Radio Shack PRO-93 User Manual
PRO-93
300 Channel Dual Track-Trunking
Handheld Scanner
Owner’s Manual
Please read before using this equipment.
ˆ
Contents
Features .................................................................... 5
Scanning Legally ................................................. 9
Preparation ............................................................. 10
Power Sources .................................................. 10
Using Batteries .......................................... 10
Charging Rechargeable Batteries .............. 12
Using AC Power ......................................... 13
Using Vehicle Battery Power ...................... 13
Connecting the Antenna ................................... 14
Connecting an Optional Antenna ............... 14
Connecting an Earphone/Headphones ............. 15
Listening Safely ......................................... 15
Traffic Safety .............................................. 16
Connecting an Extension Speaker ............. 16
Using the Belt Clip ..................................... 16
Transferring Data
to and from Another Scanner or a PC ........ 16
About Your Scanner ............................................... 17
A Look at the Keypad ........................................ 17
Quick Start ........................................................ 19
Understanding Banks ........................................ 19
Channel Storage Banks ............................. 19
Search Banks ............................................ 20
Understanding Your Scanner's Modes .............. 20
AM Mode ................................................... 20
FM Mode .................................................... 21
Motorola Mode ........................................... 21
EDACS Mode ............................................ 22
Open and Closed Modes ........................... 23
Operation ................................................................ 24
Turning on the Scanner and Setting Squelch ... 24
Storing Known Frequencies into Channels ....... 25
Storing Trunking Frequencies into Channels .... 26
© 2001 RadioShack Corporation.
RadioShack, RadioShack.com, and Adaptaplug are
registered trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.
Hypersearch and Hyperscan are trademarks
are registered trademarks of Motorola Inc.
EDACS is a registered trademark of GE/Ericsson Inc.
2
All Rights Reserved.
used by RadioShack Corporation.
Motorola, Smartnet and Privacy Plus
Contents
Storing Text Tags ............................................... 27
Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel ............. 27
Assigning a Text Tag to a Group ID ............ 28
Assigning a Text Tag to a Bank .................. 28
Text Input Chart .......................................... 29
Finding and Storing Active Frequencies ............ 30
Searching a Preprogrammed
Frequency Range ....................................... 30
Searching Active Frequencies
in Your Desired Frequency Range ............. 35
Manually Tuning a Frequency .................... 37
Listening to the Weather Band .......................... 37
Listening to a Weather Channel ................. 37
Displaying Weather Messages ................... 38
WX Alert and Beep Tone Confirmation ....... 38
Using Frequency Copy Function ....................... 39
Copying a Frequency
into a Specified Channel ............................ 39
Copying a Frequency
into a Vacant Channel in a Specified Bank 40
Copying a Frequency
into the Priority Channel ............................. 40
Scanning the Channels ..................................... 40
Turning Channel-Storage Banks Off and On 41
Deleting Frequencies from Channels ......... 41
Special Features ..................................................... 42
Using the Delay Function .................................. 42
Locking Out Channels or Frequencies .............. 42
Locking Out Channels ................................ 42
Reviewing the Lock-Out Channels ............. 43
Locking Out Frequencies ........................... 43
Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies .......... 43
Clearing a Locked-Out Frequency ............. 44
Clearing All Locked-Out Frequencies
in a Search Bank ........................................ 44
Priority ............................................................... 44
Changing the Receive Mode ............................. 46
Using the Attenuator .......................................... 47
Turning the Key Tone On and Off ...................... 48
Using the Display Backlight ............................... 48
Using the Keylock .............................................. 48
Changing the Display Contrast .......................... 49
Cloning the Programmed Data .......................... 49
Trunking Operation ................................................. 50
Contents
3
Understanding Trunking .................................... 51
Setting Squelch for the Trunking Mode ............. 52
Programming Trunking Frequencies ................. 52
Programming Motorola
Trunking Systems (UHF-Lo) ...................... 54
Programming Motorola
Trunking System (800 MHz) ...................... 55
Programming Fleet Maps ........................... 56
