Radio Shack 20-427 PRO-2054 User manual

Please read this user’s guide before installing,
setting up and using your new product
www.radioshack.com
20-4
27
PRO-2054 300 channel
mobile/base scanner

user’s guide•quick start guide•preloaded data addendum
what’s included
Thank you for purchasing your PRO-2054 300 channel
mobile/base scanner from RadioShack. You can mount
your scanner in a fi xed position and use it as a base
scanner or you can use it as a mobile scanner by
mounting it in a vehicle. This scanner lets you scan
conventional transmissions and is preprogrammed with
search banks for convenience. By pressing a one touch
search key, you can quickly search those frequencies most
commonly used by public service and other agencies
without tedious and complicated programming.
AC adapter
DC cable w/fuse
DIN sleeve (1)
and keys (2)
antenna
Mounting
bracket
Knob (2)
Rubber washer (2)
Lock washer (2)
Screw (2)
Rubber foot (3)
scanner

3
Contents
The Basics
features
....................................................
6
key
pad
................................................................
6
rear view
............................................................
8
display
................................................................
9
installing your scanner
.............................
installing your scanner .............................installing your scanner
1
0
mounting your scanner
in
your
dashb
oard
............................................
1
0
m
obile mounting in your vehicle
....................
1
1
using your scanner as a base station
.............
1
2
p
owering your scanner
.............................
owering your scanner .............................owering your scanner
1
3
from a wall outlet
.............................................
1
3
through your vehicle’s ignition
.......................
1
4
from your vehicle’s ciga
rrette lighter
.............
1
5
connecting your scanner
...........................
connecting your scanner ...........................connecting your scanner
1
6
connect the supplied
antenna
........................
1
6
connect an external antenna
...........................
1
6
connect an external speaker
or headphones
..............................................
1
7
listening safely
.................................................
1
8
traffi c safety
.....................................................
1
8
quick start
................................................
1
9
understanding channel storage banks
...........
1
9
using your scanner
..................................
using your scanner ..................................using your scanner
2
0
turning on the scanner
and setting squelch
......................................
2
0
manually tuning a frequency
..........................
2
1
scanning the channels
....................................
2
2

4
Contents
Beyond the Basics
advanced functions
..................................
2
3
storing known frequencies
into channels
................................................
2
3
searching the one touch banks
.......................
2
5
copying a frequency into
a
specifi ed channel
.......................................
2
7
copying a frequency into
a vacant channel
...........................................
2
8
copying a frequency into
the
priority channel
......................................
2
8
band charts
......................................................
2
9
WX (weather) band
.........................................
2
9
MAR (marine) band
.........................................
2
9
F/P (police/fi re) band
.......................................
3
1
AIR (aircraft) band
...........................................
3
1
HAM (amateur) band
.......................................
3
2
turning channel-storage
banks off and on
...........................................
3
2
monitoring a single channel
...........................
3
3
deleting frequencies from channels
...............
3
3
l
istening to the marine bank
...........................
3
3
listening to the weather band
.........................
3
4
listening to a weather channel
........................
3
4
weather alert
....................................................
3
4
s
kywarn
............................................................
3
5
s
ignal stalker II
.................................................
3
6
using signal stalker II
.......................................
3
7
using signal stalker II with lockout
..................
3
8
using delay
.......................................................
3
9

5
Contents
locking out channels or frequencies
..............
3
9
locking out channels
.......................................
4
0
reviewing locked out channels
.......................
4
0
locking out frequencies
...................................
4
0
reviewing locked out frequencies
...................
4
1
clearing a locked out frequency
.....................
4
1
clearing all locked out frequencies
in the F/P, AIR or HAM search bank
............
4
1
priority
..............................................................
4
2
programming the priority
channel directly
............................................
4
3
programming a weather channel
as the priority channel
..................................
4
3
using the attenuator
........................................
4
4
turning the key tone on and off
......................
turning the key tone on and off ......................turning the key tone on and off
4
4
using the dimmer
............................................
4
5
cloning the programmed data
........................
4
5
caring for your scanner
............................
caring for your scanner ............................caring for your scanner
4
6
replacing the fuse
............................................
4
6
service and repair
............................................
4
6
birdie frequencies
............................................
4
6
resetting/initializing your scanner
...................
4
7
resetting your scanner
....................................
4
7
initializing your scanner
..................................
4
8
specifi cations
..........................................
4
9
t
he FCC wants you to know
......................
5
1
s
canning legally
...............................................
5
1
glossary
..................................................
5
2
f
requently asked questions
......................
5
3

