Scrolling System,Department or Channel

[crowleyd102]

When I place System,Department or Channels on hold, the scrolling knob does NOT advance to the next System, Department or Channel, as the manual claims it should.
How do I get this scrolling to work?

Thanks

 

[MStep]

When I place System,Department or Channels on hold, the scrolling knob does NOT advance to the next System, Department or Channel, as the manual claims it should.
How do I get this scrolling to work?

Thanks

The System and Department names must be reverse-highlighted for the scroll function to work. Once the reverse highlighting disappears and the word "HOLD" appears, your scrolling time is up. You may think that this is not enough time to scroll, but in fact with a little practice, you can master this technique and it works very well. The channel, on the other hand, will scroll anytime it is in "HOLD" mode.

An interesting technique that I use for System and Department is three quick presses of either key. The first press reverse highlights, the second press immediately holds, and the third press re-highlights the text and then I start scrolling. This way, when I get to the Department or System that I want to focus in on, it is already in HOLD mode for me.

Sounds a little complicated, but with a little practice, works very well.

 

[mully95]

An interesting technique that I use for System and Department is three quick presses of either key. The first press reverse highlights, the second press immediately holds, and the third press re-highlights the text and then I start scrolling. This way, when I get to the Department or System that I want to focus in on, it is already in HOLD mode for me.

OK..... thanks a bunch! Never thought of three key presses.

 

[AC2OY]

Ok we're hitting the hold button three times quickly here?

 

[Voyager]

There is no HOLD button. He was talking about the System or Department buttons. But, yes, those buttons three times quickly.

 

[MStep]

There is no HOLD button. He was talking about the System or Department buttons. But, yes, those buttons three times quickly.

Thanks Voyager for helping clarify. Sometimes I forget that others don't have the experience yet with the equipment.

And to AC2OY--- sorry if I caused a little confusion. The bottom line is that you can't scroll Systems or Departments unless they are reverse-highlighted in the display. My three-press recommendation assumes that you are scanning and want to stop scanning and start scrolling with the function button/scroll knob. And correct--- there is no HOLD button per say --- that function is invoked by depression of the System, Department and Channel keys.

Obviously there are a couple of other variations depending on whether you are already in HOLD on a particular System or Department (and then only a single press of that particular key is required). If you are already on HOLD on a channel, no additional key presses are required if you want to just scroll through channels, you simply turn the function/scroll knob.

The best way to master the radio is to work with it, which is one of the reasons why the manual appears weak on many points. The reality is that the radio is so powerful and flexible in its operation, the manual can only provide the most cursory instruction--- you've really got to do a lot of hands-on (pushing buttons and spinning knobs, and even pushing knobs) to get a good feel for what the radio does. By the way, it took my several days to realize that the volume and squelch knobs not only turn, be can also be depressed in a number of ways to invoke some of the functions!

 

[AC2OY]

No worries I meant system,channel,dept buttons but my tiny little brain associates them with hold. I have to try your method I have struggled to get the thing to lock or HOLD down on anything but after much experimentation I have figured out a few things,not many buy a few.

 

[MStep]

No worries I meant system,channel,dept buttons but my tiny little brain associates them with hold. I have to try your method I have struggled to get the thing to lock or HOLD down on anything but after much experimentation I have figured out a few things,not many buy a few.

As I've mentioned in many other posts, but always worth repeating, the 536 is a GREAT scanner with incredible features and functionality. But there is a bit of a learning curve if you want to master some of the more subtle but powerful nuances of the radio's operation. I've been involved in radio monitoring for well over 5 decades, and the 536 stumped me a few times, but with some patience and persistence, I was able to do pretty well with the unit.

So take it a bit at a time--- the manual is only a cursory introduction to some of the features, and even the so-called "Easier To Read" manuals leave something to be desired. The forums here are probably the best source of information, but the only way to really get a handle on it all is just to do a lot of hands-on and experimentation.

Good luck with your unit--- I'm really enjoying mine--- I'm sure you'll enjoy yours as well.