GUIDE TO THE ACTION BANDS

United States Broadcast Bands

In the United States, there are several broadcast bands. The standard AM and FM bands are probably the most well known. There are also four television audio broadcast bands — the lower three transmit on the VHF band and the fourth transmits on the UHF band.

Typical Band Usage

VHF Band

 

Low Range

29.00–50.00 MHz

6-Meter Amateur

50.00–54.00 MHz

U.S. Government

137.00–144.00 MHz

2-Meter Amateur

144.00–148.00 MHz

High Range

148.00–174.00 MHz

UHF Band

 

Military Aircraft

380.00–384.00 MHz

U.S. Government

406.00–420.00 MHz

70-cm Amateur

420.00–450.00 MHz

Low Range

450.00–470.00 MHz

FM-TV Audio Broadcast, Wide

470.00–512.00 MHz

Band

 

800 Band Law Enforcement

806.00–824.00 MHz

Conventional Systems

851.00–856.00 MHz

Conventional/Trunked Systems

856.00–866.00 MHz

Public Safety

866.00–869.00 MHz

Trunked Private/General

894.00–960.00 MHz

41

Page 40 Page 42
Page 41
Image 41
Radio Shack PRO-72 Guide to the Action Bands, United States Broadcast Bands, Typical Band Usage, VHF Band, UHF Band
Page 40 Page 42

PRO-72 specifications

The Radio Shack PRO-72 is a compact and versatile handheld scanner that has garnered a dedicated following among scanning enthusiasts and casual users alike. Renowned for its user-friendly design and robust feature set, the PRO-72 brings a wealth of scanning capabilities to the palm of your hand.

One of the most notable features of the PRO-72 is its ability to receive a vast range of frequencies, typically spanning from 29 MHz to 512 MHz. This wide frequency coverage allows users to monitor various communications, including police, fire, emergency services, aviation, and amateur radio transmissions. The scanner supports both conventional and trunked systems, making it adaptable for different types of communications used by various agencies.

The PRO-72 is equipped with 100 programmable channels, allowing users to organize and store their preferred frequencies efficiently. This feature makes it easier to switch between channels without manually tuning. Users can also take advantage of the scanner's built-in search function, enabling them to explore unidentified frequencies across the entire range.

When it comes to technologies, the PRO-72 incorporates a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that enhances audio clarity and reduces background noise. This feature ensures that users receive clear and intelligible audio, even in busy radio environments. Additionally, the scanner supports CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) and DCS (Digital-Coded Squelch) features, which help filter out unwanted transmissions, further enhancing the user experience.

The scanner’s backlit LCD display adds to its usability, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions. The ergonomic design features easy-to-use controls, making it accessible for beginners while still offering advanced options for seasoned operators. The portable nature of the PRO-72, often powered by standard AA batteries, makes it an ideal companion for outdoor activities like camping or emergency preparedness.

In conclusion, the Radio Shack PRO-72 is a feature-rich handheld scanner that successfully blends ease of use with advanced technology. Its wide frequency coverage, programmable channels, and impressive audio clarity make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the world of radio communications. Whether for leisure or practical applications, the PRO-72 continues to be a reliable tool for communication enthusiasts.
Top Page Image Contents