Talk Group IDs ........................................... 58
Storing Talk Group IDs ............................... 58
Talk Group ID Hold ..................................... 60
Turning an ID Sub-Bank On or Off ............. 61
Locking Out Talk Group IDs ....................... 61
Delay Function in ID Indication Mode ........ 62
Reviewing Locked-Out Talk Group IDs ...... 62
Clearing Talk Group IDs ............................. 62
Clearing All Talk Group IDs in One Bank ... 63
Open and Closed Modes .................................. 63
Changing the Open/Closed Mode .............. 64
A General Guide to Frequencies ........................... 64
US Weather Frequencies in MHz .............. 65
Ham Radio Frequencies ............................ 65
Birdie Frequencies ..................................... 65
Guide to the Action Bands ................................ 67
Typical Band Usage ................................... 67
Primary Usage ........................................... 68
Band Allocation ................................................. 68
Frequency Conversion ...................................... 77
Troubleshooting ..................................................... 78
Resetting/Initializing the Scanner ...................... 79
Resetting the Scanner ............................... 79
Initializing the Scanner ............................... 79
Care .................................................................. 80
Specifications ......................................................... 81
4
Contents
ˆ
Features
Your RadioShack Handheld Scanner is one of a new
generation of scanners designed to track Motorola
Type I and II (such as Smartnet and Privacy Plus)
and hybrid analog trunking systems, and GE/Ericsson
(EDACS
many communication systems.
Trunking communications systems let a large group of 2way radio users (or even different groups of 2-way radio
users) efficiently use a set of frequencies. Instead of selecting a specific frequency for a transmission, the user
simply selects a talk group. The trunking system automatically transmits the call on the first available frequency, and also sends a code that uniquely identifies that
transmission.
Since the trunking system might send a call and its response on different frequencies, it is difficult to listen to
trunked communications using a regular scanner. The
trunking scanner monitors the data sent with a 2-way radio transmission, so you can hear the call and response
for that user and more easily "follow" the conversation.
The scanner also lets you scan conventional transmissions, and is preprogrammed with service search banks
for convenience. By pressing a single button, you can
quickly search those frequencies most commonly used
by public service and other agencies.
) type systems, which are extensively used in
This scanner gives you direct access to over 59,000 frequencies including those used by police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, air,
and amateur radio services.
Your scanner includes these features:
Simultaneous Trunking Operation
ing systems (Motorola and EDACS) and conventional
systems at the same time.
Automatic Channel Programming
termines the group trunking frequencies, for Motorola
Features
— tracks two trunk-
— automatically de-
5
trunking systems only, once the control channels are
programmed.
10 Channel-Storage Banks
— let you store 30 channels in each bank (300 channels) to group channels so
calls are easier to identify.
10 ID-Storage Banks
— let you store 1,000 IDs in 10 ID
banks that have 5 sub-ID banks. 20 IDs are programmed
in each sub-ID bank and let you easily identify the ID
code.
Weather Alert
— automatically sounds the alarm tone to
advise of hazardous weather conditions when it detects
the alert signal on the local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channel during
priority operation.
Digital Weather Alert
— displays the weather event text
with four alert levels so you can see and hear the reason
for the alert.
Data Cloning
— lets you transfer the programmed data
to another PRO-93 or a PRO-2053 scanner. You can
also upload or download the programmed data to or
from a PC using an optional PC interface kit.
12-Character, 4-Line, Alphanumeric Display
— shows
you detailed operating information clearly.
Triple Conversion Superheterodyne Receiver
— virtually eliminates any interference from intermediate frequency (IF) images, so you hear only the frequency you
select.
Preprogrammed Frequency Ranges
— lets you
search for transmissions within preset frequency ranges
or within ranges you set, to reduce search time and select interesting frequencies more quickly.
Hyperscan™ and Hypersearch™
— the scanner
scans at up to 60 channels per second and searches u p
to 75 frequencies per second, to help you quickly find
transmissions.
Scan Delay
— delays scanning for about 2 seconds be-
fore moving to another channel in conventional mode, so
6
Features
you can hear more replies that are made on the same
channel.
Priority Channel
— lets you set the scanner to check
one channel every 2 seconds so you do not miss transmissions.
Attenuate
— lets you program your scanner to reduce
the scanner's sensitivity to strong local signals, to reduce
interference or noise caused by these signals.
