PRO-2045 200-Channel Weather Alert Home Scanner
(200-0418) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 33682
CONNECTING POWER
You can power your scanner from a standard AC outlet using the supplied AC
adapter or from your vehicle's battery using an optional DC power cord.
If a power failure occurs or if the power cord is disconnected, the
scanner's memory backup circuit keeps information in memory for up to 3
days.
NOTE: The memory backup circuit begins to protect memory within a few
minutes after you plug in the scanner.
Using Standard AC Power
WARNING: Do not use the AC adapter with an extension cord unless the
blades can be fully inserted.
CAUTIONS: The supplied AC adapter supplies 12 volts and delivers 500
milliamps. Its center tip is set to positive, and its plug
properly fits the scanner's DC 12V jack. Using an AC adapter
that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner
or the adapter.
Connect the adapter to the scanner before you connect it to an
AC outlet. Disconnect the adapter from the AC outlet before you
disconnect it from the scanner.
If you have difficulty inserting the AC adapter's plug, do not
force it. Turn it over and reinsert it.
Follow these steps to use AC power.
1. Insert the supplied AC adapter's barrel plug into the scanner's DC 12V
jack.
2. Plug the adapter's power module into a standard AC outlet.
Using Vehicle Battery Power
Use a DC power cord (not supplied), such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 270-1533,
to power your scanner in your vehicle.
CAUTIONS: The DC power cord you select must supply 12 volts and deliver at
least 500 mA. It's center tip must be positive, and its plug
must fit the scanner's DC 12V jack. The recommended power cord
meets these specifications. Using a power cord that does not
meet these specifications could damage the scanner or power cord
Connect the power cord to the scanner before you plug it into
your vehicle. Disconnect the power cord from the vehicle before
you disconnect it from the scanner.
If you use your scanner in your vehicle with the engine running,
you might hear electrical noise from the scanner. This is
normal.
NOTE: Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit in some
areas. Check the laws in your area.
Follow these steps to use vehicle battery power.
1. Insert the DC power cord's barrel plug into the scanner's DC 12V jack.
2. Plug the DC power cord's cigarette-lighter plug into your vehicle's
cigarette-lighter socket.
CONNECTING AN ANTENNA
You can connect either the supplied telescoping antenna or an optional
antenna to your scanner.
Telescoping Antenna
The supplied telescoping antenna helps your scanner receive strong local
signals. Follow these steps to install the supplied antenna.
1. Hold the antenna so it stands straight up.
2. Gently push the antenna's plug onto the ANT jack on the scanner's back
panel.
The antenna's length affects reception. Adjust the antenna's length as
follows for the best results.
29-150 MHz Extend fully
150-174 MHz Extend only 3 segments
216-406 MHz Extend only 2 segments
406-1000 MHz Collapse Fully (only 1 segment extended)
Optional Outdoor Antenna
The supplied antenna is usually good for strong, local signals. However,
for the best results in receiving weaker more distant signals on all bands,
you can attach an optional outdoor antenna (not supplied), such as a
mobile, telescoping, multi-band, or outdoor base antenna.
WARNING: When installing or removing an outdoor antenna, follow all
cautions and warnings included with the antenna.
NOTE: Always use 50-Ohm coaxial cable to connect an outdoor antenna to
your scanner. For lengths under 50 feet, use RG-58 or RG-8/M
coaxial cable. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8, low-loss coaxial
cable. If the coaxial cable's connector does not fit the ANT jack,
you might also need an adapter. Your local Radio Shack store sells
a complete line of outdoor antennas, adapters, BNC connectors, and
mounting hardware.
For the best performance, consider the following when deciding on an
outdoor antenna and its location:
The location of the external antenna should be as high as possible.
The external antenna and antenna cable should be as far away as
possible from sources of electrical noise (appliances, other radios,
and so on).
The external antenna should be vertical.
Mount the antenna following the instructions supplied with the antenna and
its mounting hardware, then route the antenna cable to the scanner and
connect it to the ANT jack on the back of the scanner.
RESETTING THE SCANNER
If the scanner's display locks up or does not work properly after you
connect power or after a power surge, you might need to reset the scanner.
CAUTION: This procedure clears all the information you have programmed
into the scanner. Use this procedure only when you are sure your
scanner is not working properly.
