RadioShack Pro 99 Compact Race Scanner Owners Manual
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OWNER’S MANUAL — Please read before using this equipment. www.radioshack.comSM © 2004 RadioShack Corporation. All Rights Reserved. RadioShack, RadioShack.com, Hypersearch, Hyperscan, and Adaptaplug are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation. PRO-99 Deluxe Compact Race Scanner ! IMPORTANT !If an icon appears at the end of a paragraph, go to the box on that page with the corresponding icon for pertinent information. o — Warning ! — Important — CautionÓ — Hint Ô — Note 20-515 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 1 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
2 CONTENTS FCC Notice ............................. 6 Scanning Legally .............. 7 Preparation ............................. 8 Installing Batteries ............ 8 Using AC Power ............. 10 Using a 12V Power Source ................. 10 Connecting an Antenna .......................... 11 Connecting an Earphone/Headphones ... 12 Connecting an Extension Speaker .......................... 14 Attaching the Belt Clip .... 14 Understanding the Scanner . 14 A Look at the Keypad ..... 15 Understanding Banks ..... 17 Operating Your Scanner ....... 18 Turning On the Scanner .. 18 Function Menu ................ 18 Car Number Operation ......... 22 About the Preloaded Car Numbers and Frequencies ..................... 23 Storing a Car Number and Frequency ....................... 24 Storing Frequencies Into Channels .............................. 30 Storing Text Tags ............ 31 Deleting Frequencies from Channels ........................ 33 Initializing the Scanner ... 34 Scanning Channels .............. 34 USING CTCSS ..................... 36 Programming Channels for CTCSS ........................... 36 Turning On or Off the CTCSS ........................... 38 Searching And Tuning .......... 39 Finding and Storing Active Frequencies .................... 39 Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range ........... 40 Using Zeromatic ............. 46 Manually Tuning a Frequency ....................... 46 Using Frequency Copy ... 47 Listening To WX Channel ................... 48 Special Features .................. 49 Using Priority .................. 49 Delay .............................. 50 Locking Out Channels or Frequencies .................... 51Using Backlight ................. 55 Key Lock ........................... 56 Turning the Key Tone On and Off ..................................... 56 Changing the Display Contrast ............................ 57 Using Clone Mode ............ 57 On-Air Programming .............. 58 Using On-air Programming 59 A General Guide To Scanning 60 Guide To Frequencies ...... 60 Guide To The Action Bands ... 61 Typical band Usage (in MHz) ............................ 61 Primary Usage .................. 62 Band Allocation ................ 63 Frequency Conversion ........... 69 Care ....................................... 69 Service and Repair ........... 70 Troubleshooting ..................... 71 Specifications ......................... 72 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 2 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
3 Thank you for purchasing the RadioShack 500-Channel VHF/ Air/UHF/800 MHz Handheld Race Scanner. It lets you in on all the action in the pits or on the track at the big race. This scanner gives you direct access to over 47,000 frequencies, including those used by participants and staff at auto races, police and fire departments, ambulance services, and amateur radio services. You can select up to 500 channels to scan, and you can change your selection at any time. Some of the exciting features of this scanner include: Car Number Operation — store frequencies by car number and store multiple frequencies under the same car number. Two-Second Scan/Search Delay — Delays scanning or searching for 2 seconds before moving to another channel, so you can hear more replies. Ten Channel-Storage Banks — Store up to 50 channels in each of 10 different banks, to group channels so you can more easily identify calls. Preprogrammed Frequency Bands — Lets you search for transmissions within preset frequency ranges or within ranges you set, to reduce search time and select interesting frequencies. Memory Backup — Keeps the channel frequencies stored in memory for an extended time even without internal batteries. 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 3 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
4Triple Conversion Superheterodyne Receiver — Eliminates interference from intermediate frequency (IF) images, so you hear only the frequency you select. HyperSearch TM and HyperScanTM — Set the scanner to search at up to 62 steps per second and scan at up to 50 channels per second, to quickly find interesting transmissions. CTCSS Continuous Tone Code Squelch Service — Restricts channel reception to transmissions using specified subaudible CTCSS tone when scanning or parked on a single channel. Duplicate Frequency Check — Automatically notifies you if you are about to store a frequency you have already stored in the same bank, to help avoid wasting storage space. Priority Channel — Designate a frequency to scan every two seconds so you do not miss important calls. Weather Band — Scans seven preprogrammed weather frequencies to keep you informed about current weather conditions. Weather Alert — Automatically sounds the alarm tone to advise of hazardous weather conditions when it detects the alert signal on the local NOAA weather channel. 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 4 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
5 Text Input — Lets you input a text label for each channel, priority channel and limit search bank. Lock-Out Function — Set the scanner to skip over specified channels or frequencies when scanning, searching or moving through frequencies in the car number operation. Key Lock — Lock the scanner’s keys to prevent accidentally changing the scanner’s programming. Two Supplied Antennas with BNC Connector — Select the antenna that best meets your needs. The supplied stub antenna helps your scanner receive strong local signals and makes the scanner easy to carry and use at events. The supplied flexible antenna provides excellent reception of weaker signals and is designed to help prevent antenna breakage. 16-Character, 4-Line Alphanumeric Display — Shows you detailed operating information clearly. Display Backlight — Makes the scanner easy to read in low light situations. Three Power Options — Power the scanner from internal batteries (non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) or regular or high capacity Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium) batteries), external AC power (using optional adapters), or 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 5 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
