Radio Shack PRO-97 User manual

Please read this user’s guide before installing,
setting up and using your new product
www.radioshack.com
Cat 20-527
PRO-97 1,000 Channel Triple
Trunking Hand Held Scanner

2
Contents
user’s guide • quick start guide • preprogrammed frequency addendum
Thank you for purchasing your Pro-97 1,000 channel tripple
trunking hand held scanner from RadioShack. Your hand held
scanner is one of a new generation of scanners designed
to track Motorola® Type I and II (such as Smartnet® and
Privacy Plus®) and hybrid analog trunking systems, GE-
Ericsson (EDACS®) type systems, and EF Johnson (LTR) type
systems which are extensively used in many communication
systems.
Scanner Antenna
Belt clip
Non-
rechargeable
battery holder
Rechargeable
battery holder

3
The Basics
contents
your scanner’s controls 7
power sources 12
using batteries 12
charging rechargeable batteries 14
using AC power 15
using vehicle battery power 16
connecting an earphone/headphones 16
listening safely 17
traffic safety 17
connecting an extension speaker 17
connecting the supplied antenna 18
connecting an optional external antenna 18
using the belt clip 19
transferring data to or from another scanner or PC 19
quick start 20
understanding your scanner’s modes 20
AM mode 20
FM mode 21
CTCSS (CT) mode 21
DCS (DC) mode 21
Motorola mode 22
EDACS mode 24
LTR mode 25
open and closed modes 26
setting up your scanner 28
turning on the scanner and setting squelch 28
storing known frequencies into channels 29
CTCSS and DCS 31
storing trunking frequencies into channels 33

4
The Basics
storing text tags 34
assigning a text tag to a channel 34
assigning a text tag to a group ID 35
assigning a tex tage to a bank 35
text input chart 36
finding and storing active frequencies 37
searching a preprogrammed frequency range 37
band charts 38
search bank: SR0 marine band 38
search bank: SR1 CB band 40
search bank: SR2 FRS/GMRS/MURS band 40
search bank: SR3 police/fire band 41
search bank: SR4 aircraft 42
search bank: SR5 amateur band 43
search bank: SR6 programmable limit search 43
searching active frequencies in a range 43
manually tuning a frequency 45
listening to the weather band 45
listening to a weather channel 46
SAME standby mode 46
WX Alert and beep tone confirmation 47
Skywarn 48
using frequency copy 48
copying a frequency into a specified channel 48
copying a frequency into an empty channel
within a bank 49
copying a frequency into the priority channel 50
Signal Stalker II 50
using Signal Stalker II 51
using Signal Stalker II with lockout 51
scanning channels 52
turning channel-starage banks off and on 52
monitoring a single channel/power save circuit 53

5
The Basics
using CTCSS and DCS 53
deleting frequencies from channels 54
deleting all frequencies in a channel bank 54
using dealy 55
locking out channels or frequencies 55
locking out channels 55
reviewing locked-out channels 56
locking out frequencies 56
reviewing locked-out frequencies 56
clearing a locked-out frequency 57
clearing all locked-out frequencies in a search bank 57
priority 57
changing the receive mode 59
using the attenuator 60
turning the key tone on and off 61
using the display/key backlight 61
using the keylock 63
changing the display contrast 63
cloning the programmed data 64
trunking 65
how trunking works 65
setting squelch for trunking mode 67
programming trunking frequencies 67
programming Motorola trunking systems (UHF-Lo) 69
programming Motorola trunking systems (800 MHz) 71
programming fleet maps 71
talk group IDs 73
storing talk group IDs 73
talk group ID hold 76
turning an ID sub-bank on or off 76
locking out talk group IDs 77
delay function in ID indication mode 77
reviewing locked-out talk group IDs 78

6
The Basics
clearing talk group IDs 78
clearing all talk group IDs in a single bank 78
changing the open/closed mode 79
care 80
service and repair 80
birdie frquencies 80
specifications 81
initializing your scanner 84
The FCC wants you to know 85
scanning legally 85
glossary 86
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 87
warranty 88
Hypersearch, Hyperscan, and Adaptaplug are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.
Motorola, Smartnet, ASTRO and Privacy Plus are registered trademarks of Motorla Inc.
EDACS is a registered trademark of MA-COM Inc.
LTR is a registered trademark of EF Johnson.

7
The Basics
SCAN/— scans through the
programmed channels, or
activates the Signal Stalker II
function.
FUNC (function) — lets you
use various functions
by pressing this key in
combination with other keys.
MAN — stops scanning and
lets you directly enter a
channel number.
TRUNK — stores the trunking
ID code or holds the trunking
ID while scanning.
WX/ — scans through
the seven preprogrammed
weather channels, or jumps
to a Skywarn channel you
programmed (997-999).
PRI (Priority) — sets and turns
the priority function on or off.
TEXT — lets you input text.
PSE — stops search.
MODE — changes the receive
mode (AM, FM, CT, DC, MO,
ED, LT).
/ — turns on/off the
backlight, or when used
with FUNC locks/unlocks the
keypad to prevent accidental
entries.
your scanner’s controls

8
The Basics
ATT (Attenuate) — turns
attenuation on to reduce
the scanner’s sensitivity
and block extremely strong
signals, or turns it off to
return the sensitivity to
normal.
TUNE — lets you input a
frequency and allows you to
fine tune a frequency along
with eor d.
eor d— selects the scan or
search direction.
SRCH — lets you search the
seven search banks.
L/OUT (Lock Out) — lets you
lock out a selected channel,
skip a specified frequency
during search, or lock out a
selected ID code.
ENT — completes the entry of
frequencies and text.
PGM (Program) — programs
frequencies into channels.

