RadioShack® PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

Terrible Customer service if your scanner quits they won't make it right

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

for the pro 106 & 197, if you don't have the programming cable and a software, this is just a expensive paperweight. I went from a pro 94 (easy) to a 106, and it sat in drawer for 5yrs. got reinterested and decided to buy the cable and a software thru radio reference. cable/software and subscription (6 months)to radio ref total cost $90. Be prepared to spend it if you're in a area with digital freq (starcom21 for me). Once you've got these, choose your state-county-then trunked systems (starcom21 for me), your area or interests, choose scanlist # and freq, then import. just remember to change scanlists after each import or everything will pile up in the same scanlists. I hope this helps.

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

This is so difficult to program that even Tech Support isn't trained to do it. They were no help at all. Will be returning this one for a different brand.

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

My Pro 197 Radio Shack Scanner has the poorest documentation I have ever witnessed. They assume you already have a lesser model which I don't. The instructions never start at the beginning and take you forward .. they do not tell you how to get into the frequencies that their store down loads .. I live in Idaho and my state does not appear for any down loads .. I have been to my store three times and have gotten no significant help yet .. when I phoned Radio Shack I got someone that was unable to help me and the supervisors were in a meeting. I'm going to return mine.

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

If you Take the Time to Actually Read the Manual You will understand. I read manual , used the
transferring cable ,,which is not provided they sell the cables with 2 free software downloads.
Very good scanner just take time to read and follow instructions.

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

very nice scanner had some problems getting one that was in taking back to the store but Lakewood store got me one new ..in Ohio.... radio shack need to do something with the old stock ...

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

having hard time programming

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

I bought this 2 years ago, couldnt get it to work went back to rado Shack store was told they couldnt help me, I got upset threw scanner in corner of closet, finally took it out a couple weeks ago to try making it work, spent hours, tried to contact radio shack service, send me to store again, ok back to store this time a guy by name of Mike trying to help me, asked for exchange item, district manager said no. Mike trying to make it work, as of Friday, he cant get it to work, and he programs all radios for a local sheriffs dept. Im happy Mike is trying,very upset at radio shack past store customer service. This unit has never even made noise for me. Would I buy one again? never.

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

I went to my local store and had them clone it from their display model. I am not sure how to program it myself so I cant do anything about it. 40% of all transmissions are secured and not audible. It sounds garbled. If you are talented enough to program it I would imagine I would have given it a 5.

Comments about RadioShack PRO-197 39,000-Channel Digital Desktop Scanner:

I've read all of the hype about how difficult this radio is to program, but if you pay just a little and use the available Radio Reference and ARC 500 program and do some reading, you'll find out that it's easier than you think.
Radio Reference has a forum of users that helped immensely.
Don't get discouraged. Ask questions and read the forums and you'll be ok.
It is a great radio.