Realistic PRO-26 - User Manual

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Summary

Introduction to the PRO-26 Scanner

Continuous Coverage

Scanner receives frequencies from 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz.

HyperScan Feature

Scans through programmed channels at 50 channels per second.

Ten Channel-Storage Banks

Stores 20 channels in each of 10 banks for grouping frequencies.

Monitor Memories

Stores up to 10 frequencies located during a search.

Limit Search Function

Searches for transmissions within a set frequency range.

Direct Search Function

Searches for transmissions starting from the current frequency.

Search Skip Feature

Allows skipping up to 50 frequencies during a search.

Auto Sort Function

Scans stored channels from lowest to highest frequency.

HyperSearch Function

Searches at 300 steps/second in 5 kHz steps.

Auto Store Feature

Automatically stores active frequencies into selected banks.

Scan Delay Options

Delays scanning for 2 or 4 seconds to hear replies.

Data Skip Feature

Skips nonmodulated or data signals during searches.

Lock-Out Function

Prevents selected channels from being scanned.

Priority Channel Monitoring

Checks a specified channel every 2 seconds for important calls.

Automatic Modulation Mode

Selects modulation mode (NFM, WFM, AM) automatically.

Selectable Frequency Step

Selects frequency step size during searches.

Weather Band Key

Scans preprogrammed weather frequencies.

Attenuator Function

Adjusts scanner sensitivity to reduce interference.

Memory Backup

Keeps channel frequencies stored for up to 3 days during power loss.

Optional Power Sources

Powers scanner from alkaline, rechargeable, or AC/DC sources.

Notice Regarding Interference and Usage

Preparation and Setup

Power Sources

Details on powering the scanner using internal batteries or external adapters.

Resetting the Scanner

Procedure to reset the scanner if it locks up or malfunctions.

Connecting Antenna and Audio Accessories

Instructions for connecting antenna, earphones, headphones, and extension speaker.

Using the Belt Clip

How to attach and use the supplied belt clip for portability.

Understanding Your Scanner Components

Keyboard Layout and Functions

Overview and explanation of the scanner's keyboard layout and key functions.

Display Indicators Explained

Explanation of the scanner's display indicators and their meanings.

Understanding Channel-Storage Banks

Scanner Operation

Initial Setup and Frequency Entry

Turning on, setting volume/squelch, and manually storing frequencies.

Searching and Storing Frequencies

Methods for searching and storing active frequencies found during searches.

Monitor Memories and Keylock Usage

Listening to monitor memories and using the keypad lock feature.

Channel Scanning and Management

Scanning channels, locking out channels, and managing banks.

Manual Channel Selection

How to select and monitor a specific channel without scanning.

Special Features

Delay Feature

Setting a 2 or 4-second delay for specific channels to catch replies.

Priority Channel Feature

Designating a channel to monitor for important calls while scanning.

Display Backlight and Attenuator

Using the display light and reducing scanner sensitivity with the attenuator.

Auto Sorting and Data Signal Skipping

Scanning channels by frequency and skipping data signals.

Key Tone, Frequency Step, and Modulation Mode

Configuring key tone, frequency step, and modulation mode.

General Guide to Scanning

Guide to Frequencies

Lists common frequencies for weather and ham radio bands.

Birdie Frequencies

Identifies internal scanner frequencies that might cause noise.

Frequency Conversion

Provides formulas for converting between MHz, kHz, and meters.

Troubleshooting Scanner Issues

Care and Maintenance Guidelines

The Realistic PRO-26 Portable 200-Channel Scanner is a versatile device designed for monitoring a wide range of frequencies. It offers continuous coverage from 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz, allowing users to access multiple frequencies and store up to 200 channels. The scanner is powered by a custom-designed microprocessor, ensuring efficient operation.