1. Turn off the scanner.
2. While you press and hold down 2 and 9, turn on the scanner.
USING THE FEET
To tilt the display for the best viewing angle and to provide the best
traction, pull down on the scanner's feet so they lock into place.
TESTING ALERT OPERATION
For your scanner's weather alert function to be effective, you must place
the scanner:
Where it can receive an emergency alert broadcast (see "Testing alert
Reception" below).
Where you can hear its alert tone (See "Testing the Weather Alert",
below).
Once you determine a location that meets these two conditions, leave the
scanner there for the best protection.
Testing Alert Reception
The fact that you get clear voice reception or that the tone sounds when
you test the weather alert does not guarantee that an emergency alert
broadcast will trigger your scanner's alert tone. Also, if you are in a
fringe area, your scanner might be triggered by a broadcast in one area,
but not be triggered if you place it somewhere else (even close by).
To test for actual reception, your radio must receive a test or emergency
alert broadcast. The National Weather Service (NWS) broadcasts a test
alert every week on Wednesday between 11 AM and 12 Noon. To find out the
specific test schedule in your area, contact your local National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or National Weather Service office.
These offices are usually listed in the telephone book under "USGovernment,
Department of Commerce."
To verify that your scanner receives the test alert properly, set the
scanner to the weather alert standby mode (see "Using the Weather Alert
Standby Mode" on Faxback Doc. # 33693) during the time when the test alert
is broadcast in your area.
If the test alert broadcast does not trigger your scanner's tone, you are
out of range of the broadcast.
NOTE: If you use your scanner's weather alert feature when you travel, you
cannot guarantee that an emergency alert broadcast will trigger the
scanner in all areas.
NOTES FOR WEATHER ALERTS:
To ensure your scanner will sound the alert tone when it receives an
emergency signal, keep the antenna fully extended at all times.
If severe weather threatens, do not wait for an alert tone; turn on
your scanner and monitor the latest weather information.
Testing the Weather Alert
Follow these steps to test the weather alert - to hear how it sounds and
ensure that the circuitry is working.
NOTE: This test does not ensure that your scanner will sound an alert when
the weather service transmits an emergency signal (see "Weather
Alert" on Faxback Doc. # 33693). Proper operation is affected by
the strength of the weather service's signal.
1. Press WX.
2. When the scanner stops on a weather channel, press ALERT. ALERT
appears on the display.
3. Press and hold PRIORITY for more than 2 seconds until the scanner
sounds a loud alarm.
To turn off the alarm, press ALERT or WX.
CONNECTING AN EARPHONE
For private listening, plug an earphone or mono headphones' 1/8-inch plug
into the HEADPHONE jack on the front of the scanner. This disconnects the
internal speaker.
NOTE: Your local Radio Shack store has a wide selection of earphones and
headphones.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an earphone
or headphone.
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 wear an earphone or headphones while operating a motor vehicle. 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 listening at normal volume levels, they still can present a traffic
hazard.
CONNECTING AN AMPLIFIED EXTENSION SPEAKER
In a noisy area, an amplified extension speaker might provide more
comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini
plug into the scanner's EARPHONE jack. This disconnects the internal
speaker.
NOTE: Radio Shack stores sell an amplified communications extension
speaker.
INSTALLING AN OPTIONAL CTCSS TONE BOARD
The scanner's CTCSS (Continuous Tone Control Squelch System) feature lets
you choose to listen only to transmissions that transmit one of 38 standard
CTCSS tones. To use CTCSS, you must install an optional CTCSS tone board
(Cat. No. 20-0031).
CAUTIONS: Make sure the scanner is off and disconnect the power before you
install a CTCSS tone board.
Discharge static electricity buildup by touching a metal object
before you open the scanner.
1. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two side screws on the
scanner's top cover and three screws on the bottom.
CAUTION: The scanner's speaker is attached to the top cover and the
circuit board. Use care when you remove the top cover to not
damage the speaker or its connector.
2. Remove the scanner's top cover.
3. Gently plug the CTCSS board into sockets J9 and J10 on the top of the
scanner's circuit board.
4. Replace the scanner's top cover, then replace the two side screws and
three screws.
NOTE: For information about using CTCSS, see "Using CTCSS" on Faxback Doc.
# 33685.
(BR/EB 6/20/96)
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