Radio Shack 20-501 User manual

20-501
PRO-83 200 Channel
compact scanner w/sweep
search and lighted keypad
Read this user’s guide completely
before using your scanner

The Basics 2
Contents
The Basics
The FCC wants you to know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
powering your scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
using rechargeable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
using AC power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
using vehicle battery power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
setting up your scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
connecting the antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
connecting an optional antenna . . . . . . . . . . . 13
connecting an earphone/headphone . . . . . . . 14
connecting an extension speaker . . . . . . . . . . 15
attaching the belt clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
about your scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
a look at the keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
a look at the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
understanding banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
service banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
channel storage banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Beyond the Basics
operating your scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
turning on the scanner and setting squelch . . 25
storing known frequencies into channels . . . . 25
searching for and temporarily storing
active frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
service search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

3 The Basics
storing frequencies into channels during
service search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
scanning the stored channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
manually selecting a channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
signal stalker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Skywarn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
WX alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
chain search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
paging system eliminator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
storing frequencies found during chain
search into channel memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
program band select mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
direct entry search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
storing frequencies found during direct
entry search into channel memory . . . . . . . . 44
search skip memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
turning channel-storage banks on and off . . . . 48
locking out channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
priority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
using keylock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
wired programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
using the display/key backlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
frequently asked questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
©2004. RadioShack Corporation. All rights reserved.
RadioShack and RadioShack.com are trademarks used by
RadioShack Corporation.

The Basics 4
The FCC wants you to know
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Consult your local RadioShack store or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
• If you cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop
using your scanner.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by RadioShack may
cause interference and void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
You must use shielded interface cables with this equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

5 The Basics
powering your scanner
You can power your scanner from any of three
sources:
• internal batteries (not supplied)
• standard AC power (using an optional
AC adapter)
• vehicle battery power (using an optional
DC adapter)
Before installing batteries, set the switch in the
battery compartment to match the type of batteries
you will use. Select RECHARGEABLE for all
non-alkaline battery types, including lithium, Ni-Cd
and Ni-MH.
Remove battery cover and set battery switch.

The Basics 6
Install 2 AA batteries, matching the polarity
symbols (+ -).
Replace the cover.

7 The Basics
Warning: Set ALKALINE/RECHARGEABLE to
RECHARGEABLE for use only with nickel cadmium
(Ni-Cd) or nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable
batteries. Never attempt to recharge non-
rechargeable batteries. Non-rechargeable batteries
can get hot or explode if you try to recharge them.
Cautions:
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size and
recommended type.
• Do not mix batteries of different capacities or
different chemistries.
• Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries
can leak chemicals that destroy electronic
circuits.
When flashes and the scanner beeps every 15
seconds, replace both batteries.
Warning: Always dispose of old batteries promptly
and properly. Do not bury or burn them.
using rechargeable batteries
You can also use two rechargeable batteries to
power your scanner. Before you use Ni-Cd or Ni-MH
batteries, you must charge them.
The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you
recharge Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries while they are in
the scanner. To charge the batteries, set ALKALINE/

The Basics 8
RECHARGEABLE inside the battery compartment to
RECHARGEABLE, install the batteries in the scanner,
and connect an external AC or DC adapter to the
scanner's DC 6V jack (see “using AC power” on
Page 10 or “using vehicle battery power” on
Page 11).
Warning: Do not connect either the AC or DC
adapter to the scanner if non-rechargeable batteries
(such as alkaline batteries) are installed in the scan-
ner and ALKALINE/RECHARGEABLE is set to
RECHARGEABLE, or if you are unsure of the
switch's position. Non-rechargeable batteries will
get hot and can even explode if you try to recharge
them.
Before you use Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries for the first
time, charge them for 14 hours to bring them to a
full charge.
Discharged batteries take about 14 hours to fully
recharge.
Notes:
• Ni-Cd batteries last longer and deliver more
power if you occasionally let them fully
discharge. To do this, simply use the scanner
until it beeps every 15 seconds and flashes.
• To prevent damage to Ni-Cd batteries, never
charge them in an area where the temperature is
above 113°F (40°C) or below 40°F (4°C).

