Difference between revisions of "Pro-197"

Revision as of 00:37, 2 January 2009

General Specifications

Pro-197 (from RS website)

The Pro-197 is manufactured for Radio Shack by GRE America Inc.

The Radio Shack PRO-197 is a Digital Trunk Tracking scanner which boasts the ability to track APCO 25 digital trunking systems, in addition to following Motorola type I/II systems, LTR and EDACS trunking systems. It is very similar to the GRE PSR-600.

NOTE: Much of this article is copied from the PSR-600 article. Please amend and correct it to show differences between the two.

**Frequency Coverage**
Frequency (MHz)	Step Size Value
25-27.405	10 kHz
27.41-29.7	5 kHZ
29.71-49.83	10 kHz
49.835-54	5 kHz
108-136.9916	8.33 kHz
137-137.995	5 kHz
138-143.9875	12.5 kHz
144-147.995	5 kHz
148-150.7875	12.5 kHz
150.8-150.845	5 kHz
150.8525-150.845	5 kHz
150.8525-154.4975	7.5 kHz
154.515-154.64	5 kHz
154.65-156.255	7.5 kHz
156.275-157.45	25 kHz
154.47-161.5725	7.5 kHz
161.6-161.975	5 kHz
162-174	12.5
216.0025-219.9975	5 kHz
220-224.995	5 kHz
225.000-379.975	25 kHz
380-419.9875	12.5 kHz
420-450	5 kHz
450.00625-469.99375	6.25 kHz
470-512	12.5 kHz
764-766.996875	3.125 kHz
773-775.996875	3.125 kHz
803-805.996875	3.125 kHz
806-823.9875	12.5 kHz
849-868.9875	12.5 kHz
894-901.9875	12.5 kHz
902-928	5 kHz
928.0125-939.9875	12.5 kHz
940-960	6.25 kHz
1240-1300	6.25 kHz

Object oriented memory management. Talkgroups can be associated with a single system. Systems can be defined as multi-site for statewide and networked systems. Talkgroups can be members of multiple scan lists. There are "Scan Lists" where you group the objects you wish for scanning. You do not need to enter frequency or talkgroup info more than once as you can just use those "objects" in the scan lists as you desire.
- You navigate objects in MAN mode by using the Arrow Keys. Up/Down scrolls within a scan list, and Left/Right scrolls between scan lists. You can jump directly to an Object by typing its address and pressing ENT. Also in PGM mode, there is a FIND option that will search the number and text fields in every object and let you choose to monitor (MAN), or find the NEXT match, or to EDIT the found object.
- Hold: You can pause while scanning, or now the MAN mode is fully trunking so you can just "FIND" on some Conventional, Search, or Talkgroup, Sweeper, alpha or number data, and then press MAN.
Built in discriminator data output in simple ASCII using the PC/IF port.
Full duplex support and USB connection using the GRE 30-3290 (RS #20-047) USB Scanner Data Manager Cable.
Object programmable LED; eight factory default colors to any color / brilliance you want by having direct access to the R-G-B drive values to alert you to activity on whichever talkgroups or frequencies you choose. The LED can be solid or flash.
- LED can be LATCHed on, so the color of the last received object stays on until reset.
Motorola Smartzone systems
- Scanner option to look for the site with the best received control channel decode rate.

(Not the same as RSSI on the Motorola rigs, but similar in operation.)

