The OptoScan 456 (OS456) is an add-on computer interface board designed to fit into the Radio Shack Model Pro-2005 or Pro-2006 receivers. The OS456 allows for complete computer control of the receiver. It will not only tune the radio, but increases scanning speed up to 65 channels per second (depending upon the software used). It also provides decoding of CTCSS, DCS, and DTMF (Touch Tone®) and much more.

At 65 channels per second, the OS456 can scan at more than twice the rate of an unmodified Pro-2005/6, ICOM R7100, AOR 8000, or any other scanner using computer control. The faster your receiver can scan, the less chance you have of missing any conversations. In short, a Radio Shack Pro-2005/6 receiver equipped with an OS456, along with a personal computer and the appropriate application software, forms a complete computer-aided scanning system capable of receiving VHF/UHF signals in the range 25-519.995 MHz and uninterrupted 760-1299.95 MHz. AM, FM-narrowband and FM wideband modes are all supported.

The OS456 also includes a built in CI-V to RS-232C serial interface convertor for application in which a receiver is connected to a computer. Its purpose is to convert the CI-V interface voltage levels to RS-232C levels compatible with most personal computers. This feature eliminates the need for an external interface convertor box. In addition, the RS-232C interface provides pipeline tuning, resulting in the ability to increase the scanning speed of the OS456 by up to 65 channels per second.

When combined with a computer, the OS456 makes using the Pro-2005/6 easier and much less confusing. Even when away from the scanner, the computer can continue to search out those frequencies you want to monitor, and record them into virtually unlimited numbers of memory channels. All front panel controls are more easily accessible through software menus. The OS456 is supported by software programs such as PROBE, SCANSTAR, SCANCAT, SCANNERWARE for Windows, and Radio Manager for Windows. Furthermore, a file can be imported from the PerCon FCC database into either PROBE, SCANCAT or RCSI and all the FCC database information you need to know about your monitored frequencies will be displayed. Check your frequencies by location: zip code, city, county, state, region, and much more. Even find out the distance in miles from the transmitter!

One of the most exciting features of the OS456 is that it can now be used with the Scout® for the Optoelectronics exclusive, Reaction Tuning (pat pend). The Scout® will automatically tune the Pro-2005/6 (equipped with OS456), CI-V receivers (ICOM's R7000, R7100, and R9000), or AOR models (AR8000 and AR2700) to the frequency it records. The frequencies may also be recalled from the memory of the Scout® to tune the receiver.

• Interfaces with the Pro-2005 or 2006 VHF/UHF scanner
• Decodes CTCSS, DCS, and DTMF (Touch Tone®)
• Scans up to 65 channels per second
• Built-in CI-V, to RS-232C serial interface convertor jack
• Receives VHF/UHF signals in the following ranges:
  • 25-519.995 MHz and uninterrupted 760-1299.95 MHz
• Supports AM, FM-narrowband and FM wideband modes
• Supported by the following software programs:
  • PROBE, SCANSTAR, SCANCAT, SCANNERWARE for WINDOWS,
  • and RADIO MANAGER for WINDOWS
• The Scout® automatically tunes the Pro-2005/6 when equipped with the OS456
• Import files from the PerCon FCC database into either PROBE, SCANCAT, or RCSI

Signal Decoding           52 CTCSS tones, 106 DCS codes, DTMF digits
CTCSS
Acquisition Time          600 milliseconds                     
DCS
Acquisition Time          350 milliseconds
DTMF Digit Rate           10 Characters per second
CI-V Interface            Miniature 3.5 mm phone jack, standard CI-V interface
RS-232C Interface         DB-9 connector, CI-V protocol with hardware enhancements
Tape Pause Interface      Sub miniature 2.5 mm phone jack
                          NPN transistor open collector