Radio Shack ADV0801 User manual

ADV0801 Owner’s Manual Draft
RadioShack
ADV0801
Digital Trunking Handheld Scanner
Thank you for purchasing your Digital Trunking Handheld Radio Scanner from RadioShack.
Your scanner scans conventional frequencies and trunked systems. Please read this user’s guide
before installing, setting up and using your new scanner.
What’s Included
Scanner Antenna Rechargeable battery case
Non-rechargeable battery holder Belt clip User’s Guide
RadioShack, RadioShack.com, V-Scanner, and Adaptaplug are trademarks used by RadioShack
Corporation. Motorola, Smartnet, Smartzone, Omnilink, ASTRO and Privacy Plus are
registered trademarks of Motorola Inc. EDACS and ProVoice are registered trademarks of
MA-COM Inc. LTR is a registered trademark of E.F. Johnson, Inc. The IMBE™ voice coding
Technology embodied in this product is protected by intellectual property rights including
patent rights, copyrights and trade secrets of Digital Voice Systems, Inc. This voice coding
Technology is licensed solely for use within this Communications Equipment. The user of this
Technology is explicitly prohibited from attempting to decompile, reverse engineer, or
disassemble the Object Code, or in any other way convert the Object Code into a human
readable form. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,870,405 and 5,517,511.
© 2008 RadioShack Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Contents
will add
Introduction
Welcome to an exciting new world of radio scanning! Recognizing that contemporary scanning
receivers are too hard to program and use, our engineers conducted extensive research to
determine the functional requirements for an entirely new scanning receiver user interface. We
call this new user interface the Object Oriented User Interface (OOUI), and it is based on the
premise that, to a hobbyist, a scanner is easiest to use if all of the things that can be scanned
are handled using common conventions for interaction between the user and the radio, at least
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to the extent that this is possible given that the “things” that can be scanned are different from
one another in either subtle or major ways.
In this new user interface design, we call “things” that can be scanned Scannable Objects.
Simply put, a Scannable Object is defined as something that can be scanned or monitored.
Scannable Objects include the following:
Conventional, non-trunked radio channels
Trunked talkgroups used on a trunked radio system
Service searches to search for a specific radio service
Search ranges with upper and lower limits
Signal Stalker II setups with band segments that can be enabled or disabled by the user
One of the goals of the Object Oriented User Interface is to make the scanner as easy to use as
possible. The OOUI does this by treating all Scannable Objects the same in terms of how they
are created, edited, manipulated and grouped. Once you have learned how to create and store a
conventional channel, you know most of what you need to know to create a trunking talkgroup,
and so on.
While we have designed this radio to be the easiest scanning receiver in its class to program and
use, we encourage you to read this manual in its entirety so that you will fully understand all of
the radio’s capabilities. However, if you consider yourself to be an experienced scanning hobbyist
and are feeling adventurous, we invite you to dive right in and get started programming your
favorite “objects” into the radio.
Features
Intuitive "Object Oriented" User Interface Design is designed for ease of use, yet powerful
enough to satisfy the most sophisticated experts. Common data entry, browsing and control
methods are used for non-trunked conventional channels, trunking talkgroups, search
configurations and Signal Stalker II setups. The radio grows with you – you can start out with a
small, easy to manage configuration, then expand it whenever you need to.
Menu Driven Programming With Context Sensitive Help - Each menu item provides a few lines
of help text that provide assistance with programming and using the scanner.
Powerful and flexible Scan List functionality allows you to arrange, group and scan objects
according to your preference.
Flexible Free-Form Memory Organization - memory is assigned as objects are created using a
sophisticated internal file management system. You are not constrained to traditional
bank/channel scanner memory layouts. No memory is wasted as a result of bank/channel
programming constraints. The scanner has sufficient main memory capacity to store over 1,800
conventional channels, trunking talkgroups, search configurations and Signal Stalker II objects
in any combination, providing ample capacity for more sophisticated hobbyists and
professionals while keeping the database size manageable for beginners.
Exclusive V-Scanner Technology - Allows you to save complete radio configurations within the
radio, for recall into main memory as needed in the field. This is similar to having a laptop
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computer and programming software available anytime. You can use V-Scanners to store
configurations for different geographical areas or usage styles. Twenty one V-Scanner Folders
are provided, each capable of storing over 1,800 objects. Total memory capacity of main memory
combined with V-Scanners is over 37,800 objects!
SKYWARN Storm Spotter Functionality - Instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter
networks. You can monitor storm conditions as they occur, and become aware of dangerous
conditions before the media or emergency management officials are able to announce them to
the general public.
SAME and All Hazards Weather Alerting - Your scanner can operate in dedicated Specific Area
Message Encoding (SAME) weather alerting mode, and alert you to severe weather and other
hazards in the specific area(s) that you select, or, your scanner can check your local NOAA
weather frequency periodically, even while scanning and alert you when an All Hazards alert
occurs.