Text Input
— lets you input a text label for each channel, talk group ID, bank, or other memory location so you
can easily identify the transmission.
Lock Out Function
— lets you set your scanner to skip
over specified channels or frequencies when scanning
or searching, and skip over IDs when tracking trunked
systems.
Key Lock
— lets you lock the scanner's keys to help
prevent accidentally changing the scanner's programming.
Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector
— provides excellent reception and is designed to help prevent antenna breakage.
Memory Backup
— keeps the frequencies stored in
memory for an extended time even without internal batteries.
Three Power Options
— let you power the scanner with
internal batteries (non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries, not supplied). You can also use an
AC adapter (not supplied) or power the scanner in a vehicle using a DC adapter (not supplied).
Supplied Trunking Guide
— provides a quick reference to public safety trunking radio systems in the United States.
Your scanner can receive these frequencies:
• 25–54 MHz
• 108–136.9875 MHz
Features
7
• 137–174 MHz
• 216.0025–225 MHz
• 406–512 MHz
• 806–823.9875 MHz
• 849–868.9875 MHz
• 894–960 MHz
• 1240–1300 MHz
Use “A General Guide to Frequencies” on Page 64 to
help you target frequency ranges in your service area so
you can search for a wide variety of transmissions.
ˆ
The FCC Wants You to
Know
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a scanning receiver, pursuant to Part
15 of the
vide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
FCC Rules
. These limits are designed to pro-
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television rece ption, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
8
Features
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
eration is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note:
Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires
a permit in some areas. Check the laws in your area.
FCC Rules
. Op-
SCANNING LEGALLY
Scanning is a fun and interesting hobby. You ca n hear
police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amateur radio
services, aircraft, and military operations. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some electronic and wire
communications that are illegal to intentionally intercept.
These include:
• telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other
private means of telephone signal transmission)
• pager transmissions
• scrambled or encrypted transmissions
According to the Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), as amended, you could be fined and
possibly imprisoned for intentionally listening to, using,
or disclosing the contents of such a transmission unless
you have the consent of a party to the communication
(unless such activity is otherwise illegal). These laws
change from time to time and there might be state or local laws that also affect legal scanner usage.
Features
9
ˆ
Preparation
POWER SOURCES
You can power your scanner from any of three sources:
• internal non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable
batteries (not supplied — see “Using Batteries” on
Page 10).
• standard AC power (with an optional AC adapter —
see "“Using AC Power” on Page 13)
• vehicle power (with an optional DC adapter — see
“Using Vehicle Battery Power” on Page 13)
Notes:
• Connecting an AC or DC adapter to the scanner disconnects internal batteries when you use the supplied non-rechargeable battery holder, but it does
not disconnect internal batteries when you use the
supplied rechargeable battery holder.
• If you install the rechargeable battery holder, you
can operate the scanner and recharge the
rechargeable batteries at the same time. See "Using
Batteries" and “Charging Rechargeable Batteries”
on Page 12.
• If the scanner stops working properly after connecting it to power, try resetting it. See “Resetting/Initializing the Scanner” on Page 7 9.
Using Batteries
You can power the scanner with four AA batteries (not
supplied). For the longest operation and best performance, we recommend alkaline batteries, available at
your local RadioShack store.
You can use either the supplied non-rechargeable battery holder (black), or the supplied rechargeable battery
holder (yellow). If you use the rechargeable battery hold-
10
Preparation
er, we recommend RadioShack nickel-metal hydride
(Ni–MH) batteries.
Warning:
Never install non-rechargeable batteries in the
rechargeable yellow battery holder. Non-rechargeable
batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge
them.
Note:
You must charge rechargeable batteries before
you use them the first time. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 12.
Cautions:
• The battery holder fits only one way. Do not force it.
• Use only fresh batteries 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 (alkaline or rechargeable), or rechargeable
batteries of different capacities.
Follow these steps to install the batteries:
1. Press in on the battery compartment cover on the
back of the scanner and slide the cover down to
remove it.
2. Pull the battery holder out of the battery compartment.
If you are using non-rechargeable batteries
3.
