Internal Batteries

You can power your scanner using four AA batteries. For the longest operation and best performance, we recommend alkaline batteries (such as Cat. No. 23-

552).

You can also use four rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries (Cat. No. 23-125). Before you use nickel-cadmium batteries, you must charge them (see “Charging Nick el-Ca d mium Batt eries ” on P age 11).

Follow these steps to install batteries.

1. Turn

2. Slide up and hold the tab on the back of the scan-

VOLUME /OFF

to make sure the power is turned off.

ner, then pull up the battery compartment cover.

counterclockwise until it clicks

20-521 .fm Page 10 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

3. If you are installing alkaline batteries, use a pointed object such as a pencil to set

JACK NI-CD

ALKALINE

. Or, if you are inst alling nickel-cadmium

batteries, s et i t to

inside the compartment to

NI-CD

ALKALINE

Warning:

NI-CD

Never set

if you are install ing non-rechar geable bat-

ALKALINE JACK NI-CD

teries. Non-rechar geable batteries can get hot or explode if you try to rec harge them.

4. Install two batteries in the compartment and two in the cover as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside those locations.

Cautions:

• Use only fresh bat teries of the required size and

recommended type.

• Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries

can leak chemicals that destroy electronic circuits.

• Do not mix old and new batteries, different

types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacit ies.

5. Replace the cover.

20-521 .fm Page 11 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

BATT.Lo

flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, replace (standard/alkaline) or recharge (rechargeable nickel-cadmium) the batteries.

Caution: Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not bury or burn them.

Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries

The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge nickel-cadmium batteries while they are in the scanner. To charge the batteries, set

, install the nickel-cadmium batteries in the

NI-CD

scanner, and connect an external AC or DC adapter to the scanner’s

POWER

Page 12 or “Using Vehicle Battery Power” on Page 13). Warning: Do not connect either adapter to the scanner

if non-rechargeable batteries (such as alkaline batteries) are ins tal led in the scan ner and

is set to

NI-CD

switch’s position. Non-rechargeable batteries will get hot and can even explode if you try to recharge them.

Before you use nickel-cadmium batteries for the first time, charge them at least 24 hour s to bring them to a full charge.

ALKALINE JACK NI-

jack (see “Using AC Power” on

ALKALINE JACK

, or you are unsure of the

Discharged batteries take about 10 to 18 hours to fully recharge. If you use the scanner while the batteries are charging, char ging takes longer.

Notes:

• Nickel-cadmium batteries last longer and deliver more power if you occasionally let them fully discharge. To do this, simply use the scanner until it beeps every 15 seco nds and

BATT.Lo

flashes.

• To prevent damage to nickel-cadmium batteries, never charge them in an area where the temperature is above 113°F or below 40°F.

20-521 .fm Page 12 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Important: At the end of a rechargeable battery’s useful life, it must be recycled or disposed of properly. Contact your local, county, or state hazardous waste management authorities for information on recycling or disposal programs in your area. Some options that might be available are: municipal curb-side collection, drop-off boxes at retailers such as your local RadioShack store, recycling collection centers, and mailback programs.

Using AC Power

You can power the scanner from a standard AC outlet using an optional AC adapter (such as Cat. No. 273-

1665). Warning: Do not use an AC adapter’s polarized plug

with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

Cautions:

• The recommended AC adapter supplies 9 volts and delivers at least 300 milliamps. It has a barrel plug with a c enter negative tip that correctly fits the scanner’s

POWER

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

• To protect your scanner and AC adapter, always plug the adapter into the scanner before you plug it into the AC outlet, and always unplug the adapter from the AC outlet before you unplug it from the scanner.

• If batteries are installed, make sure the battery switch inside the battery compartment is set to the correct position (see “Using Internal Batteries” on Page 9).

20-521 .fm Page 13 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

1. Turn

VOLUME/OFF

counterclockwise until it clicks

to make sure the power is turned off.

2. Plug the adapter’s 3.4 mm outside diameter/1.3

mm inside diameter barrel plug into your scanner’s

POWER

jack.

3. Plug the other end of the adapter into a standard

AC outlet.

If rechargeable batteries are installed and

JACK NI-CD

is set to

NI-CD

, the adapter powers the

ALKALINE

scanner and recharges the batteries at the same time.

Using Vehicle Battery Power

You can power the scanner from your vehicle’s battery power using an optional DC adapter such as Cat. No. 270-1560.

Cautions:

• The recommended DC adapter supplies 9 volts and delivers at least 300 milliamps. It has a barrel plug with a center negati ve tip that correctly fits the scanner’s

POWER

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

• To protect your vehicle’s electrical system, always plug the adapter into the scanner before you plug it into your vehicle’s ci garette-lighter socket. Alwa ys unplug the adapter from the vehicle’s cigarettelighter socket before you unplug it from the scanner.

• If batteries are installed, make sure the battery switch inside the battery compartment is set to the correct position (see “Using Internal Batteries” on Page 9).

20-521 .fm Page 14 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

1. Turn

VOLUME/OFF

counterclockwise until it clicks

to make sure the power is turned off.

2. Set the adapter’s voltage switch to 9V.

3. Connect the 3. 4 mm outer diameter/1.3 mm inner diameter tip to the adapter cord, matching TIP to –.

4. Plug the adapter’s barrel plug into your scanner’s

POWER

jack.

5. Plug the other end of the adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket.

If you have installed rechargeable batteries and

ALKALINE JACK NI-CD

set

NI-CD

, the adapter powers the scanner and recharges the batteries at the same time.

Note:

If the scanner does not operate properly when you use a DC adap ter, unplug the adapter from the cigarette-lighter socket and clean the socket to remove ashes and debris.

20-521 .fm Page 15 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

CONNECTING THE ANTENNA

Follow these st eps to attach the supplied flexible antenna to the connector on the top of your scanner.

1. Align the slots around the antenna’s c onnector with the tabs on the scanner’s BNC connector.

2. Slide the antenna’s connector down over the scanner’s connector and rotate the antenna connector’s outer ring clockwise until it locks into place.

Connecting an Optional Antenna

The scanner’s BNC connector makes it easy to connect a variety of optional antennas (such as an external mobile antenna or outdoor base station antenna). Your local RadioShack sto re sel ls a variety of antennas.

Note:

Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna. If the distance from the scanner to the antenna is over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coax ial cable. If your antenna’s cable does not have a BNC connector, your local RadioShack store carries a variety of BNC adapters.

20-521 .fm Page 16 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/ HEADPHONES

For private listening, you can plug an earphone or mono headphones (such as Cat. No. 33-178 or 20-

210) into the jack on top of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal spea ker.

Listening Safely

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

• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss .

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

• 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 in or near traffic. Doing so can create a traffi c hazard and could be illegal in some areas.

If you use an earphone or headphones with your scanner, be very careful. Do not listen to a continuous 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.

20-521 .fm Page 17 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

CONNECTING AN EXTENSION SPEAKER

In a noisy area, an extension speaker (suc h as Cat. No. 21-549), positioned in the right place, might provide more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable’s

/8-inch mini-plug into your scanner’s jack.

ATTACHING THE BELT CLIP

You can attach the supplied belt clip to make your scanner easier to use when you are on the go. Use a Phillips screwdriver and the supplied screws to attach the belt clip to the scanner. Then sl ide the clip over your belt or waistband.

20-521 .fm Page 18 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

ABOUT YOUR SCANNER

Once you under stand a few simple term s we use in this manual and familiarize yourself with your scanner’s features, you can put the scanner to work for you. You simply determin e the ty pe of comm unications you want to receive, then set the scanner to scan those communications.

frequency

A pressed in kHz or MHz). To find active frequencies, you use the

Besides searching within a frequency range you determine, you can also search your scanner’s

banks

categorized by type of service. For example, many amateur radio frequencies ar e located in the bank.

