Radio Shack PRO-95 User Manual

PRO-95 Dual Trunk-Tracking Handheld Scanner

20-525 OWNER’S MANUAL — Please read before using this equipment.

IMPORTANT !

If an icon appears at the end of a paragraph, go to t he boxonthatpagewith the corre sponding icon for pertinent information.

— Warning

 — Caution

— Important

Ó — Hint

Ô —Note

CONTENTS

Features ................. 2

The FCC Wants You

to Know .................. 6

Scanning

Legally ............... 7

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

Power S ources .. 9 Using AC

Power ............... 11

Connecting the

Antenna .......... 12

Connecting an Earphone/

Headphones .... 13

Connecting an Extension

Speaker ........... 14

Using the Belt

Clip .................. 15

Transferring Data to and from AnotherScanneror

a PC ................ 15

SCAN

FUNC

MANUAL

PRI

TUNE

ATT GHI

TEXT

PAUSE

MODE

PQRS

SEARCH L/OUT PGM ENTER

ABC

JKL

TUV

DELAY

TRUNK

DEF

MNO

WXYZ

RadioShack, RadioShack.com, Hypersearch,

EDACS is a registered trademark of GE/Ericsson Inc.

Hyperscan, and Ada ptaplug are

trademarks used by

RadioShack Corporation.

Motorola, Smartnet and Privacy Plus

are registered trademarks of Motorola Inc.

About Your

Scanner ............... 15

About the

Keypad ................. 16

Quick Start ........... 19

Features

Understanding

Banks ................... 19

Channel Storage

Banks .............. 19

Search Banks .. 20 Understanding Your Scanner's M odes . 20

AM Mode ......... 21

FM Mode ......... 21

Motorola

Mode ............... 21

EDACS Mode .. 23

Open and Closed

Modes ............. 25

Operation ............. 26

Turning on the

Scanner and

Setting

Squelch ........... 26

Storing Known

Frequencies into

Channels ......... 26

Storing Trunking

Frequencies into

Channels ......... 28

Storing Text

Tags ................ 29

Finding and Stor-

ing Active

Frequencies .... 32

Listening to the

Weather Band . 39

Using Frequency

Copy ................ 41

Scanning the

Channels ......... 43

Special Features .. 45

Usingthe Delay

Function .......... 45

Locking Out

Channels or

Frequencies .... 45

Priority ............. 47

Changing the

Receive Mode . 49

FEATURES

Your RadioShack Handheld Scanner is one of a new generation of scanners designed to track Motorola (such as Smartnet



) and hybrid analog trunking

Plus systems, and GE/Ericsson (EDACS



are extensively used in many communicationsystems.

Trunkingcommunicationssystems let a large group of 2-way radio users (or even different groups of 2-way radio users) efficiently use a set of frequencies. Insteadof selectinga specificfrequencyfor a transmission, the user simply selects a talk group. The trunking systemautomaticallytransmitsthe 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 2way radiotransmission, so you can hear the call and response for that user and more easily follow the conversation.

The scanner also lets you scan conventionaltransmissions, and is preprogrammed with service search banks for convenience. By pressing a single button,you can quickly search those frequencies



Type I and II



and Privacy

) type systems, which

most commonly used by public service and other agencies.

This scanner gives youdirect access to over 59,000frequencies including those used by police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, air, and amateur radio services.

Your scannerincludes these features:

Simultaneous Trunking Operation —trackstwotrunking

systems (Motorola and EDACS) and conventional systems at the same time.

Automatic Channel Programming — automatically

determines the group trunking frequencies, for Motorola trunking systems only, once the control channels are programmed.

10 Channel-Storage Banks —let youstore100channelsineach bank (1,000 channels) to group channels so calls are easier to identify.

10 ID-Storage Banks —letyou store 1,000 IDs in10 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 soundsthe alarm toneto advise of hazardous weather conditions when it detects the alert signal on the local National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weatherchannel during priority operation.

