PRO-197 question

[usmaak]

Hi,

Just got my 197 today, and I am trying to get it all set up. One thing I noticed with this that's different from the 163 I used to have is the signal meter. On the 163, the signal meter would only display when receiving a broadcast. With my 197, the signal meter is always flashing, whether it's receiving a broadcast or not. Is this normal?

Thanks

 

[hoser147]

Yep its normal there is a thread about adjusting it.......

EDIT; I believe The thread is for one of the PSR's 500/600 and can be done with software.

 

[iMONITOR]

Hi,

Just got my 197 today, and I am trying to get it all set up. One thing I noticed with this that's different from the 163 I used to have is the signal meter. On the 163, the signal meter would only display when receiving a broadcast. With my 197, the signal meter is always flashing, whether it's receiving a broadcast or not. Is this normal?

Thanks

If you're scanning a digital system this is normal because it is an indication of the signal strength of the control channel which is active continuously, not just when you're hearing something.

 

[usmaak]

If you're scanning a digital system this is normal because it is an indication of the signal strength of the control channel which is active continuously, not just when you're hearing something.

It's on both the trunked and regular frequencies, as well as digital. Basically, if it's on and scanning, the signal meter is doing something.

I am trying to figure out if maybe I got a bad unit. I programmed one EDACS system in with the cable and Win500 and it really doesn't sound too good. Lots of crackling and popping whenever anyone's talking on it. I also programmed in some of the regular, non-trunked frequencies and none of them seem to have as strong a signal as the PRO-163 I briefly had did. More static and stuff. Our statewide digital system does seem to come in well, though the voices are sometimes wavery.

 

[iMONITOR]

Do you have any strong FM broadcast stations nearby? This tends to overload the new scanners in the VHF band. If so, it can be corrected by using an FM notch filter on the antenna.

 

[usmaak]

Do you have any strong FM broadcast stations nearby? This tends to overload the new scanners in the VHF band. If so, it can be corrected by using an FM notch filter on the antenna.

Wouldn't the PRO-163 have suffered the same problems?

 

[iMONITOR]

Wouldn't the PRO-163 have suffered the same problems?

You're right, sorry I missed that comment...still recovering from going to bed at 3AM.

I just put one of my 197's on a analog-only scan list, and the signal strength was blank unless it stopped on an active frequency, as I would think it should be. While scanning a digital scan list it shows the signal strength full time, not just when hearing audio. This is how it should work.

 

[hoser147]

You're right, sorry I missed that comment...still recovering from going to bed at 3AM.

I just put one of my 197's on a analog-only scan list, and the signal strength was blank unless it stopped on an active frequency, as I would think it should be. While scanning a digital scan list it shows the signal strength full time, not just when hearing audio. This is how it should work.

Thats how it should be, as the CC is going to have a signal. What is the area in Ill you are in like mostly City or rural??

 

[usmaak]

Thats how it should be, as the CC is going to have a signal. What is the area in Ill you are in like mostly City or rural??

I'm in a more urban area, though not the city. Definitely not rural.

Crud, so more than likely, this thing is defective. When I put it on an analog only list, it is constantly displaying, even though nothing is coming out of the speakers.

 

[iMONITOR]

They're still showing them in-stock so it shouldn't be any problem getting it replaced (not repaired).

 

[usmaak]

They're still showing them in-stock so it shouldn't be any problem getting it replaced (not repaired).

Hopefully they'll ship the replacement to store. Because it was a nightmare getting it from the fedex drop yesterday. Over an hour drive each way.

 

[iMONITOR]

Hopefully they'll ship the replacement to store. Because it was a nightmare getting it from the fedex drop yesterday. Over an hour drive each way.

Yes they can do that.

 

[DonS]

I just put one of my 197's on a analog-only scan list, and the signal strength was blank unless it stopped on an active frequency, as I would think it should be. While scanning a digital scan list it shows the signal strength full time, not just when hearing audio. This is how it should work.

When the PRO-197 is scanning conventional channels, it is possible to have the signal strength bars as well as the 'S' icon without actually stopping on an active frequency. This would happen if the CONV objects are programmed with CTCSS/DCS/NAC values, and the scanner isn't receiving those values.

The PRO-163 is different: it doesn't show the 'S' icon or signal strength bars until it has actually stopped on a frequency and unmuted audio. For a CTCSS/DCS-enabled conventional channel, this means the 'S' icon and bars will only appear after the CTCSS tone or DCS code have been decoded.

 

[hoser147]

I would see if they could get you another one. I always have them ship to my local store, Dont want to miss them and have stuff setting on the porch. Good Luck....

 

[iMONITOR]

Interesting! Thanks Don for the clarification.

 

[dougjgray]

Unless the setting for the S meter are wrong, I dont know if you can do it on the scanner but you can change that in win 500. Mine will sometimes get 1 bar on scanning conventional with no signal. I suppose I could adjust it out but I havent done it

 

[usmaak]

When the PRO-197 is scanning conventional channels, it is possible to have the signal strength bars as well as the 'S' icon without actually stopping on an active frequency. This would happen if the CONV objects are programmed with CTCSS/DCS/NAC values, and the scanner isn't receiving those values.

The PRO-163 is different: it doesn't show the 'S' icon or signal strength bars until it has actually stopped on a frequency and unmuted audio. For a CTCSS/DCS-enabled conventional channel, this means the 'S' icon and bars will only appear after the CTCSS tone or DCS code have been decoded.

So depending on my setup, it might not be defective? Man, these things have come a long way from my old Realistic scanner from 1987.

 

[DonS]

So depending on my setup, it might not be defective?

Correct.

 

[usmaak]

Correct.

That would be fantastic! I don't want to have to deal with returning and getting another one. I'll look at what I have set up when I get home tonight.

 

[usmaak]

When the PRO-197 is scanning conventional channels, it is possible to have the signal strength bars as well as the 'S' icon without actually stopping on an active frequency. This would happen if the CONV objects are programmed with CTCSS/DCS/NAC values, and the scanner isn't receiving those values.

The PRO-163 is different: it doesn't show the 'S' icon or signal strength bars until it has actually stopped on a frequency and unmuted audio. For a CTCSS/DCS-enabled conventional channel, this means the 'S' icon and bars will only appear after the CTCSS tone or DCS code have been decoded.

Ok. To test my scanner, I programmed one frequency into the scanner. I set squelch mode to None. I'm still seeing the signal meter jumping around, but no "S". If I set the squelch mode to CTCSS, I get the "S", and the signal meter. So based on what you said, do I have a problem, or is it acting normal, or do I have a problem with it?

Thanks