Multi-System Trunking - Scans most common trunked radio system signaling formats,
including Motorola, EDACS, LTR and P25 trunked radio networks. Both talkgroup and
individual call monitoring are supported.
Automatic Adaptive Digital Tracking - When monitoring P25 digital systems, instantly adapts
the digital decoder to the digital modulation format of the transmitted signal, then analyzes the
signal over 50 times each second and adapts to any subtle changes caused by multipath or
fading. No cumbersome manual adjustments are required.
Digital AGC - instantly compensates for low user audio levels that are very common on digital
systems. This makes the radio easier to listen to, and provides you with a more enjoyable
scanning experience.
LTR Home Repeater AutoMove - Takes the guesswork out of programming LTR trunking
systems when the home repeater order is not known. Enter the LTR system frequencies in any
order, and the ADV0801 will automatically move the frequencies to the proper home repeater
slots as transmissions are received on the system.
The Best Subaudible Squelch Decoder in the Scanning Industry - CTCSS and DCS subaudible
squelch coding is processed by the same powerful DSP chip that is used for P25 digital decoding.
Provides fast and reliable decoding of subaudible squelch signaling with squelch tail
elimination.
Powerful Signal Stalker - Quickly sweeps the scanner’s frequency ranges for transmissions from
nearby sources. When a nearby active frequency is found, the scanner automatically tunes to
that frequency and receives the traffic.
P25 NAC Functionality - Much like CTCSS and DCS with analog signals, P25 Network Access
Code (NAC) is used to provide selective squelch operation on conventional digital channels. Your
ADV0801 will detect the NAC that is being used on a P25 conventional digital channel, and
allow you to program NAC codes to block transmissions that do not have a matching NAC,
including analog traffic on the same frequency!
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Exclusive ALERT LED - Programmable tri-color LED can be configured to illuminate or flash
when certain objects are active. Eight user-defined colors and brightness levels can be specified
from thousands of possible combinations. Provides visual alerts when certain channels are
active, e.g., blue can be used to signal activity on your primary police channel, red for fire, etc.
Audible alarms - Programmable audible alarms can be configured to sound when certain
Scannable Objects are active. Can be used in conjunction with, or separately from, the ALERT
LED described above.
High Speed PC Interface - uses Cat. No. 20-047 USB cable in full duplex mode at 6 times the
speed of previous scanner models for PC transfer and 8 times the speed of previous models for
radio to radio cloning.
Real-time Signal Strength Indicator – shows relative strength of received signals.
Sleek, compact case design with large speaker is designed for one-handed operation and ease of
use.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The ADV0801 Advanced Digital Scanner will not receive encrypted
radio communications, or radio transmissions that utilize ProVoice digital modulation.
What is Object Oriented Scanning?
To put it simply, Object Oriented Scanning describes a new user interface design for scanning
receivers (the Object Oriented User Interface, or OOUI). In Object Oriented Scanning, we
introduce the concept of the Scannable Object. A Scannable Object is defined as “something that
can be scanned”.
The Scannable Object concept is very important in the OOUI design. Recall that one of the more
frustrating things about current trunking scanners is that entirely different methods of
programming and interacting with the radio are used depending on whether the user is working
with trunking talkgroups or conventional channels. A method that works with one does not
work well with the other. The user must learn two entirely different “languages” for “talking to”
the radio – one for trunking and one for conventional, non-trunked frequencies.
What if it was possible to use the same basic “language” regardless of whether a user is working
with trunked talkgroups or conventional channels, such that once a user has learned how to
enter a conventional channel into memory, they already know most of what they need to know
to enter a trunked talkgroup? Or, a search range, or other “Scannable Objects”? This is how the
OOUI works – the two primary Scannable Objects, talkgroups on trunked radio systems and
conventional non-trunked frequencies use the same user interface elements.
Additionally, we include limit and service search configurations and Signal Stalker II
configurations as Scannable Objects. This means that it is possible to create, edit, group, scan
and delete service and limit searches, and Stalker configurations using the same methods that
are used when working with trunked talkgroups and conventional channels.
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Object Oriented Scanning also lends itself quite well to the “collector hobbyist model” we
describe above. Object Oriented Scanning makes it very easy for newcomers to the hobby or the
radio to start off with a small collection of scannable objects and expand their collection as
needed later. Object Oriented Scanning makes it easy to group Scannable Objects in Scan Lists,
a powerful and flexible grouping system. Object Oriented Scanning makes it easy to search for
new frequencies or talkgroups to monitor, and add them to existing or new Scan List groups.
