The Whistler Group SC03 DIGITAL TRUNKING HANDHELD RADIO SCANNER User Manual 1

The Whistler Group DIGITAL TRUNKING HANDHELD RADIO SCANNER 1

User Manual 1

Digital Trunking Handheld Radio ScannerThank you for purchasing your Digital Trunking Handheld Radio Scanner from RadioShack.PRO-651Please read this user’s guide before installing, setting up, and using your new scanner.www.RadioShack.comWhat’s IncludedScannerAntennaBelt ClipYellow (Rechargeable) Battery HolderBlack (Non-rechargeable) Battery HolderV-Scanner Preprogrammed DataUser’s GuideQuick Start Guide
2Contents3Understanding your Scanner ...................... 6Understanding the Keypad ......................... 6Understanding the Display ......................... 8Understanding Object Oriented Scanning 9Scanner Features ....................................... 13Scanner Setup ........................................... 16Connecting the Antenna ...........................16Attaching the Belt Clip .............................. 16Powering Your Scanner ............................. 17Installing Batteries ................................. 17Setting Battery Type .............................. 18Charging Batteries ................................. 18External Power ....................................... 21Headphones and Speakers .......................21Listening Safety ...................................... 22Transferring Data To or From another Scanner or PC .......................................................... 22Turning on the Scanner and Setting Squelch ...23Squelch and Attenuator ............................ 23Basic Settings .............................................24Delay ....................................................... 26Adjusting the LCD Contrast .................. 26Turning the Key Tone On or Off ........... 26Turning Key and Backlight On or Off ... 27Creating Scannable Objects ..................... 28Understanding Object Menus .................. 28Conventional Channel Objects ................30Essential Parameters ............................. 30Creating a CONV Object ...................... 31Changing Text Tags ...............................31Trunking Talkgroup Objects (TGRP) ......... 32Essential Parameters ............................. 33
23ContentsTrunking System (TSYS) Objects ........... 33Duplicate (DUPE) ....................................... 37Scanning .................................................... 38Basic Scanning Operation ......................... 38Wildcard Scanning ..................................... 38Manual Mode ............................................. 39Organizing Objects .................................. 41Object Numbering .................................... 41Grouping Objects with Scan Lists ............ 42Changing Scan List Membership ......... 43New Objects ........................................ 43Existing Objects. ................................. 44Naming Scan Lists ................................. 44Enabling or Disabling Scan Lists .......... 45While Scanning ................................... 45From Global Settings Menu ............... 45NS (Not Scanned) Scan List .................. 46Favorite List ............................................46Setting the Default Scan List ................47Deleting Objects ........................................ 48Searching for Objects using FIND ............49Filtering by Object Type ............................50Object Lockout .......................................... 51Temporary Lockout ................................ 51Permanent Lockout ............................... 52Change L/OUT Key Function ................ 52Search Lockout.......................................53Talkgroup Lockout .................................53Object Searches ........................................ 55Limit Search Object (LMIT) ........................ 55Essential Parameters ............................. 55Service Search Object (SRVC) ................... 57
4Contents5Essential Parameters ............................. 57Signal Stalker II Object (STLK) .................. 59Essential Parameters ............................. 59Dedicated Searches .................................. 61Dedicated LMIT Search ............................. 61Dedicated SRVC Search ............................ 62Dedicated Signal Stalker II ....................... 64Dedicated TUNE Search ........................... 65Tune LED ................................................ 67Weather Scanning ..................................... 68Weather Radio Mode ................................ 68Weather Priority Mode .............................. 69SAME Standby Mode ................................ 69Activating SAME Standby Mode .......... 72Scanner Memory ....................................... 74V-Scanner Storage ..................................... 74Using V-Scanners ................................... 75Saving Main Memory to a V-Scanner Folder ..................................................... 75Loading a V-Scanner Folder to Main Memory .................................................. 76Erasing V-Scanner Folders .................... 76Cloning ...................................................... 77Memory Report .......................................... 77Advanced Settings .................................... 78Priority Scan ................................................ 78Turning Object Priority On or Off ......... 78Turning Priority Scan Mode On or Off ...78CONV Priority Scan ............................... 79TGRP Priority Scan ................................. 79Hit Counters ............................................... 79Audible Alarms and the Alert LED ........... 81
45ContentsMulti-Site Mode On Networked Systems ...82LTR Home Repeater AutoMove ................85Additional Information .............................. 86Power-On Configuration Key Sequences ...86Power-On Password ................................... 87Birdie Frequencies ..................................... 88FCC Notice .................................................89Scanning Legally ........................................ 89Care ............................................................. 90Service and Repair ..................................... 91Specifications ............................................ 91Troubleshooting ......................................... 95Reset Global Parameters to Factory Defaults ...97Initializing the Scanner to Factory Defaults ... 98Appendix A: Search Bands ..................... 100All Sub Bands ........................................... 100PubSafety Band ........................................ 100Aircraft Band ............................................. 101Ham Bands ............................................... 101Appendix B: Detailed Menu Reference .. 102GLOB Menu ............................................. 102CONV Menu .............................................108TGRP Menu .............................................. 111TSYS Menu ............................................... 113LMIT Menu ............................................... 116 SRVC Menu.............................................. 119STLK Menu ............................................... 122Appendix C: Text Entry and QuickText ...125Text Entry .................................................. 125QuickText ..................................................127Customizing QuickText ....................... 127Index ....................................................... 129
67Understanding your ScannerUnderstanding the KeypadSoftkeys F1 / F2 / F3Activates the function shown in the LCD display above the softkey.Five Way Pushbutton Pad t p q u Navigates while browsing objects and menus.t u Navigates through Scan Lists.SEL (Select) Activates data entry fields and toggles Scan List selection in object menus.FUNC + SEL to activate context sensitive help menus.Understanding your Scanner1-0 / A-ZInputs a number or character. Use while scanning to select Scan Lists 1-10 on/off. Press after FUNC to select Scan List 11-20 on/off.CL (Clear)Clears an incorrect entry. FUNC + CL clears entire field.Moves back to previous menu.• / DELAYInputs decimal point (frequency input), space (text input) or hyphen (Trunking ID input).Toggles delay functions on/off.
