Radio Shack iScan 20-107 User manual

20-107 / PRO-107
User’s Guide
Thank you for purchasing your iScan Trunking Scanner from
RadioShack. Please read this user’s guide before installing,
setting up, and using your new scanner.
iSCAN Trunking Scanner

23
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................... 4
Package Contents ..............................................................................4
Features..............................................................................................5
How iSCAN Works..............................................................................6
Understanding Objects ......................................................................7
Conventional Frequencies .............................................................7
Trunked Radio Systems..................................................................7
Understanding the Library Organization............................................8
Library Copyright Notice....................................................................9
Understanding Keys and Features ...................................................10
Understanding the Display...............................................................12
Display Icons ................................................................................13
Channel Status Indicators ............................................................13
Setup ................................................................................. 14
Attaching the Antenna .....................................................................14
Connecting an External Antenna.................................................14
Powering iSCAN...............................................................................15
Installing Batteries........................................................................15
Using AC Power...........................................................................16
Using Vehicle Power.....................................................................17
Charging Ni-MH Batteries ...........................................................17
Using the Main Power Cut-Off Switch.........................................18
Connecting Earphones or Headphones...........................................18
Connecting an External Speaker......................................................18
Listening Safety............................................................................18
Basic Operation ................................................................. 19
Turn on iSCAN and Set Squelch.......................................................19
Using iSCAN’s Main Menu ...............................................................20
Programming iSCAN........................................................................20
1 Browse the Library ....................................................................21
2 Select Objects from the Library ................................................22
3 Import Objects to Playlists........................................................23
Importing Trunked Systems .........................................................24
Working with Playlists.......................................................................26
Enabling Playlists..........................................................................26
Renaming Playlists........................................................................26
Working with Objects.......................................................................27
Browsing Objects.........................................................................27
Playing (Scanning) Objects ..........................................................27
Skipping Objects..........................................................................28
Editing Objects.................................................................................29
Changing iSCAN’s Settings..............................................................31
Searching ........................................................................... 33
Signal Stalker II.................................................................................33
Service Search ..................................................................................35
Limit Search ......................................................................................37
Weather Modes ................................................................. 39
Normal Weather Mode ....................................................................39
Weather Priority Mode.....................................................................39
SAME Standby Mode.......................................................................41
About SAME Signals....................................................................41
Programming FIPS Codes............................................................41
Activating SAME Standby Mode .................................................42
Skywarn ............................................................................................42
Working with iSCAN’s Data ............................................... 43
SD Card ............................................................................................43
Removing and Inserting the SD Card ..........................................44
SD Card Contents ........................................................................45
Installing the iSCAN PC Application ................................................46
Additional Information....................................................... 50
Flash Patterns ...................................................................................50
Troubleshooting ...............................................................................52
Specifications....................................................................................54
Birdie Frequencies............................................................................57
Care ..................................................................................................57
Service and Repair............................................................................57
FCC Notice.......................................................................................58
Scanning Legally...............................................................................58
Key Terminology...............................................................................59
Limited Warranty ..............................................................................61

4
Introduction
5
Introduction
Features
Easy-to-understand media player user interface – A simplified
keypad and display with familiar Play, Pause, and Navigation controls
make it easy to use your iSCAN.
The complete USA RadioReference database on SD card – The
entire USA database from www.radioreference.com is stored on a
standard SD card that is included with iSCAN, giving you access to
the most comprehensive radio data available without connecting
iSCAN to a computer or the Internet.
Upgradeable CPU firmware and Library – Keep your radio’s
firmware current with enhancements and updates as they become
available using the included iSCAN PC Application.
SKYWARN Storm spotter functionality – Instant access to
frequencies used by storm spotter networks. You can monitor storm
conditions as they occur, and become aware of dangerous conditions
before the media or emergency management officials announce
them to the general public.
SAME and All Hazards weather alerting – iSCAN features a SAME
Standby Mode, alerting you to severe weather and other hazards in
the specific areas that you select. iSCAN can also check your local
NOAA weather frequency periodically, even while scanning, and alert
you when an All Hazards alert occurs.
Multi–System trunking – Scans most common analog trunked radio
system signaling formats, including Motorola, EDACS, and LTR. Both
talkgroup and individual call monitoring are supported.
Powerful Signal Stalker II – Quickly sweeps iSCAN’s frequency
ranges for transmissions from nearby sources. When a nearby
transmission is found, iSCAN automatically tunes to that frequency.
Built-in service searches – Predefined service search ranges make it
easy to find activity in your area.
Audible alarms and flash patterns– Programmable alarms and flash
patterns can be configured to alert when specific objects are active.
Signal strength meter – Shows relative strength of received signals.
Slim, compact case – Large speaker and one-handed operation.
Introduction
Welcome to iSCAN, an exciting new way to enjoy the hobby of
scanning two-way analog radio communications, including police,
fire, EMS, amateur, government, and other channels.
iSCAN combines the simplicity and ease-of-use of a portable media
player with the power and sophistication of a state-of-the-art scanning
receiver. iSCAN is easy to use for both beginners and experts.
In addition, iSCAN is equipped with the entire USA RadioReference
database in a special on-board Library, giving you instant access to
the frequencies and systems used by public safety, local government,
and business all over the United States!
Please take a few moments to read this manual carefully before using
iSCAN. iSCAN is unlike any other scanner ever produced, and we
want you to fully understand how it can maximize your enjoyment of
the scanning hobby.
Package Contents
• iSCAN
• Antenna
• USBCable
• SDCard(insidethescanner)
• CD-ROM
• User’sGuide
• QuickStart
wWarning:
• AlwaysprotectiSCANfromexposuretoextremeheatorcold
temperatures.
• iSCANisnotwaterproof.Donotexposeittorain,extremehigh
humidity, or moisture.

