20-311a.

fm Page 1 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

Cat. No. 20-311A

OWNER’S MANUAL
PRO-71 VHF/UHF/Air
Handheld Scanner

Please read before using this equipment.

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FEATURES

Your new RadioShack PRO-71 VHF/UHF/Air Handheld Scanner lets

you in on all the action! This scanner gives you direct access to 23,000
exciting frequencies that include police department, fire department,
ambulance, aircraft, amateur radio, and transportation services. You
can select up to 100 channels for your scanner to scan and you can
change your selection at any time.

The secret to your scanner’s ability to scan so many frequencies is its

custom-designed microprocessor — a tiny, built-in computer. Your
scanner also has these special features:

Large Liquid-Crystal Display — lets you easily see displayed infor-

mation.

Search Skip — lets you select up to 20 frequencies for the scanner to

skip during a limit or direct search to avoid unwanted frequencies.

Frequency Search — scans through every available frequency.

Ten Channel-Storage Banks — let you store 10 channels in each of

ten banks to group frequencies and help you identify calls.

Monitor Memories — let you temporarily save up to ten channels you

locate during a frequency search.

Two-Second Automatic Scan Delay — delays scanning for 2 sec-

onds before moving to another channel, so you can hear more replies.

Memory Backup — keeps the channel frequencies stored in memory

for up to 1 hour during a power loss.

Lock-Out Function — keeps channels you select from being scanned.

Priority Channel — lets you specify your most important channel and
check it every 2 seconds so you don’t miss important calls.

Weather Band Key — scans seven preprogrammed weather frequen-

cies so you can hear about current weather conditions.

Display Backlight — makes the scanner easy to read in low light situ-
ations.

 1999 Tandy Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.

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Your scanner can receive all of these bands:

Frequency
Range (MHz) Transmission
29–29.7 10-Meter Amateur Radio
29.7–50 VHF Lo
50–54 6-Meter Amateur Radio
108–136.975 Aircraft
137–144 Government
144–148 2-Meter Amateur Radio
148–174 VHF Hi
406–420 Government
420–450 70-cm Amateur Radio
450–470 UHF Standard
470–512 UHF “T” Band

In addition, your scanner is preprogrammed with the following weather

service channels:
Frequency (MHz)
162.400
162.425
162.450
162.475
162.500
162.525
162.550

This Owner’s Manual also includes the section “A Guide to the Action
Bands,” which lets you target services in your area by giving you fre-
quency ranges to search. You can then store any of these frequencies
into memory for easy scanning.

We recommend you record your scanner’s serial number here. The

number is on the back panel.

Serial Number: ___________________________

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FCC NOTICE
Your scanner might cause TV or radio interference even when it is op-
erating properly. To determine whether your scanner is causing the in-
terference, turn off your scanner. If the interference goes away, your
scanner is causing it. Try to eliminate the interference by:
• moving your scanner away from the receiver
• connecting your scanner to an outlet that is on a different electrical
circuit from the receiver
• contacting your local RadioShack store for help

If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop
using your scanner.

Note: Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in

some areas. Check the laws in your area.

SCANNING LEGALLY
Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups includ-
ing police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agen-
cies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations,
pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service provid-
ers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can
receive. However, there are some transmissions you should never in-
tentionally listen to. These include:
• telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means
of telephone signal transmission)
• pager transmissions
• any scrambled or encrypted transmissions

According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you

are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening
to, using, or divulging the contents of such a transmission unless you
have the consent of a party to the communication (unless such activity
is otherwise illegal).

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This scanner has been designed to prevent reception of illegal trans-

missions. This is done to comply with the legal requirement that scan-
ners be manufactured so as to not be easily modifiable to pick up those
transmissions. Do not open your scanner’s case to make any modifica-
tions that could allow it to pick up transmissions that it is not legal to lis-
ten to. Doing so could subject you to legal penalties.

We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.

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CONTENTS

Preparation ....................................................................................... 8
Power Sources ............................................................................ 8
Installing Batteries ....................................................................... 8
Important Information About the External Power Jacks .............. 9
Using Standard AC Power ......................................................... 10
Using Vehicle Battery Power ..................................................... 11
Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries ......................................... 12
Connecting the Antenna ........................................................... 13
Connecting an Optional Antenna ....................................... 13
Connecting an Earphone/Headphones ..................................... 14
Listening Safely .................................................................. 14
Traffic Safety ...................................................................... 14
Connecting an Extension Speaker ............................................ 15
Using the Belt Clip ..................................................................... 15
Understanding Your Scanner ........................................................ 16
A Look at the Keypad ................................................................ 16
A Look at the Display ................................................................ 17
Banks and Memories ..................................................................... 19
Channel-Storage Banks ............................................................ 19
Monitor Memories ..................................................................... 19
Operation ........................................................................................ 20
Turning On the Scanner and Setting Squelch ........................... 20
Storing Frequencies .................................................................. 20
Searching For and Temporarily Storing
Active Frequencies .................................................................... 21
Limit Search ....................................................................... 22
Direct Search ..................................................................... 23
Listening to Monitor Memories .................................................. 24
Moving a Frequency from a Monitor Memory
to a Channel .............................................................................. 24
Manually Selecting a Channel ................................................... 25
Special Features ............................................................................. 26
Using the Keylock ...................................................................... 26
Locking Out Channels ............................................................... 26
Turning Channel-Storage Banks On and Off ............................. 27
Search Skip Memory ................................................................. 27
Priority ....................................................................................... 28
Using the Display Backlight ....................................................... 28
Listening to the Weather Band .................................................. 29

