User manual RADIOSHACK PRO-97

Cat 20-527 PRO-97 1,000 Channel Triple Trunking Hand Held Scanner Please read this user's 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, GEEricsson (EDACS®) type systems, and EF Johnson (LTR) type systems which are extensively used in many communication systems. user's guide · quick start guide · preprogrammed frequency addendum Belt clip Scanner Antenna Nonrechargeable battery holder Rechargeable battery holder 2 The Basics contents your scanner's controls power sources using batteries charging rechargeable batteries using AC power using vehicle battery power connecting an earphone/headphones listening safely traffic safety connecting an extension speaker connecting the supplied antenna connecting an optional external antenna using the belt clip transferring data to or from another scanner or PC 7 12 12 14 15 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 19 19 quick start understanding your scanner's modes AM mode FM mode CTCSS (CT) mode DCS (DC) mode Motorola mode EDACS mode LTR mode open and closed modes 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 24 25 26 setting up your scanner turning on the scanner and setting squelch storing known frequencies into channels 28 28 29 CTCSS and DCS storing trunking frequencies into channels 31 33 3 The Basics storing text tags assigning a text tag to a channel assigning a text tag to a group ID assigning a tex tage to a bank text input chart 34 34 35 35 36 finding and storing active frequencies searching a preprogrammed frequency range band charts search bank: SR0 marine band search bank: SR1 CB band search bank: SR2 FRS/GMRS/MURS band search bank: SR3 police/fire band search bank: SR4 aircraft search bank: SR5 amateur band search bank: SR6 programmable limit search searching active frequencies in a range manually tuning a frequency listening to the weather band listening to a weather channel SAME standby mode WX Alert and beep tone confirmation Skywarn using frequency copy copying a frequency into a specified channel copying a frequency into an empty channel within a bank copying a frequency into the priority channel Signal Stalker II using Signal Stalker II using Signal Stalker II with lockout scanning channels turning channel-starage banks off and on monitoring a single channel/power save circuit 37 37 38 38 40 40 41 42 43 43 43 45 45 46 46 47 48 48 48 49 50 50 51 51 52 52 53 4 The Basics using CTCSS and DCS deleting frequencies from channels deleting all frequencies in a channel bank using dealy locking out channels or frequencies locking out channels reviewing locked-out channels locking out frequencies reviewing locked-out frequencies clearing a locked-out frequency clearing all locked-out frequencies in a search bank priority changing the receive mode using the attenuator turning the key tone on and off using the display/key backlight using the keylock changing the display contrast cloning the programmed data 53 54 54 55 55 55 56 56 56 57 57 57 59 60 61 61 63 63 64 trunking how trunking works setting squelch for trunking mode programming trunking frequencies programming Motorola trunking systems (UHF-Lo) programming Motorola trunking systems (800 MHz) programming fleet maps talk group IDs storing talk group IDs talk group ID hold turning an ID sub-bank on or off locking out talk group IDs delay function in ID indication mode reviewing locked-out talk group IDs 65 65 67 67 69 71 71 73 73 76 76 77 77 78 5 The Basics clearing talk group IDs clearing all talk group IDs in a single bank changing the open/closed mode 78 78 79 care service and repair birdie frquencies 80 80 80 specifications initializing your scanner 81 84 The FCC wants you to know scanning legally 85 85 glossary FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) warranty 86 87 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 scanner's 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). / -- turns on/off the backlight, or when used with FUNC locks/unlocks the keypad to prevent accidental entries. 7 The Basics TUNE -- lets you input a frequency and allows you to fine tune a frequency along with e or d. ATT (Attenuate) -- turns attenuation on to reduce the scanner's sensitivity and block extremely strong signals, or turns it off to return the sensitivity to normal. e or d -- selects the scan or search direction. 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. PGM (Program) -- programs frequencies into channels. ENT -- completes the entry of frequencies and text. 8 The Basics 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. 0 -- enters a zero, or inputs characters ., -, #, _, @, +, *, &, /, ,, $, %, !, ^, (, ), ?, ~, `, or . ./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). CL (Clear) -- clears an incorrect entry. 9 The Basics PWR DC 9V -- connect a power source here. PC/IF -- connect an optional PC interface cable here to use the scanner with your computer. 