Whistler TRX-1 Digital Handheld Scanner — User Guide
TRX-1
User Guide
EZ SCAN DIGITAL
HANDHELD
RADIO
SCANNER
All Hazards
NOAA’s National Weather Service
®
Contents
Introduction. ...................................................................4
What is Object Oriented Scanning?............................4
Features...........................................................................5
Package Contents. .........................................................5
Scanning Legally............................................................6
FCC Statement. ..............................................................7
Setup. ..............................................................................8
Antenna...........................................................................8
Headphones and Speakers. .........................................9
Batteries. ...................................................................... 10
External Power............................................................. 11
Swivel Belt Clip............................................................ 11
Understanding the Keypad. ...................................... 12
Turning On and Set Squelch. .................................... 13
Set Bandplan and Clock............................................. 14
Program Methods. ...................................................... 15
Setting Location. ......................................................... 16
Power Up Password. ................................................... 18
Quick Function Access Keys. ..................................... 18
Understanding the Display...................................18-20
psDr Indicators............................................................ 20
Display Icons................................................................ 21
EZ Scan Library............................................................ 22
Maximum Card Size.................................................... 23
Installing EZ Scan Software........................................ 24
Library Updates........................................................... 24
Preferred Programming from Library. ...................... 25
Backup into the first V-Scanner folder...................... 26
Updating the Library (EZ Scan). ................................ 26
Library Structure.......................................................... 27
EZ Scan Library Notes. ............................................... 27
Manual Programming Conventional Frequency..... 27
Standard Text Entry Method...................................... 28
Creating Your First New Objects............................... 30
Essential Conventional Channel Parameters........... 30
Essential Trunking Talkgroup Parameters. ............... 31
Setting up a Trunking System (TSYS) Object........... 31
Adding a New Trunking System (TSYS).................... 32
Adding the first Talkgroup......................................... 33
Talkgroup Object (TGRP). .......................................... 35
Importing DMR or NXDN........................................... 35
Manually Creating/Adding DMR/NXDN.................. 37
Editing Objects Manually........................................... 39
2
Contents
Alert LED Setting......................................................... 41
Recording/Playback.................................................... 46
IF Output...................................................................... 47
Internal Clock/Calendar............................................. 48
Monitoring and Scanning. ......................................... 48
Frequency or Talkgroups. .......................................... 48
Active Scanlists............................................................ 48
Enable / Disable Scanlists.......................................... 49
Lock Out Objects. ....................................................... 49
Skip Transmission........................................................ 49
Rename Scanlists. ....................................................... 50
Set Priority Objects. .................................................... 50
Scanlists and Scan Sets. ............................................. 50
Searching. .................................................................... 51
Using Spectrum Sweeper. ......................................... 51
Perform a Service Search. .......................................... 52
Perform a Limit Search................................................ 52
To Save Found Frequencies....................................... 52
Search Settings............................................................ 53
Spectrum Sweeper Settings. ..................................... 53
Service Search Settings.............................................. 53
Limit Search Settings. ................................................. 53
Saving Found CTCSS or DCS Codes........................ 54
Weather Monitoring. .................................................. 55
Program FIPS Codes................................................... 55
Entering SAME Location and Event Codes. ............ 56
SAME Standby Modes................................................ 57
Weather Priority........................................................... 58
SKYWARN®.................................................................. 58
Using V-Scanner Storage. .......................................... 59
Configuring Settings................................................... 59
Using EZ Scan Software to Update Scanner............ 62
DSP Firmware Updates. ............................................. 62
Updating the Library (PC). ......................................... 62
Maintenance................................................................ 63
Birdie Frequencies...................................................... 63
Troubleshooting/Error Messages. ............................ 64
Library Copyright Notice. .......................................... 67
Specifications. ............................................................. 68
Frequency Coverage.................................................. 69
Consumer Warrant...................................................... 70
Service Under Warranty. ............................................ 71
Service Out-of-Warranty............................................. 72
3
Introduction
Scanning technology has changed dramatically
over the years. A scanner with Object Oriented User
Interface is designed to help the hobbyist build a
collection of channels to scan:
• Start small and expand
• Organize channels and talkgroups
• Remove unwanted channels and talkgroups
What is Object Oriented
Scanning?
