Scanner Frequently Asked Questions
Section 4 - TrunkTracking Scanners

TRUNKTRACKING SCANNERS

General Questions

Product: General Information
Question: What is trunktracking and where can I get more information?
Answer: Trunktracking is the hobby of using a scanner to follow conversations on a trunking communications system. Trunking systems let a large group of 2-way radio users (or even different groups of 2-way radio users) efficiently use a large range of frequencies. Instead of selecting a specific frequency for a transmission, the user simply selects a talk group. The trunking system automatically transmits the call on the first available frequency and also sends (on a different frequency called a data channel) a code that uniquely identifies that transmission. Since the trunking system might send a call and its response on different frequencies, it is difficult to listen to trunked communications using a regular scanner. Trunking scanners let you select and monitor the data channel frequency sent with a 2-way radio transmission, so you can hear the call and response for that user and more easily "follow" the conversation. You can access additional on-line information on Trunk-tracking at: http://www.trunktracker.com/ Please note, this internet site is not affiliated with RadioShack Corporation and off-site information is neither created, maintained nor verified by RadioShack Corporation. Responsibility for the content rests solely with the page owner.
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Product: General Information
Question: How do I convert EDACS SYSTEM ID format (decimal to AFS)?
Answer: Our scanners use either decimal format or decimal and AFS format. You can convert decimal EDACS IDs to the AFS (Agency-Fleet-Subfleet) format as follows: The example below starts with the Decimal ID 0586. Convert Decimal to Binary 586 decimal = 01001001010 binary ID's are 11-bit binary. If you get a binary that isn't 11 bits, just add leading zeroes until you get 11 bits. Split the binary as follows #### / #### / ### 0100 / 1001 / 010 Convert each GID to decimal 04 09 2 Format as ##-### 04-092
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Product: Troubleshooting
Question: I can't scan an EDACS system, and I know the frequencies are right.
Answer: With an EDACS system, the frequencies have to be in a particular order. Also, unless indicated otherwise in the scanner's manual, you should not mix other frequencies in the same bank as the EDACS frequencies. We do not have information on the correct order for specific EDACS frequencies.
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Product: Troubleshooting
Question: Why does my scanner take so long to pick up data channels?
Answer: You are probably operating in a fringe area for the transmission. You would need to improve the signal strength, either by changing locations or using a larger antenna.
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TRUNKTRACKING SCANNERS

Product-specific Questions

Product: PRO-2067 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0196

Question: What is the attenuation for this scanner, when ATT is active?

Answer: Attenuation is as follows:

FM (Nominal): 25 dB
FM (Minimum): 15 dB
AM (Nominal): 20 dB
AM (Minimum): 10 dB

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Product: PRO-2067 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0196

Question: Why doesn't this auto-scan?

Answer: The PRO-2067 only auto-scans when set up for trunking mode. A valid trunking system is required for the PRO-2067 trunk-tracking scanner (Cat. No. 200-0196) to auto scan.

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Product: PRO-70 50-Channel Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0310

Question: The scanner is locked and I cannot unlock it; what do I do?

Answer: You will need to do either reset or initialize the scanner. You should try to reset first; initialization clears all information in memory.

Resetting the Scanner

Turn off the scanner, then turn it on again.
Insert a pointed object, such as a straightened paper clip, into the reset opening on the side of the scanner and gently press then release the reset button inside the opening.
Note: If the scanner still does not work properly, you might need to initialize the scanner.

Initializing the Scanner

Caution: This procedure clears all information you stored in the scanner's memory. Initialize the scanner only when you are sure the scanner is not working properly.

Turn off the scanner, then turn it on again.
Press and hold CLEAR.
While holding down CLEAR, insert a pointed object, such as a straightened paper clip, into the reset opening on the side of the scanner and gently press then release the reset button inside the opening.
When the display reappears, release CLEAR.
Note: You must release RESET before releasing CLEAR, otherwise the memory might not clear.

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Product: PRO-70 50-Channel Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0310

Question: Can I use NiMH batteries with this scanner and charger?

Answer: You can use NiMH batteries; however, you will need to use an external charger. The charger is for NiCD batteries only.

