The Whistler Group SC03 DIGITAL TRUNKING HANDHELD RADIO SCANNER User Manual 1
The Whistler Group DIGITAL TRUNKING HANDHELD RADIO SCANNER 1
Contents
User Manual 1
Digital Trunking
Handheld Radio Scanner
Thank you for purchasing your Digital Trunking
Handheld Radio Scanner from RadioShack.
PRO-651
Please read this user’s guide before installing, setting
up, and using your new scanner.
www.RadioShack.com
What’s Included
Scanner
Antenna
Belt Clip
Yellow (Rechargeable)
Battery Holder
Black (Non-rechargeable)
Battery Holder
V-Scanner
Preprogrammed Data
User’s Guide
Quick Start Guide
2
C
ontents
3
Understanding your Scanner ...................... 6
Understanding the Keypad ......................... 6
Understanding the Display ......................... 8
Understanding Object Oriented Scanning 9
Scanner Features ....................................... 13
Scanner Setup ........................................... 16
Connecting the Antenna ...........................16
Attaching the Belt Clip .............................. 16
Powering Your Scanner ............................. 17
Installing Batteries ................................. 17
Setting Battery Type .............................. 18
Charging Batteries ................................. 18
External Power ....................................... 21
Headphones and Speakers .......................21
Listening Safety ...................................... 22
Transferring Data To or From another Scanner
or PC .......................................................... 22
Turning on the Scanner and Setting Squelch ...
23
Squelch and Attenuator ............................ 23
Basic Settings .............................................24
Delay ....................................................... 26
Adjusting the LCD Contrast .................. 26
Turning the Key Tone On or Off ........... 26
Turning Key and Backlight On or Off ... 27
Creating Scannable Objects ..................... 28
Understanding Object Menus .................. 28
Conventional Channel Objects ................30
Essential Parameters ............................. 30
Creating a CONV Object ...................... 31
Changing Text Tags ...............................31
Trunking Talkgroup Objects (TGRP) ......... 32
Essential Parameters ............................. 33
2
3
Contents
Trunking System (TSYS) Objects ........... 33
Duplicate (DUPE) ....................................... 37
Scanning .................................................... 38
Basic Scanning Operation ......................... 38
Wildcard Scanning ..................................... 38
Manual Mode ............................................. 39
Organizing Objects .................................. 41
Object Numbering .................................... 41
Grouping Objects with Scan Lists ............ 42
Changing Scan List Membership ......... 43
New Objects ........................................ 43
Existing Objects. ................................. 44
Naming Scan Lists ................................. 44
Enabling or Disabling Scan Lists .......... 45
While Scanning ................................... 45
From Global Settings Menu ............... 45
NS (Not Scanned) Scan List .................. 46
Favorite List ............................................46
Setting the Default Scan List ................47
Deleting Objects ........................................ 48
Searching for Objects using FIND ............49
Filtering by Object Type ............................50
Object Lockout .......................................... 51
Temporary Lockout ................................ 51
Permanent Lockout ............................... 52
Change L/OUT Key Function ................ 52
Search Lockout.......................................53
Talkgroup Lockout .................................53
Object Searches ........................................ 55
Limit Search Object (LMIT) ........................ 55
Essential Parameters ............................. 55
Service Search Object (SRVC) ................... 57
4
C
ontents
5
Essential Parameters ............................. 57
Signal Stalker II Object (STLK) .................. 59
Essential Parameters ............................. 59
Dedicated Searches .................................. 61
Dedicated LMIT Search ............................. 61
Dedicated SRVC Search ............................ 62
Dedicated Signal Stalker II ....................... 64
Dedicated TUNE Search ........................... 65
Tune LED ................................................ 67
Weather Scanning ..................................... 68
Weather Radio Mode ................................ 68
Weather Priority Mode .............................. 69
SAME Standby Mode ................................ 69
Activating SAME Standby Mode .......... 72
Scanner Memory ....................................... 74
V-Scanner Storage ..................................... 74
Using V-Scanners ................................... 75
Saving Main Memory to a V-Scanner
Folder ..................................................... 75
Loading a V-Scanner Folder to Main
Memory .................................................. 76
Erasing V-Scanner Folders .................... 76
Cloning ...................................................... 77
Memory Report .......................................... 77
Advanced Settings .................................... 78
Priority Scan ................................................ 78
Turning Object Priority On or Off ......... 78
Turning Priority Scan Mode On or Off ...
