RadioShack Pro 96 Truking Scanner Owners Manual
Have a look at the manual RadioShack Pro 96 Truking Scanner Owners Manual online for free. It’s possible to download the document as PDF or print. UserManuals.tech offer 39 RadioShack manuals and user’s guides for free. Share the user manual or guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
21 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 canbeusedtoblockthereception of transmissions on a 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
22agencies 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 banks 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
23 SS=Subfleet ID Type I systems are usually organized with different user groups assigned to different fleets. Ô 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. 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 Ô NOTES Ô 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. 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 quality of the control channel signal.
24Number (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 banks 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
25 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: Ô Internal non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries (not supplied – see “Using Batteries” on Page 25). 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 28). USING BATTERIES You can power the scanner with four AA batteries (not supplied). Ô NOTES Ô 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” on Page 25, and “Charging Rechargeable Batteries” on Page 27. If the scanner stops working properly after connecting it to power, try resetting it. See “Resetting / Initializing the Scanner” on Page 108. You must charge rechargeable batteries before you use them the first time.
26You can use either the supplied non-rechargeable battery holder (black), or the supplied rechargeable battery holder (yellow). o Follow these steps to install the batteries. Ô 1. Press in on the top center of the battery compartment cover on the back of the scanner and slide the cover downtoremoveit. 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 27. CAUTION The battery holder fits only one way. Do not force it. o WARNING o 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. Ô NOTES Ô Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury batteries. Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type. Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities. If you do not plan to use the scanner for a month or longer, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can damage electronic parts.
27 Charging Rechargeable Batteries Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you charge nickel-metal hydride (Ni- MH)ornickelcadmium(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. ! ITo charge batteries with a DC adapter from a DC power source, youmustusea9V,300mADC 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. Ô 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. ! IMPORTANT ! The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling Seal on the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery 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 Ni-Cd 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 Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. RadioShack’s involvemen tin this program is part of the company’s commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources. Ô NOTES Ô 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 untilLow Battery!appears in the scanner’s display. Then fully charge the rechargeable batteries.
281. 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 PWRDC9V jack. 3. Plug the adapter’s two-prong plug into an AC outlet. USING VEHICLE BATTERY P OWER 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. 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. 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 CAUTIONS Youmustusea 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’sPWR DC 9Vjack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter. Youmustusea 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’sPWR DC 9Vjack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
29 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). o Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to the scanner, then connect it to the antenna jack. 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 HEADPHONEjack on top of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker. o WARNING o 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.
30 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.Ô Using the Belt Clip You can use the belt clip attached to the back of the scanner for hands-free carrying when you are on the go. Slide the belt clip over your belt or waistband. PROGRAMMING YOUR SCANNER PROGRAMMING C ONVENTIONAL C HANNELS Good references for active frequencies are RadioShack’s Police Call, Aeronautical Frequency Directory, and Maritime Frequency Directory. We update these directories every year, so be sure to get a current copy. Storing Conventional Frequencies Follow these steps to store conventional frequencies in to channels. Ô 1. To begin programming your scanner, press PGM.M changes toP. Select the desired channel storage bank and channel, and press PGM to advance to that channel. Ô NOTES Ô Connecting an External Speaker You must use an amplified speaker with this scanner. Non- amplified speakers do not provide sufficient volume for comfortable listening Storing Conventional Frequencies When the scanner is in Manual or Program mode, indicated with MorPin the top left hand corner of the display, you can select your desired bank and channel number using direct channel entry, theS orTarrow keys, and with FUNC and the SorTarrow keys. For direct channel entry, pressMANor PGM, enter the channel storage bank (0-9) and channel number (00-49) where you want to store a frequency, then pressMANor PGMagain. For example, Bank 3, Channel 23 is entered as “323”. The scanner advances to the selected channel storage bank and channel, and the channel storage bank and channel number appear at the upper left corner of the display (for example: M323orP323). PressFUNC,thenS orTto jump to the next or previous channel storage bank. PressFUNC,then holdSorTto scroll through the channel storage banks.