PRO-71 VHF/UHF/Air Handheld Scanner
(200-0311A) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 60711
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. Or, you can use
rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Both types of batteries are
available at your local RadioShack store.
WARNING: The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge nickel
cadmium batteries inside the battery compartment. However, you
must never use this circuit when you have installed non
rechargeable batteries in the scanner. Be sure to read "Important
information about the External Power Jacks" and "Charging Nickel
Cadmium Batteries" below.
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 or recharge 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. 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 Radio
Shack Cat. No. 273-1665. Plug the adapter's 3.4 mm outer diameter/1.3 mm
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. 273-1810.
CAUTIONS: You must use a DC adapter that supplies 9 VDC and delivers at
least 300 mA of DC automotive power. 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.
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. Always unplug the adapter from the
vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket before you unplug 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 Standard AC Power" or "Using Vehicle
Battery Power" above).
WARNING: Do not connect an adapter to the scanner's CHARGE jack if you
installed non-rechargeable batteries (standard, extra-life, or
alkaline). Non-rechargeable batteries become hot and could
explode if you try to recharge them.
It takes about 14 to 16 hours to recharge batteries that are fully
discharged. You can operate the scanner while recharging the nickel
cadmium batteries, but charging takes longer.
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 The Antenna
Follow these steps to attach the supplied flexible antenna 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. Place the antenna down over the jack and rotate the antenna's base
clockwise until it locks into place.
Connecting an Optional Antenna
The antenna connector on your scanner makes it easy to use the scanner
with a variety of antennas. Instead of the supplied antenna you can attach
an external mobile antenna or outdoor base antenna (for example). 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, you
will also need a BNC adapter, available at your local RadioShack store.
WARNING: When you install an outdoor antenna, use extreme caution. 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 remove it yourself.
Connecting An Earphone/Headphones
For private listening, you can plug an earphone or mono headphones (not
supplied) with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug (such as Cat. No. 33-177 or
20-210) into the (headphones 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.
Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After
you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
Do not listen at extremely high-volume levels. Extended high-volume
listening can lead to permanent hearing loss.
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 while riding a
bicycle, be very careful. Do not listen to a continuous broadcast. Even
though some earphones or headphones let you hear some outside sounds when
listening at normal volume levels, they still can present a traffic hazard
Connecting An Extension Speaker
In a noisy area, an extension speaker (such as RadioShack Cat. No. 21-549)
or an amplified speaker (such as RadioShack Cat. No. 21-541), positioned
in the right place, might provide more comfortable listening. Plug the
speaker cable's 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into your scanner's
(headphones symbol) jack.
Using 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.
(GLW EB 8/3/00)
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