Key Features:

Continuous Coverage: Receives frequencies from 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz.
HyperScan: Scans through programmed channels at a rapid rate of 50 channels per second.
Ten Channel-Storage Banks: Organizes up to 200 channels into 10 banks (20 channels each) for easy grouping and identification of calls (e.g., police, fire, ambulance, aircraft).
Monitor Memories: Allows temporary storage of up to 10 frequencies found during a frequency search, which can then be transferred to permanent channels.
Limit Search: Enables searching for transmissions within a user-defined frequency range.
Direct Search: Facilitates searching up or down from the current frequency.
Search Skip: Users can select up to 50 frequencies to skip during a search, avoiding known data tones or already stored frequencies.
Auto Sort: Scans stored channels in order from lowest to highest frequency, enhancing scanning speed.
HyperSearch: Sets the scanner to search at 300 steps per second (in 5 kHz steps only).
Auto Store: Automatically finds and stores active frequencies into selected banks, avoiding duplicates.
2- or 4-Second Scan Delay: Delays scanning for a set period after stopping on a channel, allowing users to hear replies.
Data Skip: Skips non-modulated or data signals during limit or direct searches.
Lock-Out Function: Prevents selected channels from being scanned.
Priority Channel: Checks a specified channel every 2 seconds to ensure important calls are not missed.
Automatic Modulation Mode: Automatically selects the appropriate modulation (NFM, WFM, or AM) for each band, with manual override capability.
Selectable Frequency Step: Allows users to choose the frequency step during a limit or direct search.
Weather Band Key: Scans preprogrammed weather frequencies (Canada only).
Attenuator: Adjusts the scanner's sensitivity to reduce interference from strong, nearby transmitters.
Low Battery Indicator: Warns when battery power is low.
Memory Backup: Retains stored channel frequencies for up to 3 days during a power loss.
Optional Power Sources: Can be powered by alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries, or AC/DC power, and can recharge nickel-cadmium batteries internally.

Technical Specifications:

Frequency Coverage and Default Modulation Modes:
- Canada:
  - 25.0000-28.9950 MHz: 5 kHz step, AM
  - 29.0000-53.9950 MHz: 5 kHz step, NFM
  - 59.7500-71.7500 MHz: 6000 kHz step, WFM
  - 72.0000-75.9950 MHz: 5 kHz step, NFM
  - 81.7500-87.7500 MHz: 6000 kHz step, WFM
  - 88.1000-107.9000 MHz: 200 kHz step, WFM
  - 108.0000-136.9875 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, AM
  - 137.0000-173.9950 MHz: 5 kHz step, NFM
  - 179.7500-215.7500 MHz: 6000 kHz step, WFM
  - 218.0000-224.9950 MHz: 5 kHz step, NFM
  - 225.0000-399.9875 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, AM
  - 400.0000-511.9875 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, NFM
  - 517.7500-805.7500 MHz: 6000 kHz step, WFM
  - 806.0000-823.9375 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, NFM
  - 823.9375-851.0000 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, NFM
  - 851.0000-868.9375 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, NFM
  - 868.9375-896.1125 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, NFM
  - 896.1125-1300.0000 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, NFM
- Europe:
  - 25-28.99 MHz: 10 kHz step, NFM
  - 29-53.995 MHz: 5 kHz step, NFM
  - 54-71.95 MHz: 50 kHz step, WFM
  - 72-81.745 MHz: 5 kHz step, NFM
  - 81.75-87.75 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, WFM
  - 87.8-108 MHz: 50 kHz step, WFM
  - 108-136.9875 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, AM
  - 137-179.745 MHz: 5 kHz step, NFM
  - 179.75-215.95 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, WFM
  - 216-224.995 MHz: 5 kHz step, NFM
  - 225-399.9875 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, AM
  - 400-511.9875 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, NFM
  - 512-805.95 MHz: 50 kHz step, WFM
  - 806-1300 MHz: 12.5 kHz step, NFM
Channels of Operation: 200 channels in any band combinations (20 channels x 10 banks) and 10 monitor channels.
Sensitivity (20 dB S/N with 60% modulation for AM; 3 kHz deviation for NFM; 30 dB S/N with 22.5 kHz deviation for WFM):
- AM (S+N/N=20dB):
  - 25.5 MHz: 1.3 µV
  - 108.5 MHz: 1.5 µV
  - 127.175 MHz: 1.5 µV
  - 230.05 MHz: 1.5 µV
  - 325.05 MHz: 2.0 µV
- NFM (S+N/N=20dB):
  - 40.84 MHz: 0.5 µV
  - 162.4 MHz: 0.6 µV
  - 453.25 MHz: 0.6 µV
  - 954.9125 MHz: 0.8 µV
  - 1299.9125 MHz: 1.0 µV
- WFM (S+N/N=30dB):
  - 62.45 MHz: 5.0 µV
  - 195.5 MHz: 5.0 µV
  - 531.5 MHz: 5.0 µV
  - 765.25 MHz: 5.0 µV
Direct Search Speed/Limit Search Speed:
- Normal Mode: 100 Steps/Sec.
- Hyper Mode (for only 5 kHz step band): 300 Steps/Sec.
Scan Speed: 50 Channels/Sec.
Priority Sampling: 2 Seconds.
Delay Time: 2 or 4 Seconds (Selectable).
IF Frequencies:
- 1st IF: 380.7 MHz or 254.4 MHz
- 2nd IF: 58.075 MHz
- 3rd IF: 455 kHz (NFM) or 5.5 MHz (WFM)
Audio Power: 250 mW Maximum.
Built-in Speaker: 17/16-inch (36mm) 8-Ohm, Dynamic Type.
Maximum Current Drain: 220 mA.
Power Requirement: 4 AA batteries (6 volts); optional AC Adapter; or optional DC Adapter.
Dimensions (HWD): 154 x 66 x 42 mm (61/16 × 25/8 × 15/8 Inches).
Weight: 240 g (8.47 oz).

