RadioShack Pro 79 Vhf Uhf Handheld Scanner Reciever Owners Manual

							41
A GENERAL GUIDE TO SCANNING
Reception of the frequencies covered by your scanner is mainly
“line-of-sight.” That means you usually cannot hear stations that
are beyond the horizon.
GUIDE TO FREQUENCIES
National Weather Frequencies
Birdie Frequencies
Every scanner has birdie frequencies. Birdies are signals creat-
ed inside the scanner’s receiver. These operating frequencies
might interfere with transmissions on the same frequencies. If
you program one of these frequencies, you hear only noise on
that frequency. If the interference is not severe, you might be
able to turn 
SQUELCH clockwise to cut out the birdie. This scan-
ner’s birdie frequencies (in MHz) are:
To find the birdies in your individual scanner, begin by discon-
necting the antenna and moving it away from the scanner. Make
sure that no other nearby radio or TV sets are turned on near
the scanner. Use the search function and search every frequen-
cy range from its lowest frequency to the highest. Occasionally,
the searching will stop as if it had found a signal, often without
any sound. That is a birdie. Make a list of all the birdies in your
scanner for future reference.
162.400 162.425 162.450 162.475
162.500 162.525 162.550
30.075 30.735 38.400 40.000 40.980
48.025 51.200 51.225 112.675 128.575
136.725 140.800 144.655 152.995 160.965
166.400 169.010 386.375 399.375 402.475
416.0375 426.625 434.675 442.100 447.425
456.075 458.175 464.3625 466.225 474.3125
480.575 490.3375 504.625 506.4125
20-314.fm  Page 41  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							42
GUIDE TO THE ACTION BANDS
Typical Band Usage (MHz)
Primary Usage
As a general rule, most of the radio activity is concentrated on
the following frequencies:
VHF Band
UHF BandVHF Band
Low Range
29.00–50.00
6-Meter Amateur50.00–54.00 
Aircraft108.00–136.00 
U.S. Government137.00–144.00 
2-Meter Amateur144.00–148.00
High Range148.00–174.00 
UHF Band
Military Aircraft
311.00–384.00 
U.S. Government406.00–420.00 
70-Centimeter Amateur420.00–450.00 
Low Range450.00–470.00 
FM-TV Audio Broadcast, Wide Band470.00–512.00 
Activities Frequencies (MHz)
2-Meter Amateur Band 144.000–148.000 
Government, Police, and Fire 153.785–155.980 
Emergency Services 158.730–159.460 
Railroad 160.000–161.900 
Activities Frequencies (MHz)
70-Centimeter Amateur Band
FM Repeaters420.000–450.000 
Land-Mobile “Paired” Frequencies 450.000–470.000 
Base Stations 451.025–454.950 
Mobile Units 456.025–459.950 
Repeater Units 460.025–464.975 
Control Stations 465.025–469.975 
20-314.fm  Page 42  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							43
Note:
 Remote control stations and mobile units operate at 5
MHz higher than their associated base stations and relay re-
peater units.
BAND ALLOCATION
To help decide which frequency ranges to scan, use the follow-
ing listing of the typical services that use the frequencies your
scanner receives. These frequencies are subject to change, and
might vary from area to area. For a more complete listing, refer
to the 
Police Call Radio Guide including Fire and Emergency
Services
, available at your local RadioShack store.
