Radio Shack PRO-668 User manual

2000668 / PRO-668
User’s Guide
This user’s guide is available in Spanish at www.radioshack.com.
Esta guía del usuario está disponible en español en www.radioshack.com.
HANDHELD
DIGITAL
TRUNKING
SCANNER
Thank you for purchasing your Digital
Trunking Handheld Radio Scanner from
RadioShack. Please read this user’s guide
before installing, setting up and using
your new scanner.

2 3
Contents
Introduction......................................................................................3
Antenna.........................................................................................4
External Power.............................................................................4
Batteries ........................................................................................4
Setting Bandplan and Clock .....................................................5
Programming by ZIP Code .......................................................6
Playlists ..........................................................................................6
Programming by City/County..................................................7
Manual Programming................................................................. 7
Scanning........................................................................................8
Attenuation...................................................................................9
Scanning Legally..........................................................................9
Priority Scanning .......................................................................10
Monitoring...................................................................................11
Searching.........................................................................................12
Signal Stalker II ...........................................................................12
Service Search ...........................................................................12
Limit Search................................................................................13
Search Settings .........................................................................13
Weather Radio ...............................................................................14
Weather Priority ........................................................................14
SAME Standby ...........................................................................14
Skywarn .......................................................................................15
Backing Up Your Scanner............................................................16
Reprogramming Your iScan....................................................16
Advanced Features.......................................................................17
Setting Up a Password.............................................................17
Play Sets ......................................................................................17
Conguring Settings ................................................................18
Editing Objects Manually.........................................................20
Recording and Playback...........................................................21
Alert LED Settings ....................................................................22
Saving Found CTCSS or DCS Codes ...................................24
Using IF Output .........................................................................24
Changing microSD Cards .......................................................25
iScan Directory Folders ...........................................................25
PC Scanner Software...............................................................26
Updating DSP Firmware..........................................................27
Updating CPU Firmware..........................................................27
Updating the Software Database ........................................28
Updating Your iScan Library ...................................................28
Maintenance...................................................................................29
Birdie Frequencies ....................................................................29
Specications.................................................................................30
Frequency Coverage................................................................31
Library Copyright Notice.........................................................32
Limited Warranty.......................................................................33
Features
• Simple programming by ZIP Code
• Multi–system trunking
• Audio recording
• Weather radio
• Signal Stalker II
• V-Scanner II
• USB Interface, with PC programming software
• RadioReference database (SD Card)
• Masks encrypted audio
• Decodes Radio ID and Talkgroup ID
• Improved P25 functionality
• Signal strength meter
• Programmable alert LED
• Discriminator output
Package Contents
• Handheld Scanner
• Antenna
• USB Cable
• microSD Card (PC software)
• Belt Clip
• User’s Guide
Introduction
Many organizations, such as police
and fire departments, emergency
response teams, and airports, use
radio communication extensively
every day. Scanning these radio
communications is a great way
to listen to all the exciting events
happening in your area.
Radio communication is also used
to coordinate large events, and
spectators with radio scanners
listen to behind-the-scenes action.
One obstacle to scanning can be
configuring your scanner. The
iScan is designed to simplify this
process and get you started as
quickly and easily as possible.
• AutoRaces
• AirShows
• Sports
• SimpleControls
• Programming
Software
• Programmingby
ZIPCode
• Police
• FireDepartments
• AirPorts
IfyouhaveaZIPCode,youcanprogramyouriScan. This
guide will help you set up and program your iScan, and then
provide more detailed instructions for fine-tuning your
scanning experience.
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4 5
Setting Bandplan and Clock
To turn on your iScan, press the Power button.
When you turn on your iScan for the first time, use the four-
direction pad and SEL to set your bandplan, date, and time.
Antenna
Your iScan's durable antenna provides
excellent reception. Align its connector
with the iScan antenna post tabs, press
down and turn.
