Radio Shack PRO-96 User Manual

0 (0)

PRO-96 Digital Trunking

Handheld Scanner

20-526

OWNER’S MANUAL – Please read before using this equipment

! IMPORTANT !

If an icon appears at the end of a paragraph, go to the box on that page with the corresponding icon for pertinent information.

Warning

Caution

! Important

Hint

Note

RadioShack

RadioShack, RadioShack.com, Hypersearch, Hyperscan, V-Scanner, and Adaptaplug are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.

Motorola, Smartnet, ASTRO and Privacy Plus are registered trademarks of Motorola Inc.

EDACS is a registered trademark of MA-COM Inc.

The IMBE™ voice coding Technology embodied in this product is protected by intellectual property rights including patent rights, copyrights and trade secrets of Digital Voice Systems, Inc. This voice coding Technology is licensed solely for use within this Communications Equipment. The user of this Technology is explicitly prohibited from attempting to decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the Object Code, or in any other way convert the Object Code into a human readable form. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,870,405 and 5,517,511.

This device made under license under one or more of the following U.S. Patents: 4,590,473; 4,636,791; 5,148,482; 5,185,796; 5,271,017; 5,377,229.

Welcome to Digital Trunking

RadioShack PRO-96 Digital Trunking Handheld Scanner – 20-526
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS...............................................................................................	2
FEATURES ..................................................................................................................	8
THE FCC WANTS YOU TO KNOW...........................................................................	13
SCANNING LEGALLY...............................................................................................	14
GETTING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR SCANNER .........................................................	15
About the Keypad ...................................................................................................	15
Understanding Your Scanner’s Memory Organization............................................	17
V-Scanners .........................................................................................................	17
Channel Storage Banks ......................................................................................	17
Channels .........................................................................................................	18
Search Banks ..................................................................................................	18
Understanding Your Scanner’s Channel Receive Modes .......................................	18
AM Mode (AM)....................................................................................................	19
FM/Digital Mode (FM) .........................................................................................	19
CTCSS Mode (CT)..............................................................................................	19
DCS Mode (DC)..................................................................................................	20
Motorola/APCO-25 Trunking Mode (MO)............................................................	20
EDACS Trunking Mode (ED)...............................................................................	22
PREPARATION .........................................................................................................	23
Listening Safely ......................................................................................................	23
Traffic Safety ..........................................................................................................	23
Power Sources .......................................................................................................	23
Using Batteries....................................................................................................	24
Charging Rechargeable Batteries ...................................................................	26
Using AC Power..................................................................................................	27
Using Vehicle Battery Power...............................................................................	27
Antenna ..................................................................................................................	28
Connecting the Supplied Antenna.......................................................................	28
Connecting an Optional External Antenna ..........................................................	28
Connecting an Earphone/Headphones...................................................................	29
Connecting an External Speaker ............................................................................	29
Using the Belt Clip..................................................................................................	30
PROGRAMMING YOUR SCANNER .........................................................................	30

Programming Conventional Channels....................................................................	30
Storing Conventional Frequencies ......................................................................	30
Programming Trunked Systems .............................................................................	32
Programming Motorola analog, digital, and APCO-25 trunking systems.............	33
Programming EDACS Trunking Systems............................................................	34
Programming Motorola VHF and UHF Trunking Systems...................................	35
Programming Motorola 800 MHz Splinter Systems.............................................	36
Programming Fleet Maps....................................................................................	36
Talkgroup IDs......................................................................................................	38
Storing Talkgroup IDs..........................................................................................	38
Programming the Priority Channel..........................................................................	40
Programming a stored channel frequency in the priority channel: ......................	41
Programming the Priority Channel Directly .....................................................	41
Programming a Weather Channel as Priority ..................................................	41
Activating the Priority Feature .........................................................................	42
Programming channels for CTCSS and DCS operation ..................................	42
General Programming Notes..................................................................................	46
Storing Text Tags.................................................................................................	46
Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel ......................................................................	46
Assigning a Text Tag to a Group ID.....................................................................	47
Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel Storage Bank ...............................................	47
Text Input Chart...................................................................................................	48
OPERATING YOUR SCANNER ................................................................................	49
Initial Preparation....................................................................................................	49
Turning on the Scanner and Setting Squelch......................................................	49
Scanning ................................................................................................................	49
Turning Channel Storage Banks Off and On ...................................................	50
Monitoring a Single Channel/Battery Save Circuit...........................................	50
Using CTCSS and DCS ..................................................................................	51
Deleting Frequencies from Channels ..............................................................	51
Searching and Tuning.............................................................................................	52
Finding and Storing Active Frequencies..............................................................	52
Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range ................................................	52
Search Band Charts ........................................................................................	54
Searching Active Frequencies in Your Desired Frequency Range......................	58
Using Zeromatic ..............................................................................................	59

