20-107 Owner’s Manual DRAFT RadioShack 20-107 PRO-107 iSCAN Trunking Scanner Thank you for purchasing your iSCAN Trunking Radio Scanner from RadioShack. What’s Included Scanner Antenna PC-USB Cable SD Card Memory (inside the scanner) User’s Guide CD-ROM Please read this user’s guide before installing, setting up, and using your new scanner. www.RadioShack.
The iSCAN handheld scanner is designed to receive analog transmissions only, and cannot be used to monitor digital or encrypted radio traffic. Please take the time to read this manual completely before using your new scanner. FCC ID TBD This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
SKIP Key WX Key Other Switches and Controls Main Power Off Battery Type Selection Squelch Understanding the Display Display Icons psD Indicators How iSCAN Works Copyright Notice Getting Started Unpacking iSCAN Inserting the batteries Attaching the antenna Turning iSCAN on Battery Charge Indicator Low Battery Warning Listening Safely Traffic Safety Connecting an Optional External Antenna Connecting an Earphone or Headphones Connecting an External Speaker Using AC Power Using Vehicle Battery Power Browsing th
Pausing Skipping Scan Resume More iSCAN Features iSCAN PC Application SD Card Inserting and removing the SD Card SD Card contents SD Card error messages iSCAN’s Main Menu Editing Objects Weather Modes Weather Monitor Weather Priority Dedicated SAME Weather Alert Receiver Skywarn Searching Signal Stalker II Service Search Limit Search Troubleshooting Birdie Frequencies Care Service and Repair Appendix A - iSCAN Settings Menu Specifications Limited Warranty Introduction Welcome to iSCAN! iSCAN is an exciting
unprecedented ease of use, especially for beginners. Additionally, iSCAN is equipped with the entire USA RadioReference database in a special on-board Library, giving you instant access to the frequencies and systems used by public safety, local government and business all over the United States! Please take a few moments to read this manual carefully before using iSCAN.
formats, including Motorola, EDACS and LTR. Both talkgroup and individual call monitoring are supported. Powerful Signal Stalker II - Quickly sweeps iSCAN’s frequency ranges for transmissions from nearby sources. When a nearby transmission is found, iSCAN automatically tunes to that frequency and receives the traffic. Built-in Service Searches - Predefined service search ranges make it easy to find activity in your area.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
officials by traveling to the scene of an incident without authorization. Installing the iSCAN PC Application iSCAN comes with an easy to use computer application that you can use to modify your iSCAN’s programming or to add your own custom programming. To begin the installation process, insert the CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive. The iSCAN Application installer will then start. Add “iSCAN CD-ROM” window The iSCAN Application installer will install the following components by default: .
In keeping with the agreement with RadioReference.com LLC, license text is displayed regarding the use of the frequency database library files that are included in the installer package. The user must click on the Accept message before they may install the software. Check the accept box and then click the “Next” button to begin the install. Add Setup Type window Setup Type: This screen allows the user to limit what options will be installed. A complete install will install all parts of the iSCAN package.
Select Program Folder: This screen allows the user to set the name of the folder used to store shortcuts in the Start menu. Click “Next” to continue. Add Completing the install window Completing the install: This screen is the final check for the user before the installation actually begins. Click “Next” to perform the actual installation. Add Installing iSCAN window Installing iSCAN: This screen is shown while the selected files are being copied to the computer.
The following illustrations are provided to help you get familiar with your iSCAN controls and display. iSCAN Front View Squelch Control Keypad Speaker PC/IF DC Power Jack BNC Antenna Connector Headset Connector Add Front View Photo Main PowerFigure 1 - iSCAN front view Understanding the Keypad Your iSCAN features a simplified backlit keypad with 9 keys that are used to operate the unit. The keys and their functions are similar to those found on typical portable media players.
