RadioShack PRO-136 200-Channel Desktop Radio Scanner

What's Included

• Scanner
• AC adapter
• Antenna
• User's guide
• Preprogrammed frequency list
• Quick start guide

Scanner Setup

This section covers the initial setup of your RadioShack PRO-136 scanner.

Scanner Features

The scanner features multiple bands for monitoring:

• MAR (Marine)
• FD/PD (Fire/Police/Emergency)
• AIR (Aircraft)
• HAM (Amateur Radio)
• FM (Broadcast Radio)
• WX (Weather)

Key buttons and their functions:

• WX/: Press to start a weather scan. Press and hold to activate Skywarn.
• PRI / WX ALERT: Turns the priority function on or off. Press to turn weather alert on and off.
• L/O: Locks out selected channels or skips specified frequencies during a search.
• PSE: Pauses search or scan. Press to turn the backlight on for 15 seconds. Press and hold to turn the backlight on and off.
• ./CLR / DELAY: Enters a decimal point, clears an entry, or turns the delay function on or off.
• SCAN / MAN: Scans stored channel frequencies. Goes to manual mode.
• SRCH: Starts a fine tune search.
• ▲ / ▼: Moves up or down in a fine tune or service search.
• 0-9: Inputs numbers.
• ENT / PROGRAM: Completes frequency entry and puts the scanner in programming mode.
• POWER: Press and hold to turn the scanner on or off.

Clock Switch:

• Alarm Set: Sets the alarm time.
• Clock Set: Sets the current time.
• Clock: Displays the current time.

Alarm Switch:

• Off: Disables the alarm.
• Radio: Enables the radio alarm (sounds with the last selected channel in Scan Mode).
• Tone: Enables the tone alarm.

Connecting the Antenna

Attach the supplied antenna to the scanner's BNC connector by aligning the arrow on the antenna base with the tab on the connector and pressing into place. For external antennas, use 50-ohm, RG-58, or RG-8 coaxial cable. For cables over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. BNC adapters are available at RadioShack stores.

Powering Your Scanner

Connect the supplied AC adapter's barrel plug into the power jack on the back of the scanner. Plug the adapter into a standard household outlet (120V AC, 60Hz). Do not use a switch-controlled outlet.

Installing Batteries

1. Remove the battery compartment cover.
2. Insert three AA batteries (not included), observing polarity (+ and -).
3. Replace the cover.

Battery Notes

• Use fresh alkaline AA batteries.
• Rechargeable batteries can be used, but offer shorter battery life. The scanner does not recharge batteries in the compartment.
• Remove old or weak batteries promptly to prevent chemical leakage.
• Do not mix battery types, ages, or capacities.
• Batteries provide backup power for the clock and short-term scanning. The (BAT) indicator appears when backup batteries are low.
• When batteries are installed or the AC adapter is connected, the scanner powers on to STANDBY mode, displaying 12:00 AM.

Recycle Rechargeable Batteries

Recycle old rechargeable batteries at your local RadioShack store. RadioShack participates in the RBRC® battery recycling program.

Scanner Placement

• Avoid high-moisture environments.
• Do not place in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• If interference occurs, move the scanner or antenna away from the source, or adjust the antenna's height or angle.

Connecting Headphones

Plug a mono earphone or headset into the Headphone Jack on the back of the scanner for private listening. This disconnects the internal speaker. Sound is not in stereo.

Listening Safely

• Avoid extremely high volume levels to prevent permanent hearing loss.
• Set volume to the lowest setting, then adjust to a comfortable level after turning on the scanner.
• Do not increase volume over time as ears adapt.

Connecting the External Alert Out

Connect a switch-closure activated device (e.g., strobe, siren controller) to the Alert Out Jack for additional weather alert notifications. The device should be rated up to 200 mA, AC/DC 20V, and require a 3.5 mm mono plug cable.

Understanding Your Scanner

The scanner operates by tuning to specific frequencies (in MHz). You can find active frequencies through searching or online resources like www.radioreference.com.

Service banks are preset groups of frequencies for Marine, Aircraft, Police (Fire/Emergency), Ham, and FM services. The scanner is preprogrammed with these frequencies.

Frequencies can be stored into memory locations called channels, grouped into 10 channel-storage banks (0-9), each with 20 channels (0-19), totaling 200 channels. You can scan these channels to monitor activity.

Use channel-storage banks to group related frequencies, such as those for a local police or fire department.

