Radio Shack 20-163 manual Scanning Legally

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Scanning Legally

Your scanner covers frequencies used by many different groups including police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, private companies, amateur radio services, military operations, pager services, and wireline (telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can receive. However, there are some transmissions you should never intentionally listen to. These include:

telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other private means of telephone signal transmission)

pager transmissions

any scrambled or encrypted transmissions

According to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), as amended, you are subject to fines and possible imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or divulging the contents of such a transmission unless you have the consent of a party to the communication (unless such activity is otherwise illegal).

This scanner is designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions, in compliance with the law which requires that scanners be manufactured in such a way as to not be easily modifiable to pick up those transmissions. Do not open your scanner’s case to make any modifications that could allow it to pick up transmissions that it is not legal to listen to. Doing so could subject you to legal penalties.

In some areas, mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a permit. Check the laws in your area. It is also illegal in many areas to interfere with the duties of public safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident without authorization.

We encourage responsible, legal scanner use.

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Contents What’s Included Mobile / Base Radio ScannerContents Contents Your Scanner Pause EXT SP Installing Your Scanner Setting Up a Mobile BaseBracket Mounting To you use the scanner on a flat surfaceDashboard Installation Connecting the Antenna To attach the supplied antennaPowering Your Scanner Wall OutletVehicle Power Socket Vehicle DirectHeadphones and Speakers Keytones and BrightnessDelay Squelch and AttenuatorScanner Setup To set the attenuator modeDefining a Channel To define a channelCopying a Frequency To copy a frequencyDeleting Saved Frequencies To delete a saved frequencyTo delete all saved frequencies in a bank To define a channel’s Ctcss or DCS codeScanner Cloning To save a Ctcss or DCS codeTo clone the scanner data Searching Seek SearchSearch Banks To activate Seek SearchTo search banks SR0-SR2 Zeromatic Programming a Search RangeTo activate Zeromatic To program the search range of Bank SR7Signal Stalker To use Signal StalkerSpecial Signal Stalker To use Special Signal StalkerLocking Out Frequencies To lock out a frequencySaving Found Frequencies To review and unlock frequenciesTo unlock all frequencies in a search bank To save a frequency found during a searchScanning Locking Out ChannelsTo scan To locked out a channelTo turn on the priority feature Priority ScanningTo review all locked out channels To make an existing channel a Priority channelWeather Alerts To modify the Priority channelTo perform a weather scan To program a weather channel into priority channelSame Standby Mode To program a Fips codeTo review stored Fips codes To enter Same standbyTo test the weather alert Monitoring SkywarnTo use Skywarn To monitor a channelTrunking Setup To set a default tuning frequencyDefining a Trunking Bank To define a Trunking BankMotorola Trunking Setup To set Open or Closed mode for a bankTrunking Modes Fleet Maps To program a fleet mapBase and Offset Frequencies For Motorola Type II, enterEdacs Trunking Setup UHF-Hi 806-960 MHz To program 800 MHz Motorola trunkingLTR Trunking Setup Searching for Talk Group IDsTo save a correct Home Repeater Saving a Talk Group ID To search for Talk Group IDsTo define a Talk Group ID Deleting Talk Group IDs To delete a Talk Group IDTo delete ALL talk group IDs in a bank 1. Press Prog Trunk Scanning Saving Trunking ChannelsTrunking Delay To set a Talk Group ID delayLocking Out Talk Group IDs Turning Off Sub-BanksTo lock out Talk Group IDs To review locked-out Talk Group IDsScanner Maintenance Talk Group ID HoldTo turn off a sub-bank while scanning To set Talk Group ID HoldText Tags To define a Text TagTo display the Talk Group ID Troubleshooting Issue SolutionError message appears When trying to upload orBirdie Frequencies CauseService and Repair Initializing the ScannerTo initialize the scanner Scanning Legally References FCC NoticeAppendix a Glossary Search bank SR0 Marine band Receive mode FM Freq. MHz Appendix B Search BanksSearch bank SR1 CB band Receive mode AM Freq. MHz Group Search bank SR4 Aircraft Receive mode AM, FM Appendix C Ctcss / DCS Codes Ctcss CodesAppendix D Signal Stalker All BandDCS Codes PubSafety Band Appendix E Talk Group Format MotorolaTo use AFS format Appendix F Specifications Sensitivity 20 dB S/NDB +/-4 kHz Addendum Cat. No -163Purple DOT Purple DOT BB Business Band Police Departments Police Dept Nascar Track Announcer Security Alarm Security Company Companies DOT Business Band DOT BB Limited One-year Warranty
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20-163 specifications

Radio Shack 20-163 is a notable addition to the realm of emergency preparedness and personal communication devices. Designed for ease of use and reliability, this two-way radio was engineered to cater to users ranging from casual outdoor enthusiasts to those needing more robust communication tools during emergency situations.

One of the standout features of the Radio Shack 20-163 is its impressive range. With a maximum operating distance of several miles under ideal conditions, it enables users to maintain communication over substantive distances, making it a valuable tool in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and hunting. The radio operates on both UHF and VHF frequencies, allowing for improved battery efficiency, enhanced clarity, and reduced interference.

Equipped with crystal-clear audio technology, the Radio Shack 20-163 ensures that communications are transmitted and received with minimal static and distortion. This is particularly crucial in emergency situations where clear communication can make a significant difference. Additionally, the device offers multiple channels, which allows users to switch frequencies if they encounter interference or if they wish to connect with different groups.

Another characteristic that sets the Radio Shack 20-163 apart is its durable design. Built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions, this radio is designed to resist dust and moisture. Its compact and lightweight design makes it portable, allowing users to carry it easily during various activities without feeling encumbered.

The battery life of the Radio Shack 20-163 is commendable, often lasting through extended use, especially when powered by high-capacity rechargeable batteries. This is an attractive feature for individuals heading into remote areas where charging options are limited.

For added convenience, the Radio Shack 20-163 includes a built-in flashlight and emergency alert functions, further enhancing its appeal for emergency preparedness. These features ensure that it serves not only as a communication device but also as a critical tool in situations where safety is paramount.

In summary, the Radio Shack 20-163 stands out as a reliable, feature-rich two-way radio that caters to a wide audience. With its excellent range, durability, and advanced audio technology, it continues to be a sought-after choice for those looking to enhance their communication capabilities in both everyday and emergency situations.