When you find a frequency, you can store it into a programmable memory location called a nels are grouped into scanner has 5 channel-storage banks of 30 channels each). You can then to see if there is activity on the frequencies stored there.

is the tuning location of a station (ex-

functio n.

service

. Service banks are preset gr oups of frequencie s

HAM2

service

channel

channel-storage banks

scan

the channel-storage banks

. Chan-

. (This

Or, when you f ind a frequency, you can store it into a temporary memory location called a monitor memory until you decide whether or not to move it to a channel.

Just keep in mind — you channels.

You can also use your scanner to track trunked transmissions (see “Trunk Tracking” on Page 39).

frequencies and

scan

20-521 .fm Page 19 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

A LOOK AT THE KEYPAD

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

HOLD

— holds the frequency search; holds on the cur-

rent ID in the trunk tracking mode.

SCAN

— scans through the st ored channels.

MAN (ma nual)

— stops scanning and lets you directly

enter a channel number or frequency.

PROG (program)

— stores frequencies into channels; programs the trunking frequency, fleet map, and ID memories.

TRUNK

—

switches between conventional and trunk

tracking.

LIMIT/SRC (search)

— starts a limit search; searches a specified f requency range to find frequencies; searches for another active ID while trunk tracking.

DATA

— turns on or off the data signal skip feature;

moves through menu settings while trunk tracking.

PRIORITY/H/S (Hypersearch)

;

the priority fe ature

L-OUT/S/S (search skip)

turns on and off Hypersearch.

—

sets and turns on and off

— lets you lock out selected channels or skip specified frequencies during a search; lets you lock out a selected ID while trunk tracking.

KEYLOCK/

— locks the keypad to prevent accidental program changes; turns on the display light for 15 seconds.

20-521 .fm Page 20 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

DELAY

— programs a 2-second delay for the selected channel, a l imit search, or each service scan; programs a 5-second del ay while trunk tracking.

t — searches down through a selected frequency range during a frequency search; selects options during program operation; c hanges the ID location number while trunk tracking.

s — searches up through a selected frequency range during a frequency search; selects options during program operation; changes the ID location number while trunk tracking.

Number Keys — each key has a single-digit label and a range of numbers. The single digits are used to enter a channel, frequency, service bank, or ID number. The range of numbers (31–60, for example) are use d to enter the channels that make up a memory bank.

MON/CLEAR/

ories during a search; recalls frequencies from monitor memories when programming a channel; stores searched IDs into monitor memories or selects options while trunk tracking; enters a decimal point or clears an incorrect entry.

SVC (service)/E (enter )

enters frequencies into channels.

— stores frequencies into monitor mem-

•

— starts a service bank search;

A LOOK AT THE DISPLAY

The display has in dicators that show the scanner’s current operating status. A good look at the display will help you understand how your scanner operates.

— appears with numbers (1–5). The numbers

BANK

show which channel-storage banks are turned on for scanning.

TRUNK

tracking.

— appears when the scanner is set for trunk

20-521 .fm Page 21 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

(trunking channe l activi ty bars) — each repres ents a received trunking frequency or a data frequency while trunk tracking (s ee “Chann el Acti vity Bars” on Page47).

— appears when the weather service band is se-

-1-

lected.

— appears when the amateur radio service band

-2-

is selected.

— appears when the marine service band is se-

-3-

lected.

— appears when the air service band is sel ected.

-4-

— appears when the police service band is sel ect-

-5-

ed.

— appears when a priority channel is selected.

BATT. Lo DATA

SCAN

LIST

tracking. Numbers with a bar under them show which ID scan list banks are turned on for scanni ng.

SVC

search, and blinks when you monitor IDs (see “Monitoring IDs” on Page 46).

PRI

HOLD

or when the scanner is holding during a sear ch.

DLY

L/O

frequency you locked out.

K/L

— blinks when the scanner’s battery is low.

— appears when the data skip fun cti on is active.

— appears when you scan channels.

— appears with numbers (1–5) during trunk

— appears during a servi ce search.

— appears during a limit search and ID

— appears when the priority feature is turned on.

— appears when you manually select a channel

— appears when you program a delay. — appears when you manuall y select a channel or

(keylock) — appea rs when you lock the keypad.

Error

— appears when you make an entry error.

20-521 .fm Page 22 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

— appears during sear ch modes or when you

MON

select a monitor memory. The number to the right of

this indicator shows the current monitor memory number.

— appears when you press

MAN

— appears while you store a frequency into a

PGM

channel, while you enter a frequency range during a limit search, or when you program trunking frequencies, fleet maps, or ID memories while trunk tracking.

HYPER

is active during a direct or limit search. t and s

search, indicating the search direction.

(during convent ional scanning only) .

— appears while Hyper scan or Hyper search

— appears during a limit, direct, or service

— appears when the battery save function is active

MAN

UNDERSTANDING BANKS

Service Banks

The scanner is preprogrammed wi th all the fr equencies allocated to the weather, ham, marine, air craft, and police (fire/emergency) services. This is handy for quickly finding active frequencies instead of doing a limit search (see “Servi ce Bank Search” on Page 28).

Channel Storage Banks

To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, channels are divided into 5 banks of 30 channels each. Use each channel-storage bank to group frequencies, such as those for the police department, fire department, ambulance services, or aircraft (see “Guide to t he Acti on Bands” on Page 58).

For example, the police department 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 31 (the first channel in bank 2).

20-521 .fm Page 23 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Monitor Memories

The scanner also has 5 temporary memory locations called monitor memories. You can use these monitor memories to temporarily store frequencies while you decide whether to store them into a channel. This is handy for quickly storing an active f requency when you search through an entire band (see “Searc hing For and Temporarily St ori ng Active Frequencies” on Page 26).

While you are searching frequencies, the 5 numbers at the top of the display indicate the 5 moni tor memories.

appears and the number beside it that flashes in-

MON

dicates the currently activ e monitor memory.

20-521 .fm Page 24 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

OPERATION

TURNING ON THE SCANNER AND SETTING SQUELCH

Note:

Make sure the scanner’s antenna is connected

before you turn it on.

1. Tu rn

2. Tu rn

3. Press

SQUELCH

VOLUME/OFF

hear a hissing sound.

MAN

scanning, turn set to a point just after the hissing sound stops.

fully counterclockwise.

clockwise until it clicks and you

(manual) to stop the scanner from

SQUELCH

clockwise, then leave it

20-521 .fm Page 25 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

STORING KNOWN FREQUENCIES INTO CHANNELS

Good references for active frequencies are RadioShack's “Beyond Police Call,” “Aeronautical Frequency Directory,” and “Maritime Frequency Directory.” We update these director ies every year, so be sure to get a current copy.

Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels.

1. Press

2. Use the number keys and

MAN

, enter the channel number where you

want to store a frequency, then press

PROG

channel number appears.

•

to enter the frequency

(including the decimal point) you want to store.

. The

3. Press

to store the frequency into the channel.

Notes:

• If you entered an invalid frequency in Step 2,

Error

appears and the scanner beeps three

times. Simply enter the frequency again.

20-521 .fm Page 26 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

• Your scanner automatically rounds the entered frequency to the nearest valid frequency. For example, if you enter a frequency of 151.473, your scanner accepts it as 151.475.

DELA Y

• Press seconds after a transmission ends before it proceeds to the next channel (see “Delay” on Page 33). The scanner also stores this setting in the channel.

4. If you want to program the next channel in sequence, press

if you want the scanner to pause 2

PROG

and repeat Steps 2 and 3.

SEARCHING FOR AND TEMPORARILY STORING ACTIVE FREQUENCIES

If you do not have a reference to frequencies in your area, use a limit, direct, or service search to find a transmission. Also see “Guide to the Act ion Bands” on Page 58.