Abbreviations Services
AIR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Aircraft
BIFC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Boise (ID) Interagency Fire Cache
BUS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Business
CAP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Civil Air Patrol
CB   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Citizens Band
CCA  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Common Carrier
CSB  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Conventional Systems
CTSB  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Conventional/Trunked Systems
FIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Fire Department
HAM  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Amateur (Ham) Radio
GOVT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Federal Government
GMR   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  General Mobile Radio
GTR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  General Trunked
IND  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Industrial Services
(Manufacturing, Construction, Farming, Forest Products)
MAR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Military Amateur Radio
MARI   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Maritime Limited Coast
 (Coast Guard, Marine Telephone,
Shipboard Radio, Private Stations)
MARS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Military Affiliate Radio System
MED  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Emergency/Medical Services
MIL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   U.S. Military
MOV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Motion Picture/Video Industry
NEW   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   New Mobile Narrow
NEWS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Relay Press (Newspaper Reporters)
OIL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Oil/Petroleum Industry
POL   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Police Department
PUB  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Public Services
(Public Safety, Local Government, Forestry Conservation)
PSB   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Public Safety
PTR   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Private Trunked
ROAD   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Road & Highway Maintenance
RTV   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Radio/TV Remote Broadcast Pickup
TAXI  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taxi Services
TELB   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Mobile Telephone
(Aircraft, Radio Common Carrier, Landline Companies)
TELC  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Cordless Phones
20-314.fm  Page 43  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							44
TELM   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Telephone Maintenance
TOW  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Tow Trucks
TRAN  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Transportation Services
(Trucks, Tow Trucks, Buses, Railroad, Other)
TSB   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Trunked Systems
TVn  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  FM-TV Audio Broadcast
USXX  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Government Classified
UTIL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   Power & Water Utilities
WTHR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Weather
HIGH FREQUENCY (HF) — (3 MHz–30 MHz)
10-Meter Amateur Band   (28.0–29.7 MHz )
29.000–29.700  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  HAM
VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF) — (30 MHz–300 MHz)
VHF Low Band   (29.7–50 MHz — in 5 kHz steps)
29.700–29.790  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  IND
29.900–30.550  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT, MIL
30.580–31.980  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  IND, PUB
32.000–32.990  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT, MIL
33.020–33.980  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   BUS, IND, PUB
34.010–34.990  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT, MIL
35.020–35.980  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS, PUB, IND, TELM
36.000–36.230  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT, MIL
36.230–36.990  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Oil Spill Cleanup, GOVT, MIL
37.020–37.980  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  PUB, IND
38.000–39.000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT, MIL
39.020–39.980  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   PUB
40.000–42.000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, MIL, MARI
42.020–42.940  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   POL
42.960–43.180  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  IND
43.220–43.680  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   TELM, IND, PUB
43.700–44.600  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  TRAN
44.620–46.580  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POL, PUB
46.600–46.990  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, TELC
47.020–47.400  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   PUB
47.420   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   American Red Cross
47.440–49.580  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  IND, PUB
49.610–49.990  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   MIL, TELC
6-Meter Amateur Band   (50–54 MHz)
50.00–54.00  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  HAM
Aircraft Band (108–136 MHz)
108.000–121.490  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  AIR
121.500   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   AIR Emergency
121.510–136.000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  AIR
U.S. Government Band (137–144 MHz)
137.000–144.000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT, MIL
2-Meter Amateur Band (144–148 MHz)
144.000–148.000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  HAM
20-314.fm  Page 44  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							45
VHF High Band (148–174 MHz)
148.050–150.345  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  CAP, MAR, MIL
150.775–150.790  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   MED
150.815–150.980  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  TOW, Oil Spill Cleanup
150.995–151.475  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   ROAD, POL
151.490–151.955  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   IND, BUS
151.985   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   TELM
152.0075   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   MED
152.030–152.240  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  TELB
152.270–152.480  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   IND, TAXI, BUS
152.510–152.840  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  TELB
152.870–153.020  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  IND, MOV
153.035–153.725  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   IND, OIL, UTIL
