Radio Shack PRO-94 owner manual Trunking Operation, Types of Trunking Systems

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ˆTrunking Operation

The scanner tracks transmissions that use the Motorola Type I, Type II, hybrid, and Ericsson EDACS analog trunking systems. The frequencies for many of the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, and EDACS public safety systems are listed in the separate National Public Safety Trunked System Frequency Guide included with your scanner.

TYPES OF TRUNKING SYSTEMS

This trunking scanner monitors two basic types of sys- tems — the Motorola Type I/Type II or hybrid system, and the Ericsson EDACS system. Instead of selecting a specific frequency to transmit on, a trunked system chooses one of several frequencies in a 2-way radio us- er’s talk group when that user presses their PTT (push to talk) control. Thus, trunking systems, in general, allocate a few frequencies among many different users. Motorola Type I and Type II systems achieve the same results in a slightly different way. One important distinction between these systems is the amount of data transmitted by each radio when the operator pushes the PTT control. A Type I system transmits the radio’s ID and its current affiliation or the trunk system to which it belongs. A Type II system only transmits the radio’s ID.

Why the difference? In Type I systems, each radio in the trunk group individually transmits its own affiliation, while the trunk system maintains a database that determines each radio’s affiliation(s) in Type II systems.

Another difference between the systems is that Type I systems are arranged in a fleet-subfleet hierarchy. For example, it is possible for a city using a Type I system to designate four fleets, each with eight subfleets.

The police department, fire department, utilities group, and city administration could each be a separate fleet. The police might decide to further divide its fleet into subfleets, such as dispatch, tactical operations, detec- tives, north, south, east, and west side patrols, and su- pervisors. All the available police radios would then be assigned to one of the police subfleets, letting the police

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Trunking Operation

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Contents PRO-94 1000-Channel Handheld Trunking Scanner Contents Special Features Trunking OperationGeneral Guide to Scanning TroubleshootingCare and Maintenance Specifications Features Features Features FCC Notice Frequency Step Range MHz KHz TransmissionScanning Legally Preparation Using Internal BatteriesUsing Non-Rechargeable Batteries Preparation11 Using Rechargeable Batteries 12PreparationUsing AC Power Using Vehicle Battery Power Connecting an Optional Antenna Connecting the AntennaConnecting AN EARPHONE/ Headphone Traffic Safety Listening SafelyConnecting AN Extension Speaker Attaching the Belt ClipAbout Your Scanner Look AT the Keypad Key FunctionsKeys Look AT the DisplayNumber About Your Scanner Channel Storage Banks Service BanksUnderstanding Banks Monitor Memories Storing Known Frequencies Into Channels Turning on the Scanner Setting SquelchOperation Searching for and Temporarily Storing Active Frequencies Limit Search Direct SearchService Bank Search Search Skip Memory Listening to the Monitor Memories Moving a Frequency from a Monitor Memory to a ChannelScanning the Stored Channels Manually Selecting a ChannelTurning CHANNEL-STORAGE Banks on and OFF Special FeaturesDelay Locking OUT Channels PriorityUsing the Keylock Changing Search Speeds Using the Display BacklightUsing the Auto Backlight Display Turning the Keytone OFF/ONReceiving NWR-SAME Weather Alert Signals Turning the Battery Save Function OFF/ONSkipping Data Signals Turning On the Same Weather Alert Feature Same Signal Detection UpdatingNWR-SAME Alert Tone Test NWR-SAME Code Detection TestsTrunking Operation Types of Trunking SystemsSetting the Scanner to the Trunking Mode Simultaneous TrunkingYou See Trunk System Setting Squelch for the Trunking ModeStoring Trunked Frequencies Motorola Type II, UHF frequencies Motorola Type II, 900 MHz frequenciesMotorola Type II, VHF frequencies Searching a Trunked Bank Turning a Trunked Bank On or OffSkipping a Trunked Bank Turning the Status Bit Ignore S-Bit On or OffEdacs Talk Group ID Range Search Identifying a Trunked FrequencySelecting the Edacs Talk Group ID Format Press 0 1 . SRC LimitUsing Hold to Monitor an Active Talk Group ID Locking Out Talk Group IDsUnlocking All Talk Group IDs Using Trunk Scanning Scan DelayUnlocking a Single Talk Group ID Channel Activity Bars Monitoring Talk Group IDsUsing Talk Group ID Lists Manually Storing Talk Group IDs in Talk Group ID ListsYou Press To Scan Entering Edacs Partial Talk GroupsMoving Talk Group IDs to Talk Group ID Lists 01 . EPriority Talk Group ID Scanning Scanning the Talk Group ID ListsDeleting a Stored Talk Group ID List Scanning Type I and Hybrid Trunked Systems E1P1 E1P2 E1P3 E1P4 E1P5 E1P6E1P13 E1P14 E1P15 E1P7 E1P8 E1P9E1P10 E1P11 E1P12 Press Data ALT Selecting a Preset Fleet MapE1P16 Size Code Block Programming a Fleet MapProg then Trunk Programming the Base Offset Frequencies Programming a Hybrid System Turning On/Off the Motorola Disconnect Tone Detect FunctionNational Weather Frequencies General Guide to ScanningGuide to Frequencies Birdie FrequenciesPrimary Usage Guide to the Action BandsTypical Band Usage VHF BandUHF Band Abbreviations ServicesBand Allocation Aircraft Band- 108-137 MHz VHF Low Band- 29-50 MHz in 5 kHz stepsAmateur Band 50-54 MHz Amateur Band 144-148 MHzCm Amateur Band 420-450 MHz VHF High Band 148-174 MHzGovernment Band 406-420 MHz 406.125-419.975 Conventional Systems Band Locally Assigned Public Safety Band Locally AssignedLow Band 450-470 MHz 856.0125-860.9875Frequency Conversion Squelch is not TroubleshootingProblem Possible Cause Remedy BATT. Lo Troubleshooting67 Resetting the Scanner Care and Maintenance Specifications Search SpeedSquelched 70 mA Limited Ninety-Day Warranty

