Radio shack pro 97 Scanner manual Cat 20-527 PRO-97 1,000 Channel Triple Trunking Hand Held Scanner Please read this users guide before installing, setting up and using your new product www.radioshack.com . Contents Thank you for purchasing your Pro-97 1,000 channel tripple trunking hand held scanner from RadioShack. Your hand held scanner is one of a new generation of scanners designed to track Motorola® Type I and II (such as Smartnet® and Privacy Plus®) and hybrid analog trunking systems, GE- Ericsson (EDACS®) type systems, and EF Johnson (LTR) type systems which are extensively used in many communication systems. 2users guide quick start guide preprogrammed frequency addendum Scanner Antenna Belt clip Non- rechargeable battery holder Rechargeable battery holder . The Basics contents your scanners controls 7 power sources 12 using batteries 12 charging rechargeable batteries 14 using AC power 15 using vehicle battery power 16 connecting an earphone/headphones 16 listening safely 17 traffic safety 17 connecting an extension speaker 17 connecting the supplied antenna 18 connecting an optional external antenna 18 using the belt clip 19 transferring data to or from another scanner or PC 19 quick start 20 understanding your scanners modes 20 AM mode 20 FM mode 21 CTCSS (CT) mode 21 DCS (DC) mode 21 Motorola mode 22 EDACS mode 24 LTR mode 25 open and closed modes 26 setting up your scanner 28 turning on the scanner and setting squelch 28 storing known frequencies into channels 29 CTCSS and DCS 31 storing trunking frequencies into channels 33 3   . The Basics storing text tags 34 assigning a text tag to a channel 34 assigning a text tag to a group ID 35 assigning a tex tage to a bank 35 text input chart 36 finding and storing active frequencies 37 searching a preprogrammed frequency range 37 band charts 38 search bank: SR0 marine band 38 search bank: SR1 CB band 40 search bank: SR2 FRS/GMRS/MURS band 40 search bank: SR3 police/fi re band 41 search bank: SR4 aircraft 42 search bank: SR5 amateur band 43 search bank: SR6 programmable limit search 43 searching active frequencies in a range 43 manually tuning a frequency 45 listening to the weather band 45 listening to a weather channel 46 SAME standby mode 46 WX Alert and beep tone confi rmation 47 Skywarn 48 using frequency copy 48 copying a frequency into a specifi ed channel 48 copying a frequency into an empty channel within a bank 49 copying a frequency into the priority channel 50 Signal Stalker II 50 using Signal Stalker II 51 using Signal Stalker II with lockout 51 scanning channels 52 turning channel-starage banks off and on 52 monitoring a single channel/power save circuit 53 4 . The Basics using CTCSS and DCS 53 deleting frequencies from channels 54 deleting all frequencies in a channel bank 54 using dealy 55 locking out channels or frequencies 55 locking out channels 55 reviewing locked-out channels 56 locking out frequencies 56 reviewing locked-out frequencies 56 clearing a locked-out frequency 57 clearing all locked-out frequencies in a search bank 57 priority 57 changing the receive mode 59 using the attenuator 60 turning the key tone on and off 61 using the display/key backlight 61 using the keylock 63 changing the display contrast 63 cloning the programmed data 64 trunking 65 how trunking works 65 setting squelch for trunking mode 67 programming trunking frequencies 67 programming Motorola trunking systems (UHF-Lo) 69 programming Motorola trunking systems (800 MHz) 71 programming fl eet maps 71 talk group IDs 73 storing talk group IDs 73 talk group ID hold 76 turning an ID sub-bank on or off 76 locking out talk group IDs 77 delay function in ID indication mode 77 reviewing locked-out talk group IDs 78 5   . The Basics clearing talk group IDs 78 clearing all talk group IDs in a single bank 78 changing the open/closed mode 79 care 80 service and repair 80 birdie frquencies 80 specifi cations 81 initializing your scanner 84 The FCC wants you to know 85 scanning legally 85 glossary 86 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 87 warranty 88 Hypersearch, Hyperscan, and Adaptaplug are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation. Motorola, Smartnet, ASTRO and Privacy Plus are registered trademarks of Motorla Inc. EDACS is a registered trademark of MA-COM Inc. LTR is a registered trademark of EF Johnson. 6 . The Basics your scanners controls SCAN/ scans through the programmed channels, or activates the Signal Stalker II function. FUNC (function) lets you use various functions by pressing this key in combination with other keys. MAN stops scanning and lets you directly enter a channel number. TRUNK stores the trunking ID code or holds the trunking ID while scanning. WX/ scans through the seven preprogrammed weather channels, or jumps to a Skywarn channel you programmed (997-999). PRI (Priority) sets and turns the priority function on or off. TEXT lets you input text. PSE stops search. MODE changes the receive mode (AM, FM, CT, DC, MO, ED, LT). LIGht/ turns on/off the backlight, or when used with FUNC locks/unlocks the keypad to prevent accidental entries. 7   . The Basics ATT (Attenuate) turns attenuation on to reduce the scanners sensitivity and block extremely strong signals, or turns it off to return the sensitivity to normal. TUNE lets you input a frequency and allows you to fine tune a frequency along with e or d. (up and down arrows) e or d selects the scan or search direction. E is up arrow. D is down arrow. SRCH lets you search the seven search banks. L/OUT (Lock Out) lets you lock out a selected channel, skip a specified frequency during search, or lock out a selected ID code. ENT completes the entry of frequencies and text. PGM (Program) programs frequencies into channels. 8 . The Basics 0 enters a zero, or inputs characters ., -, #, _, @, +, *, &, /, ,, $, %, !, ^, (, ), ?, ~, , or .. 