Radio Shack PRO-97, Manual

Page: 1 / 16

8/17/2015 Easier to Read Pro­97/2055 Scanner Manual
http://marksscanners.com/97/97.shtml#open_closed 1/16
Home
How to view these pages in your browsers
Easier to Read
Pro­97/2055 Scanner Manual
Last Updated May 30, 2015
Click here to buy a printed, bound, formatted in color, copy of this manual from Scanner Master
Contents
Introduction Scanning and Trunking Banks
Main Features Changing Open and Closed Modes
Scanning Terminology Turning ID Scan Lists On and Off
Understanding Trunking Locking/Unlocking IDs
Understanding Banks Switching Text and ID Code Display
Understanding IDs Switching EDACS Format Display
Receive Modes Searching for Frequencies
Understanding CTCSS/DCS CB, Marine, or FRS/GRMS/MURS Search
Open and Closed Modes Police/Fire, Air, or Amateur Search
Keypad and Knob Controls Service Search Band Charts
Setting the Squelch Limit Search
A Look at the Display Tune Search
In Scan Mode Seek Function
In Receive Mode Frequency Copy
In Search Mode Zeromatic Tuning
In Signal Stalker Mode Locking/Unlocking Search Frequencies
Programming Conventional Frequencies Weather Radio
Deleting Frequencies Listening to the Weather Band
Programming Tone Codes Receiving SAME Weather Alerts
Programming Trunking Systems Skywarn Programming
Programming a Fleet Map Special Features
Fleet Maps Text Tagging
Programming Offset and Base Frequency Turning the Keytone Off and On
Programming Talk Group IDs Backlight/Dimmer
Changing ID Delay Changing the Display Contrast
Clearing IDs Keylock
Signal Stalker II Cloning/Uploading/Downloading
Special Signal Stalker Scanner Reset
Scanning Conventional Banks Automatic Power Save
Changing Receive Modes Viewing/Updating Firmware
Using the Attenuator Related Links/Info
Priority Scanning
Locking/Unlocking Channels
Introduction
Contents
These are another excellent set of radios that have many fine features for scanning and trunking. However, anyone who has tried to read the manuals that come with the radios know it can be a
little hard (if you're lucky) to find, read, and figure out some of the steps, especially in the searching and trunking sections. IMHO they are a mess.
I can’t remember everything and find myself referring back to the manual for explanations of procedures and find it frustrating trying to figure out the wording every time. I decided to write and
publish this for myself to make it easier to use the radio and am happy to share it with you. This should also make it easier for most people to use some of the more advanced features of the radio
(and get their money’s worth if you paid full­price for the radio new) as I will try to explain procedures a little more clearly and in a more logical order. Granted, these radios aren't simple so you
will have to spend some time on them but this manual will at least make it easier. If you
follow the red highlighted text in the programming sections, you should find what you need to know. If you
want to find out what's really going on with the radio, read everything else.
Some of the better features of these radios are the ability to receive tone codes in certain service searches, the seek feature in search mode that resumes searching after 5 seconds, and the
adjustable ID delay . IDs can be locked out in open mode (vs. the older Pro­93/2053/94/95). The Skywarn lets you program 3 Skywarn frequencies (or any other conventional freqs) into channels
997­999 for one­touch access to them. The Repeater Finder Tool will help you find the correct LCN for LTR systems. The best one, in my opinion, is the ability to configure everything in the
software , on the computer, and then just shoot it to the radio (with a one­way cable) or back to the computer (with a two­way cable). Much easier to work with the keyboard and see the monitor.
You can set the attenuator globally or per channel. With a couple of keystrokes, you can view the IDs as text or code . There are 5 ID lists (30 IDs per list) to store 150 IDs for each bank.
Now, on the flip side, there are some pretty annoying things about these radios too. They still have preset steps that will not tune to many of the splinter frequencies in the VHF range (except the
108­137 air band) like 151.0125; (it accepts it as 151.01). The Air service search is relatively slow because of the 8.33 kHz steps. Still only 1 priority channel? The backlight goes out long before
the batteries die.
An overview of the features can also be viewed at my Trunking Radio Comparison Chart page.
You will also need a better antenna. The stock rubber duck isn't fabulous. RS has the Center­Loaded Telescoping Whip for $15 ­ better for VHF/UHF. The 800MHz Scanner Antenna for $25 ­
100% better for 700+ MHz. You may be able to find others on the web but RS is convenient so you can buy it and take it back in the same day if you don't like it. Read the reviews for each at the
site.
These radios also have software that will enhance and/or enable other features not possible with just the keypad and have been noted when known. My opinion is get the software if you have a
lot of frequencies. With all the features and setting in these new fangled devices it will save you hours of programming and frustration. It may also be easier to figure out the software than the
keypad sequences. Alpha tagging is great but much easier with the software. Because of the limited amount of keys on the radios, programming a 3 letter word takes about 20 keystrokes on my
Pro­97, if you can remember the sequence and don't make a mistake, after you program the bank name. See what I mean? Get the software. You have to dish out $20 bucks or so for a cable, the
software is $20­30 (after a 30­day free trial), and there are plenty of
newsgroups on the Net about these radios to help you hook up to the computer and work the software.
All in all, they will compliment your scanner collection (provided you have one).
I will assume you know how to obtain the basic information from the original manual such as following safety procedures, putting the batteries in, connecting the antenna, finding specs, etc. and
concentrate on the main functions of the scanner.
I hereby absolve myself from anything that happens to anyone or the scanner as a result of the information you will be reading. You are welcome to copy and/or print these pages and use them in
the scanning hobby as long as you don't change, redistribute, or charge/accept money for them.
Check back often as this document will be updated and revised from time to time. I have tried the best I can to make sure everything is accurate here but if I missed a step or you see something
that's obviously wrong, please
email me.
Main Features
Contents