PRO-41 (200-0301) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 7312 POWER SOURCES You can power the scanner from any of the following three sources: Internal batteries A standard AC outlet (using an optional AC adapter) The vehicle's battery (using an optional DC adapter) Using Batteries You can operate the scanner from five AA batteries. For longest operation and best performance, we recommend alkaline batteries (Radio Shack Cat. No. 23-552). Or, you can use rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries (Cat. No. 23-125). Warning: The scanner has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge nickel-cadmium batteries inside the scanner. However, you must never use this circuit when you have installed non- rechargeable batteries in the scanner. Be sure to set the switch in the battery compartment to the correct position for the type of batteries you install. 1. Remove the battery compartment cover by pressing down on the arrow and sliding the cover in the direction of the arrow. 2. Remove the battery holder from the compartment and remove any old batteries. Then, install five AA batteries, observing the polarity (+ and -) marked on the battery holder. 3. Set the switch in the battery compartment to the correct position for the type of batteries you install. Set the switch to REG ALK BATT if you install regular or alkaline type batteries. Set the switch to NI-CAD BATT if you install nickel-cadmium type batteries. Caution: Never set this switch to NICAD BATT when you install non- rechargeable batteries. If you attempt to recharge non- rechargeable batteries, they become very hot and might damage the scanner or even explode. 4. Place the battery holder in the compartment so that the holder's metal contacts line up with the metal contacts in the battery compartment. 5. Replace the battery compartment cover. The scanner beeps every 15 to 30 seconds when the batteries are low. When this happens, immediately replace or recharge all five batteries. Using an AC Power Source To power the scanner from AC power, you need Radio Shack's AC adapter (Cat. No. 273-1652). Use of another adapter could damage the scanner or the adapter. 1. Be sure that you have set the switch in the battery compartment to the correct position. (See "Installing or Replacing Batteries.") 2. Connect the adapter's green barrel plug to the adapter's cord and set the barrel plug's tip polarity to positive. 3. Insert the adapter's plug into the scanner's EXT PWR jack. 4. Insert the adapter power module into a standard AC outlet. This provides power to operate the scanner. Also, if you have installed rechargeable batteries and set the switch in the battery compartment to NI-CAD BATT, the adapter charges the batteries in the scanner. 5. When you finish using the AC adapter, disconnect it from the AC outlet. Then, disconnect it from the EXT PWR jack. Using A DC Adapter You can power the scanner from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, provided the vehicle has a 12-volt negative-ground electrical system. To do so, you need Radio Shack's Power Cord Set (Cat. No. 270-1533). Note: In some areas, mobile use of a scanner is unlawful or requires a permit. Check the laws in your area. 1. Ensure that you have set the switch in the battery compartment to the correct position. (See "Installing or Replacing Batteries.") 2. Plug the adapter's plug into the scanner's EXT PWR jack. 3. Insert the other end of the adapter into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. This provides power to the scanner. Also, if you have installed rechargeable batteries and set the switch in the battery compartment to NI-CAD BATT, the adapter charges the batteries in the scanner. 4. When you finish using the DC adapter, disconnect it from the cigarette lighter socket. Then, disconnect it from the scanner. Note: Do not let the adapter's plug touch any part of the vehicle while the adapter is plugged into the cigarette lighter socket. Doing so could blow a fuse or damage the adapter. CHARGING NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES The scanner has a built-in circuit that recharges nickel cadmium batteries. To charge the batteries, set the switch in the battery compartment to NI-CAD BATT, install the batteries in the scanner, and connect an external power adapter to the scanner, as explained in "Power Sources." Caution: Do not connect either adapter to the EXT PWR jack if you have not installed rechargeable batteries, and are unsure of the position of the switch in the battery compartment, or know that the switch is set to NI-CAD BATT. Non-rechargeable batteries can become hot and even explode if you try to recharge them. It takes 10 to 18 hours to recharge batteries that are fully discharged. You can operate the scanner while recharging nickel-cadmium batteries, but the charging time is longer. Charging Hints: Nickel-cadmium batteries deliver more power if you occasionally let them discharge completely. To do this, use the scanner until reception becomes poor. Then, fully charge the batteries. If you do not do this occasionally, they can temporarily lose the ability to deliver full power. To prevent permanent nickel-cadmium battery power loss, never charge your batteries in an area where the temperature is above about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, if you use an external charger, do not overcharge the batteries. If you plan to use rechargeable batteries, do not use any adapter other than those specified in "Power Sources." While adapters of the same voltage rating and at least the minimum current rating could power the scanner, other adapters might not work properly with the charging circuit in the scanner, and could permanently damage the batteries or the scanner. The first time you use a set of nickel-cadmium batteries, charge them at least 24 hours to bring them to a full charge. CONNECTING THE ANTENNA Attach the flexible antenna to the antenna jack on top of the scanner. Slip the slot in the antenna's connector over the protrusion on the jack. Then, press down and rotate the base of the antenna until it locks into place. The scanner's antenna jack makes it easy to use the scanner with a variety of antennas. You can remove the supplied antenna and attach a different one, such as an external mobile antenna, telescopic antenna, or outdoor base antenna. Radio Shack stores sell the antenna connector adapters that let you use these antennas. Use coaxial cable to connect an outdoor antenna. Always use 50-ohm coaxial cable. For lengths over 50 feet, use RG8 low-loss dielectric coaxial cable. Warning: When installing or removing an outdoor antenna, use extreme caution. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches the power line, contact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can cause electrocution and death! Call the power company to remove the antenna. Do not attempt to do so yourself. ATTACHING THE BELT CLIP You can connect the supplied belt clip to the scanner to make it easier to use the scanner when you are on the go. Connect the clip to the scanner with the two provided screws. CONNECTING AN EARPHONE Follow these steps to use the earphone for private listening: 1. Turn the volume control to its minimum position. 2. Plug an earphone into the EAR jack on top of the scanner. This automatically disconnects the speaker. We recommend Radio Shack's earphone Cat. No. 33-175. In a noisy environment, mono headphones (Cat. No. 20-210) make listening easier. 3. Adjust the volume to a comfortable level. Warning: Do not listen at extremely high volume levels, especially when using an earphone. Extended high-volume listening can lead to permanent hearing loss. CONNECTING AN EXTENSION SPEAKER In a noisy area, an extension speaker positioned in the right place, might provide more comfortable listening. Plug the speaker cable's 1/8-inch mini-plug into the scanner's EAR jack. (br-7/15/94)