9 The Basics
• If you connect an external power source to the
scanner with ALKALINE/RECHARGEABLE set to
ALKALINE, CHArg appears but the scanner
does NOT charge the batteries. This is because
the scanner's microprocessor unit does not
recognize the switch position when you
incorrectly connect an external power source.
Make sure that you use the correct batteries and
set ALKALINE/RECHARGEABLE to the correct
position when you connect an external power
source.
Important: The EPA certified RBRC
Battery Recycling Seal on the
rechargeable battery indicates
RadioShack is voluntarily
participating in an industry program
to collect and recycle these batteries
a the end of their useful life, when taken out of
service in the United States or Canada. The RBRC
program provides a convenient alternative to
placing used rechargeable batteries into the trash or
the municipal waste stream, which may be illegal in
your area. Please call 1-800-THE-SHACK
(1-800-843-7422) for information on rechargeable
battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in
your area. RadioShack's involvement in this
program is part of the company's commitment to
preserving our environment and conserving our
natural resources.

The Basics 10
using AC power
You can power the scanner using a 6V, 300 mA AC
adapter and a size B Adaptaplug™ adapter (neither
supplied). Both are available at your local
RadioShack store.
Cautions:
• You must use a Class 2 power source that
supplies 6V DC and delivers at least 300 mA.
Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug
must fit the scanner's DC 6V jack. Using an
adapter that does not meet these specifications
could damage the scanner or the adapter.
• Always connect the AC adapter to the scanner
before you connect it to AC power. When you
finish, disconnect the adapter from AC power
before you disconnect it from the scanner.
Follow these steps to use the scanner on AC power.
 Make sure the power is turned off.
 Insert the Adaptaplug into the AC adapter's
cord so it reads TIP +. Then, insert the
Adaptaplug into the scanner's DC 6V jack.
 Plug the AC adapter into a standard AC outlet.

11 The Basics
using vehicle battery power
You can power the scanner from a vehicle's 12V
power source (such as a cigarette-lighter socket)
using a 6V, 300 mA DC adapter and a size B
Adaptaplug (neither supplied). Both are available at
your local RadioShack store.
Cautions:
• You must use a power source that supplies 6V DC
and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must
be set to positive and its plug must fit the scan-
ner's DC 6V jack. Using an adapter that does not
meet these specifications could damage the
scanner or the adapter.
• Always connect the DC adapter to the scanner
before you connect it to the power source.
When you finish, disconnect the adapter from
the power source before you disconnect it from
the scanner.
Make sure the power is turned off.
If the adapter has a voltage switch, set the switch
to 6V.
 Insert the Adaptaplug into the DC adapter's cord
so it reads TIP +. Then, insert the Adaptaplug into
the scanner's DC 6V jack.
Plug the other end of the adapter into your
vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket.

The Basics 12
If rechargeable batteries are installed and
ALKALINE/RECHARGEABLE is set to
RECHARGEABLE, the adapter powers the scanner
and recharges the installed batteries at the same
time.
Note: If the scanner does not operate properly
when you use a DC adapter, unplug the adapter
from the cigarette-lighter socket and clean the
socket to remove ashes and debris.

13 The Basics
setting up your scanner
connecting the antenna
To attach the supplied flexible antenna to the
connector on the top of your scanner, align the slots
around the antenna's connector with the tabs on the
scanner's BNC connector. Then slide the antenna's
connector down over the scanner's connector and
rotate the antenna connector's outer ring clockwise
until it locks into place.
connecting an optional antenna
The scanner's BNC connector makes it easy to
connect a variety of optional antennas, including an
external mobile antenna or outdoor base station
antenna. Your local RadioShack store sells a wide
selection of antennas.

