RadioShack® PRO-444 Race Scanner

Comments about RadioShack® Pro-444 Race Scanner:

This scanner is great for racing fans, not only because it is easy to program using the free software from Radioshack, but also because it has a screen on the top of the device to show the car number. However, this scanner does not recieve any public emergency frequencies. If you are not a race fan, I would buy another scanner.

Comments about RadioShack® Pro-444 Race Scanner:

We purchased this scanner and the intercom headphones after testing one of the track intercom models at the race. This one was much clearer, not to mention about $100 cheaper! As for the programming challenges, I sat in the floor at Radio Shack and figured out how to program it, mostly without using the instructions. The single knob control and the buttons could be better, but it still wasn't that difficult to use. The drivers' channel frequencies can be found online in various places. Sure, it would be nice if you could just plug in (with a free cord!) and download any updates for free. But until that happens, I'll be happy to manually add new drivers/frequencies to the pre-loaded list.

Comments about RadioShack® Pro-444 Race Scanner:

bought this for ALMS race at Road America. Downloaded the software typed the car number and the frequency and uploaded. The dual screens really helped while watching the race and even though I used it non stop for two days it never died. I think for the money you cant go wrong. It was easy to use and straight forward.

Comments about RadioShack® Pro-444 Race Scanner:

I expected to find straightforward info on uploading frequencies. But searching Radio Shack and other web sites, I found only incomplete or misleading instructions. In the absence of clear info from the Shack, here's what they should say:First, accessories should include a Radio Shack 20-546 Scanner Programming Cable that you must purchase at an additional cost. Second, download FREE Radio Shack PRO-444 Scanner Programming System Software from [@]After installing the software on your PC, you will find that it gives you a table with preloaded frequencies. Although the software is buggy, you can easily edit or add entries.Next, plug the USB cable into your PC, install the software (drivers) for the USB cable, and connect the other end of the cable to the PC/IF (phone) input on your PRO-444. Put the scanner in PC/IF mode and click the "radio" tab on your frequencies table. You can then choose to upload info from the table to your scanner.

Comments about RadioShack® Pro-444 Race Scanner:

only used by racing fans. But small enough to takethe track.Doesnt pick up public safety

Comments about RadioShack® Pro-444 Race Scanner:

This scanner has a few good ideas but misses the mark on keeping the basics simple. If I want volume I want to turn one knob or press one button not play guess what to twist or push next. I have a Pro-137 and it feels like a quality piece, not like it should say Matel on it. I guess we get what we pay for from Radio Shack these days!

Comments about RadioShack® Pro-444 Race Scanner:

I tried this at the Vegas truck races in Sept '10. The lack of a volume and squelch dial control was especially frustrating. Volume and squelch control require a series of button pushes that take your eyes off the action. Programming is a nightmare: as an experienced scanner user, this is the worst I've seen. There is no third-party programming software available yet from the usual sources. Worst of all, there is no way to program CT codes, so you get annoying non-racing transmissions on top of the racing communications.