FAVorites Scan List; adding objects to the FAVorites list allows those objects to be isolated simply by pushing the FAV button. Great for quickly zeroing in on the action to the exclusion of all other activity.
Spectrum Sweeper Near field frequency capture.
Triple conversion receiver.
Rebanding supported? YES
- See the bottom of the Win96 page for the values to be set in the trunking tables
Virtual Scanner Memory Management system; One copy of working memory can hold up to 1800 objects, meaning any combination of talkgroups, conventional channels, and trunking systems. Each V-Scanner folder holds one copy of working memory. So, 21 * 1800 = about 37,800 objects altogether can be stored in the V-Scanner storage system.
- The V-Scanners work like the Radio Shack PRO-96 in that they store the radio's working memory (settings, frequencies etc.) to a separate area of non-volatile memory. The radio's main memory is no longer banks and channels, but "objects". The 20 Scan lists are now how you group the objects for scanning. You toggle them on and off with the traditional method of pressing the number keys during scanning. The arrow keys do not page through the V-Scanners; V-Scanner folders are offline storage. The V-Scanner function is in a separate menu much like the Radio Shack PRO-96.
- When creating a talkgroup object, you associate the talkgroup object with the system object. The system object has all the control channel information and is only entered once. Scan lists can have pointers to talkgroup objects such as Fire, EMS, Police. As you create the talkgroup objects you can assign them to any number of scan lists while you create them. You can also edit the scan lists later. You only create a system object once, and associate multiple talkgroup objects with it. Then the talkgroup objects can be included in any number of scan lists (including none if you want to temporarily just set aside the talkgroup, but not delete it). If a talkgroup object points to a system object the paused talkgroup will stay synced up with the entire system over multiple control channels.
Preprogrammed for most major metropolitan areas from the RadioReference database; be forewarned that many of the alphanumeric labels are of little help the way the are displayed in the scanner, more editing will be required.
Scan rate 60 CPS
Search speed 90 CPS
User defined service search and limit search
Direct Tune mode
TCXO for frequency stability
Default Option keys; return to default setting for any menu
Digital AGC
Adaptive digital tracking (ADT)
Digital signal processing (DSP)
CTCSS/PL/DCS abilities
Network Access Code can be programmed to break squelch only when receiving the correct NAC in a conventional P25 system.
16-character alpha tagging with text entry can show ID code or service name
Lock out individual talkgroup ID or frequency, either temporarily (until power is cycled) or permanently.
ID delay
UNSQUELCH Delay; Delay settings before the radio unmutes audio to speaker
Motorola Control Channel Only trunking
Motorola talkgroups can be displayed as either decimal or hexadecimal
I-Calls, possibly displayed as hex as mentioned at Dayton Hamvention 07'
700MHz and 380MHz Trunk Scanning
- The trunking "object" includes a "VHF/UHF" selection, and you can put in all of the offset and base frequencies. It also has a full trunking table capability for each trunking object (with plenty of entry slots!). As far as I can tell there is no freq limitation on trunking like the Pro-96 had. So you enter the data in the trunking object, and it will tune to any freq (except cellular of course).
Easy-to-read back lit display with back lit keypad; volume/squelch knobs are not illuminated, however.
6 search ranges/ 1 user definable search range
Search "seek" feature
Tunes virtually all important bands: VHF marine, fire/police, Ham, CB, VHF air, UHF Air, racing, weather and more
Weather band with enhanced SAME Weather Alert functions and weather priority access weather channels and alerts with the push of a button
Skywarn can be programmed with any number of "objects"
"Multiple" Priority channels
Zeromatic search tuning
20 dB attenuator
Computer interface and programming (with computer control)
3 function keys; soft keys that, when pressed, execute the function that is shown just above the key in the display
5 way navigation keys to access special modes and programming options
4 line x 16 character display with relative signal strength meter
Mobile/base design with DIN-E in-dash mounting (requires separate installation kit for your vehicle)
BNC antenna connector
A cloning cable may be fabricated using 2 x 1/8 inch stereo jacks and shielded cable. Note: Make sure the radios used for cloning are not set to output control channel data or they will not clone. PGM, Fun+Glob (F3), then pressing the Func+down arrow and then the up arrow once, press the right arrow once to YES, then (F1) to Save.

Verifying the firmware version

You can verify the version of DSP firmware currently active in the PRO-197 by pressing the 3 key during the "Welcome" screen.

Future firmware upgrades can be installed by downloading and running an upgrade program from the Support Tab of the 197's RadioShack.com Page.

Operating Tips

Change Scan List Membership: While editing a talkgroup object use left and right keys to scroll through Scan Lists. Use SEL key to toggle Scan List membership. A “*” next to the Scan List number indicates that the object belongs to that Scan List.

Default Scan List: When programming an object, select the scan list using the menu or else the default scan list (1, unless you change it) will be used. To return an object to the default during EDIT or NEW press the Dflt soft key.

Dupe Function: To copy commonly used object attributes to a new entry, use the Dupe function. Saves typing.

