Whistler Group TRX-1E Users guide

USER GUIDE

EZ SCAN DIGITAL

HANDHELD RADIO

SCANNER

TRX-1E

CONTENTS

Introduction ........................................... 4

Features ................................................. 5

Package Contents ................................. 5

Scanning Legally .................................... 6

Setup ..................................................... 7

Headphones and Speakers ................... 9

Batteries .............................................. 10

External Power .................................... 11

Swivel Belt Clip .................................... 11

Understanding the Keypad ................. 12

Turning On Scanner and Set Squelch .. 14

Setting Bandplan and Clock ................ 15

Power Up Password ............................. 16

Quick Function Access Keys ................ 16

Understanding the Display .................. 16

"psDr" Indicators ................................. 19

Display Icons ....................................... 20

EZ Scan ................................................ 21

Maximum Card Size ............................. 23

Installing EZ Scan Software ................. 24

Backup into the First V-Scanner Folder 25
Manual Programming - Enter

Conventional Frequency ..................... 26

Standard Text Entry Method................ 26

Creating Your First New Objects - Object

Edit ...................................................... 29

Adding a New Trunking System .......... 32

Adding the First Talkgroup group to a

New Trunk System ............................... 32

Talkgroup Object (TGRP) ..................... 35

22

CONTENTS

Manually Creating/Adding DMR/
NXDN Systems Using the EZ Scan PC

Application .......................................... 36

Editing Objects Manually .................... 38

Alert LED Setting ................................. 40

Recording and Playback ...................... 48

Using IF Output ................................... 50

Internal Clock/Calendar ....................... 50

Monitoring and Scanning .................... 51

Scanlists and Scan Sets ........................ 54

Searching ............................................. 55

Search Settings .................................... 57

Saving Found CTCSS or DCS or NAC

Codes .................................................. 58

Using V-Scanner Storage ..................... 59

Configuring Settings............................ 60

Using EZ Scan Software to Update

Scanner ................................................ 63

DSP Firmware Updates ........................ 63

Maintenance ........................................ 64

Birdie Frequencies ............................... 64

Troubleshooting/Error Messages ........ 65

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

Consumer Warranty ............................. 75

Service Under Warranty ....................... 76

Service Out-of-Warranty ...................... 77

Customer Service ................................ 78

33

INTRODUCTION

Scanning technology has changed
dramatically over the years. A scanner
with Object Oriented User Interface is
designed to help the hobbyist build a
collection of channels to scan:

• Start small and expand

• Organize channels and talkgroups

• Remove unwanted channels and

talkgroups

What is Object Oriented Scanning?

Programming scanning receivers can
be challenging, but object-oriented
programming simplifies the process
by using common conventions for
scanning concepts that have common
characteristics.

A Scannable Object is any defined
item that can be scanned or monitored,
including:

• Conventional, non-trunked radio
frequencies

• Talkgroups used on a trunked radio
system

• Radio services

• Defined searches

Because scannable objects are defined
by the same basic elements, the Object

Oriented User Interface (OOUI)

is designed to simplify scanning by
managing all scannable objects similarly.
When you learn how to program one
type of object, you can program other
types of scannable objects as well.

44

FEATURES

• Functional keypad and backlit LCD
display

• Detects and masks encrypted voice
audio

• Decodes Radio ID/Talkgroup ID data

• Upgradable CPU Firmware and DSP

Firmware

• USB Interface 2.0 or earlier

• DMR/MotoTRBO™ Tier II

• NXDN

• Improved P25 Functionality (Phase II,

X2-TDMA)

• PC Software to customize your settings

• Signal Strength Meter

• 200 Scanlists

• Multi–system Trunking

• Spectrum Sweeper

• Headphone Jack

• Programmable Alert LED

• Programmable Audio Alarms

• V-Scanner II Storage System

• Audio Recording

• Built-in Clock/Calendar

• Built-in Services Searches

• Built-in Discriminator output

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Handheld Scanner

• Antenna

• USB Cable

• Micro SD Card (Installed in the

Scanner)

• PC Software included on SD Card

• Swivel Belt Clip

• Protective Case

• User Guide

• Quick Start Guide

55

SCANNING LEGALLY

NOTE: It is illegal to listen to some
transmission your scanner can receive.
Please consult your local licensing
conditions.