Notes:

search, you can press

While doing a limit, direct, or service bank

DELAY

•

• if you want the scanner to skip data signals

if you want the scanner to pause 2 seconds after a transmission ends before it proceeds to the next frequency (s ee “Delay” on Page 33).

DATA

(such as fax or modem signals) and search only for audio (voice) signals (see “Skipping Data Signals” on Page 38).

Limit Search

A limit search lets you search within a specific range of frequencies.

1. Press

PROG

appear.

appears during a limit search.

-L-

LIMIT

, then

. Lo and

29.000 MHz

20-521 .fm Page 27 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

2. Enter the frequency that is the lower limit of the range you want to search (including the decimal point), then press

3. Press

LIMIT

. Hi and

956.000 MHz

appear.

4. Enter the frequency that is the upper limit of the range you want to search (including the decimal point), then press

again.

5. Press t to search from the upper to the lower limit, or s to search from the lower to the upper limit.

6. When the scanner stops on a transmission, quickly press either:

HOLD

•

to stop searching so you can listen to the transmission.

appears.

HOLD

MON/CLEAR

•

to store the displayed frequency into the current monitor memory.

To release hold and continue searching, press

HOLD

or hold down t or s for at least 1 second. Or,

if you did not press

HOLD

, simply press t or s to

continue sear ching.

Direct Search

Direct search lets you search up or down from the currently displayed frequency.

1. Press

2. Use the number keys to enter the frequency you

MAN

want to start the search from. Press decimal point.

to enter a

•

20-521 .fm Page 28 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Notes:

• If you want to start the search from a frequency already stored in one of your scanner ’s channels, press to enter the chan nel number, then press

again.

PROG

MAN

, use the number keys

PROG

MAN

• If you enter an invalid frequency, the scanner displays

Error

. Simply repeat this step.

3. Press t to search downward or s to search upward from the selected frequency.

-d-, SEARCH

, and t

or s appear.

4. When the scanner stops on a transmission, quickly press ei ther:

•

to stop searchi ng so you can listen to the

HOLD

transmission.

MON/CLEAR

appears.

HOLD

to store the displayed frequency

into the current monitor memory.

To release hold and continue searching, press

or hold down t or s for at least 1 second. Or,

HOLD

if yo u did no t pres s

, simply press t or s to

HOLD

continue searchi ng. Note: To step through the frequencies whil e

HOLD

is displayed, press t or s.

Service Bank Search

You can search for weather, ham, marine, aircraft, or police (fire/emergency) transmissions even if you do not know the specific frequencies being used in your area. The scanner is preprogrammed with all the frequencies allocated to these services. To use this feature, press searches through the weather service band. To select a different service bank, press the desired serv ice bank key (

WX1, HAM2, MRN3, AIR4

sponding service band number ( or

) appears, and the scanner starts searching the

-5-

band.

SVC

appears and the scanner

SVC

, or

POL5

-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-

). The corre-

20-521 .fm Page 29 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

When the scanner stops on a transmission, quickly press either:

HOLD

•

to stop searching so you can listen to the

transmission.

MON/CLEAR

appears.

HOLD

to store the displayed frequency into

the current monitor memory. To release hold and continue searching, press

HOLD

or hold down t or s for at least 1 second. Or,

if you did not press

HOLD

, simply press t or s to

continue sear ching.

Note:

Because there are many different frequencies allocated to fire and police departments, it takes several minutes to search all these frequencies.

Search Skip Memory

You can skip up to 20 specified frequencies during a limit or direct search and up to 20 speci fied frequencies during a service bank search. This lets you avoid unwanted frequencies or ones you have already stored in a channel.

To skip a frequency, press

S/S

when the scanner stops on the frequency during a limit, di rect, or service search. The scanner stores the frequency in memory and automatically resumes the search .

To clear a single frequency from skip memory so the scanner once again stops on it during a limit, direct, or service bank search:

1. Press

2. Press t or s to select the f requency.

3. Press

HOLD

to hold the search.

S/S

disappears.

L/O

ap-pears.

To clear all the ski p frequencies at once while searching, press

HOLD

, then hold down

S/S

until the scanner

beeps twice (about 3 seconds).

20-521 .fm Page 30 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Notes:

• If you marked all frequencies to be skipped wi thin the search range, the scanner beeps 3 t imes and does not search.

• If you program more than 20 frequencies to skip, each new frequency replaces one you already stored, star ting from the f irst frequency you stored.

• Press t or s to select a skipped frequency while

appears.

HOLD

skipped frequency.

appears when you sel ect a

L/O

LISTENING TO THE MONITOR MEMORIES

You can listen to the frequency you st ored in any one of the five monitor memories by pressing

MAN, MON/CLEAR

the number of the monitor memory you want to listen to (1–5).

, then

Note: To listen to the monitor memories, the priority channel feature must be turned off (see “Priority” on Page34).

MOVING A FREQUENCY FROM A MONITOR MEMORY TO A CHANNEL

1. Press appears.

2. Enter the number of the channel where you want to store the frequency in a monitor memory, then press

appears.

PGM

MAN

PROG

MAN

20-521 .fm Page 31 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

3. Press

4. Press

MON/CLEAR

monitor memory that contains the frequency you want to store.

. The scanner stores the frequency into the

selected channel.

and enter the number of the

SCANNING THE STORED CHANNELS

To begin scanning channels, press scans through all non-locked channels in the activated banks. (See “Locking Out Channels” on Page 34 and “Turning Channel-Storage Banks On and Off” on Page 33). When the scanner finds a transmission, it stops on it. When the transmission ends, the scanner resumes scanni ng.

Notes:

• If you have not stored frequencies into any channels, the scanner does not scan.

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

SQUELCH

•If

SQUELCH

ing sound, the scanne r does not scan properly.

• To scan in the trunk tracking mode, see “Scanning a Trunked Bank” on Page 43.

counterclockwise.

is adjusted so you always hear a hiss-

SCAN

SQUELCH

. The scanner

clockwise to

MANUALLY SELECTING A CHANNEL

You can continuously monitor a single channel without scanning. This is useful if you hear an emergency broadcast on a channel and do not want to miss any details — even though there might be periods of silence — or if you want to monitor a speci fic channel.

Follow these steps to manually select a channel.

1. Press

2. Enter the channel number.

3. Press

MAN

again.

20-521 .fm Page 32 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Or, if your scanner is scanning and stops at the desired channel, press

MAN

one time. (Pressing

MAN

additional times causes your scanner to step through the channels.)

To resume automatic scanning, press

SCAN

20-521 .fm Page 33 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

SPECIAL FEATURES

DELAY

Many agencies use a two-way radio system that might have a period of 2 or more seconds between a query and a reply. To keep from missing a reply on a specific channel, you can program a 2-second delay into any channel or frequency. The scanner continues to monitor the channel frequency for 2 seconds after the transmission stops before resuming scanning or searching.

To program a 2-second delay:

• If the scanner is scanning and stops on an active channel where you want to store a delay, quickly

DELAY

press continues scanning again.

• If the desired channel is not selected, manually select the channel, then press pears.

• If the scanner is searching, press scanner is searching. ner automatically adds a 2-second delay to every frequency it stops on in that band.

DLY

before it

appears.

DELAY

appears and the scan-

DLY

ap-

DLY

while the

To turn off the 2-second delay, press scanner is monitoring a channel, scanning, or searching.

disappears.

DLY

DELAY

while the

TURNING CHANNEL-STORAGE BANKS ON AND OFF

You can turn each channel-storage bank on and off. When you turn off a bank, the scanner does not scan any of the 30 channels in that bank.

While scanning, press the number key that corresponds to the bank you want to turn on or off. Numbers appear at the top of the display, showing the currently selected banks.

20-521 .fm Page 34 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

The scanner scans all the channels within the displayed banks that are not locked out (see “Locking Out Channels”).

Notes:

• You can manually select any channel within a bank, even if that bank is turned off.