Programming scanning receivers can be challenging,
but object-oriented programming simplifies the
process by using common conventions for scanning
concepts that have common characteristics.
A Scannable Object is any defined item that can be
scanned or monitored, including:
• Conventional, non-trunked radio frequencies
• Talkgroups used on a trunked radio system
• Radio services
• Defined searches
Because scannable objects are defined by the same
basic elements, the Object Oriented User Interface
(OOUI) is designed to simplify scanning by managing
all scannable objects similarly. When you learn how to
program one type of object, you can program other
types of scannable objects as well.
4
Features
• Functional keypad and backlit LCD display
• USA/Canada Radio Reference database on SD
Card
• Quick Location based Programming (City, Zip,
County)
• Detects and masks encrypted voice audio
• Decodes Radio ID/Talkgroup ID data
• Upgradeable CPU Firmware, DSP Firmware and
Database Library
• USB Interface 2.0 or earlier
• DMR/MotoTRBO™ Tier II
• NXDN
• Improved P25 Functionality (Phase II, X2-TDMA)
• PC Software to customize your settings
• Signal Strength Meter
• 200 Scanlists
• Weather Radio Functions
• Multi–system Trunking
• Spectrum Sweeper
• Headphone Jack
• Programmable Alert LED
• Programmable Audio Alarms
• V-Scanner II Storage System
• Audio Recording
• Built-in Clock/Calendar
• Built-in Services Searches
• Built-in Discriminator output
Package Contents
• Handheld Scanner
• Antenna
• USB Cable
• Micro SD Card (Installed in the Scanner)
• PC Software included on SD Card
• Swivel Belt Clip
• Protective Case
• User Guide
• Quick Start Guide
5
Scanning Legally
Your scanner covers frequencies used by many
different groups including police and fire
departments, ambulance services, government
agencies, private companies, amateur radio services,
military operations, pager services, and wireline
(telephone and telegraph) service providers. It is legal
to listen to almost every transmission your scanner can
receive. However, there are some transmissions you
should never intentionally listen to.
These include:
• Telephone conversations (cellular, cordless, or other
means of private telephone signal transmission)
• Paging transmissions
• Any intentionally decoded scrambled or encrypted
transmissions
According to the Electronic Communications Privacy
Act (ECPA), you are subject to fines and possible
imprisonment for intentionally listening to, using, or
divulging the contents of such a transmission unless
you have the consent of a party to the communication
(unless such activity is otherwise illegal). This scanner
has been designed to prevent reception of illegal
transmissions. This is done to comply with the
legal requirement that scanners be manufactured
so as to not be easily modifiable to pick up those
transmissions.
Do not open your scanner’s case to make any
modifications that could allow it to pick up
transmissions that are illegal to monitor. Doing so
could subject you to legal penalties. We encourage
responsible, legal scanner use. In some areas,
mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or requires a
permit. Check the laws in your area. It is also illegal
in many areas to interfere with the duties of public
safety officials by traveling to the scene of an incident
without authorization.
Even where not permitted, mobile use of a scanner
is typically permitted if you are a licensed Amateur
Radio operator capable of emergency radio
communications. If interested, see www.arrl.org for
information on becoming a ham radio operator.
6
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a scanning receiver,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This device complies with Industry Canada’s licenseexempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference;
and (2) This device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie
Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts
de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux
conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne doit pas
produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil
doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique
subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en
compromettre le fonctionnement.
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit
not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
Shielded cables must be used with this unit to ensure
compliance with the Class B FCC limits.
FCC ID: HSXSC10
IC:1698A-SC10
7
Setup
Antenna
To connect the included antenna:
1. Align the slots around the
antenna’s connector with the tabs
on the antenna jack.
2. Press the antenna down over
the jack and turn the antenna’s
base clockwise until it locks into
place.