Usingthe

Attenuator ....... 50

Turning the Key Tone On and

Off ................... 51

Usingthe Display

Backlight ......... 51

Usingthe

Keylock ........... 52

Changing the Display

Contrast .......... 53

Cloning the Programmed

Data ................ 53

Trunking ............... 54

Trunking

Operation ........ 54

Understanding

Trunking .......... 55

Setting Squelch for the Trunking

Mode ............... 56

Programming Trunking

Frequencies .... 56

Programming Motorola Trunking Systems

(UHF-Lo) ......... 58

Programming Motorola Trunking System

(800 MHz) ....... 60

Programming

Fleet Maps ...... 60

Talk Group IDs 62 Storing Talk

Group IDs ........ 62

Talk Group ID

Hold ................. 64

Turning an ID Sub-Bank

On or Off ......... 65

Locking Out Talk

Group IDs ........ 65

Delay Function in ID Indication

Mode ............... 66

Features

Reviewing Loc kedOut Talk Group

IDs ................... 67

Clearing Talk

Group IDs ........ 67

Features

Clearing All Talk Group ID s in

One Bank ........ 67

Changing the Open/Closed

Mode ............... 68

A General Guide to

Frequencies ......... 69

US Weather

Frequencies

(in MHz) ........... 69

Ham Radio

Frequencies ..... 69

Birdie

Frequencies ..... 69

Guidetothe

Action Bands ........ 71

Typical Band

Usage

(in MHz) ........... 71

Band

Allocation ......... 73

Frequency

Conversion ........... 80

Troubleshooting .... 82

Resetting the

Scanner ........... 83

Initializing the

Scanner ........... 83

Care ..................... 84

Specifications ....... 84

Parts and

Accessories .......... 87

Digital Weather Alert —displays the weatherevent 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-95 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 operatinginformation 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 reducesearch time and select interesting frequencies more quickly.

Hyperscan™ and Hypersearch™ — the scanner

scans at up to 60 channels per second and searches up to 75 frequencies per second, to help you quickly find transmissions.

Scan Delay — delays scanning forabout2 seconds before moving to another channel inconventional mode, so you can hear more replies that are made onthe same channel.

Priority Channel —letsyouset 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'ssensitivityto stronglocal signals, to reduce interferenceor noise caused by thesesignals.

Text Input — lets youinput a text label for each channel,talk group ID,bank, or other memorylocation so you can easily identify the transmission.

Lock Out Function — letsyouset 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 prevent accidentally changing the scanner's programming.

Features

Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector — provides excellent

reception and is designedto help prevent antenna breakage.

Memory Backup — keeps the frequencies stored in memory for an extended time even without internal batteries.

Three Power Options —letyou power thescanner 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

The FCC Wants You to Know

a vehicleusing 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:

•25–54MHz

• 108 – 136.9875 MHz

•137–174MHz

• 216.0025 – 225 MHz

•406–512MHz

• 806 – 823.9875 MHz

• 849 – 868.9875 MHz

•894–960MHz

• 1240 – 1300 MHz

Use “A General Guide to Frequencies” on Page 69 to help you target frequency ranges in your service area so you can search for a wide variety of transmissions.

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 FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference willnot occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different fromthat to which the receiver is connected.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

The FCC Wants You to Know

1. This devicemay not cause harmful interference.

2. This devicemust acceptany interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

SCANNING LEGALLY

Your scanner coversfrequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departments,ambulanceservices, government agencies, private

The FCC Wants You to Know

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 transmissionsyou shouldnever intentionallylistento. These include:

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

• Pager transmissions

• Any scrambled or encrypted transmissions

According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the contents of such a transmission unless you have the consent of a party to the communication(unless such activity is otherwise illegal).

This scanner has been designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions. This is done to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured so as to not be easily modifiable to pick up those transmissions. Do not open your scanner's case to make any modifications that could allow it to pick up transmissions thatare illegal to monitor. Doing so could subject you to legal penalties.

We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.

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

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”).

• standard AC power (with an optional AC adapter — see “Using AC Power” on Page 11)

• vehicle power (with an optional DC adapter — see “Using Vehicle Battery Power” on Page 12)

Using Batteries

You can power the s canner with four AA batteries (not supplied). For the longestoperationand best performance, we recommend alkalinebatteries,availableatyour 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 holder, we recommend RadioShack nickelmetal hydride(Ni–MH) batteries.

Ô NOTE Ô

• Connecting anAC or DC adapter to the scanner disconnects i nternal 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 batteryholder,you can operat e the scanner and recharge the rechargeable batteries at the same ti me. See “Using Batteries” and “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 11.

• If the scanner stops working properly after connecting it to power, try resetting it. See “Resetting/ Initializing the Scanner” on Page 83.

