Difference between revisions of "Pro-2096"

Latest revision as of 10:19, 13 April 2024

Pro-2096 Front

Pro-2096 Keypad Closeup

Pro-2096 Back Panel

The Pro-2096 is discontinued and was manufactured for Radio Shack by GRE America Inc

The PRO-2096 follows both digital and analog systems, including 9600bps control channel and C-QPSK modulation.

As of Jan 2009, this scanner was on clearance by RS. Also see the Pro-96 page. All utilities and links listed there also apply to the PRO-2096.

NOTE Computer Control of GRE/RS radios is not possible due to firmware limitations.

Specifications

Frequency Coverage

Frequency (MHz)        Step Size Value
---------------------------------------------
25-54                  5 kHz
108-136.9875           12.5 kHz
137-174                5, 6.25, or 7.5 kHz
216.0025-221.9975      5 kHz
222.000-225.000        5 kHz
406-512                6.25 kHz
806-823.9875           6.25 kHz
849-868.9875           6.25 kHz
894-960                6.25 kHz
1248 -1300              6.25 kHz

Features

Can be updated to support Rebanding? YES via a custom table
- See Section 7.2 of the Rebanding article for the software links
APCO25 Digital Audio decoding
Trunktracks Motorola and EDACS systems
Virtual Scanner Memory Management system stores 11 memory configurations, each with 500 channels and 1500 talkgroups for a total of 5500 channels and 16,500 talkgroups
Preprogrammed for most major metropolitan areas
25-54, 108-174, 216-225, 406-512, 806-960, 1240-1300MHz range
5 ID lists, 30 IDs per list, 150 IDs per bank
Scan rate 60 cps
5, 6.25, 7.5, 12.5kHz steps
TCXO for frequency stability (?)
Digital AGC
Adaptive digital tracking (ADT)
Digital signal processing (DSP)
CTCSS/DCS abilities
12-character alpha-tagging with text entry can show ID code or service name
L/O ID in 'open' mode
ID delay
Motorola Control Channel Only trunking
Easy-to-read backlit control and display with backlit keypad
6 search ranges/ 1 user definable search range
Search 'seek' feature
Tunes virtually all important bands—local marine, fire/police, Ham, CB, VHF-air, racing, weather and more
Weather band with SAME Weather Alert and weather priority—access weather channels and alerts with the push of a button
1 Priority channel
Zeromatic search tuning
Per channel or global attenuator
Computer interface and Programming (not computer control)
Function key to access special modes and programming options
Mobile/base design with DIN-E in-dash mounting (requires separate installation kit for your vehicle)
A cloning cable may be fabricated using 2 1/8 inch mono jacks and shielded cable

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
- Project 25 Standard

System Voices:
- Analog
- Analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface
- APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive

Reviews and User Opinions

Related Pages

Wiki articles

Getting Started with your PRO-96 or PRO-2096
Compare the Pro-2096 to other digital models
- Digital Scanner Comparison Chart
Pro 96/2096 Adjustments-Loss of 800 MHz reception

Firmware version 1.4

1.4 Firmware download

Radio Shack Data

Check the Getting Started article above for a downloadable link for the user's guide

Programming Software

BuTel ARC-96 Software
- Radio Shack Scanner Programming Software Licensing
- Radio Shack Programming Software Free Trial
- See the Radio Shack Scanner Programming Software Support article for instructions on installation and registering the software

