General Research of Electronics 2000427 Scanning Receiver User Manual RadioShack
General Research of Electronics Inc Scanning Receiver RadioShack
Users manual
20-427 Owner’s Manual Draft
RadioShack
20-427
PRO-2054 300 Channel Mobile/Base Scanner
Please read this user’s guide before installing, setting up and using your new product
www.radioshack.com
Thank you for purchasing your Pro-2054 300 channel Mobile/Base scanner from
RadioShack. You can mount your scanner in a fixed position and use it as a base scanner or
you can use it as a mobile scanner by mounting it in a vehicle. This scanner lets you scan
conventional transmissions, and is preprogrammed with search banks for convenience. By
pressing a one touch search key, you can quickly search those frequencies most commonly
used by public service and other agencies without tedious and complicated programming.
what’s included
user’s guide quick start guide preloaded data addendum
Scanner Antenna DC cable w/fuse AC adapter
DIN sleeve and keys (2) Mounting bracket
Knob (2) Rubber washer (2) Lock washer (2)
Screw (2) Rubber foot (3)
contents
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© 2005 RadioShack Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack, RadioShack.com, Hypersearch, Hyperscan, and Adaptaplug are trademarks
used by RadioShack Corporation.
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your scanner’s keypad
WX (Weather)/(skywarn) – scans through the seven preprogrammed weather channels, or
jumps to a Skywarn channel you programmed (300 CH).
MAR (Marine) – lets you search the scanner’s preprogrammed marine band.
F/P (Fire/Police) – lets you search the scanner’s preprogrammed fire/police band.
AIR (Aircraft) – lets you search the scanner’s preprogrammed aircraft band.
HAM (Amateur radio) – lets you search the scanner’s preprogrammed amateur radio band.
FUNC (Function) – lets you use various functions by pressing this key in combination with
other keys.
PRI (Priority) – sets and turns the priority function on or off.
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.
TUNE – press TUNE, PAUSE to tune to a frequency.
PAUSE – pauses search or tune operation.
SCAN/(stalker) – scans through the programmed channels, or activates the Signal Stalker
II function.
MAN (Manual) – stops scanning and lets you directly enter a channel number.
/¥ or ¥/ – selects the scan or search direction.
Number keys – press to enter a number or a character (in text mode).
•/DELAY – enters a decimal point (necessary when programming frequencies), or programs
delay time for the selected channel/search bank.
ENT (Enter) – completes the entry of frequencies.
DIM (Dimmer) – adjusts the backlight level (Light, Dark, or OFF).
L/OUT (Lock Out) – lets you lock out a selected channel, skip a specified frequency during
search, or lock out a selected ID code.
CLEAR – clears an incorrect entry.
PROG (Program) – programs frequencies in channels
PWR/VOL/SQ – long knob turns OFF/ON, and controls volume. Short knob controls
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squelch.
PC/IF – connect an optional PC interface cable here to use the scanner with your computer.
Headphone Symbol – attach headphones with 1/8” jack here.
your scanner’s rear view
ANT – connect the supplied antenna or an external antenna here.
SCREW HOLE – use to mount the scanner in a car with some hardware (screw not
supplied).
RESET – press to reset your scanner.
DC 13.8V – connect a power source here.
EXT SP – connect an external speaker here.
your scanner’s display
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install your scanner
You can mount your scanner in your vehicle, install it for mobility, or install it as a base
station.
mounting your scanner in your dashboard
If you are unsure about how to install your scanner in your vehicle, consult your automobile
manufacturer, dealer, or a qualified installer. Before installing, confirm your scanner fits in
the desired mounting area and you have all the necessary materials. Your scanner requires
a 2 x 7 1/8 x 5 5/16 inch (50 x 180 x 135 mm) mounting area.
1. Remove the four rear screws and pull off the black case before installing your scanner.
2. Install the DIN sleeve into the opening in your dashboard, lip facing out.
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3. Push out the top and bottom tabs to hold the sleeve firmly in place.
4. Slide the scanner into the sleeve until it locks in place.
Notes:
• To remove your scanner from the DIN sleeve, insert the two keys straight into the
scanner’s front panel. Then, remove the scanner by pulling front panel.
• When mounting in your dashboard, you will need to connect an external antenna and an
external speaker.
mobile mounting in your vehicle
You can mount your scanner under the dashboard, or on top of it, using the mounting
bracket.
1. Attach the three protective rubber feet to the mounting bracket when you use the
scanner on a flat surface. Do not use them when you mount the bracket with screws.
2. Use the supplied mounting bracket as a template to mark positions for the two mounting
screws.