6
Introduction
7
Introduction
How iSCAN Works
iSCAN is designed with a simplified keypad and controls similar
to those used by portable media players, including , , , 
navigation keys, a MENU key, a SKIP key and a /II/SEL key.
iSCAN’s uncluttered keypad gives you instant access to the functions
that you need most while using your scanner.
iSCAN is the first handheld scanner designed to use high-capacity
SD card memory. The SD card holds the entire RadioReference
database for the United States, giving you the ability to automatically
program your scanner without using an external software application
and without connecting to the Internet. We call this special version of
the RadioReference database “the Library.” The SD card also holds
iSCAN Playlists and your customized configuration data.
For more information about the RadioReference database, please
visit www.radioreference.com.
To use iSCAN, you will first browse the Library to find things that you
want to monitor. These things are called “scannable objects,” or
simply “objects.” As you find objects in the Library that you want to
add to the collection of objects that your radio will scan, you import
them to iSCAN’s Playlists. There are twenty regular Playlists in iSCAN,
plus a special Skywarn Playlist for monitoring objects during severe
weather.
Included with iSCAN is the companion iSCAN PC Application and a
PC-USB interface cable, allowing you to add your own objects and
edit the objects that are stored in iSCAN’s Playlists. See “Installing the
iSCAN PC Application” on page 46 and the application’s help files for more
information about using the iSCAN PC Application.
Understanding Objects
iSCAN monitors two types of objects while scanning: conventional
frequencies and trunking talkgroups.
Conventional Frequencies
A conventional frequency is a single radio frequency, which is usually
broadcast from a radio tower or rooftop radio site. When browsing
the iSCAN Library, you will most often find conventional frequencies
in the Categories or Agencies sub levels under States or Counties/Cities.
You know you’ve browsed to a conventional frequency when you see
the word “Frequencies” on the top line of the display.
Trunked Radio Systems
A trunked radio system is a modern radio network allowing many
different groups of radio users to share a small number of channels.
Trunked radio systems are more complicated than conventional
frequencies. They contain both talkgroups and sites. A talkgroup
is the name of a group within the trunked system. A site is a set
of control frequencies located throughout the service area of the
trunked system. Unlike conventional frequencies, trunking talkgroups
have dependency—at least one site from the system must be
selected in order for the talkgroups to imported to playlist.
There are many different manufacturers and types of trunked radio
systems, each with their own special programming requirements.
iSCAN automatically programs the correct requirements whenever
you import a talkgroup and site to a Playlist.
When browsing the iSCAN Library, everything you find below the
Systems level under States or Counties/Cities is a trunked radio system
with its associated talkgroups and sites. You know you’ve browsed to
a trunked system when you see the word “Talkgroups” on the top
line of the display.
See “Key Terminology” on page 59 for more scanning definitions.

8
Introduction
9
Introduction
Library Copyright Notice
The data contained in iSCAN’s Library is provided by special
arrangement with RadioReference and is Copyright ©2009
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 data base 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 accuracy of 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.
RadioShack and RadioReference are not responsible for errors,
omissions or outdated Library data.
nNotes:
1 TheorganizationofdatatypesunderCounties/Citiesmaydiffer
depending upon how the RadioReference volunteers decided to
group the information.
2 Atleastonesitemustbeselectedforeachtrunkedsystem.
3 Notallstateshaveastatewidetrunkedradiosystem.
Understanding the Library Organization
States – Pick your state; each state contains three data types: Agencies,
Counties/Cities, and Systems.
Agencies –Statewide agencies such as highway patrol, emergency
mgmt.,stateparks,etc.(Conventionalfrequencies)
Counties/Cities – Pick your local county or independent city;
three data types: Agencies, Categories, and
Systems.1
Agencies – Non-government businesses, airports,
attractions,etc.(Conventionalfrequencies)
Categories – Local government and public safety.
(Conventionalfrequencies)
Systems – Local coverage for county, city, and local
entities.(Trunkedsystems)
Systems – Statewide coverage for state and local entities.3
(Trunkedsystems)
Sites – Trunked system control frequencies.2
Categories – Trunked system talkgroups.
Sites – Trunked system control frequencies.2
Categories – Trunked system talkgroups.

10
Introduction
11
Introduction
(Weather)
•Access NOAA weather radio broadcasts
•Access SAME weather alert receiver mode
•Select the SKYWARN playlist for monitoring;
temporarily disables all other playlists
Power / Backlight
•Press and hold for about one second to turn
iSCAN on and off
•Press briefly to toggle the backlight on and off
/ II / SEL
•Press to play
•Press again to pause
•In menus: select, enable, or disable options
/
•Increase volume
•Scroll up through objects and menus
/
•Decrease volume
•Scroll down through objects and menus

•Resume scanning
•Scroll up through playlists
•Navigate forward to next menu or Library listing

•Resume scanning
•Scroll down through playlists
•Navigate to previous menu or Library listing
MENU
•Access additional functions for the current
operating mode
•Access the Home Menu
SKIP
•Press while monitoring or paused on an object to
skip the object
•Press again while the object is selected to resume
normal monitoring
Headphone Jack
BNC Antenna
Connector
PC/IF
/
DC Power Jack
Speaker
Squelch Control
Main Power Cut-Off
Only switch to OFF if not using iSCAN for a long
time to prevent battery drain.
nNote: Alwayspress first toturnoffISCAN
before switching Main Power Cut-Off to OFF.
Understanding Keys and Features
Lift
cover Lift cover

12
Introduction
13
Introduction
Understanding the Display
The menu-driven user interface provides access to the settings that
control what iSCAN monitors. The Main Menu display is show below.
–
Main Menu –
Play
Browse Objects

