Compact, 50-channel scanner PRO-2038

Radio Shack (Tandy, Realistic, Micronta); USA

Data
Forum
Pictures
Collections

  • Year
  • 1995
  • Category
  • Commercial Receiver (may include amateur bands)
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 367372

 Technical Specifications

  • Number of Transistors
  • Semiconductors present.
  • Semiconductors
  • Main principle
  • PLL, Phase-locked loop
  • Wave bands
  • VHF incl. FM and/or UHF (see notes for details)
  • Details
  • Scanner - multiband or special
  • Power type and voltage
  • Storage Battery for all (e.g. for car radios and amateur radios) / 12 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) Loudspeaker (moving coil)
  • Material
  • Metal case
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Compact, 50-channel scanner PRO-2038 - Radio Shack Tandy, Realistic,
  • Shape
  • Chassis only or for «building in»
  • Dimensions (WHD)
  • 7 x 1.7 x 5.2 inch / 178 x 43 x 132 mm
  • Notes

  • The RadioShack Realistic PRO-2038 (catalog number 20-413) is a 50-channel programmable home/mobile scanner manufactured by Uniden in the mid-1990s. It is designed to monitor a variety of public service and commercial radio transmissions, including police, fire, aircraft, and marine bands.

    According to data from the RigPix Database and manufacturer documentation, the PRO-2038 features the following technical specifications:
    Frequency Range: Covers 29–54 MHz, 108–174 MHz, 406–512 MHz, and 806–956 MHz (excluding cellular bands).
    Memory: Includes 50 user-programmable channels, which are separate from over 2,000 factory-preprogrammed service frequencies.
    Scanning Speed: Features "Hyperscan" technology capable of high-speed scanning and searching.
    Modes: Operates in AM (primarily for aircraft bands) and FM modes.
    Power Requirements: Operates on 13.8 VDC and can be powered via a home AC adapter or a vehicle's DC cigarette lighter.
    Weighs roughly 498 g (1.11 lb). 

    Service Scan Banks:
    The scanner organises frequencies into six distinct service banks for easier navigation:
    Private: Contains 20 user-programmable channels.
    Police: Includes 739 preset frequencies and an additional 20 programmable channels.
    Fire/Emergency: Features 197 preset frequencies plus 10 programmable channels.
    Air: Pre-set with 1,160 aircraft frequencies.
    Marine: Pre-set with 90 marine radio frequencies.
    Weather: Pre-set with 7 standard NOAA weather frequencies. 

    User Experience and Performance:
    Reviewers and users from forums such as RadioReference note several performance characteristics:
    Audio Quality: Some users have reported issues with low volume over time, often attributed to aging capacitors (specifically labeled IC5 in the schematic), which may require replacement to restore sound levels.
    Simplicity: It is regarded as a "basic" but reliable scanner for its era, though it lacks modern digital or trunking capabilities.
    Interference Sensitivity: Users have noted that the scanner may occasionally stop on interference signals, requiring the squelch to be tightened or the channel to be locked out to resume scanning.
    Reception: While generally effective for local analog signals, some users have reported the unit being "deaf" or having poor reception in certain VHF/UHF bands if not paired with a suitable external antenna.

     

  • Net weight (2.2 lb = 1 kg)
  • 0.498 kg / 1 lb 1.6 oz (1.097 lb)
  • Price in first year of sale
  • 199.99 USD
  • Author
  • Model page created by Glen Orriss. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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