3. At the marked positions, drill holes slightly smaller than the screws.
4. Remove the paper backing from each washer and stick one inside of each bracket’s ear,
aligning the washer’s hole with the bracket’s hole.
5. Attach the mounting bracket to your vehicle’s surface using the supplied screws and
lockwashers.
6. Slide the scanner into the bracket, aligning the scanner’s holes with the holes in the
bracket, and then screw the mounting knobs into the scanner.
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Note: When drilling holes, be sure to avoid obstructions behind the mounting surface.
Consult a qualified installer if in doubt.
using your scanner as a base station
You can place your scanner on a desk, shelf, or table to use it as a base station. Since the
speaker is on the bottom of the scanner, you may want to use the mounting bracket to
elevate your scanner off the surface for better sound. Follow the mobile vehicle mounting
instructions above to affix your scanner to a desk, shelf, table or other flat surface (except
that the bracket will be below the scanner).
power your scanner
You can power your scanner from a wall outlet, through your vehicle’s ignition, or from your
vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
from a wall outlet
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1. Connect the tip of the supplied AC adapter to the DC 13.8V jack at the rear of your
scanner.
2. Plug the AC adapter into your wall outlet.
Note: You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 13.8V DC and delivers at least
600mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s DC 13.8V
jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or
the adapter.
Warning!
To prevent electric shock, do not use the AC adapter’s polarized plug with an extension cord,
receptacle, or other outlet unless you can fully insert the blades to prevent blade exposure.
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through your vehicle’s ignition
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative (–) terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
2. Ground the black wire of the supplied DC power cord to your vehicle’s chassis.
Note: Be sure the grounding screw makes complete contact with the metal frame of your
vehicle.
3. Connect the red wire of the supplied DC power cord to a voltage source that turns on and
off with the ignition switch, such as a spare accessory terminal in your vehicle’s fuse box.
4. Insert the power cord’s barrel plug into the scanner’s DC 13.8V jack.
5. Reconnect the cable to the negative (–) terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
Note: You must use a power source that supplies 12V DC and delivers at least 600mA. Its
center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s DC 13.8V jack. The
supplied DC power cord meets these specifications. Using a power cord that does not meet
these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter
To power your scanner from a 12V power source in your vehicle, such as a cigarette-lighter
socket, you need a 12V, 600mA DC cigarette-lighter adapter (not supplied), available at
your local RadioShack store.
1. Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into the scanner’s DC 13.8V jack.
2. Plug the adapter’s other end into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or power socket.
Note: When you use a cigarette-lighter adapter, you might hear electrical noise from your
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engine while scanning. This is normal.
connect the supplied antenna
Push the antenna onto your scanner’s antenna connector and rotate until it locks into
place.
Your scanner’s sensitivity to various frequencies depends on its location and the antenna’s
length. For best reception, adjust the antenna’s length as follows:
Frequency Antenna Length
28–54 MHz Extend fully
108–174 MHz Extend 4 segments
406-960 MHz Collapse fully
connect an external antenna
You will need to connect an external antenna when you mount your scanner in the
dashboard of your vehicle. You may also want to connect an external antenna if you use
your scanner as a base station.
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 exceeding 50 feet, use
RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If your coaxial cable does not have a BNC connector,
you will also need a BNC adapter (not supplied).
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.
connect an external speaker or headphones
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When you mount your scanner in your dashboard, you will need to connect an external
speaker or headphones.
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listening safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use headphones.
• Adjust VOL (volume) to its lowest level before putting on headphones. With the
headphones on, adjust VOL to a comfortable level.
• Avoid increasing the volume once you set it. Over time, your sensitivity to volume
decreases, so volume levels that do not cause discomfort might damage your hearing.
• Avoid listening at high volume levels. Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause
permanent hearing loss.
traffic safety
Do not wear headphones while driving. This can create a traffic hazard and is illegal in
some areas. Even though some headphones let you hear outside sounds when you listen at
normal levels, they still can present a traffic hazard.
quick start
To help familiarize yourself with the scanner’s functions, keypad, and available frequencies,
you can utilize one of these three features before you begin programming the scanner.
Signal Stalker II – searches nearby strong signals quickly. See “Signal Stalker II”.
One-Touch 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 the One
Touch Banks”.
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Manual Tuning – allows you to manually move through the entire range of available
frequencies. (See “Specifications” for a list of the available frequency Ranges.)
understanding channel storage banks
A bank is a storage area for a group of channels. Channels are storage areas for frequencies.
Whereas a channel can only contain one frequency, a bank can hold numerous channels.