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. 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. 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.

WARNING: Changes or modifications to
this unit not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

66

SETUP

Antenna

To connect the included antenna:

1. Align the slots around
the antenna’s connector
with the tabs on the
antenna jack.

2. Press the antenna down
over the jack and turn
the antenna’s base
clockwise until it locks
into place.

You can use a variety of
antennas. To connect an
external antenna, follow the installation
instructions supplied with the antenna.
Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such
as RG-58 or RG-213 low-loss dielectric
coaxial cable. You may also need a BNC
adapter.

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.

METER PANEL AND
SERVICE ENTRANCE

NEC · NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

GROUND
CLAMP

77

COAXIAL CABLE

LIGHTNING ARRESTOR

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250. PART H)

SETUP

WARNING: Outdoor antennas must
be properly grounded to prevent static
buildup and lightning damage. Article
810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information
about proper grounding of the antenna
mast, connection of coaxial cable to
a lightning arrestor, size of grounding
conductors, location of the lightning
arrestor and connection of grounding
conductors to grounding electrodes.

Disconnect your radio from the outdoor
antenna during electrical storm activity
to prevent damage.

88

HEADPHONES & SPEAKERS

You can plug headphones (not supplied)
or an amplified speaker (not supplied)
with a 1/8 inch (3.5mm) stereo mini-plug
in the headphone jack on top of your
scanner. This automatically disconnects
the internal speaker.
NOTE: Use an amplified speaker; a
non-amplified speaker may not provide
sufficient volume for comfortable
listening.

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 after 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.

• 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.

99

BATTERIES



A low battery warning sounds every
30 seconds (default setting) when the
batteries are low.

1. Be sure to turn the
scanner off!

2. Slide open
the battery
compartment
cover.

3. Set the Battery
Type Selector:

• ALKA − Alkaline

• NI-MH − Rechargeable NI-MH

4. Install four AA batteries, matching the
polarity symbols (+ and –).

5. Replace the cover.

WARNING: Never install alkaline
batteries with the Battery Type Selector
switch set to NI-MH. Alkaline batteries
can get hot or explode if you try to
recharge them.

Battery Notes:

Batteries not included.
Use only fresh batteries of the required
size and type. Do not mix old and new
batteries, different battery types (alkaline
or rechargeable), or rechargeable
batteries of different capacities.

Dispose of batteries promptly and
properly; do not burn or bury them.

For long-term storage (a month or
longer), remove the batteries. Batteries
can leak chemicals that can damage
electronic parts.

Do not overcharge rechargeable
batteries.

Overcharging shortens battery life.

Battery Type Selector

1010

EXTERNAL POWER

Always turn the scanner
off before connecting or
disconnecting power sources.
Use the supplied USB cable to
connect the scanner to a USB
power source (not included).

Some USB power adapters
can interfere with the
scanner's reception. Using an
incompatible USB cable may
damage your scanner.

NOTE: If your vehicle’s engine
is running, you might hear
electrical noise from the engine
while scanning. This is normal.

SWIVEL BELT CLIP

Swivel clip allows the
scanner to move with
you and easily move it
out of the way without
unclipping it from your
belt. To attach the Swivel
clip to the scanner; align
the belt clip grooves to
the slots on the back of
the scanner. Slide the
clip down until it clicks
in place. To remove the
belt clip, pull back on the
small tab and slide the
clip upward.

1111

UNDERSTANDING the KEYPAD

Your scanner features an easy-to
understand backlit keypad.

POWER – press and hold for one
second to turn on and off. Press briefly
to confirm the backlight level.