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Product: PRO-70 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0310

Question: What does this use for memory backup?

Answer: The PRO-70 does not have an internal battery. The memory backup is an RC circuit and keeps the channel frequencies stored in memory for about 1 hour during a power loss.

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Product: PRO-79 200 Channel Handheld Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0314

Question: Page 10 of the user's manual states that you must recharge high-capacity Ni-Cd batteries in an external charger and that "You cannot use a DC adapter to recharge batteries in the scanner due to limitations in the scanner's recharging circuit"... What exactly are these limitations and why can't I charge high-capacity Ni-Cd batteries?

Answer: We do not recommend that you use the DC adapter for charging because the DC from a vehicle tends to have voltage fluctuations and noise in the signal. When charging, these fluctuations and noise can cause the battery to not take a charge as well and lessens the battery's capacity and effective life span. The charging circuit is not designed to compensate for these problems, so it should only be used with an AC adapter. Standard life Ni-Cd's take 14 to 16 hours to recharge in the internal charger; this charger is not designed to charge for the extended period required for high capacity batteries. Using it in this way can damage the internal charger, the batteries or both.

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Product: PRO-2052 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0432

Question: How do I get information on the software for this scanner?

Answer: The WinScan RS software for PRO-2052 Scanner was supported by Pozilla Software. Information and support options are available at the links below. This software is no longer available through RadioShack.

Software Information

http://www.pozillasoft.com/winscanrs.htm

Support Options

http://www.pozillasoft.com/rssupport.htm

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Product: PRO-2053 Desktop Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0466

Question: How do I get the software & cable for this scanner?

Answer: The PC interface for the PRO-2053 is not currently available, and it will not work with any of our currently-available interfaces. While this software is in development, we do not have a due date; however, it is currently expected to be sold under part number 940-1666. When the interface is available, it will be listed on our website.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: What is the estimated battery life?

Answer: Approximately ten hours.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: The scanner battery life has dropped to about 20 min; how can I fix this?

Answer: We recommend that you deep cycle the battery (fully discharge, then fully recharge the battery). It may have developed a memory; you may have to do this more than once to return to normal functionality.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: How should I maintain my battery pack in the best condition?

Answer: To keep the battery in good condition, run the batteries completely down once a month and then recharge fully.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: How long does it take to charge the battery when it is fully discharged?

Answer: It takes about 14-16 hours to recharge.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: Can you use alkaline batteries?

Answer: No.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: What adapter is used with this scanner?

Answer: This uses the DC adapter 270-0031. The AC Adapter is available by special order as part number RSU 11975679. This can be ordered through your local Radioshack store or by calling 800-843-7422.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: What is the average range?

Answer: We can't give an average range for scanners; it depends on the transmitter output.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: What is the IF frequency range?

Answer: The IF frequency ranges are given below:

1st Heterodyne:

29-174 (upper)	380.6050 - 380.7000 MHz
406-513 (upper)	360.6125 - 380-7000 MHz
806-956 (lower)	380.7000 - 380.7875 MHz

2nd Heterodyne: 10.85 (all bands)

3rd Heterodyne: 450 (all bands)

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: Does it have real bandbase on the earphone jack?

Answer: This has 38 mW nominal into 32 Ohm Stereo Headphones, and 9 mW nominal into 64 Ohm Earphones.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: How do I remove the P which displays when I am on a priority channel?

Answer: The P will always display when you are on a priority channel.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: Can you store a limit search in a bank?

Answer: No.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: How do I reset this scanner?

Answer: Turn the scanner off, hold down 2 & 9 and turn it back on.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: How do I make it trunk and listen to regular scanning at the same time?

Answer: Your scanner cannot track an 800 MHz trunked system and scan frequencies in conventional mode at the same time.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: Can you trunktrack 2 banks at the same time?

Answer: No.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: Can I listen to type 1 and type 2 at the same time?

Answer: No.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: Why can't I add a data frequency to more than five banks?

Answer: This scanner only handles up to 5 trunked banks at a time.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: I am having problems getting it to trunk; I have verified the steps and it is still not working.

Answer: Be sure that you are trying to scan a Motorola^® system.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: How do I program a fleetmap?