To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, your scanner
divides the channels into 10 banks (1 to 10) of 30 channels each, a total of 300 channels. You
can use each channel-storage bank to group frequencies.
Note: The scanner is preset so each banks is turned on (see “Turning Channel-Storage
Banks Off and On”).
setting up your scanner
turning on the scanner and setting squelch
1. To turn on the scanner, turn VOL clockwise. WELCOME 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.
Notes:
• The scanner does not scan if there are no frequencies 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
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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.
• 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.
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.
Note: When MAN appears on the display, you can use FUNC and the arrow keys to select
your desired bank and channel number.
1. Press MAN, channel number (1-300) where you want to store a frequency, then press
MAN again. MAN and the channel number appear at the display.
Notes:
• Press FUNC. Then press /¥ or ¥/. The bank moves in the direction of the arrow pressed.
• Press FUNC. Then hold down /¥ or ¥/. The bank moves continuously in the assigned
direction.
• Press /¥. The channel number moves upward one by one. Or, press ¥/. The channel
number moves downward one by one.
• Hold down /¥ or ¥/. The channel moves continuously in the assigned direction.
2. Press PROG. MAN changes to PGM.
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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 CLEAR to delete a single digit or press and hold CLEAR
about 2 seconds to delete all digits.
4. Press ENT to store the frequency into the channel.
Notes:
• If you made a mistake in Step 3, Error 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. The next channel in sequence is ready for programming. Press PROG then repeat steps 3
and 4.
searching the one touch banks
Your scanner contains groups of preset frequencies called One Touch Banks. Each one touch
bank is associated with a specific bank is associated with a specific activity (see “One Touch
Banks”). You can search for marine, fire/police, air, ham, and weather transmissions even if
you do not know the specific frequencies that are used in your area.
Notes:
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• You can use the scanner’s delay feature while searching the banks (see “Delay”).
• The scanner does not search locked-out frequencies while searching ranges. See “Locking
Out Channels or Frequencies”.
The fire/police and ham one touch banks have separate groups of frequencies called
sub-banks. This lets you search for and select only those frequencies that fall within a
specific range within the fire/police and ham one-touch banks.
Note: The fire/police one-touch bank contains low VHF, high VHF, low UHF, and high UHF
sub-banks. The ham one-touch bank contains 10m, 6m, 2m, and 70cm sub-banks.
To listen to the marine bank, see “Listening to the Marine Bank”. To listen to the weather
bank, see “Listening to the Weather Band”.
1. Press F/P, AIR, or HAM. FIrE POLICE, AIr, or HAM appears. After about 2 seconds, the
scanner starts searching. When the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops searching
and displays the frequency’s number.
Notes:
• To reverse the search direction at any time, press /¥ or ¥/.
• To pause the search while receiving a signal, press PAUSE. To resume searching, press
PAUSE again.
• If necessary, you can select search groups using the number keys.
2. To search for another active frequency in the selected band, press /¥ or ¥/. To search for
an active frequency within a sub-band of the fire/police or ham band, press a number key to
select the sub-band you want. To select a different band and search for another active
frequency, repeat Step 1.
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, — — appears at the
double side of the b (or t when the scanner stays tune mode) and the scanner stops at the
correct frequency. When you turn this feature off, — — disappears and the scanner stops
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when it detects an active signal. Zeromatic functions only in Police/Fire, Aircraft,
Amateur band, and tune operation.
In the aircraft band, press FUNC then press /¥ to start searching up from the lowest
frequency or press ¥/ to start searching down from the highest frequency.
Note: If you press PAUSE while searching, the scanner stops searching and PSE appears.
Press PAUSE again, and the scanner resumes searching.
Once you find interesting frequencies during the search, you can store them into the
scanner’s channel-storage banks.
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 PROG when you find a frequency. ChAnnEL appears on the display.
After about 2 second, the channel to be copied flashes.
2. Press the channel number where you want to store the frequency. The display indicates
channel number.
3. Press ENT. The scanner shows about it’s channel. (frequency or 000.0000)
4. Press ENT. All the conditions such as delay condition are copied onto the channel.
Channel number and frequency flashes two times. 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– appears. If you want to copy the duplicate frequency
anyway, press ENT, or if not, press CLEAR to cancel.
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copying a frequency into an bank 10’s empty channel
You can copy a frequency into a vacant channel in a bank 10 (default setting) 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. b-10 appears about 2
second, then vacant channel number appears. Press number key to move bank.
2. Press ENT. The scanner stores in the first available vacant channel in the bank. Channel
number and frequency flashes 2 times. All the conditions such as 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– appears on the third line. If you want to copy the
duplicate frequency anyway, press ENT, or if not, press CLEAR to cancel.
