Racing Scanners
FAQ's and Listening Tips

Contents

• How is a racing scanner different from a regular scanner?
• What racing scanners does RadioShack currently sell?
• What accessories are available to improve my day at the races?
• How do I get the most out of my scanner on race day?
• On-line Race Information

How is a racing scanner different from a regular scanner?

Currently, RadioShack is the only supplier of "real" race scanners. Others say they have race scanners, but they just take a regular scanner, make it a different color, and suggest that customers just put the frequency of the car into the same channel number as the car.

There are two significant problems with this method. First, most cars have 2, 3, or even 4 possible frequencies. Second, using this method results in lots of empty channels because there are no cars with those channel numbers, and empty channels equal wasted memory in your scanner. Our race scanners let you actually enter the car number, then enter as many frequencies as that car has.

Finally, when scanning, our method allows you to see on the display which car you are listening to, regardless of how many frequencies that car has; the other method requires remembering which channels correspond to which car. Also, when you are scanning, you can choose to listen to the frequencies of only certain cars without complicated programming sequences.

A common feature of all racing scanners is that they often use a small "stubby" antenna, rather than the large flexible antenna found on most other scanners. The stubby antenna limits the radio from picking up extraneous signals which might be broadcast on nearby frequencies, as well as being much more comfortable when the scanner is worn on a belt clip or waist pack. The standard-length antennas tend to get in the way and can poke into your side when you sit down wearing the scanner.

Pro-89 200-channel Handheld Racing Scanner
(Cat. No. 20-514)

Product Features:

• 200 Memory Channels
• Conversion System: Triple Conversion
• Weather Alert
• Race Car Number On Display
• Computer Interface:
  Scanner PC Programming Kit (Cat. No. 20-048)
  or Over-the-Air Programming
• Frequency Range:
  29-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 380-512, 806-960 MHz (less cellular)
• Size: 5 7/8" x 2 1/2" x 1 3/8"

User's Manual Available On-line

Pro-74 100-Channel Race Scanner
(Cat. No. 20-513)

Product Features:

• 100 Memory Channels
• Conversion System: Triple Conversion
• Race Car Number On Display
• Frequency Range:
  29-54 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 406-512, 806-956 MHz (less cellular)
• Size: 6 1/2" x 2 5/8" x 1 11/16"

User's Manual Available On-line

NOTE: The Pro-74 is a Discontinued Product and is no longer available for purchase. Information is provided for for Reference Purposes Only

Noise-Reducing Race Scanner Headphones
(Cat. No. 33-1158)

These RadioShack Noise-Blocking Race Scanner Headphones are ideal for use in noisy locations like race tracks. They effectively block out external noise -- up to 20 dB. They are perfect for use with the RadioShack Race Scanner. The easily adjustable volume control is conveniently located on the left ear cup. The heavy-duty cord is tightly coiled so it stays out of your way. Soft fluid-filled ear cushions and adjustable hook-and-loop headband provide a comfortable fit for hours of listening comfort. They are specifically designed for voice transmissions with a wide 40-20,000Hz frequency response to provide crisp, clear sound.

Product Features:

• For use with all mono sources
• 1/8” gold-plated mono plug
• Neodymium magnets
• 8-Foot coiled cord

Closed-Cup Headphones
(Cat. No. 330-1198)

Product Features:

• Volume control on ear cup
• 9-Foot coiled cord

User's Manual Available On-line

Waist Pack
(Cat. No. 420-0260)

Product Features

• Four zippered compartments
• A secured pouch to keep the radio secure and accessible

Headphones Plug Adapter
(Cat. No. 420-2437)

Plugs into the headphone output of a scanner and provides two outputs, allowing a friend to share the experience and listen to the scanner along with you.

"AA" Enercell® Alkaline Batteries (12-Pack)
(Cat. No. 23-882)

• 1.50 Volt
• No capacity rating available; see above.

Full voltage, Longest life

"AA" RadioShack NiMH Batteries (4-pack)
(Cat. No. 23-528)

• 1.20 Volt
• 1600 mAh

Longest life for rechargeable, lower starting voltage, requires separate charger

"AA" RadioShack High-capacity Ni-Cd Batteries (2-pack)
(Cat. No. 23-149)

• 1.25 Volt
• 850 mAh

Good life for rechargeable, moderate starting voltage, can charge in scanner

"AA" RadioShack Standard Ni-Cd Batteries (4-pack)
(Cat. No. 23-325)

• 1.25 Volt
• 600 mAh

Lowest life, moderate voltage, can charge in scanner