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A General Guide to Scanning ........................................................ 30

Guide to Frequencies ................................................................ 30
National Weather Frequencies ........................................... 30
Canadian Weather Frequencies ......................................... 30
Guide to the Action Bands ......................................................... 31
Band Allocation ......................................................................... 32
Avoiding Image Frequencies ..................................................... 37
Frequency Conversion ............................................................... 37
Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 38
Resetting the Scanner ............................................................... 39
Care and Maintenance ................................................................... 40
Specifications ................................................................................. 41

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PREPARATION

POWER SOURCES
You can power your scanner from any of three sources:
• internal batteries
• standard AC power (using an optional AC adapter)
• vehicle battery power (using an optional DC adapter)

INSTALLING BATTERIES
Your scanner requires 4 AA batteries (not supplied) for power. For the
best performance and longest life, we recommend alkaline batteries.
Or, you can use rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Both types of
batteries are available at your local RadioShack store.

Warning: The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge
nickel-cadmium batteries inside the battery compartment. How-
ever, you must never use this circuit when you have installed non-
rechargeable batteries in the scanner. Be sure to read “Important Infor-
mation About the External Power Jacks” on Page 9 and “Charging
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries” on Page 12.

Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended
type.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (stan-
dard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of differ-
ent capacities.

1. Press down the tab on the battery compartment cover, and lift
open the compartment.

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2. Install two batteries in the compartment and two in the cover as

indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside each
location.

3. Replace the cover.

When BATT.Lo flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, im-
mediately replace or recharge all four batteries.

Cautions:
• If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for a month or
more, or if you plan to use only an AC or DC adapter, remove the
batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic
parts.
• Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury
them.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE

EXTERNAL POWER JACKS

POWER Jack

CHARGE Jack

The scanner has two external power jacks — POWER and CHARGE. It
is important that you understand the purpose of each jack before you
connect any adapter to the scanner.

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The POWER jack powers the scanner and disconnects the internal bat-
teries. You can use this jack to connect an external power source (AC
or DC adapter), regardless of the type of batteries you install.

The CHARGE jack supplies power to operate the scanner and also
charges the internal batteries. Use the CHARGE jack only when you
have installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries.

Warning: Never use the CHARGE jack when you have installed non-
rechargeable batteries. If you try to recharge non-rechargeable batter-
ies, they become very hot and could explode.

Remove the plastic plug from the CHARGE jack before you use it, then
replace the plug when you finish.

CHARGE Jack

USING STANDARD AC POWER

To power the scanner from AC power, you need an AC adapter such
as RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1665. Plug the adapter’s 3.4 mm outer di-
ameter/1.3 mm inner diameter barrel plug into the scanner’s POWER
jack. Then plug the adapter’s power module into a standard AC outlet.
∼

Warning: Do not use an AC adapter’s polarized plug with an extension

cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted
to prevent blade exposure.
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Cautions:
• You must use an AC adapter that supplies 9 volts and delivers at
least 300 mA. Its center tip must be set to negative and its plug
must fit the scanner’s POWER jack. The recommended adapter
meets these specifications. Using an adapter that does not meet
these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
• When you finish using the AC adapter, disconnect it from the AC
outlet first. Then disconnect it from the scanner.

USING VEHICLE BATTERY POWER

You can power the scanner from your vehicle’s battery power using an
optional DC adapter, such as Cat. No. 273-1810.

Cautions:
• You must use a DC adapter that supplies 9 volts (regulated) and
delivers at least 300 mA of DC automotive power. Its center tip
must be set to negative and its plug must fit the scanner’s POWER
jack. Both of the recommended adapters meet these specifica-
tions. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications
could damage the scanner or the adapter.
• To protect your vehicle’s electrical system, always plug the adapter
into the scanner before you plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette-
lighter socket. Always unplug the adapter from the vehicle’s ciga-
rette-lighter socket before you unplug it from the scanner.
∼
∼
∼

1. Connect the DC adapter’s 3.4 mm outer diameter/1.3 mm inner

diameter barrel-plug to the adapter’s cable, with the tip set to –.
2. Set the adapter’s voltage switch to 9V.
3. Insert the barrel plug into the scanner’s POWER jack.

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4. Plug the other end of the adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette-
lighter socket.

Note: If the scanner does not operate properly when you use a DC
adapter, unplug the adapter from the cigarette-lighter socket and clean
the socket to remove ashes and other debris.

CHARGING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES

The scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you recharge nickel-
cadmium batteries while they are in the scanner. To charge the batter-
ies, remove the plug from the scanner’s CHARGE jack and connect an
optional AC adapter or DC adapter to the jack (see “Using Standard
AC Power” on Page 10 or “Using Vehicle Battery Power” on Page 11).

Warning: Do not connect an adapter to the scanner’s CHARGE jack if

you installed non-rechargeable batteries (standard, extra-life, or alka-
line). Non-rechargeable batteries become hot and could explode if you
try to recharge them.

It takes about 14 to 16 hours to recharge batteries that are fully dis-

charged. You can operate the scanner while recharging the nickel-
cadmium batteries, but charging takes longer.

Note: Nickel-cadmium batteries last longer and deliver more power if

you occasionally let them fully discharge. To do this, simply use the
scanner until it begins beeping every 15 seconds and BATT.LO ap-
pears. Then fully charge the batteries.