6vehicle battery power (using optional adapters). Your scanner can receive all of these frequencies: 28-54 MHz 108-136.9875 MHz 137-174 MHz 406-512 MHz 806-823.9875 MHz 849-868.9875 MHz 894-960 MHz This Owner’s Manual also includes the section “A General Guide To Scanning” on Page 60 to help you target frequency ranges in your service area so you can search for a wide variety of transmissions. FCC NOTICE Your scanner might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To determine whether your scanner is causing the interference, turn off your scanner. If the interference goes away, your scanner is causing it. Try to eliminate the interference by: moving your scanner away from the receiver connecting your scanner to an outlet that is on a different electrical circuit from the receiver 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 6 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
7 contacting your local RadioShack store for help If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop using your scanner. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device must not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. SCANNING LEGALLY Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph) services. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive.Ô However, there are some transmissions you should never intentionally listen to. These include: telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmission) pager transmissions any scrambled or encrypted transmissions According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for Ô NOTE Ô Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in some areas. Check the laws in your area. ! IMPORTANT !The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling Seal on the rechargeable (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 rechargeable 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 rechargeable battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. RadioShack’s involvement in this program is part of the company’s commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources. 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 7 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
8intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the contents of such a transmission unless you have the consent of a party to the communication (unless such activity is otherwise illegal). This scanner has been designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions. This is done to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured so as to not be easily modifiable to pick up those transmissions. Do not open your scanner’s case to make any modifications that could allow it to pick up transmissions that it is not legal to listen to. Doing so could subject you to legal penalties. We encourage responsible, legal scanner use. PREPARATION INSTALLING BATTERIES You can power your scanner with three AA batteries (not supplied).Ô You can use either the black non- rechargeable battery holder or the yellow rechargeable battery holder (both supplied) to hold the batteries. If you use the yellow battery holder, we recommend nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries (not supplied). o 1. Press down on the battery compartment cover then slide the cover in the direction of the arrow to remove it. ÔBATTERY 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 more, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can damage electronic parts. o WARNING o Never install non- rechargeable batteries in the yellow rechargeable battery holder. Non- rechargeable batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge them. 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 8 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
9 2. If you are using non- rechargeable batteries, place them into the black holder, as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked on the holder. Or, if you are using rechargeable batteries, place them into the yellow holder as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked on the holder. 3. Place the battery holder into the battery compartment. 4. Replace the cover. When Low Battery! appears on the display and the scanner beeps, or if the scanner stops operating properly, replace the batteries. Charging Rechargeable Batteries Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you charge rechargeable batteries while they are in the scanner. To charge rechargeable batteries, you need to use an AC adapter which supplies 6V (RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1758) or a DC adapter which supplies 6V (RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1859). Connect a size B Adaptaplug to the adapter’s cable with the tip set to positive then insert the Adaptaplug into the scanner’s PWR DC 6V jack.Ô It takes between 14 and 16 hours to recharge Ni-MH or 7 and 8 hours to recharge Ni-Cd batteries that are fully discharged. You can operate the scanner while CAUTIONS The battery holder fits only one way inside the battery compartment. Do not force it. Ô NOTES Ô Do not overcharge Ni-Cd batteries. Overcharging causes them to get hot and shortens their life. Ni-Cd batteries last longer and deliver more power if you occasionally let them fully discharge. To do this, simply use the scanner until Low Battery! flashes on the display and the scanner beeps. Then fully charge the batteries. 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 9 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM
10recharging the batteries, but charging takes longer. USING AC POWER You can power the scanner using a 6V, 300-mA AC adapter and a size B Adaptaplug™ adapter (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store. To power the scanner using an AC adapter, attach the Adaptaplug to the AC adapter so the tip reads positive (+), then insert the Adaptaplug into the scanner’s PWR DC 6V jack. Connect the other end of the adapter to a standard AC outlet. USING A 12V POWER S OURCE You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power source (such as a cigarette-lighter socket) using a 6V, 300-mA DC adapter and a size B Adaptaplug (neither supplied.) Both are available at your local RadioShack store. To power the scanner using a DC adapter, attach the Adaptaplug to the DC adapter so the tip reads positive (+), set the adapter’s voltage switch to 6V, then insert the Adaptaplug into the scanner’s PWR DC 6V jack. Plug the other end of the DC adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette-lighter socket.Ô CAUTION You must use a power source that supplies 6V DC and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s PWR DC 6V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter. ! Ô NOTES Ô If you use a cigarette- lighter power cable and your vehicle’s engine is running, you might hear electrical noise from the engine while scanning. This is normal. 20-515Change01_04.fm Page 10 Friday, January 16, 2004 1:14 PM