Pro-96

Description

The Radio Shack 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 and EDACS trunking systems. Other features include:

• Backlit keypad
• Virtual Memory - Allows up to 5500 channels
• Preloaded with the most popular radio systems in the country
• 6 search ranges/ 1 user definable search range
• SAME weather alert
• 1 Priority channel
• Global attenuator
• Alpha-tagging
• CTCSS/DCS abilities
• TCXO for frequency stability
• Computer Programming (not computer control)

---

Upgrading the Pro-96 to Version 1.3 Firmware

You have heard all of the hype about the Pro-96 scanner and perhaps also about this firmware upgrade. All This is going to cover is the dangers associated with this upgrade. Most of it is inconvenience rather than damaging the scanner. I will discuss the procedures, if you want to learn more about the actual features of the Pro-96 or the 1.3 upgrade those will be coming soon. This will also discuss only those that will be bringing their scanners into a Radio Shack Store.

---

1. Bring your scanner into your local Radio Shack and ask for a manager.
2. Tell the manager that you need to have the Version 1.3 firmware upgrade performed on your Pro-96 scanner.
3. Inform them that this upgrade must be done at the Fort Worth, TX Service Center. Ensure that they know not to send it to a regional location as opposed to the Fort Worth Center.
4. If at all possible provide an image of the scanner that shows the condition of your equipment before it leaves your hands and goes to Radio Shack.
5. Ensure that you document personally the condition of the radio (preferably on the actual photo you took) and have the manager acknoledge both the condition of the radio as well as the serial number.
6. Only provide Radio Shack with the Scanner and one battery holder. They do not need the antenna and do not give them any battery packs that you may have.
7. Ensure that all of your data is easily reproducable and backed up somewhere such as Don Starr's Pro-96 software.
8. Contact Radio Shack service department at Fort Worth in 2-3 business days and ensure that it was sent to Fort Worth. You will need the ticket number which the local Radio Shack will provide you with.
9. If it did not go directly to Fort Worth after explaining to the manager that it had to ensure that you contact Radio Shack directly and inform them that they had made a mistake. (I had this happen to me and demanded a replacement scanner, they provided me one of lesser value, but I informed them that I must have the trunking capability which they provided)
10. When repairs are complete, Radio Shack should contact you. Pick up the scanner and verify the condition of the scanner as well as the serial number. If it does not match (i.e. serial number, excessive wear and tear, etc) DO NOT ACCEPT IT. Demand repairs and also to receive a loaner Pro-96 as temporary compensation.

---

Note: Ensure that when you are working with the Radio Shack personnel you are courteous and polite BUT forceful. Ensure that they do not mistake Kindness for weakness and you will receive superior customer service. Mistakes in regards to the Version 1.3 upgrade are rare considering the volume but ensure that you are taken care of should any occur.

This is my first attempt at an article and you can contact me at RadioReference under Robbyboy

Cheers --Robbyboy 10:20, 7 Feb 2005 (CST)