Important: At the end of a rechargeable battery’s useful life, it must be

recycled or disposed of properly. Contact your local, county, or state
hazardous waste management authorities for information on recycling
or disposal programs in your area. Some options that might be avail-
able are: municipal curb-side collection, drop-off boxes at retailers such
as your local RadioShack store, recycling collection centers, and mail-
back programs.

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CONNECTING THE ANTENNA

Follow these steps to attach the supplied flexible
antenna to the connector on the top of your scan-
ner.
1. Align the slots around the antenna’s connec-
tor with the tabs on the jack.
2. Press the antenna down over the jack and
rotate the antenna’s base clockwise until it
locks into place.

Connecting an Optional Antenna

The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scan-
ner with a variety of antennas. Instead of the supplied antenna, you
can attach an external mobile antenna or outdoor base antenna (for
example). Your local RadioShack store sells a variety of antennas.

Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect

an outdoor antenna. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss di-
electric coaxial cable. If your antenna’s cable does not have a BNC
connector, you will also need a BNC adapter (available at your local
RadioShack store).

Warning: When you install an outdoor antenna, use extreme cau-

tion. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead
power lines. If the antenna touches the power line, contact with the
antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can cause electrocution and
death. Call the power company to remove the antenna. Do not at-
tempt to remove it yourself!

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CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/
HEADPHONES
For private listening, you can plug an earphone or mono headphones
(not supplied) with a 1/8-inch (3.5-mm) plug (such as Cat. No. 33-177 or
20-210) into the jack on top of your scanner. This automatically dis-
connects the internal speaker.

Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an ear-
phone or headphones.
• Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening.
After you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-
volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears
adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause
discomfort might still damage your hearing.

Traffic Safety
Do not use an earphone or headphones with your scanner when oper-
ating 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.

If you use an earphone or headphones with your scanner while riding a

bicycle, be very careful. Do not listen to a continuous broadcast. Even
though some earphones or headphones let you hear some outside
sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they still can present a
traffic hazard.

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CONNECTING AN EXTENSION SPEAKER

In a noisy area, an optional extension speaker (such as RadioShack
Cat. No. 21-549) or an amplified speaker (such as RadioShack Cat.
No. 21-541), positioned in the right place, might provide more comfort-
able listening. Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into
your scanner’s jack.

USING THE BELT CLIP

You can attach the supplied belt clip to make the scanner easier to use
when you are on the go. Use a Phillips screwdriver and the two sup-
plied screws to attach the belt clip to the scanner. Then slide the belt
clip over your belt or waistband.

Belt Clip

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR SCANNER

A LOOK AT THE KEYPAD

Your scanner’s keys might seem confusing at first, but this information
should help you understand each key’s function.

SCAN — scans through the programmed channels.

MANUAL — stops scanning and lets you directly enter a channel num-
ber.

LOCKOUT/S/S — lets you lock out a selected channel. Skips a specified

frequency during limit or direct search.

PRIORITY — sets and turns on and off priority for a particular channel.

MON/CLR/• — accesses the ten monitor memories, clears an incorrect

entry or enters the decimal point necessary when programming fre-
quencies.

WX/E (enter) — scans through the preprogrammed weather channels or

enters frequencies into channels.

KEYLOCK/ — locks/unlocks the keypad to prevent accidental entries

or turns on the display light for 15 seconds.

PROGRAM — programs frequencies into channels.

▼, LIMIT, and ▲ — searches for active frequencies.

Number Keys — each key has a single-digit label, and keys 0–9 have
a range of numbers printed above them. The single digits refer to the
number of a channel or frequency entered. The number range (21–30,

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for example) shows the channels that make up a memory bank. In ad-
dition, the keypad has different functions in manual mode, scan mode,
and program mode. See “Banks and Memories” on Page 19.

A LOOK AT THE DISPLAY

The display has several indicators that show the scanner’s current op-
erating mode. A quick look at the display will help you understand how
to operate your scanner.

MON — appears when you listen to a monitor memory. A number

(1–10) appears to the right of MON indicating which monitor memory
you are listening to.

BANK — shows which channel-storage banks are turned on for the

scan mode. See “Banks and Memories” on Page 19.

KEYLOCK — appears when you lock the keypad.

BATT.Lo — appears when the batteries are low.

CH — digits that precede this indicator show which of the 100 channels
the scanner is tuned to.

P — appears when you listen to the priority channel.

MHz — digits that precede this indicator show which frequency the
scanner is tuned to.

SCAN — appears when you scan channels.

MAN — appears when you manually select a channel.

PGM — appears while you program frequencies into the scanner’s

channels.
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PRI — appears when you select the priority feature.

L/O — appears when you manually select a locked-out channel, or

during a search hold when the frequency is stored in search skip mem-
ory.

WX — appears when you scan the preprogrammed weather channels.

▼ and ▲ — indicate the search direction.

SRCH — appears during a limit search, a direct search, and a weather

band search.

-L- — appears instead of the channel number during a limit search.

-d- — appears instead of the channel number during a direct search.

Hi — appears with a frequency to show the upper limit of the frequen-

cy range to search.

Lo — appears with a frequency to show the lower limit of the frequency

range to search.

-H- — appears during a limit search hold.

-h- — appears during a direct search hold.

Error — appears when you make an entry error.

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BANKS AND MEMORIES

Your scanner can store up to 110 frequencies. You store each frequen-
cy in either a memory called a channel, or a temporary memory called
a monitor memory. This scanner has 100 channels and ten monitor
memories.

CHANNEL-STORAGE BANKS
To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen
to, channels are divided into ten channel-storage banks of 10 channels
each. Use each channel-storage bank to group frequencies, such as
the police department, fire department, ambulance services, or aircraft
band (see “Guide to the Action Bands” on Page 31.

