The Whistler Group SC10 Digital Trunking Handheld Radio Scanner User Manual

The Whistler Group Digital Trunking Handheld Radio Scanner

User Manual

2000668 / PRO-668
User’s Guide
This user’s guide is available in Spanish at www.radioshack.com.
Esta guía del usuario está disponible en español en www.radioshack.com.
HANDHELD
DIGITAL
TRUNKING
SCANNER
Thank you for purchasing your Digital
Trunking Handheld Radio Scanner from
RadioShack. Please read this user’s guide
before installing, setting up and using
your new scanner.
2 3
Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................... 3
Antenna ......................................................................................... 4
External Power .............................................................................4
Batteries ........................................................................................ 4
Setting Bandplan and Clock .....................................................5
Programming by ZIP Code .......................................................6
Playlists ..........................................................................................6
Programming by City/County ..................................................7
Manual Programming .................................................................7
Scanning ........................................................................................8
Attenuation...................................................................................9
Scanning Legally ..........................................................................9
Priority Scanning .......................................................................10
Monitoring ...................................................................................11
Searching.........................................................................................12
Signal Stalker II ...........................................................................12
Service Search ...........................................................................12
Limit Search ................................................................................13
Search Settings .........................................................................13
Weather Radio ...............................................................................14
Weather Priority ........................................................................14
SAME Standby ...........................................................................14
Skywarn .......................................................................................15
Backing Up Your Scanner ............................................................16
Reprogramming Your iScan ....................................................16
Advanced Features .......................................................................17
Setting Up a Password ............................................................. 17
Play Sets ......................................................................................17
Conguring Settings ................................................................18
Editing Objects Manually .........................................................20
Recording and Playback...........................................................21
Alert LED Settings ....................................................................22
Saving Found CTCSS or DCS Codes ...................................24
Using IF Output .........................................................................24
Changing microSD Cards .......................................................25
iScan Directory Folders ...........................................................25
PC Scanner Software ...............................................................26
Updating DSP Firmware ..........................................................27
Updating CPU Firmware .......................................................... 27
Updating the Software Database ........................................28
Updating Your iScan Library ...................................................28
Maintenance ...................................................................................29
Birdie Frequencies ....................................................................29
Specications.................................................................................30
Frequency Coverage ................................................................31
Library Copyright Notice .........................................................32
Limited Warranty .......................................................................33
Features
• Simple programming by ZIP Code
• Multi–system trunking
• Audio recording
• Weather radio
• Signal Stalker II
• V-Scanner II
• USB Interface, with PC programming software
• RadioReference database (SD Card)
• Masks encrypted audio
• Decodes Radio ID and Talkgroup ID
• Improved P25 functionality
• Signal strength meter
• Programmable alert LED
• Discriminator output
Package Contents
• Handheld Scanner
• Antenna
• USB Cable
• microSD Card (PC software)
• Belt Clip
• User’s Guide
Introduction
Many organizations, such as police
and fire departments, emergency
response teams, and airports, use
radio communication extensively
every day. Scanning these radio
communications is a great way
to listen to all the exciting events
happening in your area.
Radio communication is also used
to coordinate large events, and
spectators with radio scanners
listen to behind-the-scenes action.
One obstacle to scanning can be
configuring your scanner. The
iScan is designed to simplify this
process and get you started as
quickly and easily as possible.
• AutoRaces
• AirShows
• Sports
• SimpleControls
• Programming
Software
• Programmingby
ZIPCode
• Police
• FireDepartments
• AirPorts
IfyouhaveaZIPCode,youcanprogramyouriScan. This
guide will help you set up and program your iScan, and then
provide more detailed instructions for fine-tuning your
scanning experience.
DRAFT
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4 5
Setting Bandplan and Clock
To turn on your iScan, press the Power button.
When you turn on your iScan for the first time, use the four-
direction pad and SEL to set your bandplan, date, and time.
Antenna
Your iScan's durable antenna provides
excellent reception. Align its connector
with the iScan antenna post tabs, press
down and turn.
To connect a larger antenna, use a coax-
to-BNC adapter and 50-ohm coaxial cable
(RG-58, RG-8).*
Disconnect any outdoor antenna during
electrical storms to prevent damage.
External Power
Before starting, make sure the scanner is off.
Use the supplied shielded USB cable.
Some USB power adapters can interfere with
the scanner's reception. Using an incompatible
USB cable may damage your scanner.
Batteries
Always set the Battery Type:
• ALK − Alkaline
• NI-MH − Rechargeable, Nickel-
Metal Hydride
Warning:Never install alkaline batteries with the Battery
Type switch set to NI-MH. Alkaline batteries can get hot or
explode if you try to recharge them.
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type.
Do not mix old and new batteries, different battery
types (alkaline or rechargeable), or rechargeable
batteries of different capacities.
• Dispose of batteries promptly and properly; do not burn
or bury them.
• For storage of a month or longer, remove the batteries.
Batteries can leak chemicals that can damage
electronic parts.
RecycleRechargeableBatteries
Recycle your old rechargeable batteries at one of the
many collection sites in the U.S. and Canada. To find the
site nearest you, visit www.call2recycle.org or call toll-free
1-877-2-RECYCLE.
*To protect your hearing:
• Set the volume to zero before putting on headphones. With the
headphones on, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
• Avoid increasing volume. Over time, your sensitivity decreases, so volume
levels that do not cause discomfort might damage your hearing.