67FUNC (Function)Activates alternative key functions.KEY/LIGHT Activate backlight. FUNC + KEY/LIGHT locks keypad.MAN (Manual) Places scanner in Manual Mode for monitoring single objects. SCAN / Enters Scan Mode for scanning enabled objects. FUNC + SCAN activates Signal Stalker II. TUNE Direct tuning of any valid frequency. FUNC + TUNE loads current or most recently scanned frequency into Tune. SRCH (Search) Enters Search Mode for dedicated service and frequency searches.ATT (Attenuator) Toggles Attenuator on and off. FUNC + ATT toggles Global Attenuator mode.PRI (Priority) Toggles Priority setting for selected or active object. FUNC + PRI toggles Priority Mode on/off.FAV (Favorites) Activates Favorites Scan Mode. FUNC + FAV adds current object to the Favorite Scan List.WX / Activates Weather Scan. FUNC + WX activates Skywarn mode.PGM (Program) Puts scanner in Program Mode for editing radio-wide options, adding new objects, or editing existing objects. FUNC + PGM accesses V-Scanner Mode.L/OUT Toggles temporary Lockout on active or selected object. FUNC + L/OUT applies permanent lockout (can be changed in GLOB menu).ENT (Enter) PSE (Pause) Pauses scan or search.Understanding your Scanner
89HeadphonesVOLUME/OFFTurn the scanner on or off; adjust the volume.SQUELCH Adjust the squelch.Understanding your ScannerUnderstanding the DisplayThe LCD provides important information about the status of the radio. The top row of icons provide status information. Beneath this row, there are 4 rows of 16 characters each that provide alphanumeric information such as frequencies and object names. The last row usually contains softkeys for F1, F2, and F3.The Function Key (FUNC) has been pressed. The scanner is currently receiving trunking control channel data.The attenuator is set for Global mode.The attenuator is currently active.The radio’s squelch circuit is open.Signal meter indicating strength of the received signal.Battery status indicator. Comes on solid when battery is weak, and flashes two times each second when battery failure is imminent.Menu position and search direction indicators.AlphanumericInfoAlphanumericInfoAlphanumericInfo F1 F2 F3
89VOLUME/OFFTurn the scanner on or off; adjust the volume.Understanding Object Oriented ScanningYour PRO-651 scanner utilizes an entirely new method of programming called Object Oriented Scanning. In Object Oriented Scanning, all “Scannable Objects” are treated the same. Scannable Objects include talkgroups on trunked radio systems, conventional non-trunked frequencies, limit searches, service searches, and Signal Stalker II configurations. All these Scannable Objects are created, edited, grouped, scanned and deleted using the same methods. Scannable Objects can also be searched, filtered, and locked out. Scannable Objects are mapped to Scan Lists, which can be named, enabled, and disabled. There is even a Favorites Scan List. It is easy to search for new frequencies or talkgroups and add them to Scan List groups. It is also easy to delete or deactivate objects and Scan Lists that you do not want to listen to, including a powerful temporary lockout mode that allows you to zero in on activity associated with a specific incident, then restore your desired configuration when the incident is over. Object Oriented Scanning is completely different from any prior scanning receiver technology. Accordingly, some users may find it difficult to visualize and understand how Object Oriented Scanning works. This may be especially true for users who are familiar with more recent scanning receiver technologies.We suggest that you keep the following Object Oriented Scanning Tenets in mind as you proceed with your study of this manual.Understanding your Scanner
10111. Memory organization is nothing more than alarge list of Scannable Objects.2. A Scannable Object is simply “somethingthat can be scanned,” including conventionalchannels, trunking talkgroups, limit searches,service searches, and Signal Stalker II setups.3. There are no “systems,” “banks,” “groups,”“sub-groups,” or “ID lists.” There is simplya very large collection of objects, each withtheir own attributes. Scannable Objects allexist at the same level or hierarchy withinthe scanner—no single type of ScannableObject is more important than another, andScannable Objects do not have dependencieson or links to other Scannable Objects inorder for them to function properly.4. The primary method of grouping thecollection of objects is by mapping them toScan Lists. Mapping a Scannable Object toone or more Scan Lists does not change thephysical location of the object in the memorysystem. When an object is mapped to oneor more Scan Lists, the object itself hasnot moved nor changed from what it is— asimple, standalone object that is part of alarger collection.Object abbreviations used in this manualObject names are abbreviated so that they can easily fit into the 16 character LCD. You should take a moment and become familiar with these abbreviations now. CONV – Conventional Channel ObjectA CONV object is a regular, non-trunked frequency used for radio communications. CONV Understanding your Scanner
