7
Preparation
3. Plug the cord into the vehicle’s
cigarette-lighter socket.
Notes
:
• If you use a 12V DC cord and your 
vehicle's engine is running, you might 
hear electrical noise on the scanner 
caused by the engine. This is normal.
• Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful or
requires a permit in some areas. Check
the laws in your area.
CONNECTING AN ANTENNA
Connecting the Supplied Antenna
You must install an antenna before you can 
operate the scanner.
The supplied telescoping antenna helps your 
scanner receive strong local signals. To 
install the antenna, thread it clockwise into 
the hole on top of the scanner.
The scanner's sensitivity depends on its 
location and the antenna's length. For the 
best reception of the transmissions you want 
to hear, adjust the antenna's length 
according to the chart below.
Connecting an Outdoor Antenna
Instead of the supplied antenna, you can 
connect an outdoor base-station or mobile 
antenna (neither supplied) to your scanner. 
Your local RadioShack store sells a variety 
of antennas. Choose the one that best meets 
your needs.
When deciding on an outdoor antenna and
its location, consider these points:
• The antenna should be located as high 
as possible.
• The antenna and antenna cable should 
be as far as possible from sources of 
electrical noise (appliances, other 
radios, and so on).
• The antenna should be vertical for the
best performance.
To connect an optional base-station or 
mobile antenna, first remove the supplied 
antenna from the scanner. Always use 50 
Ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8, 
to connect the base-station or mobile 
antenna. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8 
low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If the 
antenna cable's connector does not fit in the 
ANT
 jack on the back of the scanner, you 
might also need a PL-259-to-Motorola 
antenna plug adapter. Your local 
RadioShack store carries a wide variety of 
coaxial antenna cable and connectors.
Once you choose an antenna, follow the 
mounting instructions supplied with the 
antenna. Then route the antenna's cable to 
Frequency Antenna Length
29–174 MHz Extend fully
380–512 MHz Extend 2 segments