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

LOCKING OUT CHANNELS

You can increase the scanning speed by locking out channels that have a continuous transmission, such as a weather channel. To lock out a channel, manually select the channel, then press

Note: You can still manually select locked out channels.

L-OUT.

L/O

appears.

To remove the lockout from a channel, manually select the channel, then press

To unlock all channels in the banks that are turned on, press til the scanner beeps twice.

to stop scanning, then hold down

MAN

S/S

L/O

disappears.

L-OUT

un-

PRIORITY

The priority feature lets you scan thro ugh channels and still not miss import ant or interesting calls on specific channels. You can program one stored channel in each bank as a priority channel (for up to a total of 5 stored channels). If the priority feature is turned on, as the scanner scans the bank, it checks that bank’s priority channel every 2 seconds for activity.

The scanner automatically designates each bank's first channel as its priority channel. Follow these steps to select a di fferent ch annel in a bank as the priority channel.

20-521 .fm Page 35 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

1. Press

PROG

2. Enter the channel number you want to select as

the priority channel, then press

PRIORITY

appears to the right of the channel number.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the channel in each bank

you want to program as a priority channel.

To review all priority channels, press peatedly pr ess

PRIORITY

to see the numbers of the pri-

PROG

, then reority channel s.

To turn on the priority feature, press scanning.

appears. Every 2 seconds the scanner

PRI

PRIORITY

during

checks the priority channel in each bank that is turned on.

To turn off the priority feature, press

PRIORITY

PRI

disappears.

Notes:

• The priority feature must be turned off to listen to the monitor memories or to use the data skip feature.

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

LOC OUt

appears when you turn on the priority feature.

20-521 .fm Page 36 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

USING THE KEYLOCK

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

SQUELCH

Note:

scanning channels.

SCAN, MAN, KEYLOCK, VOLUME/OFF

The keylock does not prevent the scanner from

, and

To turn on the keylock, hold down appears. To turn it off, hold down disappears.

KEYLOCK

until

K/L K/L

USING THE DISPLAY BACKLIGHT

You can turn on the display light for easy viewing at night. Press to turn on the display light for 15 seconds. To turn off the light before 15 seconds elapse, press the button again.

CHANGING SEARCH SPEEDS

The PRO-91 has two search speeds.

Normal Search Hypersearch

100 steps/second 300 steps/second

To switch between the normal and Hypersearch speeds during limit search or direct search, press

appears during Hypers earch.

HYPER

Note:

You can use Hypersearch only in the 5 kHz step

bands (29–54 MHz and 137–174 MHz).

H/S

20-521 .fm Page 37 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

TURNING THE KEY TONE OFF/ON

To turn off the key tone, follow these steps.

1. Turn off the scanner.

2. While holding down ner.

OFF bEEP

L-OUT/S/S,

appears.

turn on the scan-

To turn the key tone back on, repeat these steps.

appears.

bEEP

TURNING THE BATTERY SAVE FUNCTION OFF/ON

To save battery power when a channel is manually selected or while you program the scanner, the scanner automatically sets itself to a standby (battery save) mode if no button is pressed for more than 5 seconds and no signal is received. appears when battery save is set to on.

While the battery save mode is set to on, the scanner repeatedly turns off the internal power for 1 second, then turns it back on for about transmission.

The scanner is pre set with the battery save mode set to on, but you can turn it off or back on.

Note:

The battery save mode does not work if the pr iority function is on, even if a channel is manually selected.

To turn the battery save function off or back on, turn off the scanner, then hold down scanner.

•

OFF SAVE

been turned off.

•

on SAVE

been turned on.

briefly appears when battery save has

/2 second to check for a

PRIORITY

and turn on th e

20-521 .fm Page 38 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

SKIPPING DATA SIGNALS

You can set the scanner so it skips nonmodulated or data signals (such as fax or modem transmissions) during a sear ch or scan.

Note:

Since data signals are not generally found in the

air band, this feat ure does not work in the air band.

To turn on the data skip feature, be sure the priority feature is turned off (see “Priority” on Page 34), then

DATA

press . appears. To turn off the feature,

DATA

press again. disappears .

DA T

20-521 .fm Page 39 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

TRUNK TRACKING

Your scanner is designed t o track transmissions o n M otorola Type I, Type II, and hybrid analog trunking systems, which are extensively used in 800 MHz communications. Remember these important points when tracking transmissions:

• Your scanner monitors Type II systems by default. However, you can change this if the system in your area is different (see “Types of Trunking Systems” below and “Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunked Systems” on Page 50 for more information).

• Your scanner cannot track transmissions on nonMotorola trunking systems.

• Your scanner cannot track an 800 MHz trunked system and scan conventional frequencies at the same time.

• The frequencies for many of the 800 MHz public safety systems are listed in the separate “National Public Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide” included with your PRO-91.

TYPES OF TRUNKING SYSTEMS

Your trunk trac king scanner can monitor two basic types of systems — specific frequency to transmit on, a trunked system chooses one of several frequenc ies in a 2-wa y radio user’s talk group when that user presses PTT (push to talk). Thus, trunking systems allocate a few frequencies among many different users, but the way Type I and Type II sy stems do this is sli ghtly dif ferent. One impo rtant distinction between these systems is the amount of data transmitted by each radio when its push-to-talk (PTT) button is pressed. In a Type I system, the radio’s ID and its c urrent affilia tion (the trunk syste m it be longs to) are both transmitted. In a Type II s ystem, only the radio’s ID is tran sm itted.

Why the difference? In Type I systems, each radio in the trunk group individually transmits its own affiliation, while the trunk system maintains a database that determines each radio's affiliation(s) in Type II systems.

Another difference between the systems is that Type I systems are arranged in a fleet-subfleet hierarchy. For example, it is possible for a city using a Type I system to designate 4 fleets, each with 8 subfleets.

Type I

and

Type II

. Instea d o f sel ecti ng a

20-521 .fm Page 40 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

The fleets might be the police department, the fire department, utilities, and city administration. The police might decide to further divide its fleet into subfleets such as dispatch, tactical operations, detectives, north, south, east and west side patrols, and supervisors. All the available police radios would then be assigned to one of the police subfleets, letting the police centralize their communications and control the type of users on a single system. Determining the exact fleet-subfleet hierarchy for a particular area is referred to as fleet map programming.

The disadvantage of a Type I system is that the brief burst of data sent when a user transmits must contain the radio’s ID and its fleet and subfleet. This is three times the amount of data a Type II system radio sends. Since the data capaci ty of Type I syst ems is limi ted and the amount of data increases with each user, Type I systems usually accommodate fewer users than Type II systems. Nevertheless, Type I systems are still in use.

There are also of both Type I and Type II. Your scanner defaults to monitor Type II systems, but you can change to Type I or a hybrid of Type I and Type II systems by selecting a preprogrammed fleet map or creating a custom fleet map for your area (see “Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunked Systems” on Page50).

You do not need to determine the fleet-subfleet hierarchy for Type II systems unless you are tracking hybrid systems that contain both Type I and Type II systems.

hybrid

systems which are a combinati on

SETTING THE SCANNER TO THE TRUNK TRACKING MODE

TRUNK

Press and trunk tracking.

to switch between conventional scanning

20-521 .fm Page 41 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

SETTING SQUELCH FOR THE TRUNK TRACKING MODE

Your scanner’s squelch setting is automatically adjusted during trunk tracking, which means it is not necessary to manually adjust squelch while tracking trunked transmissions. However, the squelch setting can affect how fast your scanner acquires the data channel, and, in some instances, can pr event your scanner from acquiring the data channel at all.

We recommend you set selecting a trunked bank.

Note:

You can change this setting, i f necessary, to pro-

vide better performance in your area.

SQUELCH

to this positi on before

STORING TRUNKED FREQUENCIES

Before you set up your scanner to track a trunked system, consider the following:

• Valid trunked system frequencies range from

851.0000–868.9875 in 12.5 kHz steps.