1 enters a 1, or inputs characters 0 through 9 in text mode. 2/ABC enters a 2, or inputs characters A, B, or C. 3/DEF enters a 3, or inputs characters D, E, or F. 4/GHI enters a 4, or inputs characters G, H, or I. 5/JKL enters a 5, or inputs characters J, K, or L. 6/MNO enters a 6, or inputs characters M, N, or O. 7/PQRS enters a 7, or inputs characters P, Q, R, or S. 8/TUV enters an 8, or inputs characters T, U, or V. 9/WXYZ enters a 9, or inputs characters W, X, Y, or Z. CL (Clear) clears an incorrect entry. ./DELAY enters a decimal point (necessary when programming frequencies), space, or programs delay time for the selected channel/search bank, or enters a hyphen (in trunking ID setting). 9   . The Basics PWR DC 9V connect a power source here. Located on left side of radio. PC/IF connect an optional PC interface cable here to use the scanner with your computer. Located on right side of radio. 10 . The Basics ANT connect the supplied antenna or an external antenna here. Located on top left of radio. Headphones connect an earphone or headphone here. Located on top middle of radio. OFF VOL/SQ turn the scanner on or off and adjust the squelch. Located on top right of radio. 11   . The Basics power sources You can power your scanner from any of these sources: internal non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable batteries (not supplied see Using Batteries). standard AC power (with an optional AC adapter see Using AC Power). vehicle power (with an optional DC adapter see Using Vehicle Battery Power). NotesNotes 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 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. If the scanner stops working properly after connecting it to power, try resetting it. See Initializing the Scanner. You must charge rechargeable batteries before you use them the first time. See Charging Rechargeable Batteries. using batteries You can power the scanner with four AA batteries (not supplied). For the longest operation and best performance, we recommend alkaline batteries, available at your local RadioShack store. You can use either the supplied non-rechargeable battery holder (black), or the supplied rechargeable battery holder (yellow). If you use the rechargeable battery holder, we 12 . The Basics recommend RadioShack nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. You must charge rechargeable batteries before you use them the first time. See Charging Rechargeable Batteries. Never install non-rechargeable batteries in the rechargeable yellow battery holder. Non-Rechargeable batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge Warning!Warning! them. NotesNotes The battery holder fits only one way. Do not force it. Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type. Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that destroy electronic circuits. Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (alkaline or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities. If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for a month or longer, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts. Follow these steps to install the batteries. 1. Press in on the battery compartment cover on the back of the scanner and slide the cover down to remove it. 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. 13   . The Basics 5. Replace the cover. When battery power is low, Low battery! appears and the scanner beeps continuously. 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. NotesNotes Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not bury or burn them. If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for a month or longer, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts. charging rechargeable batteries Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you charge nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) or nickel cadmium (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 (Ni-MH) 1600 mAh batteries. NotesNotes 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. RadioShacks involvement in this program is part of the companys commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources. 14 . The Basics It takes about 16 hours to recharge fully discharged 1600 mAh Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. You can operate the scanner while recharging the rechargeable batteries, but charging takes longer. The scanner can also charge Ni-Cd batteries. 600 mAh batteries require 6 hours and 850 mAh batteries require 8 hours to charge. NotesNotes When you charge rechargeable 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 until Low battery! appears. Then fully charge the rechargeable batteries. 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. 1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapters cord with the tip set to positive. ou must use a 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 scanners PWR DC 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter. 2. Plug the adapters barrel plug into the scanners PWR DC 9V jack. 3. Plug the adapters two-prong plug into an AC outlet. NotesNotes 15   . The Basics using vehicle battery power You can power the scanner from a vehicles 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. 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 DC NotesNotes 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter. 1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapters cord with the tip set to positive. 2. Plug the adapters barrel plug into the scanners PWR DC 9V jack. 3. Plug the adapters cigarette-lighter plug into your 12V power source. NotesNotes 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 adapters internal fuse. 