Turning on the Scanner

1. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclockwise.
2. Press and hold the POWER button. Turn VOLUME up until a hissing sound is heard.
3. Turn SQUELCH clockwise until the hissing stops.

Note: Ensure the antenna is connected before powering on.

To test operation, press the WX/ key. You should hear weather information if near a NOAA station.

Setting the Clock/Alarm

The scanner's clock displays when radio functions are off and can be used as an alarm.

To set the clock time:

1. Slide the Clock Switch to Clock Set.
2. Enter the hour using the number keys or ▲/▼, then press ENT/PROGRAM.
3. Enter the minutes using the number keys or ▲/▼, then press ENT/PROGRAM. Seconds reset to 00 for accurate adjustment.
4. Select AM or PM by pressing ▲/▼, then press ENT/PROGRAM.
5. Slide the Clock Switch to Clock to save.

To set the alarm: Slide the Clock Switch to Alarm Set and repeat steps 2-5.

Alarm Function

• Slide the Alarm Switch to Tone for an audible alarm tone.
• Slide the Alarm Switch to Radio for the alarm to sound using the last selected channel in Scan Mode (only in Standby Mode).
• Slide the Alarm Switch to Off to silence the alarm. If not turned off, the alarm sounds for 20 minutes and resets for the next day.

Programming Frequencies into Channels

To program frequencies for scanning:

1. From Scan Mode, press SCAN/MAN to stop scanning.
2. Press ENT/PROGRAM to enter programming mode (PGM appears).
3. Enter the channel storage bank and channel number using the number keys.
4. Press SCAN/MAN. (Example: BANK 1 P 00 121.500)
5. Enter the frequency using the number keys, using ./CLR/DELAY for the decimal point.
6. Press ENT/PROGRAM to store the frequency.
7. To program the next channel, press ▲/▼ and repeat steps 5 and 6.

Notes:

• Invalid bank/channel numbers display 'Error'.
• If a frequency already exists on another channel, the scanner beeps and displays that channel. Press ./CLR/DELAY to clear or ENT/PROGRAM to store in both.
• Frequencies are rounded to the nearest valid frequency (e.g., 151.473 MHz becomes 151.475 MHz).
• A 2-second delay is automatically programmed after a transmission. Press ./CLR/DELAY to toggle this delay on/off for the channel.

Use fine tune or service search, or www.radioreference.com to find local frequencies.

Searching

Use the search function to find active frequencies. Press ./CLR/DELAY during a search to toggle the 2-second delay.

Fine Tune Search

Search up or down from the current frequency. Searching pauses on a transmission and resumes after 2 seconds (if delay is on).

1. Press SRCH when the desired starting frequency is displayed, or enter a frequency and press SRCH.
2. SRCH, PAUSE, and -t- appear.
3. Press ▼ or ▲ to step through frequencies, or press SRCH to start the search.
4. Press ▼ or ▲ to change search direction.
5. Press PSE to pause the search.

Service Bank Search

The scanner is preprogrammed with frequencies for Marine, Police (Fire/Emergency), Aircraft, Ham, and FM radio. Press the corresponding band button (MAR, FD/PD, AIR, HAM, FM) to start searching. Press the desired button again to select a different service bank. Searching all service frequencies may take several minutes.

Storing Frequencies Found During a Search

1. Press PSE when a desired frequency is found.
2. Press ENT/PROGRAM to enter programming mode.
3. The screen alternates between the next available channel and the frequency.
4. Enter a different bank number if desired. If no empty channels exist, the first channel of the bank is selected.
5. Press ▼ or ▲ to select a different channel within the bank.
6. Press ENT/PROGRAM to store the frequency, or ./CLR/DELAY to cancel.

Note: If the frequency exists on another channel, the scanner beeps. Press ./CLR/DELAY to cancel or ENT/PROGRAM to store in both.

Search Skip Memory

Skip up to 50 unwanted frequencies during searches (not available for WX service search).

• To skip a frequency, press L/O when the scanner stops on it during a search. The scanner resumes searching.
• To clear a single skipped frequency: Press PSE to stop, select the frequency with ▼/▲, then press L/O. 'L/O' disappears.
• To clear all skipped frequencies: While searching, press PSE, then hold L/O until the scanner beeps twice.

Note: Skipping more than 50 frequencies replaces the earliest stored skipped frequency.