• You can use any of your scanner’s banks as either a trunk tracking bank or conventional scanning bank, but you cannot mix the two.

• The scanner only scans one trunked system at a time. Although you can store frequencies for more than one trunked system in one of your scanner’s banks, the scanner only scans the frequencies associated with the first data channel it finds.

20-521 .fm Page 42 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Before scan ning a trunked system’s t ransmissions, you must store the trunked system’s frequencies in one of the banks in your scanne r by fol lowing these steps.

1. Press

PROG

then

TRUNK

appears and

one or more bank numbers flash.

2. Select the bank you want to store the trunked system’s frequencies in by pressing a number key. The scanner automatically selects the f ir st channel in the bank when you select the bank.

3. Use the number keys to enter one of the trunked system’s frequencies, then press

and the bank number, the channel number,

BANK

TRUNK,

and the frequency appear.

Note:

If you entered an invalid frequency, the

scanner beeps, the channel number flashes and

appears. If this happens, press • to clear

Error

the frequency, then repeat this step.

4. Press either

PROG

or s to select the next channel

in the bank.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until all frequencies have been entered i n that bank.

20-521 .fm Page 43 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

6. Press searching for the trunk’s data channel (the channel that controls the trunk).

scanner searches for the data channel.

While the scanner looks through the frequencies, you see them on the display. When the scanner finds the data chan nel, it begins trunk tracking.

SRC

to begin

flashes as the

SCANNING A TRUNKED BANK

You can scan one trunked bank at a time. Once you have stored frequencies for a trunked system in one or more of the 5 available banks and you are scanning conventional (non-trunked) frequencies, follow these steps to begin trunk scanning.

1. Press

TRUNK

along with

. The numbers for all banks flash,

BANK

and

TRUNK

2. Use the number keys to enter the number for the trunked bank you want to scan, then press The scanner searches for a data channel. When the scanner finds it, it begins trunk tracking.

If you entered all of the trunk’s f requencies, you should be able to follow conversations between broadcasters even when they change frequencies. IDs, which represent different service groups , a pp ear.

3. To return to conventional scanning, press again.

SRC

TRUNK

20-521 .fm Page 44 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Hint: While scanning, you will not know exactly who the IDs are assigned to until you listen awhile or until you locate ID lists in frequency guides or on internet sites such as minutes, you can usually figure out if what you are listening to is a police, fire, or emergency medical 2-way radio user. Other IDs might take some time, but determining who each ID represents is half the fun of trunk tracking!

www.trunkscanner.com

. Within a few

Monitoring an Active ID

When the scanner stops on a transmission, you can hold the scanner on that transmission.

1. Press stays on the current ID.

HOLD

appears and the scanner

HOLD

2. If you want to listen to a different ID, use the number keys to enter the ID you want to hol d.

3. Press flash and the scanner monitors that ID.

4. When you want to stop the hold and resume searching for a data channel so you can continue trunk tracking, press

Note: You can also follow these steps to hold on an ID while scanning a scan list. See “Scan Lists” on Page 48.

HOLD

again.

and the channel number

HOLD

SRC

T emporarily Storing an ID into t he Monitor ID Memory

1. When your scanner stops on an ID you want to store, press ID into the monitor ID memory.

2. Press

Note: To progra m the ID stored in the monitor ID memory into the ID scan list, see “Scan Lists” on Page 48.

MON/CLEAR

to resume searching.

SRC

. The scanner stores the

20-521 .fm Page 45 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Locking Out IDs

As with conventional scanning, it is possible to lock out unwanted traffic. This is particularly important in trunked systems because signals you cannot listen to (such as water meters, door alarms, traffic signals, and encrypted signals) are assigned IDs just like other users. You can have up to 100 IDs locked out at one tim e.

Note:

If you lock out an ID while searching, it is also locked out of the scan list(s). See “Scan Lists” on Page 48.

To lock out an ID, press

L-OUT

when the ID appears.

The ID is locked out, and the next active ID appears.

Unlocking a Single ID

1. Hold down

2. Repeatedly press t or s to select the ID you want to unlock.

3. Press The ID is unlocked, and the next locked ID or

–– –––

4. Press tion.

L-OUT

until you hear two short beeps.

L-OUT

(if there are no other lo cked IDs) appear s.

SRC

to continue the scanner’s pre vious fun c-

Unlocking All IDs

Hold down press beeps twice.

L-OUT

until you hear two short beeps. Then

to unlock all the IDs at once. The scanner

Note:

When you unlock all the IDs, the scan list appears. Press lists or press

SCAN

to scan the IDs stored in your scan

SRC

to continue the scanner’s previous function. For more information about scan lists, see “Scan Lists” on Page 48.

20-521 .fm Page 46 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Using Trunk Tracking Scan Delay

Many trunked systems have a period of 2 or more seconds between a query and a reply. You can program a 5-second delay to hold on an ID for 5 seconds to wait for a reply. The scanner continues to monitor t he frequency for 5 seconds after the transmission stops before resuming scanning.

DELA Y

Press

appears when trunk tracking scan delay is set.

DLY

Note:

trunk tracking scan delay set, you might need to change the default system type or the fleet map you are using. See “Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunked Systems” on Page 50.

to turn trunk trac king scan delay on or off.

If you consistently miss responses even with

Monitoring IDs

You can use your scanner ’s display to monitor the frequencies in a trunked system for activity. You cannot hear conversations in this mode, but this is an excellent way to determine which talk groups are the most active. To set the scanner to monitor IDs, hold down

MON/CLEAR

flash, and all active talk group IDs appear in quick succession. To stop monitoring IDs, press

Note:

pear.

until

and the channel number

SRC

again.

When you monitor IDs, locked-out IDs also ap-

BANK 2

20-521 .fm Page 47 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

CHANNEL ACTIVITY BARS

Your scanner has 20 channel activity indicators (bars) which show the activity taking place on a trunked system. You can see how many frequencies are being used and generally monitor how much communication traffic is occurring.

Each frequency you store in a trunking bank has a corresponding activity bar. However, since there are only 20 bars, but you can store up to 30 frequencies, some bars might indicate more than one frequency if the trunked system you are scanning has more than 20 channels.

• The bar that remains on steadily even when there are no current transmissions represents the frequency being used as the dat a channel.

• The bar that flashes when an ID appears represents the frequency being used by the radio to transmit what you are currently hearin g.

• If a bar turns on but you do not hear a conversation, the channel is probably being used for a telephone interconnect call or a private call, or the bar might be a locked-out ID. Your scanner does not monitor these types of calls.

• If the scanner is holding on an ID which is not active, the other activity bars turn on and off as other groups use the system.

20-521 .fm Page 48 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

SCAN LISTS

When you program trunked frequencies into a bank (see “Storing Trunked Frequencies” on Page 41), your scanner sets up 5 scan lists into which you can store your favorite IDs. Each list can contai n up to 10 IDs, so you can store a total of 50 IDs for each trunk tracking bank (250 IDs if you use all banks as trunking banks!). Scan lists hel p you organize tru nking system users into categories. For example, you might use List 1 for police IDs, List 2 for fire department IDs, List 3 for emergency medical service IDs, and so on. Once IDs are stored in lists, you can scan them like you scan conventional channels. You can pr ogram IDs into scan lists manually, during a search, or automatically.

Manually Storing IDs into Scan Lists

1. Select the trunking bank you want (see “Scanning a Trunked Bank” on Page43).

2. After the scanner begins trunk tracking, press

MAN

. A number showing the current scan list appears steadily at the top of the display, and bars which show activity i n other banks appear.

3. Press

MAN

then repeatedly press s or t to select the ID scan list location (shown at the top of the display) where you want to store an ID. Then,

PROG

press

to select the ID you want to store.