Playlists
Search
Browse Library
The “Now Playing” display shows a scrolling list of enabled playlists
while iSCAN is scanning.
Now Playing 
Fire
County Police
Sheriff
City Police
State Police
The “Individual Object Display” is shown when the scanner is
monitoring activity on an object. The “Display Icons” across the top
provide status information. The “Channel Status Indicators” show
the status of priority, skip, lockout, and delay functions.
County Police
Channel: psD
Police North
nNote: To see more information in the Individual Object Display,
disablethe“SimpleDisplay”optionintheSettingsMenu.(See
“Changing iSCAN’s Settings” on page 31.)
Display Icons
In the Individual Object Display, the row of icons at the top of the
display provides the following status information about iSCAN:
Squelch circuit is open.
Signal meter indicating strength of the received signal.
The scanner is receiving trunking control channel data.
AttenuatorissetforGlobalMode.
Attenuator is active.
iSCANisinPlayMode(scanning).
iSCANisinPauseMode(monitoringasingleobject).
Battery status indicator. All black indicates battery is
fully charged. An animated icon indicates the Ni-MH
batteryisbeingcharged(BatteryTypeSelection
switch must be set to NI-MH and radio connected to
externalpower).
External power indicator. Present when iSCAN is
connected to external power and Battery Type
Selection switch is set to ALKA.
Also present when Battery Type Selection switch is set
to NI-MH and the charge cycle has completed.
Channel Status Indicators
In the Individual Object Display, three characters on the right-hand
side indicate the status of priority, skip, lockout, and delay.
Ppriority on ppriority off
Sskip on sskip off
Llockout on - -
Ddelay on ddelay off
Display
Icons
Channel
Status
Indicators

14
Setup
15
Setup
Setup
Attaching the Antenna
1. Align the slots on the antenna’s
connector with the posts on iSCAN’s
connector and slide the antenna in
place.
2. Rotate the antenna’s BNC connector
clockwise until it snaps in place.
Connecting an External Antenna
To connect an external antenna, follow the
installation instructions supplied with the
antenna. Use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such
asRG-58orRG-8X,toconnectanoutdoor
antenna.
• Forlengthsbetween50and100feet,
useRG-8Xlow-lossdielectriccoaxial
cable.
• Forlengthsover100feet,useRG8.
You also may need a BNC adapter
(availableatyourlocalRadioShackstore).
wWarning: Useextremecautionwhen
installing or removing an outdoor antenna.
If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It
could contact overhead power lines. If the
antenna touches a power line, touching
the antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can
causeelectrocutionanddeath.Callthe
power company to remove the antenna.
DONOTattempttodosoyourself.
Powering iSCAN
Installing Batteries
wWarning: AlwayspoweroffiSCANbypressingandholding
beforeremovingbatteries.FailuretopoweroffiSCANmaycause
data loss or memory corruption.
1. Power off iSCAN.
2. Remove the battery compartment cover.
3. Set the Battery Type Selector switch to ALKA for non-
rechargeable alkaline batteries or NI-MH for rechargeable
Ni-MH batteries.
4. Insert two AA batteries, matching the polarity
symbols(+and–)markedinside.
4. Replace the battery compartment cover.
wWarning: NeverinstallalkalinebatterieswiththeBattery Type
Selector switch set to NI-MH.Alkalinebatteriescangethotor
explodeifyoutrytorechargethem.
Recycle Rechargeable Batteries
Placing rechargeable batteries in the trash can be harmful to the environment.
Instead, recycle old rechargeable batteries at your local RadioShack store free
of charge. RadioShack participates in the RBRC© battery recycling program,
and is committed to preserving the environment and conserving natural
resources.Call1-800-THE-SHACK(1-800-843-7422)formoreinformation.
Battery
Type
Selector
AA
AA

16
Setup
17
Setup
bBattery Notes:
• Alowbatterywarningsoundsevery30seconds(defaultsetting)
when the batteries are nearly depleted.
• Disposeofbatteriespromptlyandproperly.Donotburnorbury
them.
• Useonlyfreshbatteriesoftherequiredsizeandtype.
• Donotmixoldandnewbatteries,differenttypesofbatteries
(standard,alkaline,orrechargeable),orrechargeablebatteriesof
different capacities.
• Discontinueuseofanybatterythatexhibitsleakage,swelling,or
abnormal generation of heat.
• IfyoudonotplantousetheiSCANforamonthorlonger,
remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals
that can damage electronic parts.
Using AC Power
1. Press and hold to power off iSCAN.
2. Plug the mini-USB end of the supplied USB cable
into the PC/IF jack and connect the USB end to a
USB power source, such as your computer or an AC
USBpoweradapter(notincluded,availableatyour
local RadioShack or RadioShack.com).
3. Slide Main Power Cut-Off to the ON position.
4. Press and hold to power on iSCAN.
nNotes:
• SomeUSBpoweradaptersgenerateRFnoisethat
caninterferewithiSCAN’sreception.
• TopreventcorruptionofSDcarddata,always
poweroffiSCANusing before connecting or
disconnectingexternalpowersources.
• ExternalelectricpowerissuppliedtotheiSCAN
throughUSBbuspower(DC5V500mA).
Using Vehicle Power
1. Press and hold to power off iSCAN.
2. Plug the mini-USB end of the supplied USB cable into the PC/IF
jackandconnecttheUSBendtoacarDCUSBpoweradapter(not
included, available at your local RadioShack or RadioShack.com).
3. Slide Main Power Cut-Off to the ON position.
4. Press and hold to power on iSCAN.
nNote: If you use a cigarette-lighter USB power cable and your
vehicle’s engine is running, you might hear electrical noise from the
engine while scanning. This is normal.
Charging Ni-MH Batteries
1. Press and hold to power off iSCAN.
2. Make sure Ni-MH batteries are installed and the Battery Type
Selector switch is set to NI-MH.
3. Plug the mini-USB end of the USB cable into the PC/IF slot
and connect the USB end to a USB power source, such as your
computer or an AC USB power adapter.
4. The animated battery icon indicates the batteries are being
charged.
5. When appears instead of , the batteries are fully charged.
High-capacity batteries may take up to 16 hours to charge.
6. Disconnect iSCAN from the power source.
nNotes:
• YoucanuseiSCANwhilechargingbatteries,butitisnot
recommended. The charging current decreases and charging
time becomes long.
• Donotover-chargerechargeablebatteries.Overcharging
shortens battery life.
PC/IF Lift
cover

