Service manual

Scanner Frequently Asked Questions
Section 1 - Scanner Basics
What is a scanner and why would I want / need one?
What different types of scanners are available?
What can I legally listen to?
What accessories are available to improve my scanning?
A broadcaster in my area now uses a digital system; why can't I find a digital scanner?
What are birdies?
Reception Notes
General Troubleshooting
A Guide To The Action Bands
A Guide To Frequencies
❍ National Weather Frequencies
❍ Ham Radio Frequencies
❍ Citizens Band
❍ United States Broadcast Bands
❍ International Broadcast Bands
Typical and Primary Band Usage, and Specified Intervals
Band Allocation
Frequency Conversion
Image Reception
Additional On-line Information
Glossary
What is a scanner and why would I want / need one?
A scanner is a radio receiver designed to allow you to listen to radio transmissions from the various agencies and companies using radio
communications in your area, such as police and fire departments, ambulance services, government agencies, air, and amateur radio services.
Scanners let you scan these transmissions and are often preprogrammed with service search banks for convenience. By pressing a single
button, you can quickly search those frequencies most commonly used by public service and other agencies without tedious and complicated
programming. Scanning is a growing hobby that lets you "listen in" on public radio conversations and keep up on current local events as they are
happening.
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What different types of scanners are available?
Scanners are broken down by physical types and scanning methods.
The three physical types of scanners are Handheld, Mobile and Desktop.The primary differences between them are shown in the table below.
Range is dependent on the antenna used, and a handheld scanner can usually be used in a mobile or desktop environment by attaching it to a
vehicle-mounted or base-station antenna (see Scanner Antennas and Other Accessories).
Scanner Type Primary Usage Power Source Antenna Advantages Disadvantages
Handheld Scanners for Personal use Battery, AC/DC Jack Small Rubber Antenna Portability, Small size Shortest Range
Mobile Scanners for use in Vehicles DC Power Connections Vehicle-mounted Antenna Optimized for Vehicle Use Vehicle Only
Desktop Scanners for use at Home AC Power Connections Base-station Antenna Optimized for Desktop Use AC Power Only
The three basic scanning methods are Crystal-controlled,
Conventional Programmable and Trunk Tracking Programmable.