• Avoid or limit listening at high-volume levels. Prolonged exposure to high-
volume levels can cause permanent hearing loss.
Wearing headphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle
can create a traffic hazard and is illegal in most areas. Even though some
headphones let you hear some outside sounds when listening at normal volume
levels, they still can present a traffic hazard. Exercise extreme caution!
AA
AA
AA
AA
Battery
Type
Power
Press and hold.
Four-Direction Pad
The four-direction pad and SEL
button navigate through menus
and lists, and controls volume.
Headphones* (not supplied)
Squelch
Higher for stronger signals.
Lower for weaker signals.
Belt Clip
Align the belt clip and slide down
until it clicks. To remove, pull
back the tab and slide up.
-Set Clock-
‚014-08-22 Fri
08 : 41 : 04
Press SEL to Set
or SKIP to Exit
3
2
‚
0
9
20 4-
*Always ensure safe and proper anntenna installation. Follow instructions
provided with your antenna. If none are provided, refer to article 810 of National
Electrical Code (NEC) for installation and grounding instructions.
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6 7
Programming by ZIP Code
All scannable items programmed into
your iScan are considered objects.
Your iScan automatically imports and
organizes objects into playlists. The
simplestmethodforprogramming
yournewscannerisbyZIPcode.
ToprogramyourscannerbyZIPcode:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Select Place and press .
3. Select By ZIP Code and press .
4. Use the four-direction
pad and SEL button to
set your zip code.
5. Select Default
Types or Custom
Types. Default
Types immediately imports default
values, and Custom Types lets you
select services. (= selected)
6. Press SEL.
Playlists
Your iScan automatically imports and organizes objects
into playlists, beginning at Playlist 151 named by service. To
organize your iScan, you can rename your playlists.
Torenameaplaylist:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Playlists and press SEL.
3. Select a playlist and press . The playlist name appears.
4. Use the four-direction pad to change the name, then
press SEL.
5. Press MENU.
Toenableordisableplaylists:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Playlists and press SEL.
3. Use the four-direction pad to select a playlist and
press SEL. (= selected)
4. Press .
ZIP Code:
‚0000
moves cursor
SEL=OK, MENU=BACK
7
6
‚
4
76 00
• Conventional
frequencies
• Trunked
talkgroups
• Radioservices
Programming by City/County
Toprogramyourscannerbycityorcounty:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Select Place and press .
3. Select By City or By County and press .
4. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to set
your location.
5. Select Default Types or Custom Types.
Default Types immediately imports default values,
and Custom Types lets you select services.
(= selected)
6. Press SEL.
Note: Not all states have statewide trunked systems.
Manual Programming
You can program by browsing the library.
Toprogramyouscannerbybrowsing:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Browse Library, then press .
3. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to select
agencies to program. ( = selected)
4. Press MENU.
5. Select Import Selected and press SEL.A list
of playlists appears.
6. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to select
a playlist. ( = selected)
7. Press to import the items.
Library Structure
Each State contains three data types:
• Agencies – Statewide non-trunked systems.
• Counties/Cities – County or independent city.
• Systems– Trunked systems, including control
frequencies (sites) and talkgroups.
Note: Not all states have a statewide trunked radio
system.
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8 9
Attenuation
Attenuation can help prevent interference by reducing
the strength of incoming signals. Attenuation can improve
scanning in high-traffic areas, such as large urban areas. In
rural areas, attenuation is used less frequently.
To activate global attenuation, press ATT. GA appears in
the display.
Press ATT again to remove attenuation from the object. G
remains on the display to indicate that global attenuation is
still enabled but not active.
Press ATT again to disable global attentuation.
S GA Dg FM
=
Law Dispatch
CONV psDr
RVO PD Disp
NFM 453.650000
DSC 311
External Power/Charging
Paused
AM/FM/NF (Narrow FM)
Attenuator ACTIVE
P25 without AGC
Playlist
Object Type
Object Name
Frequency
Squelch Code
Attenuator ACTIVE
S GA
Law Dispatch
CONV PSDL
RVO PD Disp
NFM 453.650000
DSC 311
Recording
F=Full
Priority
Skip
Delay
Lock out
(ON)
Scanning
Your iScan checks all active objects sequentially for
transmissions, stoping for transmissions.
Toscan:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Play and press .
Scanning
S
T
G DG
Law Talk
TGRP psdr
FWPD E=SE 1
Fort Worth Regi
Squelch OPEN
Trunking Data
Global Attenuator ON
P25 with AGC
Scanning
Battery
Priority
Skip
Delay
Lock out
(Off)
Play
Law Talk
Fire Talk
Emergency Ops
Law Dispatch
Fire Dispatch
Playlists
Your iScan stops for transmissions plus a two-second
delay. During the transmission, the iScan diplay provides
information about the transmission source.
Scanning Legally
Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including
police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies,
private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services,
and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to
almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some
transmissions you should never intentionally listen to. These include:
• Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other means of private
telephone signal transmission)
• Paging transmissions
• Any intentionally decoded scrambled or encrypted transmissions
According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are
subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using,
or divulging the contents of such a transmission unless you have the consent
of a party to the communication (unless such activity is otherwise illegal). This
scanner has been designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions. This
is done to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured
so as to not be easily modifiable to pick up those transmissions.
Do not open your scanner’s case to make any modifications that could
allow it to pick up transmissions that are illegal to monitor. Doing so could
subject you to legal penalties. We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.
