Realistic Pro-30 User manual

P@RTAELE-SGANNER
I{omrtor BeeelYer
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-.-3l - 51j2 L{}iz
PLEASE BEAD BEFOBE
USING THIS EOUIPMENT
CAT.Ncl.
ao-131
cusT0M MANUFACTURT0 tofi RA0t0 SHACK, A t)tvtstoN 0F TAt{oy CoRp0RATloit

CONTENTS
Specifications... 4-
A Ouick Look At Your PRO-30 . . . 6 -
Preparation For Use
Operating Your PRO-30 . . .
Receiver Operations Display I
Searching With Your PRO-30 . 12 - 13
Errorlndications ..14
Birdies .14-15
Before You Call For Help . . .. . .. 16
Some Random Notes 17 - 18
Block Diagram... ....... 19
You'll hear all the action with your new _Ratrc;tc PRO-30 Pro-
grammable Scanning Receiver! You'll have direct access to 23,684
different frequencies in nine action radio bands-police, fire, ambu-
lance, aircraft, ham radio, and transportation servicesl And you can
program your PRO-30 to scan up to 16 channels so you won't miss
any of the excitement.
The secret to the PRO-30 is a custom-designed microprocessor-a
computer on a chipl The front panel keyboard lets you easily enter
and change frequencies whenever you wish. The microprocessor also
gives you special functions not found on other scanning receivers.
Curious about what's on the air in your area? The PRO-30 will auto-
matically search for active stations in frequency ranges of your choice;
you can locate new stations and services easilyl A.nd if there's a
frequency you're especially interested in, the PRlority key will make
sure you never miss a call on it. You can listen or scan other channels
and your PRO-30 will automatically switch to the PRIORITY channel
when a call is received on it!
Other featu res you'll appreciate include Lockout to skip over
channels during scanning and fast/slow search and scanning rates.
Your PRO-30 achieves its superior performance through the use of
the very latest in solid-state technology. ln addition to the micro-
processor, the PRO-30 includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) lC, 4
C-MOS lCs including microprocessor, 5 integated circuits, 39 transis-
tors, 75 diodes and a Liquid Crystal Display.
-2-
5
7
8
I

FEATURES INCLUDE:
Covers 30 - 50 MHz (VHF Lo), 50 - 54 MHz (ham radio 6m),
108 - 136 MHz (aircraft), 138 - 144 MHz (government), 144 -
148 MHz (ham radio 2m),148 - 114 MHz (VHF Hi),380 - 450
(ham radio and government),450 - 470 MHz (UHF Lo) and 470 -
512 MHz (UHF Hi) - 23,684 channelsl
Scan up to 16 channels continuously.
Search feature scans frequency ranges for new stations.
Priority function means you'll never miss a call on your favorite
channel !
Large multi-purpose Liquid Crystal Display shows which channels
and frequencies are being scanned, monitored or programmed as
well as the status of the Channels.
Channel Lockout function with built-in skipper circuit.
Two-second scan delay function eliminates missed replies.
Crystal filter for lst lF (10.7 MHz) plus ceramic filter for 2nd lF
(455 kHz).
* Battery backup holds memorized frequencies even if the main
batterV weakens.
For your own protection, we urge you to record the serial number
of this unit in the space provided. You'll find the serial number on
the bottom cabinet of this unit.
Serial Number
-3-
RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY
This product is warranted against defects for 1 year from date of purchase from Radio
Shack company-owned stores ancj authorized Radio Shack franchisees and dealers. Within
this period, we will repair it without charge for parts and abor. Simply bring your Radio
Shack sales slip as proof ol purchase date to any Radio Shack store. Warranty does not
cover transportation costs. Nor does it cover a product subjected to misuse or accidental
damage.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RADIO SHACK MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED. INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF [,IERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not permrt limitation or exclusion of implied
warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limitation(s) or exc usion(s) may not apply to the
pu rchaser.
This warranty g ves you specific egal r ghts and you may a so have olher nghts which vary from stale to state.
We Service What We Sell