Search Speeds

The scanner offers two search speeds: Normal (55 steps/second) and Hypersearch (125 steps/second). Hypersearch is available for 5 kHz step bands (25-27.995 MHz, 28-54 MHz, and 137-174 MHz).

Scanning

Scanning Stored Channels

Press SCAN/MAN to begin scanning programmed frequencies. The scanner cycles through non-locked channels in activated banks. Select banks to scan by pressing their number keys; blinking numbers indicate the currently scanned bank.

When a transmission is found, the scanner stops. It resumes scanning after the transmission ends. Press ▲ to resume scanning during a long transmission. Pressing PSE when stopped on a transmission enters manual mode; press PSE or SCAN/MAN to resume scanning.

Notes:

• Scanning requires at least one programmed frequency.
• Adjust SQUELCH clockwise to decrease sensitivity for weak signals or interference. Turn counterclockwise for weak or distant stations. Ensure SQUELCH is adjusted so audio mutes for proper scanning.

Manually Selecting a Channel

Monitor a single channel continuously without scanning.

1. Press SCAN/MAN to stop scanning.
2. Enter the bank and channel number, then press SCAN/MAN. The selected channel appears.

To stop at a channel while scanning:

1. Press SCAN/MAN to stop scanning.
2. Press ▼ or ▲ to select the next or previous channel.
3. Press SCAN/MAN to resume scanning.

Weather Scan

1. Press WX/ to start weather scan. 'WX' appears. Use ▼/▲ to change scan direction.
2. Press PSE to stop the scan. 'PAUSE' appears.

Receiving NWR-SAME and Weather Alert Signals

NOAA broadcasts alerts with digitally encoded data, identified by Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME). The scanner displays the alert level (Warning, Watch, Advisory) and sounds an alert for each.

To receive alerts, turn on the alert feature and monitor weather service in Manual Mode. Weather channels cannot be scanned while monitoring for alerts.

Turning On the Digital Weather Alert Feature

1. Press WX/ to start weather scan.
2. Press PRI/WX ALERT. 'ALERT' appears. This mutes audio until a SAME-coded signal is received.

When a SAME-coded signal is received, 'ALERT' flashes, the SAME alert level appears, alternating with the weather channel. An alert signal is sent to the external alert output jack. The scanner stays on the weather channel with audio enabled.

Receiving Alerts in Standby Mode

The scanner can receive alerts in standby mode (power off). Ensure the Digital Weather Alert Feature is on, then turn the scanner off. The display shows the monitored weather channel. Upon receiving an alert, the scanner sounds a tone, and the SAME alert level is displayed. Connect an external device to the Alert Output Jack to activate it during an alert.

Testing the Weather Alarm

To test the alert tones: Select the weather service (WX/), then hold PRI/WX ALERT for about one second. Tones sound in order: Advisory, Watch, Warning. Press any key to end the test.

Programming Alerts for a Specific County

SAME uses FIPS codes (PSSCCC: P=area subdivision, SS=State code, CCC=County code) to specify alert areas. Example: Tarrant County, Texas is 048439.

Program FIPS codes to limit alerts to specific areas. The scanner can alert for all areas or only programmed areas.

Programming FIPS

1. Press WX, then PSE to enter Weather Scan Pause Mode.
2. Press and hold ENT/PROGRAM to enter FIPS Programming Mode. 'ALL FIPS' appears if set to alert for all FIPS.
3. Select F0 to F14. '-------' appears if no FIPS code is programmed.
4. Enter the FIPS code using the keypad.
5. Press ENT/PROGRAM to store, or ./CLR/DELAY to clear. (Example: PGM F 0048439)
6. To alert for any FIPS code, select 'All FIPS' and press ENT/PROGRAM.
7. To alert only for programmed areas, select F0 to F14 and press ENT/PROGRAM.

To clear a FIPS code: In FIPS Programming Mode, select the FIPS entry (F0-F14) and press 0, then ENT/PROGRAM. '------' appears.

Skywarn

The Skywarn function allows direct access to the last channel in memory (Bank 9, Channel 19) by holding WX/60. The scanner enters manual mode and receives transmissions from that channel.

Note: Program your local Skywarn frequency into Bank 9, Channel 19 before using this feature.

There are 10 Skywarn channels (Bank 9, Channels 10-19). Use ▼/▲ to select other Skywarn channels. Press SCAN/MAN to exit Skywarn.