The PLAY/PAUSE/SELECT key ▶/II/SEL controls iSCAN’s Play and Pause modes, and is used in menus to select, enable or disable options. UP Arrow Key The UP Arrow key is used to increase the volume when iSCAN is scanning or monitoring (i.e., “playing”) objects. When browsing objects, the key scrolls up through objects in a Playlist. When using menus or the Library, the scrolls up through the available items.
temporarily disable reception on the object. Pressing SKIP again while the object is selected will resume normal monitoring. Skipped objects can also be restored using the Restored Skipped option from the Main Menu. WX Key When pressed, the WX key provides instant access to NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, and is used to access Dedicated SAME Weather Alert Receiver mode, which allows iSCAN to remain silent while monitoring for severe weather conditions in the area you specify by entering NOAA SAME codes.
battery compartment. The Battery Type Selection switch is used to select standard disposable alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries. Setting the Battery Type Selection switch to the correct option for the batteries you are using selects the appropriate low battery detection threshold for the type of batteries in use and enables in-radio charging for rechargeable NiMH batteries. WARNING: Never operate iSCAN with alkaline batteries if the Battery Type Selection switch is set to the NI-MH position.
Browse library Figure 3 - iSCAN Main Menu A “Now Playing” display shows a scrolling list of enabled Playlists while iSCAN is scanning. Figure 4 provides an example of iSCAN’s Now Playing display. Now Playing ▶ BATT Fire County Police Sheriff City Police State Police Figure 4 - iSCAN Now Playing display Individual object displays are shown when the scanner is monitoring activity on an enabled object.
G When present, the attenuator is set for Global mode. A When present, the attenuator is active. ▶ iSCAN is in Play mode (scanning) II iSCAN is in Pause mode (monitoring a single object) BATT Battery status indicator. All black indicates battery is fully charged. When Battery Type Selection switch is set to NI-MH and radio is connected to external power, an animated icon is displayed to indicate that battery is being charged. PLUG External power indicator.
unlimited storage space for your configurations. For more information about the RadioReference database, please visit http://www.radioreference.com. To use iSCAN, you first browse the Library to find things that you want to monitor. We call these things “scannable objects”, or simply “objects”. As you find objects in the Library that you want to add to the collection of objects that your radio will scan, you import them from the Library to iSCAN’s Playlists, which are also stored on the SD Card.
user-submitted data reported to RadioReference, and also to the system configuration changes that a radio system operator may make from time to time. Field-testing the Library data for accuracy is not feasible. For detailed radio system information worldwide, be sure to visit http://www.radioreference.com frequently.
WARNING: Never operate iSCAN with alkaline batteries if the Battery Type Selection switch is set to the NI-MH position. Intentionally or accidentally recharging non-rechargeable batteries will cause them to overheat, leak or explode. Dispose of rechargeable batteries properly by taking them to an approved battery recycling facility. Many communities offer battery recycling services - check with your local solid waste management agency.
Press the POWER button on the front panel to turn iSCAN on. Set the SQUELCH knob to the mid-point (12 o’clock) position. Battery Charge Indicator iSCAN provides an indication when the internal battery charge circuit is active. An animated battery icon indicates that iSCAN is connected to external power and the internal battery charger circuit is active. WARNING: The external DC power input is designed to accept external power from the USB data cable and from USB power adapters.
Wearing headphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle is very dangerous and illegal. Do not operate any vehicle while listening to iSCAN with headphones or earphones. Connecting an Optional External Antenna The BNC antenna connector on iSCAN makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety of antennas, such as an external mobile antenna or outdoor base station antenna. Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable.
To power the scanner using an AC USB power adaptor, connect the USB plug end of the supplied USB power/data cable to the AC USB power adapter, and connect the scanner data plug end of the supplied USB power/data cable to the scanner’s PC/IF - PWR jack. To prevent corruption of SD Card data, always power iSCAN off using the front panel POWER button before connecting or disconnecting external power sources. NOTE: Some external USB power supplies may generate RF noise that can interfere with iSCAN’s reception.
Much like a real library, you’ll browse iSCAN’s Library to find objects that you want to monitor. iSCAN’s Library is organized primarily by US States, then by Counties/Independent Cities. Pick objects from the Library When you find an object or group of objects that you want to monitor, you “pick” them by selecting them, which marks them for the Import objects to Playlists step.