18
Setup
19
Basic Operation
Using the Main Power Cut-Off Switch
The Main Power Cut-Off switch is only used to prevent battery drain
when iSCAN is not used for long periods of time. Do not use the
Main Power Cut-Off switch on a routine basis.
Always press and hold to turn off iSCAN before switching the
Main Power Cut-Off switch to OFF and before removing the
batteries. Failure to turn off iSCAN using may result in data loss or
corrupted memory on the SD card.
wWarning: The Main Power Cut-Off switch will not protect your
iSCANfromdamageduetobatteryleakagewheniSCANisstored
forlongperiodsoftime.AlwaysremovethebatteriesfromiSCAN
when placing it into long-term storage.
Connecting Earphones or Headphones
For private listening, you can plug 1/8inch(3.5mm)mini-plug
earphonesorheadphones(notsupplied)intheHEADPHONE jack
on top of iSCAN. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
Connecting an External Speaker
Inanoisyarea,anampliedspeaker(notincluded,availableat
your local RadioShack or RadioShack.com)mightprovidemore
comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8inch(3.5mm)mini-
plug into iSCAN’s HEADPHONE jack.
Listening Safety
Do not wear headphones, earphones, or earbuds while operating a
motor vehicle or riding a bicycle. This can create a traffic hazard and
could be illegal in some areas. To protect your hearing, follow these
guidelines:
• Donotlistenathighvolumelevels.Extendedhigh-volume
listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Setthevolumetothelowestsetting.ThenturnonyouriSCAN
and adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
• Avoidincreasingthevolume.Yourearswilladapttothevolume
level, so a level that does not cause discomfort could still damage
your hearing.
Basic Operation
Turn on iSCAN and Set Squelch
1. Slide Main Power Cut-Off to the ON position.
2. Press and hold .
3. Turn SQUELCHtothemidpoint(12o’clock)position.
Power
Squelch
•The higher the squelch is
set, the stronger the signal
required to break the
squelch.
•To hear weaker signals,
turn SQUELCH
counterclockwise to
increase sensitivity
Main Power
Cut-Off Lift
cover

20
Basic Operation
21
Basic Operation
Using iSCAN’s Main Menu
The heart of iSCAN’s user interface is the Main Menu, where all the
major functions are controlled. The following options are available in
the Main Menu:
Play Beginplayback(scanning)ofimportedobjectsin
enabled playlists. See “Programming iSCAN” below
for more information.
Browse Objects Browse the objects that you have imported into
playlists.
Playlists Enable, disable, or rename playlists. See “Enabling
Playlists” and “Renaming Playlists” on page 26.
Search Access Signal Stalker II, Service Search, and Limit
Search Modes. See “Searching” on page 33.
Browse Library Access the Library, where you can browse and
pick objects to import into Playlists.
Restore Skipped Restore all skipped objects so they will be
scanned again in Play Mode.
Settings Access the Settings Menu. See “Changing iSCAN’s
Settings” on page 31.
Programming iSCAN
Programming iSCAN consists of three easy steps to transfer new
objects from the Library to iSCAN’s playlists. After programming, you
willneedtoenableplaylistsandthenyoucanbeginscanning(see
page 26).
1. Browse the
Library
Browse iSCAN’s Library to find objects that you want
to monitor. See ”Understanding the Library Organization”
on page 8 for more information about the Library.
2. Select objects When you find objects that you want to monitor,
select them to be imported into playlists.
3. Import objects Select one or more playlists where you want the
objects to be imported.
1Browse the Library
1. Press and hold to turn
on iSCAN. The Main Menu
displays.
–
Main Menu –
Play
Browse Objects
Playlists
Search
Browse Library

2. Press to scroll to Browse
Library, then press to
advance to Select State.
Select State:
Alabama

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
3. Press or to scroll to your
state, then press to advance
to state data types.
Select State:
Texas

Utah
Vermont
Virgin Islands
Virginia
4. Scroll to either Agencies,
Counties/Cities,or Systems, then
press .(See“Understanding the
Library Organization” on page 8 for
more information about state
datatypes.)
Texas
data types:
Agencies
Counties/Cities

Systems
5. Continue to explore the
available options. Press to
advance or “drill in.” Press 
to navigate backward or “drill
out.”
Select County:
Tarrant