• You must charge rechargeable batteries before you u se them the first time. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 11.

Preparation

WARNING o

Never install nonrechargeable batteries in the rechargeable yellow battery holder. Nonrechargeable batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge them.

 CAUTION 

• The batteryholde 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

Preparation

and new batteries,differen types of batteries (alkaline or rechargeable), o r rechargeable batteries of different capacities.

• If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for a month or longer, remove t h e batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destr oy electronic parts.

You must charge rechargeable batteries before you use them the first time. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 11.



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.

3. If you are using non- rechargeable batteries,place them into the black holder, as indicated by the polarity symbols (

+ and –)markedon

the holder.

If you are using rechargeable batteries, 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.

When battery power is low,

Battery!

appears and the scanner

Low

beeps continuously. When battery power is depleted, the scanner turns itself off. Replaceall four non-rechargeable batteries, or recharge the rechargeable batteries. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 11.



Charging Rechargeable Batteries

Your scannerhas a built-in charging circuit that lets you charge nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) 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

jack. For best resultswe

PWR DC

recommend RadioShack rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) 1600mAhbatteries.

To charge batteries with a DC adapter from a DC power source, youmustusea9V,300mADC adapter such as RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1810or 273-1815 and a size B Adaptaplug™ (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store. Make sure the adapter's voltage is set to 9V.

It takes about 16 hours to recharge fully discharged 1600mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries. You can operate the scanner while recharging the rechargeable batteries, but charging takes longer.

USING AC POWER

You can power the scanner using a 9V, 300 mA AC adapter and a size B Adaptaplug (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store.

WARNING o

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 orlonger,remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.

Ô NOTE Ô

• 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, do not overcharge them. Overcharging shortens battery life.

• Rechargeable batteries last longer and deliver more power if you let them fully discharge once a month. To do this, use the scanner

Low Battery!

until appears. T hen fully charge the rechargeable batteries.

Preparation

 CAUTION 

You must

use a Class 2 power source that supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be settopositiveand its plug must fit the scanner's PWRDC9Vjack Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications coulddamage the scanner or the adapter.

1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapter'scord with the tip set to positive.



2. Plug the adapter's barrel plug into the scanner's

PWRDC9V

jack.

3. Plug the adapter's two-prong plug into an AC outlet.

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 DCadapteranda size B Adaptaplug™ adapter (neither supplied). Both are availableat your local RadioShack store.



1. Connect the Adaptaplug to

• Always connect the AC or DC adapter to the scanner before you connec t it to AC power or

Preparation

power sourc e. When you finish, disconnect the adapter from AC power or the power sourc e before you disconnect it from the scanner.

Ô NOTE Ô

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.

the adapter'scord with the tip set to positive.

2. Plug the adapter's barrel plug into the scanner's

PWRDC9V

jack.

3. Plug the adapter's cigarettelighter plug into your 12V power source.

CONNECTING THE

NTENNA

To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the antenna jack on the top of your scanner, align theslots 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 antennaconnector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety of antennas, such as an external mobile antenna or outdoorbase station antenna. Your local RadioShackstoresellsavarietyof antennas.

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 antennacable to the scanner, then connect it to the antenna jack.

WARNING o

Use extreme caution when installing or removing an outdoor antenna. If the antenna starts to fall letitgo!Itcould contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches a power line, touching the antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can cause electrocution and death.Callthepowe company to remove the antenna. DO NOT attempt to do so yourself.

CONNECTING AN E

ARPHONE/HEADPHONES

For private listening, youcan plug

/8-inch(3.5mm)mini-plug

an earphone or headphones (not supplied), available at your local RadioShacks tore, into the jack on top of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker.

Listening Safely

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

Preparation

IMPORTANT

The EPA certified

RBRC Battery Recycling Seal on the nick elcadmium ( Ni-Cd) battery indicates RadioShack is voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteriesat the end of their useful life, when taken out of service in the United States or Canada. The RBRC program prov ides a convenient alternative to placing used Ni-Cd batteries into the trashor the municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in your area. Please call 1-800-THE-SHACK (1-800-843-7422)fo information on Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal bans/ restrictions in your area. RadioSha ck’s

Preparation

involvement in this program is part of the company’s commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resour ces.

