20-561.fm Page 1 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Cat. No. 20-561 OWNER’S MANUAL PRO-63 100-Channel Portable Event Scanner Please read before using this equipment.
0-561.fm Page 2 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM INTRODUCTION Your new Radio Shack PRO-63 100-Channel Portable Event Scanner lets you in on all the action — in the pits at the big race, on the sidelines at a pro football game, or on the streets of your home town. This scanner gives you direct access to over 24,000 exciting frequencies, including those used by participants and staff at sporting events and air shows, police and fire departments, ambulance services, and amateur radio services.
20-561.fm Page 3 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Direct Channel Access — lets you directly access any stored channel while you scan the banks. Button — lets you lock the scanner’s keys to help prevent accidentally changing the scanner’s programming. Priority Channel — you can set the scanner to check one channel every 2 seconds so you do not miss important calls. Auto Lock — lets you lock the scanner’s programmed channels to keep you from accidentally erasing frequencies stored in the channels.
20-561.fm Page 4 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Your PRO-63 scanner can receive all of these frequencies. • 29-54 MHz (10-Meter Amateur Radio, VHF Lo, 6-Meter Amateur Radio) • 108-136.
20-561.fm Page 5 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM This owner’s manual also includes the section “A General Guide to Scanning,” which helps you find frequency ranges to scan for a wide variety of broadcasters. Note: Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in some areas. Check the laws in your area. FCC NOTICE Your scanner might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To determine whether or not your scanner is causing the interference, turn off your scanner.
20-561.fm Page 6 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM SCANNING LEGALLY Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some transmissions you should never intentionally listen to.
20-561.fm Page 7 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM CONTENTS PREPARATION ........................................................................ 9 Connecting the Flexible Antenna........................................9 Installing Batteries ............................................................. 9 Important Information About the PWR and CHG Jacks...........................................................12 Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries .........................12 Resetting the Scanner ...........
20-561.fm Page 8 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM OPTIONS ............................................................................... 33 Connecting Optional Power Sources .............................. 33 Using AC Power....................................................... 33 Using Vehicle Battery Power ................................... 34 Connecting a Mobile or Base-Station Antenna ............... 35 Connecting an Earphone/Headphones .......................... 37 Listening Safely .................
20-561.fm Page 9 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM PREPARATION CONNECTING THE FLEXIBLE ANTENNA 1. Hold the antenna so it stands straight up. 2. Slip the slots in the antenna’s connector over the tabs on the ANT jack on top of the scanner. 3. Press down and turn the antenna’s base clockwise until it locks into place. Note: Instead of the supplied flexible antenna, you can connect a mobile or base-station antenna (not supplied) to your scanner.
20-561.fm Page 10 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Follow these steps to install or replace batteries. 1. If the scanner is on, turn VOLUME OFF/MAX fully counterclockwise until it clicks to turn it off. VO LUME SQUELCH O F F M A X MI N M A X 2. While pressing and holding down the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the scanner, slide the cover in the direction of the arrow to remove it. 3. Remove the battery holder from the battery compartment. 4.
20-561.fm Page 11 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM • Never mix rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries, or rechargeable batteries of different capacities. 5. Insert six batteries in the battery holder as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked on the battery holder and inside the battery compartment. 6. Replace the battery holder in the battery compartment. Caution: The battery holder fits only one way inside the battery compartment. Do not force it. 7.
20-561.fm Page 12 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Important Information About the PWR and CHG Jacks There are two external jacks on the left side of the scanner — PWR and CHG. It is important that you understand the purpose of each jack before you connect any adapter to the scanner. The PWR jack powers the scanner and disconnects the internal batteries. You can use this jack with either an AC adapter or DC cigarette lighter adapter, regardless of the type of batteries you installed.
20-561.fm Page 13 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Warning: Do not connect either adapter to the scanner’s CHG jack if you installed non-rechargeable batteries (standard, extra-life, or alkaline). Non-rechargeable batteries become hot and can explode if you try to recharge them. It takes about 10 to 18 hours to recharge batteries that are fully discharged. You can operate the scanner while recharging nickelcadmium batteries, but the charging time is lengthened.