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. PCH flashes and the frequency (or
000.0000) appears. Press ENT to store the frequency into priority channel, or press CLEAR
to cancel.
band charts
WX (weather) band
Receive mode: FM
1ch 162.400 MHz
2ch 162.425 MHz
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3ch 162.450 MHz
4ch 162.475 MHz
5ch 162.500 MHz
6ch 162.525 MHz
7ch 162.550 MHz
MAR (marine) band
Note: Two frequencies are assigned in one channel in some Marine frequencies. For
example, 157.000 and 161.600 are assigned in Channel 20.
Receive mode: FM
Ch. Frequency (MHz) Ch. Frequency (MHz)
01 156.0500 05 156.2500
06 156.3000 07 156.3500
08 156.4000 09 156.4500
10 156.5000 11 156.5500
12 156.6000 13 156.6500
14 156.7000 15 156.7500
16 156.8000 17 156.8500
18 156.9000 19 156.9500
20 157.0000 21 157.0500
161.6000
22 157.1000 23 157.1500
24 157.2000 25 157.2500
161.8000 161.8500
26 157.3000 27 157.3500
161.9000 161.9500
28 157.4000 63 157.1750
162.0000
64 156.2250 65 156.2750
160.8250
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66 156.3250 67 156.3750
68 156.4250 69 156.4750
70 156.5250 71 156.5750
72 156.6250 73 156.6750
74 156.7250 77 156.8750
78 156.9250 79 156.9750
80 157.0250 81 157.0750
82 157.1250 83 157.1750
84 157.2250 85 157.2750
161.8250 161.8750
86 157.3250 87 157.3750
161.9250 161.9750
88 157.4250
F/P (police/fire) band
Receive Mode: FM
Group Frequency (MHz) Step (kHz)
1 33.420 – 33.980 20
37.020 – 37.420 20
39.020 – 39.980 20
42.020 – 42.940 20
44.620 – 45.860 40
45.880
45.900
45.940 – 46.060 40
46.080 – 46.500 20
2 151.820 – 151.940 60
153.770 – 154.130 60
154.145 – 154.445 15
154.570
154.600
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154.650 – 154.950 15
155.010 – 155.370 60
155.415 – 155.700 15
155.730 – 156.210 60
158.730 – 159.210 60
166.250
170.150
3 453.0375 – 453.9625 12.5
458.0375 – 458.9625 12.5
460.0125 – 460.6375 12.5
462.5500 – 462.7250 12.5
465.0125 – 465.6375 12.5
467.5625 – 467.7125 25
4 851.0125 – 860.9875 25
866.0125 – 868.9875 12.5
AIR (aircraft) band
Receive mode: AM
Frequency (MHz) Step (kHz)
108.000 – 136.99166 8.33
Note: 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.
HAM (amateur) band
Receive mode: FM
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Group Frequency (MHz) Step (kHz)
1 28.0000 – 29.7000 5
2 50.0000 – 54.0000 5
3 144.0000 – 148.0000 5
4 420.0000 – 450.0000 12.5
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 appears. And, PSE and –t– (if zeromatic is
on) appears alternately.
2. Use the number keys to enter the frequency where you want the scanner to start.
3. Press ENT.
4. Press PAUSE or TUNE. The scanner starts the tune operation. To change the tune
direction, press /¥ or ¥/ 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.
scanning the channels
To begin scanning channels or to start scanning again after monitoring a specific channel,
press SCAN.
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Notes:
. You must store frequencies into channels before the scanner can scan them. The scanner
does not scan through empty channels.
. To change the scanning direction, press /¥ or ¥/.
The scanner scans through all channels (except those you have locked out) in the active
banks (see “Turning Channel-Storage Banks Off and On” and “Locking Out Channels or
Frequencies”).
turning channel-storage banks off and on
To turn off banks while scanning, press the bank’s number key so the bank’s number
disappears. For example, to turn off bank 1, press 1. The scanner does not scan any of the
channels within the banks you turned off.
To turn on banks while scanning, press the number key until the bank’s number appears.
For example to turn bank 1 on again, press 1.
Notes:
• You cannot turn off all banks. There must be at least one active bank.
• You can manually select any channel in a bank, even if the bank is turned off.
monitoring a single channel
You can monitor a single channel with your scanner by navigating to that channel while in
manual mode. The scanner will receive traffic on the selected frequency.
deleting frequencies from channels
1. Press MAN.
2. Use the number keys to enter the channel with the frequency you want to delete.
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3. Press MAN again.