6
T
h
e Basics
features
keypad
DIM
Adjusts the backlight level (Light, Dark, or OFF).
L/OUT
L
ocks out selected channels and skips specifi ed
frequencies during a search.
CLEAR
Clears an incorrect entry.
PROG
Programs frequencies in selected channels.
PWR/VOL/SQ
Long kno
b turns the device
ON/OFF and controls
volume. Short knob controls squelch.
PC/IF
Connect data cable for cloning or connecting to a PC.
s
Use a
¹
∕
¹∕¹
8
∕8∕
“ jack to attach headphones here
.

7
T
he Basics
PRI
Turns the priority function on
or off.
ATT
Press to acti
vate or deactivate
att
enuation (reduce scanner
sensitivity or block strong
signals).
signals).
TUNE
and
PAUSE
Press
TUNE
to tune a frequ
ency.
Press PAUSE
to pause search or
tune operation.
SCAN/
Scans through programmed
channels, or activates the Signal
MAN
Stops scanning and lets you
directly enter a channel number.

or

Press to scan or search in either
direction.
WX
/
WX/WX
Scans t
hrough the seven
preprogrammed weather
channels, or jumps to a Sky
warn
channel you have programmed.
F/P
Lets you search the scanner’s
preprogrammed fi re/police band.
FUNC
Press in combination with
other
keys to perform various
functions.
AIR
Lets you search the scanner’s
preprogrammed aircraft band.
HAM
Lets you search the scanner’s
preprogrammed amateur radio
band.
MAR
Lets you search the scanner’s
preprogrammed marine band.

8
T
h
e Basics
rear view
./DELAY
Press to enter a decimal point. Press to
p
rogram delay time for a ch
annel/search
bank.
ENT
ENT
Completes the entry of
frequenc
frequenc
frequenc
y numbers.
ANT
Connect antenna
here.
Screw Hole
Use to mount your scanner in
a car
(
hardwar
e not sup
plied).
EXT SP
Connect
an external speaker
here.
DC 13.8V
Connect power source
Connect power source
here.
RESET
Press to reset
your scanner.
your scanner.
your scanner.
Press these keys to enter a number.

9
T
he Basics
display
Program
mode
indicator
Scan mode
indicator
Manual
mode
indicator
Scan/
search
direction
indicator
Search indicator
Receiving frequency
and status indicator
Lockout
on/off
Delay
on/off
Channel storage
bank/search sub-bank
indicator
Listening to fire/police band
Listening to aircraft band
Listening to marine band
Grobal attenuator on/off
ATT (attenuator) on/off
Priority on/off
Stalker
function
on/off
Listening to
WX (weather)
band
Channel/priority
channel indicator
Listening
to
Skywarn
channel
Listening to
amateur
radio band

10
T
h
e Basics
installing your scanner
You can mount your scanner in your vehicle,
install it for mobility, or install it as a base station.
mounting your scanner
in your dashboard
If you are unsure about how to install your
scanner in your vehicle, consult your automobile
manufacturer, dealer, or a qualifi ed installer.
Before installing, confi rm your scanner fi ts in
the desired mounting area and you have all the
necessary materials. Your scanner requires a
2 x 7
1
/
8
/8/
x 5
5
/
5/ 5
16
inch (50 x 180 x 135 mm)
mounting area.
1. Remove the
four rear screws
and pull off the
black case before
installing your
scanner.
2. Install the DIN
sleeve into the
opening in your
dashboard, lip
facing out.
3. Push out the top
and bottom tabs to hold the sleeve fi rmly in
place.
4. Slide the scanner into the sleeve until it locks
in place.


in your dashboard
If you are unsure about how to install your
scanner in your vehicle, consult your automobile
manufacturer, dealer, or a qualifi ed installer.
in your dashboard
NOTE

11
T
he Basics
To remove your
scanner from the
DIN sleeve, insert
the two keys
straight into the
scanner’s front
panel. Then, remove
the scanner by pulling front panel.
When mounting in your dashboard, you will
need to connect an external antenna and an
external speaker.
mobile mounting in your vehicle
You can mount your scanner under the
dashboard, or on top of it, using the mounting
bracket.
1
.
Attach
the three
protective
rubber
feet to the
mounting
bracket
when you
use the
scanner on a
fl at surface.
Do not use
them when
you mount
the bracket
with screws.





