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Each FIPS code identifies a specific geographic area (defined by the Na- tional Weather Service), so your scan- ner sounds an alert only when a weather emergency is declared in that area. This helps you more efficiently track the weather conditions in and around your area.

When a Weather Alert Occurs

When the scanner receives a weather alert:

•it sounds a series of beeps

•an indicator appears

The scanner also receives other weather-related signals such as test events (TSt appears) and other events (---appears)

Warning: The NWS (National Weath- er Service) uses sophisticated weath- er models to determine an alert’s effective time. However, the end of an alert does not necessarily mean that the related weather emergency is over.

Note: Once the scanner receives the SAME code, it retains the information in the scanner’s memory. This infor- mation stays in memory even if you change modes, but is erased when you turn the scanner off.

26

Understanding FIPS Codes

For the purpose of broadcasting weather information, the NWS has di- vided the United States into regions by state and county (or parish, where applicable) then assigned a 6-digit FIPS code to identify each county or parish. For example, the code for Tar- rant County, Texas, is 048439.

The

first

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State

digit

in a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIPS

code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

048439

 

 

 

identifies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

County/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the

county

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

subdivi-

 

 

 

 

 

County Subdivision

 

 

 

 

 

sion,

the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

next

two

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

digits identify the state, and the last three digits identify the county or par- ish.

Note: Most FIPS codes begin with 0, which means the code represents an entire county. The NWS, however, plans to eventually subdivide some large counties. When that happens, each subdivision will be assigned a digit from 1–9, resulting in codes such as 148439, 248439, and so on.

Your scanner can receive all SAME alert signals broadcast within about a 50-mile radius of where you installed it. To receive SAME alerts and broad- casts about weather occurring only in particular counties within that area, you can program up to fifteen FIPS codes into the scanner’s memory (see “Entering Your Area’s FIPS Code(s)”

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Radio Shack PRO-2052 owner manual When a Weather Alert Occurs, Understanding Fips Codes
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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.
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