9
The Basics
0— enters a zero, or inputs
characters ., -, #, _, @, +, *,
&, /, ,, $, %, !, ^, (, ), ?, ~, ‘,
or ∆.
1— enters a 1, or inputs
characters 0 through 9 in text
mode.
2/ABC — enters a 2, or inputs
characters A, B, or C.
3/DEF — enters a 3, or inputs
characters D, E, or F.
4/GHI — enters a 4, or inputs
characters G, H, or I.
5/JKL — enters a 5, or inputs
characters J, K, or L.
6/MNO — enters a 6, or inputs
characters M, N, or O.
7/PQRS — enters a 7, or inputs
characters P, Q, R, or S.
8/TUV — enters an 8, or inputs
characters T, U, or V.
9/WXYZ — enters a 9, or inputs
characters W, X, Y, or Z.
CL (Clear) — clears an
incorrect entry.
./DELAY — enters a decimal
point (necessary when
programming frequencies),
space, or programs delay
time for the selected
channel/search bank, or
enters a hyphen (in trunking
ID setting).

10
The Basics
PWR DC 9V — connect a power
source here.
PC/IF — connect an optional
PC interface cable here to
use the scanner with your
computer.

11
The Basics
ANT — connect the supplied
antenna or an external
antenna here.
— connect an earphone
or headphone here.
OFF VOL/SQ — turn the scanner
on or off and adjust the
squelch.

12
The Basics
power sources
You can power your scanner from any of these sources:
• internal non-rechargeable batteries or rechargeable
batteries (not supplied – see “Using Batteries”).
• standard AC power (with an optional AC adapter – see
“Using AC Power”).
• vehicle power (with an optional DC adapter – see “Using
Vehicle Battery Power”).
Connecting an AC or DC adapter to the scanner
disconnects internal batteries when you use the
supplied non-rechargeable battery holder, but it does not
disconnect internal batteries when you use the supplied
rechargeable battery holder.
If you install the rechargeable battery holder, you can
operate the scanner and recharge the rechargeable
batteries at the same time. See “Using Batteries” and
“Charging Rechargeable Batteries”.
If the scanner stops working properly after connecting it
to power, try resetting it. See “Initializing the Scanner”.
You must charge rechargeable batteries before you
use them the first time. See “Charging Rechargeable
Batteries”.
using batteries
You can power the scanner with four AA batteries (not
supplied). For the longest operation and best performance,
we recommend alkaline batteries, available at your local
RadioShack store.
You can use either the supplied non-rechargeable battery
holder (black), or the supplied rechargeable battery holder
(yellow). If you use the rechargeable battery holder, we
Notes
Notes

13
The Basics
recommend RadioShack nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH)
batteries.
You must charge rechargeable batteries before you use them
the first time. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries”.
Never install non-rechargeable batteries in the
rechargeable yellow battery holder. Non-Rechargeable
batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge
them.
The battery holder fits only one way. Do not force it.
Use only fresh batteries of the required size and
recommended type.
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.
Follow these steps to install the batteries.
1. Press in on the battery compartment cover on the back of
the scanner and slide the cover down to remove it.
2. Pull the battery holder out of the battery compartment.
3. If you are using non-rechargeable batteries, place them
into the black holder, as indicated by the polarity symbols
(+ and -) marked on the holder.
If you are using rechargeable batteries, place them into the
yellow holder as indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and -)
marked on the holder.
4. Place the battery holder into the battery compartment.
Warning!
Warning!
Notes
Notes

14
The Basics
5. Replace the cover.
When battery power is low, Low battery! appears and
the scanner beeps continuously. When battery power
is depleted, the scanner turns itself off. Replace all four
non-rechargeable batteries, or recharge the rechargeable
batteries. See “Charging Rechargeable Batteries”.
Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly.
Do not bury or burn them.
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.
charging rechargeable batteries
Your scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you
charge nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) or nickel cadmium (Ni-
CD) rechargeable batteries (not supplied) while they are in
the scanner. To charge rechargeable batteries, connect an
appropriate AC or DC adapter to the PWR DC 9V jack. For
best results we recommend RadioShack rechargeable nickel-
metal hydride (Ni-MH) 1600 mAh batteries.
The EPA certified RBRC© Battery Recycling Seal on the
nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery indicates RadioShack
is voluntarily participating 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 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
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.
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes

15
The Basics
It takes about 16 hours to recharge fully discharged 1600
mAh Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. You can operate the
scanner while recharging the rechargeable batteries, but
charging takes longer.
The scanner can also charge Ni-Cd batteries. 600 mAh
batteries require 6 hours and 850 mAh batteries require 8
hours to charge.
When you charge rechargeable batteries, do not
overcharge them. Overcharging shortens battery life.
Rechargeable batteries last longer and deliver more
power if you let them fully discharge once a month. To
do this, use the scanner until Low battery! appears. Then
fully charge the rechargeable batteries.
using AC power
You can power the scanner using a 9V, 300 mA AC adapter
and a size C Adaptaplug (neither supplied). Both are available
at your local RadioShack store.
1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapter’s cord with the tip
set to positive.
You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 9V
DC and delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be
set to positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s PWR
DC 9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these
specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
2. Plug the adapter’s barrel plug into the scanner’s PWR DC
9V jack.
3. Plug the adapter’s two-prong plug into an AC outlet.
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes

16
The Basics
using vehicle battery power
You can power the scanner from a vehicle’s 12V power
source (such as cigarette-lighter socket) using a 9V, 300
mA DC adapter and a size C Adaptaplug™ adapter (neither
supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store.
You must use a power source that supplies 9V DC and
delivers at least 300 mA. Its center tip must be set to
positive and its plug must fit the scanner’s PWR DC
9V jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these
specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter.
1. Connect the Adaptaplug to the adapter’s cord with the tip
set to positive.
2. Plug the adapter’s barrel plug into the scanner’s PWR DC
9V jack.
3. Plug the adapter’s cigarette-lighter plug into your 12V
power source.
If the scanner does not operate properly when you
connect a DC adapter, unplug the DC adapter from the
power source and clean the socket, or check the adapter’s
internal fuse.
connecting an earphone/headphones
For private listening, you can plug an 1/8-inch (3.5 mm)
mini-plug earphone or headphones (not supplied), available
at your local RadioShack store, in the jack on top of your
scanner. This automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes

17
The Basics
listening safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you
use an earphone or headphones.
• Set the volume to zero before putting on headphones.
With the headphones on, adjust the volume to a
comfortable level.
• Avoid increasing the volume once you set it. Over time,
your sensitivity to a volume level 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.
traffic safety
Do not wear an earphone or headphones while you drive a
vehicle or ride a bicycle. This can create a traffic hazard and
can be illegal in some areas. 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.
connecting an extension speaker
In a noisy area, an amplified speaker (not supplied), available
at your local RadioShack store, might provide more
comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable’s 1/8-inch (3.5
mm) mini-plug into your scanner’s jack.

18
The Basics
connecting the supplied
antenna
To attach the supplied flexible antenna
to the antenna jack on the top of your
scanner, align the slots around the
antenna’s connector with the tabs on the
antenna jack. Press the antenna down
over the jack and turn the antenna’s
base clockwise until it locks into place.
connecting an optional external
antenna
The antenna connector on your scanner
makes it easy to use the scanner with a
variety of antennas, such as an external
mobile antenna or outdoor base station
antenna. 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 over 50 feet, use
RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If your antenna’s cable
does not have a BNC connector, you will also need a BNC
adapter (not supplied, available at your local RadioShack
store).
Follow the installation instructions supplied with the antenna,
route the antenna cable to the scanner, then connect it to the
antenna jack.
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.
Warning!
Warning!

19
The Basics
using the belt clip
To make your scanner easier to
carry when you are on the go, use
the supplied belt clip by attaching
it to the back of the scanner. To
remove the battery clip, slide
it upward while pulling the tab
toward you.
transferring data to or
from another scanner or
PC
You can transfer the programmed data to and from another
PRO-97 scanner using a connecting cable which has 1/8
-inch phone plugs on both ends (not supplied). Connect
the cable between each scanner’s PC/IF jacks. See “Cloning
the Programmed Data”. You can also upload or download
the programmed data to or from a PC using an optional PC
interface kit available through your local RadioShack store.

20
The Basics
quick start
To help familiarize yourself with the scanner’s functions,
keypad, and available frequencies, you can utilize one of
these four features before you begin programming the
scanner.
Signal Stalker II — searches nearby strong signals quickly.
See “Signal Stalker II”.
Preprogrammed 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
a Preprogrammed Frequency Range”.
Manual Tuning — allows you to manually move through the
entire range of available frequencies. (See “Specifications”
for a list of the available frequency ranges.)
Weather Radio — allows you to listen to NOAA weather
broadcasts without programming. See “Listening to the
Weather Band”.
understanding your scanner’s modes
You can program each channel with any of seven receive
modes (AM, FM, CT, DC, MO, ED, and LT).
Each receive mode affects how your scanner operates when
scanning and receiving transmissions.
Trunked modes (MO, ED and LT) can only be selected for
frequencies above 137 MHz.
Your scanner’s closed mode lets you hear only those
trunking talkgroups you specify. For more information,
see “Open and Closed Modes”.
AM mode
The AM mode sets the scanner to receive transmissions
using amplitude modulation (AM), primarily used for aircraft,
Notes
Notes