To connect a larger antenna, use a coax-
to-BNC adapter and 50-ohm coaxial cable
(RG-58, RG-8).*
Disconnect any outdoor antenna during
electrical storms to prevent damage.
External Power
Before starting, make sure the scanner is off.
Use the supplied shielded USB cable.
Some USB power adapters can interfere with
the scanner's reception. Using an incompatible
USB cable may damage your scanner.
Batteries
Always set the Battery Type:
• ALK − Alkaline
• NI-MH − Rechargeable, Nickel-
Metal Hydride
Warning:Never install alkaline batteries with the Battery
Type switch set to NI-MH. Alkaline batteries can get hot or
explode if you try to recharge them.
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type.
Do not mix old and new batteries, different battery
types (alkaline or rechargeable), or rechargeable
batteries of different capacities.
• Dispose of batteries promptly and properly; do not burn
or bury them.
• For storage of a month or longer, remove the batteries.
Batteries can leak chemicals that can damage
electronic parts.
RecycleRechargeableBatteries
Recycle your old rechargeable batteries at one of the
many collection sites in the U.S. and Canada. To find the
site nearest you, visit www.call2recycle.org or call toll-free
1-877-2-RECYCLE.
*To protect your hearing:
• Set the volume to zero before putting on headphones. With the
headphones on, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
• Avoid increasing volume. Over time, your sensitivity decreases, so volume
levels that do not cause discomfort might damage your hearing.
• Avoid or limit listening at high-volume levels. Prolonged exposure to high-
volume levels can cause permanent hearing loss.
Wearing headphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle
can create a traffic hazard and is illegal in most areas. Even though some
headphones let you hear some outside sounds when listening at normal volume
levels, they still can present a traffic hazard. Exercise extreme caution!
AA
AA
AA
AA
Battery
Type
Power
Press and hold.
Four-Direction Pad
The four-direction pad and SEL
button navigate through menus
and lists, and controls volume.
Headphones* (not supplied)
Squelch
Higher for stronger signals.
Lower for weaker signals.
Belt Clip
Align the belt clip and slide down
until it clicks. To remove, pull
back the tab and slide up.
-Set Clock-
‚014-08-22 Fri
08 : 41 : 04
Press SEL to Set
or SKIP to Exit
3
2
‚
0
9
20 4-
*Always ensure safe and proper anntenna installation. Follow instructions
provided with your antenna. If none are provided, refer to article 810 of National
Electrical Code (NEC) for installation and grounding instructions.
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6 7
Programming by ZIP Code
All scannable items programmed into
your iScan are considered objects.
Your iScan automatically imports and
organizes objects into playlists. The
simplestmethodforprogramming
yournewscannerisbyZIPcode.
ToprogramyourscannerbyZIPcode:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Select Place and press .
3. Select By ZIP Code and press .
4. Use the four-direction
pad and SEL button to
set your zip code.
5. Select Default
Types or Custom
Types. Default
Types immediately imports default
values, and Custom Types lets you
select services. (= selected)
6. Press SEL.
Playlists
Your iScan automatically imports and organizes objects
into playlists, beginning at Playlist 151 named by service. To
organize your iScan, you can rename your playlists.
Torenameaplaylist:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Playlists and press SEL.
3. Select a playlist and press . The playlist name appears.
4. Use the four-direction pad to change the name, then
press SEL.
5. Press MENU.
Toenableordisableplaylists:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Playlists and press SEL.
3. Use the four-direction pad to select a playlist and
press SEL. (= selected)
4. Press .
ZIP Code:
‚0000
moves cursor
SEL=OK, MENU=BACK
7
6
‚
4
76 00
• Conventional
frequencies
• Trunked
talkgroups
• Radioservices
Programming by City/County
Toprogramyourscannerbycityorcounty:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Select Place and press .
3. Select By City or By County and press .
4. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to set
your location.
5. Select Default Types or Custom Types.
Default Types immediately imports default values,
and Custom Types lets you select services.
(= selected)
6. Press SEL.
Note: Not all states have statewide trunked systems.