10 The Basics ANT -- connect the supplied antenna or an external antenna here. -- connect an earphone or headphone here. OFF VOL/SQ -- turn the scanner on or off and adjust the squelch. 11 The Basics power sources You can power your scanner from any of these sources: · · · Notes 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"). 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". Warning! 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. 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. Notes 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". Notes 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 (NiCD) 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 nickelmetal hydride (Ni-MH) 1600 mAh batteries. Notes 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 involvement in this program is part of the company's 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. Notes 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 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 adapter's cord with the tip set to positive. You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 9V Notes 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 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter. 2. Plug the adapter's barrel plug into the scanner's PWR DC 9V jack. 3. Plug the adapter's two-prong plug into an AC outlet. 15 The Basics using vehicle battery power 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 AdaptaplugTM adapter (neither supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store. Notes 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 scanner's PWR DC 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter. 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 Notes connect a DC adapter, unplug the DC adapter from the power source and clean the socket, or check the adapter's 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. · · traffic safety Do not wear an earphone or headphones while you drive a vehicle or ride a bicycle. This can create a traffic 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 traffic 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 cable's 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into your scanner's 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 antenna's connector with the tabs 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 lengths 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). Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna, route the antenna cable to the scanner, then connect it to the antenna jack. Warning! 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. 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 scanner's 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 scanner's 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 scanner's 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. Notes Trunked modes (MO, ED and LT) can only be selected for frequencies above 137 MHz. Your scanner's closed mode lets you hear only those 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 other's 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 other's 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 specific 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 bank's 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=Subfleet ID Type I systems are usually organized with different user groups assigned to different fleets. Notes 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 receive quality of the control channel signal. To properly map the raw Type I data to the correct fleetsubfleet 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 fleet-subfleet and 5-digit formats for talk group IDs. Notes If the scanner decodes control channel data while receiving transmissions from a Motorola trunking system, CNTRL appears on the bottom line of the display. 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 specific 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 bank's 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 specific 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 scanner's 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 scanner's 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 bank's talk group ID list and have not locked out. LTR systems are frequently programmed so that each radio has a unique ID code. open and closed modes You can set your scanner to change the way it receives signals. These settings, called open mode and closed mode, affect how the scanner receives signals from communications systems that use some type of closed squelch (such as Motorola, EDACS, and LTR systems). Notes In open mode, you hear all active talk groups except those you specifically exclude, making it easy to hear everything going on. In