RECEIVING SYSTEM:
FREOUENCY COVERAGE:
CHANNELS OF OPERATION:
SENSITIVITY
AM: 20 dB Signat-to-Noise ratio
at 600/o modulation:
FM: 20 dB Signal-to-Noise ratio
at 3 kHz l)eviation:
SPECIF!CATIONS
SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS: 1 LSI Microprocessor system, 1
LSI PLL system, 3 C-MOS lCs, 5
lCs, 39 transistors and 75 diodes.
Su perheterodyne with d igital
synthesizer to receive any of
23,684 programmable frequ encies.
VHF-Lo
30 - 50 MHz (in 5 kHz steps)
Ham
50 - 54 MHz (in 5 kHz steps)
Aircraft
108 - 136 MHz (in 25 kHz
steps)
Government
138 - 144 MHz (in 5 kHz steps)
Ham
144 - 148 MHz (in 5 kHz steps)
VHF.Hi
148 - 174 MHz (in 5 kHz steps)
Ham/Gov't.
380 - 450 MHz (in 12.5 kHz
steps)
UH F-Lo
450 - 47O MHz (in 12.5 kHz
steps)
UHF-Hi ("T")
470 - 512 MHz (in 12.5 kHz
steps)
Any 16 channels in any band
combinations.
108 - 136 MHz 2.0 pV
30 - 54 MHz 0.5 rrV
138 - 174MHz 1.0 rrV
380 - 512MHz 1.0 pV
-4-

SPURI0US REJECTION: 30 - 54 MHz 50 dB at 40
MHz
108 - 136 MHz 50 dB at 120
MHz
138 - 174 MHz 50 dB at 150
MHz
380 - 512 MHz Not specified.
SELECTIVITY: 19 kHz, -6 dB
t15 kHz, -50 dB
lF REJECTION: 10.7 MHz 50 dB at 154 MHz
SCANNING RATE: Fast 10 channels/sec.
Slow 5 channels/sec.
SEARCH RATE: Fast 10 steps/sec.
Slow 5 steps/sec.
PRIORITY SAMPLING: 2 seconds
DELAY TIMEr 2 seconds
MODULATION ACCEPTANCE: t7 kH,z
lF FREoUENCIES 10.7 MHz and 455 kHz
FTLTERS: 1 crystal filter, 1 ceramic filter
SOUELCH SENSITIVITY: Threshold Less than 1.0 pV
Tight (S+N)/N 15 dB
ANTENNA IMPEDANCE: 50 OhMS
AUDIO POWER: 22OmW maximum
BUILT-IN SPEAKER: 2" (Scm) 16 ohm, dynamic type
POWER REOUIREMENTS: +9V DC, 6 AA bAttCriCS, Or A
suitable adapter (negative ground
onlY)
Current drain:
55 mA (Squelched)
100 mA (full volume unsquelched)
3 Silver oxide batteries for
Memory back-up
DIMENSIoNS: 190(7 112"l,x74(Z 15116"l
x 46(1 13/16")mm HWD
WEIGHT: 1.04 lbs 4809
-5-

A OUICK LOOK AT YOUR PRO,3O
-6-
Multi-purpose Display - Shows rvhich
channel and irequeicY are lle ng scan
ned, monitored, or Programmed, as
wPll a\ the status of the channe s.
^ v and Llil,4lT KeYs - Command
search dlrect on ano search range
llmit.
KEY-LOCK SW lnhibLts all kev to
prevent their belng accidentally pushed
dur ng carrying.
ProGraM Key - Sets the internal
micToprocessor for entry of a fre
qu ency.
Number Keys Enter the deslred
channel number and lts frequency
CLEAR Kev - C ears the dispLaY
lvhen an eTror is made ir Program
m ng. ENTER Key Enters a displayed
frequency into anv one o{ the 1 6
channe s vou mav select.
SCAN Key - Sets the PRO-30 to
automatlcally scan each avallable
channel. LIGHT Key - Lights the display
readlng in the dark.
SPEED Key - SeLects scan and search
speeds: fast (10 ch/sec) or slow (5
ch/sec).
LockO[JT Key Enabes You to
ocPou ( r'sab Pl de\'r eo chd'nPls.
Press once to lockout. Press again to
return channe to normal operatlon
[/ANUAL Key - Sets the PRO 30
to manuaLly scan the channels. Each
t me the button is Pressed, the Re
ceiver will advance one channe.
DELAY Key - Holds the Receiver
on the channe for two seconds after
the transmisslon has ended.
MONitor Key Stores frequencies
found durlnq search mode.