20-561.fm Page 14 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM 3. After 2 seconds, release BAND/• and 0. USING THE BELT CLIP You can use the belt clip attached to the back of the scanner for hands-free carrying when you are on the go. Simply slide the belt clip over your belt or waistband.
20-561.fm Page 15 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCANNER A LOOK AT THE KEYPAD A quick look at the scanner’s keys will help you understand the scanner’s functions. Number Keys — each key has a single digit on it and a range of numbers printed above it. The single digits refer to the number of a channel or a frequency. The range of numbers (80-89, for example) shows the channels that make up a channel storage bank.
20-561.fm Page 16 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM WX — scans through the 10 preprogrammed weather channels. LIGHT — a quick press turns on the display’s backlight for 5 seconds, or turns off the backlight if it is on. — starts searching for active frequencies so you SEARCH / can find ones you want to store, or selects the search direction when you scan channels or manually step through them. SKIP — selects channels to skip during scanning.
20-561.fm Page 17 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM M.SCAN — appears with numbers (0-9) to show which channelstorage banks are turned on for scanning. A bar under the number shows that the channel-storage bank is selected. See “Bands and Banks” on Page 18. BATT — flashes when the batteries are low. CH — appears with a number (00-99) to show which of the 100 channels the scanner is tuned to. P — appears when the scanner is tuned to the priority channel. 888.
20-561.fm Page 18 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM BANDS AND BANKS SEARCH BANDS Your scanner can tune over 24,000 different frequencies. Each of these frequencies is contained within a group of frequencies called a band. The scanner uses permanent memory locations called search bands (0-9) to group these bands. You can search these bands to quickly find active frequencies you might want to store into the scanner’s channels (see “Channel-Storage Banks” on Page 19).
20-561.fm Page 19 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Notes: • The frequencies in the scanner’s search bands are preset. You cannot change them. • “Band Allocation” on Page 42 lists frequency ranges and the broadcasters you are likely to hear on those frequencies. • Although the scanner displays 108-137 when you select search band 2, it receives frequencies of 108 to 136.975 MHz in the search band.
-561.fm Page 20 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM BASIC OPERATION TURNING ON THE SCANNER AND SETTING SQUELCH Note: Make sure the scanner’s antenna is connected before you turn it on. 1. Turn SQUELCH MIN/MAX fully counterclockwise. VO LUME SQUELCH O F F M A X MI N M A X 2. Turn VOLUME OFF/MAX clockwise until it clicks and you hear a hissing sound. VO LUME SQUELCH O F F M A X MI N M A X 3. Turn SQUELCH MIN/MAX clockwise, then leave it set to a point just after the hissing sound stops.
20-561.fm Page 21 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Notes: • If the scanner picks up unwanted, partial, or very weak transmissions, turn SQUELCH MIN/MAX clockwise to decrease the scanner’s sensitivity to these signals. If you want to listen to a weak or distant station, turn SQUELCH MIN/MAX counterclockwise. • If SQUELCH MIN/MAX is adjusted so you always hear a hissing sound, the scanner does not scan properly.
20-561.fm Page 22 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Limit Search If you do not know a frequency to store, you can select a search band containing a preprogrammed frequency range and search that range for active frequencies. Then you can store frequencies you find there into channels. SRCH appears on the display during a search. 1. Press BAND/•. 2. Within about 2 seconds, enter the search band number.
20-561.fm Page 23 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM When the scanner stops on an active frequency, press ENTER to store it in the flashing channel or press and hold or for about a second to continue the search. Notes: • To search the frequency band upward or downward step by step (5, 12.5, or 25 kHz), quickly press and release or . or disappears from the display. See “Specified Intervals”on Page 42. • To quickly move upward or downward through the range of frequencies, press and hold down or .