In some areas, mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit.
Check the laws in your area. It is also illegal in many areas to interfere with
the duties of public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident
without authorization.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Shielded cables must be used with this unit to ensure compliance with the
Class B FCC limits.
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10 11
Monitoring
Monitoring simply means keeping your iScan tuned to a
single object, rather than scanning through a playlist.
The most common form of monitoring is to simply press
/II when the iScan stops on a transmission.
To return to scanning, press /II again.
You can also monitor a specific object by manually tuning
your iScan to the object.
Tomanuallytuneanobject:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Browse Objects and press . The first
available playlist appears.
3. Use the direction keys to navigate through playlists
and objects.
4. Press SEL.
Priority Scanning
You may decide that a particular object should be checked
more frequently during scans. Your iScan checks Priority
objects more frequently than non-priority objects.
Note: To set priority, Priority Mode must be enabled.
ToenablePriorityMode:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Settings and press SEL.
3. Select Priority Mode and press SEL . A
checkmark ( ) indicates Priority Mode is active.
4. Press MENU, and then press SEL to confirm.
Tosetpriorityobjects:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Browse Objects and press SEL.
3. Use the four-direction pad to select an object and
press MENU.
4. Select Priority and press SEL . A checkmark ( )
indicates Priority.
5. Press MENU, and then press SEL to confirm.
-Settings-
Save changes
Default Vals
Simple Display
Default PL: 1
Priority Mode √
Priority
Objects
Objects
PlaylistsPlaylists
Objects
Objects
PlaylistsPlaylists
DRAFT
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12 13
Searching
Your iScan can locate active
frequencies in your area that you can
save to include in future scans.
TIP: While searching, you may want to ignore a frequency.
Press SKIP and your iScan will ignore the frequency.*
Signal Stalker II
Signal Stalker II sweeps quickly through several frequency
ranges in 1 MHz blocks.
TosearchusingSignalStalkerII:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Search, and press .
3. Select Signal Stalker and press .
4. Select All Bands or Public Safety and press .
5. Your iScan stops for transmissions. To continue the
search, press .
6. To save a frequency, press MENU, select
Store Channel, and press SEL. Your iScan adds the
object to the default playlist, named by search type.
Service Search
Service Searches sweep through frequencies specifically used
by common radio services.
ToperformaServiceSearch:
1. Press MENU to access the
main menu.
2. In the main menu, select
Search, and press .
3. Select Service Search and press .
4. Scroll through the available services, select a service,
and press .
5. Your iScan stops for transmissions. To continue the
search, press .
6. To save a frequency, press MENU, select
Store Channel, and press SEL. Your iScan adds the
object to the default playlist, named by search type.
Limit Search
Limit Searches focus your search to a defined range.
ToperformaLimitSearch:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Search, and press .
3. Select Limit Search, and press . The search begins.
4. Press MENU.
5. Scroll to Lo, press , and use the four-direction pad
and SEL to set the value.
6. Scroll to Hi, press , and use the four-direction pad
and SEL to set the value.
7. Press to continue the search.
8. Your iScan stops for transmissions. To continue the
search, press .
9. To save a frequency, press MENU, select
Store Channel, and press SEL. Your iScan adds the
object to the default playlist, named by search type.
• SignalStalkerII
• ServiceSearches
• LimitSearch
• PublicSafety
• Aircraft
• Railroad
• Amateur(HAM)
• Citizen'sBand(CB)
• Marine
• FRS/GMRS/MURS
Search Settings
Each type of search includes settings that you can use to
improve your experience.
Press Menu during a search. Signal
Stalker II
Service
Search
Limit
Search
Atten
Attenuation
Zeromatic
Locates frequencies quickly
Delay
Pause before resuming search
SpecialMode
Skips 1 MHz block where you have
skipped five or more frequencies
FrequencyRanges
Limits the search range
RxMode
Automatic or forced AM/FM modes
(Aircraft and Amateur bands)
Lo
Lowest frequency to search
Hi
Highest frequency to search
*To restore all skipped objects, go to the main menu, select
Restore Skipped, and press .
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14 15
SAME Standby
Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) identifies specific
geographical areas using 6-digit Federal Information
Processing Standards (FIPS) codes, which are mostly
aligned along county lines.
To use SAME Standby, you
must program at least one
FIPS code. You can obtain
FIPS codes at: www.nws.
noaa.gov. You can also call the NWS
toll-free at 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-
697-7263).
TIP: For advance notice, consider
programming FIPS codes for adjacent
counties.
ToprogramFIPSCodes:
1. Look up your local FIPS code(s).
2. Press , then press MENU.
3. Scroll down to SAME 1 FIPS and press .
4. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to set your
FIPS code.
5. Select SAME 1 Enable and press .
6. To save additional FIPS codes, select SAME 2 FIPS
and repeat steps 4-5.
7. Select Save Changes and press .
ToactivateSAMEStandbyMode:
1. Press , and then press or to select a NOAA
channel.
2. Press SKIP. The speaker is muted and SKIP = Normal
appears.
3. To return to Normal
Weather Mode, press
SKIP again.
WeatherRadio
The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) network
broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts, and other
information from the National Weather Service (NWS).*
To monitor the strongest
NWR frequency in your area,
press .
Weather Priority
WeatherPriority makes the strongest weather frequency
a priorty object to be scanned more frequently. To receive
severe weather broadcasts while scanning other channels,
set the Weather Priority channel.