closed mode, you hear only those talk groups you specify. This makes it easy to listen only to talk groups you are interested in and exclude others. When you select a system voice channel manually, any transmission opens squelch, regardless of the current mode. 26 The Basics When no ID code is programmed into the scanner, it receives the signal in MO, ED, or LT mode. In open mode, the scanner stops on any transmission. If the ID is stored, the text tag appears on the display. Otherwise, the talk group ID appears on the display. In closed mode, the scanner only stops on a transmission if the ID is stored. You can set each of the scanner's channel storage banks to open or closed mode. In open mode, the scanner scans signals transmitted in all systems. The scanner stops on any ID code and only uses the ID list to look up ID text tags. In closed mode, the scanner stops only on signals that have an ID code which is found in the ID list for the bank. Also, the scanner scans signals transmitted only under the following conditions: · · When the signals are in the FM, CT, or DC mode. When the signals are in the MO, ED, or LT mode and the signal's ID code matches the programmed ID code You can also select the user or talk groups you want the scanner to receive in closed mode. When you set a channel storage bank to open mode, + appears under the bank's number while scanning. When you set a channel storage bank to closed mode, - appears under the channel storage bank's number while scanning. OPEN or CLOSED appears while the scanner is in manual mode or while the scanner is receiving a signal during scanning. See "Changing the Open/Closed Mode" for more information about setting the open and closed modes. 27 The Basics setting up your scanner turning on the scanner and setting squelch 1. To turn on the scanner, turn VOL clockwise. Multi-system Trunking Scanner appears. After about 3 seconds, you might hear a hissing sound. Then adjust VOL to a comfortable level. 2. Turn SQ fully counterclockwise, then turn SQ clockwise until the hissing sound stops. 3. To turn off the scanner, turn VOL counterclockwise to OFF. The scanner does not scan if there are no frequencies Notes stored in channels. If the scanner does not scan and you have already stored frequencies in channels, turn SQ further clockwise. If the scanner picks up unwanted, partial, or very weak transmissions, turn SQ clockwise to decrease the scanner's sensitivity to these signals. If you want to listen to a weak or distant station, turn SQ counterclockwise. If SQ is adjusted so you always hear a hissing sound, the scanner will not scan properly. To ensure the scanner operates properly while in the trunking mode, we suggest you set SQ using the steps listed above. If SQ is adjusted precisely at the threshold where the hissing sound stops, the radio will be most sensitive to very weak signals. The radio may also receive unwanted noise or signals that are too weak to understand. Most users prefer to position the squelch control a little bit past the point of threshold to avoid receiving noise or signals that are too weak to understand. 28 The Basics storing known frequencies into channels 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. Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels. Notes If you are storing frequencies for an EDACS system, you must store them in order, with the first frequency in channel 1 for the current bank. For example, if you want to store frequency of 150.0100, 150.0200, 150.0300, and 150.0400 MHz, you must store them in Channels 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. When M appears on the display, you can use FUNC and the arrow keys to select your desired bank and channel number. 1. Press MAN, enter the bank (0-9) and channel number (0099) where you want to store a frequency, then press MAN again. M and the bank and channel number appear at the upper left corner of the display (for example: M000). Notes Press FUNC. Then press e or d. The bank number moves in the direction of the arrow pressed. Press FUNC. Then hold down e or d. The bank number moves continuously in the assigned direction. Press e. The channel number moves upward one by one. Or, press d. The channel number moves downward one by one. 29 Beyond the Basics 2. Press PGM. M changes to P. 3. Use the number keys and ./DELAY to enter the frequency (including the decimal point) you want to store. If you make a mistake, press CL to delete a single digit or press and hold CL about 2 seconds to delete all digits. 