1011objects are used to store the parameters for any radio channel that is not a part of a trunked system. For example, if you want to monitor specific VHF marine channels, they should be programmed as CONV objects. If you want to monitor your favorite amateur radio channel, it should be stored as a CONV object. If your police or fire department uses a channel, or channels that are not trunked, but part of a “plain old radio system,” they should be stored as CONV objects.TGRP – Trunking Talkgroup ObjectTrunking Talkgroups are “virtual” channels that exist on a trunked radio system. A trunked radio system is a radio system where a small group of radio channels are automatically shared between a larger number of users and user groups. This sharing of channels is managed automatically by a special computer, called a controller, or by other specialized hardware. If you want to monitor a talkgroup on a trunked radio system, you must store that talkgroup’s parameters in a TGRP object.TSYS – Trunking System ObjectA TSYS is a special object type that is used when creating TGRP objects. A trunking talkgroup must be associated with a specific trunked radio system in order for it to operate. There are parameters that are associated with trunking systems, such as the type of trunked radio system technology used, the frequencies that the system uses to broadcast control data, etc. Instead of entering these parameters over and over again every time you create a new TGRP, you create a TSYS object with all of the system parameters, then specify that TSYS object for each TGRP you create on the same trunked radio system. A TSYS Understanding your Scanner
1213cannot be scanned by itself and is not considered a Scannable Object. It is a “configuration object” that can be used over and over again when adding talkgroups for a specified trunked radio system.LMIT – Limit Search or Search Range ObjectLMIT objects contain the parameters necessary for the radio to search a range of individual frequencies between a lower and upper limit frequency.SRVC – Service Search ObjectSRVC objects are further divided into Public Safety, Aircraft, Amateur, CB, Marine, and FRS/GMRS/MURS/DOT. SRVC objects are similar to LMIT objects, but are preprogrammed to search all frequencies associated with the selected service. STLK – Signal Stalker II ObjectSTLK objects contain the parameters necessary for the radio to rapidly sweep a range of radio spectrum for strong signals from nearby transmitters.Understanding your Scanner
1213Scanner FeaturesObject Oriented User Interface is designed for ease of use, yet is powerful enough to satisfy the most sophisticated experts. Common data entry, browsing and control methods are used for non-trunked conventional channels, trunking talkgroups, search configurations and Signal Stalker II setups. The radio grows with you—you can start out with a small, easy to manage configuration, then expand it whenever you need to.Menu Driven Programming with Context Sensitive Help – Each menu item provides a few lines of help text that provide assistance with programming and using the scanner.Scan List functionality allows you to arrange, group and scan objects according to your preference.Free-Form Memory Organization – Memory is assigned as objects are created using a sophisticated internal file management system. You are not constrained to traditional bank or channel scanner memory layouts. The scanner can store over 1,800 conventional channels, trunking talkgroups, search configurations, and Signal Stalker II objects in any combination.V-Scanner Technology – Allows you to save complete radio configurations within the radio, for recall into main memory as needed in the field. Twenty one V-Scanner Folders are provided, each capable of storing over 1,800 objects. Total memory capacity of main memory combined with V-Scanners is over 37,800 objects.Skywarn Storm Spotter Functionality – Instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks. You can monitor storm conditions as they occur, and become aware of dangerous Understanding your Scanner
1415conditions before the media or emergency management officials announce them to the general public.SAME and All Hazards Weather Alerting – Your scanner can alert you to severe weather and other hazards in the specific areas that you select. Your scanner can check your local NOAA weather frequency periodically, even while scanning, and alert you when an All Hazards alert occurs. Multi-System Trunking – Scans most common trunked radio system signaling formats, including Motorola, EDACS, LTR and P25 trunked radio networks. Both talkgroup and individual call monitoring are supported.Automatic Adaptive Digital Tracking – When monitoring P25 digital systems, instantly adapts the digital decoder to the digital modulation format of the transmitted signal, then analyzes the signal over 50 times each second and adapts to any subtle changes caused by multipath or fading. No cumbersome manual adjustments are required.Digital AGC – Instantly compensates for low user audio levels that are common on digital systems. LTR Home Repeater AutoMove – Takes the guesswork out of programming LTR trunking systems when the home repeater order is not known. Enter the LTR system frequencies in any order, and the PRO-651 will automatically move the frequencies to the proper home repeater slots as transmissions are received on the system.Subaudible Squelch Decoder – CTCSS and DCS subaudible squelch coding is processed by the same powerful DSP chip that is used for P25 digital decoding. Provides fast and reliable decoding of subaudible squelch signaling with squelch tail elimination.Understanding your Scanner