Object Oriented Scanning makes it very easy to delete or deactivate objects and Scan Lists that
you do not want to listen to, including a powerful temporary lockout mode that allows you to
zero in on activity associated with a specific incident, then restore your desired configuration
when the incident is over. Finally, Object Oriented Scanning makes it exceedingly easy for the
scannist to enjoy the collection of channels and talkgroups they have programmed into the
scanner, and to share them with other scannists.
A Few Things To Remember about Object Oriented Scanning
Object oriented scanning is completely different from any prior scanning receiver technology.
Accordingly, some users may find it difficult to visualize and understand how Object Oriented
Scanning works. This may be especially true for users who have become very familiar with more
recent scanning receiver technologies.
We suggest that you keep the following “OOUI Tenets” in mind as you proceed with your study
of this manual. If you find yourself confused or stuck about the basics of Object Oriented
Scanning, it may be helpful to review this section again.
1. The OOUI memory organization is nothing more than a large list of "Scannable Objects".
2. A "Scannable Object" is simply "something that can be scanned", including conventional
channels, trunking talkgroups, limit searches, service searches and Signal Stalker II setups.
3. In OOUI scanning, there are no "systems", "banks", "groups", "sub-groups" or "ID lists". There
is simply a very large collection of objects, each with their own attributes. Scannable Objects all
exist at the same level or hierarchy within the scanner - no single type of Scannable Object is
more important than another, and Scannable Objects do not have dependencies on or links to
other Scannable Objects in order for them to function properly.
4. The primary method of grouping the collection of objects is by mapping them to Scan Lists.
Mapping a Scannable Object to one or more Scan Lists does not change the physical location of
the object in the memory system. Even when an object is mapped to one or more Scan Lists, the
object itself has not moved nor changed from what it is - a simple, standalone object that is part
of a larger collection.
About this manual
Object abbreviations used in this document
We described how your new scanner utilizes an Object Oriented User Interface in the
Introduction and Overview sections of this manual. You learned that the key components of this
new user interface are the Scannable Objects, which are, of course, “things that can be scanned”.
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As you begin to use your new scanner, you will notice that the object names are abbreviated so
that they can easily fit into the 16 character LCD. (Imagine what the radio’s display would look
like if “Trunking Talkgroup Object” was spelled out in its entirety every time it was necessary to
show it in the display.)
You should take a moment and become familiar with these abbreviations now. For consistency,
the same abbreviations for the different object types are used in the radio and here in the
manual.
TGRP
TGRP is used to represent a Trunking Talkgroup Object. Trunking Talkgroups are “virtual”
channels that exist on a trunked radio system. A trunked radio system is a radio system where
a small group of radio channels are automatically shared between a larger number of users and
user groups. This sharing of channels is managed automatically by a special computer, called a
controller, or by other specialized hardware. For now, all you need to know is this; if you want to
monitor a talkgroup on a trunked radio system, you must store that talkgroup’s parameters in a
TGRP object.
TSYS
TSYS is used to represent a Trunking System Object. A TSYS is a special object type that is
used when creating TGRP objects. A trunking talkgroup must be associated with a specific
trunked radio system in order for it to operate. There are parameters that are associated with
trunking systems, such as the type of trunked radio system technology used, the frequencies
that the system uses to broadcast control data, etc. Instead of entering these parameters over
and over again every time you create a new TGRP on the same trunked radio system, you create
a TSYS object with all of the system parameters, then specify that TSYS object for each TGRP
you create on the same trunked radio system. A TSYS cannot be scanned by itself and is not
considered a Scannable Object. It is a “configuration object” that can be used over and over
again when adding talkgroups for a specified trunked radio system.
CONV
CONV is used to represent a Conventional Channel Object. A Conventional Channel Object is a
regular, non-trunked frequency used for radio communications. CONV objects are used to store
the parameters for any radio channel that is not a part of a trunked system. For example, if you
want to monitor specific VHF marine channels, they should be programmed as CONV objects. If
you want to monitor your favorite amateur radio channel, it should be stored as a CONV object.
If your police or fire department uses a channel, or channels that are not trunked, but part of a
“plain old radio system”, they should be stored as CONV objects.
LMIT
LMIT is used to represent a Search Range, or Limit Search Object. LMIT objects contain the
parameters necessary for the radio to search a range of individual frequencies between a lower
and upper limit frequency.
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SRVC
SRVC is used to represent a Service Search Object. SRVC objects are further divided into Public
Safety, Aircraft, Amateur, CB, Marine, and FRS/GMRS/MURS/DOT. SRVC objects are similar to
LMIT objects, but are preprogrammed to search all frequencies associated with the selected
service. For example, selecting the Amateur SRVC search will search selected amateur radio
frequency ranges in the VHF and UHF portions of the radio spectrum.
STLK
STLK is used to represent a Signal Stalker II Object. STLK objects contain the parameters
necessary for the radio to rapidly sweep a range of radio spectrum for strong signals from
nearby transmitters.