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, in the jack on top of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker. 16 . The Basics listening safely To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or 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 discomfort might damage your hearing. Avoid or limit listening at high volume levels. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause permanent hearing loss. traffi c safety Do not wear an earphone or headphones while you drive a vehicle or ride a bicycle. This can create a traffi c hazard and can be illegal in some areas. Even though some earphones and headphones let you hear some outside sounds when you listen at normal levels, they still can present a traffi c hazard. connecting an extension speaker In a noisy area, an amplified speaker (not supplied), available at your local RadioShack store, might provide more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cables 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into your scanners jack. 17   . The Basics connecting the supplied antenna To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the antenna jack on the top of your scanner, align the slots around the antennas connector with the tabs on the antenna jack. Press the antenna down over the jack and turn the antennas 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 lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If your antennas cable does not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC adapter (not supplied, available at your local RadioShack store). Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to the scanner, then connect it to the antenna jack. 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 Warning!Warning! 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. 18 . The Basics using the belt clip To make your scanner easier to carry when you are on the go, use the supplied belt clip by attaching it to the back of the scanner. To remove the battery clip, slide it upward while pulling the tab toward you. transferring data to or from another scanner or PC You can transfer the programmed data to and from another PRO-97 scanner using a connecting cable which has 1/8 -inch phone plugs on both ends (not supplied). Connect the cable between each scanners PC/IF jacks. See Cloning the Programmed Data. You can also upload or download the programmed data to or from a PC using an optional PC interface kit available through your local RadioShack store. 19   . The Basics quick start To help familiarize yourself with the scanners functions, keypad, and available frequencies, you can utilize one of these four features before you begin programming the scanner. Signal Stalker II searches nearby strong signals quickly. See Signal Stalker II. Preprogrammed Search Banks allow you to listen to frequencies and decide which frequencies you want to store when you are ready to program the scanner. See Searching a Preprogrammed Frequency Range. Manual Tuning allows you to manually move through the entire range of available frequencies. (See Specifications for a list of the available frequency ranges.) Weather Radio allows you to listen to NOAA weather broadcasts without programming. See Listening to the Weather Band. understanding your scanners modes You can program each channel with any of seven receive modes (AM, FM, CT, DC, MO, ED, and LT). Each receive mode affects how your scanner operates when scanning and receiving transmissions. Your scanners closed mode lets you hear only those Trunked modes (MO, ED and LT) can only be selected for frequencies above 137 MHz. NotesNotes trunking talkgroups you specify. For more information, see Open and Closed Modes. AM mode The AM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using amplitude modulation (AM), primarily used for aircraft, 20 . The Basics military, some amateur radio, and some government transmissions. (Refer to Specifications for a list of the frequencies covered.) When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the AM mode, it always stops on the transmission. FM mode The FM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM), used for most public safety transmissions, as well as broadcast, business, and amateur radio transmissions. When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the FM mode, it always stops on the transmission. CTCSS (CT) mode CTCSS mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) with Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) subaudible tone codes. CTCSS allows multiple users to share a single radio frequency without hearing each others transmissions. In your PRO-97 scanner, the CTCSS feature can be used to block the reception of transmissions on shared channel to only those that use the CTCSS mode also features a Code Search setting that allows you to instantly display and store unknown codes into the channel memory. CTCSS tones can sometimes be heard as a low hum in the background of a voice transmission. DCS (DC) mode DCS mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions using frequency modulation (FM) with Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) subaudible data signaling. DCS is very similar to CTCSS, except that 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 others 21   . The Basics transmissions. In your PRO-97 scanner, the DCS feature can be used to block the reception 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. Motorola mode You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with Motorola trunking systems. This setting is called the Motorola mode. Motorola systems are trunking systems used primarily by business and public safety groups to efficiently allocate a small number of frequencies (as few as five) to many groups of users (as many as several thousand). To do this, each group of users in the system is assigned to a specifi c talk group. For example, the east side