1415Signal Stalker II – Quickly sweeps the scanner’s frequency ranges for transmissions from nearby sources. P25 NAC Functionality – P25 Network Access Code (NAC) is used to provide selective squelch operation on conventional digital channels. Your PRO-651 will detect the NAC that is being used on a P25 conventional digital channel, and allow you to program NAC codes to block transmissions that do not have a matching NAC, including analog traffic on the same frequency.Alert LED – Programmable tri-color LED can be configured to illuminate or flash when certain objects are active. Eight user-defined colors and brightness levels can be specified from thousands of possible combinations. Audible alarms – Programmable audible alarms can be configured to sound when certain Scannable Objects are active. Can be used in conjunction with, or separately from, the Alert LED described above. High Speed PC Interface – Use a USB Scanner programming cable for full duplex mode at 6 times the speed of previous scanner models for PC transfer and 8 times the speed of previous models for radio to radio cloning. High speed scanner programming cables are available at your local RadioShack store or RadioShack.com. Real-time Signal Strength Indicator – Shows relative strength of received signals.IMPORTANT NOTICE: The PRO-651 Digital Scanner will not receive encrypted radio communications, or radio transmissions that utilize ProVoice digital modulation.Understanding your Scanner
16Scanner Setup17Connecting the AntennaAttach the supplied antenna to the scanner by aligning the slots around its base with the tabs on the scanner, and then slide into place.To connect an external antenna, follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna. Use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8X, to connect an outdoor antenna. For lengths between 50 and 100 feet, use RG-8X low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. For lengths over 100 feet, use RG8. You also may need a BNC adapter (available at your local RadioShack store).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.Attaching the Belt ClipTo carry your scanner, slide the supplied belt clip down on the back of the scanner. To remove the belt clip, pull the tab out and slide the clip upward.
18Scanner Setup19Warning: Never install non-rechargeable batteries in the yellow rechargeable battery holder. Non-rechargeable batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge them.Setting Battery TypeBy default, your new scanner is configured to use standard alkaline batteries. Specifying the proper type of battery is necessary for proper operation of the low battery detection feature, and also enables the charge circuit if you are using rechargeable batteries.To change the battery type:1. Press PGM.2. Press F3 (GLOB, the Global Menu softkey).3. Press q until the middle line of the displayshows Battery: Alkaline.4. Press t or u to select the battery typeinstalled in the radio. Use Alkaline forstandard alkaline batteries, Ni-Cd for nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, and Ni-MHfor nickel-metal hydride rechargeablebatteries.5. Press F1 (the SAVE softkey) to save yourbattery settings.Charging Batteries1. Install rechargeable batteries using the yellowbattery holder and set the correct batterytype.2. Connect an external power source to thePWR DC 9V jack. The average chargingtimes are listed below.
1819Scanner SetupBattery Current Charge TimeNi-MH 1600 mAh 16 hoursNi-Cd 600 mAh 6 hoursNi-Cd 850 mAh 8 hoursRecharging Notes: • Do not overcharge batteries. Overcharging shortens battery life. • Using the scanner while charging will increase charge time.• Your scanner provides an indication when the internal battery charge circuit is active. The battery icon briefly flashes approximately once every second.• The battery charge indicator does not provide positive indication that the batteries are actually being charged. Batteries will not charge unless the yellow battery holder is used.• Rechargeable batteries last longer and deliver more power if you let them fully discharge once a month. To do this, use the scanner until the battery icon flashes.Battery Notes:• The battery icon appears when battery power is low. As a second warning, the battery icon flashes and the scanner beeps every 30 seconds. • Each battery holder fits only one way. Do not force it.• Do not allow any metal objects such as key rings, necklaces, etc. to touch the (+) and (–) terminals when the battery holder contains batteries. Do not carry or store the battery holder with metal objects.