ToactivateWeatherPriority:
1. Press . When the transmission starts, make note
of the NWR channel number (1-7).
2. Press MENU.
3. Select Priority and
press or to select
the channel.
4. Scroll to Save Changes
and press .
Skywarn
Skywarn™ repeaters relay severe weather reports directly
from amateur radio repeaters to local NWS offices.
NOTE: Some areas may not have available Skywarn
frequencies.
ToimportingSkywarnFrequencies:
1. Browse for Skywarn frequencies in the iScan library:
Browse Library United States
(State) Counties/Cities (County)
Categories Amateur Radio.
2. Select Skywarn and press SEL.
3. Press Menu. The Playlists appear.
4. Select the Skywarn playlist and press SEL.
ToactivateSkywarn:
1. Press once to enter Weather Mode.
2. Press again to activate Skywarn.
Note: Skywarn temporarily disables all other playlists.
S FM
NOAA Weather
Wx7 162.550000
SKIP = Standby
S FM
NOAA Weather
Wx7 162.550000
SKIP = Normal
SAME 1 FIPS
‚00000
moves cursor
SEL=OK, MENU=Back
76 00
S FM
NOAA Weather
Wx7-P 162.550000
SKIP = Standby
Priority
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16 17
BackingUpYourScanner
As a mobile scanner, your iScan is desiged to simplify
changing locations with minimal configuration. V-Scanner II
stores up to 20 complete scanner configurations, including
objects and playlists, so that you can restore your scanner
programming any time, and you can save configurations for
multiple locations.
For example, if you travel between Texas and Colorado,
you can save your Texas programming in one V-Scanner II
folder and your Colorado programming in another. When
you travel, you can load the folder for your current location,
and your programming is complete.
TosaveaV-ScannerIIfolder:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Select Place and press .
3. Select Backup Data and press .
4. Press SEL.
ToloadaV-ScannerIIfolder:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select V-Scanner and press .
3. Press or to select the V-Scanner folder.
4. Press SEL.
TIP: After you have completely set up your scanner, save a
backup. A backup can save you a lot of work later.
Reprogramming Your iScan
To change your location by reprogramming, you must
clear your current programming. Otherwise, your
scanner will scan both locations.
NOTE: Clearing channels erases all current scanning
data. If you want to re-use this data in the future, save
the configuration in a V-Scanner II folder.
Toclearyourcurrentlocation:
1. Press MENU.
2. Scroll to Set Place and press .
3. Select Clear Channels and press .
4. Press SEL to confirm.
AdvancedFeatures
When you are able to scan, you can use advanced features
to improve your scanning experience.
Setting Up a Password
You can set a password to restrict access to you iScan.
1. Press MENU.
2. Scroll to Set Password and press
3. Use the arrows to set the password.
4. Press SEL.
Note: The password can be reset using the iScan software,
if necessary.
Play Sets
If you have a large number of playlists configured, you can
manage them using play sets. Your iScan provides 20 play
sets that each contain a list of all 200 normal playlists and
the Skywarn playlist.
For example, you can define a play set for Texas and a play
set for Colorado. In each play set, enable or disable playlists
for that location. When you travel, you can enable and
disable play sets to reconfigure your iScan.
Todefineaplayset:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Play Sets and press .
3. Use the four-direction pad to select a play set and
press SEL. Checkmarks ( ) indicate active play set.
4. Press MENU. The list of playlists appears.
5. Use the four-direction pad to select a playlist and
press SEL. Checkmarks ( ) indicate included playlists.
6. Press .
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18 19
Conguring Settings
To access configuration settings, select Settings from
the main menu, and press .
DefaultVals Restores default settings.
SimpleDisplay Limits the information on the display during
scanning or monitoring.
DefaultPL The default playlist for scanning and for saving
objects found during searches.
PriorityMode
PriorityTime
Enables Priority Mode, and sets the time
between priority scans. See "Priority
Scanning" on page 10.
EnableRecord Enables the record feature. See "Recording
and Playback" on page 21.
SearchRecord Records received search transmissions.
GAttenMode
GAttenOn
Enables Global Attenuation and activates GA.
See "Priority Scanning" on page 10.
SearchDgAGC Applies Digital AGC to digital transmissions.
GAGCMode
GAGCOn
Enables and activates Global AGC.
PlaySetsOpt Turns on the PlaySet Feature. See "Play Sets"
on page 17.
Sounds
Alerts
Sets iScan beeps and alert sounds.
Sets alerts: Off, Audio, Visual, Both
KeyBeeps
BeepVolume
Enables or disables key tones and sets key
tone volume.
AlertVolume Object and low battery alert volume.
Contrast Sets the LCD contrast.
LModeBAT
LModeEXT
Sets the backlight mode with batteries and
external power: Off, On, Stealth, Normal, Key,
Ignore.
LiteArea
LiteTime
LiteLevel
Sets LCD and keypad lighting.
Backlight duration and brightness.
WelcomeText
1-5 Message when iScan is first turned on.
BlinkTime1-2 Controls the display time for each item.
ShowRadioID Displays Radio ID (trunked systems).
Tagonly Displays only display name (trunked systems).
UseRIDAlert Displays an alert for transmissions with Radio ID.
ShowVC/CC Displays voice and control channel. Show
Radio ID will override. SimpleDisplay must be
unchecked.
ShowTGID Displays talkgroup ID. SimpleDisplay must be
unchecked.