For example, the police might use four frequencies, one for each area
of town. You could program the police frequencies starting with Chan-
nel 1 (Bank 1) and then program the fire department frequencies start-
ing with Channel 11 (the first channel in Bank 2).

MONITOR MEMORIES
The scanner also has ten monitor memories. Use these memories to
temporarily store frequencies while you decide whether or not to save
them into channels. This is handy for quickly storing an active frequen-
cy when you are searching through an entire band.

Note: To store frequencies into a monitor memory, you must first per-
form a limit or direct search. See “Searching For and Temporarily Stor-
ing Active Frequencies” on Page 21.

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OPERATION

TURNING ON THE SCANNER AND SETTING

SQUELCH
1. Make sure that SQUELCH is turned fully counterclockwise before
you turn on the scanner.
2. Turn VOLUME clockwise until you hear a hissing sound.
3. Turn SQUELCH clockwise, just until the hissing sound stops.

Note: If you want to listen to a weak or distant station, turn SQUELCH

counterclockwise. If reception is poor, turn SQUELCH clockwise.

STORING FREQUENCIES
Follow these steps to store frequencies into channels.
1. Press MANUAL, then enter the channel number (1–100) where you
want to store a frequency.

2. Press PROGRAM. PGM appears.

3. Use the number keys and • (MON/CLR) to enter the frequency

(including the decimal point) you want to store.

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4. Press E (WX) to store the frequency.

Notes:
• If you entered an incorrect frequency in Step 3, Error appears
and the scanner beeps three times. Start again from Step 3.
• Your scanner automatically rounds the entered frequency to the
nearest valid frequency. For example, if you enter a frequency of
151.473, your scanner accepts it as 151.475.
5. Repeat Steps 1–4 to program more channels. Or, if you want to
program the next channel in sequence, repeat Steps 2–4.

To listen to a frequency you have stored, press MANUAL, the channel

number, then MANUAL again.

SEARCHING FOR AND TEMPORARILY

STORING ACTIVE FREQUENCIES
Good references for active frequencies are the RadioShack “Police
Call,” “Aeronautical Frequency Directory,” and “Maritime Frequency Di-
rectory.” We update these directories every year, so be sure to get a
current copy.

If you do not have a reference to frequencies in your area, or if you

want to search for unlisted frequencies, use a limit search or direct
search. See also “Guide to the Action Bands” on Page 31.

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Limit Search
A limit search lets you search for active frequencies between upper
and lower limits that you set. -L- appears during a limit search.

When you are in the search mode, MON appears and the flashing num-
ber at the top of the display indicates the currently selected monitor
memory. Once you have stored a frequency into that monitor memory,
press ▼ or ▲. The scanner shifts to the next monitor memory and re-
starts the search mode.

1. Press PROGRAM then LIMIT. Lo appears.

2. Enter the lower limit of the frequency range you want to search.
3. Press E then LIMIT. Hi appears.
Note: If the frequency you entered is not a valid frequency, Error
appears. Enter a different frequency then repeat Step 3.
4. Enter the upper limit of the frequency range.
5. Press E then press LIMIT. Lo and the lower limit frequency appear.
6. Press ▼ to search from the upper to the lower limit, or ▲ to search
from the lower to the upper limit. The current monitor memory
number flashes.
7. When the scanner stops on a transmission you want to save, press
MON (CLR) to store the frequency in the current monitor memory.
The monitor memory number stops flashing.
8. Press either ▼ or ▲ to continue the search. If you saved a fre-
quency in a monitor memory, the monitor memory number
advances by one and starts flashing again. (If the last monitor
memory was 10, the scanner returns to monitor memory 1.)
9. To hold the frequency, press LIMIT. -H- appears.
To resume the limit search, press LIMIT again.

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Notes:
• You can press ▼ or ▲ while -H- appears to step through the
frequencies toward the upper or lower limits.
• If you tune to a search skip frequency, L/O appears (see
“Search Skip Memory” on Page 27)

Direct Search
When you listen to a channel, you can search up or down from the dis-
played frequency. -d- appears during a direct search.

1. To select a frequency stored in a channel, press MANUAL, use the

number keys to enter the channel number, then press MANUAL
again.

2. Press ▼ or ▲ to search up or down from the selected frequency.

3. When the scanner stops on a transmission, press MON to store
that frequency in the current monitor memory. Or, press ▼ or ▲ to
continue the search.
4. To hold the frequency, press LIMIT. -h- appears.
To resume the direct search, press LIMIT again.
Notes:
• You can press ▼ or ▲ while -H- appears to step through the
frequencies toward the upper or lower limits.
• If you tune to a search skip frequency, L/O appears (see
“Search Skip Memory” on Page 27).

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LISTENING TO MONITOR MEMORIES

Once you have stored frequencies into monitor memories using a di-
rect or limit search, you can listen to the monitor memories by pressing
MANUAL, MON, then the number for the monitor memory you want to
listen to. Use the 1–9 number keys for memories 1–9, and 0 for memo-
ry 10.

MOVING A FREQUENCY FROM A MONITOR

MEMORY TO A CHANNEL
Follow these steps to move a frequency stored in a monitor memory to
a permanent channel.
1. Press MANUAL. MAN appears.
2. Enter the number (1–100) for the channel where you want to store
the monitor frequency. The channel number appears.

3. Press PROGRAM.
4. Press MON then the number of the monitor memory number that
has the frequency you want to store. The channel number flashes.

