Radio Shack Desktop Scanner Owner's Manual

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7Preparation3. Plug the cord into the vehicle’scigarette-lighter socket.Notes:• If you use a 12V DC cord and yourvehicle's engine is running, you mighthear electrical noise on the scannercaused by the engine. This is normal.• Mobile use of this scanner is unlawful orrequires a permit in some areas. Checkthe laws in your area.CONNECTING AN ANTENNAConnecting the Supplied AntennaYou must install an antenna before you canoperate the scanner.The supplied telescoping antenna helps yourscanner receive strong local signals. Toinstall the antenna, thread it clockwise intothe hole on top of the scanner.The scanner's sensitivity depends on itslocation and the antenna's length. For thebest reception of the transmissions you wantto hear, adjust the antenna's lengthaccording to the chart below.Connecting an Outdoor AntennaInstead of the supplied antenna, you canconnect an outdoor base-station or mobileantenna (neither supplied) to your scanner.Your local RadioShack store sells a varietyof antennas. Choose the one that best meetsyour needs.When deciding on an outdoor antenna andits location, consider these points:• The antenna should be located as highas possible.• The antenna and antenna cable shouldbe as far as possible from sources ofelectrical noise (appliances, otherradios, and so on).• The antenna should be vertical for thebest performance.To connect an optional base-station ormobile antenna, first remove the suppliedantenna from the scanner. Always use 50Ohm coaxial cable, such as RG-58 or RG-8,to connect the base-station or mobileantenna. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG-8low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. If theantenna cable's connector does not fit in theANT jack on the back of the scanner, youmight also need a PL-259-to-Motorolaantenna plug adapter. Your localRadioShack store carries a wide variety ofcoaxial antenna cable and connectors.Once you choose an antenna, follow themounting instructions supplied with theantenna. Then route the antenna's cable toFrequency Antenna Length29–174 MHz Extend fully380–512 MHz Extend 2 segments