ShowSite
Name Displays trunking site name, if two or more
trunking system sites are programmed.
SimpleDisplay must be unchecked.
CONVTGID
CONVRadioID
Displays the talkgroup ID for P25 conventional
talkgroup calls. Displays the Radio ID for P25
conventional calls.
SimpleDisplay must be unchecked.
PC/IFCCDump
Tofile
Limit
TrimLogs
Streams ASCII Control Channel Dump data
over the USB interface for trunking control
channels, stores ASCII Control Channel Dump
data to the microSD card, and sets a limit for
the number of Trim Logs that are sent: 100,
200, 500, 1000.
LowBattTime Interval (seconds) between low-battery alerts.
ChargeTime Sets the radio charge time.
TGDisp Display format for talkgroup IDs.
M36StatBits Uses status bits to track Motorola 3600 baud
trunking talkgroup calls.
M36ENC ignores encrypted bits on Motorola 3600 bps
control channel systems
EDACDig ignores encrypted bits on EDACS control
channel systems
BandPlan Selects USA or Canada.
FlexStep Allows smaller steps between frequencies.
EncMode For encrypted transmissions: Noise, Silent,
or Tone.
EncLevel Sets the encrypted call tone level.
IFOut Routes the IF Discriminator signal to the
headphone jack.
DSPLevelAdapt Controls how fast the DSP adjusts to varying
P25 levels (default: 64). Higher = faster.
ADCGain Sets input signal to CODEC (default: +0dB).
DACGain Sets output signal from CODEC, varying the
decoded signal audio level (default: +0dB).
AutoPowerOn
At00:00
Mode:
Turns on your iScan at a specified time, to
a set function: Menu, Scan, Weather, or
Monitor.
PlaceSelect Disables the SetPlace option on the main
menu.
SigBar1-5 Sets the range for the Signal Strength
indicator.
DRAFT
DRAFT
20 21
Recording and Playback
Your iScan contains a 2GB MicroSD card that can store over
50 hours of recording time. After you activate the recording
feature, you can record all transmissions for specific objects
and transmissions found during a search.
Toenabletherecordingfeature:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Settings and press .
3. Select Enable Record and press .
4. To record during frequency searches, select Search
Record and press .
5. Select Save Changes and press .
6. Edit the object and activate the Record setting. See
"Editing Objects Manually" on page 20.
Toplaybackrecordings:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Playback and press .
3. Press /II to play the file.
4. You can press MENU for a list of playback options:
• MainMenu – Returns to the main menu.
• Back – Returns to the list of recorded files.
• PlayFromHere – Plays the current recording and
all recordings afterwards.
• DeleteAll – Deletes all recorded audio files.
• DeleteEarlier – Deletes recorded audio files prior
to the selected audio file.
• DeleteLater – Deletes the selected audio file and
all recorded audio files after the selected file.
5. Press SKIP to stop playback.
Editing Objects Manually
1. From the main menu, select Browse Objects.
2. Use the four-direction pad to select an object.
NOTE: Your iScan organizes imported objects beginning at
Playlist 151, named by service. Playlist 1 may be empty.
3. Press MENU to enter the Object Edit menu:
Frequency The frequency for the object.
AlphaTag The display name for the object.
SetPlaylists Assign the object to playlists.
RxMode Receiving mode
SqMode Squelch mode
SqSearch Activates a search for the Squelch code
SqCode Squelch code
SqExclude Excludes squelch
LockedOut Locked objects are not scanned.
Skipped Skipped objects are not scanned.
Priority Priority object are checked more frequently.
Delay Set a scan delay after a transmission ends.
Attenuate Applies attenuation to the object
AGC Reduces interference from strong local
transmitters (conventional frequencies only).
Alarm Select a sound used for alarms.
Light On, Off, or Flash.
FlashPattern Alert LED flash pattern.*
OnTime/Off
Time Flash pattern step duration. (Percentage: 100
= 1 second, 50 = 1/2 second).
LEDEnabled Enables the Alert LED.
LEDFlash Enables Alert LED flash patterns.
ColorCount The number of Alert colors. 0 = off.
Color1-4 Hexidecimal value for each color.
Record Record received transmissions.
( = Record this object)
DeleteObject Deletes the programmed object; the
frequency remains in the iScan library for later
programming, if desired.
5. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to change
settings. ( = selected)
6. Select Save Changes and press SEL.
Previous
Next
ForwardRewind
DRAFT
DRAFT
22 23
Alert LED Settings
1. From the main menu,
select Browse
Objects.
2. Use the four-direction
pad to select an object.
3. Press MENU to enter the
Object Edit menu:
Flash Patterns
Each character defines a flash pattern step, and eight
characters (steps) define the flash pattern.