To remove your
scanner from the
DIN sleeve, insert
NOTES

12
T
h
e Basics
2
.
Use the supplied mounting bracket as a
template to mark positions for the two
mounting screws.
3.
At the marked positions, drill holes slightly
smaller than the screws.
4
.
Remove the paper backing from each washer
and stick one inside of each bracket’s ear,
aligning the washer’s hole with the bracket’s
hole.
5.
Attach the mounting bracket to your vehicle’s
surface using the supplied screws and
lockwashers.
6
.
Slide the scanner into the bracket, aligning the
scanner’s holes with the holes in the bracket,
and then screw the mounting knobs into the
scanner.
CAUTION
:
CAUTION:CAUTION
When drilling holes, be sure to avoid
obstructions behind the mounting surface.
When in doubt, consult a qualifi ed installer.
using your scanner as a base station
You can place your scanner on a desk, shelf, or
table to use it as a base station. Since the speaker
is on the bottom of the scanner, you may want to
use the mounting bracket to elevate your scanner
off the surface for better sound. Follow the mobile
vehicle mounting instructions above to affi x
your scanner to a desk, shelf, table, or other fl at
surface (except that the bracket will be below the
scanner).
CAUTION
obstructions behind the mounting surface.
When in doubt, consult a qualifi ed installer.
NOTE

13
T
he Basics
powering your scanner
You can power your scanner from a wall outlet,
through your vehicle’s ignition, or from your
vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
from a wall outlet
1
.
Connect the tip of the supplied AC adapter to
the DC 13.8V jack at the rear of your scanner.
2.
Plug the AC adapter into your wall outlet.
CAUTION:
You must use a Class 2 power
source that supplies 13.8V DC and delivers
at least 600mA. Its center tip must be set to
positive and its plug must fi t the scanner’s
DC
13.8V
jack. Using an adapter that does not meet
these specifi cations could damage the scanner
or the adapter.
WARNING:
To prevent electric shock, do not
use the AC adapter’s polarized plug with an
extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet
unless you can fully insert the blades to
prevent blade exposure.


CAUTION:
source that supplies 13.8V DC and delivers
at least 600mA. Its center tip must be set to
NOTES

14
T
h
e Basics
through your vehicle’s ignition
1
.
Disconnect the cable from the negative (-)
terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
2
.
Ground the black wire of the supplied DC
power cord to your
vehicle’s chassis.
CAUTION:
Be sure
the grounding
screw makes complete contact with the metal
frame of your vehicle.
3
.
Connect the red wire of the supplied DC
power cord to a voltage source that turns
on and off with the ignition switch, such as
a spare accessory terminal in your vehicle’s
fuse box.
4. Insert the power
cord’s barrel plug
into the scanner’s
DC 13.8V
jack.
5
.
Reconnect the
cable to the
negative (-)
terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
CAUTION:
You must use a power source that
supplies 12V DC and delivers at least 600
mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and
its plug must fi t the scanner’s
DC 13.8V
jack.
The supplied DC power cord meets these
specifi cations. Using a power cord that does
not meet these specifi cations could damage
the scanner or the adapter.
Rear View
CAUTION:
the grounding
screw makes complete contact with the metal
NOTE
terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
CAUTION:
supplies 12V DC and delivers at least 600
mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and
NOTE

15
T
he Basics
from your vehicle’s cigarrette lighter
To power your scanner from a 12V power source
in your vehicle, such as a cigarette-lighter socket,
you need a 12V, 600 mA DC cigarette-lighter
adapter (not supplied), available at your local
RadioShack store.
1
.
Insert the adapter’s barrel plug into the
scanner’s
DC 13.8V
jack.
2
.
Plug the adapter’s other end into your
vehicle’s cigarette lighter or power socket.
When you use a cigarette-lighter adapter, you
might hear electrical noise from your engine
while scanning. This is normal.
vehicle’s cigarette lighter or power socket.
When you use a cigarette-lighter adapter, you
might hear electrical noise from your engine
while scanning. This is normal.
NOTE

16
T
h
e Basics
connecting your scanner
connect the supplied antenna
Push the antenna
onto your scanner’s
antenna connector
and rotate until it
locks into place.
Your scanner’s
sensitivity to
various frequencies
depends on its
location and the
antenna’s length. For best reception, adjust the
antenna’s length as follows:
Frequency
Antenna Length
28—54 MHz
Extend fully
108—174 MHz
Extend 4 segments
406—960 MHz
Collapse Fully
connect an external antenna
You will need to
connect an external
antenna when you
mount your scanner
in the dashboard of
your vehicle. You
may also want to
connect an external
antenna if you use
your scanner as a base station.