You can use a variety of antennas. To connect an
external antenna, follow the installation instructions
supplied with the antenna. Always use 50-ohm coaxial
cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8 low-loss dielectric
coaxial cable. You may also need a BNC adapter.
WARNING: Use extreme caution when installing or
removing an outdoor antenna. If the antenna starts
to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power
lines. If the antenna touches a power line, touching
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
yourself.
8
WARNING: Outdoor antennas must be properly
grounded to prevent static buildup and lightning
damage. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information about proper
grounding of the antenna mast, connection of coaxial
cable to an lightning arrestor, size of grounding
conductors, location of the lightning arrestor and
connection of grounding conductors to grounding
electrodes.
Disconnect your radio from the outdoor antenna
during electrical storm activity to prevent damage.
Headphones and Speakers
You can plug headphones (not supplied) or an
amplified speaker (not supplied) with a 1/8 inch
(3.5mm) stereo mini-plug in the headphone jack on
top of your scanner. This automatically disconnects the
internal speaker.
NOTE: Use an amplified speaker; a non-amplified
speaker may not provide sufficient volume for
comfortable listening.
Listening Safely
To protect your hearing, follow these guidelines when
you use headphones:
• Set the volume to zero before putting on
headphones. With the headphones on, adjust the
volume to a comfortable level.
• Avoid increasing the volume after you set it. Over
time, your sensitivity to a volume level decreases,
so volume levels that do not cause discomfort might
damage your hearing. Avoid or limit listening at
high-volume levels. Prolonged exposure to highvolume levels can cause permanent hearing loss.
• Wearing headphones while operating a motor
vehicle or riding a bicycle can create a traffic
hazard and is illegal in most areas. Even though
some headphones let you hear some outside
sounds when listening at normal volume levels,
they still can present a traffic hazard. Exercise
extreme caution!
9
Batteries
A low battery warning sounds every 30 seconds
(default setting) when the
batteries are low.
1. Be sure to turn the scanner
off!
2. Slide open the battery
compartment cover.
Battery Type Selector
3. Set the Battery Type
Selector:
• ALKA − Alkaline
• NI-MH − Rechargeable NI-MH
• Alkaline is in the UP position towards the antenna
4. Install four AA batteries, matching the polarity
symbols (+ and –).
5. Replace the cover.
WARNING: Never install alkaline batteries with the
Battery Type Selector switch set to NI-MH. Alkaline
batteries can get hot or explode if you try to recharge
them.
Recycle Rechargeable Batteries
Recycle your old rechargeable
batteries at one of the many collection
sites in the U.S. and Canada. To
find the site nearest you, visit www.
call2recycle.org or call toll- free 1-877-2-RECYCLE.
Battery Notes:
Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type.
Do not mix old and new batteries, different battery
types (alkaline or rechargeable), or rechargeable
batteries of different capacities.
Dispose of batteries promptly and properly; do not
burn or bury them.
For long-term storage (a month or longer), remove
the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can
damage electronic parts.
Do not overcharge rechargeable batteries.
Overcharging shortens battery life.
10
External Power
Always turn the scanner off before
connecting or disconnecting power
sources. Use the supplied USB cable
to connect the scanner to a USB power
source (not included).
Some USB power adapters can interfere
with the scanner's reception. Using an
incompatible USB cable may damage
your scanner.
NOTE: If your vehicle’s engine is running,
you might hear electrical noise from the
engine while scanning. This is normal.
Swivel Belt Clip
Swivel clip allows the scanner to
move with you and easily move it
out of the way without unclipping it
from your belt. To attach the Swivel
clip to the scanner; align the belt
clip grooves to the slots on the back
of the scanner. Slide the clip down
until it clicks in place. To remove the
belt clip, pull back on the small tab
and slide the clip upward.
11
Understanding the Keypad
Your scanner features an easy-to understand backlit
keypad.
POWER – press and hold
for one second to turn on
and off. Press briefly to confirm the backlight level.
MENU – provides access to additional functions
related to the current operating mode of the scanner,
and provides access to the Main Menu where the main
functions are controlled.
