Pro-95 Programming For Dimwits

[johnsondave]

Y'know, I hate to read threads from people who need tech help, when they haven't even tried to figure it out on their own. But I need help here.

I have the Pro-95, which tells me that ALL CHANNELS ARE LOCKED OUT. So today I picked up the PC cable from Radio Shack (30 bucks!) and downloaded the Win95 software (revision 13). The program isn't what you'd call intuitive, and there's no HELP file or manual.

I guess I have to program in some freqs to start with -- but why on Earth can't I just tell the thing to START SCANNING, and pick up whatever it can? I think my mind is stuck in the 1970's when those tabletop scanners and their back & forth red LED's.

Is there somewhere a plain language how-to guide for programming this thing? Appreciate the help.

 

[Grog]

Well if you used the search feature on the scanner, it could start looking for stuff.

As far as win95 not having a load of tutorials, it is free ya know

 

[rchalupajr]

Look in the wiki under radio models, Radio Shack, Pro 95. There is an easier to read version of the manual there. As for win95, you have to enter the frequencies into the program, then you can upload them to your scanner.

 

[gmclam]

Y'know, I hate to read threads from people who need tech help, when they haven't even tried to figure it out on their own. But I need help here.

I have the Pro-95, which tells me that ALL CHANNELS ARE LOCKED OUT. So today I picked up the PC cable from Radio Shack (30 bucks!) and downloaded the Win95 software (revision 13). The program isn't what you'd call intuitive, and there's no HELP file or manual.

The software mimics the scanner. If you understand the scanner, then you'll understand the software. I will agree that the RS manuals are worthless, but the '95 manual is tons better than the '97 manual.

The "ALL CHANNELS LOCKED OUT" message is misleading. It could mean just what it says or it might mean that you have not enabled anything for it to scan. The scanner itself will not allow you to turn off all the banks; but the software does. Make sure you have at least one bank turned on, and that bank has at least one frequency in it that is programmed (not 0.000) and not individually locked out.

I guess I have to program in some freqs to start with -- but why on Earth can't I just tell the thing to START SCANNING, and pick up whatever it can? I think my mind is stuck in the 1970's when those tabletop scanners and their back & forth red LED's.

LEDs or LCDs don't make a difference. What do you think an older crystal controlled scanner would do if you did NOT put any crystals in it?!!! If you want the PRO-95 to "search" for whatever it can find, then by all means USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION - not the SCAN function.

The easiest way to program a PRO-95 is with WIN95.

Happy Holidays.

 

[n2mdk]

Easier to read manual link http://myweb.cableone.net/marksscanners/95/95.html

 

[johnsondave]

LEDs or LCDs don't make a difference. What do you think an older crystal controlled scanner would do if you did NOT put any crystals in it?!!!

I know, brother. I was just reminiscing about the old days with the old scanners like my grandpa had. Pardon my whimsy.

And I do appreciate the response...all of them...and the info.

 

[n2mdk]

This might help as well http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Pro-95/Programming_Shortcut

 

[Bentley]

Also, go to the DATABASE section of this website and find the frequencies for the area you wish to monitor.

 

[MountainMike]

I also have the pro-95 and I have the southern california frequency directory. I programmed some frequencies successfully, I programmed the control frequencies and set it ti +MO mode and the voice frequencies in +FM mode.

My first question is, did I do this correctly and

second is, when they say "trunked frequency" do they mean the voice or the control frequency?

Third is, when it picks up a signal on a control frequency, does the scanner (the pro-95) know what frequency the repeater is telling it to tune to? And do I have to have the corresponding voice frequency programmed into another bank?

 

[gmclam]

Trunked system?

I also have the pro-95 and I have the southern california frequency directory. I programmed some frequencies successfully, I programmed the control frequencies and set it ti +MO mode and the voice frequencies in +FM mode.

That would be INCORRECT. A Trunked Radio System (TRS) is made up of frequencies, one of which is the current control channel. With a MO type system typically 4 frequencies are designated as potential control channels; however any frequency which is not the current active control channel may be a voice channel. Therefore when programming a TRS into a PRO-95, set ALL frequencies to MO and set the bank to MO.

My first question is, did I do this correctly and second is, when they say "trunked frequency" do they mean the voice or the control frequency?

It could be either or both (but it won't be a control channel and voice channel simultaneously).

Third is, when it picks up a signal on a control frequency, does the scanner (the pro-95) know what frequency the repeater is telling it to tune to?

YES! At least currently. That is what rebanding is all about. Some of the channels will be redesignated and will no longer match the internal table in the PRO-95 and other scanners.

And do I have to have the corresponding voice frequency programmed into another bank?

NO. With the PRO-95 you do not have to program voice frequencies. However, if you do, they go into the SAME bank. The PRO-95 scanner basically wants you to use one bank per TRS.

Just program the (up to) 4 control frequencies, set each to MO, set the bank to MO and you are ready for talkgroups (TGs). Then either run the bank OPEN to hear ALL TGs or program in what you want to hear and set the bank to CLOSED.

 

[MountainMike]

Outstanding! Thanks for your help, this saves me a lot of grief.