, place
them into the black holder, as indicated by the polar-
+
ity symbols (
If you are using rechargeable batteries
and –) marked on the holder.
, place them
into the yellow holder as indicated by the polarity
+
symbols (
and –) marked on the holder.
4. Place the battery holder into the battery compartment.
5. Replace the cover.
Preparation
11
(FNý â8KK<IPü
When battery power is low,
(FNý â8KK<IPü
(FNý â8KK<IPü(FNý â8KK<IPü
appears and
the scanner beeps continuously. When battery power is
depleted, the scanner turns itself off. Replace all four
non-rechargeable batteries, or recharge the rechargeable batteries. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries”
on Page 12.
Warning:
Always dispose of old batteries promptly and
properly. Do not bury or burn them.
Caution:
If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for a month or longer, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic
parts.
Charging Rechargeable Batteries
Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you
charge nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) or nickel cadmium
(Ni-CD) rechargeable batteries (not supplied) while they
are in the scanner. To charge rechargeable batteries,
connect an appropriate AC or DC adapter to the
9V
jack. For best results we recommend RadioShack rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni–MH) 1500mAh batteries.
Notes:
• To charge batteries with a DC adapter from a DC
power source, you must use a 9V, 300 mA DC
adapter such as RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1810 or
273-1815 and a size C Adaptaplug™ (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack
store. Make sure the adapter's voltage is set to 9V.
PWR DC
• It takes about 15 hours to recharge fully discharged
1500mAh Ni–MH rechargeable batteries. You can
operate the scanner while recharging the rechargeable batteries, but charging takes longer.
• The scanner can also charge Ni-Cd batteries.
600mAh batteries require 6 hours and 850mAh batteries require 8 hours to charge.
• When you charge Ni-Cd batteries, pay attention not
to over charge. Overcharging shortens battery life.
12
Preparation
• Rechargeable batteries last longer and deliver more
power if you let them fully discharge once a month.
(FNý â8KK<IPü
To do this, use the scanner until
appears. Then fully charge the rechargeable batteries.
(FNý â8KK<IPü
(FNý â8KK<IPü(FNý â8KK<IPü
Using AC Power
You can power the scanner using a 9V, 300 mA AC
adapter and a size C Adaptaplug (neither supplied).
Both are available at your local RadioShack store.
Cautions:
You must use a Class 2 power source that
supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 300
!
mA. Its center tip must be set to positive
and its plug must fit the scanner's
Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
• Always connect the AC adapter to the scanner
before you connect it to AC power. When you finish,
disconnect the adapter from AC power before you
disconnect it from the scanner.
To connect the adapter.
PWR DC 9V
jack.
1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapter's cord with
the tip set to positive.
2. Plug the adapter's barrel plug into the scanner's
PWR DC 9V
3. Plug the adapter's two-prong plug into an AC outlet.
jack.
Using Vehicle Battery Power
You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power
source (such as cigarette-lighter socket) using a 9V, 300
mA DC adapter and a size C Adaptaplug™ adapter (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store.
Preparation
13
Cautions:
!
You must use a power source that supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 300 mA.
Its center tip must be set to positive and
its plug must fit the scanner's
Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
• Always connect the DC adapter to the scanner
before you connect it to the power source. When
you finish, disconnect the adapter from the power
source before you disconnect it from the scanner .
To connect the adapter.
1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapter's cord with
the tip set to positive.
2. Plug the adapter's barrel plug into the scanner's
PWR DC 9V
3. Plug the adapter's cigarette-lighter plug into your
12V power source.
Note:
If the scanner does not operate properly when you
connect a DC adapter, unplug the DC adapter from the
power source and clean the socket, or check the adapter’s internal fuse.
jack.
PWR DC 9V
jack.
CONNECTING THE ANTENNA
To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the antenna
jack on the top of your scanner, align the slots around
the antenna's connector with the tabs on the antenna
jack. Press the antenna down over the jack and turn the
antenna's base clockwise until it locks into place.
Connecting an Optional Antenna
The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy
to use the scanner with a variety of antennas, such as an
external mobile antenna or outdoor base station antenna. Your local RadioShack store sells a variety of ante nnas.