Answer: You will need to be in the bank where the trunked frequencies are stored, and then use trial-and-error to go through the possible fleetmaps.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: Is there a way to determine which fleetmap is correct other than trial and error?

Answer: No.

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Product: PRO-90 300-Channel TrunkTracker Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0520

Question: I am having problems programming the fleetmap; I can't find the data channel.

Answer: You need to scan until you find the data channel; until you have a data channel, you won't be able to trunktrack or program a fleetmap.

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Product: PRO-92 Multi-trunking Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0522

Question: What is the difference between the 200-0522, 200-0522A and 200-0522B versions of the PRO-92?

Answer: The primary differences are either in the firmware version and/or the trunked scanning method.

PRO-92 200-0522: Firmware: Version 1.0; Trunked Scanning: Low Speed Handshake
PRO-92 200-0522A: Firmware: Version 3.xx; Trunked Scanning: Control Channel

After introduction of the PRO-92, we learned of some instances where it didn't perform to expectations on some Motorola trunked systems. Based on this, a few customers have raised concerns about the quality of the PRO-92. An update to the software (changing the scanning method from "Low Speed Handshake" to "Control Channel") improves performance with these "troublesome" trunking systems. Effective immediately, we are offering this upgrade for the price of labor only. You would need to take the radio to your local RadioShack store and have them send it to the service center. Through cloning, reasonable efforts will be made to retain the programming in the scanner's memory.

Warning: Do not send a scanner that currently works fine on your local trunked systems just because it has version 1.00! If the scanner already works well in your area, this update is not needed.

The only significant difference between the 200-0522A and the 200-0522B is that the manufacturing location changed.

PRO-92 200-0522B: Firmware: Version 3.xx; Trunked Scanning: Control Channel

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Product: PRO-92 Multi-trunking Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0522

Question: How do I program and store text tags?

Answer: Storing Text Tags

Press MANUAL, enter the channel number where you want to enter the text, then press MANUAL again. M and the channel number appear at the upper left corner of the display.
Press PGM. M changes to P.
Press TEXT. The cursor appears at the third line.
Enter the text using the numeral keys (see "Text Input Chart" below).

NOTE: If you make a mistake, press [down arrow] or [up arrow] to move to the character you want to change.

To enter "Police # 1", the procedure would be:

"P" is the first letter associated with 7 on the keypad. Press 7 then 1.

"o" is the third letter associated with 6 on the keypad, but it is lowercase. Press 6, FUNC, 3.

"l" is the third letter associated with 5 on the keypad, but it is lowercase. Press 5, FUNC, 3.

"i" is the third letter associated with 4 on the keypad, but it is lowercase. Press 4, FUNC, 3.

"c" is the third letter associated with 2 on the keypad, but it is lowercase. Press 2, FUNC, 3.

"e" is the second letter associated with 3 on the keypad, but it is lowercase. Press 3, FUNC, 2.

To enter a space, press . (period symbol).

To enter a "#", press 0, 3.

To enter a space, press . (period symbol).

To enter a "1", press 1, 1.

Press ENTER to input the text.

Text Input Chart

To access the numbers, press 1 then the number.
To enter a lowercase letter, after choosing the group it belongs to, press FUNC then the number corresponding to the position of the letter.

Press	To Enter a Character from this Group	Press	To Enter a Character from this Group
1	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0	7	P Q R S
2	A B C	7 FUNC	p q r s
2 FUNC	a b c	8	T U V
3	D E F	8 FUNC	t u v
3 FUNC	d e f	9	W X Y Z
4	G H I	9 FUNC	w x y z
4 FUNC	g h i	0	. - # _ @ + * / '
5	J K L	0 FUNC	$ % ! ^ ( , ) ? -> `
5 FUNC	j k l	.	[SPACE]
6	M N O	CL	[BACKSPACE]
6 FUNC	m n o

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Product: PRO-92 Multi-trunking Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0522

Question: How do I assign a two-line text tag?

Answer: When programming a text tag, it only allows you to put one line in. To have two lines of text as tags, you must also assign a text tag to the bank.

For example, assign a text tag to the bank as "Arlington", then assign a text tag to an ID (or frequency) such as 'South Police'. When the scanner picks up that ID (or a transmission on the frequency) it will display both tags.