WX – provides instant access to NOAA Weather Radio
broadcasts and SAME Weather Alert Receiver mode.
Press twice to select SKYWARN® Scanlist. (SKYWARN®
requires one-time programming)
ATT – controls the attenuator function and cycles
between Per Object Attenuation Mode, Global
Attenuation Mode, and Global Attenuation On.
PRI – toggles the Priority setting for selected or active
object, Fn PRI toggles Priority Mode on or off while
scanning.
SKIP – if pressed while monitoring or paused on
an Object will temporarily disable reception on the
Object. Pressing SKIP again while the Object is
selected will resume normal monitoring. The SKIP key
can also be programmed to permanently lockout an
object if selected in the Global Settings menu. When
editing text, pressing the SKIP key clears all text at
and to the right of the cursor. When in Playback mode,
the SKIP key stops playback of the current recording,
and when playing multiple recordings, advances to
the next recording. When in Weather mode, the SKIP
key toggles between Normal weather radio mode and
SAME Standby mode. In many Menu functions, the
SKIP key is used to cancel or abort a pending change.
Fn – activates alternate key functions.
12
/II/SEL – controls the Scan, Pause, and Playback
modes, and is used in menus to select, enable, or
disable options.
Four Way Push button Pad – , keys are used
for navigation while browsing objects and menus.
When scanning, thewill raise or lower the volume.
Alphanumeric Keypad – quick data entry of
frequencies, talkgroup ID and labels. While scanning,
pressing 1 thru 200 will toggle the selected scanlist on
or off. Each button must be pressed within 2 seconds
of the last. If more than 1 scanlist will be toggled on
or off, press the decimal once as a separator. Pressing
the decimal twice will end the sequence.
Example: If you wish to toggle scanlist 9 you press 9 If
you wish to toggle scanlist 9, 11, and 22 simply press
the following 9 . 11 . 22 or 9 . 11 . 22 . or 9 . 11 . 22 ..
Turn on Scanner and Set Squelch
Preset squelch between 10 and 12 o’clock
position. While scanning, turn the knob down
(counterclockwise) until you hear noise then up
(clockwise) a little past where the noise stops. The
higher the squelch is set, the stronger the signal
required to break the squelch.
Squelch
Power
Press and
hold to turn
ON/OFF.
Press
briefly to
toggle the
backlight.
13
Setting Bandplan and Clock
When you first power up your scanner it will prompt
you to set the bandplan, date and time.
Press the or key to select the USA or Canada
bandplan, then press /II/SEL.
-Bandplan-
USA
-Bandplan-
Press SEL to Set
Canada
Press SEL to Set
The scanner will then prompt you to enter the current
date and time. Press the or key to select the
desired digit, then press the key. Press the or
key to change the value, then press /II/SEL. You can
skip this process by pressing the SKIP key. You can set
the clock at any time using the EZ Scan Software.
-Set Clock2015-06-03 Wed
11:00:00
Press SEL to Set or SKIP to Exit
The Bandplan and Date/Time prompts appear only
once on initial power-up. You can change the Date
and Time from the Main Menu and the Bandplan from
the Global Setting menu.
14
Program Methods
There are two methods to program your scanner.
To get started quickly, you can use “Set Location.”
The set location method stores objects in your area
automatically and puts them in Scanlists 151 and
higher. These Scanlists are already named, “Multi
Dispatch,” “Law Tac,” “Interop” “Fire Talk,” and so
forth. This method gets you scanning in minutes, but
you cannot monitor a single police or a single fire
department – they will all be together in the same
Scanlist. Also, if you use set location, and wish to add a
new location, be sure to “Clear Channels” to erase old
objects before storing the new location. If you store
more than one ZIP code, the scanner will spend a
great deal of time searching for objects that are out of
range. That will cause the scanner to miss some local
transmissions you want to hear.
Although it takes longer, experienced users will
want to program Scanlists on their own using the
“Preferred” method. Use “Browse Library” to
select your state and county and look for agencies
of interest. Check the boxes of objects you wish to
import, select the Scanlist you want to put them in and
perform the import (see Preferred Programming).
