newbie with Pro-2029

[thymekiller]

I recently purchased a Radio Shack Pro-2029 on E-bay for 12.50. I dont know anyting about scanners, and this one didnt come with a manual, nor does the website offer one. I have managed to program some frequencies for my area, but I would like to find out more about this scanner. I'm not sure what all the buttons do. I dont seem to be able to program anything below 30, or above 512. I dont know if these things are limitations of the scanner, or my own ignorance in operating it. I live in Aransas P**** TX., in San Patricio county. I'm not sure if this scanner is capable of monitoring the frequencies in this area, as I dont know what its capable of. I have picked up some broadcasts from Corpus, also Port Aransas, so I know its working. Has anyone out there had any experience with the Pro-2029, and if so could you help me out?? This newbie appreciates any assistance!!!!!!

 

[Al42]

http://support.radioshack.com/produ...asp?sku_id=20-404&Name=Radio Scanners&Reuse=N

The scanner covers from 30-512 MHz. But for $12.50, if you have something to monitor in that range, it's well worth the money.

 

[thymekiller]

Thanks for the quick response. It's good to know I didnt waste my money...

 

[thymekiller]

One more question: I know that an external antenna would pull in more signals, but does it have to be a scanner antenna, or can I use the old TV antenna outside the house??

 

[MarkWestin]

Hello,

Any outside antenna will help to some extent, but TV antennas have some problems that limit their usefulness. Does your antenna have round (coax) cable or flat (twin lead) wire. If you have round coax cable, then it should use "F" connectors. TV coax cable is 75 ohms as opposed to scanner antennas which are 50 ohms. If the run is short enough, it will still work OK. Your scanner uses a BNC connector, so you will need a BNC to F connector. These are available at Radio Shack and other electronics stores. If your antenna uses the flat wire, you are really out of luck, because the flat wire is 300 ohms and the adapters needed will reduce the signal strength greatly. Now on to the antenna itself. TV antennas make poor scanner antennas for several reasons. They are directional. This is fine if what you want to listen to is only in one direction, but what if several things are in different directions? A scanner antenna is omnidirectional. The TV frequencies aren't that close to the public service bands that you want to listen to. TV antennas are horizontally polarized. Most if not all public service transmissions are vertically polarized. (of course the antenna could be mounted on its side). Overall a TV antenna is probably not a good choice for scanner listening.

I hope this was helpful and not too confusing. If you need clarification or have more questions, just ask and someone here will probably have an answer for you.

Mark

 

[Al42]

One more question: I know that an external antenna would pull in more signals, but does it have to be a scanner antenna, or can I use the old TV antenna outside the house??

A TV antenna on the roof will usually pull in more signals than the rubber ducky at ground level. But a scanner antenna in the same place, with low-loss cable, will pull in even more.

 

[thymekiller]

thank you both very much. You've been very helpful. I'm off to research antennas!!!