Taylor
Terrell
Terry
Throkmorton

22
Basic Operation
23
Basic Operation
2Select Objects from the Library
1. As you drill into each Library
grouping, you will eventually
seecheckboxes( ) next to
the listings. These listings can
be imported to a playlist.
Subcategories
in Category:
Six Flags Over 
2. Continue to drill into the
listings to see all the objects
available in the grouping.
Frequencies
in Subcategory
 Security
Ride Operation
Hurricane Harb
Hurricane Harb
3. Press /II/SEL when you find
an object or grouping you
want to import. A checkmark
( )appearsnexttotheobject
or grouping. (Press /II/SEL
againtounselect.)
Frequencies
in Subcategory
Security
 Ride Operation
Hurricane Harb
Hurricane Harb
nNotes:
• See“Importing Trunked Systems” on page 24 for more instructions on
importing trunked systems.
• A“D”inplaceofacheckboxindicatesthattheobjectorsystemis
fullydigitalandcannotbemonitoredwiththisversionofiSCAN.
• An“S”inplaceofacheckboxindicatesthatthetrunkedsystemis
notsupportedbythescanner(e.g.MPT1327,LTRPassport,etc.)
• Asolidcheckbox( ) indicates that some frequencies in a
subcategory are selected, but not all.
• Allselectedobjectsandgroupingswillbeimportedintothe
same playlist or group of playlists that you pick in step 3.
• YoucanpickasmanyobjectsasyouwantfromtheLibraryfor
importing to playlists.
• Whenyouselectanentiregrouping,allobjectsassociatedwith
that grouping are also selected.
3Import Objects to Playlists
1. Press MENU after you’ve
selected all the objects from
the Library that you want to
import.
Library
 Import Selected
Back
Main Menu
2. Press /II/SEL at Import
Selected. A list of playlists
displays.
Playlists for
chosen objects:
 Playlist 001
Playlist 002
Playlist 003
Playlist 004
3. Scroll to each playlist you want
the selected objects to import
into and press /II/SEL. A
checkmark appears next to
each selected playlist.
Playlists for
chosen objects:
Playlist 001
 Playlist 002
Playlist 003
Playlist 004
4. Press to begin importing
the selected objects into the
selectedplaylists.(Thismay
takeseveralminutes.)
Press /II/SEL to continue.
Importing:
Channels
new: 2
changed: 0
SEL to continue
nNotes:
• Werecommendrst-timeusersselectasmallnumberofobjects
and import them to a single playlist.
• Asyoubecomemorefamiliarwithusingplaylists,youcouldcreate
yourownorganizationalstrategies.Forexample,youcangroup
objectsaccordingtotype,suchas,Police,Fire,Racing,etc.Oryou
couldgroupobjectsaccordingtotheirgeographicalarea.

24
Basic Operation
25
Basic Operation
• Ifyouselectanentiregrouping,youmayhaveanexcessively
largenumberofobjectsimportedtoaplaylist,sobesureyou
wanttomonitoreverythingthatagroupingcontains.iSCANonly
monitors one transmission at a time, and trying to scan too many
objectsmaybeslowiftheyarefrequentlybusy.
Importing Trunked Systems
The same three programming steps are followed for importing
trunked systems, except that during step “ 2Select Objects from the
Library” on page 22, one or more sites must be also be selected along
with any individual talkgroup objects.
1. Scroll to the Systems data
type(eitherundertheStates
or Counties/Citieslevel)and
press .
nNote:Notallstateshavea
Systems data type.
Tarrant
data types:
Agencies
Categories
Systems

2. Scroll to the system you are
interested in and press .
Select System
in county:
DFW Communicat
United Parcel
Oncor Energy 
DFW Airport Pu
3. Scroll to Sites. You have a few
options for selecting sites:
•Press /II/SEL to select all
sites. A appears next to
Sites. When scanning, iSCAN
will automatically use the best
available site.
System Sites
and Categories:
Sites 
Categories
-or-
•Press to see a list of
available sites.
•If only one site is listed,
press /II/SEL to select it.
•If more than one site is
listed, press /II/SEL to
place checkmarks next to
the sites closest to your
location.
System Sites
Cedar Hill
Dallas
Fort Worth
Richardson
 Grapevine
4. Scroll back to Categories to
select your talkgroups. You
can either:
•Press /II/SEL to select all
talkgroups in the category. A
appears next to the category
-or-
•Press to see a list of
available talkgroups. Drill
into the listed talkgroups
and press /II/SEL to select
the talkgroups you want to
monitor.
Categories
in System:
Fort Hood (US
Oncor Electric 
Talkgroups
in Category:
Oncor Dispatch
FB-DIST
 Oncor Dispatch
Oncor Dispatch
5. Follow the steps in “ 3Import Objects to Playlists” on page 23 to
import your trunked system to a playlist.
nNotes:
• YoucanalsoselecttheentiresystemandiSCANwillmonitor
all talkgroups and automatically use the best available site.
However,thiscouldresultinanexcessivelylargenumberof
objectsimportedtoaplaylist,whichcanslowyourscanningtime
with unwanted talkgroups.
• Talkgroupswillnotbeimportedtoaplaylistunlessoneormore
sites in the system are also selected.

26
Basic Operation
27
Basic Operation
Working with Playlists
Before you can begin monitoring your imported objects, you must
enable the playlists where your objects are stored. You can also give
your playlists descriptive names.
Enabling Playlists
1. In the Main Menu, scroll to
Playlists and press to view
the list of playlists.
–
Main Menu –
Play
Browse objects
Playlists 
Search
Browse Library
2. Press /II/SEL to enable
a playlist for scanning. A
checkmark appears next to the
selected playlist.
Press /II/SEL again to disable
a playlist.
–
Playlists –
Playlist 001
Playlist 002 
Playlist 003
Playlist 004
Playlist 005
Renaming Playlists
1. In the Playlists Menu, press to
edit the name. –
Playlists –
Playlist 001 
Playlist 002
Playlist 003
Playlist 004
Playlist 005
2. Press or to change the
letter, number, or symbol. Hold
down or to scroll quickly.
3. Press or to move the cursor
to another digit.
Playlist Name:

laylist 001

  moves cursor
SEL
= OK, MENU = Back
4. When finished, press /II/SEL to
save.
Press MENU to return to the
playlists menu without saving.
Playlist Name:

Fort Wort

  moves cursor
SEL
= OK, MENU = Back
nNote: YoucanchangethenamesoftheplaylistsusingtheiSCAN
PCApplication.See“Installing the iSCAN PC Application” on page 46 and
the application’s help files for more information.
Working with Objects
Browsing Objects
1. Press MENU until the Main Menu is displayed.
2. Scroll to Browse Objects and press .
3. Press or to scroll through the playlists.
4. Press and to review the objects in each playlist.
Playing (Scanning) Objects
You can play a single object or scan all objects in enabled playlists.
You can also pause iSCAN on a single object while it is scanning.
To play objects while browsing:
1. Browse to the object you want to play by following the steps for
“Browsing Objects” above.
2. Press /II/SEL to play the selected object.
Press /II/SEL again to scan all objects in enabled playlists.
To scan all active objects in enabled playlists:
1. Press MENU to display the Main Menu.
2. Scroll to Play, then press or /II/SEL to begin playing.