4. Press PROG to enter the program mode. M changes to P.
5. Press FUNC.
6. Press CLEAR. The frequency number changes and 0.0000 appears.
Listening to the marine bank
To listen to the marine bank, press MAR. MAr appears for about 2 seconds, then the
scanner starts searching from marine channel 16.
To stop searching the channels, press PAUSE. SRCH disappears and MAN appears.
To change the channel manually, press /¥ or ¥/.
To search through the marine bank again, press PAUSE. MAN disappears and SRCH
appears. To change the searching direction, press /¥ or ¥/.
You can select a marine channel directly. When the scanner stops searching the marine
bank, use the number keys to enter the two-digit channel number.
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.
listening to a weather channel
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To listen to the weather bank, press WX. WEAthEr appears for about 2 seconds, then the
scanner starts searching the weather bank.
To stop searching the channels, press PAUSE. SRCH disappears and MAN appears.
To change the channel manually, press /¥ or ¥/.
To search through the weather bank again, press PAUSE. MAN disappears and SRCH
appears. To change the searching direction, press /¥ or ¥/.
weather alert
Your scanner’s WX alert warns you of serious weather conditions by sounding an alarm if a
National Weather Service broadcaster in your area broadcasts a weather alert tone.
To set the scanner so it sounds an alarm when a weather alert tone is broadcast, press
FUNC then press WX while you are listening to the WX channel. ALErt appears.
If the scanner detects the weather alert, it sounds the alert for five minutes when it
receives the weather alert signal. After five minutes the alert stops and the scanner beeps
every ten seconds. Press any key except DIM to turn off the alarm. To cancel the weather
alert operation, press FUNC then press WX again.
Notes:
• WX alert is only for receiving a weather alert.
• When the scanner detects a 1050 Hz alert tone, WX alert activates and you hear a
weather alert.
To cancel the WX alert operation, Press FUNC then WX. ALErt disappears.
Note: If you press and hold WX about 1 second, the scanner cancels the weather alert
operation and move to skywarn operation.
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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
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 channel (channel 300) from any mode
pressing and holding WX about 1 second. The scanner displays SKY.
Note: To activate this function, you must program your desired Skywarn frequency into the
Skywarn channel.
If you does not program to skywarn channel, No proG appears on the display.
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.
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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.
using Signal Stalker II
Your scanner’s Signal Stalker II functions when you press and hold SCAN/(stalker mark)
for approximately 1 second. The Signal Stalker II function can be set to watch for activity
on all band frequencies or Police/Fire FRS frequencies only. To change the all bands to
police/fire or vice versa, press FUNC then (stalker mark).
You can also turn on/off frequency sub-bands using the corresponding number keys while
Signal Stalker II is active.
Note: Priority mode is not available while using the Signal Stalker II.
Press FUNC then /¥, you can change the normal Signal Stalker II operation to the Special
Signal Stalker II operation. In the Special Stalker operation, (stalker mark) flashes and the
frequency range is divided by 1 MHz segment. If you lock out 5 frequencies within a 1 MHz
segment, the scanner will skip that segment in subsequent sweeps. See “Using Signal
Stalker II with Lockout” below.
Note: If the scanner have more than 5 locked out frequencies in each frequency segment,
ALL Fr-IGno appears and the scanner does not operate stalker function.
using Signal Stalker II with lockout
The scanner’s lock out feature can be used to bypass unwanted transmissions while using
the Signal Stalker II. Press L/OUT when the scanner is stopped on an undesired
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transmission. Press FUNC L/OUT to review or clear locked out frequencies in the Signal
Stalker II. You can lock out 150 frequencies while searching all bands and 50 frequencies
while searching Police/Fire frequencies.
Signal Stalker II functions by rapidly sweeping through the RF spectrum in 1 MHz
segments. If RF signal energy is detected in a 1 MHz segment, Signal Stalker II will sweep
through the 1MHz segment in finer steps until the source of the RF signal energy is found.
Certain segments of RF spectrum are used by high power transmitters, such as paging
transmitters. The Signal Stalker II can detect these transmitters easily, even at great
distances due to their high transmitter output power. You can press L/OUT when the
Signal Stalker II stops on these undesired transmissions to prevent the Signal Stalker II
from stopping on them in future sweeps, however, the Signal Stalker II will still see their
RF signal energy when sweeping through the 1 MHz segment. This will cause the Signal
Stalker II to execute another fine step search of the 1 MHz segment. Of course, if you have
locked out the undesired transmissions, the Signal Stalker II will not stop on them again,
however, the overall sweep performance of the Signal Stalker II will be impacted.