5. Press E. The scanner stores the frequency in the selected chan-

nel, and the channel number stops flashing.

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MANUALLY SELECTING A CHANNEL

You can continuously monitor a specific channel without scanning. This
is useful if you hear an emergency broadcast on a channel and do not
want to miss any details — even though there might be periods of si-
lence — or if you want to monitor a specific channel.

Follow these steps to manually select a channel.

1. Press MANUAL.
2. Enter the channel number.
3. Press MANUAL again.

Or, if the scanner is scanning and stops at the desired channel, press
MANUAL once. (Pressing MANUAL additional times causes your scan-
ner to step through the channels.)

To resume automatic scanning after manually selecting a channel,

press SCAN.

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SPECIAL FEATURES

USING THE KEYLOCK

Once you program your scanner, you can protect it from accidental
program changes by turning on the keylock feature. In this mode, the
only controls that operate are SCAN, MANUAL, KEYLOCK ( ), VOL-
UME, and SQUELCH.

Note: Turning on the keylock does not prevent the scanner from scan-
ning channels.

To turn the keylock on or off, turn on the scanner then hold down KEY-
LOCK until the scanner beeps and KEYLOCK appears or disappears.

LOCKING OUT CHANNELS

You can increase the effective scanning speed by locking out individual
channels that have a continuous transmission, such as a weather
channel. To lock out a channel, manually select the channel then press
LOCKOUT (S/S). L/O appears.

To remove the lockout from a channel, manually select the channel

then press LOCKOUT. L/O disappears.

Note: You can manually select locked-out channels.

To remove the lockout from all channels, follow these steps:

1. While scanning, turn on the memory banks you want to unlock.
2. Press MANUAL.
3. Hold down LOCKOUT for at least 3 seconds. The scanner beeps
twice, and all locked out memory channels in the selected banks
are unlocked.

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TURNING CHANNEL-STORAGE BANKS ON

AND OFF
You can turn each channel-storage bank on and off. When you turn off
a bank, the scanner does not scan any of the 10 channels in that bank.

While scanning, press the number key corresponding to the bank you
want to turn on or off. (Press 0 to select bank 10). If the memory bank
indicator is on, the bank is turned on and the scanner scans all chan-
nels within that bank that are not locked out. If the indicator is off, the
scanner does not scan any of the channels within that bank.
Memory banks 3 and 4 are turned off

BANK

Notes:
• You can manually select any channel in a bank, even if the bank is
turned off.
• You cannot turn off all banks. One bank is always active.

SEARCH SKIP MEMORY

You can skip specified frequencies during a limit or direct search. This
lets you avoid unwanted frequencies or ones you have already stored
in a channel. You can program up to 20 frequencies to be skipped into
the scanner’s memory.

To skip a frequency, press S/S (LOCKOUT) when the scanner stops on

the frequency during a limit or direct search. L/O (lockout) appears the
next time you display that frequency.

To clear a single frequency from search skip memory so the scanner

can stop on it during a limit or direct search, press LIMIT to hold the
search, press ▼ or ▲ to select the frequency (where L/O appears),
then press S/S. L/O disappears.

To clear all the skip frequencies from search skip memory at once
while searching, hold down S/S until the scanner beeps twice.
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Notes:
• If you program more than 20 skip frequencies, each new frequency
replaces one you stored earlier, starting from the first stored fre-
quency.
• You can select a skipped frequency by using ▼ or ▲ when the
scanner is holding. L/O appears when you select a skipped fre-
quency.

PRIORITY
You can scan through channels and still not miss an important call on a
specific channel. When a channel is selected as the priority channel
and priority is turned on, the scanner checks that channel every 2 sec-
onds, and stays on the channel if there is activity until the activity stops.
PRI appears whenever the scanner is set to use priority.

The scanner is preset to select Channel 1 as the priority channel. To

program a different channel as the priority channel, press PROGRAM,
the desired channel number, then PRIORITY. P appears beside the
channel number.

To turn on the priority feature, press PRIORITY while MAN or SCAN ap-
pear. To turn off the priority feature, press PRIORITY. PRI disappears.

Notes:
• You can select only one channel at a time as the priority channel.
• You cannot select a monitor memory when priority is turned on.

USING THE DISPLAY BACKLIGHT

You can turn on the display’s backlight for easy viewing in the dark.
Press to turn on the display light for 15 seconds. To turn off the
light before 15 seconds elapses, press again.

Note: The scanner locks the keypad (see “Using the Keylock” on
Page 26) if you hold down . If this happens, hold down until the
scanner beeps and KEYLOCK disappears.

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LISTENING TO THE WEATHER BAND

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has allocated 11
channels for use by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion (NOAA). We have preprogrammed your scanner with the seven
frequencies most commonly used by NOAA.

To hear your local forecast and regional weather information, simply

press WX (E). Your scanner begins scanning through the weather
band, and WX appears.

If there is a weather broadcast in your area, your scanner stops within

a few seconds and you hear the local weather broadcast. If the broad-
cast is weak, you can press WX again to scan through the rest of the
weather band.

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A GENERAL GUIDE TO SCANNING

Reception of the frequencies covered by your scanner is mainly “line-

of-sight.” That means you usually cannot hear stations that are beyond
the horizon.

During the summer months, you might be able to hear stations in the
30–50 MHz range located several hundred or even thousands of miles
away. This is because of summer atmospheric conditions. This type of
reception is unpredictable but often very interesting!

GUIDE TO FREQUENCIES

Weather Frequencies

*These frequencies are not preprogrammed in this scanner, but you

can manually program them.