20Scanner Setup21• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type. Do not mix old and new batteries, different types (alkaline or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities. Doing so can damage the batteries, causing chemicals or lead leaks, fire, or explosions.• Always turn off the scanner when you are not using it. If the scanner remains on until the batteries are dead, the batteries may leak chemicals.• Remove old or weak batteries. If you will not use the scanner with batteries for a month, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that destroy electronic circuits.• In the event that a battery leaks, shows transformation, discoloration, or abnormal generation of heat, stop operation and replace the batteries with new ones.• Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not bury or burn them.Recycle Rechargeable Batteries Placing rechargeable batteries in the trash can be harmful to the environment. Instead, recycle old rechargeable batteries at your local RadioShack store free of charge. RadioShack participates in the RBRC© battery recycling program, and is committed to preserving the environment and conserving natural resources. Call 1-800-THE-SHACK (1-800-843-7422) for more information.
22Scanner Setup23Listening SafetyTo protect your hearing, follow these earphone or headphones guidelines:• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels.Extended high-volume listening can lead topermanent hearing loss.• Set the volume to the lowest setting beforelistening. Turn on the scanner, then adjust thevolume to a comfortable level.• After you set the volume, do not increaseit. Over time, your ears adapt to the volumelevel, so a volume level that does not causediscomfort might still damage your hearing.• Do not wear an earphone or headphoneswith your scanner when operating a motorvehicle or riding a bicycle in or near traffic.Doing so can create a traffic hazard and couldbe illegal in some areas.• Even though some earphones/headphoneslet you hear some outside sounds whenlistening at normal volume, they can still be atraffic hazard.Transferring Data To or From another Scanner or PC You can transfer the programmed data to and from another PRO-651 or PRO-652 scanner using a connecting cable which has 1/8-inch (3.5mm) stereo (TRS) phone plugs on both ends (not supplied). See “Cloning” on page 77. You can also upload or download programmed data to or from a PC using a USB cable available through your local RadioShack store or at RadioShack.com. To find the application software, we recommend using an internet search engine to search for “scanner programming software.”
2223Scanner SetupTurning on the Scanner and Setting Squelch1. Turn the VOLUME and SQUELCH knobs clockwise to about their mid-point (12:00 o’clock) position.Note: Make sure the scanner’s antenna is connected before you turn it on.2. Press TUNE.3. Turn SQUELCH down (counterclockwise) until you hear noise.4. Turn SQUELCH up (clockwise) a little past where the noise stops. The higher the squelch is set, the stronger the signal required to break the squelch.5. If noise starts breaking the squelch, turn SQUELCH up to decrease the scanner’s sensitivity. To hear weaker signals, turn SQUELCH down to increase its sensitivity.Squelch and AttenuatorThe squelch and attenuator control the scanner sensitivity. If squelch is set too high, the scanner may scan slowly or stop on noise or silence. If this happens, adjust squelch using the steps above, or for conventional channels, set the correct subaudible squelch mode. See “Appendix B: Detailed Menu Reference: Conv Menu” on page 108. With the attenuator on, the scanner might not receive weak signals, but immunity to adjacent strong signals is improved. You can reduce interference using two attenuator modes: • Global – The attenuator setting is applied to all channels, bands, or groups. • Normal – Lets you set the attenuator in each channel, band, or group. Note: You cannot set the attenuator while scanning.
24Scanner Setup25To set the attenuator mode in the Global Menu:1. Press PGM for Program Mode.2. Press GLOB softkey to access GLOB menu.3. Press p or q to scroll to Atten Mode.4. Press t or u to select Global or Normal.5. When attenuator is set to Global, you can set Global attenuator on or off. Press p or q to scroll to Global Atten.6. Press t or u to select on or off. 7. Press SAVE softkey to save the new setting.To set the attenuator mode using the ATT key:When the scanner is in Manual Mode, or Program Mode, Search Mode, or Signal Stalker Mode, or when it the scan stops: • Press ATT to toggle on and off the attenuator setting.• Press FUNC ATT to toggle on and off the global attenuator setting.Basic SettingsThe Global menu stores all of the radio-wide settings used by the scanner. The Global menu allows you to “tweak” these settings to your liking. The default settings will work fine for most users, but you may want to use the Global menu to personalize the radio to suit your individual tastes. The most common settings are described in the following sections. Refer to “Appendix B: Detailed Menu Reference: GLOB Menu” on page 102 for a description of all the settings. • The active parameter is always the middle parameter and is indicated by a flashing colon (:).