Signal Stalker II features a special lockout mode that causes the scanner to skip a 1 MHz
segment if five or more lockouts exist in that 1 MHz segment. To activate this mode, press
FUNC /¥ while in the Signal Stalker II mode. If a 1 MHz segment contains 5 or more
lockouts it will be skipped entirely while Signal Stalker II is sweeping. Use FUNC L/O to
review or clear locked Signal Stalker II frequencies.
To clear a locked-out frequency, select that frequency, then press CLEAR.
using delay
Many conversations might have a pause of several seconds between a query and a reply. To
avoid missing a reply, you can program a 2-second delay into any of your scanner’s channels.
Then, when the scanner stops on the channel, DLY appears and the scanner continues to
monitor the channel for 2 seconds after the transmission stops before it resumes
scanning/searching. The delay feature is also available while searching.
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Note: Delay is automatically set as the default for each channel when you turn on the
scanner.
To turn delay on or off, press •/DELAY. When delay is on, DLY appears on the display.
locking out channels or frequencies
You can scan existing channels or search frequencies faster by locking out channels or
frequencies that have a continuous transmission, such as a weather channel.
locking out channels
To lock out a channel while scanning, press L/OUT when the scanner stops on the channel.
To lock out a channel manually, select the channel then press L/OUT. L/O appears on the
display.
Note: You can still manually select locked-out channels.
To remove the lockout from a channel, manually select the channel and press L/OUT. L/O
disappears.
reviewing locked-out channels
To review all locked out channels, press MAN. Then repeatedly alternate between pressing
FUNC and then L/OUT to view each locked-out channel.
locking out frequencies
To lock out a frequency during a search, press L/OUT when the scanner stops on that
frequency. The scanner locks out the frequency, then continues searching.
Notes:
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• The scanner does not store locked out frequencies during a search.
• You can lock out as many as 50 frequencies in each bank. If you try to lock out more, L–O
Fr–FULL appears
• If you lock out all frequencies in marine search bank, All ch L–OUt appears and the
scanner does not search.
reviewing locked-out frequencies
To review the frequencies within a search bank that you locked out:
1. Press one touch search button to review the lockout frequencies.
2. Press FUNC then L/OUT. The locked-out frequency and L–r appear. Press /¥ or ¥/ to
review the list. The locked-out frequency and L–r appears. If the search bank has no
locked-out frequencies, L–r EMPty appears. Press FUNC then L/OUT again to cancel
reviewing locked-out frequencies.
If you review the all lockouts in marine bank, press FUNC, L/O while marine manual
mode.
clearing a locked-out frequency
To clear a locked-out frequency, select that frequency (see “Reviewing Locked-Out
Frequencies”), then press CLEAR.
If all locked-out frequencies are cleared within a bank, L–r EMPty appears.
clearing all locked-out frequencies in a F/P, AIR or HAM search bank
1. Press F/P, AIR, or HAM.
2. Press FUNC then press L/OUT. Lockout list appears.
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3. Press FUNC then 6. L–O Fr–CL appears. Press ENT to clear all locked-out frequencies.
L–r EMPty appears. Press CLEAR to cancel the operation.
priority
In addition to the 300 programmable memory channels, the scanner has one priority
channel.
With the priority feature, you can scan through programmed channels and still not miss an
important or interesting transmission on a specific channel. When priority is turned on, the
scanner checks that channel every 2 seconds, and stays on the channel if there is activity
until the activity stops.
Note: If you program a weather channel as the priority channel, the scanner stays in the
priority channel only when the scanner detects the weather alert tone.
To program a frequency in the priority channel:
1. Press MAN.
2. Use the number keys to enter the channel number which contains the frequency you
want to program as the priority channel. Then press MAN again.
3. Press FUNC then PRI. PCH blinks and frequency (or 000.0000) appears.
4. Press ENT to store the frequency and the display blinks two times. If you want to cancel
the operation, press CLEAR.
To program the priority channel directly:
1. Press PROG.
2. Press PRI.
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3. Enter the frequency you want to enter into the priority channel, then press ENT.
To program a weather channel as the priority channel:
1. Press WX.
2. Select the weather channel you want to program as the priority channel.
3. Press FUNC then PRI. PCH flashes.
4. Press ENT to store the frequency and the display blinks two times. If you want to cancel
the operation, press CLEAR.
To turn on the priority feature, press PRI. P appears on the display while
scanning/searching (except WX band). If the scanner detects activity on the priority
channel, PCH appears. Or if the scanner detects a weather alert tone in Priority WX mode,
PCH ALErt appears for 2 seconds then ALErt flashes, and the scanner sounds an alert
tone.