National
162.400 162.425 162.440* 162.450
162.475 162.500 162.525 162.550

Canadian
161.650* 161.775* 163.275*

Ham Radio Frequencies

Ham radio operators often broadcast emergency information when oth-
er means of communication break down. The following chart shows the
frequencies this scanner receives that Hams normally use:

Wavelength (meters) Frequency (MHz)

10-meter 29.000–29.700
6-meter 50.000–54.000
2-meter 144.000–148.000
70-meter 420.000–450.000

Note: Your scanner cannot receive some types of transmissions on

these bands.

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20-311a.fm Page 31 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

Birdie Frequencies
Every scanner has birdie frequencies. Birdies are signals created in-
side the scanner’s receiver. These operating frequencies might inter-
fere with broadcasts on the same frequencies. If you program one of
these frequencies, you hear only noise on that frequency. If the inter-
ference is not severe, you might be able to turn SQUELCH clockwise to
cut out the birdie.

The birdie frequency on this unit to watch for is 146.65 MHz.

To find the birdies on your receiver, begin by disconnecting the anten-
na and moving it away from the receiver. Make sure that no other near-
by radio or TV sets are turned on near the receiver. Use the search
function and scan every frequency range from its lowest frequency to
the highest. Occasionally, the searching will stop as if it had found a
signal, often without any sound. That is a birdie. Make a list of all the
birdies in your scanner for future reference.

GUIDE TO THE ACTION BANDS

Typical Band Usage
HF Band (3.00–30.0 MHz)
10-Meter Amateur 29.00–29.70 MHz
High Range 29.70–29.90 MHz

VHF Band (30.00–300.0 MHz)

Low Range 30.00–50.00 MHz
6-Meter Amateur 50.00–54.00 MHz
Aircraft 108.00–136.97 MHz
U.S. Government 137.00–144.00 MHz
2-Meter Amateur 144.00–148.00 MHz
High Range 148.00–174.00 MHz

UHF Band (300.00 MHz–3.0 GHz)

U. S. Government 406.00–450.00 MHz
0.6-Meter Amateur 420.00–450.00 MHz
Low Range 450.00–470.00 MHz
FM-TV Audio Broadcast, Wide Band 470.00–512.00 MHz

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 20-311a.fm Page 32 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

Primary Usage
As a general rule, most of the radio activity is concentrated on the fol-
lowing frequencies:

VHF Band

Activities Frequencies
Government, Police, and Fire 153.785–155.980 MHz
Emergency Services 158.730–159.460 MHz
Railroad 160.000–161.900 MHz

UHF Band

Activities Frequencies
Land-Mobile “Paired” Frequencies 450.000–470.000 MHz
Base Stations 451.025–454.950 MHz
Mobile Units 456.025–459.950 MHz
Repeater Units 460.025–464.975 MHz
Control Stations 465.025–469.975 MHz

Note: Remote control stations and mobile units operate at 5 MHz high-
er than their associated base stations and relay repeater units.

Specified Intervals
Frequencies in different bands are accessible only at specific intervals.
For example:

Band Type Specified Interval

VHF, HAM, and Government 5.0 kHz steps
Aircraft and Others 12.5 kHz steps
Aircraft 25.0 kHz steps

Note: Your scanner rounds the entered frequency to the nearest valid
frequency. For example, if you try to enter 151.473, the scanner ac-
cepts this as 151.475.

BAND ALLOCATION
To help decide which frequency ranges to scan, use the following list-
ing of the typical services that use the frequencies your scanner re-
32
20-311a.fm Page 33 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

ceives. These frequencies are subject to change, and might vary from
area to area. For a more complete listing, refer to the “Police Call”
available at your local RadioShack store.

Abbreviations Services

AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aircraft
BIFC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boise (ID) Interagency Fire Cache
BUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Business
CAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Civil Air Patrol
CB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Citizens Band
CCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Common Carrier
CSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conventional Systems
CTSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conventional/Trunked Systems
FIRE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fire Department
HAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amateur (Ham) Radio
GOVT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Federal Government
GMR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .General Mobile Radio
GTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Trunked
IND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial Services
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Manufacturing, Construction, Farming, Forest Products)
MAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Military Amateur Radio
MARI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maritime Limited Coast
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Coast Guard, Marine telephone,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shipboard Radio, Private stations)
MARS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Military Affiliate Radio System
MED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emergency/Medical Services
MIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Military
MOV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Motion Picture/Video Industry
NEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Mobile Narrow
NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Relay Press (Newspaper reporters)
OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil/Petroleum Industry
POL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Police Department
PUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Public Services
. . . . . . . . . . . . . (Public Safety, Local Government, Forestry Conservation)
PSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Public Safety
PTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Private Trunked
ROAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Road & Highway Maintenance
RTV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radio/TV Remote Broadcast Pickup
TAXI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taxi Services
TELB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile Telephone
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Aircraft, Radio Common Carrier, Landline companies)
TELC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cordless Phones
TELM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone Maintenance
TOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tow Trucks
TRAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transportation Services
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Trucks, Tow Trucks, Buses, Railroad, Other)
TSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trunked Systems
TVn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FM-TV Audio Broadcast
USXX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Government Classified
UTIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power & Water Utilities
WTHR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weather
High Frequency (HF) Hi — (3 MHz–30 MHz)

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10-Meter Amateur Band—(28.0––29.7 MHz)

