Radio Shack iSCAN PRO-18 User manual

2000018 / PRO-18
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
Package Contents
• iSCAN
• Antenna
• USB Cable
• microSD Card
• Belt Clip
• User’s Guide
• Quick Start
• CD-ROM
Features
• Simple keypad and display
• USA RadioReference database
• Detects and masks encrypted voice audio
• Decodes RadioID/TalkgroupID data
• Upgradeable CPU Firmware, DSP
Firmware and Library
• USB Interface
• PC Software to customize your PRO-18
settings.
• Signal Strength Meter
• 101 Playlists
• Weather Radio Functions
• Multi–system Trunking
• Signal Stalker II
• Alarms and flash patterns
• Headphone/speaker jack
2000018.UG.031011.indd 1 3/10/2011 11:06:43 AM

2
Contents
Contents
Controls ............................................................................... 4
Display Icons ........................................................................ 4
Setup ................................................................................... 5
Attaching the Antenna .............................................................................5
Connecting Headphones or an External Speaker .................................5
Using AC or DC Power .............................................................................6
Installing Batteries ....................................................................................6
Attaching the Belt Clip .............................................................................7
Turn on iSCAN and Set Squelch..............................................................7
iSCAN Library ...................................................................... 8
Installing the iSCAN PC Application .......................................................9
Updating the Firmware ..........................................................................10
Library Data .............................................................................................11
Updating the Library (PC) ......................................................................12
Updating the Library (iSCAN) ................................................................12
Importing Frequencies and Talkgroups (PC) ........................................13
Importing Frequencies and Talkgroups (iSCAN) .................................14
iSCAN Library Notes ..............................................................................14
Searching ........................................................................... 15
Signal Stalker II .......................................................................................15
Service Search .........................................................................................16
Limit Search .............................................................................................17
Search Settings .......................................................................................18
Scanning and Monitoring ................................................... 20
Scanning ..................................................................................................20
Monitoring a Frequency or Talkgroup ..................................................20
Weather Monitoring ...............................................................................21
Configuration ..................................................................... 22
Configuration Settings (PC) ...................................................................22
Configuration Settings (iSCAN) .............................................................24
Display Settings (PC) ..............................................................................26
Display Settings (iSCAN) ........................................................................26
Sound and Backlight (PC) ......................................................................27
Sound and Backlight (iSCAN) ................................................................27
2000018.UG.031011.indd 2 3/10/2011 11:06:44 AM

3
Contents
Attenuation and Trunking (PC) ..............................................................28
Attenuation and Trunking (iSCAN) ........................................................28
Playlist Controls (PC) ..............................................................................29
Playlist Controls (iSCAN) ........................................................................29
Editing Frequencies or Talkgroups (PC) ...............................................30
Editing Frequencies or Talkgroups (iSCAN) .........................................31
Additional Information ....................................................... 38
Frequency Coverage ..............................................................................38
Specifications ..........................................................................................39
Glossary ...................................................................................................40
MicroSD Card error messages...............................................................41
Birdie Frequencies ..................................................................................43
Care .........................................................................................................44
Service and Repair ..................................................................................44
Scanning Legally .....................................................................................44
FCC Notice .............................................................................................45
Library Copyright Notice .......................................................................45
Limited Warranty ....................................................................................46
2000018.UG.031011.indd 3 3/10/2011 11:06:44 AM

4
Setup
Controls

• Scroll up
• Volume up

• Scroll down
• Volume down
 
• Left/Right
• Resume scanning
• Change scan direction during search
 / II
SEL
• Press to play or pause
• In menus: select, enable, or disable options
SKIP Toggles iSCAN’s skip function
MENU Access the Main Menu, or submenus for the active function
ATT While scanning, press to toggle iSCAN’s attenuator function.
• Access NOAA weather radio broadcasts
• Access SAME weather alert receiver mode
• Select the SKYWARN playlist for monitoring
Display Icons
Squelch circuit is open
Signal strength
Trunking control channel data
Attenuator is set for Global Mode
Attenuator is active
Scanning
Paused (monitoring a single object)
Battery status indicator
• External power connected and Battery Type is set to ALKA
• Recharging cycle has completed
Ppriority on Sskip on Ddelay on Llockout on
ppriority off sskip off ddelay off - -
2000018.UG.031011.indd 4 3/10/2011 11:06:45 AM