Usage Features:

Keyboard Layout: The keyboard includes dedicated keys for SCAN, MANUAL, H/S/PRIORITY, S/S/L-OUT, KEYLOCK, PROG, MON, CLEAR, DELAY, LIMIT, SHIFT, Number Keys (1-10), E/WX, AUTO, and directional arrows (▲ and ▼).
Display Indicators: The display provides visual feedback on the scanner's operating mode, including MON (monitor memory), BANK (channel-storage banks), SFT (shift function), AUTO (auto store/sort), DATA (data skip), NFM/WFM/AM (modulation mode), frequency step (5, 12.5, 25 kHz), K/L (keypad lock), BATT. LO (low battery), CH (channel number), MHz (frequency), SCAN (scanning), MAN (manual mode), PGM (programming), PRI (priority), L/O (locked out), DLY (delay), WX (weather band), and SEARCH (search mode).
Turning On/Off and Volume/Squelch: Rotate VOLUME clockwise to turn on, then adjust SQUELCH to stop hissing.
Storing Frequencies: Manually enter channel number, press PROG, enter frequency with decimal point, then press E.
Searching for Active Frequencies:
- Limit Search: Press PROG, LIMIT, enter lower limit, E/WX, enter upper limit, E/WX, then ▲ or ▼ to search. Press MON to store, or ▲/▼ to continue.
- Direct Search: Press MANUAL, enter channel number, MANUAL again. Then ▲ or ▼ to search. Press MON to store, or ▲/▼ to continue.
Skipping Frequencies: During a limit or direct search, press S/S/L-OUT when the scanner stops on a frequency to skip it. To remove, halt search, select frequency, then press S/S/L-OUT until L/O disappears.
Reviewing Skip Frequencies: During a limit or direct search, press SHIFT, then RVW. Use ▲ or ▼ to review.
Automatically Storing Frequencies: Press PROG, LIMIT, enter lower limit, E/WX, enter upper limit, E/WX, then AUTO. Enter bank numbers (1-10) to store into. Press ▲ or ▼ to start search.
Listening to Monitor Memories: Press MANUAL, MON, then the monitor memory number.
Moving Frequencies from Monitor to Channel: Press MANUAL, enter channel number, PROG, MON, enter monitor memory number, then E/WX.
Keylock: Press and hold KEYLOCK until K/L appears/disappears to lock/unlock the keypad.
Scanning Channels: Press SCAN to scan all non-locked channels in activated banks.
Locking Out Channels: Manually select channel, then press S/S/L-OUT. To remove, select channel, then press S/S/L-OUT. To unlock all channels in selected banks, select banks while scanning, then press MANUAL and hold S/S/L-OUT.
Reviewing Locked-Out Channels: Press MANUAL, SHIFT, then RVW. Repeatedly press RVW to cycle through.
Turning Channel-Storage Banks On/Off: While scanning, press the number key corresponding to the bank.
Manually Selecting a Channel: Press MANUAL, enter channel number, then MANUAL again.
Delay: To program a 2- or 4-second delay, turn off scanner, press and hold DELAY, then turn on. To apply delay to a channel, select channel, then press DELAY.
Priority: To program a priority channel, press PROG, desired channel number, then H/S/PRIORITY. To turn on/off priority, press H/S/PRIORITY during scanning.
Display Backlight: Press /KEYLOCK to turn on for 15 seconds. Press again to turn off sooner.
Programmable Attenuator: Press SHIFT, then ATT to turn on. Press SHIFT, then ATT again to turn off.
Auto Sorting: Turn off scanner, press and hold AUTO, then turn on. Repeat to turn off.
Skipping Data Signals: Press SHIFT, then DATA to turn on. Press SHIFT, then DATA again to turn off.
Key Tone: Turn off scanner, press and hold /KEYLOCK, then turn on to turn off beep. Repeat to turn on.
Changing Frequency Step: Press SHIFT, then STEP until desired step (5, 12.5, or 25 kHz) appears.
Changing Modulation Mode: Press SHIFT, then MODE until desired mode (AM, NFM, or WFM) flashes. Press MODE again to return to default.