MENU – provides access to additional
functions related to the current
operating mode of the scanner, and
provides access to the Main Menu where
the main functions are controlled.

WX – provides instant access to user
selection from SERVICE SEARCH.

ATT – controls the attenuator function
and cycles between Per Object
Attenuation Mode, Global Attenuation
Mode, and Global Attenuation On.

PRI – toggles the Priority setting for
selected or active object, Fn PRI toggles
Priority Mode on or off while scanning.

SKIP – if pressed while monitoring or
paused on an Object will temporarily
disable reception on the Object.
Pressing SKIP again while the Object is
selected will resume normal monitoring.

1212

UNDERSTANDING the KEYPAD

The SKIP key can also be programmed
to permanently lockout an object if
selected in the Global Settings menu.
When editing text, pressing the SKIP
key clears all text at and to the right of
the cursor. When in Playback mode,
the SKIP key stops playback of the
current recording, and when playing
multiple recordings, advances to the
next recording. When in Weather mode,
the SKIP key toggles between Normal
weather radio mode and SAME Standby
mode. In many Menu functions, the
SKIP key is used to cancel or abort a
pending change.

Fn – activates alternate key functions.

/II/SEL – controls the Scan, Pause, and
Playback modes, and is used in menus
to select, enable, or disable options.

Four Way Push button Pad – ,
keys are used for navigation while
browsing objects and menus. When
scanning, the (up and down arrow icons)
will raise or lower the volume.

Alphanumeric Keypad – quick data
entry of frequencies, talkgroup ID and
labels. While scanning, pressing 1 thru
200 will toggle the selected scanlist on
or off. Each button must be pressed
within 2 seconds of the last. If more than
1 scanlist will be toggled on or off, press
the decimal once as a separator.

1313

UNDERSTANDING the KEYPAD

Pressing the decimal twice will end the
sequence.

Example: If you wish to toggle scanlist 9
you press 9 If you wish to toggle scanlist
9, 11, and 22 simply press the following
9 . 11 . 22 or 9 . 11 . 22 . or 9 . 11 . 22 ..

TURN on SCANNER & SET SQUELCH

Preset squelch between 10 and 12
o’clock position. While scanning, turn
the knob down (counterclockwise) until
you hear noise then up (clockwise) a little
past where the noise stops. The higher
the squelch is set, the stronger the signal
required to break the squelch.

1414

Squelch

Power

Press and
hold to turn
ON/OFF.

Press
briefly to
toggle the
backlight.

SETTING BANDPLAN & CLOCK

When you first power up your scanner
it will prompt you to set the bandplan,
date and time.

Press the  or  key to select the
United Kingdom, Australia, New
Zealand, South Africa or France
bandplan, then press /II/SEL.

-Bandplan-
 UK 

Press SEL to Set

-Bandplan-

 NZL 

Press SEL to Set

-Bandplan-

 FRA 

Press SEL to Set

-Bandplan-

 AUS 

Press SEL to Set

-Bandplan-

 ZAF 

Press SEL to Set

The scanner will then prompt you to
enter the current date and time. Press
the  or  key to select the desired
digit, then press the  key. Press the
 or  key to change the value, then
press /II/SEL. You can skip this process
by pressing the SKIP key. You can set
the clock at any time using the EZ Scan
Software.

-Set Clock­2017-04-03 Wed
11:00:00
Press SEL to Set or SKIP to Exit

The Bandplan and Date/Time prompts
appear only once on initial power-up.
You can change the Date and Time from
the Main Menu and the Bandplan from
the Global Setting menu.

1515

POWER UP PASSWORD

Set a user defined power-on password
to restrict access to the radio.

1. Press MENU.

2. Scroll to Set Password and press .

3. Use the arrows to set the password.

4. Use the /II/SEL key to accept the

updated settings, or the MENU key to
exit without saving changes.

NOTE: Power-on password can be
reset by anyone using the EZ Scan
software. Password provides only limited
protection from immediate unauthorized
use.