On Time / O Time
On Time and Off Time determine the flash rate:
• 100 = 1 second, 50 = 1/2 second
• Lower Value = Faster Rate
Common Hexidecimal Color Codes
• FF0000 (red)
• 00FF00 (green)
• FFFF00 (yellow)
• FFFFFF (white)
• 0000FF (blue)
• 9900CC (purple)
Flash
Pattern =on =off
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F
Single-Color Solid (Red)
FlashPattern: [Blank]
LEDEnable:√
ColorCount: 1
Color1: FF0000
Single-Color Flashing
FlashPattern: AAAAAAAA
OnTime: 50
OffTime: 50
LEDEnable:√
LEDFlash:√
ColorCount: 1
Color1: FF0000 (Red)
Two-Color Strobe
FlashPattern: A8A8A8A8
OnTime: 10
OffTime: 10
LEDEnable:√
LEDFlash:√
ColorCount: 2
Color1: FF0000 (Red)
Color2: 0000FF (Blue)
Three-Color Flashing (Slow)
FlashPattern: 22222222
OnTime: 50
OffTime: 50
LEDEnable:√
LEDFlash:√
ColorCount: 3
Color1: FF0000 (Red)
Color2: FFFFFF (White)
Color2: 0000FF (Blue)
A A AA A A A A
2 2 22 2 2 2 2
AlertLED
A 8 AA 8 A 8 8
DRAFT
DRAFT
24 25
Saving Found CTCSS or DCS Codes
When importing objects from the Library, the squelch
code is automatically imported. If this information is
missing, your scanner can quickly identify thee code
during a search.
Note:In the Settings menu, Simple Display must be
unchecked to display squelch codes.
If a conventional channel includes a CTCSS or DCS squelch
code, the code appears on the display, followed by an “S.”
Tosavethefoundcodewiththechannel:
1. When the squelch code appears, press MENU.
Store sq code appears.
2. Press SEL.
After the code is saved, the scanner will stop only on
transmissions that have a matching CTCSS or DCS squelch
code.
Using IF Output
If you use third party signal analysis and decoding software
and hardware, your iScan can provide unsquelched and
unfiltered IF/discriminator output to the headphone jack.
ToactivateIFOutputmode:
1. Press Menu
2. Scroll to the Settings menu. Press to continue
3. Scroll past Expert to the IF Out setting.
4. Press to scroll through the available options:
• Off – IF output disabled
• HP – IF output to headphone jack only
• HP/SP – IF output to headphone jack and speaker
5. Connect your equipment to the headphone jack.
Squelch Code
S
=
Law Dispatch
CONV psDr
RVO PD Disp
NFM 453.650000
CTCSS 127.3 S
Changing microSD Cards
You can purchase additional cards (up to a 32GB) to store
backup configurations or recordings.
ToremovethemicroSDcardfromthescanner:
1. Turn off and unplug your iScan, and remove the batteries.
2. Press and release the microSD card.
3. To insert a microSD card, turn the card with the label
facing the front of the radio and press in until it clicks.
Toformatadditionalcards:
1. Open the iScan software on your PC.
2. Select Scanner/SDCard from the menu bar, and then
PrepareScannerMemory/SDCardForUse.
• Use only the iSCAN software to format the SD card.
Formatting the microSD card for other file system
types may cause iSCAN to malfunction.
• Use the FAT file system with 32k clusters.
• For microSD cards larger than 2GB, use FAT32 with
32k clusters.
Tip: You can use an external reader, which may provide
faster data transfer rates.
iScan Directory Folders
• BTMP – Contains temporary files used by your iScan.
• CDAT – Contains your current iScan data. Save a
backup copy of this folder.
• CDAT_VS.nnn – Contains V-Scanner data. Folder
number nnn, where nnn may range from 001 to 200
• DB – Contains the Library
• MTMP – Contains temporary files used by your
iScan.
• STMP – Contains temporary files used by your iScan.
• CURVS.DAT – Configuration information
• CONFIG__.BIN – Configuration information
• REC – Audio recordings
WARNING:Modifying these directories or their contents
outside of the iScan software is not recommended and
may cause the PRO-668 to malfunction.
DRAFT
DRAFT
26 27
PC Scanner Software
Your scanner comes with
an installed 2GB microSD
card that contains the
entire U.S.A/Canada
RadioReference database
as well as the iScan
software.
The simplest way to
program your iScan is
ZIP code, but for more
advanced programming,
the provided software
lets you quickly customize
your scanner from your
computer.
ToinstallyouriScanSoftware:
1. Connect the iScan to your PC using the supplied USB
cable. An installation wizard should appear, or you can
navigate to the microSD card and open setup.exe.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the
installation.
3. When the software is installed, open the software
and use the tabs to modify your settings and upload
to your iScan. Refer to the online help for current
information.
RadioReference.com
S-VIDEO cable
HDMI connector
Component Video Cables
HDMI
Coaxial digital cable
USB
Updating DSP Firmware
1. Turn off the iScan.
2. Connect the iScan to your computer using the
supplied USB cable.
3. Select Update from the menu bar, and then Checkfor
DSPFirmwareUpdate.
4. Click CheckforUpdates.
5. If updates are available, click UpdateMyScanner.
6. When complete, click Done.
Updating CPU Firmware
1. Turn off the iScan. Disconnect the USB cable from the
scanner, but keep the USB cable connected to your
computer.
2. While pressing Menu, connect the USB cable to the
iScan. The current boot and CPU versions appear on
the display, followed by the CPU SW Upgrade prompt.
3. Select CheckforCPUFirmwareUpdates in the
update menu.
4. Click CheckforUpdates on the update screen.
5. If there are available updates, click UpdateMy
Scanner.
6. When complete, click Done.
DRAFT
DRAFT
28 29
Maintenance
Modifying or tampering with the scanner’s internal
components can cause a malfunction and might invalidate
its warranty and void your FCC authorization to operate it.
• Handle the scanner carefully; do not drop it.
• Keep the scanner dry; if it gets wet, wipe it dry
immediately.
• Use and store the scanner only in normal temperature
environments.
