Getting Started with your PRO-96 or PRO-2096

I got the Pro-96 (or the Pro-2096) scanner. I want to change the programming and I dont know how to do it

Newcomers often find programming a scanner to be a daunting task. This article links to several resources to help you get started. Note that anything in blue is a link.

The Nuts and Bolts

• If you're a newcomer, you've probably already discovered that there's a huge amount of terms that seem unfamiliar to you. Our Glossary has lots of these terms, along with definitions. Just click on the term you wish to view.

• When looking at frequencies in our database, float your mouse over the column header, and you should get a balloon with a brief description of the terms and abbreviations that are used there.

• The biggest hurdle for many is the concept of trunking. Our Trunking Basics article will get you started, as well as this PDF file written by UPMan. Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat or a compatible reader (such as Foxit) to read it.

Manual Programming

• If you want to program these radios manually, these shortcuts will help
  • Radio Shack Pro-96 Step-By-Step EDACS Programming Guide (PDF)
  • Programming Shortcut Pro-96
  • Programming Shortcut pro-2096

Owners Manuals and FAQs

• PRO-96 FAQ
  • Answers to common questions such as can these radios be rebanded, Phase II and 380/700 Mhz trunking support can be found here

• The owner's manual for the Pro-96 can be found here in PDF format

• The owner's manual for the Pro-2096 can be found here in PDF format

Software, Data and USB cables

• There are 2 applications that are designed to work with these scanners
  • ARC96
  • Win96
• You will need a USB-serial converter to connect the PC and scanner. See the Connecting scanners via USB article for the 2 models that are compatible, along with an explanation on how to use Windoze Device Manager to diagnose connection issues.
• You will also need data, as the V folders as supplied are very out of date. If you purchase a premium subscription you can download data from our database. Alternately you can go to your state's forum and ask for a file. Be specific as to what software you are using, as not all formats are compatible with one another.