PRO-27 20-Channel Programmable Scanner (200-0507) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 31198 Using Vehicle Battery Power You can power your scanner from your vehicle's battery power using an optional DC auto adapter (such as Cat. No. 270-1533). CAUTIONS: This scanner is designed to work in a vehicle that has a 12-volt DC, negative-ground electrical system. If you are not sure about your vehicle, check with your vehicle's dealer. The recommended DC adapter supplies 12 volts and delivers at least 200 milliamps. Its center tip is set to positive and its plug properly fits the scanner's POWER and CHARGE jacks. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the scanner or the adapter. Be sure you connect the adapter to the scanner before you connect it to the cigarette-lighter socket. Then disconnect the adapter from the cigarette-lighter before you disconnect it from the scanner. NOTE: The scanner receives a 12-volt input at the CHARGE or POWER jack and reduces it to the 6 volts required by the scanner. 1. Plug the adapter's barrel plug into your scanner's POWER jack. NOTE: If you installed rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries in the scanner, connect the DC adapter to the CHARGE jack instead of the POWER jack. This lets you use the DC adapter to power the scanner and recharge the batteries at the same time. 2. Plug the other end of the adapter into your vehicle's cigarette- lighter socket. NOTE: If the scanner does not operate properly with a DC adapter connected to your vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket, you might need to unplug the adapter and clean the socket to remove ashes and other debris or check the fuse inside the DC adapter cord (if applicable). RESETTING THE SCANNER If the scanner's display locks up or does not work properly after you connect power, you might need to reset the scanner. CAUTION: Resetting the scanner clears all the information you stored in the scanner's memory. Before you reset the scanner, try turning it off and on to see if it begins working properly. Reset the scanner only when you are sure it is not working properly. 1. If the scanner is on, turn VOLUME/OFF counterclockwise until it clicks to turn it off. 2. While holding down 2 and 9, turn on the scanner. L appears on the display. 3. Press MANUAL until a channel number appears on the display. CONNECTING THE SUPPLIED ANTENNA Follow these steps to attach the supplied flexible antenna to the antenna jack on top of the scanner. 1. Slide the antenna's BNC connector slots over the tabs on the scanner's antenna jack. 2. Press down and rotate the antenna's BNC connector until it locks into place. CONNECTING AN OPTIONAL OUTDOOR ANTENNA The supplied antenna is usually adequate for storing, local signals. However, for better reception on all bands, you can attach an optional outdoor antenna, such as an external mobile antenna, telescoping antenna, multi-band, or outdoor base antenna. If the coaxial cable's connector does not fit the antenna jack, you might also need an adapter. Your local Radio Shack store sells a complete line of outdoor antennas, adapters, connectors, and mounting hardware. For the best performance, consider the following when deciding on an outdoor base antenna and its location: The location of the antenna should be as high as possible. The antenna and antenna cable should be as far away as possible from sources of electrical noise (appliances, other radios, and so on). The antenna should be vertical. Mount the antenna following the instructions supplied with the antenna and it's mounting hardware. Then route the antenna cable to the scanner, and connect it to the antenna jack on top of the scanner. WARNING: When installing or removing an outdoor antenna, use extreme caution. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches a power line, contact with the antenna, mast, cable or guy wires can cause electrocution and death! Call the power company to remove the antenna. Do not attempt to do so your self. CAUTION: Do not route the cable over sharp edges or moving objects. NOTE: Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable to connect an outdoor antenna. For lengths under 50 feet, use RG58 (Cat. No. 278-1314) or RG8/M (Cat. No. 278-1313). For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 low-loss coaxial cable (Cat. No. 278-1312). CONNECTING AN EARPHONE/HEADPHONES/EXTERNAL SPEAKER The 1/8-inch jack on top of the scanner lets you connect an earphone, headphones, or external speaker(s). For private listening, connect an earphone such as Cat. No. 33-175. For more comfortable private listening, connect monaural headphones such as Cat. No. 20-210. For listening from a remote area or in a noisy area, connect an extension speaker such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 21-549. NOTE: Connecting any external device to the HEADPHONES jack automatically disconnects the internal speaker. Listening Safely To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when you use an ear phone or headphones. Do not listen at extremely high volume levels. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss. Set the volume to the lowest setting before you begin listening. After you begin listening, adjust the volume to a comfortable level. Once you set the volume, do not increase it. Over time, your ears adapt to the volume level, so a volume level that does not cause discomfort might still damage your hearing. Traffic Safety Do not wear an earphone/headphones while operating a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle. This can create a traffic hazard and is illegal in some areas. Even though some earphones/headphones are designed to let you hear some outside sounds when listening at normal volume levels, they still present a traffic hazard. ATTACHING THE BELT CLIP You can connect the supplied belt clip to your scanner for hands-free carrying when you are on the go. Attach the clip to your scanner with the two supplied Phillips-head screws. (SP 3/12/96)