PRO 33: What do I do with it?

[KC2GVX]

I have an old PRO 33, which is a 20 channel Realistic handheld scanner. I picked it up for $10 at a flea market, and I broke the case fasteners which holds it together when I tried to fix it. The scanner is missing the battery compartment, but works 100% on AC power. I need a use for it. I am NOT ordering a replacement battery compartment, NOT selling it on E Bay for $5, and NOT just throwing it out. Just wondering if anyone has some creative idea maybe to turn it into a base scanner, or fitting it into some weird device. Bottom line, it works on AC, and I don't want to throw it out.

[DSYCUTTER]

hmmmmmmmmm leave it next to ur desk and put a few obscure freqs and just let it run

[MacombMonitor]

Set it on your local SkyWarn frequencies!

[KCChiefs9690]

Use it for weather. There are many uses!

[wendall]

you can use it for a door stand? {just kidding}

[nopicowboy]

program it with some of your fav freqs and place it somewhere else in your home. like the bathroom... that way you dont miss out on anything when nature calls...

or put it in your bedroom... (wife may not like that)

or in your garage...

just anywhere you want to listen when you cant be around your primary scanners...

[MarkWestin]

Hello,

The next time you go to a Radio Shack store, find out how much a new battery holder will cost. (They will have to order it) All the 6 cell holders were basically the same and should cost less than $5.00. I have ordered several over a period of time to fit my PRO-30, PRO-34, and my PRO-43. This will increase the versatility of your scanner greatly. RS part number for the "Case, Battery" is B-0733, MFR's Part Number is GE-82D-3490 (from my PRO-30 Service Manual)

Mark

[jimyleg]

Hard wire it into your car underneeth the dashboard and it will be neato.

[n211cr]

Speaking of wiring into a car, I picked up an old Midland 4 channel crystal mobile that still works decent for 2 dollars at the local Goodwill. Looks pretty neat, just been using it here and there.

[brwkem]

Have a Pro 39 where the #3 and enter buttons dont work any ideas how to fix them?
Unit still works fine.

thsx.

[KE6EUM]

Dependending on where you live and interests. I'm in southern california and have a pro-33 i'm giving to a friend moving to Montana. The fire dispatch frequencies are always interesting to me. Below is a general listing of band plans found around the country.
151-155 mhz fire department
144-148 amateur radio
440-450 amateur radio
462 mhz range is NOAA weather
Do some research on the area you live to find out what type of agencies use what frequencies. Asside from 800 mhz, you can receive plenty if you know what to look for and where.
Lots of commercial businesses utilize the 400 mhz band.
This can range from tow truck drivers, fast food, taxi's, security, police, and numirous others.
Don' be discuraged by having an older scanner. It will still pickup plenty.

[kf4pep]

I always keep an older scanner set on the ham calling freqs, especially 29.3, 29.6, 52.525, and 146.52. On 2m I usually catch someone passing by on I-40 and can jump on a transciever and say a bit, and when 10m is open 19.6 is the satteside freq and 29.3 will be full of DX.

[gmclam]

One of my complaints about modern scanners is what they CALL "Priority" channels. They are NOT true priority channels; I call them PREFERENCE channels. To have a true priority channel the scanner requires a separate receiving circuit ALWAYS listening to the desired frequency. When doing that, even picking up Wx SAME messages is possible while also scanning.

I am not sure of the total capabilities of the PRO-33; but it sounds programmable. So program in 1 to a few PRIORITY channels you want to never miss. Here in California we have something called CALCORD which is used to co-ordinate life-flight landings during accidents; which I keep programmed.

There are a couple of aviation emergency frequencies; and some national mutual aid channels. When stuff happens on those freqs, you do not want to miss it. I am sure there is something in your area like that. You could give "priority scanning" to 20 of them!

[hotdjdave]

Program it to pick up the major channels in your area (hotshot police, fire, etc.). Hook up the audio to your computer and broadcast it on the web.

Maybe on one of these sites:

http://scannerbuff.net/teamspeak/teamspeak.html
http://www.incidentbroadcast.com/index.php
http://publicsafetyfeeds.com/
http://www.police-scanner.info/live-police-scanners.htm
http://railroadradio.net/

[manross]

Don't mean to hijack...Chad, boy did you bring back memories. That was my first scanner :-)

KC2GVX,
I would put it in the garage, if your like me, I'm always out there doing something.

Marty

[AndrewGS]

I'd take it apart and fit it into a project box. Cut out a spot for the display and keypad, drill a hole for the power connector on the rear, the power/volume knob and BNC on the top, put a dual-band H/T antenna on it and program your favorite 2M/440MHz frequencies into it.

[hotdjdave]

Originally Posted by manross

Don't mean to hijack...Chad, boy did you bring back memories. That was my first scanner :-)

My first digital-controlled (non-crystal) was the one just before it, the PRO-32.

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

I'd take it apart and fit it into a project box. Cut out a spot for the display and keypad, drill a hole for the power connector on the rear, the power/volume knob and BNC on the top,...

Not trying to be a smarty or anything, but besides the fact that you would be doing a project, what purpose would this serve?

[oritpro]

Originally Posted by KC2GVX

I have an old PRO 33, which is a 20 channel Realistic handheld scanner. I picked it up for $10 at a flea market, and I broke the case fasteners which holds it together when I tried to fix it. The scanner is missing the battery compartment, but works 100% on AC power. I need a use for it. I am NOT ordering a replacement battery compartment, NOT selling it on E Bay for $5, and NOT just throwing it out. Just wondering if anyone has some creative idea maybe to turn it into a base scanner, or fitting it into some weird device. Bottom line, it works on AC, and I don't want to throw it out.

You could always add a discriminator tap and decode ACARS or weather satellites with it

I bought my Pro 34 brand new back in 1989 and it's still going strong. It is missing the battery holder as well, I've cleaned the pots a few times over the years and done a couple of mods. The center pin on both power jacks are loose and need to be fixed or replaced. We are spoiled when it comes to programming the newer scanners via computer so it is my least favorite now.

I have considered getting rid of my Pro 34 but have too many fond memories attached to this thing. Right now I just use it for decoding and searching out new frequencies. With a new BCT15 on the way and plans to add a discriminator tap, the Pro 34 will probably end up in a drawer very soon. Not sure yet.

[AndrewGS]

Originally Posted by hotdjdave

Not trying to be a smarty or anything, but besides the fact that you would be doing a project, what purpose would this serve?

He said the case is broken, so instead of taping it together or whatever I'd put it in a project box and turn it into a little desktop that looks home made. I just think it would look cool.

[Shortwave2200]

What you could do to solve the battery problem, get a 9 volt battery connector at RS solder the leads and use a 9 volt battery in it. actually you can fit 3 in there one that is in use and 2 extras. I just bought a pro 33 and it didn't come with the battery holder so I did what I explained and it works great. and spares in the battery compartment.