PRO-74 100-Channel VHF/UHF/Air/800 MHz Race Scanner
(200-0513A)                Preparation                Faxback Doc. # 60416

Power Sources

You can power your scanner from any of three sources:

  Internal batteries (not supplied).

  Standard AC power using an optional AC adapter.

  Vehicle battery power using an optional DC adapter.

Using Internal Batteries

You can power your scanner using four AA batteries.  For the longest 
operation and best performance, we recommend you use alkaline batteries 
(such as RadioShack Cat. No. 23-552).

You can also use four rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries (Cat. No.
23-125).  Before you use nickel-cadmium batteries, you must charge them 
(see "Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries" below).

Follow these steps to install batteries.

1.  While pushing up the tab above the battery compartment cover on the
    back of the scanner, lift open the battery compartment cover to remove
    it.

2.  If you are installing alkaline batteries, use a pointed object such as 
    a pen to set ALKALINE< JACK >NI-CD inside the compartment to ALKALINE.
    Or, if you are installing nickel-cadmium batteries, set it to NI-CD.

    WARNING: Never set ALKALINE< JACK >NI-CD to NI-CD if you are
             installing non-rechargeable batteries.  Non-rechargeable
             batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge them.

3.  Install two batteries in the compartment and two in the cover as
    indicated by the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked inside those
    locations.

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

              Always remove old or weak batteries.  Batteries can leak 
              chemicals that destroy electronic circuits.

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

4.  Replace the cover.

If BATT Lo flashes and the scanner beeps every 15 seconds, replace 
(alkaline) or recharge (rechargeable nickel-cadmium) the batteries.

CAUTION: Always dispose of old batteries promptly and properly.  Do not 
         bury or burn them.

Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries

The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge nickel-cadmium 
batteries while they are in the scanner.  To charge the batteries, set 
ALKALINE< JACK >NI-CD to NI-CD, install the nickel-cadmium batteries in 
the scanner, and connect an external AC or DC adapter to the scanner's 
POWER jack (see "Using Standard AC Power" or "Using Vehicle Battery Power" 
below).

WARNING: Do not connect either adapter to the scanner if you have non 
         rechargeable batteries (such as alkaline batteries) installed in 
         the scanner and ALKALINE< JACK >NI-CD IS SET TO NI-CD, or you are 
         unsure of the switch's position.  Non-rechargeable batteries will 
         get hot and can even explode if you try to recharge them.

Before you use nickel-cadmium batteries for the first time, charge them at
least 24 hours to bring them to a full charge. 

Discharged batteries take about 10 to 18 hours to fully recharge. It takes
longer to fully charge them if you operate the scanner while you recharge 
them.

Notes: 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
       flashes.

       To prevent damaging nickel-cadmium batteries, never charge them in
       an area where the temperature is above 113 degrees F or below 40 
       degrees F.

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,
           dropoff boxes at retailers such as your local RadioShack store, 
           recycling collection centers, and mail-back programs.

Using Standard AC Power

You can power the scanner from a standard AC outlet using an optional AC 
adapter (such as Cat. No. 273-1665).

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: The recommended AC adapter supplies 9 volts and delivers at 
          least 300 milliamps. It has a barrel plug with a center negative
          tip that correctly fits the scanner's POWER jack.  Using an
          adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the
          scanner or the adapter. 
      
          To protect your scanner and AC adapter, always plug the adapter 
          into the scanner before you plug it into the AC outlet, and
          always unplug the adapter from the AC outlet before you unplug
          it from the scanner. 

          If batteries are installed, make sure ALKALINE< JACK >NI-CD is
          set to the correct position (see "Using Internal Batteries"
          above.

1.  Turn VOLUME counterclockwise until it clicks to make sure power is 
    turned off. 

2.  Plug the adapter's 3.4 mm outside diameter/1.3 mm inside diameter 
    barrel plug into your scanner's POWER jack.

3.  Plug the other end of the adapter into a standard AC outlet. 

Using Vehicle Battery Power

To power the scanner from your vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket, you 
need a DC adapter, such as Cat. No. 273-1810.

CAUTIONS: The DC adapter must be capable of delivering 9 volts and at
          least 300 milliamps, its center tip must be set to negative, and
          its barrel plug must correctly 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.

          To protect your vehicle's electrical system, always plug the 
          adapter into the scanner before you plug it into your vehicle's 
          cigarette lighter socket before you unplug it from the scanner. 

          If batteries are installed, make sure ALKALINE< JACK >NI-CD is
          set to the correct position (see "Using Internal Batteries"
          above.

1.  Turn VOLUME Counterclockwise until it clicks to make sure power is
    turned off.

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

3.  Connect the adapter's 3.4 mm outer diameter/1.3 mm inner diameter plug 
    to the adapter's cord, matching TIP to (-).

4.  Plug the adapter's barrel plug into your scanner's POWER jack.

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

When you finish using the DC adapter, disconnect it from the cigarette
lighter socket, then disconnect it from your scanner.

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

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 (headphone 
symbol) 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 (headphone 
symbol) 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 or 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 or headphones with your scanner, be very careful.  
Do not listen to a continuous broadcast.  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.

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.

(BR EB 7/7/00)

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