5
Setup
Setup
Attaching the Antenna
Align the antenna with the antenna posts. Then slide
and turn the antenna in place.
If this scanner is your only means for receiving
weather alerts, make sure you can receive a clear
signal when using the flex antenna, or switch to an
external antenna.
For an external antenna, follow the antenna’s
installation instructions. You also may need a BNC
adapter (available at RadioShack).
• For lengths between 50 and 100 feet, use 50-ohm
RG-8X low-loss dielectric coaxial cable.
• For lengths of more than 100 feet, use 50-ohm RG8.
w Warning: Use extreme caution when installing or removing an outdoor
antenna. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! 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.
Connecting Headphones or an External Speaker
You can plug 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) headphones (not supplied) in the
HEADPHONE jack.
Listening Safety
Do not wear headphones 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:
• 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 adapt to the volume, so a level
that does not cause discomfort could still damage hearing.
• Do not listen at high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can
lead to permanent hearing loss.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 5 3/10/2011 11:06:47 AM

6
Setup
Using AC or DC Power
To prevent corruption of microSD card data, always
turn off iSCAN before connecting or disconnecting
power sources. Use the supplied USB cable to connect
the iSCAN to a USB power source, such as your
computer, or an AC or DC USB power adapter (not
included, available at RadioShack or
RadioShack.com).
n Notes:
• Using an incompatible USB cable may damage
your scanner.
• Some USB power adapters can interfere with
iSCAN’s reception.
• If you connect iScan to a vehicle power source and the vehicle’s engine
is running, you might hear electrical noise from the engine while
scanning. This is normal.
Installing Batteries
A low battery warning sounds every 30
seconds (default setting) when the batteries
are nearly depleted.
1. Turn off iSCAN before opening the
battery compartment.
2. Set the Battery Type Selector:
• ALKA − Alkaline
• NI-MH − Rechargeable Ni-MH
3. Install four AA batteries, matching the polarity symbols (+ and –).
w Warning: 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.
Charging Ni-MH Batteries
1. Install Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.
2. Set the Battery Type Selector switch to NI-MH.
Battery Type
Selector
AA
AA
AA
AA
2000018.UG.031011.indd 6 3/10/2011 11:06:52 AM

7
Setup
3. Connect iSCAN to your computer or an AC or DC USB power adapter
using the supplied USB cable. The battery icon indicates the batteries
are being charged. When replaces , the batteries are fully
charged. High-capacity batteries may take up to 16 hours to charge. You
cannot use the iSCAN while charging.
b Battery Notes:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type. Do not mix old
and new batteries, different battery types (alkaline or rechargeable), or
rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
• Dispose of batteries promptly and properly; do not burn or bury them.
• For long-term storage (a month or longer), remove the batteries. Batteries
can leak chemicals that can damage electronic parts.
• Do not overcharge rechargeable batteries. Overcharging shortens
battery life.
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.
• Press and hold to turn iSCAN on and off
• Press briefly to toggle the backlight
Squelch
• Higher squelch for stronger signals.
• Lower squelch for weaker signals.
Attaching the Belt Clip
Align the belt clip grooves to the slots on the back of iScan. Slide the clip
down until it clicks in place. To remove the belt clip, pull back on the small
tab and slide the clip upward.
Turn on iSCAN and Set Squelch
1. Press and hold . Release when iSCAN turns on.
2. Turn SQUELCH to the midpoint (12 o’clock) position.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 7 3/10/2011 11:06:53 AM

8
Setup
iSCAN Library
Your iSCAN comes installed with a formatted 2GB microSD card that contains
the entire USA RadioReference database.
RadioReference.com is the world’s largest
radio communications data provider,
featuring a complete frequency database,
trunked radio system information, and
FCC license data. You can update,
configure, and import this library directly
to your iSCAN or with the iScan PC
application.
To manage the microSD card contents, you must remove it from iSCAN and
insert it into a microSD card reader connected to your computer.
1. Turn off iSCAN, unplug external power, and remove the batteries.
2. Press and release the microSD card.
To reinsert the microSD card, press it in until it clicks in place.
microSD Card Contents
The microSD card comes formatted for the standard FAT file system with a
cluster size of 32k.
You can purchase additional cards to store
different configurations or backups for your
iSCAN data.
The CDAT folder contains your iSCAN
programming. You can copy the CDAT folder to
your computer as a backup.
w Warning: Modifying these directories or their contents is not
recommended and may cause iSCAN to malfunction.
If you must reformat the microSD card, or if you use additional cards (2GB or
smaller), use only the iSCAN PC Application to format the SD card.
• Format using the FAT file system with 32k clusters.
• If you use microSD cards larger than 2GB, format using FAT32 with 32k
clusters.
• Formatting the microSD card for other file system types may cause
iSCAN to malfunction.
microSD card
Push to remove
2000018.UG.031011.indd 8 3/10/2011 11:06:56 AM