Manual Programming
You can program by browsing the library.
Toprogramyouscannerbybrowsing:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Browse Library, then press .
3. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to select
agencies to program. ( = selected)
4. Press MENU.
5. Select Import Selected and press SEL.A list
of playlists appears.
6. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to select
a playlist. ( = selected)
7. Press to import the items.
Library Structure
Each State contains three data types:
• Agencies –Statewide non-trunked systems.
• Counties/Cities – County or independent city.
• Systems– Trunked systems, including control
frequencies (sites) and talkgroups.
Note: Not all states have a statewide trunked radio
system.
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8 9
Attenuation
Attenuation can help prevent interference by reducing
the strength of incoming signals. Attenuation can improve
scanning in high-traffic areas, such as large urban areas. In
rural areas, attenuation is used less frequently.
To activate global attenuation, press ATT. GA appears in
the display.
Press ATT again to remove attenuation from the object. G
remains on the display to indicate that global attenuation is
still enabled but not active.
Press ATT again to disable global attentuation.
S GA DgFM
=
Law Dispatch
CONV psDr
RVO PD Disp
NFM 453.650000
DSC 311
External Power/Charging
Paused
AM/FM/NF (Narrow FM)
Attenuator ACTIVE
P25 without AGC
Playlist
Object Type
Object Name
Frequency
Squelch Code
Attenuator ACTIVE
S GA
Law Dispatch
CONV PSDL
RVO PD Disp
NFM 453.650000
DSC 311
Recording
F=Full
Priority
Skip
Delay
Lock out
(ON)
Scanning
Your iScan checks all active objects sequentially for
transmissions, stoping for transmissions.
Toscan:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Play and press .
Scanning
S
T
G DG
Law Talk
TGRP psdr
FWPD E=SE 1
Fort Worth Regi
Squelch OPEN
Trunking Data
Global Attenuator ON
P25 with AGC
Scanning
Battery
Priority
Skip
Delay
Lock out
(Off)
Play
Law Talk
Fire Talk
Emergency Ops
Law Dispatch
Fire Dispatch
Playlists
Your iScan stops for transmissions plus a two-second
delay. During the transmission, the iScan diplay provides
information about the transmission source.
Scanning Legally
Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including
police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies,
private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services,
and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to
almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some
transmissions you should never intentionally listen to. These include:
• Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other means of private
telephone signal transmission)
• Paging transmissions
• Any intentionally decoded scrambled or encrypted transmissions
According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), you are
subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using,
or divulging the contents of such a transmission unless you have the consent
of a party to the communication (unless such activity is otherwise illegal). This
scanner has been designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions. This
is done to comply with the legal requirement that scanners be manufactured
so as to not be easily modifiable to pick up those transmissions.
Do not open your scanner’s case to make any modifications that could
allow it to pick up transmissions that are illegal to monitor. Doing so could
subject you to legal penalties. We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.
In some areas, mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit.
Check the laws in your area. It is also illegal in many areas to interfere with
the duties of public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident
without authorization.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Shielded cables must be used with this unit to ensure compliance with the
Class B FCC limits.
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10 11
Monitoring
Monitoring simply means keeping your iScan tuned to a
single object, rather than scanning through a playlist.
The most common form of monitoring is to simply press
/II when the iScan stops on a transmission.
To return to scanning, press /II again.
You can also monitor a specific object by manually tuning
your iScan to the object.
Tomanuallytuneanobject:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Browse Objects and press . The first
available playlist appears.
3. Use the direction keys to navigate through playlists
and objects.
4. Press SEL.
Priority Scanning
You may decide that a particular object should be checked
more frequently during scans. Your iScan checks Priority
objects more frequently than non-priority objects.
Note: To set priority, Priority Mode must be enabled.
ToenablePriorityMode:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Settings and press SEL.
3. Select Priority Mode and press SEL . A
checkmark ( ) indicates Priority Mode is active.
