20-417.fm Page 30 Wednesday, August 4, 1999 11:33 AM

A GENERAL GUIDE TO SCANNING

Reception of the frequencies covered by your scanner is mainly “line-of-sight.” That means you usually cannot hear stations that are beyond the horizon.

GUIDE TO FREQUENCIES

US Weather Frequencies

162.400

162.425

162.450

162.475

162.500

162.525

162.550

Canadian Weather Frequencies

161.650 161.775 163.275

Note: These frequencies are not pre-programmed in the weather service bank but can be manually programmed into a channel.

Ham Radio Frequencies

Ham radio operators often transmit emergency information when other means of communication break down. The following chart shows the frequencies the scan- ner receives that Ham radio operators normally use:

Wavelength (meters)

Frequencies (MHz)

10–Meter

29.000–29.700

6–Meter

50.000–54.000

2–Meter

144.000–148.000

70–cm

420.000–450.000

33–cm

902.000–928.000

Birdie Frequencies

Every scanner has birdie frequencies. Birdies are signals created inside the scanner’s receiver. These operating frequencies might interfere with broadcasts on the same frequencies. If you program one of these frequencies, you hear only noise on that frequency. If the interference is not severe, you might be able to turn SQUELCH clockwise to cut out the birdie.

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Radio Shack PRO-2048 owner manual General Guide to Scanning, Guide to Frequencies

PRO-2048 specifications

The Radio Shack PRO-2048 is a compact and versatile scanner that has gained recognition among both casual radio enthusiasts and serious hobbyists. Known for its reliable performance and user-friendly features, the PRO-2048 is designed to tune into a wide range of frequencies, making it an ideal choice for users interested in monitoring various communications, including public safety, aviation, and amateur radio.

One of the standout features of the PRO-2048 is its ability to cover a broad frequency range. It operates from 29 MHz to 960 MHz, allowing users to explore a diverse array of channels, including VHF and UHF bands. This extensive coverage means that users can listen to everything from local police and fire departments to amateur radio operators and air traffic control.

The scanner is equipped with 100 programmable channels, enabling users to store their favorite frequencies for quick access. Its advanced scanning capabilities include a priority channel feature, which allows the user to monitor a specific channel while scanning others. This ensures that no important communication is missed, making it a valuable tool for those who need to stay informed about critical events.

In terms of technology, the PRO-2048 utilizes digital signal processing (DSP) to enhance audio clarity and reduce unwanted interference. This technology is particularly beneficial in urban environments where signal congestion can pose challenges. The scanner's built-in advanced filtering helps to weed out static and background noise, providing a clearer listening experience.

Another notable characteristic of the PRO-2048 is its backlit LCD display, which provides easy visibility in low-light conditions. The intuitive user interface allows for straightforward navigation, making programming and accessing frequencies a breeze even for beginners.

Additionally, the scanner features a wide variety of scanning options, including manual scanning, memory channel scanning, and lock-out features that allow users to exclude certain channels from the scanning process. The scanner also supports both conventional and trunked systems, which is essential for users looking to track modern communication networks.

In summary, the Radio Shack PRO-2048 is a robust scanner that combines wide frequency coverage, user-friendly features, and advanced technologies to enhance the listening experience. Its versatile functionality and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for anyone interested in monitoring radio communications. Whether you're a beginner or experienced hobbyist, the PRO-2048 stands out as a reliable companion for exploring the airwaves.