28
Basic Operation
29
Basic Operation
To pause on an active object:
1. Press /II/SEL while iSCAN is stopped on the object.
2. To resume scanning, press /II/SEL again.
Skipping Objects
You can “skip” objects you no longer want to monitor while scanning
or browsing objects. You can also restore skipped objects.
To skip objects while scanning:
1. Press SKIP when iSCAN stops on an unwanted object.
2. iSCAN marks the object as skipped and you will not receive
further transmissions on the object until it is restored.
To resume scanning without skipping the object:
1. Press or when iSCAN stops on an object.
2. iSCAN will interrupt the current transmission and begin scanning
again, but will continue to receive further transmissions on the
object.
To skip objects while browsing:
1. Browse to the object you want to skip and press SKIP.
2. The lower-case “
s ” in the Channel Display Indicator turns to
upper-case “ S ” to indicate the object is skipped.
To restore all skipped objects:
1. Press MENU to display the Main Menu.
2. Scroll to Restore Skipped and press .
To restore skipped objects one at a time:
1. Browse to the skipped object you want to restore and press
SKIP.
2. The upper-case “
S ” in the Channel Display Indicator turns to
lower-case “ s ” to indicate the object is no longer skipped.
Editing Objects
You can edit the objects in your playlists using iSCAN or the PC
Application. See “Installing the iSCAN PC Application” on page 46 and the
application’s help files for more information.
To edit objects using iSCAN:
Press MENU when iSCAN stops on an object while scanning.
-or-
1. Press MENU until the Main Menu is displayed.
2. Scroll to Browse Objects and press .
3. Press or to scroll through the playlists.
4. Press and to scroll to the object you want to edit.
5. Press MENU to activate the Object Edit Menu.
6. Press and to scroll to the option you wish to change.
7. Press to toggle values or proceed to the next step.
The following options are available in the Object Edit Menu:
–Object Edit– Menu
Main Menu Navigates to iSCAN’s Main Menu
Cancel
changes
Exits the Object Menu without saving changes
Save
changes
Saves your changes and exits the Object Menu
Alpha Tag Change the name of the selected object. Follow the on-
screen instructions and press , , , to change the
object name.
Set
Playlists
Change the playlists that the selected object is a member
of. Press /II/SEL to change playlist membership by adding
or removing checkmarks next to the playlists. Press to
save and return to the Object Menu.

30
Basic Operation
31
Basic Operation
–Object Edit– Menu
Locked
Out
When checked, the selected object will not be scanned and
the Locked Out status is not changed when the Main Menu’s
“Restore Skipped” utility is used. Locked Out objects are
indicated by an “
L ” in the Channel Status Indicator, for
example, “
pLD ” indicates that the object is locked out.
Skipped When checked, the selected object is skipped and will
not be scanned. Skipped status is restored when the Main
Menu’s “Restore Skipped” utility is used. See also “Skipping
Objects” on page 28.
Priority When checked, priority is enabled for the selected object.
Priority causes the scanner to check for activity more fre-
quently. Priority status is indicated in the Channel Status
Indicator: Lower case “
p ” indicates that priority is not
enabled for the object, and upper case “
P ” indicates that
priority is enabled for the object.
nNote:PriorityModemustbeenabledintheSettingsMenu
to use the Priority feature. See “Changing iSCAN’s Settings” on page
31.
Delay When checked, delay is enabled for the selected object.
Delay causes the scanner to wait for two seconds after
a transmission to receive reply traffic before resuming
scanning.
Attenuate When checked, attenuation is enabled for the selected
object. Attenuation helps reduce interference from strong
local transmitters. Attenuate is not available in the Object
Menu for trunked talkgroups.
Alarm Defines an audible alarm that is heard whenever there is
activity on the object. Press or to select the desired
alarm sound.
Light Defines backlight behavior for the selected object. Press 
or to select the desired light behavior. The options are:
•Leave – use default backlight settings
•On – turn the backlight on
•Flash – flash according to the Flash Pattern setting
–Object Edit– Menu
Flash
Pattern
Defines a 32-step pattern used when the Light Mode is
set to Flash. To set the Flash Pattern, follow the on-screen
instructions and press , , , to set the pattern value.
See “Flash Patterns” on page 50 for pattern codes and additional
information.
On Time Control the backlight-on duration for each of the 32 steps in
the Flash Pattern. To set the On Time, follow the on-screen
instructions and press , , , to set the On Time in 10
millisecond increments.
Off Time Control the backlight-off duration for each of the 32 steps in
the Flash Pattern. To set the Off Time, follow the on-screen
instructions and press , , , to set the Off Time in 10
millisecond increments.
Delete
Object
Removes the object from iSCAN’s working memory configu-
ration. This does not alter the Library data, so if necessary,
the object can be imported to iSCAN’s Playlists again. To
delete the current object, Press and follow the on-screen
instructions.
Changing iSCAN’s Settings
Use the Settings Menu to customize iSCAN’s factory default settings.
To access the Settings Menu, press MENU until the Main Menu
appears, scroll to Settings, and press .
–Settings– Menu
Main Menu Jumps to the Main Menu.
Back Jumpsback(typicallytotheMainMenu).
Save Changes Saves the changes made to the Settings options.
Default Vals Restores all items in the Settings Menu to their
factory default values.
Simple Display Disable this option to display more information
about objects. By default, iSCAN operates with
a simplified display that only shows object and
playlist names.