4. Press MENU, and then press SEL to confirm.
Tosetpriorityobjects:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Browse Objects and press SEL.
3. Use the four-direction pad to select an object and
press MENU.
4. Select Priority and press SEL . A checkmark ( )
indicates Priority.
5. Press MENU, and then press SEL to confirm.
-Settings-
Save changes
Default Vals
Simple Display
Default PL: 1
Priority Mode √
Priority
Objects
Objects
PlaylistsPlaylists
Objects
Objects
PlaylistsPlaylists
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12 13
Searching
Your iScan can locate active
frequencies in your area that you can
save to include in future scans.
TIP: While searching, you may want to ignore a frequency.
Press SKIP and your iScan will ignore the frequency.*
Signal Stalker II
Signal Stalker II sweeps quickly through several frequency
ranges in 1 MHz blocks.
TosearchusingSignalStalkerII:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Search, and press .
3. Select Signal Stalker and press .
4. Select All Bands or Public Safety and press .
5. Your iScan stops for transmissions. To continue the
search, press .
6. To save a frequency, press MENU, select
Store Channel, and press SEL. Your iScan adds the
object to the default playlist, named by search type.
Service Search
Service Searches sweep through frequencies specifically used
by common radio services.
ToperformaServiceSearch:
1. Press MENU to access the
main menu.
2. In the main menu, select
Search, and press .
3. Select Service Search and press .
4. Scroll through the available services, select a service,
and press .
5. Your iScan stops for transmissions. To continue the
search, press .
6. To save a frequency, press MENU, select
Store Channel, and press SEL. Your iScan adds the
object to the default playlist, named by search type.
Limit Search
Limit Searches focus your search to a defined range.
ToperformaLimitSearch:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Search, and press .
3. Select Limit Search, and press . The search begins.
4. Press MENU.
5. Scroll to Lo, press , and use the four-direction pad
and SEL to set the value.
6. Scroll to Hi, press , and use the four-direction pad
and SEL to set the value.
7. Press to continue the search.
8. Your iScan stops for transmissions. To continue the
search, press .
9. To save a frequency, press MENU, select
Store Channel, and press SEL. Your iScan adds the
object to the default playlist, named by search type.
• SignalStalkerII
• ServiceSearches
• LimitSearch
• PublicSafety
• Aircraft
• Railroad
• Amateur(HAM)
• Citizen'sBand(CB)
• Marine
• FRS/GMRS/MURS
Search Settings
Each type of search includes settings that you can use to
improve your experience.
Press Menu during a search. Signal
Stalker II
Service
Search
Limit
Search
Atten
Attenuation
Zeromatic
Locates frequencies quickly
Delay
Pause before resuming search
SpecialMode
Skips 1 MHz block where you have
skipped five or more frequencies
FrequencyRanges
Limits the search range
RxMode
Automatic or forced AM/FM modes
(Aircraft and Amateur bands)
Lo
Lowest frequency to search
Hi
Highest frequency to search
*To restore all skipped objects, go to the main menu, select
Restore Skipped, and press .
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14 15
SAME Standby
Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) identifies specific
geographical areas using 6-digit Federal Information
Processing Standards (FIPS) codes, which are mostly
aligned along county lines.
To use SAME Standby, you
must program at least one
FIPS code. You can obtain
FIPS codes at: www.nws.
noaa.gov. You can also call the NWS
toll-free at 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-
697-7263).
TIP: For advance notice, consider
programming FIPS codes for adjacent
counties.
ToprogramFIPSCodes:
1. Look up your local FIPS code(s).
2. Press , then press MENU.
3. Scroll down to SAME 1 FIPS and press .
4. Use the four-direction pad and SEL button to set your
FIPS code.
5. Select SAME 1 Enable and press .
6. To save additional FIPS codes, select SAME 2 FIPS
and repeat steps 4-5.
7. Select Save Changes and press .
ToactivateSAMEStandbyMode:
1. Press , and then press or to select a NOAA
channel.