RadioReference uses Counties/Cities to group radio systems that are used in a local county or independent city. If you wish to explore the radio systems used in counties and independent cities, scroll to Counties/Cities and press the key to proceed to the next step. RadioReference uses Systems under the state level to group trunked radio systems that provide statewide coverage, such as consolidated statewide trunked radio systems used for state agency (and in some cases, local agency) use.
Picking Objects from the Library As you continue to drill in to each Library grouping using the key, you’ll eventually see checkboxes next to the listings that appear. You can continue to drill in deeper by pressing the key, or, if desired, press the ▶/II/SEL key to pick all of the objects associated with the grouping. A checkmark will appear instead the checkbox to indicate that the object or group of objects is selected for importing.
how iSCAN and its Playlists work, you can decide what strategies you want to use for grouping objects into Playlists. You may wish to group your objects into Playlists according to the type of use, for example, Police, Fire, Racing, etc. Or, you may wish to group objects by into Playlists according to geographical area. To import your picked objects into one or more Playlists, press the MENU key while browsing the Library to access the Library’s special menu.
Giving your Playlists descriptive names makes programming and using iSCAN much easier. To name a Playlist, navigate to the Playlists menu as described above, and press the key to edit the name. Follow the on-screen instructions to change the Playlist name. Monitoring Imported Objects Browsing Playlists and Objects You can easily browse the objects and Playlists you have created in iSCAN. Press the MENU key until the Main Menu is displayed. Scroll to the Browse Objects menu item and press the key.
object. To resume scanning, press the ▶/II/SEL key again. Skipping While scanning, iSCAN can skip objects that you don’t want to hear. When iSCAN stops on an object that you no longer wish to monitor, press the SKIP key. iSCAN will mark the object as skipped and you will not receive further transmissions on the object until it is un-skipped.
. Updating iSCAN’s firmware for enhancements and bug fixes Please refer to the iSCAN PC Application’s Help system for details on using the iSCAN PC Application. SD Card Your iSCAN ships with a 2 GB SD Card already formatted, installed and ready for use. You can remove the SD Card from iSCAN and connect it to your computer, where you can access the card with the iSCAN PC Application and update the Library, edit iSCAN’s configuration and stored objects, optimize the card, and reformat the card if necessary.
NOTE: Always use the iSCAN PC Application to format the SD Card to ensure that the card is properly formatted for best performance in iSCAN. SD Card contents The SD Card that iSCAN can be inserted into any SD Card slot on a computer or external SD Card adapter, where you can use the iSCAN PC Application to modify the configuration, update the Library, optimize the card for best performance, or reformat the card. The SD Card comes formatted for the standard FAT file system with a cluster size of 32K.
cause iSCAN to malfunction. SD Card error messages iSCAN’s SD Card must be formatted correctly for proper operation. If the SD Card is corrupted, defective, improperly formatted or missing, iSCAN will report one or more of the following errors: Unable to get an initialization response from the SD Card at power-up: No SD Card found Unable to read valid low-level file system information (partition tables, etc.
Browse Objects Enters Playlist Browse mode, which allows you to browse the objects that you have imported into Playlists. Use the or ▶/II/SEL keys to activate Playlist Browse mode. Playlists Accesses the Playlists utility to enable, disable or rename Playlists. Use the keys to proceed to the next step, then use the and or ▶/II/SEL keys to scroll select a Playlist to modify. Press the ▶/II/SEL key to toggle enabled/disabled status, or press the and follow the on-screen instructions to rename.
The following options are available in the Object Menu: Main Menu Navigates to iSCAN’s Main Menu Cancel Changes Exits the Object Menu without saving any changes Save Changes Saves your changes and exits the Object Menu Alpha Tag Allows you to change the name of the selected object. Follow the on-screen instructions and use the keys to change the object name. Set Playlists Allows you to change the Playlists that the selected object is a member of.
Delay Enables or disables delay for the selected object. When delay is enabled, iSCAN waits for two seconds after a transmission to receive reply traffic before resuming scanning. Attenuate When checked, attenuation is enabled for the selected object. Attenuation may help reduce interference from strong local transmitters. Use the ▶/II/SEL or keys to toggle Attenutate status. Attenuate is not available in the Object Menu for trunked talkgroups.