Ô NOTE Ô

You must use an amplified speaker with this scanner. Non-amplified speakers do not provide sufficient volume for comfortable listening.

• Set the volume to zero before putting on the headphones. With the headphones on, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

• Avoid increasing the volume once you set it. Over time, your sensitivity to a volume level decreases, so volume levels that do not cause discomfort might damage your hearing.

• Avoid or limit listeningat high volume levels. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause permanent hearing loss.

Traffic Safety

Wearing headphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle can create a traffic hazard and could be illegal in some areas.

Even though some headphones let you hear some outside sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they still can present a traffic hazard. Exercise extreme caution!

CONNECTING AN

XTENSION SPEAKER

In a noisy area, an amplified speaker (not supplied), available at your local RadioShackstore, might provide more comfortable listening.Plug the speaker cable's

/8-inch(3.5mm)mini-pluginto

your scanner's jack.

USING THE BELT CLIP

You can use the beltclip 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

CANNER OR A PC

You can transfer the programmed data to and from another PRO-95 scanner using a connectingcable which has both ends (not supplied).Connect the cable between each scanner's

PC/IF jacks. See “Cloning the

Programmed Data” on Page 53. You can also upload or download theprogrammeddatatoorfroma PC using an optional PC interface cable (available through yourlocal RadioShack store) and optional PC interface software (available at www.radioshack.com).

/8-inch phoneplugs on

ABOUT YOUR SCANNER

Onceyouunderstanda 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.

About Your Scanner

You can also search the SEARCH banks, which are preprogrammed

About the Keypad

frequencies in the scanner's memory (see “Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range” on Page 32 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.

ABOUT 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 pressingthis key in combination with other keys.

MANUAL — stops scanning and

lets you directly enter a channel number.

WX — scans through the seven

preprogrammed weather channels.

TRUNK — stores the trunking ID

code orholds the trunking ID while scanning.

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 used with

FUNC locks/unlocks the

keypad to prevent accidental entries.

TUNE —letsyou input a frequency

and allows you to fine tune a frequency along with

ATT (Attenuate) — turns

 or .

attenuation on to reduce the scanner's sensitivity and block extremely strong signals, or turns it off to increase sensitivity.

About the Keypad

 or  — selects the scan or

search direction.

SEARCH — lets you searchthe six

search banks.

L/OUT (Lock Out) — lets you lock

out a selected channel, skip a specifiedfrequencyduringsearch, or lockout 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

About the Keypad

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 — entersa 5, or inputs

characters J, K, or L.

6/MNO — entersa 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.

9/WXYZ — enters a 9, or inputs

characters W, X, Y, or Z.

0 — enters a zero, or inputs

characters ., -, #, _, @, +, *, &, /, ', $, %, !, ^, (, ), ?, ->, ` or <-.

./DELAY — enters a decimal point

(necessary when programming frequencies), space, or programs delay time for the selected channel/searchbank, or hyphen (in trunkingID setting).

CL — clears an incorrect entry.

QUICK START

To help familiarize yourself with the scanner’s functions, k eypad, andavailablefrequencies,youcan utilize one of these three features beforeyou begin programming the scanner.

Preprogrammed Search Banks

— allow you to listento frequencies and decide which frequencies you want to store when you are ready to program thescanner.See“Searchinga Preprogrammed Frequency Range” on Page 32.

Manual Tuning — allows you to manually scan through the entire range of available frequencies without programming. (See “Specifications” on Page 84 for a list of the available frequency ranges.) Also, see “Deleting Frequencies from Channels” on Page 44.

Quick Start

Weather Radio — allows you to listen to NOAA weather broadcasts without programming. See “Listening to the Weather Band” on Page 39.

UNDERSTANDING BANKS

CHANNEL STORAGE B

ANKS

A bank is a storage area for a group of channels. Channels are storage areas for frequencies. Whereas a channel can only containone frequency, a bankcan hold numerous channels.

To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, your scanner divides the channels into 10 banks (

00 to 99) channels each, a

100 ( total of 1,000 channels. You can use eachchannel-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 (in MHz)” on Page 71).

For example,a police department might use four frequencies, one foreachsideoftown.Youcould program the police frequencies starting with in bank 0) and program the fire department frequencies starting

100 (the first channel in bank

with

1). The first digit identifies the

Understanding Your Scanner's Modes

bank( digits identify the channel within the bank (

000 (the first channel

0 to9). The secondandthird

00 to 99).