153.740–154.445  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   PUB, FIRE
154.490–154.570  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   IND, BUS
154.585   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Oil Spill Cleanup
154.600–154.625  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   BUS
154.655–156.240  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  MED, ROAD, POL, PUB
156.255–157.425  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  OIL, MARI
157.450   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   MED
157.470–157.515  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  TOW
157.530–157.725  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   IND, TAXI
157.740   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   BUS
157.770–158.100  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  TELB
158.130–158.460  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  BUS, IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL
158.490–158.700  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  TELB
158.730–159.465  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  POL, PUB, ROAD
159.480   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   OIL
159.495–161.565  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   TRAN
161.580–162.000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   OIL, MARI, RTV
162.0125–162.35  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, MIL, USXX
162.400–162.550  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  WTHR
162.5625–162.6375  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, MIL, USXX
162.6625   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   MED
162.6875–163.225  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, MIL, USXX
163.250   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   MED
163.275–166.225  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, MIL, USXX
166.250   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT, RTV, FIRE
166.275–169.400  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, BIFC
169.445–169.505  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Wireless Mikes, GOVT
169.55–169.9875  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, MIL, USXX
170.000–170.150  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  BIFC, GOVT, RTV, FIRE
170.175–170.225  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT
170.245–170.305  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Wireless Mikes
170.350–170.400  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, MIL
170.425–170.450  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  BIFC
170.475   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   PUB
170.4875–173.175  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, PUB, Wireless Mikes
173.225–173.5375  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  MOV, NEWS, UTIL, MIL
173.5625–173.5875  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIL Medical/Crash Crews
173.60–173.9875  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GOVT
ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY (UHF) — (300 MHz–3 GHz)
U. S. Government Band (406–420 MHz)
406.125–419.975  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   GOVT, USXX
70-Centimeter Amateur Band (420–450 MHz)
420.000–450.000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   HAM
20-314.fm  Page 45  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							46
Low Band (450–470 MHz)
450.050–450.925  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   RTV
451.025–452.025  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL
452.0375–453.00  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  IND, TAXI, TRAN TOW, NEWS
453.0125–454.000  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   PUB, OIL
454.025–454.975  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   TELB
455.050–455.925  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   RTV
457.525–457.600  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   BUS
458.025–458.175  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  MED
460.0125–460.6375  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   FIRE, POL, PUB
460.650–462.175  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   BUS
462.1875–462.450  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  BUS, IND
462.4625–462.525  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL
462.550–462.925  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  GMR, BUS
462.9375–463.1875  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  MED
463.200–467.925  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   BUS
FM-TV Audio Broadcast, UHF Wide Band (470–512 MHz)
(Channels 14 through 20 in 6 MHz steps)
475.750   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Channel 14
481.750   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Channel 15
487.750   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Channel 16
493.750   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Channel 17
499.750   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Channel 18
505.750   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Channel 19
511.750  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Channel 20
Note:
 Some cities use the 470–512 MHz band for land/mobile
service.
FREQUENCY CONVERSION
The tuning location of a station can be expressed in frequency
(kHz or MHz) or in wavelength (meters). The following informa-
tion can help you make the necessary conversions.
1 MHz (million) = 1,000 kHz (thousand)
• To convert MHz to kHz, multiply the number of megahertz
by 1,000:
30.62 (MHz) ´
 1000  = 30,620 kHz
• To convert from kHz to MHz, divide the number of kilohertz
by 1,000:
127,800 (kHz) ¸
 1000 
= 127.8 MHz
• To convert MHz to meters, divide 300 by the number of
megahertz:
300 ¸
 50 MHz = 6 meters
20-314.fm  Page 46  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							47
TROUBLESHOOTING
If your scanner is not working as it should, these suggestions
might help you eliminate the problem. If the scanner still does
not operate properly, take it to your local RadioShack store for
assistance. 
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Scanner is 
totally inopera-
tive.The AC or DC 
adapter is not con-
nected.Be sure the adapter’s barrel 
plug is fully inserted into the 
PWR 
jack.
The batteries are 
dead.Replace the batteries with 
fresh ones, or recharge the 
rechargeable batteries.
Poor or no 
receptionAn antenna is not 
connected or is 
connected incor-
rectly.Make sure an antenna is 
properly connected to the 
scanner.
Programmed fre-
quencies are the 
same as “birdie” 
frequencies.Avoid programming fre-
quencies listed under 
“Birdie Frequencies” on 
Page 41 or only listen to 
them manually. 
Keypad does 
not work.Keylock is turned 
on.Turn off the keylock.
The scanner might 
need to be reset or 
initialized.Turn the scanner off then on 
again, or reset/initialize the 
scanner (see “Resetting/Ini-
tializing the Scanner” on 
Page 25.
Scanner is on 
but will not 
scan.SQUELCH
 is not 
correctly adjusted.Adjust SQUELCH 
clock-
wise.
Only one channel is 
(or no channels 
are) stored.Store frequencies into more 
than one channel.
