PRO-71 VHF/UHF/Air Handheld Scanner
(200-0311)               Preparation               Faxback Doc. # 51699

Power Sources

You can power your scanner from any of the following three sources:

   Internal batteries

   A standard AC outlet (using an optional AC adapter)

   Your vehicle's battery (using an optional DC adapter)

Installing Batteries

You can operate your scanner from four AA batteries.  For longest operation
and best performance, we recommend alkaline batteries (Cat. No. 23-552).
Or, you can use rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries (Cat. No. 23-125).

WARNING: The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge nickel
         cadmium batteries inside the scanner.  However, you must never
         use this circuit when you have installed non-rechargeable
         batteries in the scanner.  Be sure to read "Important information
         about External Adapters" and "Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries."

CAUTIONS:

 * Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.

 * Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard,
   alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different
   capacities.

1.   Press down on the battery compartment cover, and lift open the
      compartment.

2.   Install two batteries in the compartment and two in the cover as
     indicated by the polarity symbols ( + and - ) marked inside each
     location.

3.   Replace the cover.

When BATT.Lo flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, immediately
replace, recharge or remove all four batteries.

CAUTIONS:

 * If you do not plan to use the scanner with batteries for a month or more,
   or if you plan to use only an AC or DC adapter, remove the batteries.  Old
   batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.

 * Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly.  Do not burn or bury them.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXTERNAL POWER JACKS

The scanner has two external power jacks - POWER and CHARGE.  It is important
that you understand the purpose of each jack before you connect any adapter
to the scanner.

The POWER jack powers the scanner and disconnects the internal batteries.
You can use this jack to connect an external power source (AC or DC adapter),
regardless of the type of batteries you install.

The CHARGE jack supplies power to operate the scanner and also charges the
internal batteries.  Use the CHARGE jack ONLY when you have installed
rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries.

WARNING: Never use the CHARGE jack when you have installed non-rechargeable
batteries.  If you try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries, they become
very hot and could EXPLODE!

Remove the plastic plug from the CHARGE jack before you use it, then replace
the plug when you finish.

USING STANDARD AC POWER

To power the scanner from AC power, you need an AC adapter such as RadioShack
Cat. No. 273-1665.  Plug the adapters 3.4 mm outer diameter/1.3 inner diameter
barrel plug into the scanner's POWER jack.  Then plug the adapter's power
module into a standard AC outlet.

WARNING: Do not use an AC adapter's polarized plug with an extension cord,
receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent
blade exposure.

CAUTIONS:

 * You must use an AC adapter that supplies 9 VDC and delivers at least 300 mA.
   It's center tip must be set to negative and it's plug must fit the scanner's
   POWER jack.  The recommended adapter meets these specifications.  Using an
   adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or
   the adapter.

 * When you finish using the AC adapter, disconnect it from the AC outlet
   first, then disconnect it from the scanner.

USING VEHICLE BATTERY POWER

You can power the scanner from your vehicle's battery power using an optional
DC adapter, such as Cat. No. 270-1560 or 273-1810.

CAUTIONS:

* You must use a DC adapter that supplies 9 VDC and delivers at least 300 mA.
   It's center tip must be set to negative and it's plug must fit the scanner's
   POWER jack.  The recommended adapters meets these specifications.  Using an
   adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or
   the adapter.

 * When you finish using the DC adapter, disconnect it from the AC outlet
   first, then disconnect it from the scanner.

1.   Connect the DC adapter's 3.4 mm outer diameter / 1.3 mm inner diameter
     barrel-plug to the adapters cable, with the tip set to negative ( - ).

2.   Set the adapter's voltage switch to 9V.

3.   Insert the barrel plug into the scanner's POWER jack.

4.   Plug the other end of the adapter into your vehicle's cigarette lighter
     socket.

NOTE: If the scanner does not operate properly when you use a DC adapter,
unplug the adapter from the cigarette lighter socket and clean the socket to
remove ashes and other debris.

CHARGING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES

The scanner has a built-in charging circuit that lets you recharge nickel-
cadmium batteries while they are in the scanner.  To charge the batteries,
remove the plug from the scanner's CHARGE jack and connect an optional AC or DC
adapter to the jack (see "USING AC POWER" or "USING DC POWER").

WARNING: Never use the CHARGE jack when you have installed non-rechargeable
batteries.  If you try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries, they become
very hot and could EXPLODE!

NOTE: Nickel-cadmium batteries last longer and deliver more power if you
occasionally let them fully discharge.  To do this, simply use the scanner
until it begins beeping every 15 seconds and BATT.LO appears.  Then fully
charge the batteries.

IMPORTANT: At the end of a rechargeable battery's useful life, it must be
recycled or disposed of properly.  Contact your local, county, or state
hazardous waste management authorities for information on recycling or disposal
programs in your area.  Some options that might be available are: municipal
curb-side collection, drop-off boxes at retailers such as your local RadioShack
store, recycling collection centers, and mail-back programs.

CONNECTING AN ANTENNA

The supplied stub antenna helps your scanner receive most strong
transmissions at events and makes the scanner easier to carry and use. The
supplied flexible antenna provides slightly better reception and helps
your scanner receive strong local signals.  You can attach either of the
supplied antennas or an optional antenna to the scanner (see "Connecting
an Optional Antenna" below).

Follow these steps to attach either of the supplied antennas to the
connector on the top of your scanner.

1.  Align the slots around the antenna's connector with the tabs on the
    scanner's BNC connector.

2.  Slide the antenna's connector down over the scanner's connector and
    rotate the antenna connector's outer ring clockwise until it locks
    into place.

Connecting an Optional Antenna

The scanner's antenna jack makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety
of antennas.  Instead of either of the supplied antennas, you can attach a
different one, 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,
use a BNC adapter, 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
following the steps in "Connecting an Antenna" above.

WARNING:  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, 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.

CAUTIONS:  Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts.

           Do not run the cable next to power cables or other antenna
           cables.

           Do not run the cable through a vehicle's engine compartment or
           other areas that produce extreme heat.

           Follow all cautions and warnings included with the antenna.

CONNECTING AN EXTENSION SPEAKER

In a noisy area, an extension speaker (such as Cat. No. 21-549) positioned
in the right place, might provide more comfortable listening.  Plug the
speaker cable's 1/8-inch mini-plug into your scanner's (headphones) jack.

CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/HEADPHONES

For private listening, you can plug an earphone or headphones with a 1/8
inch mini-plug (such as Cat. No. 33-178 or 20-210) into the (headphones)
jack on top of your scanner.  This automatically disconnects the internal
speaker.

Listening Safely

To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone
or headphones.

  Do not listen at extremely high-volume levels.  Extended high-volume
  listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.

  Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening.  After
  you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

  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.

Traffic Safety

Do not use an earphone/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/headphones with your scanner, be very careful.  Do
not listen to a continuous broadcast.  Even though some earphones/
headphones let you hear some outside sounds when listening at normal
volume levels, they still can present a traffic hazard.

ATTACHING THE BELT CLIP

You can attach the supplied belt clip to make your scanner easier to use
when you are on the go.  Use a Phillips screwdriver and the two supplied
screws to attach the belt clip to the scanner.  Then slide the belt clip
over your belt or waistband.

(RDS 03/10/1999)

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