RadioShack Pro 93 Handheld Scanner Owners Manual
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Owner’s ManualPlease read before using this equipment. PRO-93 300 Channel Dual Track-Trunking Handheld Scanner
2 Contents ˆContents Features .................................................................... 5 Scanning Legally ................................................. 9 Preparation ............................................................. 10 Power Sources .................................................. 10 Using Batteries .......................................... 10 Charging Rechargeable Batteries .............. 12 Using AC Power ......................................... 13 Using Vehicle Battery Power ...................... 13 Connecting the Antenna ................................... 14 Connecting an Optional Antenna ............... 14 Connecting an Earphone/Headphones ............. 15 Listening Safely ......................................... 15 Traffic Safety .............................................. 16 Connecting an Extension Speaker ............. 16 Using the Belt Clip ..................................... 16 Transferring Data to and from Another Scanner or a PC ........ 16 About Your Scanner ............................................... 17 A Look at the Keypad ........................................ 17 Quick Start ........................................................ 19 Understanding Banks ........................................ 19 Channel Storage Banks ............................. 19 Search Banks ............................................ 20 Understanding Your Scanners Modes .............. 20 AM Mode ................................................... 20 FM Mode .................................................... 21 Motorola Mode ........................................... 21 EDACS Mode ............................................ 22 Open and Closed Modes ........................... 23 Operation ................................................................ 24 Turning on the Scanner and Setting Squelch ... 24 Storing Known Frequencies into Channels ....... 25 Storing Trunking Frequencies into Channels .... 26 © 2001 RadioShack Corporation. All Rights Reserved. RadioShack, RadioShack.com, and Adaptaplug are registered trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation. Hypersearch and Hyperscan are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation. Motorola, Smartnet and Privacy Plus are registered trademarks of Motorola Inc. EDACS is a registered trademark of GE/Ericsson Inc.
3Contents Storing Text Tags ............................................... 27 Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel ............. 27 Assigning a Text Tag to a Group ID ............ 28 Assigning a Text Tag to a Bank .................. 28 Text Input Chart .......................................... 29 Finding and Storing Active Frequencies ............ 30 Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range ....................................... 30 Searching Active Frequencies in Your Desired Frequency Range ............. 35 Manually Tuning a Frequency .................... 37 Listening to the Weather Band .......................... 37 Listening to a Weather Channel ................. 37 Displaying Weather Messages ................... 38 WX Alert and Beep Tone Confirmation ....... 38 Using Frequency Copy Function ....................... 39 Copying a Frequency into a Specified Channel ............................ 39 Copying a Frequency into a Vacant Channel in a Specified Bank 40 Copying a Frequency into the Priority Channel ............................. 40 Scanning the Channels ..................................... 40 Turning Channel-Storage Banks Off and On 41 Deleting Frequencies from Channels ......... 41 Special Features ..................................................... 42 Using the Delay Function .................................. 42 Locking Out Channels or Frequencies .............. 42 Locking Out Channels ................................ 42 Reviewing the Lock-Out Channels ............. 43 Locking Out Frequencies ........................... 43 Reviewing Locked-Out Frequencies .......... 43 Clearing a Locked-Out Frequency ............. 44 Clearing All Locked-Out Frequencies in a Search Bank ........................................ 44 Priority ............................................................... 44 Changing the Receive Mode ............................. 46 Using the Attenuator .......................................... 47 Turning the Key Tone On and Off ...................... 48 Using the Display Backlight ............................... 48 Using the Keylock .............................................. 48 Changing the Display Contrast .......................... 49 Cloning the Programmed Data .......................... 49 Trunking Operation ................................................. 50
4 Contents Understanding Trunking .................................... 51 Setting Squelch for the Trunking Mode ............. 52 Programming Trunking Frequencies ................. 52 Programming Motorola Trunking Systems (UHF-Lo) ...................... 54 Programming Motorola Trunking System (800 MHz) ...................... 55 Programming Fleet Maps ........................... 56 Talk Group IDs ........................................... 58 Storing Talk Group IDs ............................... 58 Talk Group ID Hold ..................................... 60 Turning an ID Sub-Bank On or Off ............. 61 Locking Out Talk Group IDs ....................... 61 Delay Function in ID Indication Mode ........ 62 Reviewing Locked-Out Talk Group IDs ...... 62 Clearing Talk Group IDs ............................. 62 Clearing All Talk Group IDs in One Bank ... 63 Open and Closed Modes .................................. 63 Changing the Open/Closed Mode .............. 64 A General Guide to Frequencies ........................... 64 US Weather Frequencies in MHz .............. 65 Ham Radio Frequencies ............................ 65 Birdie Frequencies ..................................... 65 Guide to the Action Bands ................................ 67 Typical Band Usage ................................... 67 Primary Usage ........................................... 68 Band Allocation ................................................. 68 Frequency Conversion ...................................... 77 Troubleshooting ..................................................... 78 Resetting/Initializing the Scanner ...................... 79 Resetting the Scanner ............................... 79 Initializing the Scanner ............................... 79 Care .................................................................. 80 Specifications ......................................................... 81