20-561.fm Page 24 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Hint: If you are storing a frequency used by a specific broadcaster (such as a racing team), you can remember where you stored the frequency by storing it in the same channel number as the team’s car number. Note: If you enter an invalid channel number, the scanner beeps three times and Error flashes on the display for about 4 seconds. Simply repeat this step. 3. Using the number keys, enter the frequency you want to store into that channel.
20-561.fm Page 25 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM • If you tried to store a frequency in a locked channel, the scanner beeps once and L (next to the channel number) and LOC flash on the display, then the frequency flashes. To store the frequency, either unlock the channel (see “Using Channel Lock” on Page 30) and repeat Steps 1-4, or repeat Steps 2-4 to select another channel and store the frequency. Repeat Steps 2-4 to store more frequencies into channels.
20-561.fm Page 26 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Notes: • You can manually select any channel in a bank, even if the bank is turned off. • You cannot turn off all banks. There must be at least one active bank. • You cannot turn on a bank where all the channels in the bank are skipped (see “Skipping Channels” on Page 28). Scanning a Channel-Storage Bank You can scan a single channel-storage bank. Select the channelstorage bank you want to scan, then press M.BANK.
20-561.fm Page 27 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Follow these steps to manually select a channel. 1. Press MANUAL. MAN appears on the display. 2. Enter the channel number. 3. Press MANUAL. 4. To select another channel within the bank, repeatedly press to select higher channels or to select lower channels. Or, if your scanner is scanning and stops at the desired channel, press MANUAL once before the scanner continues to scan.
20-561.fm Page 28 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM ADVANCED OPERATION DELAY Many agencies use a two-way radio system that might have a pause of several seconds between a query and a reply. Your scanner’s delay feature lets it wait for 2 seconds after each transmission on a channel or frequency while scanning or searching. To program a 2-second delay, press DELAY while the channel or frequency is selected. DLY appears.
20-561.fm Page 29 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM To remove the skip from a channel, manually select the channel, then press SKIP. SKIP disappears from the display. Notes: • The scanner automatically skips empty channels. • You cannot remove the skip from an empty channel. PRIORITY You can scan through channels and still not miss an important or interesting call on a specific channel. Channel 00 (the first channel in Bank 0) is preset as the priority channel.
20-561.fm Page 30 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM USING CHANNEL LOCK When you enter a frequency into a channel, the scanner automatically locks the channel to prevent it from being overwritten by another frequency. L appears to the left of the channel number. To unlock a channel, press LOCK. L disappears from the display. Follow these steps to unlock all channels. 1. Press MANUAL. 2. While pressing and holding down ENTER, press and hold down LOCK until the scanner beeps three times.
20-561.fm Page 31 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM USING THE ATTENUATOR To reduce interference or noise caused by strong signals, you can reduce the scanner’s sensitivity to these signals. Press ATT until ATT appears on the display to reduce the scanner’s sensitivity. Note: If you turn on this feature, the scanner might not receive weak signals. To turn off the attenuator, press ATT again. ATT disappears from the display.
20-561.fm Page 32 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM 3. After a second, release 2 and ENTER. USING THE KEYLOCK Once you program your scanner, you can protect it from accidental program changes by turning on the keylock feature. When the keypad is locked, the only controls that operate are LIGHT, VOLUME OFF/MAX , and SQUELCH MIN/MAX. (However, the scanner continues to scan channels).
20-561.fm Page 33 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM OPTIONS CONNECTING OPTIONAL POWER SOURCES Using AC Power To operate the scanner from AC power, you need an AC adapter such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 273-1665. Cautions: • To prevent electric shock, the plug’s blades are polarized and fit only one way. If the plug does not fit easily, turn it over and try again. Do not force the plug into the AC outlet. • You must use an AC adapter that supplies 9 volts and delivers at least 300 milliamps.