9
Setup
Installing the iSCAN PC Application
iSCAN includes an easy-to-use PC Application that you can use to:
• Update the Library to the most current version
• Format and maintain the microSD card
• Make changes to iSCAN’s programming and configuration
• Update iSCAN’s firmware for enhancements and bug fixes
To install, insert the CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive; the iSCAN
Application’s installer starts automatically. To install, click the “Install
Software” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
n Note: If the installation does not start automatically, navigate to your
CD-ROM drive and run the iSCANCD.exe program.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 9 3/10/2011 11:06:56 AM

10
Setup
Updating the Firmware
Firmware updates are available to correct known issues or to add new
functionality to your scanner. Be sure to update the iScan firmware regularly.
CPU Firmware Updates
1. Turn off the iScan and
disconnect the USB cable
from the scanner. Keep the
USB cable connected to your
computer.
2. While pressing the Menu key, connect the USB cable to the iScan. You
should see a display of the current boot and CPU versions followed by
the CPU SW Upgrade prompt.
3. Select Check for CPU Firmware Updates in the update menu.
4. Click Check for Updates on the update screen. This process will check
the Internet for the most current CPU firmware version and compare it
to the version on your iScan. Information about the need to update your
scanner will appear just below the version information.
5. If there are available updates, click Update My Scanner.
6. When you have finished the update, click Done.
DSP Firmware Updates
1. Turn off the iScan.
2. Connect the scanner to your computer using the USB cable supplied.
The computer should recognize the scanner’s microSD card as a new
drive. If an autorun screen appears, close it.
3. Select Check for DSP Firmware Update in the update menu.
4. Click Check for Updates on the update screen. This process will check
the Internet for the most current DSP firmware version and compare it
to the version on your iScan. Information about the need to update your
scanner will appear just below the version information.
5. If there are available updates, click Update My Scanner.
6. When you have finished the update, click Done.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 10 3/10/2011 11:06:56 AM

11
Library Data
Library Data
Library Updates
Your iSCAN comes with the most current library data available from
RadioReference.com. However, you can use the PC application to check for
updates to the library data.
To check for library updates:
1. Select Check for Library Update in the update menu.
2. If there are available updates, click Update My Library.
3. When you have finished the update, click Done.
Library Structure
n Note: Not all states have a statewide trunked radio system.
States – Each state contains three data types:
Agencies – Statewide agencies such as highway patrol, emergency
mgmt., state parks, etc. (Conventional frequencies)
Counties/Cities – Local county or independent city
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 – State and local entities. (Trunked systems)
Sites – Trunked system control frequencies.
Categories – Trunked system talkgroups.
Sites – Trunked system control frequencies.
Categories – Trunked system talkgroups.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 11 3/10/2011 11:06:56 AM

12
Library Data
Updating the Library (PC)
To update the library to the most recent version:
1. On the Library Import Tab, click
the Update Channels button. A
second Import screen appears.
2. Click the Update Channels
button. The library will be
updated to the latest version.
n Note: The procedure to update the RadioReference library requires an
internet connection.
Updating the Library (iSCAN)
To update the library on the iSCAN to the most recent version:
In the Main Menu, select Update from Lib and
press . The iSCAN asks if you want to use new
Alpha Tag (names) from the library.
Press SEL for yes or SKIP for no.
Browse Library
Update from Lib
Restore Skipped
Settings
2000018.UG.031011.indd 12 3/10/2011 11:06:57 AM

13
Library Data
Importing Frequencies and Talkgroups (PC)
After you have the most current library, you can import frequencies or
talkgroups from the library into iSCAN’s playlists. Importing many items
can slow scanning significantly. We recommend importing fewer items, and
increase the number as you become more familiar with your iScan.
1. Select a state from the Select a State
list. The available data types appear.
2. Select a data type from the Data Type
list.
3. Click Next. Additional screens
appear based on the library structure
described “Updating the Firmware” on
page 1012.
4. Make selections.
5. Click Back to make additional
selections.
6. After you make your final channel
selections, click the Import Selected
Channels button. The Import Selected
Channels screen appears.
7. Select the playlist(s) where the channels
will be imported.
8. Click Import Channels.
9. Select Scanner/SD Card > Copy
Configuration To Scanner Memory/
SD Card from the menu bar.
nNotes:
• At least one site must be selected for
each trunked system.
• iSCAN automatically programs trunked
radio system requirements.
• iSCAN uses the best available
talkgroup site, but may import some
unwanted talkgroups, which can slow
your scanning.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 13 3/10/2011 11:06:58 AM