9: ◉ ◎ ◎ ◉ A: ◉ ◎ ◉ ◎ B: ◉ ◎ ◉ ◉ C: ◉ ◉ ◎ ◎ D: ◉ ◉ ◎ ◉ E: ◉ ◉ ◉ ◎ F: ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ ◉ =ON, ◎=OFF Figure 6 - Four step block flash patterns The flash pattern is set for each block by specifying the number or letter associated with the desired flash pattern. Using this technique it is possible to define simple or complex flash patterns that you can use to identify an active object at a glance from across the room.
This combination creates an interesting “strobe light” effect similar to the emergency lights on a public safety vehicle. Many more combinations are possible - just experiment to find the ones that work for you. To set the Flash Pattern, use the and keys to scroll to Flash Pattern, then press the key to set the pattern value. Follow the on-screen instructions to set the value of the flash pattern, using Figure 6 above as your guide.
a local NOAA weather broadcast. Weather Monitor iSCAN’s Weather Monitor mode provides instant access to NOAA weather broadcasts in your area. To activate Weather Monitor mode, press the WX key. Use the and keys to select the strongest NOAA transmitter for your area. Weather Priority Weather Priority mode samples the specified weather frequency periodically while scanning to see if the All Hazards 1050 Hz Warning Alert Tone (WAT) is present.
To use Dedicated SAME Weather Alert Receiver mode, first you should program at least one SAME location code for your city, county or state. With the default factory setup, SAME mode will alert on any SAME message received if no SAME location codes are entered. A list of SAME location codes can be found online at this web site: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/indexnw.
Repeat the above process to enter additional SAME information for other areas if desired. When finished, press the MENU key and follow the on-screen instructions to save changes and exit. Dedicated SAME Weather Alert Receiver Mode After you have entered information for one or more SAME locations, press the WX key to activate Weather Monitor mode and select the strongest weather transmitter for your area. Press the SKIP key to toggle between SAME Standby and Normal Weather Monitor mode.
To use Signal Stalker II, press the MENU key to access the Main Menu, then use the to scroll down to the Search option. Press the to the Signal Stalker option and press the key key to proceed to the Search menu. Scroll key to proceed to the next menu. Select All Bands to perform a Signal Stalker II search on all common land mobile radio bands, or select Public Safety to perform a faster Signal Stalker II search on frequency ranges commonly used for public safety communications.
Enables or disables delay when using the Signal Stalker II feature. When delay is enabled, iSCAN waits for two seconds after a transmission to receive reply traffic before resuming search. Use the key to toggle delay enabled/disabled status. Special Mode Signal Stalker II sweeps through frequency ranges in 1 MHz blocks, looking for transmissions from nearby strong signal sources.
33.4-46.5 MHz VHF Low Band 151-170 MHz VHF High Band 453-467 MHz UHF Band 764-797 MHz 700 MHz Band 806-869 MHz 800 MHz Band Service Search iSCAN features a powerful Service Search capability, which searches through the frequencies used by different radio services. Service Search is a good way for you to receive activity on local frequencies. To use Service Search, press the MENU key to access the Main Menu, then use the to scroll down to the Search option.
frequencies used in the US and Canada Amateur - Searches amateur radio frequencies. Groups are as follows: 28.0-29.7 MHz 10m Band 50-54 MHz 6m Band 144-148 MHz 2m Band 222-225 MHz 1.
transmitters. Use the ▶/II/SEL or keys to toggle Attenuator status. Zeromatic Enables or disables iSCAN’s Zeromatic circuit. Zeromatic helps iSCAN tune to exact frequencies when searching. Use the or keys to toggle Zeromatic enabled/disabled status. Zeromatic does not have any effect in channel-based searches such as CB, Marine and FRS/GMRS/MURS bands. Delay Enables or disables delay when using the Service Search feature.