QUICK FINCTION ACCESS KEYS

Fn + Up Arrow = Top of menu list
Fn + Down Arrow = Bottom of menu list
Fn + Power = Key board Lock
Fn + 0 = Tune Mode
Fn + 1 = Scan mode
Fn + 2 = Program Menu
Fn + 3 = Sweeper Menu
Fn + 4 = Service Search Menu
Fn + 5 = Limit Search
Fn + 6 = Playback mode
Fn + 9 = Object search

UNDERSTANDING the DISPLAY

Your scanner features a high contrast,
backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) to
provide you with information about the
status of the scanner while you are using
it. A menu-driven user interface provides
access to the settings that control what
the scanner monitors.

1616

UNDERSTANDING the KEYPAD

Below are examples of the scanners
menu.

-MainMenu­Scan 
Scanlists
Set Location
Browse Library
Browse Objects

A “Scan” display shows a scrolling list
of enabled Scanlists while scanning, and
displays attenuator and trunking control
channel status. Below provides an
example of the Scanning display.

U/VHF AM
VHF Mar
CB Radio
Amateur Repeaters
PMR446

Individual Object displays are shown
when the scanner is monitoring activity
on an enabled Object. The LCD includes
a row of icons at the top that provides
information about the status of the
scanner while monitoring an Object.
The amount of information displayed
is configured using the Simple Display
option in the Global Settings menu.
For example, with Simple Display set to
“on”, the following data is displayed for
trunking talkgroups:

• Icons

• Scanlist

• Object type and “psDr” status

• Trunking system

• Scanlist

1717

UNDERSTANDING the KEYPAD

Below is an example of an individual
Object display with Simple Display set
to “on”.

S T G 
Digital Repeater GB7CT
AIR Heathrow Tower
PMR446 ch1

Display showing reception of a trunking
talkgroup with Simple Display set to
“on”. With Simple Display set to “off
”, additional data is displayed on the
screen. The amount and type of data
displayed can be customized using the
Show options in the Global Settings
menu. For example, below is the same
Object displayed with Simple Display set
to “off” and Show Radio ID set to “on”:

• Icons

• Scanlist

• Object type and “psDr” status

• Object name

• Trunking system

• Radio ID

S T G
GB7CTDMR
TGRP 840
Amateur DMR
VHF Mar
Radio ID: 235999

Display showing reception of a trunking
talkgroup with Simple Display set to
“on” and Show Radio ID enabled.

There are many combinations of data
that can be shown on the Object display
using the Show options in the Global
Settings menu. You can learn more
about these options in the Configuration
Settings section of the guide.

1818

"psDr" Indicators

In the Individual Object displays there
are four characters on the right-hand
side of the display that indicate the
status of priority, skip/lockout, delay
and recording for the selected or active
object. The following indicators are
possible:

p

= priority off, P= priority on

s

= skip off, S= skip on, L=lockout on

d

= delay off, D=delay on

r

= recording off, R=recording on

1919

DISPLAY ICONS

A row of icons at the top of the display
provides status information about the
scanner. These icons are defined as follows:

S

Squelch circuit (or “gate”) is open

S

Squelch circuit (or “gate”) is open DMR

G

When present, the attenuator is set for
Global mode

A

When present, the attenuator is active

GA

When present, Global attenuator is on,
and the attenuator is active
AM mode is active

AM

FM mode is active

FM

NF

Narrow FM mode is active

DG

The radio is receiving P25/DMR digital
audio with AGC

Dg

The radio is receiving P25 digital audio
without AGC
The radio is receiving P25 Phase II digital

D2

audio, with or without AGC
Function key is active

Fn

Scan mode (scanning)



Pause mode (monitoring a single Object)
Being recorded on the active or selected
Object

F

Recording is enabled but recording is
suspended. The SD card is almost out of
space.
Signal meter indicating strength

T

Currently receiving trunking control
channel data

E

Encrypted digital traffic detected

IF

The radio’s IF (discriminator) output mode
is active
Priority On/Priority Off

P/p

S/s

Skip On/Skip Off
Delay On/Delay Off

D/d

L/-

Lock Out On/Lock Out Off
Battery status Indicator
External power connected

2020

EZ SCAN

Your scanner comes with an installed
Micro SD card that contains the EZ Scan
software.