2. Press SKIP. The speaker is muted and SKIP = Normal
appears.
3. To return to Normal
Weather Mode, press
SKIP again.
WeatherRadio
The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) network
broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts, and other
information from the National Weather Service (NWS).*
To monitor the strongest
NWR frequency in your area,
press .
Weather Priority
WeatherPriority makes the strongest weather frequency
a priorty object to be scanned more frequently. To receive
severe weather broadcasts while scanning other channels,
set the Weather Priority channel.
ToactivateWeatherPriority:
1. Press . When the transmission starts, make note
of the NWR channel number (1-7).
2. Press MENU.
3. Select Priority and
press or to select
the channel.
4. Scroll to Save Changes
and press .
Skywarn
Skywarn™ repeaters relay severe weather reports directly
from amateur radio repeaters to local NWS offices.
NOTE: Some areas may not have available Skywarn
frequencies.
ToimportingSkywarnFrequencies:
1. Browse for Skywarn frequencies in the iScan library:
Browse Library United States 
(State) Counties/Cities (County) 
CategoriesAmateur Radio.
2. Select Skywarn and press SEL.
3. Press Menu. The Playlists appear.
4. Select the Skywarn playlist and press SEL.
ToactivateSkywarn:
1. Press once to enter Weather Mode.
2. Press again to activate Skywarn.
Note: Skywarn temporarily disables all other playlists.
S FM
NOAA Weather
Wx7 162.550000
SKIP = Standby
S FM
NOAA Weather
Wx7 162.550000
SKIP = Normal
SAME 1 FIPS
‚00000
moves cursor
SEL=OK, MENU=Back
7
6
‚
4
76 00
S FM
NOAA Weather
Wx7-P 162.550000
SKIP = Standby
Priority
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16 17
BackingUpYourScanner
As a mobile scanner, your iScan is desiged to simplify
changing locations with minimal configuration. V-Scanner II
stores up to 20 complete scanner configurations, including
objects and playlists, so that you can restore your scanner
programming any time, and you can save configurations for
multiple locations.
For example, if you travel between Texas and Colorado,
you can save your Texas programming in one V-Scanner II
folder and your Colorado programming in another. When
you travel, you can load the folder for your current location,
and your programming is complete.
TosaveaV-ScannerIIfolder:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Select Place and press .
3. Select Backup Data and press .
4. Press SEL.
ToloadaV-ScannerIIfolder:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select V-Scanner and press .
3. Press or to select the V-Scanner folder.
4. Press SEL.
TIP: After you have completely set up your scanner, save a
backup. A backup can save you a lot of work later.
Reprogramming Your iScan
To change your location by reprogramming, you must
clear your current programming. Otherwise, your
scanner will scan both locations.
NOTE: Clearing channels erases all current scanning
data. If you want to re-use this data in the future, save
the configuration in a V-Scanner II folder.
Toclearyourcurrentlocation:
1. Press MENU.
2. Scroll to Set Place and press .
3. Select Clear Channels and press .
4. Press SEL to confirm.
AdvancedFeatures
When you are able to scan, you can use advanced features
to improve your scanning experience.
Setting Up a Password
You can set a password to restrict access to you iScan.
1. Press MENU.
2. Scroll to Set Password and press 
3. Use the arrows to set the password.
4. Press SEL.
Note: The password can be reset using the iScan software,
if necessary.
Play Sets
If you have a large number of playlists configured, you can
manage them using play sets. Your iScan provides 20 play
sets that each contain a list of all 200 normal playlists and
the Skywarn playlist.
For example, you can define a play set for Texas and a play
set for Colorado. In each play set, enable or disable playlists
for that location. When you travel, you can enable and
disable play sets to reconfigure your iScan.
Todefineaplayset:
1. Press MENU to access the main menu.
2. Select Play Sets and press .
3. Use the four-direction pad to select a play set and
press SEL. Checkmarks ( ) indicate active play set.