souELcH control - Eliminates
background noise between trarsmis-
sions. With no signal, turn clockwise
until noise disappears.
OFF/VOLUME Control - Turn clock-
wise for power ON. Further rotation
will increase volume.
EARphone Jack - For connectlng an
EARphone. The built.in speaker is
automatically disconnected.
ANTENNA Jack - Connect the flexi-
ble antenna (supplied) to this iack.
SPEED Key - Selects scan and search
speeds: fast (10 ch/sec) or slow {5
ch/sec).
SCAN Key - Sets the PRO-30 to
automatically scan each available
channel.
MANUAL Key - Sets the PRO-30
to manually scan the channels. Each
time the button is pressed, the Re-
ceiver will advance one channel.
The Battery Compartment holds the internal power source (6 type
AA batteries plus three silver oxide batteries for memory back-up).
External PoWeR Jack lets you connect an external source. of 9 volts
DC (negative ground) for operation without batteries. Use our 273-
1455 for 120VAC, 14-844D for 12Y Car operation. Mobile use of
scanners in some areas may be unlawful or require a permit. Check
with local authorities.
To recharge Nickel Cadmium batteries in the receiver, simply plug
an external I volt DC power source (Such as our 273-1455 noted
above) into the CHarGe JACK. To fully charge Nickel Cadmiums,
leave connected for 10-18 hours.
WARN I NG
The recharge (CHarGe) jack is to be used only when Nickel-
Cadmium batteries are installed in the receiver. Also, do not
attempt to operate the unit while recharging Nickel Cadmiums.

PREPARATION FOR USE
To install the batteries, position the Receiver as illustrated, press in
1fis : mark, and slide the battery compartment cover off. Take
out the battery holder for AA cells. On the bottom of the compart-
ment is a cover for back-up battery compartment. Slide to open.
lnsert three back-up batteries (Catalog Number 23-101 or equivalent)
with flat - side toward bottom and push the reset switch (inside
battery compartment). Replace the back-up battery cover.
lnsert 6 fresh AA batteries into the battery holder, making sure the
polarity markings inside the holder match up (+ to + and - to -)
with markings on the batteries. Replace the battery holder and the
battery compartment cover.
We recommend that you use rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium AA bat-
teries, Catalog Number 23'125, or AA Alkaline ENERCELLs, Catalog
Number 23-552.
LOW BATT indicator f lickers and sounds an alarm when the battery is
low. Replace or recharge batteries. Memory back-up batteries should
be replaced once a Year.
BATTERY HOLDER
lf you wish to use your PRO-30 with an external antenna such as a
mobile antenna or outdoor base antenna, remove the flexible antenna
and you can connect it to the BNC connector on the PRO-30-
Pressing the reset button located in the battery compartment will
clear all frequencies from the scanner memory.
Press this button, using a pen or pencil, before using the scanner
for the f irst time. -8-
F LEX I BLE
ANTENNA IIl EI\4O RY
BACK,UP
BATTE R I ES
BATTERY COMPARTMENT COVER

OPERATING YOUR PRO.3O
Turn on your PRO-30 by rotating VOLUME clockwise.
(When first turned on, your PRO-30 might start scanning.)
Rotate SOUELCH fully counterclockwise. You'll hear a rushing noise
from the speaker. Slowly rotate SOUELCH clockwise until the noise
just stops. You're now ready to start entering frequencies!
Understanding the Display
The liquid crystal display on your PRO-30 can display the channel
number, the frequency being received, and the status of different
functions. Here's a brief rundown on what those symbols mean when
receiving stations.
Receiver Operations Display
Channel indicator Frequency indicator
All channels are locked out
Error indicator

4.
5.
6.
7.
Programming Frequencies
Before programming frequencies, make sure your PRO-30 is turned
on and the SOUELCH is adjusted as we described earlier.
Suppose you want to program channel 1 to receive 162.55 MHz.
Here's how you would do it:
1. Be sure the KEY-LOCK switch is in the KEY (unlock) position.
2. Press and select channel 1. You can do this in two
ways: press continuously until the display indicates
trNANIII1
channel 1 or by pressing
3. Press fPGMl.
Press f E tr tr tr @ . Chect<the display to makesurethe
frequency it shows is the one you meant to program. lf it is, press
rEi\l-TER-I.
To add more frequencies, press IFEMI to advance to the next
channel and follow the steps above.
lf you ever want to change the frequency entered for a specific
channel, enter the new frequency over the old one, using steps
2,3, and 4.
lf you want, set the KEY-LOCK switch to LOCK. This inhibits
all keys to prevent their being pushed accidentally.
You'll hear a beep sound as you press the various keys. This lets you
know the key has been properly entered into your PRO-30.
-'10 -
Make a mistake while entering a frequency? Just press ICaEA=R-],
enter the correct frequency, and press tEl\-T-trR]. lf you're entering a
new frequency in place of an old one, the old frequency won't be
erased when you press le[FARl. lt will remain stored on that channel
until you correctly enter a new frequency and press IENTERI.