5Features ˆFeatures Your RadioShack Handheld Scanner is one of a new generation of scanners designed to track Motorolaâ Type I and II (such as Smartnetâ and Privacy Plusâ) and hybrid analog trunking systems, and GE/Ericsson (EDACS â) type systems, which are extensively used in many communication systems. Trunking communications systems let a large group of 2- way radio users (or even different groups of 2-way radio users) efficiently use a set of frequencies. Instead of se- lecting a specific frequency for a transmission, the user simply selects a talk group. The trunking system auto- matically transmits the call on the first available frequen- cy, and also sends a code that uniquely identifies that transmission. Since the trunking system might send a call and its re- sponse on different frequencies, it is difficult to listen to trunked communications using a regular scanner. The trunking scanner monitors the data sent with a 2-way ra- dio transmission, so you can hear the call and response for that user and more easily follow the conversation. The scanner also lets you scan conventional transmis- sions, and is preprogrammed with service search banks for convenience. By pressing a single button, you can quickly search those frequencies most commonly used by public service and other agencies. This scanner gives you direct access to over 59,000 fre- quencies including those used by police and fire depart- ments, ambulance services, government agencies, air, and amateur radio services. Your scanner includes these features: Simultaneous Trunking Operation — tracks two trunk- ing systems (Motorola and EDACS) and conventional systems at the same time. Automatic Channel Programming — automatically de- termines the group trunking frequencies, for Motorola
6 Features trunking systems only, once the control channels are programmed. 10 Channel-Storage Banks — let you store 30 chan- nels in each bank (300 channels) to group channels so calls are easier to identify. 10 ID-Storage Banks — let you store 1,000 IDs in 10 ID banks that have 5 sub-ID banks. 20 IDs are programmed in each sub-ID bank and let you easily identify the ID code. Weather Alert — automatically sounds the alarm tone to advise of hazardous weather conditions when it detects the alert signal on the local National Oceanic and Atmo- spheric Administration (NOAA) weather channel during priority operation. Digital Weather Alert — displays the weather event text with four alert levels so you can see and hear the reason for the alert. Data Cloning — lets you transfer the programmed data to another PRO-93 or a PRO-2053 scanner. You can also upload or download the programmed data to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit. 12-Character, 4-Line, Alphanumeric Display — shows you detailed operating information clearly. Triple Conversion Superheterodyne Receiver — vir- tually eliminates any interference from intermediate fre- quency (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 se- lect 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 be- fore moving to another channel in conventional mode, so
7Features you can hear more replies that are made on the same channel. Priority Channel — lets you set the scanner to check one channel every 2 seconds so you do not miss trans- missions. Attenuate — lets you program your scanner to reduce the scanners sensitivity to strong local signals, to reduce interference or noise caused by these signals. Text Input — lets you input a text label for each chan- nel, talk group ID, 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 scanners keys to help prevent accidentally changing the scanners program- ming. Flexible Antenna with BNC Connector — provides ex- cellent reception and is designed to help prevent anten- na breakage. Memory Backup — keeps the frequencies stored in memory for an extended time even without internal bat- teries. Three Power Options — let you power the scanner with internal batteries (non-rechargeable batteries or re- chargeable batteries, not supplied). You can also use an AC adapter (not supplied) or power the scanner in a ve- hicle using a DC adapter (not supplied). Supplied Trunking Guide — provides a quick refer- ence to public safety trunking radio systems in the Unit- ed States. Your scanner can receive these frequencies: • 25–54 MHz • 108–136.9875 MHz
8 Features • 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 64 to help you target frequency ranges in your service area so you can search for a wide variety of transmissions. ˆThe 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 pro- vide 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 communica- tions. 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 recep- tion, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the in- terference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
9Features • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dif- ferent from that to which the receiver is connected. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Op- eration is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Note: Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in some areas. Check the laws in your area. SCANNING LEGALLY Scanning is a fun and interesting hobby. You can hear police and fire departments, ambulance services, gov- ernment agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, aircraft, and military operations. It is legal to lis- ten to almost every transmission your scanner can re- ceive. However, there are some electronic and wire communications that are illegal to intentionally intercept. These include: • telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmission) • pager transmissions • scrambled or encrypted transmissions According to the Federal Electronic Communications Pri- vacy Act (ECPA), as amended, you could be fined and possibly imprisoned for intentionally listening to, using, or disclosing the contents of such a transmission unless you have the consent of a party to the communication (unless such activity is otherwise illegal). These laws change from time to time and there might be state or lo- cal laws that also affect legal scanner usage.
10 Preparation ˆPreparation POWER SOURCES You can power your scanner from any of three sources: • internal non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries (not supplied — see “Using Batteries” on Page 10). • standard AC power (with an optional AC adapter — see “Using AC Power” on Page 13) • vehicle power (with an optional DC adapter — see “Using Vehicle Battery Power” on Page 13) Notes: • Connecting an AC or DC adapter to the scanner dis- connects internal batteries when you use the sup- plied non-rechargeable battery holder, but it does not disconnect internal batteries when you use the supplied rechargeable battery holder. • If you install the 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 12. • If the scanner stops working properly after connect- ing it to power, try resetting it. See “Resetting/Initial- izing the Scanner” on Page 79. Using Batteries You can power the scanner with four AA batteries (not supplied). For the longest operation and best perfor- mance, we recommend alkaline batteries, available at your local RadioShack store. You can use either the supplied non-rechargeable bat- tery holder (black), or the supplied rechargeable battery holder (yellow). If you use the rechargeable battery hold-