The FCC Wants You To Know
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a scanning receiver,
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.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
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)
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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.
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Your ADV0801
The following illustrations are provided to help you get familiar with your ADV0801’s controls.
Top Escutcheon Control
Understanding the Display Icons
Your ADV0801 features a high contrast, backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) to provide
important information about the status of the radio while you are programming and using it.
The LCD includes a row of icons at the top that provides information about the status of the
scanner while it is operating. Beneath this row of icons, there are 4 rows of 16 characters each
that provide alphanumeric information for frequencies, object names, Scan List status and
menu information.
The top row of icons are defined as follows:
F The Function Key (FUNC) has been pressed. FUNC acts as a “shift” key and typically
enhances in some way the action of the button that follows it. When using FUNC, press the
FUNC key first and release it, then press the next key.
T The scanner is currently receiving trunking control channel data.
G The attenuator is set for Global mode.
A The attenuator is currently active.
S The radio’s squelch circuit is open.
meter Signal meter indicating strength of the received signal.
battery indicator Battery status indicator. Comes on solid when battery is weak, and
flashes two times each second when battery failure is imminent. Briefly flashes approximately
once every second when the radio is connected to external power and the internal battery
charger circuit is active.
NOTE: The “internal battery charger circuit active” indicator provides an indication that the
battery charger circuit is active, and does not provide positive indication that the batteries are
actually being charged. Batteries will not charge unless the yellow battery holder is used.
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^ v Menu position and search direction indicators.
Understanding the Keypad
Your ADV0801 features an easy-to understand backlit keypad with 34 keys that are used to
control and program the radio.
Softkeys
F1, F2, F3 - activate function shown in the LCD display immediately above the softkey.
Five Way Pushbutton Pad
< > ^ v keys are used for navigation while browsing objects and menus. SEL key activates data
entry fields and toggles Scan List selection in object menus. FUNC SEL activates context
sensitive help in menus.
Numeric Keypad
Used for data entry of frequencies, talkgroup IDs and alphanumeric labels. Used while scanning,
1-9 and 0 toggle Scan Lists 1-10 on and off. FUNC 1-9 and 0 toggle Scan Lists 11-20 on and off.
Operation Keys
FUNC - activates alternate key functions. FUNC key operation is very intuitive - typically it
“amplifies” the keypress that follows it.
(RIGHT) - activates backlight, FUNC (RIGHT) locks keypad.
MAN - Places scanner in Manual Mode for monitoring single objects.
SCAN - Places scanner in Scan Mode for scanning enabled objects, FUNC SCAN launches
Signal Stalker II.
TUNE - Allows direct tuning of any valid frequency, FUNC TUNE loads the current or most
recently scanned frequency into TUNE.
SRCH - Dedicated Search mode for service and frequency searches.
ATT - Toggles Attenuator on and off, FUNC ATT toggles Global Attenuator mode.
PRI - Toggles the Priority setting for selected or active object, FUNC PRI toggles Priority Mode
on or off for the scanner.
FAV - Activates Favorites Scan Mode, FUNC FAV adds the current object to the Favorites Scan
List.
WX - Activates Weather scan, FUNC WX activates Skywarn mode.
PGM - Places scanner in Program Mode for editing radio-wide options, adding new objects or
editing existing objects, FUNC PGM accesses V-Scanner mode.
L/OUT - Toggles Temporary Lockout on active or selected object, FUNC L/OUT applies
permanent lockout (can be changed in the GLOB menu).
ENT - Enter key.
PSE - Pauses scan or search operation on active object.
Getting Started
Connecting the Antenna
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You must install an antenna before you can operate the scanner. The supplied rubber antenna
helps your scanner receive strong local signals. To install the antenna, thread it clockwise into
the hole on top of the scanner.
The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety of
antennas. Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, to connect an outdoor
antenna. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If the antenna
cable’s connector does not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC adaptor.
WARNING: Use extreme caution when you 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, contact with 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.
Using the Belt Clip
You can use the belt clip attached to the back of the scanner for hands-free carrying when you
are on the go. The ADV0801 ships with the belt clip already installed. To remove the belt clip,
use your finger to disengage the retaining catch at the top of the belt clip from the back of radio,
and slide the belt clip upwards. To install the belt clip, slide it down into the belt clip receptacle
on the rear of the radio. Press down on the belt clip until it locks in place. Slide the belt clip over
your belt, pocket or waistband.
Powering Your Scanner
You can power your scanner with four AA batteries (not supplied), or an external power source.
Batteries
When battery power is low, battery icon appears on the display. When battery power is more
depleted (2nd warning), battery icon flashes and an audible low battery alert every 30 seconds.
For the longest operation and best performance, use alkaline batteries, available at your local
RadioShack store, or use RadioShack 1600 mAh nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable
batteries.