Using the Scanning Function
Your PRO-30 will automatically scan all the channels you've pro-
grammed and stop whenever it finds a signal. To scan channels, press
ECAN.
To stop scanning, press [mA-N1J]A-tl; then you can select specific
channels you want to listen to.
Delay Function
When your PRO-30 is scanning, it will stop whenever it finds a signal
on a channel. As soon as the signal ends, the scanning function will
resume. Most communications heard will be two-way. To make sure
you don't miss any replies, press E-ELAV]. This will cause your
PRO-30 to stay on a channel for two seconds after the end of a
transmission, giving you time to hear any reply. To release the delay
function, press IDELAYI again. The delay indicator will show on the
display when the delay function is used.
Lockout Function
You might want your PRO-30 to skip over certain frequencies while
it's scanning (such as continuously transmitted weather broadcasts).
To lock out such channels, follow these steps:
1. Press IMANUM to stop scanning. Continue to press MANIAL]
to advance to the channel you want to lock out.
2. When you reach the channel, press IL/OUTI. The display will
show LOCK-OUT, to indicate that this channel will be skipped
over during scanning.
3. To release the lockout function, press fMANUALIto stop scan-
ning. Advance to channel that is locked out and press ]L/DUI
again. LOCK-OUT will disappear from the display.
lf you use the lockout function on all channels, scanning will be
impossible-you'll only be able to change channels using I MANUALI .
-11 _

SPE ED Selection
Your PRO-30 will normally scan channels at a rate of 5 channels per
second. lf you press ISPEEDI, channels will be scanned at a rate of
10 per second. Press ISPEEDI again to return to a rate of 5 channels
per second.
Priority Function
You might want to scan other channels yet not miss a call on a
channel of particular interest to you (police, fire, ambulance, etc').
The priority function will let you scan other channels - but if a call
is received on the priority channel, your PRO-30 will automatically
switch to the priority channel!
l.onlychannellcanbesetaStheprioritychannel:keythedesired
priority frequency into channel 1'
2.Thepriorityfunctionworksonlywhentheunitisinthescanor
manual mode.
3. Press IPRil to start the priority function'
A PRIORITY will appear on the display'
4. Press lMAMfl or ISCAN-I to listen to other channels' Your
pRO-30 will cfreik tfre-priority channel and switch to it if a signal
is received on it.
5. To cancel priority function, press IFRil again'
The PRlOillTY will disappear from the display'
Searching with Your PRO-30
One great feature of your PRO-30 is its ability to "search" for
frequencies being used. This means you can hear all the action on the
airwaves in your area! To use this feature, just follow these steps:
1. Press IFG M.
2. Pr"r. ]Iltv]li. Enter the lower limit of the frequency rangeto be
sear"hEd-(such as 45.00 MHz). Press IENTLRI'
3. Press [tlMlTI again. Enter the upper timrSpl-$ejrequency range
to be searcl-,ed (such as 46.00 M Hz). Press I ENTE R l.
-12-

. 4. Press eitherEl or lvl to start search. E]will start search from
highest frequency and go down, whilelTlwill start from the lowest
frequency and go up.
5. You can control the speed o.f the Search by using lspggDl tfre
same way you use it during scanning.
6. Search will stop when a signal is detected. To restart search,
, Press I orE.
ln the program mode, the search range will be displayed each time
lLlMifl is pres*d. tt is impossible to change the lower frequency
only: to change the lower frequency you must change the higher
frequency first The higher frequency can be changed any time.
Storing Frequencies
lf you want to enter some of the frequencies found during search,
do this:
1. Press IMOM when your PRO-30 firrds a frequency you want to
store.
2. Use lMANUAII to select a channel to enter the frequency your
PRO-30 found. The display will show the frequency currently
'stored on the channel, but don't worry - the old frequency will
be erased when you start to enter the new one.
3. Press [FcMl.
4, Press IMONI again. The new frequency found during the search
will be displayed.
5, Press leNteRl to put the new frequeney into the channel in place
of the old frequency.
6. Press either[elorElto resume the search. To return to manual
or program operation, Bress IMANUALI or IFG wil.
To resume the seareh from one of the limit frequencies, press
ILIM-ITJ and then EI orE .
-13-