2425Scanner Setup• Some Global parameter changes do not take effect until the Global menu is saved.• Help is available for every menu parameter. Press FUNC SEL to view help for the selected parameter. Press SEL to exit help.• The Undo softkey appears in fields where numerical values can be set, allowing you to exit a parameter field without saving changes. A note will appear: “Unsaved Changes! Go Back?” Press YES to go back to the field and continue editing. Press NO to discard changes and return to the previous menu.• Each menu parameter features a Dflt softkey that can be used to restore the value to the factory defaults. This can be very useful if you make a change to a parameter but do not like the result. • You can restore all Global settings to their defaults without affecting your programmed objects or V-Scanners. Power cycle the radio, then press 0, then 2 during the welcome message display. Press ENT to confirm the Global parameter reset.To access GLOB menu:1. Press PGM for Program Mode.2. Press GLOB softkey to access Global menu.3. Press p or q to scroll to the desired parameter.Note: Press FUNC p or FUNC q to jump to the top or bottom of the menu.4. Press t or u to select options for selected field.5. Press SAVE softkey to save new settings to radio configuration memory.
26Scanner Setup27DelaySometimes, several seconds can pass between transmissions. To avoid missing a reply, a delay is automatically set for each channel. The scanner stops for 2 seconds after a transmission stops before it resumes scanning or searching. To turn the delay on or off:Press FUNC •/Delay when the scanner stops on a transmission. Lowercase d in the display indicates delay is off. Uppercase D indicates delay is on. Note: Delay and delay time can also be set in each Scannable Object Menu. Search Delay time can be set in the Global menu. Refer to “Appendix B: Detailed Menu Reference” on page 102 for a description of delay settings.Adjusting the LCD ContrastYou can set the LCD contrast from level 1 to 7.1. Press PGM for Program Mode.2. Press GLOB softkey to access Global menu.3. Press p or q to scroll CONTRAST.4. Press t or u to select contrast level 1 to 7.5. Press SAVE softkey to save new setting.Turning the Key Tone On or OffEach time you press any of the scanner’s keys, the scanner beeps. To turn the scanner’s key tone on or off:1. Press PGM for Program Mode.2. Press GLOB softkey to access Global menu.3. Press p or q to scroll Key Beeps.
2627Scanner Setup4. Press u to select On or Off.5. Press SAVE softkey to save new setting.Turning Key and Backlight On or Off1. Press PGM for Program Mode.2. Press GLOB softkey to access Global menu.3. Press p or q to scroll to Light Mode.4. Press u to select backlight operation. Norml (Normal): Uses the backlight key on keypad. Key: Key backlight activates when key is pressed. Ignore: Backlight turns on when any key is pressed, and the key’s normal function is ignored. On: Backlight remains on at all time. Stlth (Stealth): Disables backlight5. Press p or q to scroll to Light Area.6. Press u to select area to light when backlight is on. Both: LCD and keypad lights. LCD: Only LCD Lights. Keybd: Only keypad lights.7. Press p or q to scroll to Light Secs to select the time backlight remains on for Normal, Key and Ignore light modes.8. Press u to and enter 1 to 99 seconds.9. Press SAVE softkey to save new settings.
28Creating Scannable Objects29Understanding Object MenusWhen you turn on your scanner for the first time, the scanner is in Program Mode for you to create your first object into memory. If you do not see this screen, press PGM.Press NEW to Create objects NEW EDIT GLOBPress F1 to create a new scannable object.Press F2 to edit existing object.Press F3 to change the scanner’s global configuration settings.1. Press F1, the NEW softkey, to begin entering a new object.Select object type to create TGRP CONV SRCHPress F1 to create a new Talkgroup Object.Press F2 to create a new Conventional Object.Press F3 to create a new Search Object.2. For the purpose of this explanation, press F2, the CONV softkey. 3. The Conventional Channel menu opens.
2829Creating Scannable Objectsq CONV Channel  Scan Lists: *01Freq: 25.000000Save Exit DfltMenu nameActive menu itemNext menu item(Scroll down for more menu items)Indicates cursor location in menuMenu softkeys. Press F1, F2, and F3 to access.Object menu notes:• The first line of the display shows either:  to indicate the cursor is at the top position of the menu,  to indicate the cursor is at the bottom, or  to indicate there are menu items above and below the cursor. • The center (third) line of the display contains the blinking cursor indicating the active menu item. • To see the help text for the active menu item, press FUNC, then press SEL on the 5-way pushbutton pad. To exit help, press SEL again.• The last line of the display shows the softkeys, which will change with each menu. In this menu, the Save softkey will save your new object to the file system, the Exit softkey aborts the creation of the new object, and the Dflt softkey restores the parameter of the active menu item to its default setting.• If you press the q key on the bottom of the 5-way pushbutton pad, you can scroll down and see all of the parameters that can be specified for the object.
