RadioShack Pro 79 Vhf Uhf Handheld Scanner Reciever Owners Manual

Owner’s ManualCat. No. 20-314
PRO-79
200-Channel VHF/Air/UHF
Handheld Scanner
Please read before using this equipment.
(illus - show front of product)
20-314.fm  Page 1  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 

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FEATURES
Your new RadioShack PRO-79 200 Channel VHF/Air/UHF
Handheld Scanner lets you scan conventional transmissions,
and is preprogrammed with search banks for convenience. By
pressing a single button, you can quickly search those frequen-
cies most commonly used by public service and other agencies
without tedious and complicated programming.
This scanner gives you direct access to over 25,000 exciting fre-
quencies, including those used by police and fire departments,
ambulance services, and...

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Weather Alert 
— the scanner automatically sounds an alert
when it receives a weather emergency signal, providing more
complete information about weather conditions in your immedi-
ate area.
Weather Band Key 
— scans seven preprogrammed weather
frequencies to keep you informed about current weather condi-
tions.
Wired Programming 
— you can connect your scanner to a per-
sonal computer and program frequencies into the scanner from
the computer using an optional cable and software.
Note:
 The necessary...

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Key Confirmation Tones
 — the scanner sounds a confirmation
tone when you perform an operation correctly, and an error tone
if you make an error.
Three Power Options 
— you can power the scanner from inter-
nal (rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries) or external AC
or DC power (using an optional AC or DC adapter).
Your PRO-79 scanner can receive these bands:
Note: 
See “Specifications” on Page 49 for more information
about the scanner’s frequency steps.
FCC NOTICE
Your scanner might cause radio or...

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Note:
 Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit
in some areas. Check the laws in your area.
SCANNING LEGALLY
Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups
including police and fire departments, ambulance services, gov-
ernment 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...

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CONTENTS
Preparation ............................................................................  8
Installing Batteries  ............................................................  8
Using AC Power ................................................................  9
Using Vehicle Battery Power .............................................  9
Charging Rechargeable Batteries  ..................................  10
Connecting an Antenna  ..................................................  11
Connecting...

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Special Features  ..................................................................  36
Delay ...............................................................................  36
Locking Out Channels or Frequencies  ............................  36
Locking Out Channels  .................................................  36
Locking Out Frequencies  ............................................  37
Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies  ...........................  37
Removing Lockouts From All Frequencies...

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PREPARATION
Note:
 If the scanner’s display locks up or does not work properly
after you connect a power source, you might need to reset or ini-
tialize the scanner.
Important:
 If you have problems, first try to reset the scanner
(see “Resetting the Scanner” on Page 26). If that does not work,
you can initialize the scanner (see “Initializing the Scanner” on
Page 26); however, this clears all information stored in your
scanner’s memory.
INSTALLING BATTERIES
You can power your scanner with four AA...

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When B appears on the display and the scanner beeps continu-
ously, or if the scanner stops operating properly, replace the bat-
teries.
Warning: 
Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not
burn or bury them.
Caution:
 If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for
a month or more, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chem-
icals that can destroy electronic parts.
USING AC POWER
You can power the scanner using a 9V, 300-mA AC adapter
(RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1767A) and a size...

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Cautions:
You must use a power source that supplies 9V DC
and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be
set to positive and its plug must fit the scanners
PWR jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these speci-
fications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
• Always connect the DC adapter to the scanner before you
connect it to the power source. When you finish, disconnect
the adapter from the power source before you disconnect it
from the scanner.
To power the scanner using a DC...