14
Preparation
Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or
RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna. For lengths over
50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If
your antenna's cable does not have a BNC connector,
you will also need a BNC adapter (not supplied, available at your local RadioShack store).
Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to the scanner, then connect it to the antenna jack.
Warning:
moving an outdoor antenna. If the antenna starts to fall,
let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches a power line, contact with the antenna,
mast, cable or guy wires can cause electrocution and
death! Call the power company to remove the antenna.
Do not attempt to do so yourself.
Use extreme caution when installing or re-
CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/
HEADPHONES
For private listening, you can plug an 1/8-inch (3.5 mm)
mini-plug earphone or headphones (not supplied), available at your local RadioShack store, into the jack on
top of your scanner. This automatically disco nnects the
internal speaker.
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 vo lume level that does not cause discomfort might still
damage your hearing.
Preparation
15
Traffic Safety
Do not wear an earphone or headphones while you drive
a vehicle or ride a bicycle. This can create a traffic hazard and can be illegal in some areas. Even though some
earphones and headphones let you hear some outsid e
sounds when you listen at normal levels, they still can
present a traffic hazard.
Connecting an Extension Speaker
In a noisy area, an amplified speaker (not supplied),
available at your local RadioShack store, might provide
more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's 1/8inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into your scanner's jack.
Note:
You must use an amplified speaker with this scanner. Non-amplified speakers do not provide sufficient
volume for comfortable listening.
Using the Belt Clip
You can use the belt clip attached to the back of the
scanner for hands-free carrying when you are on the go.
Slide the belt clip over your belt or waistband.
Transferring Data to and from Another
Scanner or a PC
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another PRO-93 or a PRO-2053 using a connecting cable
which has
plied). Connect the cable between each scanner's
jacks. See “Cloning the Programmed Data” on Page 49.
You can also upload or download the programmed data
to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit available through your local RadioShack store.
16
1
/8-inch phone plugs on both ends (not sup-
PC/IF
Preparation
ˆ
About Y our Scanner
Once you understand a few simple terms used in this
manual and familiarize yourself with your scanner's features, you can put the scanner to work for you. You simply determine the type of communications you want to
receive, then set the scanner to scan them.
A frequency is the receiving signal location (expressed in
kHz or MHz). To find active frequencies, you can use the
search function.
You can also search the SEARCH banks, which are preprogrammed frequencies in the scanner's memory (see
“Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range” on
Page 30 for the frequency list). You can even change
the frequency range on one of the SEARCH banks
(SR5) to limit the search.
When you find a frequency, you can store it into a programmable memory location called a channel, which is
grouped with other channels in a channel-storage bank.
You can then scan the channel-storage banks to see if
there is activity on the frequencies stored there. Each
time the scanner finds an active frequency, it stays on
that channel until the transmission ends.
A LOOK AT THE KEYPAD
Here is a brief overview of your scanner's keys and their
functions.
SCAN
— scans through the programmed channels.
FUNC
(function) — lets you use various functions by
pressing this key in combination with other keys.
MANUAL
channel number.
WX
channels.
TRUNK
ing ID while scanning.
— stops scanning and lets you directly enter a
— scans through the seven preprogrammed weather
— stores the trunking ID code or holds the trunk-
About Your Scanner
17
PRI
(Priority) — sets and turns the priority function on or
off.
TEXT
— lets you input text.
PAUSE
— stops search.
MODE
— changes the receive mode (AM, FM, MOT,
ED).
/ — turns on/off the display's backlight or when
FUNC
used with
locks/unlocks the keypad to prevent ac-
cidental entries.
TUNE
— lets you input a frequency and allows you to
8888
fine tune a frequency along with
ATT
(Attenuate) — turns attenuation on to reduce the
or
9999
.
scanner's sensitivity and block extremely strong signals,
or turns it off to increase sensitivity.
8888
9999
or
— selects the scan or search direction.
SEARCH
L/OUT
— lets you search the six search banks.
(Lock Out) — lets you lock out a selected channel, skip a specified frequency during search, or lock out
a selected ID code.
PGM
— programs frequencies into channels.
ENTER
— completes the entry of frequencies and text.
1
— enters a 1, or inputs characters 0 through 9 in text
mode.