ID Scan List

4. Enter the Type II ID you want to store, then press

20-521 .fm Page 49 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Or, to enter a Type I ID: a. Use the number keys to enter the block number

and fleet number, then press

•

b. Enter the subfleet number, then press

Note:

To clear a mistake while entering an ID,

press

5. Repeatedly press

then E, then start over at Step 1.

PROG

or s to select the next scan list location y ou want to program. Then repeat Step 4 to enter another ID.

Moving IDs to Scan Lists

1. Press

MAN

appears.

2. Select the ID scan list location where you want to store the IDs. Then press

3. Press

4. Press

MON/CLEAR

. The scanner stores the IDs into the

PROG

appears.

PGM

. A monitor ID appears.

selected ID scan lists.

Deleting a Stored ID

1. Press

2. Repeatedly press s or t to select the scan list loca-

3. Press

PROG

appears.

PGM

tion (shown at the top of the display) you want to delete.

then E.

20-521 .fm Page 50 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

SCANNING THE SCAN LISTS

SCAN

Press stored.

Note:

the display, but your scanner does not stop on an active conversation.

To remove a scan list from active scanning, use the number keys to enter the scan list’ s number. The scan list number turns off, and the IDs in that list are not scanned.

Note:

remove all of the scan lists.

To restore a scan list to active scanning, use the number keys to enter its number again.

to begin scanning the lists you have

If you have not stored any IDs,

One scan list must always be active. You cannot

SCAN

scrolls on

SRC

Press

to return to the scanner’s previous functi on.

SCANNING TYPE I AND HYBRID TRUNKED SYSTEMS

Your PRO-91 is set to sc an Type II user IDs by default. When you scan trunked frequencies, each Type II user ID you see appears as an even number without a dash (such as 2160). Your PRO-91 can also scan Type I trunked systems. Each Type I ID appear s as a three- or four-digit number, followed by a hyphen, followed by a one- or two-digit number (such as 200-14). If you notice a mix of odd- and even-user IDs (such as 6477, 2160, 6481, 6144, and 1167), then you are probably monitoring either a Type I or hybrid (a combination of Type I and Type II user IDs) system (see “Types of Trunking Systems” on Page 39).

You might also notice that you are missing responses when you hold on an active ID. Unli ke Type II systems, Type I and hybrid systems require a fleet map that sets specific fleet-subfleet parameters. I t is easy to select a fleet map to scan; what is not always easy is selecting or programm ing a map that is b eing used in your particular area.

20-521 .fm Page 51 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

4. Press again.

DATA

5. Repeatedly press s or t to select the name of the map you want (such as

). The prepro-

E1P7

grammed fleet map appears.

6. Press

, then

SRC.

The scanner then searches for

transmissions using the pres et map you chose.

Note:

When the scanner searches for transmissions,

you see Type I fleet and subfleet IDs such as

100-9, 000-12

, or

400-8

100-12

How do you know if the preset map you selected is correct? Listen to see if you are following com plete conversations. If not, try another preset map.

Programming a Fleet Map

1. Set the scanner for conventional scanning, press

PROG

, then press

2. Select the bank where you want to program the fleet map by pressing a number key.

3. Press

DATA

4. Repeatedly press s or t to select E1, then press

DATA

. A preprogrammed fleet map appears.

5. Repeatedly press s or t until

press

TRUNK

appears. Then

USr

6. Press .

DATA

7. Repeatedly press s or t to select the size code for the first block, then press

. The next available

block appears.

Block

8. Repeat Step 7 until you have selected a size code for each block you want to work with.

20-521 .fm Page 52 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

When a Type I system is designed, the address information for all its user IDs is divided into 8 equal-size blocks, numbered 0–7, and each block is assigned a size code. When you set up your scanner to track a Type I system, you must choose a size code for each block. When you have chosen a size code for all 8 blocks, you will have duplicated the

fleet m ap

for the system you are tracking. If you have chosen correctly, you will be able to track transmissions in that system.

Each size code defines the number of fleets, subfleets, and IDs each block has. For example, you can see in the following table that a size code of S-4 has one fleet, which is divided into 16 s eparate subfleets, and it has a total of 512 individual IDs.

Size Fleets Subfleets IDs Blocks

Used

S-0 Reserved block for Type II IDs S-1 128 4 16 1 S-2 16 8 64 1 S-3 8 8 128 1 S-4 1 16 512 1 S-5 64 4 32 1 S-6 32 8 32 1 S-7 32 4 64 1 S-8 16 4 128 1 S-9 8 4 256 1 S-10 4 8 256 1 S-11 2 16 256 1 S-12 1 16 1024 2 S-13 1 16 2048 4 S-14 1 16 4096 8

Each ID in the block is unique. The left- mo st di git is the block number in the ID. The next two digits identify which fleet is active, and the last digit(s) (after the hyphen) identifies the subfleet.

20-521 .fm Page 53 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

The size codes selected by a Type I system designer depend on the specific needs of the system's users. Some organizations might want many subfleets with only a few radios each, while another organization might want onl y a few subfleets, with m any radios each. To scan Type I systems, you must select or program a fleet map with the same size code assignments as the trunked system. If you do this accurately, you will track all the fleet and subfleet combinations used by the system. In other wo rds, y ou will hea r comp lete comm unications whi le monitoring a trunked system.

Note: Preset fleet maps might be available at

www.trunkscanner.com

If you do not al ready know the si ze codes used, you wi ll have to guess them. But si nce you do not have to figure out all the blocks at once, this is not as hard as it seems. Select a size code for a block, then press

SRC

Now listen to the communications. I f you decide you are receiving most of the replies to the conversations with IDs assigned to the block you just programmed, then you have probably selected the right size code and can work on the next block of the map.

There are 16 preset fleet maps to choos e from, and it is best to start with these when setting up a Type I or hybrid trunk tracking bank. If none of the following preset fleet maps allow you to follow complete conversations, then you probably need to program your own fleet map (see “Programming a Fleet Map” on Page 51).

E1P1 E1P2 E1P3

Block

0S110S40S4 1S111S41S4 2S112S42S4 3S113S43S4 4S114S44S4 5S115S45S4 6 S11 6 S4 6 S12 7 S11 7 S4 7 (S12)

Size Code Block

Size Code

20-521 .fm Page 54 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

E1P4 E1P5 E1P6

Block

Size Code Block

Size Code

0S120S40S3 1 (S12) 1 S4 1 S10 2 S4 2 S12 2 S4 3S43(S12)3S4 4S44S44S12 5 S4 5 S4 5 (S12) 6S46S46S12 7 S4 7 S4 7 (S12)

E1P7 E1P8 E1P9

Block

Size Code Block

Size Code

0S100S10S4 1S101S11S4 2S112S22S0 3S43S23S0 4S44S34S0 5S45S35S0 6S46S46S0 7S47S47S0

E1P10 E1P11 E1P12

Block

Size Code Block

Size Code

0S00S40S0 1S01S01S0 2S02S02S0 3S03S03S0 4S04S04S0 5S05S05S0 6S46S06S0 7S47S07S4

20-521 .fm Page 55 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

E1P13 E1P14

Block

0S30S4 1S31S3 2S112S10 3S43S4 4S44S4 5S05S4 6 S0 6 S12 7 S0 7 S12

Block

0S40S3 1 S4 1 S10 2 S4 2 S10 3S113S11 4S114S0 5S05S0 6S126S12 7S127S12

Size Code Block

E1P15 E1P16

Size Code Block

Size Code

Selecting a Preset Fleet Map

1. Set the scanner for conventional scanning, press

PROG

, then press

2. Select the bank wher e you want to store the preset fleet map by pressing a number key.

3. Press .

DATA

4. Repeatedly press s or t to select

flashes, press E.

TRUNK

. Then, when

20-521 .fm Page 56 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

9. Press

Note:

restrictions apply:

• S-12 can only be assigned to Blocks 0, 2, 4, or 6.

