Purchased a Pro-164 trunking scanner

[TeeJay023]

Hello, I just recently purchased an Radio Shack Pr0 164 trunking scanner, and I aslo went ahead and got the ARC 300 software. After that I am kinda lost on what I need to do. I know that I need to purchase RR subscription and a programming cable (I just don't know which one). So if anyone can help me or point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in-advance.

 

[whoda]

scanner cable

The cable for the scanner is # 20-546. It is available at RadioShack USB-PC Scanner Programming Cable : Programming Cables | RadioShack.com. A little pricey @ $39.99, but saves a ton of work.

 

[TeeJay023]

Thanks for the link and does anyone know if I will need a new antenna or the stock will work fine.

 

[N4DES]

Depends on who you are trying to listen to and where you are. A number of systems are not county-wide.

 

[DRosado]

TeeJay,

Just a head's up. Those Radio's in Broward are known to cut out during transmissions. I had the scanner for quite some time and couldn't figure it out. Saw a few posts on RR regarding it.

If you can i would return it and order a UNIDEN BCT15X (Desktop Model) or BC346XT(Portable)

I purchased the BCT15X. Compared to the RadioShack it's 100 times better. None of the annoying issues at all. All transmissions come in loud and clear. My next step is buying an ST-2 antenna and mounting it outdoors so i can pickup transmissions from about 30+ Miles away from Pompano Beach.

You can use FreeScan(Free Programming) to setup the Trunking and Talk groups and use your radio reference account for importing data.

 

[shadcall]

Thanks for the link and does anyone know if I will need a new antenna or the stock will work fine.

Your scanner should work well for your location. I would try the stock antenna that comes with it and see if it is getting everything you want. Of course if you can put an outside antenna up you will receive more, but if that is not possible one solution is the mobile antenna that is available from Radio Shack. You just need to connect it to your scanner and ground it on a metal filing cabinet or even a cookie sheet. Put it near a window if you can.

With that scanner you will not be able to monitor Hollywood or Dania Fire (I think it is Dania) as they are both digital but the rest of the county is analog as well as most everything around there including marine, railroads, media, businesses etc.

 

[TeeJay023]

TeeJay,

Just a head's up. Those Radio's in Broward are known to cut out during transmissions. I had the scanner for quite some time and couldn't figure it out. Saw a few posts on RR regarding it.

If you can i would return it and order a UNIDEN BCT15X (Desktop Model) or BC346XT(Portable)

I purchased the BCT15X. Compared to the RadioShack it's 100 times better. None of the annoying issues at all. All transmissions come in loud and clear. My next step is buying an ST-2 antenna and mounting it outdoors so i can pickup transmissions from about 30+ Miles away from Pompano Beach.

You can use FreeScan(Free Programming) to setup the Trunking and Talk groups and use your radio reference account for importing data.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[TeeJay023]

My main use is really monitoring Broward Sheriff's Office. Those anyone know where I could find a write-up or guide about how to program my scanner. Thanks for all the information guys.

 

[fxdscon]

My main use is really monitoring Broward Sheriff's Office. Those anyone know where I could find a write-up or guide about how to program my scanner. Thanks for all the information guys.

Follow this link and *ALL* the links you find on that page and all subsequent links on those pages.

Pro-164 - The RadioReference Wiki

Especially this one:

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Programming_Your_Radio_Shack_Scanner

Lots of info out there!




.

 

[jlayton4]

Preference

I'm not sure I agree with the advice to return the scanner and get a Uniden. Both are outstanding products. The Radioshack brand is made by GRE and I would have a GRE/Radioshack scanner over a Uniden, any day of the week. It comes down to what you like and are comfortable with. Advise to get another scanner though is just silly in my opinion. I have a Pro-164 and it works outstanding in every state I've traveled in, including Florida.

73's

Justin
KE5IQZ