Help a Begginer

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LastMaster

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May 29, 2006
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Laredo, TX
I just bought myself a Pro-83 from RadioShack, i have no clue on how to use it, and everytime i enter a frequency it gives me an error. I want some help learning how to scan the local frequencies. And finding them and stuff like that.
 

2112

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LastMaster said:
I just bought myself a Pro-83 from RadioShack, i have no clue on how to use it, and everytime i enter a frequency it gives me an error. I want some help learning how to scan the local frequencies. And finding them and stuff like that.

Welcome to the hobby.

To better acquaint yourself with the scanner, you should spend time reading the manual that came with the scanner.

To get over this first obstacle, usually with RS scanners, the scanner has to be in "programming" mode to enter frequencies. This is usually accomplished by pushing the "PGM" key. A corresponding "PGM" should appear in the display.

As for finding local frequencies, use the database here on RR.com to get a feel for the frequencies in use in your area. During this time, what you learn by reading the forums here should help to provide you education and resources with which you'll be able to perform more advance scanning functions.

Good luck!
 

LastMaster

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May 29, 2006
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Laredo, TX
Thank you man, that helped alot, now i got it down, i can switch between frequencies and burn computer drives, and such. but i have a question on antennas. How does the stock or "rubber duck" compare to a 800mhz antenna
Now i got that PGM down Banking as well storing, scaning and svc scanning..just need to figure out more tricks and the police frequencies..that would the the shet.
 

LastMaster

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Location
Laredo, TX
How can I figure out the Police frequencies or Fire Dep frequencies with this Pro-83 scanner, and was it a good buy for a begginer or was it a rip?
 

rpowley

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Rowlett, Texas
Try to put the scanner in "service search" and see if any of the frequencies from loumaag show up. If they do you should be able to put them in scan banks. Grab your manual and it will take you step by step.
 

LastMaster

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Laredo, TX
i went into svc search under Pol and Fire, and i come acruss something close to it but its not it, and there speaking in spanish which are local cops dont do. and it passes all the other frequencies. Was i gipped, should i go get my money back or should I just keep trying with a Pro-83?
 

loumaag

Silent Key - Aug 2014
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I am going to move this to the Texas Forum. I am guessing that you don't have a radio problem, but need a little more "local" help.
 

rpowley

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Rowlett, Texas
LastMaster said:
Was i gipped, should i go get my money back or should I just keep trying with a Pro-83?

Unless you feel the scanner is defective I'd hang on to it and play around with it a little. For the price the PRO - 83 is a good little scanner. You can always upgrade to a scanner with more features ie. trunking, alpha text, and even digital. You may want to check the Radio Shacks in your area that are closing - they may have some special sales on scanners. I know of 2 that are closing in the Laredo area and you might find a great deal on a PRO-97.
 

LastMaster

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Laredo, TX
is the scanner usefull enough to get on a Police Radio Frequency, cuz i cant seem to find anything but nextel conversations.
 

thadood

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May 17, 2006
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LastMaster said:
is the scanner usefull enough to get on a Police Radio Frequency, cuz i cant seem to find anything but nextel conversations.

HAHAHAHAHA, thats the funniest thing ive heard all week , HAHAHAHAAHAHA
 

mike_webb59

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Jul 18, 2005
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Location
New Braunfels, TX
You probably hear Spanish 'cuz there are radios in Mexico. Nextel is why we are rebanding a bunch of frequencies and making some scanners obsolete. But this is a low-tech conventional scanner and a good way to start.

Your area has no Public Safety Trunks and except for the DPS APCO-25 (and they will cross-patch to conventional for a while longer), no digital systems. You are good to go for a long time with that scanner.

Visit the Webb County database. http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&ctid=2762. Also visit the Federal Link [ http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&aid=1687 || http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&aid=1338 ] the airport [ http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&aid=2793 ] and the DPS Region VIII link [ http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&aid=71#cid-8668 ] as well as the Texas Common/Shared Link [ http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&aid=899 ].

Program in the frequencies in the 1st greeen-colored column in the tables. Skip any unwanted, non-FM (like APCO-25) or encrypted frequencies.

I'd think about organizing into the following banks, but of course you can combine:
Webb County Sherriff (SO)
Webb County Fire & Rescue
Laredo Police
Laredo Fire & Rescue
College Police
Texas DPS
Federal
Common/Shared.
Airport

That way you can sort of follow the action without text tags and turn banks on & off

HTH, Mike
 

LastMaster

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May 29, 2006
Messages
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Location
Laredo, TX
I returned the scanner, but i plan on buying anotehr scanner a bit more expensive like the Pro-97 Race Scanner. or the Dual trunking one for 150. I thank all of you for the Help and i wish to continue on this new found hobbie....but right now Iam trying to get myself an Xbox360. Be back soon enough.....
 
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