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PRO-96 FAQ

From The RadioReference Wiki

Welcome to the Pro-96 FAQ article. Anything written here also applies to the Pro-2096. This article will be used to introduce new users to these scanners, document any hints or kinks not mentioned in the manuals and other topics. This FAQ cannot grow without your support; if there's a topic missing from this article, please consider adding it. Note that anything in blue is a link.

What are V Folders?

V (for 'Virtual') folders contain data for all 50 states loaded from the RadioReference database. However, several changes have occurred since the initial release of these scanners, but you can update them.

What is Trunking?

Trunking involves the use of many agencies, sharing a specific set of frequencies. Each agency - or sometimes more than one - are allocated logical addresses referred to as a Talkgroup.

Common Questions and Answers

  • Can I log and record using the computer interface?
    • No, this is not possible. The firmware does not have the instructions for allowing functions like this. Only uploads and downloads are possible
  • Can I record audio from the speaker/earphone jack?
    • Certainly, but you will not be able to log items like frequencies or talkgroups that had audio on them due to firmware isses as mentioned above. See our Recording Software and Tips article for popular packages.
  • Will the PRO-96/2096 cover UHF milair?
    • No, not out of the box. The use of Win96 will expand the frequency coverage, but since the scanner was not designed to cover this band initially, sensitivity varies widely from unit to unit. One unit might have decent sensitivity, another be as deaf as a post. This does not indicate that the unit is defective.
  • Will the PRO-96/2096 trunktrack in the 380/700 Mhz band?
    • No; the trunking tables have no code in them to handle trunking in this band. You may be able to hear audio if it's not encrypted, but systems in this band cannot be trunktracked with these scanners. It is possible, however, to gather information on these systems only if they are running a control channel at 9600 baud using the Pro96Com utility.
  • Will the PRO-96/2096 survive the Rebanding process?
    • Please see this thread in the Radio Shack forum
  • How do I reset the PRO-96/2096 back to factory defaults?

What Software is available for up/downloading data?

While there are several packages that claim compatibility with these scanners, the clear champ is Win96. In addition, this software can connect to the RadioReference database and download data into the editor. A premium Subscription to RadioReference is required to enable this function.

Are there other sources of data for Win96?

There are several possibilites;

  • Ask in your state's forum. Be sure to specify that you are looking for a .p96 file for your area
  • Check the web pages and mailing lists in our United States article. Some websites and Yahoo groups have a files area where data can be downloaded
  • The PRO-96, 2096 and Win96 Yahoo groups, as defined on the Pro-96 and Pro-2096 articles (at the bottom)

Updating the Firmware

A history of the various updates can be found on the Pro-96 and Pro-2096 articles.

Admin comment: Please document the exact steps necessary to update the firmware in this section. Include special keystrokes, responses from the scanner, all files necessary to perform the update and any other pertinent topics. If this section becomes too long, it can be moved to its own article. If this is done, be sure to pull the history and other data on the firmware updates from the PRO-96 and 2096 articles