Using Seek Search..........................................................................................	59
Manually Tuning a Frequency.............................................................................	60
Using Frequency Copy .......................................................................................	60
Copying a Frequency into a Specified Channel...............................................	61
Copying a Frequency into a Vacant Channel in a Specified Bank ...................	61
Coping a Frequency into the Priority Channel .................................................	62
SPECIAL FEATURES................................................................................................	63
Listening to the Weather band................................................................................	63
Listening to a Weather Channel ..........................................................................	63
SAME Standby Mode..........................................................................................	63
Weather Alert Alarm Demonstration....................................................................	64
Using the Delay Function .......................................................................................	65
Locking Out Channels or Frequencies ...................................................................	65
Locking Out Channels ............................................................................................	65
Reviewing the Lock-Out Channels .........................................................................	66
Locking Out Search Frequencies ...........................................................................	66
Reviewing Locked-Out Search Frequencies ..........................................................	66
Clearing a Locked-Out Search Frequency .............................................................	67
Clearing All Locked-Out Frequencies in a Search Bank .........................................	67
Changing the Receive mode ..................................................................................	67
Using the Attenuator ...............................................................................................	68
Turning the Key Tone On and Off ...........................................................................	69
Using the Display Backlight ....................................................................................	70
Using the Keylock...................................................................................................	71
Changing the Display Contrast...............................................................................	71
Working with V-Scanners .......................................................................................	71
Using the Digital AGC Function ..............................................................................	78
Cloning the Programmed Data ...............................................................................	78
TRUNKING SPECIAL FEATURES............................................................................	80
Trunking Operation.................................................................................................	80
Setting Squelch for Trunking ..................................................................................	82
Talkgroup ID Hold ...................................................................................................	82
Turning an ID Sub-Bank On or Off..........................................................................	82
Open and Closed Mode Operation .........................................................................	83
Toggling Open and Closed Modes ......................................................................	84
Manual ID Lockout Toggle...................................................................................	84

Activating ID Lockout While Scanning ................................................................	85
Reviewing Locked-Out Talkgroup IDs.....................................................................	85
Changing from ID Text Tag Display to ID Code Display..........................................	85
Trunked Delay Function..........................................................................................	85
Clearing Talkgroup Ids............................................................................................	86
Clearing All Talkgroup IDs in One Bank..................................................................	86
Digital Operation ......................................................................................................	88
Updating the DSP Firmware ...................................................................................	89
A GENERAL GUIDE TO FREQUENCIES .................................................................	91
US Weather Frequencies (in MHz).........................................................................	91
Ham Radio Frequencies.........................................................................................	91
Birdie Frequencies..................................................................................................	91
GUIDE TO THE ACTION BANDS .............................................................................	93
Typical band Usage (in MHz) .................................................................................	93
HF Band..............................................................................................................	93
VHF Band ...........................................................................................................	93
220 MHz Band ....................................................................................................	93
UHF Band ...........................................................................................................	93
800MHz Band .....................................................................................................	93
25-cm Amateur 1240.000–1300.000 ................................................................	93
Primary Usage ....................................................................................................	93
VHF Band........................................................................................................	94
UHF Band........................................................................................................	94
BAND ALLOCATION .......................................................................................	94
FREQUENCY CONVERSION.......................................................................	100
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................................	102
Troubleshooting Chart ..........................................................................................	103
RESETTING/INITIALIZING THE SCANNER...........................................................	104
Resetting the Scanner ..........................................................................................	104
Initializing the Scanner .........................................................................................	104
CARE.......................................................................................................................	106
SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................	107
Frequency Coverage: .......................................................................................	107
Memory Organization :......................................................................................	107
Sensitivity (20 dB S/N): .....................................................................................	107
Selectivity:.........................................................................................................	108

IF Rejection.......................................................................................................	108
Spurious Rejection............................................................................................	108
Scanning Speed and Delay...............................................................................	108
Intermediate Frequencies (IF):..........................................................................	109
Squelch Sensitivity:...........................................................................................	109
Power Requirements: .......................................................................................	109
Physical ............................................................................................................	109
Command Quick Reference Guide .......................................................................	110
Scan Mode ...........................................................................................................	110
Manual Mode........................................................................................................	112
Program Mode......................................................................................................	113
Search Mode ........................................................................................................	114
Weather Mode ......................................................................................................	115
Tune Mode ...........................................................................................................	116
ID List Edit ............................................................................................................	117
Startup keys (entry during welcome screen display).............................................	118

FEATURES

Your RadioShack Digital Trunking Handheld Scanner is the first of an innovative and exciting new generation of RadioShack scanning receivers capable of receiving Phase 1 APCO-25 C4FM/IMBE digital voice modulation from the newest and most sophisticated conventional and trunked radio networks.