30Creating Scannable Objects31• Pressing FUNC p or FUNC q will jump to the top or bottom of a menu, respectively.• As you scroll the object menu, you will see a line that states:  EXPERT BELOW . This line is found in the object menus and the Global Configuration menu. It delineates between basic settings and expert settings for advanced users. For more information about the Basic and Expert settings, refer to “Appendix B: Detailed Menu Reference” on page 102.• When entering data into a numerical field, you can start typing as soon as you have scrolled to the desired field, which will replace any previous contents with your new entry. Alternatively, you can press the u key, which will preserve the original contents of the field so you can make small changes without retyping all of the data.Conventional Channel ObjectsA Conventional Channel Object (CONV) is a record that stores the parameters for a regular, non-trunked conventional AM or FM channel. When you create a CONV object, you are creating an object that will allow you to scan and monitor a “plain old radio channel,” that is, a single frequency and the associated parameters that are necessary for you to receive traffic on that frequency.Essential ParametersCONV objects are the simplest objects supported by the radio. However, there are a few essential parameters in the CONV object fields that must be set correctly. The frequency must be set to match the frequency of the transmitter you want
3031Creating Scannable Objectsto scan or monitor, and the Modulation (MODE) should be set to Auto (au), AM, FM, or NFM. Note: When MODE is set for Auto, the scanner will automatically select the default mode based on the frequency you enter. In most cases it will not be necessary to change MODE.We also recommend labeling your CONV object by giving it a name in the TAG field. This makes it easier to find the CONV object later and identifies it when the scanner stops to monitor activity. Creating a CONV Object1. Press PGM to put scanner in Program Mode.2. Press NEW softkey to create new object.3. Press CONV softkey to enter a conventional channel object. 4. Press q to scroll through the conventional channel object parameters until the flashing cursor appears next to the Freq: label.5. Use the number keys and • to enter the frequency, including the decimal point.6. Press ENT or the DONE softkey to store the frequency parameter in your conventional object.Note: Go to www.radioreference.com for up-to-date frequency information.Changing Text TagsBy default, your new conventional object will be tagged “Channel.” We recommend that you rename your CONV object, making it easier to find it later, and identifying it when the scanner stops to monitor activity.
32Creating Scannable Objects33To change the tag:1. Press q until the cursor highlights Tag:.2. Press SEL to edit the tag.3. Enter the text using the text keys (up to 16 characters).• When you press a key, the associated letters appear on the screen. Press the corresponding number. For example, when you press ABC, A, B, and C appear on the display. To select A, press 1. To select B, press 2. To select C, press 3.• For example, to enter the tag “FIRE”: Press 3 (DEF), then 3 to choose F Press 4 (GHI), then 3 to choose I Press 7 (PQRS), then 3 to choose R Press 3 (DEF), then 2 to choose E • To enter a number, press 1, then press the number key.• To enter lowercase character or second-set character for the 0 key, press the text key and then press FUNC.• Press t or u to move the cursor to another digit to make adjustments.• Press CL to clear text. Press FUNC CL to clear the entire field.4. Press ENT or the DONE softkey to store new tag information.See “Appendix C: Text Entry and QuickText” on page 125 for more information on entering text.Trunking Talkgroup Objects (TGRP)A Trunking Talkgroup Object (TGRP) is a record that stores the parameters for a trunked talkgroup
3233Creating Scannable Objectson a trunked radio system. A TGRP object allows you to scan and monitor a talkgroup on a particular trunked radio system.Essential ParametersAs a standalone object, a TRGP object is similar to a CONV object. However, for trunking to work, the trunking system (TSYS) and the talkgroup ID must be specified. We also recommend that you label your TGRP object by giving it a name in the TAG field, making it easier to find the TGRP object later, and identifying it when the scanner stops to monitor activity.Trunking System (TSYS) ObjectsThe first time you make a TGRP for a particular trunked radio system, you must also create a TSYS object that contains the system parameters associated with that trunked radio system. Once you create a TSYS, you can use it over and over again without having to re-enter all of the system data.A TSYS object has its own set of essential parameters, and these parameters vary depending on the type of trunked radio system you plan to monitor. If you are a reasonably experienced user, you probably already know what the essential parameters are for the system you wish to monitor. For example, each TSYS must correctly specify the type of system being monitored, the control channel or LCN frequencies used by the system, and so on. A detailed description of each type of system supported by this radio and the essential parameters required to make them work properly is provided in “Appendix B: Detailed Menu Reference: TSYS Menu” on page 113.
34Creating Scannable Objects35Note: By default all new objects are mapped to Scan List 01. Refer to “Grouping Objects with Scan Lists” on page 42 for more information on Scan Lists.To create a new TSYS object.1. Press PGM to put scanner in Program Mode.2. Press NEW softkey to create new object.3. Press TGRP softkey to create a trunking system object. > Talkgroup <Scan Lists: *01TSYS: NEWSave Exit Dflt4. Press p or q to scroll through the talkgroup object parameters until the cursor is at TSYS:.5. Press SEL. > Trunked System <Type: MOT 800/900Tag: SystemSave Exit Dflt6. The cursor should be on TYPE:.7. Press t or u to select the desired trunking system.8. Press q to scroll to Tag: and enter a new name for the system. See “Appendix C: Text Entry and QuickText” on page 125 for information on entering text.9. Press q to scroll to Frequencies: to enter the control frequencies for the system.