4. Press MENU. The list of playlists appears.
5. Use the four-direction pad to select a playlist and
press SEL. Checkmarks ( ) indicate included playlists.
6. Press .
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18 19
Conguring Settings
To access configuration settings, select Settings from
the main menu,and press .
DefaultVals Restores default settings.
SimpleDisplay Limits the information on the display during
scanning or monitoring.
DefaultPL The default playlist for scanning and for saving
objects found during searches.
PriorityMode
PriorityTime
Enables Priority Mode, and sets the time
between priority scans. See "Priority
Scanning" on page 10.
EnableRecord Enables the record feature. See "Recording
and Playback" on page 21.
SearchRecord Records received search transmissions.
GAttenMode
GAttenOn
Enables Global Attenuation and activates GA.
See "Priority Scanning" on page 10.
SearchDgAGC Applies Digital AGC to digital transmissions.
GAGCMode
GAGCOn
Enables and activates Global AGC.
PlaySetsOpt Turns on the PlaySet Feature. See "Play Sets"
on page 17.
Sounds
Alerts
Sets iScan beeps and alert sounds.
Sets alerts: Off, Audio, Visual, Both
KeyBeeps
BeepVolume
Enables or disables key tones and sets key
tone volume.
AlertVolume Object and low battery alert volume.
Contrast Sets the LCD contrast.
LModeBAT
LModeEXT
Sets the backlight mode with batteries and
external power: Off, On, Stealth, Normal, Key,
Ignore.
LiteArea
LiteTime
LiteLevel
Sets LCD and keypad lighting.
Backlight duration and brightness.
WelcomeText
1-5 Message when iScan is first turned on.
BlinkTime1-2 Controls the display time for each item.
ShowRadioID Displays Radio ID (trunked systems).
Tagonly Displays only display name (trunked systems).
UseRIDAlert Displays an alert for transmissions with Radio ID.
ShowVC/CC Displays voice and control channel. Show
Radio ID will override. SimpleDisplay must be
unchecked.
ShowTGID Displays talkgroup ID. SimpleDisplay must be
unchecked.
ShowSite
Name Displays trunking site name, if two or more
trunking system sites are programmed.
SimpleDisplay must be unchecked.
CONVTGID
CONVRadioID
Displays the talkgroup ID for P25 conventional
talkgroup calls. Displays the Radio ID for P25
conventional calls.
SimpleDisplay must be unchecked.
PC/IFCCDump
Tofile
Limit
TrimLogs
Streams ASCII Control Channel Dump data
over the USB interface for trunking control
channels, stores ASCII Control Channel Dump
data to the microSD card, and sets a limit for
the number of Trim Logs that are sent: 100,
200, 500, 1000.
LowBattTime Interval (seconds) between low-battery alerts.
ChargeTime Sets the radio charge time.
TGDisp Display format for talkgroup IDs.
M36StatBits Uses status bits to track Motorola 3600 baud
trunking talkgroup calls.
M36ENC ignores encrypted bits on Motorola 3600 bps
control channel systems
EDACDig ignores encrypted bits on EDACS control
channel systems
BandPlan Selects USA or Canada.
FlexStep Allows smaller steps between frequencies.
EncMode For encrypted transmissions: Noise, Silent,
or Tone.
EncLevel Sets the encrypted call tone level.
IFOut Routes the IF Discriminator signal to the
headphone jack.
DSPLevelAdapt Controls how fast the DSP adjusts to varying
P25 levels (default: 64). Higher = faster.
ADCGain Sets input signal to CODEC (default: +0dB).
DACGain Sets output signal from CODEC, varying the
decoded signal audio level (default: +0dB).
AutoPowerOn
At00:00
Mode:
Turns on your iScan at a specified time, to
a set function: Menu, Scan, Weather, or
Monitor.
PlaceSelect Disables the SetPlace option on the main
menu.
SigBar1-5 Sets the range for the Signal Strength
indicator.
DRAFT
DRAFT