Note: 'No Prg' appears with an error tone if no frequencies are programmed in Skywarn channels.

About Skywarn

Skywarn is a network of trained weather observers providing reports on severe weather conditions like hail, high winds, heavy rainfall, lightning, wall clouds, funnel clouds, and tornadoes. Listening to Skywarn nets allows you to hear local reports relayed to emergency agencies.

Note: If no Skywarn net is active, you may hear nothing or amateur radio operators.

Settings

Setting Delay

A 2-second delay is automatically programmed into channels/frequencies to allow for replies. To turn the delay on or off:

• Turn off delay: Press ./CLR/DELAY while monitoring, scanning, or searching. 'DLY' disappears.
• Turn on delay for a single channel: Manually select the channel and press ./CLR/DELAY. 'DLY' appears.
• Turn on delay for search: Press ./CLR/DELAY while searching. 'DLY' appears, adding a 2-second delay to all stops in that band.

Turning Channel-Storage Banks On or Off

Disable banks to exclude their channels from scanning. Press the corresponding number key while scanning to toggle a bank on/off. The scanner scans only active, non-locked channels.

Notes:

• Manually selecting channels within a bank is always possible, even if the bank is off.
• At least one bank must remain active; Bank 0 is the default if all others are turned off.

Locking Out Channels

Increase scanning speed by locking out channels with continuous transmissions. Quickly press L/O when the scanner stops on a transmission, or manually select the channel and press L/O. 'L/O' appears.

Note: Locked-out channels can still be accessed manually.

To remove lockout: Manually select the channel, then press L/O. 'L/O' disappears.

To unlock all channels in selected banks: Stop scanning (SCAN/MAN), then hold L/O until the scanner beeps twice.

Setting Priority

The priority feature allows monitoring specific channels while scanning. You can program one priority channel per bank. The scanner checks priority channels every two seconds within each bank. Press PRI during scanning to toggle priority on/off ('Pri ON' or 'Pri OFF' appears).

Note: 'All Loc' appears if all priority channels are locked out.

By default, Channel 00 of each bank is the priority channel. To select a different priority channel:

1. From Scan or Manual mode, press ENT/PROGRAM.
2. Select the desired channel with ▼/▲, then press and hold PRI/WX ALERT until the scanner beeps twice. Alternatively, enter the bank/channel number and press PRI. 'P' appears next to the selected channel.
3. Repeat for each bank's priority channel.

Using the Display Backlight

Press and hold 3 until the scanner beeps twice to turn the backlight on and off. Press 3 briefly to turn the backlight on for 15 seconds.

Advanced Programming

Cloning Your Scanner

Transfer programmed data to another PRO-136 or PRO-135 scanner using an optional interface cable with 1/8-inch phone plugs.

1. Ensure both scanners are off. Plug the cable into each scanner's PC/IF jack.
2. Turn on both scanners. 'WirEd' and 'PGM' appear.
3. On the master unit (sending scanner), press ▼ or ▲.
4. Press ENT/PROGRAM on the master unit to send data. 'SEnd' and transfer progress display on the master unit. 'CLONE' and progress display on the slave unit.
5. Upon completion, 'donE' appears on both units. If unsuccessful, 'Error' appears; press ./CLR/DELAY and return to step 2.
6. After cloning, remove the cable, turn both units off, then on again.

Wired Programming

Transfer programming data using a PC, an optional interface cable, and software (available at RadioShack or www.radioshack.com).

1. Ensure the scanner is off.
2. Connect the interface cable to the computer and the scanner's PC/IF jack.
3. Install and run the PC software.
4. In the software, go to Tools > Configuration and select PRO-136 (if needed).
5. Turn the scanner on. It enters wired programming mode ('WirEd' and 'PGM' appear). 'PC' flashes during communication.
6. 'PC' stops flashing when data transfer is successful. Turn the scanner off, remove the cable, and turn it on again.

Additional Information

FCC Notice

Your scanner may cause radio or TV interference. To check, turn off the scanner; if interference ceases, the scanner is the cause. Try moving the scanner away from the receiver, connecting to a different electrical circuit, or contacting RadioShack for assistance.

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) no harmful interference, and (2) acceptance of any received interference.

Scanning Legally

Listening to most transmissions is legal. However, intentionally listening to telephone conversations (cellular, cordless), pager transmissions, or scrambled/encrypted transmissions is prohibited by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and can result in fines or imprisonment without consent.