Object Direct Access: To go to an object, press MAN or PGM and the object number, then press ENT to go to the object.

Force Analog: If you have a CONV object that you know is analog, you can set the object to tone search to force it as analog.

Force Digital: If you have a CONV object (or trunked) that you know is digital, you can force it to digital by setting it to search for P25 NAC.

Flex Step: "Super Expert Setting Menu". PGM, FUNC F3:GLOB Scroll down to "flexStep" and Rt-Arrow it to "On" F1:Save

Audio Boost: Expert menu, AudioBoost, On or OFF, Applies a 6 dB boost to audio levels when the object is active

Delete AlphaNumeric Characters During Entry: Func + CL will delete all the characters in a line. Use the "." (decimal) key to delete a character and make a blank space.

Quick Menu Move: Func + Up or Down will move to the top or bottom of a menu.

Go Directly To New Conventional Object: Press MAN right after pressing "Stor" in the search, you'll be taken right to the CONV object you just stored.

Object Search: If you press manual, you can then scroll through the scan list with the up/down arrows. You can also use the Find feature. Press Program, Edit, Find, enter alphanumeric text, talkgroup number, or frequency. And you can find it by object type by pressing Program, Edit, press left or right key to select the object type, such as CONV, the the up down arrow to select the conventional object.

Signal Strength Meter Settings: A setting of 470-750, provides a more relative indication of signal bars than the default range.

Simulcast digital distortion

Expert Settings

Google Spread Sheet Collaboration of PGM + FUNC + F3 (GLOB) "Expert Setting" Menu Information

RR System Compatibility

This scanner is compatible with the following Trunking System Types and System Voices used in the RadioReference Database, of course you must verify that the scanner will cover the appropriate frequency range:

System Types:
- Motorola Type I
- Motorola Type II
- Motorola Type IIi Hybrid
- Motorola Type II Smartnet
- Motorola Type II Smartzone
- Motorola Type II Smartzone Omnilink
- EDACS Standard (Wide)
- EDACS Standard Networked
- EDACS Narrowband (Narrow)
- EDACS Narrowband Networked
- EDACS SCAT
- LTR Standard
- Project 25 Standard

System Voices:
- Analog
- Analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface
- APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive (9600 baud control channel)

Included Accessories

Mobile bracket (DIN-E kit sold separately)
Printed User Manual
Preprogrammed Frequency addendum
AC adapter
DC wire harness
Stock metal telescoping back-of-set antenna with BNC plug

Misc

V-scanner load time of 4 seconds. (PRO-96/2096 load time is ~15 seconds.)

