20-432.fm Page 55 Friday, July 14, 2000 11:30 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

National Weather Frequencies

162.400

162.475

162.525

162.425

162.500

162.550

162.450

 

Birdie Frequencies

Every scanner has birdie frequencies. Birdies are signals created inside the scan- ner’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. This scanner’s birdie frequencies (in MHz) are:

171.25

406.7625

407.8125

413.175

413.225

To find the birdies in your individual scanner, begin by disconnecting the antenna and moving it away from the scanner. Make sure that no other nearby radio or TV sets are turned on near the scanner. Use the search function and search every fre- quency range from its lowest frequency to the highest. Occasionally, the searching will stop as if it had found a signal, often without any sound. That is a birdie. Make a list of all the birdies in your scanner for future reference.

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Radio Shack PRO-2052 General Guide to Scanning, Guide to Frequencies, National Weather Frequencies, Birdie Frequencies
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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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