Display Light
Push ILTGH-TI to read the display in the dark.
Low Battery Alarm
LOW BATT indicator flickers and gives off an alarm sound when the
battery is low. Replace or recharge batteries.
Key-Lock Function
When the switch is turned to LOCK the main keyboard is inoperative:
only the remote keys are operative. When the switch is turned to
KEY, both main and remote keys are operative.
Error lndications
Sometimes when you try to enter a frequency for a channel or as a
Search range limit, you will find an error on the display. This means
the frequency is in error and you won't be able Io enter it into your
PRO-30.
Such frequency errors usually mean you've entered a frequency
outside the ranges your PRO-30 operates on (such as 225.00 MHz)
or you've put the decimal point in the wrong place (14.682 MHz
instead of 146.82 MHz). Check carefully to find your mistake and
then press IEA-RI. You can now enter the correct frequency.
Birdies
Some frequencies may be difficult or impossible to receive. lf you
program-in one of these, the Scanner might lock up and you'll hear
only noise. These "birdies" are the products of internally generated
signals mixing with external signals like TV and FM broadcasts.
lf the interference is not severe,, you might be able to use SOUELCH
to cut out such annoying birdies.
-14-

A few of the most common birdies to watch out for are listed below.
30.080 MHz
30.720
30.735
31.360
32.000
32.640
33.280
33.920
34.560
35.200
36.480
37.120
37.760
38.400
39.040 MHz
39.680
40.070
40.320
40.540
40.980
41.600
43.520
44.800
45.440
48.000
50.315
51.200
51.225
126-275 MHz
147.620
147.660
147.665
147.670
147.675
147.680
147.685
147.690
147.695
171.250
421.4875
Even with the SOUELCH control set to maximum, scanning or
searching may stop on or around some of the frequencies listed above.
lf the spurious signal is strong enough (above 10 pV in technical
terms) you can listen to it, but the receiver will not auto scan/search.
Earphone Listening
lf you're in noisy area or you don't want to bother other people,
plug an earphone in to the EARphone jack. Use our Cat. No.33-174.
This will automatically disconnect the built-in speaker.
ln case you're wondering . . .
... the tuning range of your PRO-30 is permanently stored in the
microprocessor chip. There's no way it can be extended or altered -
even by a skilled electronics technician. So if you try to enter a
frequency not in the PRO-30's tuning ranges, you'll get an error
message every time !
- 15 _

BEFORE YOU CALL FOR HELP
The PRO-30 is a ruggedly built electronic unit, with all parts con-
seruatively rated. However, you should treat it with care; don't subject
it to excessively rough handling. You will find it will give you long
life if kept free from dirt and excessive humidity.
Three silver oxide batteries (used to maintain the program memory)
should be replaced once a year. The frequencies stored in the scanner
memory can be held for a few minutes without back-up batteries.
Check the memory contents after replacing batteries, and if the
memory has been lost, press the reset button and re-enter frequencies.
lf you Have Problems. . . . .
We hope you don't - but if you do, here are some suggestions.
lf your PRO-30 locks up or you want to completely clear all memories,
remove battery cover and press the reset button with a pen or pencil.
Problem Possible Cause
lnoperative No power - check to see that batteries
are good and are properly installed.
Will not scan 1)
2l All channels are locked out. Squelch control is not adjusted
correctly.
Scan locks-in on
frequencies where no
clear signal is present "Birdies" - see list on page 15
lf none of these suggested remedies solves the problem, return your
set to your nearby Radio Shack for repair by a qualified technician.
_16_

-17 -

I
I
Frequency Location and Use
_18-

BLOCK DIAGRAM
-19-
I-rui;l
I-GUffi I
EXT.
CHG
+ 8.t.ry
*
Brrcry
1
*
OS,MIXEB,IF AMP.
OUAORATURE DET,
NOTSE AMP,NOISE DET,
& DC AMP.
lc-1,D1 1
DC.m CONV
rc-208,D231
0232,4213

U.S. PATENT NOS.
3,794,925
3,801,914
3,961,261
3,962,644
4,O27,251
4,O92,594'
4,123,715
4,245,348
RADIO SHACK, A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORAf,ION
U.S.A.: FORT WORTH, TEXAS 7f/.A2
GANADA: BARRIE, ONTARIO L4M 4Ws
TANDY CORPORATION
BELGIUM
9,I KURRAJONG ROAO
MOUNT DRUITT, N.S.W. 2770
543
PARC IIIDUSTRIEL DE NANINNE
5.I40 NANINNE BIL$TON ROAO WEDNESBURY
WEST MIDLANDS WS1O 7JN
Printed in Japan