Rechargeable batteries last longer and deliver more power if you let them fully discharge once a
month. To do this, use the scanner until battery icon flashes.
Warning: Never install non-rechargeable batteries in the yellow rechargeable battery holder.
Non-rechargeable batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge them.
To install batteries:
1. Slide open the battery compartment cover on the back of the scanner.
2. Place 4 AA batteries into the correct battery holder matching polarity symbols (+ / -):
Black – Alkaline (non-rechargeable)
Yellow – Rechargeable
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3. Place the battery holder into the battery compartment and replace the cover.
WARNING: Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that destroy
electronic circuits. Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (alkaline, or
rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities. If you do not plan to use the
scanner with batteries for a month or longer, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals
that can destroy electronic parts. When you charge Ni-Cd batteries, do not over charge them.
Overcharging shortens battery life. Do not bury or burn them.
Set the battery type, if necessary
By default, your new scanner is configured to use standard alkaline batteries. Specifying the
proper type of battery is necessary for proper operation of the low battery detection feature, and
also enables the charge circuit if you are using rechargeable batteries.
If you are not using alkaline batteries, you should change the battery type by following these
steps:
1. Press PGM.
2. Press F3, which should show the label GLOB immediately above it in the LCD.
3. Press v nine times, or until the middle line of the display reads Battery:Alkaline.
4. Press < or > to select the type of batteries that are installed in the radio. Use Alkaline for
standard alkaline batteries, NiCad for nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, and NiMH for
nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries.
5. Press F1 (the SAVE softkey) to save your battery settings to the radio’s configuration memory.
To charge batteries:
1. Install rechargeable batteries. And, program the battery type.
2. Connect an external power source to the PWR DC 9V jack.
Your scanner provides an indication when the internal battery charge circuit is active. The
battery icon briefly flashes approximately once every second.
Note: The battery charge indicator provides an indication that the battery charger circuit is
active, and does not provide positive indication that the batteries are actually being charged.
Batteries will not charge unless the yellow battery holder is used.
RECYCLE
The EPA certified RBRC© Battery Recycling Seal on the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery
indicates RadioShack voluntarily participates in an industry program to collect and recycle
these batteries at the end of their useful life, when taken out of service in the United States or
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Canada. The RBRC program provides a convenient alternative to placing used Ni-Cd 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 Ni-Cd battery recycling and disposal
band/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.
External Power
You can power your scanner using a 9V, 500mA AC/DC adaptor and size C adaptaplug™
(neither supplied).
To use an external power source:
1. Always connect the adaptor (nor supplied) to the scanner first.
2. Plug the adaptor into the power source.
3. To disconnect, unplug the adaptor from the power source first.
If you use an external power source for regular operation, install alkaline batteries for
emergencies. Rechargeable batteries will self-discharge, even when not used, and could have no
usable power.
Caution: You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 9V DC and delivers at least 500mA.
Its center tip must be set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s PWR DC 9V jack. Using
an adaptor that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adaptor.
Headphones and Speakers
You can plug headphones or an amplified speaker (neither included) into your scanner’s
headphone jack. This automatically mutes the scanner’s speaker.
Even though some earphones/headphones let you hear some outside sounds when listening at
normal volume levels, they still can present a traffic hazard.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone or headphones.
Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening, adjust
the volume to a comfortable level.
Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to
permanent hearing loss.
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 discomfort might still damage your hearing.
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Traffic Safety
Do not wear an earphone or headphones with your scanner when operating a motor vehicle or
riding a bicycle 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 while riding a bicycle, be very careful.
Do not listen to a continuous transmission. Even though some earphones and headphones let
you hear some outside sounds when you listen at normal levels, they still can present a traffic
hazard.
Creating Your First New Objects
When the scanner is first turned on after it is unpacked, you are working with a clean slate. You
will notice that your scanner tells you this:
illust (LCD)
The scanner is in program mode and is ready for you to enter the first Objects into the memory.
The scanner prompts you to Press NEW to create objects.
You will also notice that there are three pushbutton keys beneath the display, and above each
button in the display, a label that indicates the current function of these three keys. These keys
are called softkeys, and they function much like the softkeys on many Automatic Teller
Machines. Their meaning can change depending on the operational state that the radio is in.
Right now, the softkeys on your radio should read as follows:
NEW EDIT GLOB
Let’s focus on the NEW softkey for a few minutes. As you might have guessed, NEW is an
invitation for you to create a new Scannable Object (CONV, TGRP, LMIT, SRVC, or STLK). So,
what would you like to create first? We suggest that you start with a Conventional Channel
Object (CONV) first, to get familiar with the radio’s user interface and display.
Conventional Channel Object (CONV)
A Conventional Channel Object (CONV) is a record that stores the parameters for a regular,
non-trunked conventional AM or FM channel. When you create a CONV object, you are creating
an object that will allow you to scan and monitor a “plain old radio channel”, that is, a single
frequency and the associated parameters that are necessary for you to receive traffic on that
frequency.