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Product: PRO-92 Multi-trunking Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0522

Question: What are the system requirements for the software package for the PRO-92?

Answer: The 940-1223 GRE Scanner Data Manager includes the following items:

PC Software Diskette (1 each)
PC Interface Cable Assembly (1 each)
Getting Started Manual (1 each)

The interface cable supplied with the GRE Scanner Data Manager is a 9-pin serial cable (female) designed specifically for use with the PRO-92 and PRO-series scanners and will not operate with other scanners. This cable assembly includes a special voltage converter circuit. Do not plug this cable into any other equipment and do not attempt to use any other cable with your scanner.

The minimum operating requirements for the software are as follows:

486, 586 Pentium Processor
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 or Windows NT
16 MB RAM minimum, 23 MB RAM recommended (for good Windows performance)
2 MB hard disk space minimum
Any video card and monitor supported
Windows Mouse with 2 buttons (minimum)
Serial port for the interface cable assembly

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Product: PRO-92 Multi-trunking Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0522

Question: How do I get this scanner to simultaneously track both Motorola II & Conventional frequencies?

Answer: This procedure will only work on the PRO-92, since it tracks by the SID's, and not the data channel, and only in the open mode. In closed mode, the scanner will look for programmed SID's before it stops on a transmission. Here are the steps to set this up:

1. Enter all the frequencies (both conventional and Motorola II) in the same bank with the manual programming.

For the Motorola II frequencies, press Mode to designate the RF as MOT then press /\ (up arrow) for the next channel to be programmed.
For conventional frequencies, do not use the Mode button; press /\ (up arrow) to go to the next channel.

2. Once all of the frequencies are programmed in the Bank then:

Press Man.
Press Scan; the PRO-92 will start scanning and stop on the first data channel.
Lock Out any/each data channel when the PRO-92 stops on it. After the data channels are locked out the PRO-92 will continue to scan and will show SIDs on the Motorola II channels. The Motorola II channels have a sub-audible tone that equates to the SID, and the PRO-92 will pick this up and display the SID even with the data channels locked out.

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Product: PRO-92 Multi-trunking Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0522

Question: What are the differences between the PRO-92 (Cat. No. 200-0522) and the PRO-94 (Cat. No. 200-0524) Scanners?

Answer: The differences are outlined below:

	PRO-92 / 200-0522	PRO-94 / 200-0524
Trunk Scanning Type	Multi-Trunk Scanning (allows simultaneous scanning of up to 10 trunked systems or trunked and analog systems)	Single-Trunk Scanning (can scan one system at a time)
Trunking Type	Multi-Trunking: Scans Analog Motorola I, II, I/II; GE/Ericsson (EDACS) and Johnson/Uniden systems	Dual-Trunking: Scans Analog Motorola I, II, I/II and GE/Ericsson (EDACS)
Channels	500 Channels	1000 Channels
Frequencies	29-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 380-512 MHz, 806-960 MHz (excluding cellular)	29-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 216-225 MHz, 406-512 MHz, 806-960 MHz (excluding cellular), 1240-1300 MHz
SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding)	Weather alert with display	Weather alert, no display
CTCSS/DSC Decode	Yes	No
Cloning Interface (with optional cable)	Yes	No
Display	4-line, displays frequency, alphanumeric name	1-line (fixed indicators), displays frequency

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Product: PRO-92 Multi-trunking Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0522

Question: Between the PRO-92 and PRO-94, which has the better scanning scheme?

Answer: In our testing, we placed a PRO-94 side by side with a PRO-92 and found each radio missed a few (and only a few) hops. The missed hops were about the same - neither radio got everything. The significant difference was that if the PRO-94 model holds on a specific ID and misses a hop, the hop is completely missed, where the PRO-92 typically picks it back up after a second of delay. The reason for this is that the PRO-94 scheme looks only at the data channel; if it misses the data, that transmission is completely lost. In contrast, the PRO-92 reads the subaudible data on each transmission. If it misses the hop, it continues to check active channels and easily finds the conversation again.

While the schemes are different, we did not find that either design was significantly better than the other.