PRO-94 specifications

The Radio Shack PRO-94 is a versatile and feature-rich handheld scanner that has garnered attention from both amateur radio enthusiasts and professional users alike. Renowned for its accessibility and performance, the PRO-94 serves as an ideal device for those looking to stay connected with various radio frequencies.

One of the main features of the PRO-94 is its ability to receive a wide range of frequencies. The scanner covers VHF low and high bands, UHF, and even the 800 MHz frequency range, allowing users to pick up signals from local police, fire departments, amateur radio operators, and more. This broad frequency range ensures that users can monitor diverse communications and stay informed about local events.

The scanner is equipped with an advanced trunk-tracking technology that allows it to follow trunked radio systems. This is particularly useful for monitoring state and local emergency services, as many of these organizations have migrated to trunked systems to maximize channel efficiency. The PRO-94 simplifies this process by automatically scanning through the trunked frequencies, making it easy for users to catch important dispatches without manual adjustments.

Another standout characteristic of the PRO-94 is its 200 memory channels. Users can program these channels to store specific frequencies, making quick access seamless. The scanner also supports multiple banks, allowing for organized grouping of channels, which is advantageous for users who monitor different types of services or agencies.

With its user-friendly interface, the PRO-94 includes an LCD display that shows relevant information, such as the frequency being received or the bank and channel currently in use. The keypad is designed for efficient navigation, making it straightforward to enter frequency modes and access programmed channels easily. Additionally, the scanner features priority channels, which allow users to monitor certain frequencies continuously, ensuring they do not miss critical communications.

The PRO-94 runs on AA batteries, providing convenience in terms of power supply. Its compact size and lightweight design ensure portability, enabling users to take it on the go, whether on a hiking trip or during community events.

In summary, the Radio Shack PRO-94 stands out as a robust and user-friendly handheld scanner. Its diverse frequency reception, trunk-tracking technology, extensive memory capabilities, and portable design make it a compelling choice for anyone keen on monitoring radio communications.