3435Creating Scannable Objects10. Press SEL.11. At Ch01:, use the number keys and • to enter the first control channel frequency for the system.12. Press q and repeat Step 11 to add any other control channels used by the system.13. Press the SAVE softkey to save.14. Press SAVE softkey again to store the new TSYS into memory and return to the TGRP menu. Scan Lists: *01 TSYS: SystemID: WildcardSave Exit Dflt15. Press q to scroll to ID:. By default, the trunking talkgroup ID is set to Wildcard. To change the ID, press the number keys to enter the specific talkgroup ID. Press ENT or DONE softkey to store the ID. See “Talkgroup Notes” below for more information about wildcard and other talkgroup configurations.16. Press q to scroll down to Tag: and enter a name for your talkgroup that corresponds with its purpose on the trunked radio system. See “Appendix C: Text Entry and QuickText” on page 125 for information on entering text.17. Press ENT or the DONE softkey to store the name, then press SAVE softkey to store the TGRP as a new object.
36Creating Scannable Objects37Refer to “Appendix B: Detailed Menu Reference: TSYS Menu” on page 113 for more parameters that can be customized for your system. Talkgroup Notes:• A talkgroup object may be configured in one of four different ways to monitor traffic on a trunked radio system. Wildcard Talkgroup: will monitor all talkgroup call radio traffic on the desired trunked radio system. (Press Dflt in the ID: field to use Wildcard for TGRP object.) Talkgroup with TGID: will only monitor talkgroup call radio traffic on the specified TGID. (Enter the desired talkgroup in the ID: field of the TGRP object to scan a specified ID.) Wildcard Private Call: will monitor all private call radio traffic on the desired trunked radio system. (Press Dflt in the TGID field to get Wildcard, and set the Type field to Private.) Private Call with ID: will only monitor private call radio traffic on the specified TGID. (Enter the desired Radio ID in the TGID field, and set the Type field to Private.)Wildcard Talkgroup Notes:• Wildcard is a special type of TGRP object that allows you to monitor all talkgroup call traffic on the associated trunked radio system. • Wildcard TGRP objects allow you to quickly find and store new or unknown talkgroups on a trunked radio system. • When a Wildcard TGRP object is mapped to an active Scan List and scanned, all talkgroup traffic on the system is monitored, and you
3637Creating Scannable Objectshave the option to save or lock out new talkgroups as they appear.• Wildcard objects are easier to find and change later if you include an abbreviated name for the system in the tag field.• TGRP objects are also used to receive Private/Individual Calls on trunking systems that support these call types. Duplicate (DUPE)Duplicate (DUPE) is useful when entering multiple TGRP objects that are hosted on the same trunked radio system, or multiple CONV objects that have similar parameters or tag names. 1. Press PGM.2. Press p or q to scroll to the object that you wish to duplicate.3. Press the EDIT softkey, then press the DUPE softkey. An exact copy of the object you selected is created, and the scanner displays the newly created object menu so you can change the parameters that need to be changed. Be sure to change the tag name before saving your new object. 4. Press the SAVE softkey to save the new object.Note: As soon as you press DUPE, a duplicate of the selected object is created and saved in memory. Be sure to delete any objects that you create accidentally. See “Deleting Objects” on page 48.
38Scanning39Basic Scanning OperationBefore the scanner can begin to scan, you must have created scannable objects. Your scanner will scan any scannable objects that are members of enabled Scan Lists and are not locked out.1. Press SCAN to start scanning.Scan lists 1 to 10Scan lists 11 to 20 >> Scanning <<1 ................ Pri.....................Flashing T indicates scanner is receiving control channel data from a trunked radio system2. Press PSE to pause scanner on an active object in scan mode. Press SCAN or PSE to resume scan.Wildcard ScanningA Wildcard TGRP object allows you to receive all radio traffic on a trunked radio system. It works by catching talkgroup calls on the system that are not already stored as objects in the radio’s memory.
3839ScanningIn order for the Wildcard TGRP to function properly, the radio needs to be in SCAN Mode. This is what enables the scanner to find the previously stored TGRP objects that need to be checked before declaring that the found talkgroup is new and should be scanned as a Wildcard “hit.”If you park on a Wildcard TGRP object in Manual Mode, the scanner is not able to “see” the previously stored TGRP objects, and every call on the trunked radio system will come up as a wildcard hit.Manual ModeIn Manual Mode, you can browse through the stored objects in your scanner and select an object to monitor. 1. Press MAN during scanning to enter ManualMode.2. Press p or q to scroll through the objectsassigned to the current Scan List.3. Press t or u to browse up and down throughthe Scan Lists.Only Scan Lists that contain objects are shown when browsing. A quick low-high wrap beep sounds when the scanner reaches the last occupied Scan List and wraps back to the beginning.

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