I cannot get the squelch to work and the scanner will not scan the channels

check squelch

The squelch control gets rid of the hissing on a blank channel. Finda blank channel, turn up the squelch control until the hissing stops. The scanner should then scan the channels and stop on a busy one.

Plug the AC adapter into the back of the scanner and into a wall electrical outlet. Screw the antenna into the receptacle on the back of the scanner (extend the antenna to full length for best reception).

2 Set the squelch level to allow signals to be heard by turning the squelch knob counterclockwise. Rotate the volume knob clockwise until you hear static. Slowly turn the squelch knob clockwise until the static noise disappears.

3 Start programming frequencies into the scanner by pressing the "Manual" button.

4 Press the up arrow or down arrow key until the channel you wish to program is visible on the display.

5 Use the numbers on the keypad to enter the frequency for the local transmitter you wish to receive.

6 Press the "E" key to complete the process of entering the frequency.

7 Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each additional frequency you wish to monitor.

8 Press the "Scan" key to start the scanning process. The scanner stops on a channel when it detects a signal strong enough to hear over the squelch setting. Two seconds after the signal stops, the scanning process resumes.

Hopefully Resetting or Initializing the scanner will clear the problem and get it working again for you. Instructions for these procedures are on page 38 and 39 of the scanner operating manual. If you don't have the manual, you can download and print it, at no cost, here:

http://support.radioshack.com/support_electronics/doc69/69887.pdf

Bill B.
Listening in since the 60's

Turn the scanner on and volume up all the way, turn the squelch until you hear static, then turn the squelch down slowly until its silent, press scan, has it ever been programed? Just a thought. hope this helps..

Not sure about your particular model but many modern scanners have a "wait" function that can be used during a scan. Actual details vary from model and manufacturer.

I do believe you are seeing that behavior. Quite often this can happen regardless os a manual squelch setting.

If for instance it was set to scan for a low signal level AND (pause or stop) at that channel then no matter what you turn the squelch to it will do what it was told from another menu.

You should check the advanced scanning section of your manual for any similar functions.

If you are using software to run the scanner this too may have a similar setting so check there too.


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provided you turned the squelch know and it didnt help, i would trace back from the squelch control to the first and second transistor you come to and that should be the squelch circuit. if you know how to check them with an ohm meter you can find out which one it is, if not you can just replace them both for under 5 bucks.

Assuming that the squelch operates, the problem lies in a circuit that interfaces the squelch & scanning circuits. Probably not worth the cost of repair.

Often the potentometer (squelch control) becomes worn or dirty, this can be sometimes cured by spraying a WD40 or similar oil and then rapidly moving the control down and up. Do not use oil that is conductive.