0 to 9)of

Ô NOTE Ô

Forexample,ifyou wanted to find active frequencies between a range of 150.1000 and 150.500 0, you would put both of those frequencies in the limit search bank.

SEARCH BANKS

Your scannerhas five preprogrammedsearch banks and one limit search bank.You can set the lowerand higher frequency limit in the limit search bank.

For the default setting, see “Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range” on Page 32).

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCANNER'S MODES

You can program each channel with anyof four receive modes (AM,FM,MOT,andED).

However, you cannot program MOT (Motorola), or ED (EDACS) mode in VHF. Each receive mode affectshow your scanner operates when scanning and receiving transmissions, and also affects what transmissions you receive when youset the scanner to the closed mode. See “Changingthe Receive Mode” on Page 49.

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 84 for a list of the frequencies covered.) When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the AM mode, it always stops on the transmission.

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.

Ô NOTE Ô

Your scanner’s closed mode lets you hear only those talk groups y ou specify. For more information, see “Open and Closed Modes” on Page 25.

Understanding Your Scanner's Modes

MOTOROLA MODE

You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with Motorolatrunking systems. This setting is called the Motorola mode.

Motorola systems are trunking systems used primarily by business and public safety groups to efficientlyallocate 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 group 2160. One channel in the system is continuouslytransmittingdata 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

Understanding Your Scanner's Modes

the Motorola mode, it firstdecodes 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 closedmode, 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 inthree categories:Type I, Type II, and Type I/II Hybrid. Each category displays and uses talk group IDs in slightly different ways.

MotorolaType I IDsarein the form

FFF-SS,where:

FFF=Fleet ID SS=Subfleet ID

Type I systems are usually organized with different user groupsassignedto different fleets.

To properlymap 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 g roups are identified by a 5-digit number. Valid talk group IDs are divisible by 16. If you 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 5-digit formats for talk group IDs.

Ô NOTE Ô

Motorola Mode

• For example, a valid fleet-subfleet ID identifying all detectives within a police depart ment might be 000—12, where 000 identifies all police users a nd 12 identifies the Detective division.

• If the scanner decodes c ontrol channeldatawhile receiving transmissions from a Motorola trunking system,

CNTRL appears on

the bottom line of the display.

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 communicationsserviceproviders, as wellas by some public safety organizations. EDACS systems transmit active talk group information only on a dedicated control channel.

EDACSfrequenciesareorganized in a specific order. Eachfrequency

Understanding Your Scanner's Modes

is assigneda Logical Channel Number (LCN). For the scanner to correctly switch to an active frequency, you must program the frequencies in LCN order, starting

Memory 01.EDACS talk group

with IDs are 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 EDACSsystem, that information is sent out on the control channel. The scanner decodesthe ID for the activetalk group. In the open mode, the scanner then goes to thetransmissionanddisplaysthe talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only goes to transmissions with IDs that match

Understanding Your Scanner's Modes

talkgroupIDsyouhavestoredin 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 systemstend to have a smaller usable area. An external antenna can greatly improve EDACS scanningin a fringe area. If you are having trouble scanning an EDACS system, try manually selecting the data channel. If you are getting good reception, the scanner will indicate talk group

CTL—01. Try changing your location

or using an outdoor antenna to improve reception.

OPEN AND CLOSED

ODES

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. The scanner stopson any ID code and only uses the ID list to look up ID text tags.

In closed mode, the scanner stops only on signals that have an ID code which is found in the ID list for the bank. Also, 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 matchesthe programmed ID code.

You can also select the user or talk groups you want the scanner toreceiveinclosedmode.

When you set a channel storage bank to open mode, under the bank's numberwhile scanning.When you set a channel storage bank to closed mode,

+ appears

—

Ô NOTE Ô

• In open mode, you hear all active talk groups ex cept those you specifically exclude, making it easy to hear everything going on. In closed mode, you hear only those talk groups y ou specify. This makesiteasyto listen only to talk groups you are interested in and exclude ot hers.

• When youselecta channel manually, any transm ission opens squelch, regardless of the current mode.

• When no ID code is program med into the scanner, it receivesthesigna in MOT or ED mode. In open mode,thescanner stops on any transmission. If the ID is stored, the text tag appears on the display. Otherwise,thetalk group ID appears on the display. In closed m ode, the scanner only stops on a transmission if the ID is stored.