4. Press ENT to store the frequency into the channel. If you made a mistake in Step 3, Invalid Freq. briefly Notes appears and the scanner beeps when you press ENT. Start again from Step 3. Your scanner automatically rounds the entered frequency to the nearest valid frequency. For example, if you enter a frequency of 151.553, your scanner accepts it as 151.550. All scanners tune by steps. Your RadioShack scanner uses steps consistent with the latest US or worldwide standards. If you enter a non-valid step frequency, any scanner will tune to the next step. Some scanner designs do this without showing the correct step in the display. This scanner will show the actual tuned frequency in the display. Because steps are so close together, the audio quality will not be affected by the offset. After a transmission, the scanner automatically pauses for 2 seconds on this channel before proceeding to the next active transmission. Press ./DELAY to turn the delay function off or on. See "Using Delay". The scanner stores this setting in the channel. 5. If necessary, press MODE to change the receiving mode. 6. If desired, program a text tag for the channel (see "Assigning a Text Tag to a Channel"). 7. The next channel in sequence is ready for programming. Press PGM then repeat steps 3 through 6. 30 Beyond the Basics CTCSS and DCS Your PRO-97 scanner features an advanced, DSP based CTCSS and DCS decoder. CTCSS and DCS allow you to program frequencies into your scanner that are used by more than one group in your area and listen only to the group that is of interest to you by specifying the group's specific CTCSS or DCS code. CTCSS and DCS can also help reduce instances where interfering signals cause your scanner to stop on one channel. There are two ways you can program your scanner to operate with CTCSS and DCS. If you know the CTCSS or DCS code that is used on a particular frequency, you can manually enter the code when you are programming the scanner, or any time afterwards. You can also set a special search code up that will instantly decode the CTCSS or DCS code on a received transmission. Channels programmed with the search code will receive all traffic on the channel, and will instantly decode and display any CTCSS or DCS code that is found with the transmission. You can then store the found code in the channel memory with one keystroke. This section of the manual describes the process for configuring a memory channel for CTCSS or DCS operation and manually programming a known code. For more information on using the CTCSS and DCS feature while scanning, see "Using CTCSS and DCS". To program channel memories for CTCSS or DCS operation, follow these steps: 1. First, enter a conventional frequency. See "Storing Known Frequencies into Channels". 2. Once you have entered the frequency, press MODE until the desired mode appears in the upper left hand corner of the display. Use CT for CTCSS, and DC for DCS. 31 Beyond the Basics 3. By default, the search code (indicated with Code Search in the bottom of the display) is programmed. To program a specific code, press FUNC, MODE, and then use the arrow keys to scroll to the desired CTCSS or DCS code. You can also use the keypad to enter the code manually. Note that the scanner will automatically fill the code field as you enter the code. 4. Once the desired code is selected, press ENT to store the code in the channel memory. 5. It is possible to program memory channels for CTCSS or DCS operation at any time. Simply place the scanner in program mode, navigate to the channel you wish to change, and follow the steps above. 6. When stopped on an active conventional channel while scanning, you can press MODE to cycle through the valid modes for that channel, including CTCSS and DCS. This will reset any stored CT or DC code to the search code, allowing you to easily check for other CT or DC codes that may be present on the frequency. CTCSS, DCS and digital voice all operate independently Notes of each other. If a channel is configured for CTCSS or DCS, it will not be able to decode digital transmissions. Use the FM mode when mixed analog and digital voice reception is desired. CTCSS Code Table: 67.0 Hz 69.3 Hz 71.9 Hz 74.4 Hz 77.0 Hz 79.7 Hz 94.8 Hz 97.4 Hz 100.0 Hz 103.5 Hz 107.2 Hz 110.9 Hz 131.8 Hz 136.5 Hz 141.3 Hz 146.2 Hz 151.4 Hz 156.7 Hz 171.3 Hz 173.8 Hz 177.3 Hz 179.9 Hz 183.5 Hz 186.2 Hz 203.5 Hz 206.5 Hz 210.7 Hz 218.1 Hz 225.7 Hz 229.1 Hz 32 Beyond the Basics 82.5 Hz 85.4 Hz 88.5 Hz 91.5 Hz 114.8 Hz 118.8 Hz 123.0 Hz 127.3 Hz 159.8 Hz 162.2 Hz 165.5 Hz 167.9 Hz 189.9 Hz 192.8 Hz 196.6 Hz 199.5 Hz 233.6 Hz 241.8 Hz 250.3 Hz 254.1 Hz DCS Code Table: 006 007 015 017 021 023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047 050 051 053 054 065 071 072 073 074 114 115 116 122 125 131 132 134 141 143 145 152 155 156 162 165 172 174 205 212 214 223 225 226 243 244 245 246 251 252 255 261 263 265 266 271 274 306 311 315 325 331 332 343 346 351 356 364 365 371 411 412 413 423 431 432 445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503 506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624 627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731 732 734 743 754 storing trunking frequencies into channels 1. Press PGM and FUNC then e or d to select the desired bank to program. 