• Keep the scanner free from dust and dirt, and wipe it
with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking new.
Birdie Frequencies
Birdies are internal operating frequencies that can cause
interference. All scanners have birdies, but if the interference is
not severe, adjusting the squelch might avoid the birdie, but if
you program one of these frequencies during a search, you will
hear only noise on that frequency.
If you suspect that a programmed frequency is being affected
by a birdie, try removing the antenna. If the noise stops, it is
most likely coming from an external source, and moving the
scanner may reduce the noise or solve the issue. If the noise
on a frequency continues when you remove the antenna, it is
almost certainly the result of a birdie.
Updating the Software Database
RadioReference frequently updates their databases, which
you can use to upload your local database.
Note: Updating the RadioReference database requires an
Internet connection.
Toupdateyourdatabase:
1. Open the iScan software on your PC.
2. Select Update from the menu bar, and then Checkfor
LibraryUpdate.
3. Click CheckforUpdates.
4. If updates are available, click DownloadUpdates and
click Done when the update is complete.
Updating Your iScan Library
After you update the database on your PC, you can update
your iScan library.
ToupdateyouriScanlibrary:
1. Access the LibraryImport tab in the iScan software.
2. Select Standard from the SelectImportType list. A
second Import screen appears.
• D – Unsupported digital modulation.
• S – Unsupported trunked system.
• – Some frequencies are selected, but not all.
3. Click UpdateChannels. The Library Import screen
appears.
4. Click UpdateChannels.
Toupdateallobjectsandplaylists:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Update from Lib and press .
3. To use new Alpha Tag (names) from the library. Press
SEL for yes or SKIP for no.
Note: To update your programming, your iScan must be
connected to an external power source.
DRAFT
DRAFT
30 31
Specications
Receivingmodes ........................ ...................................................AM, FM,
............................................FM-MOT (Motorola), LTR (EF Johnson),
.................................................................... CTCSS, DCS, NAC on P25,
..................................EDACS wide/narrow (GE/Ericsson/HARRIS),
................................................ P25-Phase I, X2-TDMA, P25-Phase II
Receivingsystem .............................................................................................
....................................................Triple conversion PLL super heterodyne
WXfrequencies ...................... ...................162.400, 162.425, 162.450,
...................................................162.475, 162.500, 162.525, 162.550 MHz
Display .................................. Full dot matrix bitmap LCD (132X65 dots)
Sensitivity .............................................................................(FM 12 dB SINAD
............................................................ quieting unless otherwise noted)
VHF Low ......................................................................................... 0.2 μV
VHF Aircraft (20 dBq AM) ......................................................... 0.4 μV
VHF High 137–174 MHz............................................................. 0.3 μV
VHF High 216–300 MHz ........................................................... 0.4 μV
UHF Low 300–406MHz ............................................................ 0.8 μV
UHF/UHF-T 406–512 MHz ...................................................... 0.4 μV
UHF High 764–960 MHz ........................................................... 0.5 μV
1240–1300 MHz .......................................................................... . 0.5 μV
Squelchsensitivity (band center)
Threshold ......................................................................... AM/FM 0.5 μV
Tight ...................................................... (S+N)/N: AM 20 dB, FM 25 dB
Spurious rejection .......................... VHF High at 154.1 MHz: 40 dB
(Except Primary image)
Signal to noise ratio ................................................ 35–40 dB typical
(100 μV input signal)
Scanningrate(non-trunking) ....138–47.9 MHz:70ch/second (in 100
kHz Intervals)
Searchrate ..................................... 162.25 − 167.25 MHz: 80 steps/sec.
ScanandSearchdelaytime...................................................... 2 seconds
Audio max. power RF input :100 μV at 154.1 MHz
(DEV:3kHz at 1kHz)
8 ohms Resistor Load at speaker terminal
(BTL): 500 m Watts
Intermediatefrequency
1st ............................................................................................. 380.8 MHz
2nd ............................................................................................... 21.4 MHz
3rd ................................................................................................... 455 kHz
Currentdrain ............................ 8 Ohm internal speaker at 154.1 MHz,
5V Ext Power, Squelched: 170 mA
(Back light o/without charging)
Antennaimpedance ...................................................................... 50 Ohms
Temperaturerange(optimal) .............. 14°F to 140°F (–10°C to 60°C)
Speaker .................................. Built-in 36 mm 8 ohms dynamic speaker
Operatingvoltage.................DC 4.8 Volts (4 AA Ni-MH batteries)
....................................................DC 6 Volts (4 AA alkaline batteries)
Externalpowerandchargevoltage .....USB Power (DC 5V 500mA)
Dimensions(HWD) ..............5.31 X 2.12 X 1.06 in. (135 X 67 X 28mm)
Weight .................................................................................... 7.4 oz. (210g)
Without antenna and batteries
Frequency Coverage
25.000–26.960 MHz ......................... (in 10 kHz steps/AM)
26.965–27.405 MHz .......................... (in 10 kHz steps/AM)
27.410–29.505 MHz .............................. (in 5 kHz steps/AM)
29.510–29.700 MHz .............................(in 5 kHz steps/FM)
29.710–49.830 MHz ...........................(in 10 kHz steps/FM)
49.835–54.000 MHz.............................(in 5 kHz steps/FM)
108.000–136.9916 MHz................(in 8.33 kHz steps/AM)