The scanner is designed to prevent illegal transmission reception and should not be modified. Unauthorized modifications may lead to legal penalties.

RadioShack encourages responsible and legal scanner use.

Care

Keep the scanner dry. Wipe dry immediately if wet. Use and store in normal temperature environments. Handle carefully to avoid drops. Keep away from dust and dirt; wipe with a damp cloth periodically.

Service and Repair

For performance issues, contact your local RadioShack store or call 1-800-THE SHACK (800-843-7422). Modifying internal components can cause malfunctions, void the warranty, and invalidate FCC authorization.

Specifications

Frequency Coverage

• 25.0000-27.9950 MHz (5 kHz steps)
• 28.0000-54.0000 MHz (5 kHz steps)
• 59.7500, 65.7500, 71.7500, 81.7500, 87.7500 (6 MHz steps)
• 88.000-107.900 MHz (100 kHz steps)
• 108.0000-136.9875 MHz (12.5 kHz steps)
• 137.0000-174.0000 MHz (5 kHz steps)
• 179.7500, 185.7500, 191.7500, 197.7500, 203.7500, 209.7500, 215.7500 (6 MHz steps)
• 380.0000-399.9875 MHz (12.5 kHz steps)
• 400.0000-512.0000 MHz (6.25 kHz steps)

Sensitivity (AM/FM)

• FM (20 dB S/N at 3 kHz deviation):
  28.0000-54.0000: 0.3 µV
  137.0000-174.0000: 0.4 µV
  400.0000-512.0000: 0.5 µV
• AM (20 dB S/N at 60% modulation):
  25.0000-27.9950: 1.0 µV
  108.0000-136.9875: 1.1 µV
  380.0000-399.9875: 1.2 µV
• WMF (20 dB S/N at 22.5 kHz deviation):
  88.000-107.9000 (100 kHz steps): 0.7 µV
• TV (20 dB S/N at 45 kHz deviation):
  59.7500, 65.7500, 71.7500, 81.7500, 87.7500 (6 MHz steps): 0.8 µV
  179.7500, 185.7500, 191.7500, 197.7500, 203.7500, 209.7500, 215.7500 (6 MHz steps): 0.8 µV
• IF Rejection at 453.2500 MHz: 60 dB
• IF Frequencies: 265.50-60 MHz, 10.80 MHz, 450 kHz
• Channels: 200
• Banks: 10
• Operating Temperature: 14° to 122°F (-10° to 50°C)
• Scan Speed: 53 Channels/Second
• Search Speed:
  Normal: 55 steps/second
  Hypersearch: 125 Steps/Second
• Antenna Impedance: 50 Ω
• Audio Output: 1100 mW maximum
• Built-in Speaker: 2.28 Inches (57 mm) 8 Ω Dynamic Type
• Power:
  AC Adapter (12V DC; 400mA; center tip positive)
  3 AA Alkaline Batteries (4.5 VDC)
• Current Drain:
  Squelched: 110 mA
  Full Output: 280 mA
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 2.3 x 8.4 x 5.8 in (74.7 x 210.2 x 144.7 mm)
• Weight (without antenna or batteries): 19.4 oz (550 g)

Specifications are typical; individual units may vary. Specifications and depictions are subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting

Resetting your Scanner

If the scanner's display locks up or stops operating properly, a reset may be necessary. Caution: This procedure clears all stored information. First, try turning the scanner off and on again.

To reset the scanner:

1. Unplug the AC adapter and remove the batteries.
2. While holding down 2, 9, and PSE, plug the AC adapter back in. 'CLEAr' appears for about 2 seconds as the memory is cleared.
3. Note: Do not turn off the scanner until 'CLEAr' disappears.

To restore preprogrammed frequencies:

1. Unplug the AC adapter and remove the batteries.
2. While holding down 3 and ENT/PROGRAM, plug the AC adapter back in. 'LOAd' appears for about 2 seconds as frequencies are restored.

Limited One-year Warranty

RadioShack warrants this product against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Check with your local RadioShack store for complete warranty details and exclusions.

RadioShack Customer Relations
300 RadioShack Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Hypersearch, Hyperscan, and Adaptaplug are trademarks of RadioShack Corporation.

20-136 Printed in China (c)2008. RadioShack Corporation. All rights reserved.

RadioShack and RadioShack.com are trademarks of RadioShack Corporation.