Essential Conventional Channel parameters
CONV objects are the simplest objects supported by the radio. By this we mean that there really
isn’t that much for you to do if you want to create one. There are only a few essential
parameters in the CONV object fields that must be set correctly for a CONV object to work. The
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Frequency must be set to match the frequency of the transmitter you want to scan or monitor,
and the MODE should be set to AU, or, if desired, AM, FM or NFM. Note that the scanner will
automatically select the default mode based on the frequency you enter when MODE is set for
AUto. In most cases it will not be necessary to change this.
We also recommend that you label your CONV object by giving it a name in the TAG field. This
will make it easier for you to find the CONV object later, and identify it when the scanner stops
to monitor activity. Enter your CONV object by following these steps.
As we mentioned above, a brand new radio will launch into Program Mode when it is first
turned on, which allows for creation and editing of Scannable Objects. If this is the first time
you have turned on your radio, you should see these softkey labels at the bottom of your screen:
NEW EDIT GLOB
If not, press PGM (Program) now.
Press the NEW softkey to begin entry of a new object.
Press the CONV softkey to begin entry of a CONVentional Channel object.
Now, take a moment and study the display. You will notice that the ▼icon is active. Its purpose
is to indicate that you are at the very top position of the menu for a conventional channel object,
and there are more parameters that can be accessed if you scroll down. We also see three new
softkeys:
Save Exit Dflt
The Save softkey will save your new CONV object to the file system when pressed (but don’t
press it yet!). The Exit softkey aborts the creation of the new CONV object, and the Dflt softkey
restores the selected CONV menu parameter to its default setting.
If you press the v key on the bottom of the 5-way pushbutton pad, you can scroll down and see
all of the parameters that can be specified for a CONV object. Go ahead and take a peek - then
scroll back to the very top of the display so you can begin entering information for your first
CONV object.
HINT: Pressing FUNC ^ or FUNC v will jump to the top or bottom of a menu, respectively.
Note that as you scroll both the upward and downward scroll indicators will illuminate to
indicate that there are parameters above and below the current cursor position, until you get to
the very end of the menu, where only the upward scroll indicator will be on to indicate that
there are no more parameters below the current cursor position. Also note that a few lines of
context sensitive help are available for each menu item. To see the help text for a menu item,
press FUNC, then press SEL on the 5-way pushbutton pad. To exit help, press SEL again.
As you scroll the object menu, you will see a line that states:
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vv EXPERT BELOW vv
This line is found in the object menus and the Global configuration menus. Its purpose is to
delineate between the basic settings that are important to each object and the operation of the
radio, and the expert settings that may be of interest to advanced users, but, if left alone, will
not adversely impact the operation of the radio. For more information about the Basic and
Expert settings, please refer to the Detailed Menu Reference at the end of this User’s Guide.
Use the ^v keys to scroll the screen until the flashing cursor appears next to the Freq: label.
Key in a known local frequency and press the ENT key, or press the DONE softkey - either one
will do the same thing. There! You just entered the frequency for your first CONV object.
By default, your new CONV object will be tagged “Channel”. If you’d like to change this, just
scroll the screen down one click until the flashing cursor highlights the Tag: field, then press
SEL to edit the tag. You can move the cursor around using the < > keys on the 5-way
pushbutton pad, use CL to clear the old text, or press FUNC CL to erase the entire field. To
enter text, find the letter you want to enter on the front panel of the radio, press the numeric
key beneath it, then press 1, 2, 3, or 4 depending on the position of the letter in the group for
that number. For example, to enter FIRE, press:
3 3 F
4 3 I
7 3 R
3 2 E
Press ENT or DONE softkey to store the new tag information for your CONV object.
Now you are ready to store your first CONV object. There are other parameters that you can
change, and we invite you to scroll through the CONV menu to see the other settings that are
available. You can experiment with the different settings. If you make a change that you aren’t
certain about, press the Dflt softkey to restore the setting to its original values.
When you’re ready, simply press the Save softkey to save your new conventional object. Once
the object is saved, you can continue to enter other new objects, or press MAN to listen to the
CONV object you just entered, or SCAN to start scanning!
NOTE: Your scanner uses Scan Lists as a way to group objects together according to your
preferences for scanning. By default, all new objects are mapped to Scan List 01. There are a
total of twenty regular Scan Lists in your radio, a special Favorites Scan List, and a Scan List to
hold Skywarn objects. Scan List membership for an object is assigned in the individual object
menus. For now, just let your new objects go to the default Scan List 01. Later in this section we
will show you how you can group your objects into Scan Lists.
NOTE: When entering data into a numerical field, you can start typing as soon as you have
scrolled to the desired field, which will replace the contents of the field with your new entry.