78
CONV Priority Scan ............................... 79
TGRP Priority Scan ................................. 79
Hit Counters ............................................... 79
Audible Alarms and the Alert LED ........... 81
4
5
Contents
Multi-Site Mode On Networked Systems ...
82
LTR Home Repeater AutoMove ................85
Additional Information .............................. 86
Power-On Configuration Key Sequences ...
86
Power-On Password ................................... 87
Birdie Frequencies ..................................... 88
FCC Notice .................................................89
Scanning Legally ........................................ 89
Care ............................................................. 90
Service and Repair ..................................... 91
Specifications ............................................ 91
Troubleshooting ......................................... 95
Reset Global Parameters to Factory Defaults ...97
Initializing the Scanner to Factory Defaults ... 98
Appendix A: Search Bands ..................... 100
All Sub Bands ........................................... 100
PubSafety Band ........................................ 100
Aircraft Band ............................................. 101
Ham Bands ............................................... 101
Appendix B: Detailed Menu Reference .. 102
GLOB Menu ............................................. 102
CONV Menu .............................................108
TGRP Menu .............................................. 111
TSYS Menu ............................................... 113
LMIT Menu ............................................... 116
SRVC Menu.............................................. 119
STLK Menu ............................................... 122
Appendix C: Text Entry and QuickText ...125
Text Entry .................................................. 125
QuickText ..................................................127
Customizing QuickText ....................... 127
Index ....................................................... 129
6
7
Understanding your Scanner
Understanding the Keypad
Softkeys F1 / F2 / F3
Activates 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 Scanner
1-0
/
A-Z
Inputs 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.
• / DELAY
Inputs decimal point (frequency input), space (text input)
or hyphen (Trunking ID input).
Toggles delay functions on/off.
6
7
FUNC (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
8
9
Headphones
VOLUME/OFF
Turn the scanner on or off;
adjust the volume.
SQUELCH
Adjust the squelch.
Understanding your Scanner
Understanding the Display
The 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.
AlphanumericInfo
AlphanumericInfo
AlphanumericInfo
F1 F2 F3
8
9
VOLUME/OFF
Turn the scanner on or off;
adjust the volume.
Understanding Object Oriented Scanning
Your 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
10
11
1. Memory organization is nothing more than a
large list of Scannable Objects.
2. A Scannable Object is simply “something
that can be scanned,” including conventional
channels, 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 simply
a very large collection of objects, each with
their own attributes. Scannable Objects all
exist at the same level or hierarchy within
the scanner—no single type of Scannable
Object is more important than another, and
Scannable Objects do not have dependencies
on or links to other Scannable Objects in
order for them to function properly.
4. The primary method of grouping the
collection of objects is by mapping them to
Scan Lists. Mapping a Scannable Object to
one or more Scan Lists does not change the
physical location of the object in the memory
system. When an object is mapped to one
or more Scan Lists, the object itself has
not moved nor changed from what it is— a
simple, standalone object that is part of a
larger collection.
Object abbreviations used in this manual
Object 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 Object
A CONV object is a regular, non-trunked
frequency used for radio communications. CONV
Understanding your Scanner
10
11
objects 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 Object
Trunking 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 Object
A 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
12
13
cannot 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 Object
LMIT 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 Object
SRVC 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 Object
STLK 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
12
13
Scanner Features
Object 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
14
15
conditions 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
14
15
Signal 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
16
Scanner Setup
17
Connecting the Antenna
Attach 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 Clip
To 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.