32
Basic Operation
33
Searching
–Settings– Menu
Priority Mode When checked, Priority Mode is enabled. Objects
that have Priority enabled in the Object Edit Menu
will be checked more frequently for activity.
Priority Time Controls how frequently conventional channel
priority objects are checked.
G Atten Mode Whenchecked,GlobalAttenuatormodeis
enabled and iSCAN applies attenuation to every
object and search, ignoring the individual object’s
attenuation setting.
nNote:GlobalAttenuationmustbe
activated(nextmenuitem).
G Atten On ActivatesGlobalAttenuation.
Key Beeps Enables or disables key beep sounds.
Beep Volume Controls the volume of key beep sounds.
Alert Volume Controls the volume of object and low battery
alert sounds.
Contrast Sets the contrast of the LCD display.
LiteMode Sets the backlight mode to On, Stealth, Normal,
Key, or Ignore.
LiteArea Controls whether the LCD, keypad, or both should
be illuminated when the backlight is active.
LiteTime Controls how long the backlight stays on.
Welcome Text 1-5 Sets the text displayed when iSCAN is first turned
on.
Blink Time 1-2 For alternating display elements, controls the
amount of time each item is displayed.
Show Radio ID Whenenabled,displaystheRadioID(ifavailable
for trunk radio systems that use the Radio ID
feature).
PC/IF CCDump When enabled, trunking control channel data is
sent to the PC/IF port.
Low Batt Time Controlstheinterval(seconds)betweenlow-
battery alert sounds.
Searching
iSCAN features three search modes: Signal Stalker II, Service Search,
and Limit Search. When you find a frequency, you can store it as an
object in a playlist.
Signal Stalker II
Signal Stalker II sweeps rapidly through frequency ranges in 1 MHz
blocks, looking for transmissions from nearby strong signal sources.
To use Signal Stalker II:
1. Press MENU to access the Main Menu, scroll to Search, and
press to enter to the Search Menu.
2. Scroll to Signal Stalker and press to enter the Stalker Menu.
• SelectAll Bands to perform a Signal Stalker II search on all
common land mobile radio bands.
• SelectPublic Safety to perform a faster Signal Stalker II
search on frequency ranges commonly used for public safety
communications.
iSCAN will immediately begin to sweep the frequency ranges
you have selected.
nNote: Press SKIP to block reception of undesired signals.
To store found objects in playlists:
1. Press MENU when you find a frequency you want to store.
2. Select Store Channel.
3. Press SEL. The new object is added to the first playlist and has
the alpha tag “Stalker.”
nNote: Tomovethenewobjecttoanotherplaylistoredit
thealphatag,usetheObjectEditMenu(seepage 29)orthePC
Application(seepage 46).
To change the Signal Stalker II options:
Press MENU while Signal Stalker II is active. The following options
are available:

34
Searching
35
Searching
–Stalker– Menu
Main Menu Navigate back to iSCAN’s Main Menu.
Stalker Menu Navigate back to the Signal Stalker Menu.
Store Channel Stores a found frequency as an object in the first playlist.
Cancel Changes Exit the Signal Stalker Menu without saving changes.
Save Changes Save your changes and exit the Signal Stalker Menu.
Attenuator Limits the effective range of Signal Stalker II and may
help reduce interference from strong local transmitters.
Press /II/SEL or to enable or disable Attenuator.
Zeromatic Helps iSCAN tune to exact frequencies when searching.
Press /II/SEL or to enable or disable Zeromatic.
Delay When delay is enabled, iSCAN waits for two seconds
after a transmission before resuming search. Press
/II/SEL or to enable or disable delay.
Special Mode When Special Mode is enabled, Signal Stalker II will
skip any 1 MHz block where you have skipped five or
more frequencies using the SKIP key. Special Mode
is useful when you are close to many high power
transmitters that are close together in frequency. Press
/II/SEL or to enable or disable Special Mode.
Frequency
Ranges
Enable or disable the frequency ranges that Signal
Stalker II sweeps. Disabling unwanted frequency
ranges speeds up Signal Stalker II. Press /II/SEL or 
to enable or disable frequency ranges.
All Bands
frequency ranges
25-54MHz VHFLowBand
108-137MHz VHFAircraftBand
137-174MHz VHFHighBand
216-300 MHz 220 MHz Commercial/Amateur Band
300-406MHz UHFMilitaryAirBand
406-470MHz UHFBand
470-512MHz UHF-TBand
764-797MHz 700MHzBand
806-869MHz 800MHzBand
894-1300MHz 900MHzBand,23cmAmateurBand
Public Safety
frequency ranges
33.4-46.5MHz VHFLowBand
151-170MHz VHFHighBand
453-467MHz UHFBand
764-797MHz 700MHzBand
806-869MHz 800MHzBand
Service Search
The Service Search function is a good way to find activity on
local frequencies. The Service Search function searches through
frequencies used by the following radio services: Public Safety,
Aircraft,Railroad,Amateur,CB,Marine,andFRS/GMRS/MURS.
To use Service Search:
1. Press MENU to access the Main Menu, scroll to Search, and
press to enter to the Searches Menu.
2. Scroll to Service Search and press to enter the Services Menu.
3. Select the type of Service Search you wish to perform.
nNote: Press SKIP to block reception of undesired signals.
To store found objects in playlists:
1. Press MENU when you find a frequency you want to store.
2. Select Store Channel.
3. Press SEL. The new object is added to the first playlist and has
the alpha tag “Stored Search.”
nNote: Tomovethenewobjecttoanotherplaylistoredit
thealphatag,usetheObjectEditMenu(seepage 29)orthePC
Application(seepage 46).
To change the Service Search options:
Press MENU while Service Search is active. The following Service
Search options are available:
–Services– Menu
Public Safety Search commonly used public safety frequencies:
33.4-46.5MHz VHFLowBand
151-170MHz VHFHighBand
453-467MHz UHFBand
764-797MHz 700MHzBand
851-869MHz 800MHzBand