Other Distributors

Pro96Com

Mailing Lists / Forums

Pro-2096 Scanners for Sale

Pro-2096 eBay Listings

Return to Radio Shack Scanners

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 [[Image:2096-4.jpg|thumb|Pro-2096 Back Panel]]
-The Pro-2096 was manufactured for Radio Shack by GRE America Inc
+The Pro-2096 is discontinued and was manufactured for Radio Shack by GRE America Inc
-The Radio Shack had this to say about this scanner on Product Features below.
+The PRO-2096 follows both digital and analog systems, including 9600bps control channel and C-QPSK modulation.
-Trunked systems, used by many cities and towns, jump from one frequency to another with every transmission. You need a trunking scanner to allow you to hear the entire conversation. Digital trunked systems, which are becoming more common, can only be followed using a digital trunking scanner. The PRO-2096 follows both digital and analog sytems, including 9600bps control channel and C-QPSK modulation. Listen to law enforcement officers and fire fighters, and hear advance warnings of dangerous weather conditions.
+As of Jan 2009, this scanner was on clearance by RS.
+Also see the [[Pro-96]] page. All utilities and links listed there also apply to the PRO-2096.
-Also see the [[Pro-96]] page. All utilities and links listed there also apply to the PRO-2096.
+'''NOTE''' Computer Control of GRE/RS radios is not possible due to firmware limitations.
-==General Specifications ==
+== Specifications ==
-'''Frequency Coverage'''
+===Frequency Coverage===
   Frequency (MHz)        Step Size Value
@@ Line 28: / Line 29: @@
 -868.9875           6.25 kHz
 -960                6.25 kHz
 -1300              6.25 kHz
----------------------------------------------
+===Features===
-* [[Rebanding]] supported? <font color=green> YES </font>
+* Can be updated to support [[Rebanding]]? {{color|green|YES}} via a custom table
+** See Section 7.2 of the [[Rebanding]] article for the software links
+* [[Project_25|APCO25 Digital Audio]] decoding
+* Trunktracks Motorola and EDACS systems
+* Virtual Scanner Memory Management system stores 11 memory configurations, each with 500 channels and 1500 talkgroups for a total of 5500 channels and 16,500 talkgroups
+* Preprogrammed for most major metropolitan areas
+* 25-54, 108-174, 216-225, 406-512, 806-960, 1240-1300MHz range
 * 5 ID lists, 30 IDs per list, 150 IDs per bank
+* Scan rate 60 cps
+* 5, 6.25, 7.5, 12.5kHz steps
+* TCXO for frequency stability (?)
+* Digital [[AGC]]
+* Adaptive digital tracking (ADT)
+* Digital signal processing (DSP)
+* [[Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System|CTCSS]]/[[DCS]] abilities
+* 12-character alpha-tagging with text entry can show ID code or service name
 * L/O ID in 'open' mode
 * ID delay
-* A '''cloning cable''' may be fabricated using 2 1/8 inch mono jacks and shielded cable
+* Motorola [[Control Channel Only]] trunking
-* Tunes virtually all important bands—local marine, fire/police, Ham, CB, VHF-air, racing, weather and more
+* Easy-to-read backlit control and display with backlit keypad
-* Virtual Scanner Memory Management system stores 11 memory configurations, each with 500 channels and 1500 talkgroups for a total of 5500 channels and 16,500 talkgroups
-* Preprogrammed for most major metropolitan areas
-* Alphanumeric display with text entry can show ID code or service name
-* Easy-to-read backlit control and display
-* Mobile/base design with DIN-E in-dash mounting (requires separate installation kit for your vehicle)
-* Function key to access special modes and programming options
-* Weather band with Digital Weather Alert—access weather channels and alerts with the push of a button
-* PC interface
 * 6 search ranges/ 1 user definable search range
 * Search 'seek' feature
+* Tunes virtually all important bands—local marine, fire/police, Ham, CB, VHF-air, racing, weather and more
+* Weather band with [[SAME]] Weather Alert and weather priority—access weather channels and alerts with the push of a button
 * 1 Priority channel
+* Zeromatic search tuning
 * Per channel or global [[attenuator]]
-* [[Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System|CTCSS]]/[[DCS]] abilities
+* Computer interface and Programming (not computer control)
-* TCXO for frequency stability
+* Function key to access special modes and programming options
-* Digital AGC
+* Mobile/base design with DIN-E in-dash mounting (requires separate installation kit for your vehicle)
+* A '''cloning cable''' may be fabricated using 2 1/8 inch mono jacks and shielded cable
+===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
+** Project 25 Standard
+*System Voices:
+** Analog
+** Analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface
+** APCO-25 Common Air Interface Exclusive
 ==Reviews and User Opinions==
 * [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4901 EHam reviews of the PRO-2096]