18
Scanner Setup
19
Warning: 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 Type
By 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 display
shows Battery: Alkaline.
4. Press t or u to select the battery type
installed in the radio. Use Alkaline for
standard alkaline batteries, Ni-Cd for nickel-
cadmium rechargeable batteries, and Ni-MH
for nickel-metal hydride rechargeable
batteries.
5. Press F1 (the SAVE softkey) to save your
battery settings.
Charging Batteries
1. Install rechargeable batteries using the yellow
battery holder and set the correct battery
type.
2. Connect an external power source to the
PWR DC 9V jack. The average charging
times are listed below.
18
19
Scanner Setup
Battery Current Charge Time
Ni-MH 1600 mAh 16 hours
Ni-Cd 600 mAh 6 hours
Ni-Cd 850 mAh 8 hours
Recharging 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.
20
Scanner Setup
21
• 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.
22
Scanner Setup
23
Listening Safety
To protect your hearing, follow these earphone or
headphones guidelines:
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels.
Extended high-volume listening can lead to
permanent hearing loss.
• Set the volume to the lowest setting before
listening. Turn on the scanner, then adjust the
volume to a comfortable level.
• After you set the volume, do not increase
it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume
level, so a volume level that does not cause
discomfort might still damage your hearing.
• Do not wear an earphone or headphones
with your scanner when operating a motor
vehicle or riding a bicycle in or near traffic.
Doing so can create a traffic hazard and could
be illegal in some areas.
• Even though some earphones/headphones
let you hear some outside sounds when
listening at normal volume, they can still be a
traffic 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.”
22
23
Scanner Setup
Turning on the Scanner and Setting Squelch
1. 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 Attenuator
The 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.
24
Scanner Setup
25
To 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 Settings
The 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 (:).
24
25
Scanner 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.
26
Scanner Setup
27
Delay
Sometimes, 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 Contrast
You 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 Off
Each 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.
26
27
Scanner Setup
4. Press u to select On or Off.
5. Press SAVE softkey to save new setting.
Turning Key and Backlight On or Off
1. 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 backlight
5. 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.
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Creating Scannable Objects
29
Understanding Object Menus
When 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 GLOB
Press 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 SRCH
Press 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.
28
29
Creating Scannable Objects
q
CONV Channel
Scan Lists: *01
Freq: 25.000000
Save Exit Dflt
Menu name
Active menu item
Next menu item
(Scroll down for more
menu items)
Indicates cursor
location in menu
Menu 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.
30
Creating Scannable Objects
31
• 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 Objects
A 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 Parameters
CONV 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
30
31
Creating Scannable Objects
to 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 Object
1. 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 Tags
By 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.
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Creating Scannable Objects
33
To 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
32
33
Creating Scannable Objects
on a trunked radio system. A TGRP object
allows you to scan and monitor a talkgroup on a
particular trunked radio system.
Essential Parameters
As 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) Objects
The 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.
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Creating Scannable Objects
35
Note: 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: *01
TSYS: NEW
Save Exit Dflt
4. Press p or q to scroll through the talkgroup
object parameters until the cursor is at TSYS:.
5. Press SEL.
> Trunked System <
Type: MOT 800/900
Tag: System
Save Exit Dflt
6. 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.
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35
Creating Scannable Objects
10. 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: System
ID: Wildcard
Save Exit Dflt
15. 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.
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Creating Scannable Objects
37
Refer 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
36
37
Creating Scannable Objects
have 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.
38
Scanning
39
Basic Scanning Operation
Before 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 10
Scan lists 11 to 20
>> Scanning <<
1 ................ Pri
.....................
Flashing T indicates scanner is
receiving control channel data
from a trunked radio system
2. Press PSE to pause scanner on an active
object in scan mode.
Press SCAN or PSE to resume scan.
Wildcard Scanning
A 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.
38
39
Scanning
In 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 Mode
In 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 Manual
Mode.
2. Press p or q to scroll through the objects
assigned to the current Scan List.
3. Press t or u to browse up and down through
the 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.