29.000–29.700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM
Very High Frequency (VHF) — (30 MHz–300 MHz)
Low Band —(29.7–50 MHz—in 5 kHz steps)
29.700–29.790 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND
29.900–30.550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL
30.580–31.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, PUB
32.000–32.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL
33.020–33.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS, IND, PUB
34.010–34.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL
35.020–35.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS, PUB, IND, TELM
36.000–36.230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL
36.250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Spill Clean up
36.270–36.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL
37.020–37.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB, IND
38.000–39.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL
39.020–39.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB
40.000–42.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, MARI
42.020–42.940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POL
42.960–43.180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND
43.220–43.680 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TELM, IND, PUB
43.700–44.600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRAN
44.620–46.580 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POL, PUB
46.600–46.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, TELC
47.020–47.400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB
47.420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . American Red Cross
47.440–49.580 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, PUB
49.610–49.990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIL, TELC
6-Meter Amateur Band—(50–54 MHz)
50.00–54.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM
Aircraft Band (108–136 MHz)
108.000–121.490 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIR
121.500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AIR Emergency
121.510–136.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIR
U.S. Government Band (138–144 MHz)
137.000–144.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GOVT, MIL
2-Meter Amateur Band (144–148 MHz)
144.000–148.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM
VHF-Hi BAND (148–174 MHz)
148.050–150.345 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAP, MAR, MIL
150.775–150.790 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED
150.815–150.965 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOW
150.980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Spill Clean up
150.995–151.130 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROAD
151.145–151.475 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .POL
151.490–151.955 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IND, BUS
151.985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELM
152.0075 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED
152.030–152.240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB
152.270–152.465 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IND, TAXI

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152.480 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS
152.510–152.840 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB
152.870–153.020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, MOV
153.035–153.725 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, OIL, UTIL
153.740–154.445 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB, FIRE
154.490–154.570 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, BUS
154.585 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Spill Clean-Up
154.600–154.625 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS
154.655–156.240 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED, ROAD, POL, PUB
156.255 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OIL
156.275–157.425 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARI
157.450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED
157.470–157.515 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOW
157.530–157.725 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, TAXI
157.740 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS
157.770–158.100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB
158.130–158.460 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUS, IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL
158.490–158.700 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB
158.730–159.465 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .POL, PUB, ROAD
159.480 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OIL
159.495–161.565 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRAN
161.580 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OIL
161.600–162.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARI, RTV
162.0125–162.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX
162.400–162.550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTHR
162.5625–162.6375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX
162.6625 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED
162.6875–163.225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX
163.250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED
163.275–166.225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX
166.250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, RTV, FIRE
166.275–169.400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, BIFC
169.445 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wireless Mikes
169.500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT
169.505 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wireless Mikes
169.55–169.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL, USXX
170.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIFC
170.025–170.150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, RTV, FIRE
170.175–170.225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT
170.245–170.305 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wireless Mikes
170.350–170.400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, MIL
170.425–170.450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIFC
170.475 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PUB
170.4875–173.175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, PUB, Wireless Mikes
173.225–173.375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MOV, NEWS, UTIL
173.3875–173.5375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIL
173.5625–173.5875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIL Medical/Crash Crews
173.60–173.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT
U. S. Government Band (406–450 MHz)
406.125–419.975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOVT, USXX
70-cm Amateur Band (420–450 MHz)
420.000–450.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HAM
Low Band (450–470 MHz)
450.050–450.925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RTV
451.025–452.025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL

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 20-311a.fm Page 36 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

452.0375–453.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, TAXI, TRAN TOW, NEWS

453.0125–453.9875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PUB
454.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OIL
454.025–454.975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TELB
455.050–455.925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RTV
457.525–457.600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUS
458.025–458.175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED
460.0125–460.6375 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FIRE, POL, PUB
460.650–462.175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUS
462.1875–462.450 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUS, IND
462.4625–462.525 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IND, OIL, TELM, UTIL
462.550–462.725 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GMR
462.750–462.925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUS
462.9375–463.1875 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MED
463.200–467.925 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUS
FM-TV Audio Broadcast, UHF Wide Band (470–512 MHz)
(Channels 14 through 69 in 6 MHz steps)
475.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 14
481.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 15
487.750 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 16
. .
. .
512.000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel 20

Note: Some cities use the 470–512 MHz band for land/mobile service.

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20-311a.fm Page 37 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

AVOIDING IMAGE FREQUENCIES

You might discover one of your regular stations on another frequency
that is not listed. It might be what is known as an image frequency. For
example, you might find a service that regularly uses a frequency of
431.875 also on 474.675.

To see if it is an image, do a little math.

Note the new frequency. 474.675
Double the intermediate frequency of 21.4 MHz
(42.8)
and subtract it from the new frequency. –42.8

If the answer is the regular frequency, 431.875

then you have tuned to an image.

Occasionally you might get interference on a weak or distant channel

from a strong broadcast 42.8 MHz below the tuned frequency. This is
rare, and the image signal is usually cleared whenever there is a
broadcast on the actual frequency.

FREQUENCY CONVERSION
The tuning location of a station can be expressed in frequency (kHz or
MHz) or in wavelength (meters). The following information can help
you make the necessary conversions.

1 MHz (million) = 1,000 kHz (thousand)

To convert MHz to kHz, multiply by 1,000:

9.62 MHz × 1000 = 9620 kHz

To convert from kHz to MHz, divide by 1,000.

2780 kHz ÷ 1000 = 2.780 MHz

To convert MHz to meters, divide 300 by the number of megahertz.