Your Radio Shack Digital Handheld Scanner is ready to receive digital conventional and trunked radio transmissions. No additional hardware or add-on cards are needed.

Your Radio Shack Digital Handheld Scanner features Intelligent Adaptive Digital Tracking for optimal reception of digital signals from a variety of digital conventional and trunked radio system types. No special sound quality settings or adjustments are needed for the different digital systems that you monitor.

APCO-25 digital voice modulation provides public safety radio users with clear digital voice signals and other features not available in traditional analog systems. Your scanner uses advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology to receive and decode APCO-25 digital signals from both conventional and trunked radio networks. Additionally, your scanner features automatic detection of digital signals. No special scanner programming is required to receive conventional or trunked digital traffic.

The DSP module in your scanner features updateable firmware. If DSP improvements become available, you can easily download an update file from the Internet and apply the file to your scanner to obtain the latest DSP firmware version.

Your scanner is designed to track Motorola analog and Astro® digital trunking systems using 3600 baud control channel operation, APCO 25 digital trunking systems using 9600 BPS control channel operation, and M/A-COM EDACS® trunking systems.

The scanner lets you scan conventional transmissions, and is preprogrammed with service search banks for your convenience. By pressing a single button, you can quickly search those frequencies most commonly used by public safety and other agencies.

Your RadioShack Digital Handheld Scanner features RadioShack’s exciting new 11-in-1 V-Scanner technology. V-Scanner stands for Virtual Scanner. V-Scanner allows you to build and store eleven separate configuration profiles in V-Scanner folder memory. Stored V-Scanners can be recalled, edited and activated at any time, giving you a

powerful tool that allows you to quickly reconfigure your scanner for use in different areas or applications.

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 the following features:

500 Channels – 10 channel storage banks with 50 channels each.

V-Scanner Folders – eleven 500 channel virtual scanner folders at your fingertips.

Phase 1 APCO-25 Digital Reception – automatic detection and reception of digital voice modulation from conventional, trunked and mixed-mode networks.

Intelligent Adaptive Digital Tracking – ensures optimal reception of digital signals from a variety of digital conventional and trunked radio system types.

Digital AGC – automatically compensates for audio level variances in digital transmissions.

Simultaneous Multi-System Trunking Operation – quickly tracks up to ten Motorola, APCO-25 or EDACS trunking systems at the same time. Mix conventional channels and trunking systems in the same channel storage banks. Scan conventional frequencies and trunked systems simultaneously. Automatically detects Motorola 3600 baud or APCO-25 9600 BPS control channel operation.

Automatic Channel Tracking – automatically determines the trunking system frequencies for Motorola and APCO-25 trunking systems, using only the active system control channel.

CTCSS and DCS Subaudible Encoded Squelch Modes – restricts conventional channel reception to transmissions using specified subaudible CTCSS tone or DCS data code when scanning or parked on a single channel. Code Search feature instantly displays the tone or code in use. Takes advantage of subaudible squelch tail elimination turn off codes when they are present.

10 ID List Banks – let you store 1500 IDs in 10 ID banks, each with 5 ID sub-banks. 30 IDs are available in each ID sub-bank. ID text tags let you easily identify the user of a particular talkgroup ID code.

Weather Priority Alert – while scanning, automatically sounds an 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 WX priority operation.

SAME/FIPS Weather Alert – displays the weather event text for the specific cities or counties you choose so you can see and hear the reason for the alert.

Data Cloning – lets you transfer the programmed data to another PRO-96 scanner. You can also upload or download the programmed data to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit and application software.

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 up to 75 frequencies per second, to help you quickly find transmissions.

Scan Delay – delays scanning for about 2 seconds before moving to another channel in conventional mode, so you can hear more replies that are made on the same channel.

Adjustable Trunking Delay – waits for reply activity on a trunking call for the amount of time you specify.

Priority Channel — allows you to configure the scanner to check one channel every 2 seconds so you do not miss important transmissions.