137.000–137.995 MHz ......................... (in 5 kHz steps/FM)
138.000–143.9875 MHz ................ (in 12.5 kHz steps/AM)
144.000–147.995 MHz ......................... (in 5 kHz steps/FM)
148.000–150.7875 MHz ................(in 12.5 kHz steps/FM)
150.800–150.845 MHz ........................(in 5 kHz steps/FM)
150.8525–154.4975 MHz ................(in 7.5 kHz steps/FM)
154.515–154.640 MHz ........................ (in 5 kHz steps/FM)
154.650–156.0450 MHz...................(in 7.5 kHz steps/FM)
156.0500 MHz ..................................................................... (FM)
156.0525–156.1725 MHz ................. (in 7.5 kHz steps/FM)
156.1750 MHz ......................................................................(FM)
156.1800–156.2475 MHz ................(in 7.5 kHz steps/FM)
156.2500–156.2550 MHz ...................(in 5 kHz steps/FM)
156.275–157.450 MHz .......................(in 25 kHz steps/FM)
157.470 –160.8225 MHz ...................(in 7.5 kHz steps/FM)
160.8250 MHz .....................................................................(FM)
160.830 –161.5725 MHz ................... (in 7.5 kHz steps/FM)
161.600–161.975 MHz ......................... (in 5 kHz steps/FM)
162.000–174.000 MHz .................. (in 12.5 kHz steps/FM)
216.0025–219.9975 MHz .................... (in 5 kHz steps/FM)
220.000–224.995 MHz ........................ (in 5 kHz steps/FM)
225.000–379.99375 MHz ............ (in 6.25 kHz steps/AM)
380.000–419.9875 MHz ............... (in 12.5 kHz steps/FM)
420.000–450.000 MHz ....................... (in 5 kHz steps/FM)
450.00625–512.000 MHz.............(in 6.25 kHz steps/FM)
764.000–781.996875 MHz ......... (in 3.125 kHz steps/FM)
791.000–796.996875 MHz ......... (in 3.125 kHz steps/FM)
806.000–823.9875 MHz ...............(in 12.5 kHz steps/FM)
849.000–868.9875 MHz ............... (in 12.5 kHz steps/FM)
894.000–939.9875 MHz ............... (in 12.5 kHz steps/FM)
940.000–960.000 MHz .................(in 6.25 kHz steps/FM)
1240.000–1300.000 MHz ............(in 6.25 kHz steps/FM)
137.000–174.000 MHz ....... (in 5 kHz steps/FM ) Canada
380.000–512.000 MHz .....(in 12 kHz steps/FM) Canada
*Excludes frequencies utilized by the Cellular Mobile
Radiotelephone Service: 824–848.9875 MHz and
869–893.9875 MHz
DRAFT
DRAFT
32 33
Limited Warranty
RadioShack warrants this product against defects in materials and
workmanship under normal use by the original purchaser for one (1) year
after the date of purchase from a RadioShack-owned store or an authorized
RadioShack franchisee or dealer. RADIOSHACK MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS
WARRANTIES.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable
to abuse, misuse, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or
maintenance, alteration, accident, Acts of God (such as floods or lightning),
or excess voltage or current; (b) improper or incorrectly performed repairs by
persons who are not a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables
such as fuses or batteries; (d) ordinary wear and tear or cosmetic damage;
(e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; (f) costs of product removal,
installation, set-up service, adjustment or reinstallation; and (g) claims by
persons other than the original purchaser.
Should a problem occur that is covered by this warranty, take the product and
the RadioShack sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store
in the U.S. RadioShack will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law (a)
replace the product with the same or a comparable product or (b) refund the
purchase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund
is made, become the property of RadioShack.
RADIOSHACK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS
NOT STATED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND, IF APPLICABLE, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL EXPIRE ON THE
EXPIRATION OF THE STATED WARRANTY PERIOD. EXCEPT AS DESCRIBED
ABOVE, RADIOSHACK SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY
TO THE PURCHASER OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT
OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE AND
ANY LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT AND ANY
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF
RADIOSHACK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
You may contact RadioShack at:
RadioShack Customer Relations
300 RadioShack Circle
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Library Copyright Notice
The data contained in iScan’s library is provided by special arrangement with
RadioReference and is copyright ©2014 RadioReference.com, LLC who retains
sole ownership of the database. We ask that you respect this copyright by
adhering to the following guidelines:
The library data is intended for your personal use only in conjunction with
programming and using your iScan. As such, RadioReference.com LLC grants
the customer a non-exclusive single license to only be used with the iScan radio
and its associated PC software. The library shall not be copied or transferred to
any third party in any electronic or physical form or posted on any website.
To decompile the RadioReference database or convert it for use with another
scanning receiver is expressly prohibited.
The RadioReference database is developed and maintained by unpaid
volunteers who are dedicated scanning hobbyists. The library data is subject to
errors in the user-submitted data reported to RadioReference, and also to the
system configuration changes that a radio system operator may make from
time to time. Field-testing the library data for accuracy is not feasible.
For detailed radio system information worldwide, be sure to visit
www.radioreference.com frequently. We encourage you to get involved with
RadioReference, and submit your own new or updated data to the database,
which will result in future updated editions of the library.
RadioReference is not responsible for errors, missions or outdated library data.
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
DRAFT
DRAFT
2000668
Printed in Korea
05A14
©2014. RadioShack Corporation. All
rights reserved. RadioShack is a registered
trademark used by RadioShack Corporation.

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