Alternatively, you can press the > key, which will preserve the original contents of the field so
you can make small changes without retyping all of the data.
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Talkgroup Object (TGRP)
A Trunking Talkgroup Object (TGRP) is a record that stores the parameters for a trunked
talkgroup on a trunked radio system. When you create a TGRP object, you are creating an
object that will allow you to scan and monitor a talkgroup on a particular trunked radio system.
Essential Trunking Talkgroup parameters
As a standalone object, a TRGP object is really no more complicated than a CONV object. The
trunking system (TSYS) that the TGRP is a member of must be specified. Each talkgroup has a
digital “address” on the trunking system, which is called the talkgroup ID, and this must be
provided. We also recommend that you label your TGRP object by giving it a name in the TAG
field. This will make it easier for you to find the TGRP object later, and identify it when the
scanner stops to monitor activity.
Setting up and using a Trunking System (TSYS) object
We just mentioned that the TSYS is an essential parameter needed in order for a TGRP object
to function properly and receive radio traffic. The TSYS object has its own set of essential
parameters, and these parameters vary depending on the type of trunked radio system you plan
to monitor. If you are a reasonably experienced user you probably already know what the
essential parameters are for the system you wish to monitor. For example, each TSYS must
correctly specify the type of system being monitored, the control channel or LCN frequencies
used by the system, and so on. A detailed description of each type of system supported by this
radio and the essential parameters required to make the different types of trunked radio
systems work properly is provided in the Detailed Menu Reference. So, if all of this makes sense
to you then you should proceed and enter the required data for the system you wish to monitor
to make a new TSYS as you create your TGRP. If not, please refer to the TGRP section of the
Detailed Menu Reference so that you will understand which TSYS parameters are required for
the type of trunked radio system you wish to monitor.
The first time you make a TGRP for a particular trunked radio system, you must also create a
TSYS that contains the system parameters associated with that trunked radio system. Once you
create a TSYS object for the trunked radio system, you can use the TSYS object over and over
again without having to re-enter all of the system data.
Assuming that you have already entered one or more CONV objects (which we recommend you
do prior to attempting the entry of the slightly more complicated TGRP object), you should press
the PGM key to place your scanner into Program Mode, then press the NEW softkey, then press
the TGRP softkey.
In the same way as with the CONV object, this menu of TGRP parameters can be scrolled up
and down to access and enter or change the various parameters associated with a trunking
talkgroup.
For the purpose of this example, we will assume that you wish to create a TGRP object for a
Motorola Type II 800 MHz trunked radio system, which is one of the more common types of
trunked radio systems in use. (If this is not the case, we encourage you to refer to the Detailed
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Menu Reference section of this manual for more information that applies to the type of TSYS
you wish to monitor.)
Scroll the display by pressing the down arrow once so that the flashing cursor is highlighting
the TSYS field, then press the SEL key in the center of the 5-way pushbutton pad.
We are entering a new Motorola Type II 800 MHz system, so we can leave the Type: field as-is.
It’s a good idea (in fact, a REALLY good idea, for reasons you will see as you proceed) to give
your TSYS a unique name. Press the down arrow key once to scroll to the Tag: field, then press
SEL and enter a name for the system using the methods previously described for naming your
CONV object. We will use the tag My System for this particular example in the documentation:
6 1 M
9 3 Y
. <space>
7 4 S
9 3 Y
7 4 S
8 1 T
3 2 E
6 1 M
If necessary, use the decimal/period key or CL to delete any unnecessary characters, and press
the SAVE softkey to save your TSYS name. Next, scroll to the Frequencies: field to begin
entering the control channel frequencies for the My System trunked radio system. Press SEL,
and at the Ch01: field you should enter the first control channel frequency for your Motorola
trunked radio system. Simply key in the frequency including the decimal point, and press the
ENT key or the DONE softkey to store the control channel frequency. Press the v key and repeat
this step to add any other control channels used by the system. Typically, a Motorola trunked
radio site or system will have one active control channel and three backup control channels. You
need only enter the active control channel for the scanner to track the system, but if the system
switches to a backup control channel the scanner will not receive traffic unless the frequency for
the backup control channel has been entered.
Once you have finished entering the control channels, press the SAVE softkey, then press the
SAVE softkey again. This will store the new TSYS into memory and return you to the TGRP
parameter entry.
Notice that the system name has changed to reflect the name you chose when you were entering
the parameters for the trunking system. As you enter this TGRP and other TGRP objects for
this system, you will just specify the system name here. So, the TSYS parameters for a system
need only be entered once. You simply specify the already-entered TSYS as needed when
building more TGRP objects for the same system.