Understanding Your Scanner's Modes

appears under the channel

Ô NOTE Ô

• The scanner does not scan if there arenofrequencies stored in channels. If the scanner does not scan and you have already storedfr equencies in channels, turn SQUELCH further clockwise.

• If the scanner picks up unwanted, partial, or very weak transmissions, t urn

SQUELCH

clockwise to decrease the scanner's sensitivity to these signals. If you want to listen to a weak or distant station, turn

SQUELCH

counterclockwise.

•IfSQUELCH is adjusted so you always hear a hissing sound, the scanner will not scan properly.

• To ensure the scanner operates properly while in

Operation

thetrunkingmode, we suggest you set SQUELCH using the steps listed above.

storage bank's number while scanning.

OPEN or CLOSED appears

while the scanner is in manual mode or while the scanner is receivingasignalduringscanning. See “Changingthe Open/Closed Mode”onPage68formore information about s etting the open andclosedmodes.

OPERATION

TURNING ON THE S

CANNER AND SETTING QUELCH

1. To turn on the scanner, turn

VOLUME clockwise. Welcome

To Dual Trunking

about 3 seconds, you might hear a hissing sound. Then

VOLUME to a com-

adjust fortable listening level.

2. Turn

SQUELCH fully

counterclockwise until the indicator points to

SQUELCH clockwise until

turn the hissing sound stops.

3. To turn off the scanner, turn

VOLUME counterclockwise to OFF. Ô

STORING KNOWN

REQUENCIES INTO

HANNELS

Good referencesfor active frequencies are RadioShack's

Police Call,Aeronautical FrequencyDirectory,andMaritime Frequency Directory. We update

these directories every year, so be

appears.After

MIN,then

sure to get a current copy. Also see the supplied TrunkingGuide.

Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels.

1. Press MANUAL, enter the bank (0–9) and channel number (00–99) where you want to store a frequency, then press

MANUAL again. M

and thebank and channel number appear at the upper left corner of the display (for example:

•Press

M000).

FUNC. Then press

 or . The bank

number moves in the direction of the arrow pressed.

Ô NOTE Ô

• If you are storing frequencies for an EDACS system, you must store them in order, with the first frequency in channel 1 for the current bank. For example, if you want to store frequencies of

150.0100,

150.0200,

150.0300, and

150.0400 MHz, you must store them in Channels 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively.

• When

M is on the

display, you can also sel e ct your desired bank and channel number with the FUNC and arrow keys.

•Press

FUNC. Then hold

down

 or . The bank

number moves continuously in the assigned direction.

•Press

. The channel

numbermovesupwardone by one. Or, press

.The

channel number moves downward one by one.

2. Press

PGM. M changes to P.

3. Use the number keys and

./DELAY to enter the fre-

Operation

quency(including the decimal

point) you want to store.

Ô NOTE Ô

• If you made a mistakeinStep3,

Invalid Freq briefly

appears and the scanner beeps when you press ENTER.Start again from Step 3

• Your scanner automatically rounds the entered frequency to the nearest valid frequen cy. For example, if you ent er a frequency of

151.553, your scanner accepts it

151.550.

• After a transmission, to have t he scanner pause f or 2 seconds on this channel bef ore proceeding to the next active transmission, press ./DELAY to turn the delay function on. See “Using the Delay Function” on Page 45. The scanner stores this setting in the channel.

Operation

Ifyoumakeamistake,press

CL todeleteasingledigitor

press and hold

CL about 2

seconds to delete all digits.

4. Press

ENTER to store the

frequency into the channel.

5. If necessary, press MODE to change the receiving mode.

6. If desired, program a texttag for the channel (see “Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel” on Page 29).

7. The next channel in sequence is ready for programming.

PGM and then repeat

Press steps 3 through 6.

STORING TRUNKING

REQUENCIES INTO

HANNELS

1. Press PGM and FUNCthen or  to select the desired bank to program.

2. Press

3. Repeatedly press

4. Press

TRUNK to enter into

trunking mode.

MODE to

MOT (Motorola) or ED

select (EDACS).

PGM and select the

channel number using

 or .

5. Enter the UHF trunking frequency and press

ENTER.

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Radio Shack PRO-95 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual