Whistler WS1025 200 Channel VHF/Air/UHF Desktop Scanner

Welcome

Thank you for choosing a Whistler product. This manual provides detailed instructions for operating your WS1025 scanner. For additional questions, visit www.whistlergroup.com or call 800-531-0004.

Package Contents

• Scanner
• Antenna
• AC Adapter
• User's Guide
• Quick Start Guide

Scanning Legally

Listening to most transmissions is legal. However, it is illegal to intentionally listen to telephone conversations, pager transmissions, or any scrambled or encrypted transmissions. Doing so may subject you to fines and imprisonment.

Features

The WS1025 is designed to prevent reception of illegal transmissions. Do not attempt to modify the scanner. Mobile use may be unlawful or require a permit in some areas. This scanner offers direct access to over 26,000 frequencies, including public service, amateur radio, marine, civil air patrol, and more. Key features include:

• One-Touch Service Search Banks (Marine, Fire/Police, Aircraft, Ham, FM Radio, Weather)
• Display Backlight
• Lockout Function to skip channels/frequencies
• Ten Channel-Storage Banks (200 channels total)
• SAME/FIPS Weather Alert
• Memory Backup
• Scan Delay
• Priority Channel
• Data Cloning
• External Antenna Connector

Scanner Basics

Frequencies are the wavebands of transmitting signals, expressed in kHz or MHz. Your WS1025 receives analog frequencies. For local frequency information, visit www.radioreference.com.

The WS1025 can receive the following bands:

Channels are storage areas for frequencies. Banks are storage areas for groups of channels. Your scanner has 10 banks, each storing up to 20 channels (200 total).

Setup

Connecting the Antenna

Insert the telescopic antenna into the top of the scanner and turn clockwise to tighten. For external antennas, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use 50 Ohm coaxial cable (e.g., RG-58 or RG-8). For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss cable. A BNC adapter may be needed.

Connecting a Speaker or Headphones

Plug a speaker or headphones with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) mini-plug into the HEADPHONE jack. This disconnects the internal speaker. Use an amplified speaker for sufficient volume.

Listening Safely

To protect your hearing, avoid high volume levels. Start with the volume low and adjust to a comfortable level.

Powering Your Scanner

Connect the supplied AC adapter to the scanner's DC 9V jack and a power outlet. Use a Class 2 power source supplying 9V DC and at least 400 mA, with a positive center tip.

Turning on the Scanner

1. Turn SQUELCH fully down.
2. Slide POWER to ON.
3. Adjust VOLUME to a comfortable level.
4. Turn SQUELCH clockwise until the hissing sound stops. Adjust counterclockwise for weak signals.

Turning Off the Key Tone

While the WELCOME message is displayed, press '1' to turn the key tone on or '2' to turn it off.

Understanding the Display

The display shows various modes and information:

• Row 1: Indicates active banks (BANK), search modes (FD/PD, AIR, HAM, MAR, WX, FM radio), and Skywarn activity.
• Row 2: Shows channel number (CH), priority channel (P), frequency, and lockout status (L/O).
• Row 3: Indicates search/scan direction (Δ∇), priority (PRI), signal meter (回), manual mode (MAN), scan mode (SCAN), search mode (SRCH), program mode (PGM), and delay (DLY).

Display Messages: Various messages indicate scanner status, errors, or programming information (e.g., ALL CH L-out, b X StorE, -dUPL-, Error, P, -t).

Sub Bank Messages: Indicate specific sub-bands within service banks (e.g., Lo UHF, Hi UHF, 10 M, 2 M).

Understanding the Keypad

The keypad allows you to control all scanner functions:

• Service Search Keys: MAR, FD/PD, WX (hold for Skywarn), HAM, AIR, FM.
• SCAN / MAN: Switches between scanning and manual monitoring.
• Δ∇: Adjusts search or scan direction.
• PRI / ALERT: Enables/disables priority channel and SAME standby mode.
• PSE (Pause): Pauses and resumes searches or tuning.
• Number Keys (0-9): Input numbers for frequencies, channels, and banks. '0' selects bank 10.
• • / DELAY: Inputs a decimal point or sets a two-second delay.
• ENT (Enter): Confirms frequency entry.
• L/O / L/O RVW: Locks out or reviews locked-out channels/frequencies.
• TUNE / CLEAR: Enters tune search or clears entries.
• PGM: Enters program mode.

Configuring Your Scanner

Preprogrammed Frequencies

Load preprogrammed frequencies by turning the scanner on, pressing PGM while the WELCOME message is displayed, and then pressing ENT to load.

Programming Channels

1. Press PGM.
2. Enter the channel number (1-200) and press PGM.
3. Enter the frequency using the number keys and •, then press ENT.
4. Repeat for additional channels.

The scanner rounds down to the closest valid frequency. An 'Error' message indicates an entry error. '-dUPL-' indicates the frequency is already stored.

Programming with a Computer

Use a PC/IF cable and software from www.PSRedit.com or www.Starrsoft.com to upload/download data.

Cloning Programmed Data

Connect two WS1025 scanners with a 3.5mm stereo cable. Turn on both scanners, connect the cable, and press Δ on the host scanner to send data.

Searching for Frequencies

Service Bank Search

Press a Service Bank button (Marine, Fire/Police, Aircraft, Ham, FM, Weather) to search preset frequencies for that service.

Storing Found Frequencies

1. Press ENT when a desired frequency is found during a search.
2. Enter the bank number or press ENT to store in the current bank.
3. Press ENT to confirm.

Use PSE to pause/resume searches. Use •/DELAY to toggle the two-second delay. Use L/O to lock out frequencies (except Weather band). Press Δ or ∇ to reverse search direction.

Scanning Stored Channels

Press SCAN/MAN until SCAN appears to scan stored channels. The scanner stops on active frequencies. Press SCAN/MAN to enter Manual mode to monitor a specific channel.

Turning Banks On/Off

Press the bank number key (1-0) during scanning to toggle banks on/off. At least one bank must remain active.

Setting Delay

Press •/DELAY while monitoring a channel or during a scan to activate a two-second delay after a transmission ends. Press again to turn it off.

Using the Priority Channel

Program a frequency into the priority channel (see Programming Channels). Press PRI/ALERT during scanning/searching to activate priority mode (PRI appears). The scanner checks the priority channel every two seconds.

Monitoring a Channel

1. Press SCAN/MAN until MAN appears.
2. Enter the channel number (1-200).
3. Press SCAN/MAN again.

Locking Out Channels

Press L/O when the scanner stops on an unwanted channel/frequency to lock it out. LIO appears. To manually lock out a channel, select it and press L/O. You can lock out up to 50 frequencies per search. '-dUPL-' or 'CH-FULL' may appear if a channel is already stored or the bank is full.

Managing Lock-outs

In Manual mode, hold L/O/L/O RVW for two seconds to review locked-out frequencies. Press L/O/L/O RVW to remove a lock-out. To unlock all service bank frequencies, hold L/O/L/O RVW, then while holding TUNE/CLEAR, press L/O/L/O RVW again, and then press ENT.

Clearing a Stored Channel

1. Press SCAN/MAN to stop scanning.
2. Enter the channel number (1-200).
3. Press PGM.
4. Press '0' then ENT. The frequency will be cleared.

Weather Features

The NOAA and local weather agencies broadcast weather information on dedicated channels. Ensure a clear signal or use an external antenna for best reception.

Receiving All Weather Alerts

Set a weather channel as the priority channel. The scanner will sound an alert tone and flash ALERT when a 1050 Hz weather alert tone is detected.

Receiving Alerts for Specific Areas (SAME Standby Mode)

The National Weather Service uses SAME signals with FIPS codes. To program SAME Standby mode:

1. Press [key for weather].
2. Press PGM to enter FIPS code mode.
3. Use Δ∇ to select a FIPS code location.
4. Enter the FIPS code and press ENT. Repeat for up to seven areas.
5. Press [key to exit].
6. Press PRI/ALERT to initiate SAME Standby mode (F[1-7] CH StAndby appears). The scanner monitors for alerts matching stored FIPS codes. Press PRI/ALERT to exit.

If no FIPS codes are entered or they are locked out, the scanner receives all alerts. Press any key to stop an alert. If not stopped within five minutes, the alert stops automatically, beeping every ten seconds.

Testing the Weather Alert and Beep Tone

While in F[1-7] CH StAndby mode, press and hold ENT for over 2 seconds to test the alert and beep tones.

Skywarn™

Program your local Skywarn frequency into channel 200. To activate Skywarn, press and hold the Skywarn key (?) for two seconds. The scanner will tune to channel 200.

Additional Information

Care

Keep the scanner dry and away from extreme humidity and dust. Wipe with a damp cloth occasionally. Handle with care to avoid dropping.

Initializing the Scanner

If the display locks up, initialize the scanner by turning it off, then on again. While the WELCOME message is displayed, press '0' then '1'. Press ENT to confirm. This procedure clears all stored memory.

Preprogrammed Frequency List

The scanner comes with 153 preprogrammed frequencies across 8 banks. Refer to the manual for the complete list of channels and frequencies.

Service Banks

The scanner includes preset frequencies for various services:

• Fire/Police: Multiple groups covering different frequency ranges.
• Aircraft: Two groups covering the 108-136.99166 MHz range.
• Ham Amateur Radio: Groups for 10-meter, 6-meter, 2-meter, and 70-cm bands.
• FM Broadcast: 87.3-107.9 MHz.
• Weather Channels: 7 dedicated NOAA weather channels (162.400-162.550 MHz).
• Marine: Numerous channels for marine communication.

Specifications

• Frequency Coverage: 29-54 MHz, 87.3-107.9 MHz, 108-174 MHz, 380-512 MHz.
• Sensitivity: Varies by frequency band (e.g., 0.5 uV for 29-54 MHz).
• Selectivity: -6 dB / -50 dB at specified kHz ranges.
• Search Speed: Up to 80 Steps/Sec.
• Scan Speed: Up to 40 Channels/Sec.
• Delay Time: 2 Seconds.
• IF Frequencies: 1st IF: 10.7 MHz, 2nd IF: 455 kHz.
• Squelch Sensitivity: Threshold less than 0.5 uV (FM/AM).
• Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohms.
• Audio Output Power: 0.7 W Nominal.
• Power Requirements: 9V AC Adapter (supplied) or 9V DC Adapter (not supplied).
• Dimensions: 8.25 x 6.87 x 2.37 inches.
• Weight: 24.7 oz (700 g).

FCC Notice

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: it must not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any interference received. If interference occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, or connecting to a different circuit.

Consumer Warranty

Whistler products are warranted for one (1) year from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is void if the unit is abused, modified, or if serial numbers are removed. Contact Whistler Customer Service at 1-866-923-8719 for warranty service. Do not return items to the store.

Service Under Warranty

Ship defective units, prepaid and insured, to Whistler Repair Dept., 1412 South 1st St., Rogers, AR 72756, with dated proof of purchase. Allow 3 weeks for turnaround.

Service Out Of Warranty

Units out of warranty, without proof of purchase, or with removed serial numbers are subject to out-of-warranty service rates. The minimum fee is $50.00. Include payment by cashier's check, money order, MasterCard, VISA, or American Express.

Customer Service

For operational questions or service, call 1-866-923-8719 or visit www.whistlergroup.com.

Corporate Headquarters

Whistler Group, Inc.
1716 SW Commerce Dr. Ste. 8
PO Box 1760
Bentonville, AR 72712
Toll Free: (800) 531-0004
TEL: (479) 273-6012
FX: (479) 273-2927
www.whistlergroup.com

Customer Return Center

1412 South 1st St.
Rogers, AR 72756
Customer Service Tel: (866) 923-8719
Email: info@whistlergroup.com