Scroll down one click to the ID: field. Note that by default, the trunking talkgroup ID is set to
Wildcard. Wildcard is a special type of TGRP object that allows you to monitor all talkgroup call
traffic on the associated trunked radio system. Wildcard TGRP objects allow you to quickly find
and store new or unknown talkgroups on a trunked radio system. When a Wildcard TGRP object
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is mapped to an active Scan List and scanned, all talkgroup traffic on the system is monitored,
and you have the option to save or lock out new talkgroups as they appear. You may wish to
save your TGRP object as a Wildcard with no further changes. If so, just press the SAVE softkey
to store your new TGRP as a wildcard. By default it will take the tag name of ID: Wildcard.
HINT: Wildcard objects are easier to find and change later if you include an abbreviated name
for the system in the tag field.
If you would rather store a TGRP object for a specific talkgroup ID on MySystem, just press the
number keys to enter the talkgroup ID of the desired talkgroup, then press ENT or the DONE
softkey to store the ID.
HINT: TGRP objects are also used to receive Private/Individual Calls on trunking systems that
support these call types. Simply change the Type: field from Group to Private. A Wildcard TGRP
object with the Type: field set to Private will monitor all Private/Individual Calls seen on the
system, or you can specify a radio ID to watch for in the ID: field.
You’ll want to scroll down two more clicks to the Tag: field and enter an easy to remember name
for your talkgroup that corresponds with its purpose on the trunked radio system. For this
example, let’s assume that this is a police dispatch talkgroup, and we would like to use the
name “POLICE DISPATCH” for the tag. Scroll to the Tag: field and press SEL. Using the text
entry methods that you have previously employed for naming your CONV and TSYS objects,
name your new talkgroup “POLICE DISPATCH”:
7 1 P
6 3 O
5 3 L
4 3 I
2 3 C
3 2 E
. <space>
3 1 D
4 3 I
7 4 S
7 1 P
2 1 A
8 1 T
2 3 C
4 2 H
Press ENT or DONE to store the name, then press SAVE to store the TGRP as a new object. As
with the other object types, there are many other parameters you can edit for the TGRP, but for
now, that’s all you have to do to start monitoring traffic on that TGRP! To add more TGRPs on
the same system, follow the same steps above, this time specifying the TSYS that you just
created. To create TGRPs on a different system, follow the steps above, specify a NEW system,
and provide the correct parameters for that system, as shown above.
As a reminder, here are a few important points to remember about monitoring trunked radio
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systems, and about TGRP objects in particular:
With regard to trunked radio systems, it is important to note that a "system" cannot be scanned.
If one wishes to monitor radio traffic on a trunked radio system, one must create a TGRP object.
A TGRP object includes the parameters for a trunked radio system so that it will operate
properly. Trunking system (TSYS) parameters are stored as a separate "configuration object",
and can be used over and over again in other talkgroup objects on the same trunked radio
system.
Also with regard to trunked radio systems, it is important to note that a talkgroup object may
be configured in one of four different ways to monitor traffic on a trunked radio system. They
are as follows:
Wildcard Talkgroup: will monitor all talkgroup call radio traffic on the desired trunked radio
system (press Dflt in the ID: field of the TGRP object to use Wildcard)
Talkgroup with TGID: will only monitor talkgroup call radio traffic on the specified TGID (enter
the desired talkgroup in the ID: field of the TGRP object to scan a specified ID)
Wildcard Private Call: will monitor all private call radio traffic on the desired trunked radio
system (press Dflt in the TGID field to get Wildcard, and set the Type field to Private)
Private Call with ID: will only monitor private call radio traffic on the specified TGID (enter the
desired Radio ID in the TGID field, and set the Type field to Private)
NOTE: Remember, by default all new objects are mapped to Scan List 01. For now, just let your
new objects go to the default Scan List 01. Later in this section we will show you how you can
group your objects into Scan Lists.
Using DUPE to speed up object entry
DUPE is a powerful feature that will help you when entering multiple objects that have similar
characteristics. DUPE is especially useful when entering multiple TGRP objects that are hosted
on the same trunked radio system, or multiple CONV objects that have similar parameters or
tag names. To use DUPE, press PGM, then scroll to the object that you wish to duplicate using
the < > ^ v keys on the 5-way pushbutton pad. Press the EDIT softkey, then press the DUPE
softkey. An exact copy of the object you selected is created, and the scanner displays the newly
created object menu so you can change the parameters that need to be changed prior to saving.
Be sure to change the tag name before saving your new object. When finished, press the SAVE
softkey to save the new object.
Try using the DUPE feature now to enter a few more CONV and TGRP objects before
continuing. You might consider using DUPE on your wildcard TGRP object to make a duplicate,
then set the Type to Private, so you’ll have a TGRP wildcard for talkgroup calls, and another for
private calls.
NOTE: Use caution with DUPE. As soon as you press DUPE, a duplicate of the selected object is
created and saved in memory. Be certain to delete any DUPEd objects that you create
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