Attenuator — allows you to set, by channel or globally, a 20 dB attenuator to reduce receiver overload and interference from nearby strong signals.

Text Input — lets you input a text label for each channel, talkgroup ID, channel storage 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 prevent accidentally changing the scanner's programming.

Battery Save Circuit — When monitoring a single frequency, allows the receiver to sleep in between receiver activity.

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

∙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 91 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 will not 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 from that to which the receiver is connected.

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

This device may not cause harmful interference.

This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

SCANNING LEGALLY

Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departments, 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 for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the contents of such a transmission unless you have the consent of a party to the communication (unless such activity is otherwise illegal).

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

In some areas, mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit. Check the laws in your area. It is also illegal in many areas to interfere with the duties of public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident without authorization.

We encourage responsible, safe and legal scanner use.

GETTING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR SCANNER

Though you may be anxious to begin using your new scanner right away, we recommend that you take the time to read this manual thoroughly so that you may fully understand the advanced features and capabilities of your PRO-96 scanning receiver.

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 which frequencies and trunking systems you want to receive, and then program the scanner to scan them.

A frequency is the receiving signal location (expressed in MHz). To find active frequencies, you can use frequency guides available from your local RadioShack store, frequency listings posted on the Internet, or the built in search function.

Your scanner’s SEARCH banks contained preprogrammed frequencies in the scanner’s memory (see “Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range” on Page 52 for the frequency list). You can even change the frequency range on one of the SEARCH banks (SR6) to customize your own search parameters.

Once you identify the frequencies you wish to monitor, you can store them into programmable memory locations called channels, which are grouped in channel storage banks. 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 stops and monitors the radio traffic on that channel until the transmission ends, then resumes scanning. For detailed programming instructions, see “PROGRAMMING YOUR SCANNER” on Page 30.

About the Keypad

Here is a brief overview of your scanner's keys and their functions.

SCAN — scans through the programmed channels.

FUNC — lets you use various functions by pressing this key in combination with other keys. When using the FUNC key, press the FUNC key first, then release it, then quickly press the next key in the function key sequence.

MAN — stops scanning and lets you directly enter a channel number.

WX — scans through the seven preprogrammed weather channels.

TRUNK — stores the trunking ID code or holds the trunking ID while scanning.

PRI — sets and turns the priority function on or off.

TEXT — lets you input text.

PAUSE — pauses search or tune operation.

MODE — changes the receive mode (AM, FM, CT, DC, MO, ED).

KEY symbol/LIGHT symbol — turns on/off the display's backlight, or when used with FUNC locks/unlocks the keypad to prevent accidental entries.

TUNE — allows you input a frequency and tunes up or down automatically or manually with the π or θ keys.

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

π or θ — selects the scan or search direction.

SRCH — lets you search the seven search banks.

L/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.

9/WXYZ — enters a 9, or inputs characters W, X, Y, or Z.

0 — enters a zero, or inputs characters . - # _ @ + * & / , $ % ! ^ ( ) ? → ’ ←.

./DELAY — enters a decimal point (necessary when programming frequencies), space, or programs delay time for the selected channel/search bank, or hyphen (in trunking ID setting).

CLR — clears an incorrect entry.

Understanding Your Scanner’s Memory Organization

V-Scanners

A V-Scanner folder contains a complete, stored configuration profile of your scanner’s programming. Certain current scanner models allow the user to load, save and edit different scanner configurations using an interface cable, software and a personal computer. The PRO-96 V-Scanner feature extends this functionality by allowing you to store or recall up to eleven scanner configurations in V-Scanner folders on your scanner, without using a personal computer. You can use the V-Scanner feature to build and store configurations for different areas or different scanner applications. Using the cloning feature it is possible to exchange scanner configurations with your friends without losing your existing data. V-Scanners also provide a way for you to easily back up your programmed data without connecting your scanner to a personal computer.

Each V-Scanner folder stores all channel storage banks, channels, trunking Ids, search settings, and other parameters associated with the operation of the scanner.

Channel Storage Banks

A channel storage bank is a storage area for a group of channels. Channels are storage locations for frequencies. Whereas a channel can only contain one frequency, a channel storage bank can hold 50 channels.

To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, your scanner divides the channels into 10 banks (0 to 9) of 50 (00 to 49) channels each, a total of 500 channels. You can use each channel-storage bank to group frequencies, such as those used by different public safety agencies and jurisdictions in your area. Channel storage banks can be easily enabled or disabled while scanning by pressing the number key that corresponds with the desired channel storage bank.