Power Sources:

Internal Batteries: Uses four AA batteries (alkaline for longest life, nickel-cadmium for rechargeability).
- Installation: Push up tab on back, lift cover. Install two batteries in compartment, two in cover, observing polarity. Replace cover.
- Low Battery Indicator: Beeps every 15 seconds and flashes BATT. Lo.
External Power Jacks:
- POWER jack: For external AC or DC adapter to power the scanner. Can be used with either rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries installed.
- CHARGE jack: For external AC or DC adapter to power the scanner and charge internal nickel-cadmium batteries. Warning: Never connect to CHARGE jack with non-rechargeable batteries; they can overheat and explode.
Charging Nickel-Cadmium Batteries: Connect AC or DC adapter to the CHARGE jack. Fully discharged batteries take 10-18 hours to recharge. Scanner can operate during charging, but charging time is lengthened.
Using AC Power: Requires an AC adapter (9 volts, center tip negative, at least 300 milliamps). Plug adapter into POWER jack, then into AC outlet.
Using Vehicle Battery Power: Requires a DC adapter (9 volts, center tip negative, at least 300 milliamps) and a 12-volt DC, negative-ground electrical system. Connect adapter to cable (tip negative), set to 9 volts, insert barrel plug into POWER jack, then plug into cigarette-lighter socket.

Maintenance Features:

General Care:
- Keep the scanner dry. Wipe dry immediately if wet.
- Use only fresh batteries of the recommended size and type. Remove old/weak batteries to prevent chemical leaks.
- Handle gently to avoid damage to circuit boards and case.
- Use and store in normal temperature environments.
- Keep away from dust and dirt.
- Wipe with a damp cloth; do not use harsh chemicals or detergents.
Troubleshooting:
- Scanner inoperative: Check batteries, AC/DC adapter connection.
- Scanner on but not scanning: Adjust SQUELCH clockwise.
- Scanner locks on unclear transmissions ("Birdies"): Avoid programming birdie frequencies (listed in manual) or listen manually. Birdies are signals created inside the scanner's receiver that can interfere with broadcasts. To find birdies, disconnect the antenna, move away from other radios/TVs, and scan all frequency ranges.
- Keyboard not working: Keylock is activated. Press and hold KEYLOCK until K/L disappears.
Warranty: InterTAN provides a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Misuse or accidental damage is excluded. The warranty is applicable to products purchased through InterTAN's stores and dealers in countries where InterTAN offers the product for sale.
Service: For assistance, take the scanner to a local Tandy/Radio Shack store. Modifying or tampering with internal components can void the warranty and legal certification.