Understanding Banks, Understanding Trunking

20-432.fm Page 17 Friday, July 14, 2000 11:30 AM

UNDERSTANDING

BANKS

Channel Storage Banks

To make it easier to identify and select the channels you want to listen to, channels are divided into 20 banks of 50 channels each. Use each channel- storage bank to group frequencies, such as those used by the police de- partment, fire department, ambulance services, or aircraft (see “Guide to the Action Bands” on Page 56).

For example, the police department might use four frequencies, one for each side of town. You could program the police frequencies starting with Channel 1 (the first channel in bank 1) and program the fire department fre- quencies starting with Channel 51 (the first channel in bank 2).

Service Banks

The scanner is preprogrammed with the frequencies allocated by public safety, police, fire/emergency, aircraft, and weather services. This is handy for quickly finding active frequencies instead of searching through an entire band (see “Searching Service Banks” on Page 19).

UNDERSTANDING

TRUNKING

In the past, groups that broadcast fre- quently, such as police departments, were restricted to transmitting on just a few frequencies. This resulted in heavy traffic and often required 2-way radio users to wait for a specific fre- quency to clear before transmitting.

Trunked systems allow more groups of 2-way radio users to use fewer fre- quencies. Instead of selecting a spe- cific frequency to transmit on, a trunked system chooses one of sever- al frequencies when the 2-way radio user presses PTT (push to talk). The system automatically transmits the call on that frequency, and also sends a code that identifies that 2-way radio user’s transmission on a data channel.

You can set this scanner to monitor the data channel frequency, so you can hear both the call and response transmissions for that 2-way radio user and therefore follow the conver- sation. (You cannot listen to the data channel itself in trunking mode.)

PRO-2052 specifications

The Radio Shack PRO-2052 is a versatile and feature-rich scanner that has captured the attention of amateur radio enthusiasts and professionals alike. This desktop scanner is designed to receive a wide array of frequencies across various bands, making it a valuable tool for monitoring communications.

One of the standout features of the PRO-2052 is its ability to monitor VHF, UHF, and some trunked radio systems. It boasts a wide frequency coverage range from 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz, covering conventional FM, AM, and even the digital communications that have become increasingly popular. This extensive coverage ensures that users can receive a plethora of broadcasts, from local police and fire departments to amateur radio operators and public service communications.

Another significant feature is the scanner's memory capacity, which allows users to store up to 300 channels. This capability is particularly beneficial for those who frequently listen to multiple frequencies, as it provides the flexibility to switch between channels seamlessly. The scanner also supports the ability to organize channels into banks, making it even easier to manage multiple frequencies.

The PRO-2052 comes equipped with a variety of scanning modes, including Narrowband and Wideband scanning, which cater to different listening preferences and needs. Users can employ the Delay function that pauses scanning for a brief period after a transmission is detected, ensuring that they don’t miss any important information. Furthermore, the Priority Scan feature enables monitoring of a selected channel while still continuously scanning other frequencies, adding another layer of functionality.

In terms of usability, the PRO-2052 is designed with a clear and intuitive interface, featuring a backlit LCD that makes it easy to read in various lighting conditions. Its control panel is user-friendly with dedicated keys for commonly used functions, allowing both beginners and seasoned professionals to operate the device with ease.

Furthermore, the scanner has built-in weather alert capabilities, offering users prompt notifications about severe weather conditions, ensuring safety and preparedness. The PRO-2052 is powered either by an AC adapter or batteries, providing the flexibility to operate in various environments.

In summary, the Radio Shack PRO-2052 is a powerful and user-friendly scanner that offers a rich set of features, making it a top choice for those interested in radio communications. Its extensive frequency range, substantial memory capacity, and multiple scanning modes make it suitable for a wide variety of applications, proving to be a reliable companion for enthusiasts and professional users alike.