Once you save objects to a Scanlist, rename the
Scanlist so you don’t forget what you stored there.
Then import more objects into a different Scanlist and
rename that one. In this way, you can create Scanlists
such as Bethel Police, Hurst Police, Bethel Fire,
Shenango EMS, etc. Individual scanlists allow you to
decide exactly what you want to scan.
15
Setting Location
Your scanner can select services to scan based on
your location. Press MENU and scroll to “Set Location”
and press the key.
You can specify your location by City, County or ZIP
Code. Scroll to the desired method and press the
key. If you select City or County, the scanner will
prompt you for your State. Use the or key to
select the first letter of your State, then press the /II/
SEL key. Scroll to your state and press the key. Use
the or key to select the first letter of your City or
county, then press the /II/SEL key. Scroll to your City
or County, then press the key.
Select County:
First letter: A
SEL = Done
If you select ZIP Code, the scanner will prompt you to
enter your five-digit ZIP Code. Use the or key to
adjust each digit, then use the or key to select
each digit. When you are done, press the /II/SEL
key.
ZIP Code
00000
moves cursor
SEL=OK MENU=BACK
NOTE: Although you can program multiple locations,
to get maximum scanner performance its best to
program only 1 location or ZIP code. Scanning
multiple locations will cause missed transmissions due
to the scanner searching for out of range frequencies.
You can accept a preselected set of Default Types for
your location, or you can specify Custom Types (see
next section). To select the Default Service Types,
press the key, then the /II/SEL key to import the
Default Set of Service Types for that City or County.
Wait for the Import process to end, then press the /
II/SEL.
-ConfirmationReally do import operation?
SEL=Yes SKIP=No
To perform additional imports, press the /II/SEL key
and proceed as before. Press the SKIP key to return
to the Main Menu.
16
To select Custom Types, press the key. Scroll
through the list of Services and press the /II/SEL key
to select Services you wish to import. A check mark
appears next to each selected Service.
Services:
SEL = Toggle
Multi Dispatch
Law Dispatch
Fire Dispatch
EMS Dispatch
When you are done, press the key, then the
/ II/SEL key to import the selected services. Press
the SKIP key to return to the Service list without
importing. To perform additional imports, press the
/II/SEL key and wait for import process to end. Press
the SKIP key to return to the Main Menu.
Services selected through Set Location are
automatically assigned to Scanlists beginning at
number 151; each selected Service is assigned to
a separate Scanlist, which is given the name of the
service.
These Scanlists are automatically selected for
Scanning. You can select or deselect Scanlists as
desired through the Scanlist item on the Main Menu.
NOTE: Press or MENU to return to main menu.
To clear all data from the current Folder on the Set
Location menu scroll to Clear Channels and press the
key. On the Confirmation screen press the /II/SEL
key to clear the data, or press the SKIP key to return
to the Set Location menu without clearing.
-ConfirmationReally clear ALL programmed data from the current
folder?
SEL=Yes,
SKIP=No
NOTE: The Clear Channels function erases all of your
current scanning data; all Scanlists in this Folder will
be empty. Use this function carefully, as it cannot be
undone. Does not affect V-Scanner folders content.
17
Power up Password
Set a user defined power-on password to restrict
access to the radio.
1. Press MENU.
2. Scroll to Set Password and press .
3. Use the arrows to set the password.
4. Use the /II/SEL key to accept the updated
settings, or the MENU key to exit without saving
changes.
NOTE: Power-on password can be reset by anyone
using the EZ Scan software. Password provides only
limited protection from immediate unauthorized use.
Quick Function Access Keys
Fn + Up Arrow = Top of menu list
Fn + Down Arrow = Bottom of menu list
Fn + Power = Key board Lock
Fn + 0 = Tune Mode
Fn + 1 = Scan mode
Fn + 2 = Program Menu
Fn + 3 = Sweeper Menu
Fn + 4 = Service Search Menu
Fn + 5 = Limit Search
Fn + 6 = Playback mode
Fn + 9 = Object search
Understanding the Display
Your scanner features a high contrast, backlit Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD) to provide you with information
about the status of the scanner while you are using it.