Notes:
• Priority WX is only for receiving a weather alert.
• When the scanner detects a 1050 Hz alert tone, priority WX activates and you receive a
weather alert.
• If you program a weather frequency into the priority channel and the scanner detects a
weather alert tone on that frequency, the scanner sounds the alert tone.
To turn off the priority feature, press PRI.
using the attenuator
To reduce interference or noise caused by strong signals, you can reduce the scanner’s
sensitivity to these signals.
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There are two attenuator modes in your scanner. One is normal attenuator mode in which
you set the attenuator in each channel or each band/group in the search and tune mode.
The other is global mode in which you set the attenuator only once. This setting is applied
all the time in every mode.
Press ATT to turn on or off the attenuator while the channel number is indicated or while
the scanner is searching through bands/groups. When the attenuator is on, ATT appears.
When you turn it off, ATT disappears. You cannot set the attenuator while the scanner is
scanning.
Press FUNC and then ATT to set the attenuator to its global mode. Bar appears on the
display. Press ATT to turn the attenuator on or off. ATT appears/disappears on the display.
Press FUNC and then ATT again to turn off the global attenuation mode. Bar disappears
on the display.
Note: If you turn on the attenuator, the scanner might not receive weak signals.
turning the key tone on and off
Each time you press any of the scanner’s keys, the scanner sounds a tone. To turn the
scanner’s key tone off or on:
1. If the scanner is on, turn OFF/VOL counterclockwise until it clicks to turn the scanner
off.
2. Turn OFF/VOL clockwise to turn the scanner on. WELCOME appears.
3. While WELCOME appears, press 1 to turn on the key tone or 2 to turn it off.
using the dimmer
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Repeatedly press DIM to adjust the brightness of the display backlight to Dark, Light Off,
or Light.
cloning the programmed data
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another PRO-2054 scanner using an
optional connecting cable with 1/8-inch (3.5mm) phone plugs on both ends (not supplied,
available at your local RadioShack store).
1. Turn on both scanners.
2. Connect the connecting cable to each scanner’s PC/IF jack. CLOnE and UP to SEnd
appears.
3. Press /¥ at the host scanner.
4. SEndInG appears at the host scanner.
The scanner sends the data. To exit the clone mode, remove the cable.
CLOnE and Error alternately appears when the scanner receives data from a scanner other
than a PRO-2054. If this happens, turn off the scanner then turn it on again.
care
Keep the scanner dry; if it 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.
replacing the fuse
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First, turn off the scanner and your vehicle’s ignition. Make sure you replace the fuse only
with another fuse of the same type and rating (2-amp, fast-acting glass fuse).
service and repair
If your scanner is not performing as it should, take it to your local RadioShack store for
assistance. To locate your nearest RadioShack, use the store locator feature on
RadioShack’s website (www.radioshack.com), or call 1-800-The Shack (800-843-7422) and
follow the menu options. Modifying or tampering with the scanner’s internal components
can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty and void your FCC
authorization to operate it.
birdie frequencies
Every scanner has birdie frequencies. Birdies are signals created inside the scanner’s
receiver. These operating frequencies might interfere with transmissions on the same
frequencies. If you program one of these frequencies, you hear only noise on that frequency.
If the interference is not severe, you might be able to turn SQ clockwise to omit the birdie.
To find the birdies in your scanner, begin by disconnecting the antenna and moving it away
from the scanner. Make sure that no other nearby radio or TV sets are turned on near the
scanner. Use the search function and scan every frequency range from its lowest frequency
to the highest. Occasionally, the searching will stop as if it had found a signal, often without
any sound. This is a birdie. Make a list of all the birdies in your scanner for future
reference.