14
Library Data
Importing Frequencies and Talkgroups (iSCAN)
1. From the main menu, select Browse Library, then press . The Select
State menu appears.
2. Press  or  to scroll to a
state. Press  to select a
state.
Additional screens may
appear based on the library
structure described in
“Updating the Firmware” on page 10.
3. Make additional selections. Press  after each set of selections.
4. When a list of channels with check boxes appears, press  or  to scroll
through the list and press  to select each option. A checkmark ( )
indicates a selected item.
Playlists Alaska
Search Arizona
Browse Library Arkansas
Update from Lib California
5. To import selected items, press MENU. The
Library menu appears.
6. Select Import Selected and press SEL. A list of
playlists appears.
Import Selected
Back
Main
7. Press SEL to select a playlist. A checkmark ( )
indicates an active playlist. A square ( ) indicates
a disabled playlist.
8. Press  to import the items. (This may take
several minutes.)
Playlist 001
Playlist 002
Playlist 003
Playlist 004
You can press  to see available items within a group. If you select a
group, all items in that group are selected.
iSCAN Library Notes
• A “D” indicates that the item uses an unsupported digital modulation
and cannot be monitored.
• An “S” indicates a trunked system that is not supported by the scanner
(e.g. MPT 1327, LTR Passport, etc.)
• A solid box ( ) indicates that some frequencies in a grouping are
selected, but not all.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 14 3/10/2011 11:06:58 AM

1515
Search
Searching
You can locate active frequencies quickly and easily using one of iScan’s
three convenient frequency search modes:
• Signal Stalker II sweeps rapidly through frequency ranges in 1 MHz
blocks.
• Service Search searches through frequencies used by the following radio
services: Public Safety, Aircraft, Railroad, Amateur, CB, Marine, and FRS/
GMRS/MURS. This is a good way to find activity on local frequencies.
• Limit Search searches within a range of frequencies that you define.
Signal Stalker II
To search for active frequencies using Signal Stalker II:
1. In the main menu, select
Search, and press  to
enter the search menu.
2. Select Signal Stalker and
press .
4. When you find a frequency you want to save, press MENU. Then select
Store Channel and press SEL. iScan adds the frequency to the first
playlist and names it based on the search type.
To change search settings, press MENU while Signal Stalker II is active. For
more information about settings, see “Search Settings” on page 18.
Play Main Menu
Browse Objects Signal Stalker 
Playlists Service Search
Search Limit Search
Browse Library Lockouts
3. Select All Bands or Public
Safety and press right ()
to start the search. Signal
Stalker sweeps through
frequency ranges in 1 MHz
blocks.
Main Menu Main Menu
Signal Stalker Search Menu
Service Search All Bands
Limit Search Public Safety
Lockouts
2000018.UG.031011.indd 15 3/10/2011 11:06:58 AM

1616
Search
Service Search
To search for active frequencies using Service Search:
1. In the main menu, select
Search, and press  to enter
to the search menu.
2. Select Service Search and
press .
4. When you find a frequency you want to save, press MENU. Then select
Store Channel and press SEL. iScan adds the frequency to the first
playlist and names it based on the search type.
To change search settings, press MENU while any Service Search is active.
For more information about settings, see “Search Settings” on page 18.
Play Main Menu
Browse Objects Signal Stalker
Playlists Service Search 
Search Limit Search
Browse Library Lockouts
3. Scroll down to see all
available services. Select a
service and press  to start
the search.
Main Menu Main Menu
Signal Stalker Search Menu
Service Search Public Safety
Limit Search Aircraft
Lockouts Railroad
Service Search Ranges
Public Safety (MHz) Aircraft (MHz) Amateur (MHz)
33.4-46.5 ............VHF Low
151-170 ............ VHF High
453-467 ..................... UHF
764-797 .............. 700 MHz
851-869 ............. 800 MHz
108-118 .......... Navigation
118-137 ...... Civilian Voice
138-150 ....... Military Voice
225-400 ...... Military Voice
28.0-29.7 ................. 10m
50-54 ......................... 6m
144-148 ..................... 2m
222-225 .............. 1.25cm
420-450 ................. 70cm
902-928 ................. 33cm
1240-1300 ............. 23cm
Railroad CB Marine
Search the Association of
American Railroads (AAR)
VHF railroad frequen-
cies used in the US and
Canada
Searches the Citizens
Band radio frequencies. Searches the VHF-FM marine radio band.
FRS/GMRS/MURS
Searches the FRS, GMRS, MURS, DOT and STAR radio frequencies.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 16 3/10/2011 11:06:58 AM