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Product: PRO-93 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0523

Question: How do I get the software & cable for this scanner?

Answer: The PC interface for the PRO-93 is not available, and it will not work with any of our currently-available interfaces. While this software is in development, we do not have a due date; however, it is currently expected to be sold under part number 940-1666. When the interface is available, it will be listed on our website.

A cable and software which will work with the PRO-93 is available on-line through http://www.pro93.com/. Please note: this website is not associated with RadioShack Corporation.

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Product: PRO-94 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0524

Question: What are the differences between the PRO-92 (Cat. No. 200-0522) and the PRO-94 (Cat. No. 200-0524) Scanners?

Answer: The differences are outlined below:

	PRO-92 / 200-0522	PRO-94 / 200-0524
Trunk Scanning Type	Multi-Trunk Scanning (allows simultaneous scanning of up to 10 trunked systems or trunked and analog systems)	Single-Trunk Scanning (can scan one system at a time)
Trunking Type	Multi-Trunking: Scans Analog Motorola I, II, I/II; GE/Ericsson (EDACS) and Johnson/Uniden systems	Dual-Trunking: Scans Analog Motorola I, II, I/II and GE/Ericsson (EDACS)
Channels	500 Channels	1000 Channels
Frequencies	29-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 380-512 MHz, 806-960 MHz (excluding cellular)	29-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 216-225 MHz, 406-512 MHz, 806-960 MHz (excluding cellular), 1240-1300 MHz
SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding)	Weather alert with display	Weather alert, no display
CTCSS/DSC Decode	Yes	No
Cloning Interface (with optional cable)	Yes	No
Display	4-line, displays frequency, alphanumeric name	1-line (fixed indicators), displays frequency

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Product: PRO-94 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0524

Question: Between the PRO-92 and PRO-94, which has the better scanning scheme?

While the schemes are different, we did not find that either design was significantly better than the other.

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Product: PRO-94 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0524

Question: How do I calculate Base Frequency? I am looking for the mathematical formula used to calculate the BASE frequency as required.

Answer: We do not have this information. If it is available to the public, you may be able to get what you want by searching the Motorola (or applicable) patents.

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Product: PRO-94 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0524

Question: How do I get the Software & Cable for this scanner?

Answer: The Cable and Software are sold separately. While the cable is sold under 260-0117, the software is not presently available.

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Product: PRO-94 Scanner

Cat. No.: 200-0524

Question: How do I turn off Hypersearch? I can't get HYPER off of the display.

Answer: Hypersearch can only be turned on and off through a limit or direct search. To turn it off, you should do the following:

Through Limit Search:

Press PROG, then LIMIT (SRC). Lo and 29.000 MHz appear. 29.000 MHz is the low end of the scanner's range.
Enter the frequency that is the lower limit of the range you want to search (including the decimal point), then press E (SVC).
Press LIMIT (SRC). Hi and 1300.00 MHz appear. 1300.000 MHz is the upper limit of the scanner's range.
Enter the frequency that is the upper limit of the range you want to search (including the decimal point), then press E (SVC) again.
Press \/ to search from the upper to the lower limit or /\ to search from the lower to the upper limit.
While the scanner is searching or is on a transmission, press H/S.

HYPER should disappear from the display.

Through Direct Search:

Press MAN.
Enter the frequency you want to start from using the number keys. (Press . to enter a decimal point).

NOTE: To start the search from a frequency already stored in one of your scanner's channels, press MAN or PROG. Then use the number keys to enter the channel number and then press MAN or PROG again. If you enter an invalid frequency, the scanner displays Error. Press MON/CLR (.).

Press \/ to search downward or /\ to search upward from the selected frequency. -d-, SEARCH, and either \/ or /\ appear.
While the scanner is searching or is on a transmission, press H/S.

HYPER should disappear from the display.

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Scanner Frequently Asked Questions Section 4 - TrunkTracking Scanners

TRUNKTRACKING SCANNERS

General Questions

Product-specific Questions

TRUNKTRACKING SCANNERS

General Questions

TRUNKTRACKING SCANNERS

Product-specific Questions

Scanner Frequently Asked Questions
Section 4 - TrunkTracking Scanners