FCC Type Acceptance

Radio Shack Support

Owners Manual

PC Programming and Control

Yahoo Groups and Message Boards

eBay Listings

@@ Line 120: / Line 120: @@
 * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_oriented Object oriented memory management]. Talkgroups can be associated with a single system. Systems can be defined as multi-site for statewide and networked systems. Talkgroups can be members of multiple scan lists. There are "Scan Lists" where you group the objects you wish for scanning. You do not need to enter frequency or talkgroup info more than once as you can just use those "objects" in the scan lists as you desire.
-** You navigate objects in MAN mode: Just use the Arrow Keys. Up/Down scrolls within a scan list, and Left/Right scrolls to change scan lists. You can also just type the Object number and press ENT. Also in PGM mode, there is a FIND option and you type Alpha/Numeric (partial or full) and it will search the number and text fields in every object and let you choose to monitor (MAN), or press NEXT (Softkey) to keep FIND-ing, or EDIT to edit the found object.
+** You navigate objects in MAN mode by using the Arrow Keys. Up/Down scrolls within a scan list, and Left/Right scrolls between scan lists. You can jump directly to an Object by typing its address and pressing ENT. Also in PGM mode, there is a FIND option that will search the number and text fields in every object and let you choose to monitor (MAN), or find the NEXT match, or to EDIT the found object.
 ** Hold: You can pause while scanning, or now the MAN mode is fully trunking so you can just "FIND" on some Conventional, Search, or Talkgroup, Sweeper, alpha or number data, and then press MAN.
-* Built in discriminator data output in simple ASCII output using the PC/IF port
+* Built in discriminator data output in simple ASCII using the PC/IF port.
 * Full duplex support and USB connection using the [http://www.greamerica.com/scanner_accessories.html GRE 30-3290 ]([http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2177609 RS #20-047]) USB Scanner Data Manager Cable.
-* Object programmable LED; eight factory default colors to any color / brilliance you want by having direct access to the R-G-B drive values (including flash) to assign to talkgroups, frequencies, agencies, etc.
+* Object programmable LED; eight factory default colors to any color / brilliance you want by having direct access to the R-G-B drive values to alert you to activity on whichever talkgroups or frequencies you choose. The LED can be solid or flash.
-** LATCH option; the color of the last received object stays on until reset.
+** LED can be LATCHed on, so the color of the last received object stays on until reset.
 * Motorola Smartzone systems
-** Scanner option to look for the site with the best received CC decode rate.
+** Scanner option to look for the site with the best received control channel decode rate.
 (Not the same as RSSI on the Motorola rigs, but similar in operation.)
-* Favorites Scan List; create a scan list tailored to your favorite object setiings.
+* FAVorites Scan List; adding objects to the FAVorites list allows those objects to be isolated simply by pushing the FAV button. Great for quickly zeroing in on the action to the exclusion of all other activity.
-One button operation to get to this set.
+* [[Spectrum Sweeper]] Near field frequency capture.
-* [[Spectrum Sweeper]] Near field frequency capture
+* Triple conversion receiver.
-* Triple conversion
 * [[Rebanding]] supported? <font color=green> YES </font>
 ** See the bottom of the [[Win96]] page for the values to be set in the trunking tables
 * Virtual Scanner Memory Management system; One copy of working memory can hold up to 1800 objects, meaning any combination of talkgroups, conventional channels, and trunking systems. Each V-Scanner folder holds one copy of working memory. So, 21 * 1800 = about 37,800 objects altogether can be stored in the V-Scanner storage system.
-** The V-Scanners work like the [[Pro-96|Radio Shack PRO-96]] in that they store the radio's working memory (settings, frequencies etc.) to a separate area of internal memory. The radio's main memory is no longer banks/channels, but "objects". The Scan lists are now how you group the objects for scanning and you toggle them on/off with the traditional method of pressing the number keys during scanning. The arrow keys do not page through the V-Scanners. The V-Scanner function is in a separate menu much like the Radio Shack PRO-96.
+** The V-Scanners work like the [[Pro-96|Radio Shack PRO-96]] in that they store the radio's working memory (settings, frequencies etc.) to a separate area of non-volatile memory. The radio's main memory is no longer banks and channels, but "objects". The 20 Scan lists are now how you group the objects for scanning. You toggle them on and off with the traditional method of pressing the number keys during scanning. The arrow keys do not page through the V-Scanners; V-Scanner folders are offline storage. The V-Scanner function is in a separate menu much like the Radio Shack PRO-96.