The Basics 14
Note: Always use 50-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8, coaxial
cable to connect an outdoor antenna. If the antenna
is more than 50 feet from the scanner, use RG-8 low-
loss dielectric coaxial cable. If your antenna's cable
does not have a BNC connector, your local
RadioShack store carries a variety of BNC adapters.
connecting an earphone/headphone
For private listening, you can plug a 1/8-inch
(3.5 mm) mini-plug earphone or mono headphones
(not supplied) into the headphone jack on top of
your scanner. This automatically disconnects the
internal speaker.
listening safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines
when you use an earphone or headphones.
• Do not listen at extremely high volume levels.
Extended high-volume listening can lead to
permanent hearing loss.
• Set the volume to the lowest setting before you
begin listening. After you begin listening, adjust
the volume to a comfortable level.

15 The Basics
• Once you set the volume, do not increase it.
Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level,
so a volume level that does not cause discom-
fort might still damage your hearing.
traffic safety
Do not use an earphone or headphones with your
scanner when operating a motor vehicle in or near
traffic. Doing so can create a traffic hazard and could
be illegal in some areas.
If you use an earphone or headphones with your
scanner, be very careful. Do not listen to a
continuous broadcast. Even though some
earphones/headphones let you hear some outside
sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they
still can present a traffic hazard.
connecting an extension speaker
In a noisy area, an optional extension speaker, posi-
tioned in the right place, might provide more com-
fortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's 1/8-inch
(3.5-mm) mini-plug into your scanner's headphone
jack. Your local RadioShack store carries a selection
of suitable speakers.
Warning: If you connect an external speaker to the
scanner's headphone jack, never connect the audio
output line to a power supply and ground. This
might damage the scanner.

The Basics 16
attaching the belt clip
To make your scanner easier to carry when you are
on the go, use the supplied belt clip. Use a Phillips
screwdriver and the supplied screws to attach the
clip to the scanner.

17 The Basics
about your scanner
We use a few simple terms in this manual to explain
the features of the scanner. Familiarize yourself with
these terms and the scanner's features, and you can
put the scanner to work for you right away. Simply
determine the type of communications you want to
receive, and then set the scanner to scan those
communications.
A frequency, expressed in kHz or MHz, is the tuning
location of a station. To find active frequencies, you
use the search function or refer to a frequency refer-
ence.
Besides searching within a selected frequency
range, you can also search your scanner's service
banks. Service banks are preset groups of frequen-
cies categorized by the type of services that use
those frequencies. For example, many amateur
radio frequencies are located in the HAM service
bank.
When you search and find a desired frequency, you
can store it into a programmable memory location
called a channel. Channels are grouped into
channel-storage banks. The scanner has 10 channel-
storage banks and each bank has 20 channels. You
can scan the channel-storage banks to see if there is
activity on the frequencies stored there.

The Basics 18
a look at the keypad
Your scanner's keys have various functions labeled
on the key tops and below the keys.
To select the function labeled on a key, simply press
the key. To select the function labeled below a key,
first press FUNC then release it. appears on the
display. Then quickly press the next key in the
function key sequence while appears.
appears or disappears as you press FUNC.
If your scanner's keys seem confusing at first, the
following information should help you understand
each key's function.
HOLD//:
HOLD Holds the scan or the frequency search.
Press and hold HOLD to increment channels
continuously.
FUNC + Switches between the three signal
stalker modes.
F
F
F

19 The Basics
SCAN/SRCH:
SCAN Scans the stored channels.
FUNC+ SRCH Starts chain search or resumes
searching.
/KEYLOCK:
Turns the display and key backlight on or off.
FUNC+ KEYLOCK Locks and unlocks the keypad.
FUNC Lets you use various functions by pressing
this key in combination with other keys.
Press and hold for more than 2 seconds to turn
the scanner on or off.
1/PRIORITY:
1Enters a 1.
FUNC + PRIORITY Sets and turns the priority
function on or off.
2/:
2Enters a 2.
FUNC + Selects the scan or search direction.

The Basics 20
3/SVC:
3Enters a 3.
FUNC + SVC Lets you search the five service
search banks.
4/ALT:
4Enters a 4.
FUNC + ALT Turns the WX alert function on or
off.
5/DLY:
5Enters a 5.
FUNC + DLY Turns the delay function on or off.
6/B.SLCT:
6Enters a 6.
FUNC + B.SLCT Goes to program band select
mode.
7 Enters a 7.
8/ :
8Enters an 8.
FUNC + Selects the scan or search direction.