20-561.fm Page 34 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Note: If you installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries in the scanner, you can connect the AC adapter to the CHG jack. Simply remove the rubber cap from the CHG jack, connect the AC adapter’s barrel plug to the jack, then plug the adapter’s power module into a standard AC outlet. This powers the scanner and recharges the batteries at the same time. See “Charging NickelCadmium Batteries” on Page 12.
20-561.fm Page 35 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Notes: • If you installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries in the scanner, you can connect the DC cigarette lighter adapter to the CHG jack. Simply remove the rubber cap from the CHG jack, connect the adapter’s barrel plug to the jack, then plug the other end of the adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. This powers the scanner and recharges the batteries at the same time. See “Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries” on Page 12.
20-561.fm Page 36 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM When deciding on a mobile or base-station antenna and its location, consider the following: • The antenna should be mounted as high as possible. • The antenna and antenna cable should be as far as possible from sources of electrical noise (appliances, ignition systems, gauges, and so on). • The antenna should be vertical for the best performance. When connecting an optional antenna, always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 (Cat. No.
20-561.fm Page 37 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Warning: Use extreme caution when you install or remove 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, contact with 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.
20-561.fm Page 38 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM • Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss. • Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing. Traffic Safety Do not wear an earphone or headphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle.
20-561.fm Page 39 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM A GENERAL GUIDE TO SCANNING Reception of the frequencies covered by your scanner is mainly “line-of-sight.” This means you cannot usually hear stations that are beyond the horizon. UNITED STATES BROADCAST BAND In the United States, there are several broadcast bands. The standard AM and FM bands are probably the most well known.
20-561.fm Page 40 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Broadcast Type Search Band 2-Meter Amateur 4 144.00 148.00 Auto Racing, Motion Picture/Video Industry, Pro Sports Teams, Radio/TV Remote Broadcast Pickup, Stadiums/Venues 5 148.00 174.00 Frequency Range (MHz) UHF Band (300.00 MHz — 3.0 GHz) Broadcast Type Search Band Frequency Range (MHz) Military Aircraft/Air Shows 6 380.00 384.00 US Government 6,7 406.00 450.00 70-Centimeter Amateur 7 420.00 450.
20-561.fm Page 41 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM PRIMARY USAGE As a general rule, most radio activity is concentrated on the following frequencies: VHF Band Broadcast Type Search Band Frequency Range (MHz) Government, Police, and Fire 5 153.785 155.980 Emergency Services 5 158.730 159.460 Railroad 5 160.000 161.900 UHF Band Broadcast Type Search Band Frequency Range (MHz) Land-Mobile Paired Frequencies 8 450.000 470.000 Base Stations 8 451.025 454.950 Mobile Units 8 456.
20-561.fm Page 42 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM SPECIFIED INTERVALS All the frequencies in the scanner’s search bands are accessible only at specific intervals. For example: Search Band Interval (kHz) 0, 1, 3, 4, 5 5.0 6, 7, 8, 9 12.5 2 25.0 Note: Your scanner automatically rounds the entered frequency down to the closest valid frequency. For example, if you try to enter a frequency of 151.473, your scanner accepts it as 151.470.
20-561.fm Page 43 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM MARI........................................................ Maritime Limited Coast (Coast Guard, Marine telephone, Shipboard Radio, Private stations) MED................................................Emergency/Medical Services MIL.............................................................................U.S. Military MOV .............................................. Motion Picture/Video Industry NET ............................................
20-561.fm Page 44 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM 37.020-37.980 38.000-39.000 39.020-39.980 40.000-42.000 42.020-42.940 43.220-43.680 44.620-46.580 46.600-46.990 47.020-47.400 47.440-49.580 49.610-49.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL . . . . . . . .
20-561.fm Page 45 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM 154.540-154.570 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AUTO, SPORT, STAD 154.600. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPORT, STAD 154.655-156.240 . . . . . . . . . . . . AUTO, MED, POL, PUB, STAD 156.275-157.425 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARI 157.450. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED 157.710. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20-561.fm Page 46 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Ultra High Frequency (UHF) — (300 MHz–3 GHz) Military Aircraft Band — (319.1–406 MHz) 380.000-383.900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIR, Coast Guard 384.000-406.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIR, GOVT U.S. Government Band — (406–450 MHz) 406.125-419.975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT 70-cm Amateur Band — (420–450 MHz) 420.000-450.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20-561.fm Page 47 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Note: Some cities use the 470-512 MHz band for land/mobile services. HAM RADIO FREQUENCIES Ham radio operators often broadcast emergency information when other means of communications break down. The following chart shows the voice frequencies you can monitor. Wavelength (meters) Search Band 10 meters 0 29.000 29.700 6 meters 1 50.100 54.000 2 meters 4 144.100 148.000 70 centimeters 7 420.000 450.
20-561.fm Page 48 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM BIRDIE FREQUENCIES Birdies are frequencies your scanner uses when it operates. These operating frequencies might interfere with broadcasts on the same frequencies. If you program one of these frequencies, you might hear only noise on that frequency. If the interference is not severe, you might be able to turn SQUELCH MIN/MAX clockwise to cut out the birdie. These are the most common birdies to watch for: 29.800 MHz 32.000 MHz 38.400 MHz 46.370 MHz 51.
20-561.fm Page 49 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM FREQUENCY CONVERSION The tuning location of a station can be expressed in frequency (kHz or MHz) or in wavelength (meters). The following information can help you make the necessary conversions. 1 MHz (million)=1,000 kHz (thousand) To convert MHz to kHz, multiply by 1,000. 30.62 MHz x 1000=30620 kHz To convert from kHz to MHz, divide by 1,000. 127, 800 KHz =127.
20-561.fm Page 50 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM TROUBLESHOOTING If your scanner is not working as it should, these suggestions might help you eliminate the problem. If the scanner still does not operate normally, take it to your local Radio Shack store for assistance. Problem Scanner is on but will not scan. Suggestion • If SQUELCH MIN/MAX is adjusted so you always hear a hissing sound, the scanner will not scan properly. Be sure SQUELCH MIN/MAX is adjusted properly.
20-561.fm Page 51 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Problem Scanner receives stations poorly or not at all. Suggestion • Check the antenna (indoor or outdoor). See “Connecting the Flexible Antenna” on Page 9 and “Connecting a Mobile or Base-Station Antenna” on Page 35. • Signals may be blocked from being received by the scanner due to metal frames or material in the building. Change the scanner’s location and try again. Scanner’s keys or display work poorly or not at all.
20-561.fm Page 52 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your Radio Shack PRO-63 100-Channel Portable Event Scanner is an example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for your scanner so you can enjoy it for years. Keep the scanner dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits. Handle the scanner gently and carefully.
20-561.fm Page 53 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM SPECIFICATIONS Frequency Coverage VHF Lo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.7–50 MHz (in 5 kHz steps) Amateur Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29–29.7 MHz (in 5 kHz steps) 50–54 MHz (in 5 kHz steps) 144–148 MHz (in 5 kHz steps) 420–450 MHz (in 12.5 kHz steps) Amateur Radio/Government . 450–470 MHz (in 12.5 kHz steps) Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108–136.975 MHz (in 25 kHz steps) Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20-561.fm Page 54 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM Intermediate Frequencies (IF): 1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.7 MHz 2nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455 kHz IF Rejection (10.7 MHz) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 dB at 154 MHz Squelch Sensitivity: Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less than 0.5 mV Tight (VHF Lo, Hi, UHF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20-561.fm Page 55 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM NOTES U.S. PATENT NOS.
20-561.fm Page 56 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 3:48 PM RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY This product is warranted against defects for 1 year from date of purchase from Radio Shack company-owned stores and authorized Radio Shack franchisees and dealers. Within this period, we will repair it without charge for parts and labor. Simply bring your Radio Shack sales slip as proof of purchase date to any Radio Shack store. Warranty does not cover transportation costs.