-** When creating a talk-group object, you associate the talkgroup-object with the system object. The system-object has all the control channel information and is only entered once. Scan lists can have pointers to talkgroup-objects such as Fire, EMS, Police. As you create the talkgroup-objects you can  assign them to any number of scanlists while you create them. You can also edit the scanlists later.  You only create a system-object once, and associate multiple talkgroup-objects with it. Then the talkgroup-objects can be pointed to any number of scanlists (including none if you want to temporarily just set aside the talkgoup, but not delete it). If a talkgroup-object points to a system-object the paused talkgroup will stay synced up with the entire system over multiple control channels.
+** When creating a talkgroup object, you associate the talkgroup object with the system object. The system object has all the control channel information and is only entered once. Scan lists can have pointers to talkgroup objects such as Fire, EMS, Police. As you create the talkgroup objects you can  assign them to any number of scan lists while you create them. You can also edit the scan lists later.  You only create a system object once, and associate multiple talkgroup objects with it. Then the talkgroup objects can be included in any number of scan lists (including none if you want to temporarily just set aside the talkgroup, but not delete it). If a talkgroup object points to a system object the paused talkgroup will stay synced up with the entire system over multiple control channels.
-* Preprogrammed for most major metropolitan areas
+* Preprogrammed for most major metropolitan areas from the RadioReference database; be forewarned that many of the alphanumeric labels are of little help the way the are displayed in the scanner, more editing will be required.
 * Scan rate 60 CPS
 * Search speed 90 CPS
@@ Line 144: / Line 143: @@
 * Direct Tune mode
 * TCXO for frequency stability
-* Default Option keys; return to defalt setting for any menu
+* Default Option keys; return to default setting for any menu
 * Digital [[AGC]]
 * Adaptive digital tracking (ADT)
 * Digital signal processing (DSP)
-* [[Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System|CTCSS]]/[[DCS]] abilities
+* [[Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System|CTCSS]]/[[PL]]/[[DCS]] abilities
-* [[NAC|Network Access Code]] can be programmed to only break squelch when receiving the correct NAC in a conventional P25 system.
+* [[NAC|Network Access Code]] can be programmed to break squelch only when receiving the correct NAC in a conventional P25 system.
-* 16-character alpha-tagging with text entry can show ID code or service name
+* 16-character alpha tagging with text entry can show ID code or service name
-* L/O talkgroup ID or frequency
+* Lock out individual talkgroup ID or frequency, either temporarily (until power is cycled) or permanently.
 * ID delay
 * UNSQUELCH Delay; Delay settings before the radio unmutes audio to speaker
 * Motorola [[Control Channel Only]] trunking
+* Motorola talkgroups can be displayed as either decimal or hexadecimal
 * I-Calls, possibly displayed as hex as mentioned at Dayton Hamvention 07'
 * 700MHz and 380MHz Trunk Scanning
-**The trunking "object" includes a "VHF/UHF" selection, and you can put in all of the offset/base etc. It also has a full trunking table capability for each trunking object (with plenty of entry slots!). As far as I can tell there is no freq limitation on trunking like the Pro-96 had. So you enter the data in the trunking object, and it will tune to any freq (except cellular of course).
+** The trunking "object" includes a "VHF/UHF" selection, and you can put in all of the offset and base frequencies. It also has a full trunking table capability for each trunking object (with plenty of entry slots!). As far as I can tell there is no freq limitation on trunking like the Pro-96 had. So you enter the data in the trunking object, and it will tune to any freq (except cellular of course).
-* Easy-to-read back lit control and display with back lit keypad
+* Easy-to-read back lit display with back lit keypad; volume/squelch knobs are not illuminated, however.
 * 6 search ranges/ 1 user definable search range
 * Search "seek" feature
-* Tunes virtually all important bands—local marine, fire/police, Ham, CB, VHF-air, UHF-Air, racing, weather and more
+* Tunes virtually all important bands: VHF marine, fire/police, Ham, CB, VHF air, UHF Air, racing, weather and more
-* Weather band with enhanced [[SAME]] Weather Alert functions and weather priority—access weather channels and alerts with the push of a button
+* Weather band with enhanced [[SAME]] Weather Alert functions and weather priority access weather channels and alerts with the push of a button
 * Skywarn can be programmed with any number of "objects"
 * "Multiple" Priority channels
 * Zeromatic search tuning
 * 20 dB [[attenuator]]
-* Computer interface and Programming (with computer control)
+* Computer interface and programming (with computer control)
-* 3 function keys; softkeys, that when pressed, execute the function that is shown just above the key in the display
+* 3 function keys; soft keys that, when pressed, execute the function that is shown just above the key in the display
 * 5 way navigation keys to access special modes and programming options
-* 4 line x 16 character display with relitive signal strength meter
+* 4 line x 16 character display with relative signal strength meter
 * Mobile/base design with DIN-E in-dash mounting (requires separate installation kit for your vehicle)