Main Menu Navigates to iSCAN’s Main Menu Search Menu Navigates to the Search Menu Cancel Changes Exits the Limit Search Menu without saving any changes Save Changes Saves your changes and exits the Limit Search Menu Attenuator When checked, attenuation is enabled when using Limit Search. Attenuation limits the effective range of Limit Search and may help reduce interference from strong local transmitters. Use the ▶/II/SEL or keys to toggle Attenuator status.
Troubleshooting Should you experience difficulty with iSCAN, please refer to the following troubleshooting guide for assistance. If you are unable to restore iSCAN to normal operation after following these steps, contact your nearest RadioShack store for assistance. The scanner does not function . Ensure that iSCAN is equipped with fresh batteries. If powering iSCAN from external power, make certain that the external power plug is fully inserted into iSCAN’s PC/IF-DC POWER jack.
The scanner does not recognize the SD Card . The SD Card is not properly formatted. Use the iSCAN PC Application to reformat the card. If using Windows to format the card, the card format must be FAT with 32k clusters. . The SD Card may not be inserted fully. Press the SD Card into the slot until a click is heard and the card is fully inserted in the slot. . The SD Card may be defective. Replace with a new SD Card. “Init SD Card” appears when the scanner is turned on .
Care Your scanner is not waterproof. Do not expose it to rain, moisture, or extreme high humidity. If the scanner gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Use and store the scanner only in normal temperature environments. Handle the scanner carefully; do not drop it. Keep the scanner away from dust and dirt, and wipe it with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new. Service and Repair If your scanner is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.
Save Changes Saves the changes you’ve made to the Settings options. Simple Display By default, iSCAN operates with simplified display that only shows object and Playlist names. To see more information about objects, disable this option. Priority Mode Enables Priority Mode. Objects that are with Priority enabled in the Object Menu will be checked more frequently for activity, giving them priority over objects that do not have Priority enabled.
Sets the backlight mode to On, Stealth, Normal, Key, or Ignore. LiteArea Controls whether the LCD, keypad or both should be illuminated when the backlight is active. LiteTime Controls the amount of time the backlight stays on. Welcome Text 1-5 Sets the text displayed on five lines of the display when iSCAN is first turned on. Blink Time 1-2 For alternating display elements, controls the amount of time each item is displayed.
150.800 − 150.8450 MHz 5 kHz FM 150.8525 − 154.4975 MHz 7.5 kHz FM 154.5150 − 154.6400 MHz 5 kHz FM 154.6500 − 156.2550 MHz 7.5 kHz FM 156.2750 − 157.4500 MHz 25 kHz FM 157.4700 − 161.5725 MHz 7.5 kHz FM 161.6000 − 161.9750 MHz 5 kHz FM 162.0000 − 174.0000 MHz 12.5 kHz FM 216.0025 − 219.9975 MHz 5 kHz FM 220.0000 − 224.9950 MHz 5 kHz FM 225.0000 − 379.999375 MHz 6.25 kHz AM 380.0000 − 419.987500 MHz 12.5 kHz FM 420.0000 − 450.000000 MHz 5 kHz FM 450.00625 − 469.
Service band search Marine, CB, FRS/GRMS/MURS, Public safety, Aircraft, Amateur (Ham), Railroad WX frequencies 162.400, 162.425, 162.450, 162.475, 162.500, 162.525, 162.550 MHz Display Full dot matrix bitmap LCD (96x48 dots) Sensitivity (fm 20 dB Quieting unless otherwise noted) VHF Low 0.3 μV VHF Aircraft (20 dBq AM) 1.0 μV VHF High 137-174 MHz 0.5 μV VHF High 216-300 MHz UHF Low 300 - 406MHz 0.5 μV 0.8 μV UHF/UHF-T 406 - 512 MHz 0.5 μV UHF High 764 - 960 MHz 0.7 μV 1240 - 1300 MHz 0.
Operating voltage DC 2.4 Volts (“AA” cell x 2pcs. Ni-MH Batteries) DC 3 Volts (“AA” cell x 2pcs. ALKALINE Batteries) Ext. power and charge voltage USB Power (DC 5V 500mA) Dimensions Approximately 4 15/16” x 2 5/16” x 1” (127 x 60 x 27 mm) (HWD) Weight Approximately 6.7 oz.
service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the warranty period.