2/ABC
— enters a 2, or inputs characters A, B, or C.
3/DEF
— enters a 3, or inputs characters D, E, or F.
4/GHI
— enters a 4, or inputs characters G, H, or I.
5/JKL
— enters a 5, or inputs characters J, K, or L.
6/MNO
— enters a 6, or inputs characters M, N, or O.
7/PQRS
— enters a 7, or inputs characters P, Q, R, or S.
8/TUV
— enters an 8, or inputs characters T, U, or V.
18
About Your Scanner
9/WXYZ
— enters a 9, or inputs characters W, X, Y, or Z.
0
— enters a zero, or inputs characters ., -, #, _, @, +, *,
&, /, ', $, %, !, ^, (, ), ?, ->, ` or <-.
./DELAY
gramming frequencies), space, or programs delay time
for the selected channel/search bank, or hyphen (in
trunking ID setting).
CL
— enters a decimal point (necessary when pro-
- clears an incorrect entry.
QUICK START
To help familiarize yourself with the scanner’s functions,
keypad, and available frequencies, you can utilize one of
these three features before you begin programming the
scanner.
Preprogrammed Search Banks
frequencies and decide which frequencies you want to
store when you are ready to program the scanner. See
“Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range” on
Page 30.
Manual Tuning
the entire range of available frequencies without programming. (See “Specifications” on Page 81 for a list of
the available frequency ranges.) Also, see “Deleting Frequencies from Channels” on Page 41.
Weather Radio
broadcasts without programming. See “Listening to the
Weather Band” on Page 37.
— allows you to manually scan through
— allows you to listen to NOAA weather
— allow you to listen to
UNDERSTANDING BANKS
Channel Storage Banks
A bank is a storage area for a group of channels. Channels are storage areas for frequencies. Whereas a channel can only contain one frequency, a bank can hold
numerous channels.
To make it easier to identify and select the channels you
want to listen to, your scanner divides the channels into
About Your Scanner
19
10 banks (
to
éééé
) of 30 (
òò
òò
òòòò
ðé
ðé
to
) channels each, a total
ðéðé
òòòò
of 300 channels. You can use each channel-storage
bank to group frequencies, such as those used by Motorola trunking, EDACS trunking, Marine, CB, Police,
Fire, Aircraft and Ham (see “Typical Band Usage” on
Page 67).
For example, a police department might use four frequencies, one for each side of town. You could program
òòò
òòò
the police frequencies starting with
(the first channel
òòòòòò
in bank 0) and program the fire department frequencies
ñòò
ñòò
starting with
digit identifies the bank (
digits identify the channel within the bank (
(the first channel in bank 1). The first
ñòòñòò
òòòò
éééé
to
). The second and third
òò
òò
to
òòòò
ðé
ðé
ðéðé
).
Search Banks
Your scanner has five preprogrammed search banks
and one limit search bank. You can set the lower and
higher frequency limit in the limit search bank. (For the
default setting, see “Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range” on Page 30).
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCANNER'S
MODES
You can program each channel with any of four receive
modes (AM, FM, MOT, and ED). However, you can not
program MOT (Motorola), or ED (EDACS) mode in VHF.
Each receive mode affects how your scanner operates
when scanning and receiving transmissions, and also affects what transmissions you receive when you set the
scanner to the closed mode. See “Changing the Receive
Mode” on Page 46.
AM Mode
The AM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions
using amplitude modulation (AM), primarily used for aircraft, military, some amateur radio, and some government transmissions. (Refer to “Specifications” on
Page 81 for a list of the frequencies co vered.) When the
scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the
AM mode, it always stops on the transmission.
20
About Your Scanner
FM Mode
The FM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions
using frequency modulation (FM), used for most public
safety transmissions, as well as broadcast, business,
and amateur radio transmissions. When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the FM mode,
it always stops on the transmission.
Motorola Mode
You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group
IDs used with Motorola trunking systems. This setting is
called the Motorola mode.
Motorola systems are trunking systems used primarily
by business and public safety groups to efficiently allocate a small number of frequencies (as few as five) to
many groups of users (as many as several thousand).