-*BNC connector
+* BNC antenna connector
-* A '''cloning cable''' may be fabricated using 2 - 1/8 inch stereo jacks and shielded cable. Note: Make sure the radios used for cloning are not set to output control channel data or they will not clone. PGM, Fun+Glob (F3), then pressing the Func+down arrow and then the up arrow once, press the right arrow once to YES, then (F1) to Save.
+* A '''cloning cable''' may be fabricated using 2 x 1/8 inch stereo jacks and shielded cable. Note: Make sure the radios used for cloning are not set to output control channel data or they will not clone. PGM, Fun+Glob (F3), then pressing the Func+down arrow and then the up arrow once, press the right arrow once to YES, then (F1) to Save.
 ==Verifying the firmware version==
@@ Line 184: / Line 184: @@
 ==Operating Tips==
-* Activate/Deactivate Scan Lists: Sets membership in Scan Lists. Use left and right keys to scroll through Scan Lists. Use SEL key to toggle Scan List membership. A “*” next to the Scan List number indicates that the object is mapped to that Scan List.
+* Change Scan List Membership: While editing a talkgroup object use left and right keys to scroll through Scan Lists. Use SEL key to toggle Scan List membership. A “*” next to the Scan List number indicates that the object belongs to that Scan List.
-* Default Scanlist: When programming an object, select the scan list using the menu or the default scan list one will be used. To return an object to your selected scanlist, set the default the the scanlist to the number you want. To return an object to the default during EDIT or NEW press Dflt.
+* Default Scan List: When programming an object, select the scan list using the menu or else the default scan list (1, unless you change it) will be used. To return an object to the default during EDIT or NEW press the Dflt soft key.
-* Dupe function: To repeat commonly used object attributes, use the Dupe function.
+* Dupe Function: To copy commonly used object attributes to a new entry, use the Dupe function. Saves typing.
-* Object access: To go to an object, press MAN or PGM and the object number, then press E to goto the object.
+* Object Direct Access: To go to an object, press MAN or PGM and the object number, then press ENT to go to the object.
-* Force Analog: If you have a CONV object that you know is analog, You can set the object to tone search to force it as analog.
+* Force Analog: If you have a CONV object that you know is analog, you can set the object to tone search to force it as analog.
-* Force Digital: If you have a CONV object (or trunked) that you know is digital, you can force it as digital by forcing it to search for P25 NAC.
+* Force Digital: If you have a CONV object (or trunked) that you know is digital, you can force it to digital by setting it to search for P25 NAC.
 * Flex Step: "Super Expert Setting Menu". PGM, FUNC F3:GLOB Scroll down to "flexStep" and Rt-Arrow it to "On" F1:Save
@@ Line 200: / Line 200: @@
 * Audio Boost: Expert menu, AudioBoost, On or OFF, Applies a 6 dB boost to audio levels when the object is active
-* Delete Alpha Characters during entry: Func + CL will delete all the characters in a line. Use the "." (decimal) key to delete a character and make a blank space.
+* Delete AlphaNumeric Characters During Entry: Func + CL will delete all the characters in a line. Use the "." (decimal) key to delete a character and make a blank space.
-* Battery Settings: Change the battery setting in the Global menu: Alkaline, NiCad, or NiMIH, to set the proper battery warnig levels for the battery type you are using.
 * Quick Menu Move: Func + Up or Down will move to the top or bottom of a menu.
-* Go directly to a newly saved conventional object: Press MAN right after pressing "Stor" in the search, you'll be taken right to the CONV object you just stored.
+* Go Directly To New Conventional Object: Press MAN right after pressing "Stor" in the search, you'll be taken right to the CONV object you just stored.
-* Object Search: If you press manual, you can then scroll through the scanlist (the default save to, is scanlist 1) with the up/down arrows. You can also use the Find feature. press Program, Edit, Find enter a alpha text or frequency. And you can find it by object type by pressing Program, Edit, press left or right key to select the object type, such as CONV, the the up down arrow to select the conventional object.
+* Object Search: If you press manual, you can then scroll through the scan list with the up/down arrows. You can also use the Find feature. Press Program, Edit, Find, enter alphanumeric text, talkgroup number, or frequency. And you can find it by object type by pressing Program, Edit, press left or right key to select the object type, such as CONV, the the up down arrow to select the conventional object.
 * Signal Strength Meter Settings: A setting of 470-750, provides a more relative indication of signal bars than the default range.
@@ Line 237: / Line 235: @@
 ** Analog
 ** Analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface
-** APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive
+** APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive (9600 baud control channel)
 ==Included Accessories==
@@ Line 245: / Line 243: @@
 *AC adapter
 *DC wire harness
-*Stock pull-up antenna
+*Stock metal telescoping back-of-set antenna with BNC plug
 == Misc ==