NOTE: Make a copy of the EZ Scan
software files in case the SD card is lost
or damaged.

To remove the Micro SD card from the
scanner:

WARNING: To prevent corrupted data

on the Micro SD Card, always turn
the scanner off using the front panel
power key before opening the battery
compartment cover.

1. Turn off scanner, unplug external
power, and remove the batteries.

2. Press and release the Micro SD card.

3. To reinsert the Micro SD card, with the

label facing the front of the radio press
it in until it clicks in place.

NOTE: Always use the EZ Scan software
“Prepare Scanner Memory/SD Card
For Use” option under the “Scanner/
SD Card” menu to format the Micro
SD Card if the card is not performing
as expected or if the scanner does not
power up with the Micro SD Card.
The Micro SD card comes formatted
for the standard FAT file system with a
cluster size of 32k.

2121

EZ SCAN

To format additional cards (2GB
or smaller), use only the EZ Scan
software to format the Micro SD card.

• Format using the FAT file system with
32k clusters.

• If you use Micro SD cards larger than
2GB, format using FAT32 with 32k
clusters.

• Formatting the Micro SD card for other
file system types may cause EZ Scan to
malfunction.

Connecting the scanner to a computer
with the supplied USB cable allows you
to access the card with the EZ Scan
software and update the Library, edit
the configuration and stored objects,
optimize the card, and reformat the card
if necessary. You can also connect the SD
Card to an external reader, which may
provide faster data transfer rates when
compared to accessing the card while it
is in the radio.

For reference, below is the directory
structure for the Micro SD Card. You
may wish to make a copy of the CDAT
folder on your computer as a backup.
The CDAT folder contains your EZ
Scan programming. Modifying these
directories or their contents outside of
the scanner or the EZ Scan software is
not recommended, and may cause the
scanner to malfunction.

2222

EZ SCAN

BTMP Contains various temporary files
used by the scanner

CDAT Contains your programming
CDAT_VS.nnn Contains programming

for V-Scanner folder number nnn where
nnn may range from 001 to 200

DB Contains the Library
MTMP Contains various temporary files

used by the scanner
STMP Contains various temporary files
used by the scanner

CURVS.DAT Configuration information
CONFIG.BIN Configuration information
REC Audio recordings
SOFTWARE EZ Scan Software

WARNING: Modifying these files,

directories or contents of directories is
not recommended, and may cause the
scanner to malfunction, and may result in
loss of programming data.

MAXIMUM CARD SIZE

You can purchase additional cards to
store different configurations or backups
for your EZ Scan data. Up to a 32GB
SD card may be used. We recommend
SanDisk Micro SD cards.

2323

INSTALLING EZ SCAN SOFTWARE

A method for programming a new
scanner is using the supplied USB cable
and the included software. Also
www.RadioReference.com provides a
range of resources to help improve your
overall scanning experience.

EZ Scan easy-to-use software helps
you:

• Make changes to EZ Scan’s
programming and configuration

• Update EZ Scan’s firmware for
enhancements and bug fixes

• Format and maintain the Micro SD
card

For complete instructions on how to use
the EZ Scan Software refer to the Help
Menu in the PC Application.

To install, connect the scanner to your
computer's USB port. Using windows
explorer, open the SD Card to view files,
select software, then select setup.exe
and follow the on-screen instructions.

Accept all prompts when asked. User's
can also insert the SD Card into your
computer via a card reader, open the
SD Card, find and open the "Software"
folder and click on "setup.exe", then
follow the on-screen instructions.

2424