2. Press TRUNK to enter into trunking mode. 3. Repeatedly press MODE to select Motorola, EDACS, or LTR. 4. Press PGM and select the channel number using e or d. 5. Enter the UHF trunking frequency and press ENT. 33 Beyond the Basics 6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to enter the other trunking group frequencies for EDACS or additional control channel frequencies for Motorola systems. 7. If necessary, press MODE to change the receiving mode. storing text tags You can customize your scanner by storing text tags (up to 16 characters) for easy identification of channel transmissions, trunk IDs, or banks. assigning a text tag to a channel 1. Press MAN, enter the channel number where you want to enter the text, then press MAN again. M and the bank and channel number appear at the upper left corner of the display (for example: M100). 2. Press PGM. M changes to P. 3. Press TEXT. The cursor appears at the third line. 4. Enter the text using the numeral keys (see "Text Input Chart"). If you make a mistake, press e or d to move to the Notes character you want to change. For example, to identify amateur (ham) radio transmissions in the 6 meter range, input "HAM 6m" as follows: · "H" is the second letter associated with 4 on the keypad. Press 4 then 2. · "A" is the first letter associated with 2 on the keypad. Press 2 then 1. · "M" is the first letter associated with 6 on the keypad. 34 Beyond the Basics Press 6 then 1. · A space is entered by pressing ./DELAY. · "6" is the sixth number associated with 1 on the keypad. Press 1 then 6. · "m" is the first letter associated with 6 on the keypad. Press 6 and FUNC (for the lower case set), then press 1. 5. Press ENT to input the text. assigning a text tag to a group ID 1. Press PGM. 2. Press TRUNK. 3. Press FUNC then e or d to select the desired bank. 4. Press TRUNK to select the desired sub-bank. 5. Press or hold down e or d to select the desired group ID. 6. Press TEXT then enter the tag using the keypad. (See "Text Input Chart"). 7. Press ENT to store. assigning a text tag to a bank 1. Press PGM. 2. Press FUNC then press bank number. Bank X (0 through 9) selected. Fn+CLR to delete all frequencies, TEXT to edit tag appears. 3. Press TEXT, then enter the text using the keypad. 4. Press ENT to store. 35 Beyond the Basics text input chart To access the numbers, after you press TEXT (when you Notes assign the text tag to a channel) or you press FUNC and bank number (when you assign the text tag to a bank), press 1. Then press the desired number you want to enter. To enter lowercase character or a character from the second set for the key 0, press FUNC after pressing the first numeral key. PRESSED 1 2 2 then FUNC 3 3 then FUNC 4 4 then FUNC 5 5 then FUNC 6 6 then FUNC 7 7 then FUNC 8 8 then FUNC 9 9 then FUNC 0 0 then FUNC ·/DELAY CL CHARACTERS 0123456789 ABC abc DEF def GHI ghI JKL jkl MNO mno PQRS pqrs TUV tuv WXYZ wxyz .-#_@+*&/, $%!^()?~` Space Back Space 36 Beyond the Basics finding and storing active frequencies You can search for transmissions in the scanner's preprogrammed search bank. The search bank is divided into seven search bands. You can change the search range of Bank SR6 manually by setting the lower and higher ends of the search range. Notes You can use the scanner's delay feature while searching the search bank. See "Using Delay". The scanner does not search locked-out frequencies while searching ranges. See "Locking Out Channels or Frequencies". searching a preprogrammed frequency range The scanner contains these preprogrammed search ranges, stored in the search bank (SR0-SR6). Bank SR0 SR1 SR2 SR3 SR4 SR5 SR6 Band Marine CB FRS/GMRS/MURS Police/Fire Aircraft Amateur Bands Limit search (User changeable) Follow these steps to select preprogrammed search bands and search them for active frequencies: 1. Repeatedly press SRCH to select your desired search bank (SR0, SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4, SR5, or SR6). 37 Beyond the Basics 2. In the marine, CB, and FRS/GMRS/MURS bands, you can directly select a channel or search through the band. When MAN appears at the right of the third line, you can directly select a channel (refer to "Band Charts"). Press the desired channel number while MAN appears to select it. You can also change the channels by pressing e or d. 3. Press FUNC then SRCH while MAN appears. MAN changes to SRCH and now you can search through the band. Press FUNC then SRCH again to return to the previous mode. 4. Rotate SQ clockwise and leave it set to a point just after the rushing sound stops. After 2 seconds (if the delay feature is on), the scanner starts searching. 5. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops searching. band charts search bank: SR0 marine band Two frequencies are assigned in one channel in some Notes Marine frequencies. For example, 157.000 and 161.600 are assigned in Channel 20. Receive mode: FM Ch. 01 06 Frequency (MHz) 156.0500 156.3000 Ch. 05 07 Frequency (MHz) 156.2500 156.3500 38 Beyond the Basics 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 64 66 68 70 72 74 78 80 82 84 86 88 156.4000 156.5000 156.6000 156.7000 156.8000 156.9000 157.0000 161.6000 157.1000 157.2000 161.8000 157.3000 161.9000 157.4000 162.0000 156.2250 160.8250 156.3250 156.4250 156.5250 156.6250 156.7250 156.9250 157.0250 157.1250 157.2250 161.8250 157.3250 161.9250 157.4250 09 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 63 65 67 69 71 73 77 79 81 83 85 87 156.4500 156.5500 156.6500 156.7500 156.8500 156.9500 157.0500 157.1500 157.2500 161.8500 157.3500 161.9500 157.1750 156.2750 156.3750 156.4750 156.5750 156.6750 156.8750 156.9750 157.0750 157.1750 157.2750 161.8750 157.3750 161.9750 39 Beyond the Basics search bank: SR1 CB band Receive mode: AM Ch. 01 03 05 07 09 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 Frequency (MHz) 26.9650 26.9850 27.0150 27.0350 27.0650 27.0850 27.1150 27.1350 27.1650 27.1850 27.2150 27.2550 27.2450 27.2750 27.2950 27.3150 27.3350 27.3550 27.3750 27.3950 Ch. 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 Frequency (MHz) 26.9750 27.0050 27.0250 27.0550 27.0750 27.1050 27.1250 27.1550 27.1750 27.2050 27.2250 27.2350 27.2650 27.2850 27.3050 27.3250 27.3450 27.3650 27.3850 27.4050 search bank: SR2 FRS/GMRS/MURS band Receive Mode: FM Ch. 01 Frequency (MHz) 462.5625 Ch. 02 Frequency (MHz) 462.5875 40 Beyond the Basics 03 05 07 09 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 462.6125 462.6625 462.7125 467.5875 467.6375 467.6875 462.5500 462.6000 462.6500 462.7000 151.8200 151.9400 154.6000 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 462.6375 462.6875 467.5625 467.6125 467.6625 467.7125 462.5750 462.6250 462.6750 462.7250 151.8800 154.5700 search bank: SR3 police/fire band Receive Mode: FM Group 0 Frequency (MHz) 33.420 ­ 33.980 37.020 ­ 37.420 39.020 ­ 39.980 42.020 ­ 42.940 44.620 ­ 45.860 45.880 45.900 45.940 ­ 46.060 46.080 ­ 46.500 40 20 Step (kHz) 20 20 20 20 40 41 Beyond the Basics 1 153.770 ­ 154.130 154.145 ­ 154.445 154.650 ­ 154.950 155.010 ­ 155.370 155.415 ­ 155.700 155.730 ­ 156.210 158.730 ­ 159.210 166.250 170.150 2 453.0375 ­ 453.9625 458.0375 ­ 458.9625 460.0125 ­ 460.6375 465.0125 ­ 465.6375 3 851.0125 ­ 860.9875 866.0125 ­ 868.9875 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 25 12.5 60 15 15 60 15 60 60 search bank: SR4 aircraft Receive mode: AM Frequency (MHz) 108.000 ­ 136.99166 Notes Step (kHz) 8.33 All scanners tune by steps. Your RadioShack scanner uses steps consistent with the latest US or worldwide standards. If you enter a non-valid step frequency, any scanner will tune to the next step. Some scanner designs do this without showing the correct step in the display. This scanner will show the actual tuned frequency in the display. Because steps are so close together, the audio quality will not be affected by the offset. 42 Beyond the Basics search bank: SR5 amateur band Receive mode: FM Group 0 1 2 3 4 5 Frequency (MHz) 28.0000 ­ 29.7000 50.0000 ­ 54.0000 144.0000 ­ 148.0000 222.0000 ­ 225.0000 420.0000 ­ 450.0000 1240.0000 ­ 1300.0000 Step (kHz) 5 5 5 5 12.5 6.25 search bank: SR6 programmable limit search Receive mode: FM (Default setting) searching active frequencies in a range You can program the desired frequency range for a search. 1. Repeatedly press SRCH to select SR6. 2. Press PGM then SRCH. Enter SR6 Search Range Limits: appears and the cursor blinks L on the third line for the lower-end limit frequency. 3. Use the number keys and ./DELAY to enter the desired lower-end limit frequency (including the decimal point). 4. Press ENT to set the frequency. The cursor moves to U. If the entered frequency is incorrect, Invalid Freq. briefly appears. 5. Enter your desired upper-end frequency and press ENT. 6. Press SRCH to start searching. 43 Beyond the Basics 7. Rotate SQ clockwise and leave it set to a point just after the rushing sound stops. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops searching. You can copy and save a frequency into a specified bank, Notes channel, or priority channel when the scanner finds an active frequency. See "Using Frequency Copy" to save the frequency. The frequency copy works only in search banks 1 through 6. While the scanner is searching, you can use the seek search by pressing FUNC then 7. Seek Search ON. appears on the bottom line. The scanner stops at an active frequency for five seconds and restarts searching automatically. The scanner repeats this operation. You can set Zeromatic on or off by pressing FUNC then 0. Press FUNC then 0 again to reverse the Zeromatic setting. Whenever this feature is turned on, Zeromatic ON. briefly appears then ZM appears at the right of the second line and the scanner stops at the correct frequency. When you turn this feature off, ZM changes to small caps (zm) and the scanner stops when it detects an active signal. Zeromatic functions only in search banks 3, 4, 5 and 6. There are several group banks in SR3 Police/Fire and SR5 Amateur bands. You can turn off or on the groups by pressing the group numbers. For example to turn off 0, press 0. In the Air and Limit search bands, press FUNC then press e to start searching up from the lowest frequency or press d to start searching down from the highest frequency. Notes If you press PSE while searching, the scanner stops searching and *** PAUSED *** appears. Press PSE again, and the scanner resumes searching. 44 Beyond the Basics manually tuning a frequency You can manually set the scanner to move through all receivable frequencies, or select a specific frequency as a starting point. 1. Press TUNE. The currently-tuned frequency , *** PAUSED ***, and Fine Tune Mode appear. 2. Use the number keys to enter the frequency where you want the scanner to start. 3. Press ENT. 4. Press PSE. The scanner starts the tune operation. To change the tune direction, press e or d to tune up or down. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops on the frequency. 5. You can press FUNC TUNE while the scanner is stopped on a frequency in MANUAL mode to begin the TUNE function from that frequency. For example, if the scanner is stopped in MANUAL mode on channel 144 with frequency 145.31000 MHz, pressing FUNC TUNE will enter TUNE mode and automatically set the TUNE frequency for 145.31000 MHz. listening to the weather band The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has allocated channels for use by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Regulatory agencies in other countries have also allocated channels for use by their weather reporting authorities. NOAA and your local weather reporting authority broadcast your local forecast and regional weather information on one or more of these channels. 45 Beyond the Basics listening to a weather channel To hear your local forecast and regional weather information, press WX. Your scanner scans through the weather band then stops within a few seconds on the next available weather broadcast. SAME standby mode The National Weather Service precedes each weather alert with a digitally encoded SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) signal, then a 1050 Hz tone. The SAME signal includes a FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) area code, and an event code that corresponds with the type of alert being sent. You can configure your scanner to operate in SAME Standby mode, where it monitors a selected weather radio station for SAME alerts for areas you specify. You can program your scanner with up to 10 FIPS codes for the areas you desire. The National Weather Service maintains a current list of FIPS codes at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/. To configure your scanner for SAME Standby mode, follow these steps: 1. Press WX until you identify the weather station with the strongest signal for your location. 2. Press FUNC, and then PGM to access the FIPS code entry table. 3. Use the e or d keys to select the desired FIPS code storage location. 4. Use the numeric keys to enter the desired FIPS code, and then press ENT to store the code. Press TEXT to label the code entry with an alphanumeric text table if desired. Repeat this process for all the FIPS codes that you wish to store. 5. Press L/OUT to lock out or enable specific FIPS entries. 46 Beyond the Basics 6. Press WX to exit the FIPS code entry table. Press WX then a number key to quickly review stored FIPS Notes codes. Press L/OUT to toggle lockout status. Your scanner can also detect the 1050 Hz weather alert tone when a weather channel is set as the priority channel and weather priority operation is enabled. (see "Priority"). In this mode all alerts are received. FIPS settings are ignored. The scanner sounds an alert or beep when it receives the SAME code. If you do not stop the alert (or beep) for five minutes, the alert stops and the scanner beeps every ten seconds. If the scanner receives a new message after five minutes, it sounds the alert or beep. To stop the sound and ready the scanner to receive a new alert signal before the five minute time out, press any key except . 7. Press FUNC, and then WX to initiate SAME standby. The scanner will monitor the selected weather radio station for alerts with FIPS codes that match the codes you entered in the FIPS entry table. To exit SAME standby, press FUNC, and then WX. WX Alert and beep tone confirmation 1. To test the WX alert, press WX for more than 2 seconds while SAME Standby appears. The display indicates the type of message, and the scanner sounds an alert or series of beeps. The beeps automatically change every 3 seconds. 