To do this, each group of users in the system is assigned
to a specific talk group. For example, the east side patrol
officers might all be assigned to talk g roup 2160. One
channel in the system is continuously transmitting data
that identifies which talk groups are active on which
channel. In addition, this talk group information is also
transmitted as subaudible data on each active channel.
When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel
set to the Motorola mode, it first decodes the talk group
ID data included with the transmission. In the open
mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display.
In the closed mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the talk group ID matches a talk group ID that
you have stored in the bank's talk group ID list and have
not locked out.
Motorola trunking systems come in three categories:
Type I, Type II, and Type I/II Hybrid. Each category displays and uses talk group IDs in slightly different ways.
Motorola Type I IDs are in the form FFF-SS, where:
FFF=Fleet ID
SS=Subfleet ID
About Your Scanner
21
Type I systems are usually organized with different user
groups assigned to different fleets. For example, a valid
fleet-subfleet ID identifying all detectives within a police
òòòVñð
òòòVñð
department might be
, where 000 identifies all po-
òòòVñðòòòVñð
lice users and 12 identifies the Detective division.
To properly map the raw Type I data to the correct fleet-
subfleet format, you must program the correct fleet map
into the scanner. Fleet map information is widely available on the Internet for most Type I systems in use.
Type II system talk groups are identified by a 5-digit
number. Valid talk group IDs are divisible by 16. If yo u
try to enter an invalid talk group ID, the scanner rounds
the ID down to the next valid ID.
Type I/II hybrid systems use both fleet-subfleet and 5digit formats for talk group IDs.
Note:
If the scanner decodes control channel data while
receiving transmissions from a Motorola trunking sys-
á*0.(
á*0.(
tem,
appears on the bottom line of the display.
á*0.(á*0.(
EDACS Mode
You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group
IDs used with EDACS (GE/Ericsson) trunking systems.
This setting is called the EDACS mode.
EDACS systems are trunking systems used primarily by
business or private communications service providers,
as well as by some public safety organizations. EDACS
systems transmit active talk group information only on a
dedicated control channel.
EDACS frequencies are organized in a specific order.
Each frequency is assigned a Logical Channel Number
(LCN). For the scanner to correctly switch to an active
frequency, you must program the frequencies in LCN order, starting with
)<DFIPýòñ
)<DFIPýòñ)<DFIPýòñ
. EDACS talk group IDs are
)<DFIPýòñ
entered as a 4-digit decimal number from 0001 to 2047
or AFS (Agency Fleet Subfleet) number from 00-001 to
15-157.
When there is activity on an EDACS system, that information is sent out on the control channel. The scanner
decodes the ID for the active talk group. In the open
22
About Your Scanner
mode, the scanner then goes to the transmission and
displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only goes to transmissions with IDs that match talk group IDs you have
stored in the bank's talk group ID list which are not
locked out.
Because EDACS scanning requires clear reception of
the control channel at all times, EDACS systems tend to
have a smaller usable area. An external antenna can
greatly improve EDACS scanning in a fringe area. If you
are having trouble scanning an EDACS system, try manually selecting the data channel. If you are getting good
á0(Vòñ
reception, the scanner will indicate talk group
á0(Vòñ
á0(Vòñá0(Vòñ
Try changing your location or using an outdoor antenna
to improve reception.
Open and Closed Modes
You can set your scanner to change the way it receives
signals. These settings, called open mode and closed
mode, affect how the scanner receives signals from
communications systems that use some type of closed
squelch (such as Motorola and EDACS systems).
You can set each of the scanner's channel storage
banks to open or closed mode.
.
In open mode, the scanner scans signals transmitted in
all systems. In closed mode, the scanner scans signals
transmitted only under the following conditions:
• When the signals are in the FM mode.
• When the signals are in the MOT, or ED mode and
the signal's ID code matches the programmed ID
code.
You can also select the user or talk groups you want the
scanner to receive in closed mode.
When you set a channel storage bank to open mode,
appears under the bank's number while scanning. When
you set a channel storage bank to closed mode,
VVVV
ap-
pears under the channel storage bank's number while
+,!*
scanning.
+,!*
+,!*+,!*
á(+/!
á(+/!
or
appears while the scanner is
á(+/! á(+/!