patrol officers might all be assigned to talk group 2160. One channel in the system is continuously transmitting data that identifies which talk groups are active on which channel. In addition, this talk group 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 talk group ID data included with the transmission. In the open mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the talk group ID matches a talk group ID that you have stored in the 22 . The Basics banks talk group ID list and have not locked out. Motorola trunking systems come in three categories: Type I, Type II, and Type I/II Hybrid. Each category displays and uses talk group IDs in slightly different ways. Motorola Type II IDs are in the form FFF-SS, where; FFF=Fleet ID SS=Subfl eet ID Type I systems are usually organized with different user groups assigned to different fl eets. where 000 identifies all police users and 12 identifi es the detectives within a police department might be 000-12, For example, a valid fl eet-subfleet ID identifying all NotesNotes 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 receive quality of the control channel signal. To properly map the raw Type I data to the correct fl eetsubfleet 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 system talk groups are identified by a 5-digit number. Valid talk group IDs are divisible by 16. If you try to enter an invalid talk group ID, the scanner rounds the ID down to the next valid ID. Type I/II hybrid systems use both fl eet-subfl eet and 5-digit formats for talk group IDs. If the scanner decodes control channel data while receiving transmissions from a Motorola trunking system, CNTRL appears on the bottom line of the display. NotesNotes 23   . The Basics EDACS mode You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with EDACS (GE/Ericsson) trunking systems. This setting is called the EDACS mode. EDACS systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers, as well as by some public safety organizations. EDACS systems transmit active talk group information only on a dedicated control channel. EDACS frequencies are organized in a specifi c order. Each frequency is assigned a Logical Channel Number (LCN). For the scanner to correctly switch to an active frequency, you must program the frequencies in LCN order, starting with Memory 01. EDACS talk group 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 talk group. In the open mode, the scanner then goes to the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only goes to transmissions with IDs that match talk group IDs you have stored in the banks talk group ID list which are not locked out. Because EDACS scanning requires clear reception of the control channel at all times, EDACS systems tend to have a smaller usable area. An external antenna can greatly improve EDACS scanning in a fringe area. If you are having trouble scanning an EDACS system, try manually selecting the data channel. If you are getting good reception, the scanner will indicate talk group CTL-01. Try changing your location or using an outdoor antenna to improve reception. 24 . The Basics LTR mode You can set your scanner so it decodes the talk group IDs used with LTR systems. This setting is called the LTR mode. LTR frequencies are organized in a specifi c order. Each frequency is assigned a Home Repeater Number (HR). For the scanner to correctly switch to an active frequency, you must program the frequencies in HR order, starting with Memory X01 in the selected bank. Your PRO-97 scanner features a new tool to help you determine the correct channel mapping for LTR system frequencies. The scanners LTR Repeater Finder displays the current Home Repeater when monitoring LTR transmissions in manual mode. To determine the correct Home Repeater programming, enter the system channels of an LTR system in any order. Be sure to program the mode for each LTR channel to LT. Listen to each channel one at a time in manual mode and watch for the decoded LTR data at the bottom of the scanners display. When an LTR transmission occurs, you should see the LTR talkgroup information on the bottom line of the display, and a number preceded by R in the bottom right hand corner (i.e., R12). The R number is the Home Repeater number that the current transmission is occurring on. To correctly program this Home Repeater number into your scanner, be sure that the channel number in the bank is equal to the number that is displayed after the R. For example, if you see R12 displayed on a particular LTR frequency, that frequency needs to be programmed into Channel 12 of the current bank in order to track the LTR system activity properly. LTR systems are trunking systems used primarily by business or private communications service providers, such as taxicabs, delivery trucks, and repair services. These systems encode all trunking information as digital subaudible data that accompanies each transmission. Users on an 25   . The Basics LTR system are assigned to specific talk groups, which are identified by the radio as six-digit numbers. These numbers are in the form AHHUUU, where: A = Area code (0 or 1) H = Home repeater (01 through 20) U = User ID (000 through 254) When the scanner receives a transmission on a channel set to the LTR mode, it first decodes the LTR data included with the transmission. In the open mode, the scanner stops on the transmission and displays the talk group ID on the bottom line of the display. In the closed mode, the scanner only stops on the transmission if the LTR data matches a talk group ID that you have stored in the banks talk group ID list and have ================================================================================ **Disclaimer:** This guide is volunteer-submitted and provided "as is" without warranty. 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