300 ÷ 7.1 MHz = 42.25 meters

37
 20-311a.fm Page 38 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you have problems, here are some suggestions which might help.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY

Scanner is on but SQUELCH is not Adjust SQUELCH
will not scan. adjusted correctly. clockwise.
Only one channel or Store frequencies
no channels are into more than one
stored. channel.
Channels are locked Remove the lockout.
out.
Scanner is totally No power. Check the batteries
inoperative. or make sure the AC
adapter or DC
adapter is con-
nected properly.
Recharge the
rechargeable batter-
ies or replace the
non-rechargeable
batteries.
The AC adapter or Be sure the
DC adapter is not adapter’s barrel plug
connected. is fully plugged into
the POWER jack.
In the scan mode, “Birdies.” Avoid programming
the scanner locks frequencies listed
on frequencies that under “Birdie Fre-
have an unclear quencies” on
transmission. Page 31 or only lis-
ten to them manu-
ally.

If none of these suggestions help, take your scanner to your local Ra-
dioShack store for assistance.

38
20-311a.fm Page 39 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

RESETTING THE SCANNER

If the scanner’s display does not work properly after you install batter-
ies or connect it to power, you might have to reset the scanner.

Caution: This procedure clears all the information you have pro-
grammed into the scanner. Before you reset the scanner, try turning it
off and on to see if it begins working properly.

To reset the scanner, turn it off then turn it back on while holding down
the 2 and 9 keys.

39
 20-311a.fm Page 40 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Your RadioShack PRO-71 VHF/UHF/Air Handheld Scanner is an ex-

ample of superior design and craftsmanship. The following sugges-
tions will help you care for your scanner so you can enjoy it for years.
Keep the scanner dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immedi-
ately. Liquids might contain minerals that can corrode
the electronic circuits.

Use and store the scanner only in normal temperature

environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the
life of electronic devices, damage batteries, and distort
or melt plastic parts.
Keep the scanner away from dust and dirt, which can
cause premature wear of parts.

Handle the scanner gently and carefully. Dropping it can

damage circuit boards and cases and can cause the
scanner to work improperly.

Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recom-

mended type. Batteries can leak chemicals that damage
your scanner’s electronic parts.

Wipe the scanner with a damp cloth occasionally to keep

it looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning sol-
vents, or strong detergents to clean the scanner.

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. If your scanner is not performing as it
should, take it to your local RadioShack store for assistance.

40
20-311a.fm Page 41 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Coverage:
VHF Lo ........................................... 29–50 MHz (in 5.0 kHz steps)
6-Meter Ham .................................. 50–54 MHz (in 5.0 kHz steps)
Aircraft ............................... 108–136.975 MHz (in 12.5 kHz steps)
VHF/Government ....................... 137–144 MHz (in 5.0 kHz steps)
2-Meter Ham .............................. 144–148 MHz (in 5.0 kHz steps)
VHF Hi ........................................ 148–174 MHz (in 5.0 kHz steps)
UHF .......................................... 406–512 MHz (in 12.5 kHz steps)
Channels of Operation .......................... Any 100 channels in any band
combinations (10 channels × 10 banks)
and 10 monitor channels
Sensitivity (20 dB S/N with 60% modulation for AM;
3 kHz deviation for FM):
29–54 MHz ......................................................................... 0.4 µV
108–136.975 MHz .............................................................. 2.0 µV
137–174 MHz ..................................................................... 0.6 µV
406–512 MHz ..................................................................... 0.5 µV
Spurious Rejection:
40.84 MHz ........................................................................... 37 dB
162.4 MHz ........................................................................... 20 dB
Selectivity:
10 kHz .................................................................................. –6 dB
17 kHz ................................................................................ –50 dB
IF Rejection (at 162.4 MHz) ......................................................... 75 dB
Limit Search Speed/Direct Search Speed ...................... 20 Steps/Sec.
Scan Speed .............................................................. 17 Channels/Sec.
Priority Sampling ................................................................. 2 Seconds
Delay Time (Automatic) ....................................................... 2 Seconds
IF Frequencies ................................................. 21.4 MHz and 450 kHz
Antenna Impedance .............................................................. 50 Ohms
Audio Power:
FM ................................................................... 230 mW Maximum
AM ................................................................... 250 mW Maximum
Built-in Speaker .................. 17/16-inch (36-mm) 8-Ohm, Dynamic Type
Power Requirement ......................................... +6 VDC, 4 AA batteries
AC Adapter (Cat. No. 273-1665)
DC Adapter (Cat. No. 273-1810)

41
 20-311a.fm Page 42 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

Dimensions (HWD) .................................. 53/4 × 29/16 × 111/16 Inches

(147 × 64.5 × 42.5 mm)
Weight ...................................................................................... 7.94 oz
(225 g)

Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are

subject to change and improvement without notice.

42
20-311a.fm Page 43 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

NOTES

43
 20-311a.fm Page 44 Friday, February 12, 1999 4:51 PM

Limited One-Year Warranty

This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material
and workmanship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from
RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and
dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS
WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN
DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CON-
TAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO
LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DI-
RECTLY 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, LOSS OF
TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclu-
sions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the
RadioShack sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. Ra-
dioShack will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by
product repair without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace the product with one of
the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and
products, and products on which a refund is made, become the property of Ra-
dioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance
of warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the re-
mainder of the original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement
of the product made after the expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of
God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instruc-
tions, improper installation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of
excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs other than those provided by a RadioShack
Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic
damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of product re-
moval, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort
Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell 3/97

RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
UBZZ01294ZZ
02A99 Printed in the Philippines