36
Searching
37
Searching
–Services– Menu
Aircraft Search civilian and military air frequencies:
108-118MHz Navigation
118-137MHz CivilianVoice
138-150MHz MilitaryVoice(excludes2mAmateur)
225-400MHz MilitaryVoice
Railroad SearchtheAssociationofAmericanRailroads(AAR)VHF
railroad frequencies used in the US and Canada.
Amateur Search amateur radio frequencies:
28.0-29.7MHz 10mBand
50-54MHz 6mBand
144-148MHz 2mBand
222-225 MHz 1.25cm Band
420-450MHz 70cmBand
902-928MHz 33cmBand
1240-1300MHz 23cmBand
CB Search the Citizens Band radio frequencies.
Marine SearchtheVHF-FMmarineradioband.
FRS/GMRS/
MURS
SearchtheFRS,GMRS,MURS,DOTandSTARradio
frequencies.
To change the Service Search parameters:
Press MENU while any Service Search is active. The following options
are available:
–”Service X”– Menu
Main Menu Navigates to iSCAN’s Main Menu.
Srvc Srch Menu Navigates to the Services Menu.
Store Channel Stores a found frequency as an object in the first playlist.
Cancel Changes Exits the Service Search Menu without saving changes.
Save Changes Saves your changes and exits the Service Search Menu.
Attenuator Limits the effective range of Service Search and may
help reduce interference from strong local transmitters.
Press /II/SEL or to enable or disable Attenuator.
–”Service X”– Menu
Zeromatic Helps iSCAN tune to exact frequencies when searching.
Press /II/SEL or to enable or disable Zeromatic.
Zeromatic does not have any effect in channel-based
searchessuchasCB,MarineandFRS/GMRS/MURS
bands.
Delay When delay is enabled, iSCAN waits for two seconds
after a transmission before resuming search. Press /II/
SEL or to enable or disable delay.
RX Mode SetstheRXmodulationmodetoautomatic,orforces
AMmodeorFMmode.RXModefunctionsinAircraft
and Amateur bands. Press or to change.
Frequency
Ranges
For Service Searches that utilize frequency ranges, this
option allows you to control which ranges are searched.
The Frequency Ranges option is available in the Public
Safety, Aircraft and Amateur Radio Service Searches.
Press /II/SEL or to enable or disable frequency ranges.
Limit Search
iSCAN’s Limit Search feature allows you to configure a customized
search between the lower and upper frequencies that you choose.
To use Limit Search:
1. Press MENU to access the Main Menu, scroll to Search, and
press to enter to the Searches Menu.
2. Scroll to Limit Search and press to start the Limit Search.
nNote: Press SKIP to block reception of undesired signals.
To store found objects in playlists:
1. Press MENU when you find a frequency you want to store.
2. Select Store Channel.
3. Press SEL. The new object is added to the first playlist and has
the alpha tag “Stored Search.”
nNote: Tomovethenewobjecttoanotherplaylistoredit
thealphatag,usetheObjectEditMenu(seepage 29)orthePC
Application(seepage 46).

38
Searching
39
Weather
To change Limit Search parameters:
Press MENU while Limit Search is active. The following Limit Search
options are available:
–Limits– Menu
Main Menu Navigate to iSCAN’s Main Menu.
Search Menu Navigate to the Search Menu.
Store Channel Stores a found frequency as an object in the first playlist.
Cancel Changes Exit the Limits Menu without saving any changes.
Save Changes Saves your changes and exits the Limits Menu.
Attenuator Limits the effective range of Limit Search and may help
reduce interference from strong local transmitters.
Press /II/SEL or to enable or disable Attenuator.
Zeromatic Helps iSCAN tune to exact frequencies when searching.
Press /II/SEL or to enable or disable Zeromatic.
Delay When delay is enabled, iSCAN waits for two seconds
after a transmission before resuming search. Press /II/
SEL or to enable or disable delay.
Lo Sets the lower frequency for the Limit Search frequency
range. Follow the on-screen instructions and press ,
, , to edit and save the lower frequency.
Hi Sets the upper frequency for the Limit Search frequency
range. Follow the on-screen instructions and press ,
, , to edit and save the upper frequency.
Weather Modes
iSCAN is a sophisticated and powerful NOAA weather radio receiver.
You can use iSCAN to:
• Monitor24-hourNOAAweatherradiobroadcastsusingNormal
Weather Mode.
• Monitorforsevereweatherbroadcastswhileyoucontinue
scanning other channels using Weather Priority Mode.
• Monitorforwarningsreceivedinyourdenedgeographicarea
using SAME Standby Mode.
• QuicklyaccessandmonitorSkywarnrepeaterfrequenciesstored
in the Skywarn playlist.
nNote: Your scanner incorporates weather alert as one of
itsfeaturesandisanextremelysensitivehighqualityreceiver
forweatherfrequencies.However,thesuppliedexantennais
optimized for general purpose scanning. If you use this scanner as
your only means for receiving weather alerts, please check to be
sureyouarereceivingaclearsignalontheexantennaorswitchto
anexternalantennathatgivesyouclearreceptionofalocalNOAA
weather broadcast.
Normal Weather Mode
Monitor the National Weather Service’s NOAA weather broadcasts
in your area. To listen to NOAA weather broadcasts, press , then
press or to select the strongest NOAA channel for your area.
Weather Priority Mode
To receive severe weather broadcasts while you continue scanning
other channels, set your local NOAA channel as the Weather Priority
channel. iSCAN samples the Weather Priority channel periodically
to see if the All Hazards 1050 Hz Warning Alert Tone is present. If it
is, the scanner will display an alert and tune to the specified weather
frequency to monitor the alert.