A menu-driven user interface provides access to the
settings that control what the scanner monitors.
Below are examples of the scanners menu.
18
-MainMenuScan
Scanlists
Set Location
Browse Library
Browse Objects
A “Scan” display shows a scrolling list of enabled
Scanlists while scanning, and displays attenuator and
trunking control channel status. Below provides an
example of the Scanning display.
Scan T G
Fire
County Police
Sheriff
City Police
State Police
Individual Object displays are shown when the
scanner is monitoring activity on an enabled
Object. The LCD includes a row of icons at the top
that provides information about the status of the
scanner while monitoring an Object. The amount of
information displayed is configured using the Simple
Display option in the Global Settings menu. For
example, with Simple Display set to “on”, the following
data is displayed for trunking talkgroups:
• Icons
• Scanlist
• Object type and “psDr” status
• Trunking system
• Scanlist
Below is an example of an individual Object
display with Simple Display set to “on”.
S
T G
County Police
Group: psDR
Police North
Public Safety
19
Display showing reception of a trunking talkgroup with
Simple Display set to “on”. With Simple Display set to
“off ”, additional data is displayed on the screen. The
amount and type of data displayed can be customized
using the Show options in the Global Settings menu.
For example, below is the same Object displayed with
Simple Display set to “off” and Show Radio ID set to
“on”:
• Icons
• Scanlist
• Object type and “psDr” status
• Object name
• Trunking system
• Radio ID
S
T G
County Police
TGRP
psDR
Police North
Public Safety
Radio ID: 18249
Display showing reception of a trunking talkgroup
with Simple Display set to “on” and Show Radio ID
enabled.
There are many combinations of data that can be
shown on the Object display using the Show options
in the Global Settings menu. You can learn more
about these options in the Configuration Settings
section of the guide.
“psDr” Indicators
In the Individual Object displays there are four
characters on the right-hand side of the display that
indicate the status of priority, skip/lockout, delay
and recording for the selected or active object. The
following indicators are possible:
p= priority off, P= priority on
s= skip off, S= skip on, L=lockout on
d= delay off, D=delay on
r= recording off, R=recording on
20
Display Icons
A row of icons at the top of the display provides
status information about the scanner. These icons are
defined as follows:
S Squelch circuit (or “gate”) is open
S Squelch circuit (or “gate”) is open DMR
G When present, the attenuator is set for Global
mode
A When present, the attenuator is active
GA When present, Global attenuator is on, and the
attenuator is active
AM AM mode is active
FM FM mode is active
NF Narrow FM mode is active
DG The radio is receiving P25/DMR digital audio with
AGC
Dg The radio is receiving P25 digital audio without
AGC
D2 The radio is receiving P25 Phase II digital audio,
with or without AGC
Fn Function key is active
Scan mode (scanning)
Pause mode (monitoring a single Object)
Being recorded on the active or selected Object
F Recording is enabled but recording is suspended.
The SD card is almost out of space.
Signal meter indicating strength
T Currently receiving trunking control channel data
E Encrypted digital traffic detected
IF The radio’s IF (discriminator) output mode is active
P/p Priority On/Priority Off
S/s Skip On/Skip Off
D/d Delay On/Delay Off
L/- Lock Out On/Lock Out Off
Battery status Indicator
External power connected
21
EZ Scan Library
Your scanner comes with an installed Micro SD
card that contains the entire USA/Canadian Radio
Reference database as well as the EZ Scan software.
NOTE: Make a copy of the EZ Scan software files in
case the SD card is lost or damaged.
To remove the Micro SD card from the scanner:
WARNING: To prevent corrupted data on the Micro
SD Card, always turn the scanner off using the
front panel power key before opening the battery
compartment cover.
1. Turn off scanner, unplug external power, and
remove the batteries.
2. Press and release the Micro SD card.
3. To reinsert the Micro SD card, with the label facing
the front of the radio press it in until it clicks in
place.
