How to Program Radio Shack Scanners

By Tricia Goss

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Scanners are hand held radio receivers that can be programmed to pick up specific frequencies. These frequencies are often radio channels used by local emergency services, citizens band radio, railroads or airports, listened to by hobbyists, journalists and others. Radio Shack has been a leading producer of electronics, such as scanners, since 1921. Learning how to use a Radio Shack scanner can keep you informed about local events as they occur and even provide entertainment.

Power up the scanner. Radio Shack scanners can obtain power from three different sources: internal batteries; an AC power supply cord; or a DC vehicle adapter.

Turn on the scanner by turning the volume knob clockwise. The screen will display the message, "Welcome to Dual Trunking." Turn the "Squelch" knob clockwise until the indicator is pointed to "Min." Slowly turn the dial counterclockwise until there is no background noise.

Press "Manual." Enter the number (0 - 9) of the bank in which you want to store the first frequency. Radio Shack scanners have ten banks, which each store 100 channels. Press "Manual" again to store the bank number.

Press the "Func" key and then press the up or down arrow key. The channels on the selected blank will move up or down, from 1 - 100. Select a channel that does not yet contain a frequency.

Press the "PGM" key and the "M" displayed on the screen will change to "P" for "Program." Type in the frequency you wish to store, using the "./Delay" key to cause the scanner to pause at this frequency for two seconds, or until audio is no longer detected. Press "Enter." This will store the frequency. Repeat steps 3 - 5, entering each desired frequency.

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