• S-13 can only be assigned to Blocks 0 and 4.

• S-14 can only be assigned to Block 0.

Since these size codes requi re multiple blocks, you will be prompted for the next available block when programming a fleet map. For example, if you assign Block 0 as an S-12, the scanner prompts you for the next block available, instead of b1. And if you assign Block 0 as an S-14, you would not see another prompt because it uses all available blocks.

SRC

. The scanner exits the trunking programming mode, tunes the data channel, then begins to search using the map you programmed.

If you select size co de S-1 2, S-13, o r S-14, the se

Programming a Hybrid System

A hybrid system is simply a Type I system with som e of its blocks designat ed as Type II blocks. To program a hybrid system, follow the steps listed in “Programming a Fleet Map” on Page 51. However, if you want a block to be Type II, select size code

S-0

in Step 7.

20-521 .fm Page 57 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

A GENERAL GUIDE TO SCANNING

Reception of the frequencies covered by your scanner is mainly “line-of-sight.” That means you usually cannot hear stations that ar e beyond the horizon.

GUIDE TO FREQUENCIES

National Weather Frequencies

162.400 162.475 162.525

162.425 162.500 162.550

162.450

Canadian Weather Frequencies

161.650 161.775 163.275

Note:

These frequencies are not preprogrammed in the weather servi ce bank but can be manually programmed into a channel.

Birdie Frequencies

Every scanner has birdie frequencies. Birdies are signals created inside the scanner’s receiver. These operating freque ncies might interfere with broadcasts on the same frequencies. If you program one of these frequencies, you hear only noise on that frequency. If the interference is not severe, you might be able to turn

SQUELCH

This scanner’s birdie frequencies (in MHz) are:

clockwise to cut out the birdie.

31.2000 41.6000 52.0000 138.7100

138.7150 145.6000 148.6200 165.3000

171.2500 406.2250 407.7625 407.8125

413.1750 413.2250 416.1375 426.0375

426.0500 435.9500 455.7625 455.8625

455.7750 465.6750 475.5875 485.4875

489.2500 495.4000 505.3000 505.3125

813.4000 820.9500 822.3625 899.2375

20-521 .fm Page 58 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

GUIDE TO THE ACTION BANDS

T y pic al Band Usage

VHF Band

Low Range 29.00–50.00 MHz 6-Meter Amateur 50.00–54.00 MHz U.S. Government 137.00–144.00 MHz 2-Meter Amateur 144.00–148.00 MHz High Range 148.00–174.00 MHz

UHF Band

U.S. Government 406.00–420.00 MHz 70-cm Amateur 420.00–450.00 MHz Low Range 450.00–470.00 MHz FM-TV Audio Broadcast, Wide Band Public Service 806.00–823.93 MHz Conventional System s 851.00–856.00 MHz Conventional/Trunked Systems Trunked Systems 861.00–866.00 MHz Public Safety 866.00–868.93 MHz High Range 896.11–902.00 MHz 33-Centimeter Amateur 902.00–928.00 MHz Private Trunked 935.00–940.00 MHz General Trunked 940.00–941.00 MHz Fixed Services 941.00 –944.00 MHz Studio-to-Transmitter Broadcast Links Private Fixed Servi c es, Paging 952.00–956.00 MHz

470.00 –512.00 MHz

856.00 –861.00 MHz

944.00 –952.00 MHz

Primary Usage

As a general rule, most of the radio activity is concentrated on the following frequencies:

VHF Band

Activities Frequencies

Government, P olice, and Fire 153.785–155.980 MHz Emergency Serv ices 158.730–159.460 MHz Railroad 160.00 0–161.900 MHz

20-521 .fm Page 59 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

UHF Band

Activities Frequencies

Land-M ob ile “Pair ed ” F requencies

Base Stations 451.02 5–454.950 MHz Mobile Units 456.025–459.950 MHz Repeater Units 460.025–464.975 MHz Control Stations 465.025–469.975 MHz

450.000–470.000 MHz

Note: Remote contr ol stations and mobile units operate at 5 MHz higher than their associated base stations and relay repeate r units.

BAND ALLOCATION

To help decide which freque ncy ra nges to scan, use the following listing of the typical services that use the frequencies your scanner receives. These frequenci es are subject to change, and might vary from area to area. For a more com plete listi ng, refer to the “Police Call Radio Guide including Fire and Emergency Services,” available at your l ocal RadioShack store.

Abbreviations Services

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)

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Coast Guard, Marine Telephone,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shipboard Radio, Private Stations)

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Pub-

lic Safety, Local Government, Forestry Conservation)

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

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

20-521 .fm Page 60 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF) VHF Low B and—(29–50 MHz—in 5 kHz steps)

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

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

36.250. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Spill Cleanup

36.270–36.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GOVT, MIL

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

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—(108–137 MHz)

108.00–121.490 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

20-521 .fm Page 61 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

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

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) U. S. Government Band (406–420 MHz)

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

70-cm Am ateur Band (420 –450 MHz)

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

Low Band (450–4 70 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

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

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

20-521 .fm Page 62 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

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

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

FM-TV Audio Broadcast, UHF Wide Band (470–512 MHz) (Channels 14 through 69 in 6 MHz steps)

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

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

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

.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

Note:

Some cities use the 470–512 MHz band for land/

mobile service.

Conventional Systems Band – Locally Assigned

851.0125–855.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSB

Conventional/Trunked Systems Band – Locally Assigned

856.0125–860.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CTSB

Trunked Systems Band – Locally Assigned

861.0125–865.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TSB

Public Safety Band – Locally Assigned

866.0125–868.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PSB

33-Centimeter Amateur Band (902–928 MHz)

902.0000–928.0000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM

Private Trunke d

935.0125–939.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTR

General Trunked

940.0125–940.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GTR

FREQUENCY CONVERSION

The tuning location of a station can be expressed in frequency (kHz or MHz) or in wavelength (meters). The following information can help you make the necessary conversions.

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

To convert MHz to kHz, multiply the number of megahertz by 1,000:

9.62 (MHz) x 1000 = 9620 kHz

To convert from kHz to MHz, divide the number of kilohertz by 1,000:

2780 (kHz) ÷ 1000 = 2.780 MHz

To convert MHz to m eters, divide 300 by the number of megahertz:

300 ÷ 7.1 MHz = 42.25 meters

20-521 .fm Page 63 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you have problems, here are some suggestions that might help. If they do not, take your s can ner to you r loc al RadioShack store for assistance.

PROBLEM

Scanner is on but will not scan.

Scanner is totally inope rat iv e.

The scanner’s display dims or the scanner sounds a tone every 15 onds.

30 sec-

–

POSSIBLE

CAUSE

SQUELC H

adjusted correctly.

Only one cha nnel or no channels are stored.

No power. Check the batter-

The AC ad ap ter or DC adapter is not connected.

Batteries are not correctly installed.

The batteri es are weak.

is not

REMEDY

Turn

SQUELCH

clockwise.

Store f requencies into mor e than one channel.

ies or make sure the AC adapt e r or DC adapter is connected properly.

Recharge the rechargeable batteries or replace the non-rechargeable batteries.

Be sur e the adapte r’s barrel plug is fully plugged into t he

POWER

Make sure the batteries are installed properly.

Recharge the rechargeable batteries or replace the non-rechargeable batteries.

jack.

Keypad does not work.

BATT. Lo

flashes.

The keylock function is activated.

The batteri es are weak.

To turn off the keylock, press

KEYLOCK

K/L

Recharge the rechargeable batteries or replace the non-rechargeable batteries.

until

disapp ea r s .

20-521 .fm Page 64 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

PROBLEM

Error

appears.

The scan ner locks on frequencies t hat have an unclea r transmission.

Scanner will not track a trunked system .

POSSIBLE

CAUSE

POSSIBLE

CAUSE

An ante nna is not connec te d or connec te d incorrectly.

Programming error.