NOTE: Always use the EZ Scan software “Prepare
Scanner Memory/SD Card For Use” option under the
“Scanner/ SD Card” menu to format the Micro SD
Card if the card is not performing as expected or if the
scanner does not power up with the Micro SD Card.
The Micro SD card comes formatted for the standard
FAT file system with a cluster size of 32k.
To format additional cards (2GB or smaller), use
only the EZ Scan software to format the Micro SD
card.
• Format using the FAT file system with 32k clusters.
• If you use Micro SD cards larger than 2GB, format
using FAT32 with 32k clusters.
• Formatting the Micro SD card for other file system
types may cause EZ Scan to malfunction.
Connecting the scanner to a computer with the
supplied USB cable allows you to access the card with
the EZ Scan software and update the Library, edit
the configuration and stored objects, optimize the
card, and reformat the card if necessary. You can also
connect the SD Card to an external reader, which may
provide faster data transfer rates when compared to
accessing the card while it is in the radio.
22
For reference, below is the directory structure for
the Micro SD Card. You may wish to make a copy of
the CDAT folder on your computer as a backup. The
CDAT folder contains your EZ Scan programming.
Modifying these directories or their contents
outside of the scanner or the EZ Scan software is
not recommended, and may cause the scanner to
malfunction.
BTMP Contains various temporary files used by the
scanner
CDAT Contains your programming
CDAT_VS.nnn Contains programming for V-Scanner
folder number nnn where nnn may range from 001 to
200
DB Contains the Library
MTMP Contains various temporary files used by the
scanner
STMP Contains various temporary files used by the
scanner
CURVS.DAT Configuration information CONFIG.BIN
Configuration information REC Audio recordings
SOFTWARE EZ Scan Software
WARNING: Modifying these files, directories or
contents of directories is not recommended, and may
cause the scanner to malfunction, and may result in
loss of programming data.
Maximum Card Size
You can purchase additional cards to store different
configurations or backups for your EZ Scan data. Up
to a 32GB SD card may be used. We recommend
SanDisk Micro SD cards
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Installing EZ Scan Software
A method for programming a new scanner is using
the supplied USB cable and the included software.
Also www.RadioReference.com provides a range
of resources to help improve your overall scanning
experience.
EZ Scan easy-to-use software helps you:
• Make changes to EZ Scan’s programming and
configuration
• Update the Library to the most current version
• Update EZ Scan’s firmware for enhancements and
bug fixes
• Format and maintain the Micro SD card
To install, connect the scanner to your computer's USB
port. Using windows explorer, open the SD Card to
view files, select software, then select setup.exe and
follow the on-screen instructions.
Accept all prompts when asked. User's can also insert
the SD Card into your computer via a card reader,
open the SD Card, find and open the "Software" folder
and click on "setup.exe", then follow the on-screen
instructions.
You can import, configure, and update the library
directly with your scanner or with the EZ Scan
software.
Library Updates
Your EZ Scan comes with the most current library data
available from www.RadioReference.com. However,
you can use the EZ Scan Software to check for updates
to the library data.
NOTE: Updating the Radio Reference library requires
an internet connection.
To check for library updates:
1. Select Check for Library Update in the update
menu. Select Check for Updates to start.
2. If updates are available, click Download Updates.
3. When the update is complete, click Done.
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Preferred Programming - from
Library
1. From the Main Menu, select Browse Library.
2. Select Country.
3. Select first letter of State/Province.
4. Select State/Province.
5. Select Counties/Cites.
6. Select first letter of County.
7. Select County.
8. Select Data Type NOTE: Police/Fire and Emergency
services will be in “Categories” for smaller towns,
“Systems” for larger ones.
9. Select desired agency, category or system available
for the county.
10. Select desired subcategory. Investigate listings by
pressing to go deeper into that selection. When the
cursor switches from the right side of the screen to the
left, you are at the bottom of a category. NOTE: When
selecting a System, check at least one of the “Sites”
within your range, then go further into Categories to
find objects.