About Your Scanner
23
öööö
in manual mode or while the scanner is receiving a signal during scanning. See “Changing the Open/Closed
Mode” on Page 64 for more information about setting the
open and closed modes.
ˆ
Operation
TURNING ON THE SCANNER AND
SETTING SQUELCH
1. Turn
2. To turn on the scanner, turn
3. Turn
4. To turn off the scanner, turn
Notes:
SQUELCH
cator points to
3<C:FD<ý 0Fý L8Cý 0ILEB@E>
3<C:FD<ý 0Fý L8Cý 0ILEB@E>
3<C:FD<ý 0Fý L8Cý 0ILEB@E>3<C:FD<ý 0Fý L8Cý 0ILEB@E>
seconds, you hear a hissing sound.
SQUELCH
stops.
wise to
• The scanner does not scan if there are no frequencies stored in channels. If the scanner does not
scan and you have already stored frequencies in
channels, turn
• 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
ing sound, the scanner will not scan properly.
OFF
SQUELCH
fully counterclockwise until the indi-
MIN
before you turn on the scanner.
VOLUME
appears. After about 3
clockwise until the hissing sound
VOLUME
.
SQUELCH
counterclockwise.
is adjusted so you always hear a hiss-
further clockwise.
SQUELCH
clockwise.
counterclock-
clockwise to
• To ensure the scanner operates properly while in
the trunking mode, we suggest you set
using the steps listed above.
24
Operation
SQUELCH
STORING KNOWN FREQUENCIES
INTO CHANNELS
Good references for active frequencies are
RadioShack's Police Call, Aeronautical Frequency Directory
Maritime Frequency Directory
, and
. We update these
directories every year, so be sure to get a current copy.
Also see the supplied
Note:
If you are storing frequencies for an EDACS sys-
Trunking Guide
.
tem, you must store them in logical channel number order, with the first frequency in channel 1 for the current
bank.
Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels.
1. Press
MANUAL
, enter the bank (0–9) and channel
number (00–29) where you want to store a frequency, then press
MANUAL
again.
))))
and the bank
and channel number appear at the upper left corner
))))òò
тттттт
of the display (for example:
When
))))
is on the display, you can also select
Note:
òòòò
).
your desired bank and channel number with the
FUNC
and arrow keys.
8888
• Press
FUNC
then press
9999
or
. The bank num-
ber moves in the direction of the arrow pressed.
• Press
FUNC
then press and hold
8888
bank number moves continuously in the assigned
direction.
8888
• Press
one by one. Or, press
. The channel number moves upward
9999
. The channel number
moves downward one by one.
2. Press
PGM
))))
.
changes to
,,,,
Operation
.
or
9999
. The
25
3. Use the number keys and ./
DELAY
to enter the frequency (including the decimal point) you want to
store.
CL
If you make a mistake, press
digit or press and hold
CL
to delete a single
about 2 seconds to delete
all digits.
ENTER
4. Press
to store the frequency into the chan-
nel.
Notes:
%EM8C@;ý "I<H
• If you made a mistake in Step 3,
%EM8C@;ý "I<H
%EM8C@;ý "I<H%EM8C@;ý "I<H
briefly appears and the scanner beeps when you
ENTER
press
. Start again from Step 3.
• Your scanner automatically rounds the entered frequency to the nearest valid frequency. For example,
if you enter a frequency of 151.553, your scanner
снсфннт
снсфннт
accepts it as
снсфннтснсфннт
.
• To have the scanner pause for 2 seconds on this
channel after a transmission before proceeding to
the next active transmission, press
./DELAY
to turn
the delay function on. See “Using the Delay Function” on Page 42. The scanner stores this setting in
the channel.
MODE
5. If necessary, press
to change the receiving
mode.
6. If desired, program a text tag for the channel (see
“Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel” on Page 27).
7. The next channel in sequence is ready for program-
PGM
ming. Press
and then repeat steps 3 through 6.
STORING TRUNKING FREQUENCIES
INTO CHANNELS
8888
1. Press
PGM
and
desired bank to program.
TRUNK
2. Press
26
to enter into trunking mode.
FUNC
Operation
then
or
9999
to select the
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