1717
Search
Limit Search
To search for active frequencies
within a limited range:
1. In the main menu, select
Limit Search, and press
. The search begins
immediately.
2. To change the search range:
a. Press MENU.
b. Scroll to Lo and press .
c. Press  or  to move the cursor to another digit. Press  or  to
change the value.
d. Press SEL to save the new value and return to the search menu.
b. Scroll to Hi and press .
c. Press  or  to move the cursor to another digit. Press  or  to
change the value.
d. Press SEL to save the new value and return to the search menu.
e. Press  to continue the search.
3. When you find a frequency you want to save, press MENU. Then select
Store Channel and press SEL. iScan adds the frequency to the first
playlist and names it based on the search type.
To change search settings, press MENU while searching. For more
information about settings, see “Search Settings” on page 18.
Play Main Menu
Browse Objects Signal Stalker
Playlists Service Search
Search Limit Search 
Browse Library Lockouts
2000018.UG.031011.indd 17 3/10/2011 11:06:58 AM

1818
Search
Search Settings
To change search settings, press MENU while searching.
Saving Found CTCSS or DCS Codes
When importing objects from the Library, CTCSS and DCS code information
from the RadioReference database is automatically imported with the
conventional channel information. In cases where the squelch code (CTCSS
or DCS subaudible) for a conventional radio channel is not included in the
RadioReference database, your iSCAN can quickly identify the code, if one
is present.
When a conventional channel includes a CTCSS or DCS code, the code
appears on the bottom line of the display, followed by an “S”, which
indicates a valid CTCSS or DCS code:
CTCSS 127.3 S
All
Attenuator Limits iSCAN’s effective range, which may help reduce
interference from strong local transmitters.
Zeromatic Helps iSCAN tune to exact frequencies when searching.
Delay How long iSCAN waits after a transmission before resuming.
Signal
Stalker II
Special Mode Signal Stalker II skips any 1 MHz block where you have
skipped five or more frequencies. Special Mode is useful
when you are close to many high power transmitters that
are close together in frequency.
Limit
Search
Lo Sets the lowest frequency for the search range.
Hi Sets the upper frequency for the search range.
Signal Stalker II &
Service
Frequency
Ranges
Disabling some frequency ranges speeds up the search.
Service
Rx Mode Set 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.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 18 3/10/2011 11:06:58 AM

1919
Search
To save the found code with the channel:
1. When a CTCSS or DCS code is found by the search feature, press
MENU. Store sq code appears.
2. Press SEL.
After the code is stored, the scanner will only stop on transmissions that
have a matching CTCSS or DCS squelch code present.
nNote: The Settings menu (Main Menu > Settings) “Simple Display” menu
item must be unchecked in order to display and store found CTCSS and
DCS codes.
2000018.UG.031011.indd 19 3/10/2011 11:06:59 AM

2020
Scan
Scanning and Monitoring
After you have found active frequencies in your area and saved them to
playlists, you can scan multiple channels or monitor a single channel.
Scanning
To scan your active playlists, select Play from the main menu and press  or
/II/SEL.
To pause the scan, press /II/SEL when iSCAN stops on a transmission. To
resume scanning, press /II/SEL again.
Monitoring a Frequency or Talkgroup
Monitoring is when you set iSCAN to remain on a single frequency and wait
for a transmission. To monitor a frequency or talkgroup:
From the main menu, select Browse Objects, then press .
Press /II/SEL to monitor the displayed frequency.
Play Press  or  to change
playlists.
Press  or  to browse through
frequencies within the current
playlist.
Browse Objects The current playlist
Playlists and frequency
Search appear.
Browse Library
2000018.UG.031011.indd 20 3/10/2011 11:06:59 AM