17
T
he Basics
Your local RadioShack store sells a variety of
antennas. Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such
as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor antenna.
For lengths exceeding 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss
dielectric coaxial cable. If your coaxial cable does
not have a BNC connector, you will also need a
BNC adapter (not supplied).
WARNING:
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.
connect an external speaker or
headphones
When you mount your scanner in your
dashboard, you will need to connect an external
speaker or headphones.
C
onnect external
speaker here
C
onnect
headphones
here
WARNING:
installing or removing an outdoor antenna.
If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It
NOTE

18
T
h
e Basics
listening safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines
when you use headphones.
• Adjust
VOL
(volume) to its lowest level before
VOL (volume) to its lowest level before VOL
putting on headphones. With the headphones
on, adjust
VOL
to a comfortable level.
VOL to a comfortable level.VOL
• Avoid increasing the volume once you set
it. Over time, your sensitivity to volume
decreases, so volume levels that do not cause
discomfort might damage your hearing.
• Avoid listening at high volume levels.
Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can
cause permanent hearing loss.
traffi c safety
Do not wear headphones while driving. This can
create a traffi c hazard and is illegal in some areas.
Even though some headphones let you hear
outside sounds when you listen at normal levels,
they still can present a traffi c hazard.

19
T
he Basics
quick start
To help familiarize yourself with the scanner’s
functions, keypad, and available frequencies, you
can utilize one of these three features before you
begin programming the scanner.
Signal Stalker II:
searches nearby strong signals
quickly. See “Signal Stalker II”.
One-Touch Search Banks:
allow you to listen to
frequencies and decide which frequencies you
want to store when you are ready to program the
scanner. See “Searching the One Touch Banks”.
Manual Tuning:
allows you to manually move
through the entire range of available frequencies.
(See “Specifi cations” for a list of the available
frequency ranges.)
understanding channel storage banks
A bank is a storage area for a group of channels.
Channels are storage areas for frequencies. While
a channel can only contain one frequency, a bank
can hold numerous channels.
To make it easier to identify and select the
channels you want to listen to, your scanner
divides the channels into 10 banks (1 to 10) of
30 channels each, a total of 300 channels. You
can use each channel-storage bank to group
frequencies.
The scanner is preset so that each bank is
turned on (see “Turning Channel-Storage
Banks Off and On”).
The scanner is preset so that each bank is
turned on (see “Turning Channel-Storage
Banks Off and On”).
NOTE

20
T
h
e Basics
using your scanner
turning on the scanner
and setting squelch
1. To turn on the scanner, turn
VOL
clockwise.
VOL clockwise. VOL
WELCOME
appears. After about 3 seconds, you
might hear a hissing sound. Then adjust
VOL
to
VOL to VOL
a comfortable level.
2. Turn
SQ
fully counterclockwise, then turn
SQ
clockwise until the hissing sound stops.
3. To turn off the scanner, turn
VOL
counterclockwise to
OFF
.
The scanner does not scan if there are no
frequencies stored in channels. If the scanner
does not scan and you have already stored
frequencies in channels, turn
SQ
clockwise.
SQ clockwise.SQ
• If the scanner picks up unwanted, partial, or
very weak transmissions, turn
SQ
clockwise
to decrease the scanner’s sensitivity to these
signals. If you want to listen to a weak or
distant station, turn
SQ
counterclockwise.
• If
SQ
is adjusted so you always hear a hissing
sound, the scanner will not scan properly.
• If
SQ
is adjusted precisely at the threshold
where the hissing sound stops, the radio will
be most sensitive to very weak signals. The
radio may also receive unwanted noise or
signals that are too weak to understand. Most
users prefer to position the squelch control
a little bit past the point of threshold to avoid
receiving noise or signals that are too weak to
understand.
The scanner does not scan if there are no
frequencies stored in channels. If the scanner
does not scan and you have already stored
NOTE