specifications
Frequency Coverage:
28–54 MHz (in 5 kHz steps)
108–136.99166 MHz (in 8.33 kHz steps)
137–174 MHz (in 5, 6.25, 7.5, or 12.5 kHz steps)
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406–512 MHz (in 6.25 kHz steps)
806–823.9875 MHz (in 6.25 kHz steps)
849–868.9875 MHz (in 6.25 kHz steps)
894– 960 MHz (in 6.25 kHz steps)
Memory channels 300
Channel memory banks 10
Sensitivity (20 dB S/N):
FM/AM(aircraft band):
28–54 MHz 0.3 µV
108 –136.99166 MHz (AM) 1 µV
137–174 MHz 0.5 µV
406–512 MHz 0.5 µV
806–960 MHz 0.7 µV
Selectivity:
‒6 dB ±10 kHz
‒50 dB ±18 kHz
Spurious Rejection (at 154.1 MHz FM) 40 dB
Scanning Rate Up to 60 Channels per Second
Search Rate Up to 75 Steps per Second
Delay Time 2 seconds
Intermediate Frequencies (IF):
1st 380.8 MHz
2nd 21.4 MHz
3rd 455 kHz
Priority Sampling 2 seconds
Operating Temperature –4 to 140° F (–20 to 60° C)
IF Rejection:
380.8 MHz at 154.1 MHz 60 dB
21.4 MHz at 154.1 MHz 100 dB
Squelch Sensitivity:
Threshold (FM and AM) 0.5 µV
Tight (FM) 25 dB
Tight (AM) 20 dB
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Antenna Impedance 50 Ohms
Audio Output Power (10% THD) 1.5 W
Built-in Speaker 3 Inches (77 mm)
(8-ohm, Dynamic Type)
Power Requirement 13.8 V
Current Drain (Squelched) 110 mA
Physical Dimensions (HWD) 2 1/4 x 7 1/4 x 5 5/16 Inches (55 x 185 x 135 mm)
Weight (without cabinet and accessories) 27.7 oz. (790 g)
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications and depictions are
subject to change and improvement without notice.
resetting/initializing your scanner
If the scanner’s display locks up or does not work properly after you connect a power source,
you might need to reset or initialize it. If you have problems with the scanner, first try
resetting it, which will retain items stored in memory. If that does not work, initialize the
scanner. You may be able to save the information in your scanner’s memory to your
computer, or another scanner before initializing it. See “Cloning the Programmed Data”.
resetting your scanner
1. Turn off your scanner, and then turn it on again.
2. Insert a pointed object into the reset hole on the back of the scanner. Then, gently press
and release the reset button. Pressing reset does not clear the scanner’s memory.
initializing your scanner
Initializing your scanner clears all information stored in your scanner’s memory. Initialize
your scanner only when you are sure it is not working properly.
1. Turn off the scanner, then turn it on again. WELCOME appears.
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2. Press 0 while WELCOME appears.
3. Press 1. InItIAL appears on the display.
4. Press ENT. WAIt appears for about 2 seconds.
Note: Do not turn off the scanner until the initialization is complete. When the
initialization is complete, 1CH 000.0000 appears on the display.
The FCC wants you to know
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
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
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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. These
include:
• Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal
transmission)
• Pager transmissions
• Any scrambled or encrypted transmissions
According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines
and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the contents of
such a transmission unless you have the consent of a party to the communication (unless
such activity is otherwise illegal).
This scanner has been designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions. This is done
to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured so as to not be easily
modifiable to pick up those transmissions. Do not open your scanner’s case to make any
modifications that could allow it to pick up transmissions that are illegal to monitor. Doing
so could subject you to legal penalties.
In some areas, mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit. Check the laws
in your area. It is also illegal in many areas to interfere with the duties of public safety
officials by traveling to the scene of an incident without authorization.
We encourage responsible, safe and legal scanner use.
glossary
Frequency – the receiving signal location (expressed in MHz). To find active frequencies,
you can use frequency guides available from your local RadioShack store, frequency listings
posted on the Internet, or the built-in search/stalker function.
Channels – programmable memory locations for the frequencies you want to monitor. Each
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time the scanner finds an active frequency, it stops and monitors the radio traffic on that
channel until the transmission ends, then resumes scanning.
Channel Storage Banks – a storage area for a group of channels. Channels are storage
areas for frequencies. Whereas a channel can only contain one frequency, a bank can hold
numerous channels.
One-Touch Search Banks – allow you to listen to frequencies and decide which frequencies
you want to store when you are ready to program the scanner.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The scanner is not working at all. What’s wrong?
The AC or DC adapter or DC cable might not be connected. Be sure the adapter/cable’s
barrel plug is fully inserted into the PWR DC 13.8V jack. The center tip of the
adapter/cable’s barrel plug must be set to positive.
The scanner does not receive any stations or reception is poor. What’s wrong?
The scanner might need to reset or initialize. Insert a pointed object into the reset hole on
the back of the scanner, or initialize the scanner (see “Initializing the Scanner”).
The scanner is on but does not scan. What’s wrong?
The squelch might not be adjusted correctly. Turn SQ clockwise. There might only be one
channel or no channels stored in the scanner. Store frequencies into more than one channel.
While scanning, the scanner locks on frequencies that have an unclear transmission.
What’s wrong?
Some frequencies programmed into the scanner might be the same as “birdie” frequencies.
Avoid programming “Birdie Frequencies” or only listen to them manually.
limited one-year warranty
Printed in Hong Kong GE-05D-1450 06A05
R/S address
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