11. Use the SEL button to check boxes for services
you wish to monitor. Press SEL to uncheck a selected
service and at anytime press to go back. Once all
desired objects have been checked, press MENU.
12. Select Import Selected.
13. Select desired scanlist location for selected objects
and press to save. Note that Scanlist 001 is already
selected, so no need to select another scanlist the first
time. For the next scanlist, uncheck the first scanlist
and check the box for the desired scanlist, otherwise,
you will be adding every object to the first scanlist.
14. Press SEL to continue to main menu.
15. Select Scanlists from main menu. Use the
/// to rename the scanlist if desired. Confirm
box beside desired scanlist is checked.
16. Repeat steps to add additional scanlists, or select
Scan from the Main Menu to begin scanning.
17. Once you are happy with your programming,
Use the EZ Scan PC application to save data from the
scanner. Of course you can use any combination of
programming from the Scanner Keyboard or the PC
app, just keep track of which has the most updated
list.
NOTE: When traveling or for quick programming, refer to
location based, ZIP code programming.
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Backup into the First V-Scanner Folder
PC Objects can be backed up to the first available
V-Scanner folder from the Set Location menu (See
V-Scanner II section for a discussion of Folders).
We recommend you back up your data to guard
against accidental changes or deletions.
From the Set Location menu scroll to Backup Data and
press the key.
-Set LocationBy City
By County
By ZIP Code
Backup Data
Clear Channels
Press the /II/SEL key to back up your data, or press
the SKIP key to return to the Set Location menu
without backing up.
-ConfirmationReally backup to first available VScanner folder?
SEL=Yes, SKIP=No
Updating the Library (EZ Scan)
To update the EZ Scan library:
In the Main Menu, select Update from Lib and press
.
The scanner asks if you want to use new Alpha Tag
(names) from the library.
Press SEL for yes or SKIP for no.
NOTE: Unit must be connected to an external power
source.
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Library Structure
Each state contains three data types:
• Agencies – Statewide conventional frequencies
• Counties/Cities – County or independent city
• Systems – Statewide trunked systems, control
frequencies (sites) and talkgroups.
Each county contains three data types:
• Agencies – Local conventional frequencies
• Categories – Public service conventional frequencies
• Systems – Public service trunked systems, control
frequencies (sites) and talkgroups.
NOTE: Not all states have a statewide trunked radio
system.
WARNING: Modifying these directories or their
contents is not recommended and may cause EZ Scan
to malfunction.
EZ Scan Library Notes
• A “D” indicates that the item uses an unsupported
digital modulation and cannot be monitored.
• An “S” indicates a trunked system that is not
supported by the scanner.
A gray box () indicates that some frequencies in a
grouping are selected, but not all.
Manual Programming - Enter
Conventional Frequency
1. Press MENU to access Main Menu.
2. Scroll to and select “Program Menu” then “Add
Conv Freq”.
3. Simply write over the existing frequency or press
“SKIP” to clear. Using the alphanumeric keypad
or the , buttons, enter the desired
conventional frequency. Press SEL when finished.
4. Scroll to “Save Changes” then press SEL.
5. Press MENU returns to Main menu.
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Standard Text Entry Method
Your scanner features a high-contrast, backlit
alphanumeric display that provides constant feedback
about what the radio is doing while scanning and
monitoring your “Scannable Objects”. To get the most
out of your scanner and this display, you will want
to name your objects as you program them into the
radio.
This allows for easy identification of active objects
while the radio is scanning.
Your scanner uses a simple text entry method that
allows entry of all uppercase and lowercase letters of
the alphabet, numbers, and punctuation symbols.
Entering and Editing Alphanumeric Information
A Standard Text Entry Method is used for entering
alphanumeric information into the radio. This method
allows easy access to each letter in the alphabet by
pressing two keys that represent the letter.
Take a moment to study the numeric keys on the
keypad and you will notice that keys 2-9 each have
three or four letters printed on the front panel just
above each key. To enter a letter in an alphanumeric
text field, simply press the number key below the
letter you wish to type first, then press the number key
that corre