For example, a particular city might use four frequencies for police communications, and four frequencies for fire communications. You could program the police frequencies starting with 000 (the first channel in bank 0) and program the fire department frequencies starting with 100 (the first channel in bank 1). This gives you the ability to quickly select what you wish to monitor by activating or deactivating the appropriate channel storage bank. When looking at channel numbers, the first digit identifies the bank (0 to 9). The second and third digits identify the channel within the bank (00 to 49).

Channels

Channels are storage locations for the actual frequencies you wish to monitor. Each channel can be configured with a radio frequency, the desired mode for that frequency, and settings to allow a short delay after a transmission or lock the channel out from scanning operation. A channel can contain a conventional, non-trunked frequency, or a frequency used in a trunking system.

Search Banks

Your scanner has six preprogrammed search banks configured to search various radio services, and one limit search bank that you can configure. You can set the lower and higher frequency limit in the limit search bank.

Hint

∙For example, if you wanted to find active frequencies between a range of 150.1000 and 150.5000, you would put both of those frequencies in the limit search bank.

Understanding Your Scanner’s Channel Receive Modes

You can program each channel with any one of six receive modes (AM, FM/Digital, CTCSS, DCS, Motorola, and EDACS).

Each receive mode affects how your scanner operates when scanning and receiving transmissions.

Note

∙Trunked modes (ED and MOT) can only be selected for frequencies above 137 MHz.

∙Your scanner’s Closed Mode lets you hear transmissions from only those trunking talkgroups you specify. For more information, see “Open and Closed Mode Operation” on Page 83.

AM Mode (AM)

The AM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using amplitude modulation (AM), primarily used for aircraft, military, 27 MHz citizen’s band, some amateur radio, and some government transmissions. (Refer to “SPECIFICATIONS” on Page 107 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/Digital Mode (FM)

The FM/Digital (FM) mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) and APCO-25 digital modulation. FM is used for most public safety transmissions, as well as broadcast, business, and amateur radio transmissions. APCO-25 digital modulation is used in many newer conventional and trunked public safety radio systems. When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the FM/Digital mode, it always stops on the transmission.

CTCSS Mode (CT)

CTCSS mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) with Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) subaudible tone codes. CTCSS allows multiple users to share a single radio frequency without hearing each other’s transmissions. In your PRO-96 scanner, the CTCSS feature can be used to block the reception of transmissions on shared channel to only those that use the CTCSS tone that you have specified. CTCSS mode also features a Code Search setting that allows you to instantly display and store unknown codes into the channel memory. CTCSS tones can sometimes be heard as a low “hum” in the background of a voice transmission.

Many systems that use CTCSS transmit a special “turn off code” at the end of each transmission. The turn off code causes a properly equipped receiver to mute before the transmission ends, eliminating the “squelch tail” burst of noise the commonly occurs when the signal is lost. CTCSS turn off code performance can be affected by weak signals.

DCS Mode (DC)

DCS mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) with Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) subaudible data signaling. DCS is very similar to CTCSS, except that a digital code is transmitted instead of an audio tone. Like CTCSS, DCS allows multiple users to share a single radio frequency without hearing each other’s transmissions. In your PRO-96 scanner, the DCS feature can be used to block the reception of transmissions on shared channel to only those that use the DCS tone that you have specified. DCS mode also features a Code Search setting that allows you to instantly display and store unknown codes into the channel memory. DCS data can sometimes be heard as a low “purring” sound in the background of a voice transmission. Some DCS systems transmit a special “turn off code” at the end of each transmission. The turn off code causes a properly equipped receiver to mute before the transmission ends, eliminating the “squelch tail” burst of noise the commonly occurs when the signal is lost. DCS turn off code performance is typically more immune to weak signals than CTCSS.

Motorola/APCO-25 Trunking Mode (MO)

You can set your scanner so it decodes the talkgroup IDs used with Motorola and APCO-25 trunking systems and follows talkgroup calls in the trunking system. This setting is called the Motorola mode.

Motorola systems are trunking systems used primarily by business and public safety agencies to efficiently allocate a small number of frequencies (as few as three) 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 talkgroup. For example, a city’s east side patrol officers might all be assigned to talkgroup 2160. One channel in the system is continuously transmitting data that identifies which talkgroups are active on which channel. In addition, this talkgroup 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 talkgroup ID data included with the transmission. In the Open Mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talkgroup ID on the bottom line of the display. In the Closed Mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the talkgroup ID matches a talkgroup ID that you have stored in the bank's talkgroup ID list and have not locked out.