2. Press any key except to stop test sound mode. 47 Beyond the Basics Skywarn Many areas of the country have amateur radio repeaters that have been designated as "Skywarn" repeaters. During times of severe weather, these repeaters are used to relay reports of severe weather directly to meteorologists at a local National Weather Service (NWS) forecast office. Using the Skywarn feature in your scanner, you can easily jump to one of three Skywarn repeater frequencies and monitor these reports, in many cases hearing about severe weather in your area instantly as it occurs. This function lets you quickly move to the skywarn channels (channels 997 through 999) from any mode except SAME standby by pressing and holding WX about 1 second. The scanner displays Skywarn-1 in the fourth line. The scanner has 3 Skywarn channels. Press e or d to select different Skywarn channels. Notes To activate this function, you must program your desired Skywarn frequencies into the Skywarn channels. using frequency copy You can copy a frequency into a specified channel, a vacant channel in a specified bank, or a priority channel. However, you cannot copy a frequency from the Marine search band. copying a frequency into a specified channel You can copy a frequency into a specified channel when the scanner stops on that frequency during search mode or manual tuning. 1. Press FUNC then PGM when you find a frequency. Store in ChXXX ? appears on the bottom line. After about 1 second, the frequency to be copied flashes. 48 Beyond the Basics 2. Press the desired bank and the channel number where you want to store the frequency. The display indicates the bank and channel number. After about 1 second, the frequency to be copied flashes. 3. Press ENT. All the conditions such as receive mode and delay condition are copied onto the channel. Channel Stored! briefly appears. The scanner automatically returns to search mode. If you try to copy a frequency which is already stored, the scanner sounds the notice tone 3 times after you press ENT. Dupl.Freq. ChXXX appears. If you want to copy the duplicate frequency anyway, press ENT, or if not, press CL to cancel. copying a frequency into an empty channel within a bank You can copy a frequency into a vacant channel in a specified bank when the scanner stops on the frequency during search or tune mode. 1. Press FUNC then ENT when you find a frequency you want to copy. Bank 9 Store? appears. 2. If you want to copy the frequency into bank 9, press ENT. It is stored in the first available vacant channel in the bank. Or, press your desired bank number to store, then press ENT. Channel Stored! appears for 2 seconds. All the conditions such as receiving mode and delay condition are copied on the channel. After about 2 seconds, the scanner automatically returns to search mode. 3. If you try to copy a frequency which is already stored, the scanner sounds the notice tone 3 times after you press ENT. Dupl.Freq. ChXXX appears on the third line. If you want to copy the duplicate frequency anyway, press ENT, or if not, press CL to cancel. 49 Beyond the Basics copying a frequency into the priority channel You can copy a frequency into the priority channel (see "Priority") when the scanner stops on the frequency during Search, Scan, Manual, Tune, or WX mode. Press FUNC then PRI when the frequency appears. The display flashes twice and the frequency is copied to the priority channel. Signal Stalker II Your scanner's Signal Stalker II feature provides a powerful new tool for you to rapidly detect, monitor and store frequencies for nearby radio transmissions. The Signal Stalker II feature is similar in functionality to portable frequency counters that cost much more than your scanner, but provides many advantages over typical portable frequency counters. For example: The Signal Stalker II allows you to sweep the entire range of your scanner's design frequencies, or you can specify those frequency ranges that you wish to sweep and exclude ranges that you do not want to sweep. This allows you to omit frequency ranges with constant strong frequency activity, such as those with paging or broadcast transmitters. Many portable frequency counters will remain locked to a nearby constant signal, such as a paging or broadcast transmitter, and will not function properly until you have left the vicinity of the transmitter. The Signal Stalker II feature is more sensitive than portable frequency counters and will detect transmissions at a greater distance. You can activate the Attenuator to reduce the sensitivity if desired. Once an active frequency is found, the transmission is played through your scanner's speaker, and you can quickly store it in any of your scanner's memory locations. 50