 * [http://www.monitoringtimes.com/html/mtrspro2096.pdf PRO-2096 Review from MT (PDF)]
-* [http://www.scanningarkansas.com/Pro2096/ Scanning Arkansas: PRO-2096 Review]
+*[[Safetyobc Pro-2096 Review]]
 ==Related Pages==
-You need to download and install [http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html Adobe Reader - Download] to view these pdf websites below.
+; Wiki articles
+* [[Getting Started with your PRO-96 or PRO-2096]]
+* Compare the Pro-2096 to other digital models
+** [[Digital Scanner Comparison Chart]]
+* [https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/PRO-96_Internal_Adjustments Pro 96/2096 Adjustments-Loss of 800 MHz reception]
-* [http://support.radioshack.com/manuals/ome20-496.pdf Owner's Manual] (pdf format)
+; Firmware version 1.4
-* Comparison Chart on Desktop scanner's below (Pro-2018, Pro-2051, Pro-2052 and Pro-2096)
+* [https://www.dropbox.com/s/15nnrry0fr92f33/Firmware%201.4.zip?dl=1 1.4 Firmware download]
-** [http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/communications/desk-scanners.pdf Desktop Scanner Comparison Chart] (pdf format)
-* [[Programming Shortcut pro-2096]]
-* [http://tinyurl.com/92fwn Radio Shack website statement on Rebanding]
-* [http://strongsignals.net/access/clubs/pro-2096/index.cgi Strong Signals PRO-2096 Club]
-== Programming Software ==
-* [[Win96]] -- The best software for programming the Pro-2096
-==Yahoo Groups and Mailing Lists (software and receiver support)==
+; Radio Shack Data
-* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Pro-2096/ PRO-2096 Yahoo Group]
+* Check the Getting Started article above for a downloadable link for the user's guide
-* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RadioShackPro-96_2096/ RadioShackPro-96_2096 Yahoo Group]
-* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Win96/ Win96 Yahoo Group]
-* [http://strongsignals.net/access/forums/viewforum.php?f=30 Strong Signals PRO-2096 Message Board]
-* [http://strongsignals.net/access/forums/viewforum.php?f=10 Strong Signals GRE Message board]
-* [http://strongsignals.net/access/forums/viewforum.php?f=12 Strong Signals Radio Shack Message board]
-* [http://rsproscanners.proboards22.com/index.cgi Radio Shack PRO scanners message board]
-* [http://www.radioreference.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=81 RadioReference Radio Shack Forum]
-==DSP Upgrade==
+== Programming Software ==
-* DSP upgrade patch version U1.3: http://makeashorterlink.com/?N10052A9D
+* [http://www.butel.nl BuTel ARC-96 Software]
+** [http://www.radioreference.com/radioshack/?a=order Radio Shack Scanner Programming Software Licensing]
+** [[Radio Shack Programming Software Free Trial]]
+** See the [[Radio Shack Scanner Programming Software Support]] article for instructions on installation and registering the software
-RadioShack is pleased to offer this free upgrade to enhance the functionality and performance of your PRO-96/2096 Digital Trunking Scanner. Please take a moment to review these instructions before proceeding with the upgrade.
-New in this version DSP APP Firmware Version U1.3 provides the following enhancements to your PRO-96/2096 Digital Trunking Scanner:
+* [http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Win96 Win96 page in the wiki]
+** [http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/5296 Win96 user reviews on EHam]
+* [http://www.starrsoft.com/freeware/WinXXDataConverter/default.asp WinXX Data Converter]
-Improved decoding of digital audio on the Detroit, Michigan Project 25 Trunked Radio System The DSP digital decoder was fine tuned to maximize performance when used on the Detroit, Michigan and similar Project 25 trunked radio system.
-Improved digital decoding of weak or distorted digital signals The enhancements that were made to the digital decoder to provide improved digital performance on systems like the Detroit Project 25 system also provide noticeable decoding improvement on all supported digital system types in areas with weak digital signals, or digital signals that are distorted due to multipath or simulcast .
+; Other Distributors
+* [http://www.psredit.com/pro96com/index.html Pro96Com]
-* Reverting to the factory DSP firmware version
+==Mailing Lists / Forums==
-If for any reason you decide that you would like to revert to the original factory DSP version (F1.x), you
+* {{Forum|radio-shack-scanners.81|RadioReference Radio Shack}}
-may do so by pressing 0, then CLEAR, then ENT during the “Welcome” screen. Note
+* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/448987651918830 Radio Scanner World]
-that this will permanently remove the upgrade from the DSP flash memory. You can reload the upgrade
+* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/667031203353717 Radio Scanners]
-as many times as you like using the PRO96U1x.EXE upgrade utility.
+* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/4188584134 Scanner Enthusiasts]
+* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2889562301118379 Radio Scanner Help and Chat]
-*New in this version DSP APP Firmware Version U1.3 provides the following enhancements to your PRO-96/2096 Digital Trunking Scanner:
+==Pro-2096 Scanners for Sale==
+*[[Pro-2096 eBay Listings]]
-Improved decoding of digital audio on the Detroit, Michigan Project 25 Trunked Radio System The DSP digital decoder was fine tuned to maximize performance when used on the Detroit, Michigan and similar Project 25 trunked radio system.
-Improved digital decoding of weak or distorted digital signals
-The enhancements that were made to the digital decoder to provide improved digital performance on systems like the Detroit Project 25 system also provide noticeable decoding improvement on all supported digital system types in areas with weak digital signals, or digital signals that are distorted due to multipath or simulcast.
-== Misc ==
-The GRE Development Team had this to say about the scanner:
-''Many of your readers have noticed that the FCC has granted Type Acceptance for the new PRO-2096 . We would like to update your readers on the status of the unit and provide the current best estimate for availability.''
-''The PRO-2096 is on schedule and currently store availability is anticipated in January 2005.''
-''We have been testing the PRO-2096 here for a couple of months now in both mobile and base configurations and we are very impressed with this radio! Many users have noticed the similarities between the PRO-96 and the PRO-2096. As we stated in our March update, the PRO-2096 "will be the perfect companion to the PRO-96 handheld unit". Does this mean that it is a "repackaged PRO-96"? Of course not. While the features and user interface are very similar, a total PCB redesign, numerous firmware changes, and a new front panel and case design were needed to make the PRO-2096 a reality. We got a good laugh when we read one user's comments that "this (the PRO-2096) should have only taken a couple of hours (to design)". A tremendous amount of effort went into the PRO-2096 design, with numerous iterations of design review, revisions and testing. These things take time.''
-''For those who were looking for new features, like more channels, talkgroups, I-calls, LTR, etc., you'll have to wait - nothing was done in this model to jeopardize clone compatibility with the PRO-96. What you will get with the PRO-2096 is an excellent base/mobile scanning receiver with all the features of the PRO-96, including the excellent analog and digital performance and the V-Scanner storage system. The keypad and display are fully backlit with a dimmable backlight control. If you mount your PRO-2096 in your dash, you'll be able to clone or program your radio anytime without removing it - the PC/IF connection is located in the front of the radio. So is the earphone jack - so you can listen to your radio without irritating the XYL. Speaking of dash mounting, some users will remember that the PRO-2067 would fit into a DIN dash opening easily, but required special tricks to actually mount it there. The PRO-2096 has true DIN-E compatibility - just install the DIN sleeve in the dash and the radio locks in place. If you choose not to mount in-dash, a sturdy mounting bracket is included that allows for under dash or overhead attachment, or doubles as a desktop stand. The PRO-2096 makes an excellent desktop radio.''
-''We freely admit our bias towards GRE products but as scanner enthusiasts we can safely say that this is one of the BEST base/mobile scanners we have ever seen from any manufacturer. You'll know something is different right away when you remove it from the box - the unit has a "rock solid" feel to it. When you fire it up for the first time, you will think you are listening to a professional grade public safety radio. The audio is very loud and very clear. The high contrast display is easily readable from several feet away. This is a great radio for your car and your shack, and it will be equally at home in professional applications, such as public safety and media.''
-'''NOTE''' Computer Control of GRE/RS radios is not possible due to firmware limitations.
-* Latest CPU version is 1.1 or 1.2 depending on when manfactured  - To check firmware numbers: Turn on the scanner and hold down the 3 button, the latest display should read:
-CPU: F1.1 or F1.2 DSP-APP: F1.2 DSP-VOC: F1.0
-(DSP-APP: U1.3 with field upgrade from following section)
-== eBay Listings ==
-<ebay>Radio Shack ("PRO-2096","PRO2096")</ebay>
@@ Line 132: / Line 130: @@
+[[Category:Radio Shack Scanners]]
-[[Category:Trunking Scanners]]
 [[Category:Desktop Scanners]]
 [[Category:Mobile Scanners]]
+[[Category:Digital Scanners without DMR]]
+[[Category:Digital Scanners without MOTOTRBO]]
+[[Category:Digital Scanners without NXDN]]
+[[Category:Digital Scanners without ProVoice]]
+[[Category:Rebanding Supported Scanners]]
+[[Category:Radio Models]]