During scan-
ning, the scan-
ner locks on 
frequencies 
that have an 
unclear trans-
mission.Programmed fre-
quencies are the 
same as “birdie” 
frequencies.Avoid programming fre-
quencies listed under 
“Birdie Frequencies” on 
Page 41, or only listen to 
them manually. 
20-314.fm  Page 47  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							48
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack PRO-79 200 Channel VHF/Air/UHF Hand-
held Scanner is an example of superior design and craftsman-
ship. The following suggestions will help you care for your
scanner so you can enjoy it for years.
Keep the scanner dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immedi-
ately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode
the electronic circuits.
Use and store the scanner only in normal temperature
environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the
life of electronic devices and distort or melt plastic
parts.
Keep the scanner away from dust and dirt, which can
cause premature wear of parts.
Handle the scanner gently and carefully. Dropping it
can damage circuit boards and cases and can cause
the scanner to work improperly.
Wipe the scanner with a damp cloth occasionally to
keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals,
cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the
scanner.
Modifying or tampering with the scanner’s internal components
can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and
void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your scanner is not
performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store
for assistance.
20-314.fm  Page 48  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							49
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Coverage (MHz):
10 Meter Amateur Radio  .....................  29–30 (in 5 kHz steps)
VHF Lo  ................................................  30–50 (in 5 kHz steps)
6 Meter Amateur Radio  .......................  50–54 (in 5 kHz steps)
Aircraft  ...............................  108–136.9875 (in 12.5 kHz steps)
Government  .....................................  137–144 (in 5 kHz steps)
2 Meter Amateur Radio  ...................  144–148 (in 5 kHz steps)
VHF Hi  .............................................  148–174 (in 5 kHz steps)
Amateur Radio/Government  .......  380–450 (in 12.5 kHz steps)
UHF Standard .............................  450–470 (in 12.5 kHz steps)
UHF “T” .......................................  470–512 (in 12.5 kHz steps)
Channels of Operation  ....... 200 channels/20 monitor memories
Sensitivity (20 dB S/N):
29–54 MHz  ...................................................................  0.5 m
V
108–136.9875 MHz  ......................................................  1.0 m
V
137–174 MHz  ...............................................................  0.5 m
V
380–512 MHz  ...............................................................  0.7 m
V
Spurious Rejection (FM @154 MHz)  ...............................  50 dB
Selectivity:
±
10 kHz  .........................................................................  –6 dB
±
18 kHz  .......................................................................  –50 dB
Search Speed  .............................................. Up to 50 Steps/Sec
Scan Speed  ..........................................  Up to 25 Channels/Sec
Delay Time ................................................................  2 Seconds
IF Frequencies:
1st IF  ........................................................................  10.7 MHz
2nd IF  .......................................................................... 455 kHz
IF Interference Ratio (10.7 MHz)  ..................  70 dB at 150 MHz
Squelch Sensitivity:
Threshold ......................................................  Less than 0.5 m
V
Tight (FM)  ......................................................  (S + N)/N 25 dB
Tight (AM)  ......................................................  (S + N)/N 20 dB
Antenna Impedance  ...................................................  50 Ohms
Audio Output Power (10% THD) ....................  180 mW Nominal
Built-In Speaker  ...........................  1
3/8 Inches (36 mm), 8 Ohms
Operating Temperature  ........................................... 14
° to 140°F
(–10
° to 60°C)
20-314.fm  Page 49  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM 
						

							50
Power Requirements  ......................  6 Volts DC, 4 AA Batteries
AC Adapter (Optional)
DC Adapter (Optional)
Current Drain (Squelched)  ..............................................  45 mA
Dimensions (HWD)  .............................. 5
11/16 
´ 
23/8 ´
 13/8 Inches
(145 ´
 62 ´
 34 mm)
Weight (without antenna and batteries)  ........................... 7.9 oz
(224 g)
Supplied Accessories .........................  Antenna, Battery Holder,
Rechargeable Battery Holder
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifica-
tions are subject to change and improvement without notice.
20-314.fm  Page 50  Monday, December 13, 1999  12:55 PM