Trunking systems covered by the Motorola mode come in four categories: Type I, Type II, Type I/II Hybrid and APCO-25. Each category displays and uses talkgroup IDs in slightly different ways.

Motorola Type I IDs are in the form FFF-SS, where;

FFF=Fleet ID

SS=Subfleet ID

Type I systems are usually organized with different user groups assigned to different fleets.

Note

∙For example, a valid fleet-subfleet ID identifying all detectives within a police department might be 000-12, where 000 identifies all police 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 and APCO-25 system talkgroups are identified by a 5-digit number. Valid Type II talkgroup IDs are divisible by 16, while APCO-25 talkgroups are not. Use care to ensure that you enter the correct Type II IDs into your scanner. Type I/II hybrid systems use both fleet-subfleet and 5-digit formats for talkgroup IDs.

Note

∙Tuning the scanner to an active control channel while in Motorola mode will display the Motorola System ID and the approximate control channel message decode success rate. This information can help you identify the Motorola trunking system that you are monitoring and the receive quality of the control channel signal.

EDACS Trunking Mode (ED)

You can set your scanner so it decodes the talkgroup IDs used with EDACS (GE/Ericsson/M/A-COM) trunking systems. This setting is called the EDACS mode.

EDACS systems are used primarily by business or private communications service providers, as well as by some public safety organizations. EDACS systems transmit active talkgroup 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 Memory 01. EDACS talkgroup 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 EDACS system, that information is sent out on the control channel. The scanner decodes the ID for the active talkgroup. In the Open Mode, the scanner then goes to the transmission and displays the talkgroup ID on the bottom line of the display. In the Closed Mode, the scanner only goes to transmissions with IDs that match talkgroup IDs you have stored in the bank's talkgroup ID list that are not locked out.

PREPARATION

Listening Safely

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

∙Set the volume to zero before putting on 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 listening at 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 is illegal in most 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!

Power Sources

You can power your scanner from any of these sources:

Internal non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries (not supplied – see “Using Batteries” on Page 24).

Standard AC power (with an optional AC adapter – see “Using AC Power” on Page 27).

Vehicle power (with an optional DC adapter – see “Using Vehicle Battery Power” on Page 27).

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 yellow rechargeable battery holder.

∙If you install the yellow 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 24.

∙If the scanner stops working properly after connecting it to power, try resetting it. See “RESETTING/INITIALIZING THE SCANNER” on Page 104.

∙You must charge rechargeable batteries before you use them the first time. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 26.

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 holder, 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.

CAUTION

∙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. Old 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.

∙If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for a month of longer, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.

Follow these steps to install the batteries.

1.Press in on the top center of 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 -) marked on 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, Low Battery! is displayed and the scanner beeps once every 30 seconds. 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 26.

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 PWR DC 9V jack. For best results we recommend RadioShack rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) 1800 mAh batteries.

! IMPORTANT

The EPA certified RBRC© Battery Recycling Seal on rechargeable batteries indicates RadioShack is voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end of their useful life, when taken out of service in the United States or Canada. The RBRC program provides a convenient alternative to placing used rechargeable batteries into the trash or the municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in your area. Please call 1-800-THE-SHACK (1-800-843-7422) for information on rechargeable battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. RadioShack’s involvement in this program is part of the company’s commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.

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 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.

It takes about 16 hours to recharge fully discharged 1800 mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries. You can operate the scanner while recharging the rechargeable batteries, but charging takes longer.

Notes

∙The scanner can also charge Ni-Cd batteries. 600 mAh batteries require 6 hours and 850 mAh 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 until Low Battery! appears in the scanner’s display. Then fully charge the rechargeable batteries.

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.

1. Connect the Adaptaplug™ to the adapter’s cord with the tip set to positive.

CAUTION

!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 PWR DC 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.

Note

∙Always connect the AC or DC adapter to the scanner before you connect it to AC power source. When you finish, disconnect the adapter form AC power or the power source before you disconnect it from the scanner.

2.Plug the adapter’s barrel plug into the scanner’s PWR DC 9V 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 DC adapter and a size C Adaptaplug™ adapter (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store.

CAUTION

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 PWR DC 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.

Note

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 jack.

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.

Antenna

Connecting the Supplied 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 studs 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 External 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 antennas.

Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna. For length 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

Use extreme caution when installing or removing 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, touching 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.

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 HEADPHONE jack on top of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker.

Connecting an External 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 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into your scanner’s HEADPHONE jack.

Note

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

+ 90 hidden pages