Stored freq uencies are the same as “bi rdie” frequencies.

The transmission might not use a system t hat can be tracked by your scanner.

REMEDY

Make sure an antenna is connected to the scanner.

Re-enter the frequency correctly, including the decimal poin t.

Avoid storing frequencies listed under “Birdie Frequencies” on Page 57 or only listen to them manual ly.

Scan another transmission.

Scanner is set to receive Type I trunked frequencies, but does not scan them.

The data frequency is missing.

The system you are trying to track is a Type I system, and the scanner is set to scan Type II systems.

The fleet map you have selected or entered might be incorrect.

Find the data frequency (see “Storing Trunked Frequencies” on Page 41).

Set the s canne r to receive Type I trunked frequencies. See “Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunked Systems” on Page 50.

Check the fleet map an d c orr e ct it if necess ary (see “Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunked Systems” on Page 50 and “Programming a Fleet Map” on Page 51).

20-521 .fm Page 65 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

PROBLEM

Scanner will not stop while scanning a scan list.

Scanner will not acquire a dat a channel.

Missin g replies to conversations.

POSSIBLE

CAUSE

No IDs have been stored.

The IDs you hav e stored are not active.

SQUELC H

is not correct ly adjust ed for trunk tracking.

The frequency used for the data chan ne l is mi ss ing.

The syst em you are tryin g to trac k is a Type I system, and the scanner is set to scan Type II systems.

REMEDY

Store on e or more IDs (see “Scan Lists ” on Page48.

Scan an other transmission.

Adjust sq ue lc h fo r trunk tracking. See “Settin g Squelc h for the Trunk Track ing Mode” on Page 41.

Press

SRC

to search fo r t he data ch an nel ( s ee “Storing Trunked Frequencies” on Page 41).

Set the scann er to receive Type I trunked frequencies. See “Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunked Systems” on Page 50.

Missin g replies to conversations (conti nued)

The selected fleet map is incorrect.

Not all of the trunk’s frequencies have been entered.

Try another preset fleet map or program your own fleet map (see “Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunke d Sy stems” on Page 50).

Enter all of the trunk’s frequencies (see “Storing Trunked Frequencies” on Page 41).

20-521 .fm Page 66 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

PROBLEM

Channel activity bars are flashing but no sound is heard.

POSSIBLE

CAUSE

The tra n smission might be a private or telephone interconnect call. The scanner does not scan these types of transmissions.

The ID shown is not active.

REMEDY

Scan for another transmission.

Wait for the ID to become active, or scan another transmission.

RESETTING THE SCANNER

If the scanner’s displ ay locks up or does not work properly, you might need to reset the scanner.

Caution:

have stored into the scanner. Before you reset the scanner, tr y turning it off and on to see if it begins working properly . Reset the scanner only when you are sure it is not working properly.

1. Turn off the scanner.

2. While you hold down the

Note:

flashing. Otherwise, the scanner might not clear its memory properly.

This procedure clears all the information you

and 9 keys, turn on the

scanner.

flashes for about 8 seconds as

CLEAR

the scanner clears its memory.

Do not turn off the scanner until

CLEAR

stops

20-521 .fm Page 67 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Your RadioShack PRO-91 150-Channel Handheld Trunking Scanner is an e xam ple of super ior design and craftsmanship. 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 can contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.

Use only batteries of the recommended size and type. Always remove old and weak batteries. They can leak chemicals that destroy electronic circuits.

Handle the scanner gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage circuit boards and cases and can cause the scanner to work improperly.

Use and store the scanner only i n normal temperature environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devices, damage batteries, and distort or melt plasti c parts.

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

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

Modifying or tampering with the scanne r’ s internal components can cause a malfunction, invalidate your scanner’s warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your scanner is not operating as it should, take it to your local RadioShack stor e for assistance.

20-521 .fm Page 68 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Coverage: ..... 29–54 MHz (in 5 kHz steps)

108–136.975 MHz ( in 12. 5 kHz steps)

137–174 MHz (in 5 kHz steps)

406–512 MHz (in 12.5 kHz steps)

806.0000–823.9375 MHz (in 12.5 kHz steps)

851.0000–868.9875 MHz (in 12.5 kHz steps)

896.1125–956.0000 MHz (in 12.5 kHz steps) Monitor Channels 5 Number of Banks 5 Sensitivity (A M/FM):

NFM: 20 dB S/N at 3 kHz deviation):

29–54 MHz 0.5 µV 137–174 MHz 0.4 µV 406–512 MHz 0.4 µV 806–956 MHz 0.6 µV

AM: 20 dB S/N at 60% modulation):

108–136.9875 MHz 1.5 µV Spurious Reject ion (at 40.84 MHz) 50 dB Selectivity:

10 kHz –6 dB

15 kHz –50 dB IF Rejection (at 162.4 MHz) 80 dB

Channels ............................................................... 150

Operating Temperature . ... –4 to 140

Scan Speed ............................... 50 Channels/Second

Search Speed:

Normal ............... ........................ 100 Steps/Second

Hypersearch ......... ..................... 300 Steps/Second

Servic e ............ .. ............... . 50 Freque n c ie s/Sec ond

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

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

IF Frequencies 380.7 MHz, 10.85 MHz, and 450 kHz Antenna Impedance 50 Ohms

Audio Output ................................. 350 mW maximum

Built-in Speaker ...............1

Maximum Current Drain ................ .. .......... .. .... 180 mA

/16 Inches (36 mm) 8 Ohm,

F (–20 to 60° C)

Dynamic Type

20-521 .fm Page 69 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Power Requirement: 4 AA Alkaline Batteries (6.0 VDC),

or 4 AA Rechargeable Ni- Cd Batteries (4.8 VDC), or AC Adapter (Cat. No. 273-1665), or DC Adapt er (Cat. No. 270-1560)

Current Drain:

Squelched .................................................. 70 mA

Full Output .... ................... ........ .. .............. 180 mA

Dimensions (HWD) ............... 6

× 2

/2 × 19/16 Inches

(158 × 63 × 40 mm)

Weight (without antenna, batte ries, belt clip) ..... 8.1 oz

(229 g)

Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to change and improvement without notice.

20-521 .fm Page 70 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

NOTES

20-521 .fm Page 71 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

y g

20-521 .fm Page 72 We dnesday, August 4, 1999 3:32 PM

Limited One-Year Warranty

This product is warrant ed by RadioShack against manufacturi ng defects in material and work manshi p under normal use for one (1) from the date of p urchase from RadioSha ck compan and authorized R adioShack franchisees and deale rs. 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, Rad ioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILIT Y OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTIT Y WITH RE SPECT TO AN Y LIABILIT Y, LOSS OR D AMAGE 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 the limitations on how lon rant

lasts or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions ma In the event of a product defe ct durin product and th e Radi oSh ack sale s rec ei pt as pr oof of pu rchas e da te to an

RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, unless otherwise provided b char

e for parts and l abor; (b) replace the pr oduct with one of the same or similar desi parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the propert ma

be used in the performanc e of warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the ori

inal warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the warrant This warrant tributable to acts of God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usa maintenance, a lteration, li a

e or current; (b) any repairs other than tho se provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facilit or batteries; (d) cosmetic dama surance costs; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-up service ad This warrant othe r ri

RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St.,

law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without

n; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replac ed

of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products

does not cover: ( a) damage or failure caused by or at-

e, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or

ustment or reinstallation.

ives you specific l egal rights, and you may also have

hts which vary from state to state.

htning or other incidence of excess volt-

Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102

not apply to you.

the warranty period, take the

; (c) consumables such as fuses

e; (e) transportatio n, shipping or in-

-owned stores

an implied war-

period.

We Service What We Sell

ear

3/97

RadioShack

A Division of Tandy Corporation

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

3A8 Printed in the Philippines

UBZZ01274ZZ

Radio Shack PRO-91 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual