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RadioShack didn't really introduce the PRO-2042 to the hobby. It was more of
a sneak attack. You see, the previous year saw the introduction of the PRO-2035
as their high-end desktop model to replace the trusted PRO-2006. And barely a
year later, it was being replaced by the 2042 which looked nearly identical!? I
seem to recall a similar situation with the PRO-2005/2006.
The only external changes to the 2042 were to the nameplate and LCD backlight color. The good stuff was all hidden away inside. GRE had made some firmware improvements to the radio so that it was easier to use and more fully functional. There were also a few tiny upgrades in the RF circuitry as well. As should be the case for RadioShack's top dog. What follows are my personal impressions regarding the features and performance of this receiver. This, in no way, should be viewed as an endorsement to purchase this radio nor is it intended to discourage anyone from buying it. I have no personal or business relations with Tandy Corporation or GRE of Japan. These are simply thoughts offered to my fellow hobbyists who may be interested in purchasing this particular radio or simply knowing more about it. I simply ask that this information be kept intact. A lot of hard work and effort has gone into the testing and writing of this review. I would appreciate it if every effort is made to keep this document whole with me as the original author. And if you want to share your thoughts about this review with me or have further questions, feel free to send e-mail. Thank you and enjoy!
Rich Wells |
| Channels | 1000 |
|---|---|
| Banks | 10 |
| Coverage | 25 - 520 760 - 1300 MHz |
| Scan | 50 chan/sec |
| Search | 50 chan/sec |
| Steps | 5, 12.5 & 50 kHz |
| Modes | AM, FM & WFM |
| Sensitivity | As listed in the manual : |
| Conversion | Triple |
| IFs | 1=609.005-612 MHz 2=58.5 MHz 3=10.7/0.455 MHz |
| Priority | 1 channel |
| Search limits | 10 |
| Search skip | 200 |
| Auto-store | Yes |
| S-meter | No |
| Delay | Yes |
| Lockout | Yes |
| Attenuator | Yes, global switch |
| Lock | N/A |
| Tone codes | No |
| Computer intf | Optional |
| Rotary control | Yes |
| Channel count | No |
| Data skip | Yes |
| Clock | No |
| Timers | No |
| Weather | Yes |
| Weather Alert | No |
| Light | N/A |
| Power | 120V AC, 13.8V DC |
| Audio | 1.3 Watts |
| Size | 9" W x 3.5" H x 8" D |
| Weight | 4lb 6.5oz |
| Memory | 3 months |
Details include a blow-by-blow description of the keys and what each one does in various modes. Similarly, the LCD and its various indicators are covered in detail.
There are lots of examples and notes used to illustrate the features as they are covered. Where applicable, cautions are given to warn of those actions which could result in inappropriate operation or the loss of data.
Up front, the manual starts early with a breakdown of the 2042's frequency coverage into bands with the primary agencies to be found in each. Later, there is more detail given to weather, ham radio and citizen's band (CB) frequencies. This is followed by the typical, well detailed band allocation table listing a large number of agencies and their usual frequencies.
In the back is a decently detailed set of specifications. The frequency coverage is listed with the default step sizes listed next to each band. Next up are sensitivity and selectivity specs followed by scan/search rates and the 2042's IFs. IF rejection figures and squelch sensitivity specs are listed as well. Bringing up the rear are audio power ratings, power requirements and lastly, the size and weight of the 2042.
I would say that the worst part of this manual is its haphazard way of arranging subjects. The rotary tuner is discussed as it relates to channels when you haven't even programmed anything yet. The next subject is the monitor memories which won't even be filled until a search is done. The various types of searches are covered and finally, scanning is discussed. Personally, my mind doesn't comprehend those subjects in that order, but that's just me. If you are an old timer and use to RS models, then you won't have a problem. For those new people, I think it could be a bit confusing.
On the whole, this manual continues the fine tradition of documentation we have come to expect from RadioShack as well as the more detailed specifications of the GRE-made receivers.
Construction and Physical
Like most radios these days, the PRO-2042 is shod in an all plastic covering
molded in black, except for the front panel which is a dark gray with very
fine metallic flake.
The front panel itself can be divided up into three main, vertical sections. The first houses the VOLUME and SQUELCH controls along with the WEATHER and SOUND SQUELCH buttons. The middle section finds a large LCD near the top with the main input keypad below it. The final section contains the TUNING rotary control, six mode/control buttons right beneath with the earphone/headphone jack squeezed into the lower-right corner.
The VOLUME and SQUELCH controls are identical in appearance. Molded in black plastic with lots of ribs to help with grip. Around both are a series of dots printed on the panel to help denote their position. Unfortunately, the controls themselves only have a small indent to match up to these dots making it a pain to note their current setting at a glance. Easy enough to fix with some nail polish or model paint; I just wish it came that way out of the box.
Above these two controls are the WEATHER button which, when pressed, starts a scan of the preprogrammed weather channels (10 US and 1 Canadian) while the SOUND SQUELCH button activates a circuit designed to help skip over frequencies with no modulated signal (birdies and static). Once activated, a small red LED lights just above the button label.
Turning our attention to the LCD, it is a custom design which is backlight by a brilliant yellowish-green color which makes for remarkable contrast. I have heard many comment that it is too bright which can be the case in a darkened room but I personally have no qualms about it. I wouldn't mind having the ability to turn it off though. Luckily, it's not the same electroluminescent variety used on the PRO-2005/2006 which are expensive and prone to fading after just a few years use.
Moving on to the keypad, we come to one of my biggest gripes about this radio. The keys are just too small and operate poorly. Half of them are small circles while the other half (the numerals) elliptical-shaped. Using either is like taking a trip to the target range. Worse yet is that presses must be dead-on; no off to the side shots allowed. So forget about your fingers flying across the keypad as you program and operate this radio.
Lettering above and on the keys is done in white and pretty well done. Each numeral is labeled above with the channels numbers for that respective key's bank.
The other keys are a set of six rectangles located just below the rotary control. These consist of the mode keys and ENTER. Speaking of ENTER, it's placed in about the worst possible spot (guess they could have put it on the sides or the back). Whoever did this must have flunked Ergonomics 101.
Just above we find the rotary control which is probably the first for a Radio Shack model (not counting its near identical twin the PRO-2035). It is a great control in its functionality to slew through memory channels quickly, seek around a paused, search-discovered frequency, or as a fundamental aid to the TUNE feature.
The control itself is on the small side but has plastic grips around the entire circumference to help with control. Motion is very smooth and precise giving it great feedback. The action is a little too tight for my liking. It's not as light as the Uniden models so it's difficult to spin by running your finger around the outside edge. Also hurts that it doesn't have a dimple like the Uniden models either. Some users have mentioned that they have taken a large rubber washer/gasket and fit it over this control thereby adding some friction for your finger to spin it by its edges.
Looking at the earphone/headphone jack it's easy to see it is a typical 1/8" jack which is spec'd at 16mW of power and more than enough from what I have seen (ahh, heard).
Moving up to the top panel there isn't a lot to see. The rear half has a grill of slots running from side to side. The speaker fires upward through this and it's located along the left-hand side. Back over in the right rear corner is a hole through which the stock antenna is inserted. The base of this antenna is tapped with threads and once lower into placed, it's screwed on to a contact on the main circuit board.
Looking at the bottom is about exciting as one would expect. Toward the front are two flip-down feet which can be used to elevate the front of the radio by about an inch. There are also a set of rubber feet glued toward the rear. Between these and the rubber grips on the flip-down feet which are always in contact with the surface, they make sure the radio stays put.
That brings us to the back panel which contains a host of goodies. On the far left hand side is the attenuator switch which, in today's hi-tech world of digital electronics and programmability, seems out of place. It should normally be kept in the 0dB position for maximum sensitivity. If strong signal overload is suspected, it can be flipped over to the 10dB position to help weaken all signals it hears. If you ever have a problem with sensitivity performance, this is the first place to look to see if the attenuator was accidentally activated.
Next to it is the BNC antenna jack you'll make use of to attach a better or external antenna. Moving to the right a bit reveals the TAPE OUT jack in RCA format. This is the high impedance (10k), low power (600mV) circuit used to send the audio signal to a tape recorder. Unfortunately there is no jack to provide tape recorder remote control so you'll be stuck with VOX if you go this route.
Akin to this jack is the 1/8" external speaker jack which disconnects the external speaker and can deliver up to 1.8 watts compared to the internal speaker's 1.3 watts.
Moving along we come across the 13.8V external DC power jack. It needs at least 10 watts and can be used, with the proper adapter, to power the 2042 from DC DC power supplied from a power supply, household AC adapter or automotive cigarette lighter adapter.
The last interesting tidbit is the RESTART hole which is used to either reset or restart your radio in the case of problems. The restart combination simply resets the LCD display in case it decides to not be cooperative. The reset action is a little more nasty as it gives the processor a good "kick" as well as resetting all memory contents.
In the lower right corner is where the AC cord feeds into the cabinet and along the bottom edge is the FCC identification sticker which is also where you'll find the serial number. You'll probably also see a sticker back here which gives the month and year of manufacture.
Antenna
The antenna supplied is the typical GRE 5-segment telescoping whip. It has a
threaded base which screws into the main circuit board inside the radio by
sliding the antenna through the hole located in the right rear corner of the
top panel.
The owner's manual notes that the antenna should be extended fully for VHF frequency reception, three segments extended for 300 - 520 MHz, and fully collapsed for monitoring above 760 MHz. Since you'll probably be monitoring frequencies across the 2042's entire receive range, you'll probably be best served by leaving it fully extended.
This antenna does a decent job which is helped by the fact that it's 26" long when fully extended. To get the most performance out of the 2042, you'll want to work on installing an external antenna and connecting it with the shortest run of lowest-loss co-ax cable you can afford.
Features
We'll start our survey of the radio's features with the LCD. It is easily read
from above the radio and it holds up well for viewing from either side. Don't
expect to read it from below as it quickly washes out to a colored, featureless
rectangle.
There are lots of indicators to learn so be sure to use the informative pages of the owner's manual which detail each and every one and what they do. Among them are the channel numbers and frequency to four decimal places. Bother are fairly large and easy to read from a distance. Other indicators include the receive mode, step size, operating mode and scan/search direction.
My enthusiasm for this keypad and its layout was discussed above...next.
As for the audio, it is acceptable and would probably be termed "average". Power is sufficient for most applications but the control can only be turned up to about fifty percent before it becomes too harsh to listen comfortably. Not to mention the cabinet vibrations that begin to pick up. Wide FM signals are handled a bit better.
The audio quality is on the "brighter" side but not overly harsh. AM signals are received well which is the case for most GRE-made radios. FM signals, due to the tonal quality are a bit harder on the ears; the higher range brings out any and all noise components. Wide FM signals are pleasing considering the 3" speaker used.
At its tightest squelch setting, the resultant squelch tail is just a tad too long but backing off the squelch just a hair helps quite a bit making for enjoyable monitoring.
Like the Data Skip feature on other radios today, Sound Squelch is quite limited in what it can do. It does work when scanning or searching and can keep you off the quieter birdie frequencies. But most of the birdies have some noise component to them that manage to "trick" and therefore defeat this feature. The truth be told, I never use it and find using the search skip or channel lockout features much more effective, obviously.
Plugging in an earphone or headphone, you'll find it is monaural and detect the slightest trace of "hum" as the internal speaker is automatically disconnected. No other noises are heard while scanning or searching.
Memory
One of the biggest complaints with the 2042 is its memory setup. Ten banks of
100 channels each is not what you would call efficient or even useful for most
everyday monitoring. This lends itself more toward the unattended monitoring
sessions where the auto store feature is used to gather frequencies while
you're busy elsewhere. This is one of my favorite uses.
To program memory with your favorite frequencies, the 2042 must first be put into program mode using the PROGRAM key. First, you'll more than likely go to the intended memory channel first, then press the PROGRAM key. Next, you simply punch in the frequency using the numeric keypad and decimal point key. Frequencies are automatically rounded to the closest valid frequency value based on the defined step size for the range in which the frequency resides.
By default, the radio will pick the proper receive mode and step size to use for each frequency entered. For memory operations, only the receive mode applies. To change it, the MODE key is pressed until the desired receive mode is displayed on the LCD. If a mode other than the default is selected, it will flash. To return to the default receive mode, the RESET key is pressed.
If an attempt is made to program a frequency which already exists in another memory channel, the radio beeps three times, displays the lowest channel number containing the duplicate frequency and flashes 'dUPL' on the display. To delete a channel frequency, simply program a frequency of '0'.
To program more frequencies in sequential order, simply press PROGRAM after entering the frequency and/or mode data. The radio will advance to the next or previous memory channel, depending on the direction of the LCD arrow. You can also move around through memory using the rotary tuner which is a very handy method.
WARNING: When using the PROGRAM key to advance to the next channel, it is "normal" to increment to the next channel. However, if the down arrow key is pressed or the rotary control used to go backward in memory, you could find yourself programming in reverse thus overwriting the data you just got done inputting. Use caution! (I wonder how I learned this?)
Once memory has been programmed to your liking, pressing the MANUAL key puts the radio in manual mode and helps prevent unwanted programming actions.
Part of the radio's memory consists of the 100 monitor memories which will be covered in the Searching section below.
Memory Operations
One of the nicest things about the 2042 is the large number of handy memory
operations which are available to help manage its memory contents. Listed, in
no particular order, are :
This is a very handy list of features and I hope more radios take this approach in the future. The biggest problem with using most of the them are the convoluted key sequences which are needed. Rest assured, the manual will never be far from the radio's side.
Manual Mode
Manual mode is a handy way to tune through the programmed memory channels one
at a time. This is handy for verifying the contents of memory as well as to
listen for activity on a single frequency.
The easiest way to move around in memory is to use the rotary control. It can be used to step a channel at a time or turned rapidly to jump from bank to bank for faster slewing.
Repeatedly pressing the MANUAL key will step through memory a channel at a time in the direction of the LCD displayed arrow indicator. To reverse the direction just press the appropriate arrow key.
To immediately go to any memory channel, simply key in the channel number and press MANUAL.
Whenever you are viewing the contents of memory, make it a goal to note the settings for each channel and that they are appropriate. Check the receive mode, as well as the lock out and delay settings.
Scanning
With the memory programmed, we are set to embark on the scanning adventure
which is only a single key press away. Like most of the RadioShack models,
it's the same as it ever was. Pressing SCAN starts the radio scanning which,
from the factory, is with all banks enabled.
Individual banks are toggled on and off for scanning using the respective key from the numeric keypad. A look at the display shows a row of bank numbers to indicate which banks are enabled. Those with a bar under them are enabled while the one with a flashing bar is the one currently being accessed.
As the scan progresses, the channel number and frequency displays are a flurry of activity. Depending on the frequencies programmed, there may also be some activity as the appropriate receive mode is tuned and updated on the display as well. Once a signal is detected, the scans stops on that memory channel and its number, frequency and receive mode are displayed for the duration.
Each memory channel has its own delay setting which, when enabled, will pause for two seconds after a transmission terminates to wait for a reply before scanning resumes. This delay can be set ahead of time or it can be changed on the fly when the radio stops on it to monitor activity.
While scanning, the direction in which channels are scanned can be changed using the arrow keys or rotary control. Simply note the current indication on the LCD and use the appropriate method to reverse it.
If the radio stops on a channel and it picks up just noise due to some form of interference or contains a transmission you wish to avoid, you can press SCAN to force it to resume. For prolonged annoyances, the L/OUT key can be pressed to set the channel's LOCK-OUT setting which will remove it from the scan sequence. Just be sure to remember to remove the lockout so that it is not forgotten which could result in missed transmissions for future monitoring sessions.
To review all the channels which have been locked out, you can do it by hand using the rotary control and watch the LOCK-OUT indicator on the LCD as each memory channel is viewed. Or you can use a simpler method: press MANUAL and then successive presses of the L/O RVW will display each locked out channel.
Also remember there are handy memory management features which can be used to delete a bank's locked out channels as well as sort and move all channels into contiguous locations! Keep in mind as well that empty channels are not scanned.
Searching
The 2042 comes with an impressive array of search features which is one reason
why it's one of my favorites. For starters, it has ten search limit pairs. And
not only can you program ten different ranges for searching, you can search
any combination of them at any one time! They can be enabled and disabled just
like their scan bank counterparts.
As if that weren't enough, you can also use each of these ten pairs as a pseudo-VFO. Want to check the activity on a frequency without having to program it into memory? Simple key it into one of these twenty frequency holders. It acts just like if you were in manual mode and monitoring a single channel. I use it a lot and consider it a big advantage over Uniden models.
At this time, the MODE and STEP buttons can be used to select another receive mode or step size. This can also be done while the search is running as well! Either way, the RESET key can be pressed to restore both the default receive mode and step size.
With the limits programmed, the search can begin by pressing either the up or down arrow keys in the desired direction of search. The direction will be indicated up the LCD arrow indicator. At any time this direction can be reversed using the same keys.
Detected activity will pause the search to listen to it. The delay feature can be used here as well to wait for a reply. Each limit pair has their own delay setting which is quite helpful.
Just like scanning, if you don't want to listen to this transmission, you can press the up or down arrow to resume searching. If it's a particularly annoying frequency, you can choose to lock it out.
The 2042 has 200 search lockout memories which come in very handy. Once it becomes full, no more frequencies will be accepted for lock out. There are also handy functions to manually add any frequency to this list, review the entire list of locked out frequencies, delete an individual frequency from the lock out list and delete all locked out frequencies.
Another useful feature on the 2042 is the 100 monitor memories which can be used to store frequencies during search hits (simply by pressing MONITOR). Where these memories really come into play are for the memory management features due to the 100 channel bank size.
Regardless, these 100 memories can be used to store 100 frequencies. At some later time, this list can be stepped through manually to listen to each frequency stored. All frequencies can also be moved to a memory bank of your choosing.
At this point, I'll let you in on a little secret I discovered regarding the search and store to the monitor memories. Normally, the search will resume as soon as the transmission goes away. To stay on this frequency, you have to push MONITOR which also results in this frequency being added to the monitor memory list.
I spend a fair amount of time searching the civil aero band listening for ARTCC frequencies. The number of frequencies any one person can hear on their radio is quite large so they can't all be remembered. So I'm searching along and hit a frequency. Do I already know who this is? I have to go looking through my list or the ARTCC master list which takes some time. I'd like to stay on this frequency but not store it to the monitor list unless it's a frequency I haven't already logged. So instead of pressing MONITOR to keep the search from resuming, I hit TUNE instead.
I next look up the frequency. If I've already logged it, I simply press the up arrow and I'm searching again. If I haven't logged it, I'll want to add it to the monitor memory so I can move it to a bank later. Press MONITOR and nothing happens! Bummer! Here's the secret: use the rotary tuner to step off of the frequency and then return to it. Press MONITOR now and it gets added! I find it a great benefit for my monitoring regimen and I hope it helps someone else out there as well.
Another handy type of search is the DIRECT search. The frequency from which this type of search starts can be a memory channel or it can be keyed in using the numeric keypad. The delay feature can be used and previously locked out frequencies will not be searched although none can be added in this mode.
During a direct search, the receive mode and step size can be changed just like a limit search. The arrow keys can also be used to change the search direction. To pause this search, the TUNE button can be press. Then, the rotary control can be used to tune around. When done, pressing TUNE will resume the search.
The last feature to cover is auto store which is basically a limit search which stores active frequencies to memory banks of your choosing. A lower and upper frequency limit are selected as well as receive mode and steps size if needed. Any of the ten banks are selected as the recipients of search discovered frequencies. A handy feature of the 2042 is that while selecting these banks, the radio shows the number of empty channels in a bank as each is selected.
Once started, this search will operate until all channels of the requested banks are full or it is manually stopped. Duplicate frequencies will not be stored and previously locked out frequencies will not be searched. Each time a frequency is found, it is immediately stored and the search resumes without taking time to monitor the activity (which I personally prefer).
The search can progress in the forward or backward directions, and each time a limit is reached, a beep is heard and the search wraps around to the other limit to continue. The search can be manually paused and resumed at any time simply by using the AUTO key.
Priority
Like other GRE-made radios, the 2042 comes with a single priority channel. By
default, it comes programmed for channel 1 but can be easily programmed to any
of the other 999 channels in memory.
When in manual mode, the current priority channel can be determined by simply pressing the PRIORITY key which displays the appropriate memory channel (I didn't see this mentioned anywhere in the manual).
Once the priority-designated memory channel has been programmed with the desired frequency, the priority function is enabled by pressing the PRIORITY key while in manual or scanning modes. Unfortunately, it can not be enabled while searching or listening to a preprogrammed weather channel.
Priority sampling occurs every two seconds and if listening to an active frequency, the dropout in the audio is fairly intrusive.
VHF/UHF Performance
Looking at the owner's manual, I was originally a bit distressed to see 91
birdie frequencies listed! Sitting down with pen and paper in hand, I performed
my own check and found 38. Not too shabby for a receiver with as much coverage
as this one. And I'm glad to see that I didn't have close to the number I
thought I might. Looking at the list in the manual, it's easy to see that about
half of them are in the TV bands and above 1000 MHz so they'll pose little
threat to most of us.
Next, I connected the stock antenna and extended it to its full length while at home. I then did a search on every frequency between 25 and 1300 Mhz to test for signs of image and intermodulation interference. The overall results were very promising. There was a TV image in 45 MHz and all else was clean until I got up to 1102MHz. Between here and 1114 MHz, about 15 frequencies were detected with cell voice or data images. 1126 to 1127 MHz found a few 930 Mhz pager images while another TV image was heard in 1264 Mhz.
For back-to-back comparison, I took my BC9000XLT and performed the same test using its stock antenna (22.5" long). The 9000 did very well too but had more interference in places users are likely to run across it. The FM broadcast band was full of images and intermod. Cell voice and data images were heard in the lower civil aero band. Lots of cell images were heard in the mid and upper 300 MHz range as well. In the 420s, a few 930 MHz pager images were heard as well as in the low 800s. A cordless phone image was heard up at 1013 and a TV image at 1285 Mhz.
I then connected the 2042 to my new RadioShack 20-014 monster ground plane to perform the same tests. The results were much the same with just five or so new problem frequencies. Two new TV images popped up in the 50s, a FM broadcast 105.1 image showed up on 83.7 and just a couple of cell images were added to the previous listing.
I swapped out the 2042 and replaced it with the 9000XLT with much the same results. Some FM intermod showed up at 56, 58 and 76 Mhz and a few more cell images were added to the previous listing.
Now it was time to test these two frequency for frequency using the same antenna which was the stock Uniden base unit antenna. I tested them back-to-back on a number of frequencies between 26 and 937 MHz.
In the results table below, for each frequency, I ranked the radios 1st and 2nd. Where there was no discernible difference, they tied for 1st. Here are my results:
| Freq | PRO-2042 | BC9000XLT |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | 2 | 1 |
| 27 | 1 | 1 |
| 43 | 1 | 1 |
| 60 | 2 | 1 |
| 73 | 2 | 1 |
| 76 | 1 | 1 |
| 82 | 1 | 2 |
| 88 | 1 | 2 |
| 92 | 1 | 2 |
| 97 | 1 | 1 |
| 101 | 1 | 2 |
| 103 | 1 | 2 |
| 107 | 1 | 2 |
| 117 | 1 | 2 |
| 119 | 1 | 2 |
| 124 | 1 | 1 |
| 127 | 1 | 1 |
| 132 | 2 | 1 |
| 147 | 1 | 1 |
| 151 | 1 | 1 |
| 154 | 2 | 1 |
| 156 | 1 | 1 |
| 159 | 2 | 1 |
| 163 | 2 | 1 |
| 204 | 1 | 2 |
| 258 | 1 | 1 |
| 308 | 1 | 1 |
| 349 | 1 | 2 |
| 388 | 1 | 1 |
| 444 | 1 | 2 |
| 451 | 2 | 1 |
| 453 | 2 | 1 |
| 460 | 2 | 1 |
| 463 | 2 | 1 |
| 465 | 1 | 2 |
| 494 | 2 | 1 |
| 853 | 1 | 1 |
| 857 | 1 | 2 |
| 860 | 1 | 2 |
| 864 | 1 | 1 |
| 930 | 2 | 1 |
| 937 | 2 | 1 |
Using the above rankings, I took an average for both radios and wouldn't you know it but they came out with the same value! Each has their own little bands where they excel in, but many frequencies saw a tie between the two.
The 2042 seems to do well in both civil and military aero bands along with 800 Mhz public safety, while the BC9000 does better in VHF-hi, UHF standard and 900 MHz.
Ranking
| Category | Score | Out of |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | 15 | 25 |
| Selectivity | 5 | 15 |
| Interference rejection | 15 | 20 |
| Coverage | 70 | 90 |
| Channels | 15 | 15 |
| Channels per bank | 0 | 15 |
| Ease of use | 5 | 20 |
| Scan/Search speed | 5 | 10 |
| Receive modes | 5 | 15 |
| Step sizes | 0 | 25 |
| Conversion | 10 | 10 |
| Audio | 10 | 20 |
| Antenna | 10 | 20 |
| Construction | 10 | 20 |
| Size | 5 | 15 |
| Search | 30 | 35 |
| Attenuator | 5 | 20 |
| Auto-store | 20 | 20 |
| Search frequency lockout | 10 | 15 |
| Backlight | 15 | 30 |
| Alpha-tagging | 0 | 20 |
| VFO | 5 | 10 |
| Squelch tail | 5 | 10 |
| Priority | 5 | 20 |
| Delay | 10 | 15 |
| Hold | 0 | 10 |
| Rotary Control | 10 | 10 |
| S-meter | 0 | 10 |
| Power-on resume | 0 | 10 |
| Computer Interface | 0 | 20 |
| Tone Decode | 0 | 15 |
| Battery indicator | 0 | 10 |
| Channel count | 0 | 5 |
| Tape record control | 0 | 5 |
| Clock | 0 | 5 |
| Timers | 0 | 5 |
| Weather programmed | 5 | 5 |
| Weather alert | 0 | 5 |
| Data skip | 5 | 5 |
| Bank delete | 5 | 5 |
| Bank sort | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 315 | 670 |
| Total | 47 | 100 |
While it doesn't have the most usable bank layout, 1000 channels allows a lot of information to be stored. Flexible memory management features and a rich set of search features rounds out what is a top performer. While it doesn't have quite the dynamic range of the PRO-2006, it can still carry its head high.
For those who want to dabble in computer controlled software, this radio has garnered great support from Optoelectronics and a large number of software vendors for the OS535 board.
Recommendations
This radio started out with a pretty heft price tag: $500. At that kind of
price, it kept it out of the reach of most hobbyists. I think most people who
wanted a high-end unit either opted for the cheaper Uniden BC9000XLT or bit the
bullet on some features and picked up a used PRO-2006. For those of us into
mail order, we picked up this gem for a "mere" $380.
The 1998 RadioShack catalog gave us some great news in the form of a lower price tag: $400 which was more in line with what the mail order companies were selling it for. Little did we know that this radio was on its way out although some of us expected it would get replaced soon.
Between the $250 clearance pricing introduced in the summer of '98 and the 1999 RadioShack catalog, all doubts were now gone. This was the end of the line for the 2042. But even worse, there's nothing on deck to replace it with!
If you have even any inkling of acquiring this radio, I urge you to run out to your dealer and try to find one. If that doesn't work, get on the 1-800 number to RadioShack, get a hold of a customer support representative and have them do a nationwide search for one to have it shipped ASAP.
I really like this radio and recommend it all the time for those who are looking for a wide-range receiver with a decent price and great performance. Many want to keep the option open for upgrading to a computer controlled receiver and this is just what the doctor ordered.
The Optoelectronics OptoScan 535 hardware board adds an incredible amount of flexibility to this radio and even gives it a few new tricks like CTCSS, DCS and DTMF. Add to that a LOT of support from both the professional and hobbyist software groups and it's really hard to go wrong.
I get asked all the time by people trying to decide between these two radios. I'll admit I'm not the most partial of advisors since I own two 2042s, a 2035 and a BC9000XLT but I typically let the radios speak for themselves. The above charts point out the similar performance of these radios albeit in different ranges. The rest comes down to the desired features as well as some of my own "nits":
- 2042 has it over the BC9000
- Better overall audio (not as powerful but clearer)
- Better display
- Useful memory management features
- Direct search
- 10 limit searches
- 200 search lockouts
- TUNE feature
- Lockout review
- Much fewer images (especially mil aero)
- OS535 option
- Smaller size
- BC9000 has it over the 2042
- Better bank/channel layout (20/50)
- Alpha-tags
- Tape recorder control
- Programmable attenuator
- Better rotary control
- 25 kHz step
- CTCSS board option
- Faster scan/search
- Channel count
- Metal case
Sit down with a pen and paper and make your own list of what's important and from that, choose which seems to give you more of what you want. Of course, at $250 it makes the decision easier since the BC9000 is still going for about $350. But finding a new 2042 is getting to be harder than finding a used one.
Differences From The PRO-2035
From the Jan '96 issue of Monitoring Times, the Ask Bob column addressed
a reader's question asking about the changes that were made to the PRO-2042:
In response to a USENET query along these lines, Bob Parnass responded with the following from his PRO-2042 review in the Feb '96 MT:
"...Back in January 1995, we wrote that our PRO-2035 did not perform as well as our PRO-2006 when listening to weak signals in the presence of a strong station transmitting in the same band.Using the PRO-2035, a moderately strong signal from the 460.525 MHz sheriff's repeater 10 miles distant obliterates weaker signals on frequencies 50 kHz in either direction and produces hiss on weak signals 100 kHz away. The desense phenomenon is a problem in the 155 MHz band, too. Our PRO-2042 behaves slightly better than the PRO-2035 in this regard but is still disappointing. Neither the PRO-2006 nor BC9000XLT are disturbed.
The PRO-2042 uses different 455 kHz filters than the PRO-2006, and the PRO-2006 NFM selectivity specs are better: 9 and 15 kHz (at 6 and 50 dB points respectively) versus 10 and 20 kHz for the PRO-2042. Experimenters might consider replacing the PRO-2042's 455 kHz NFM filter with a narrower filter of similar size...."
| Copyright © 2010 by Richard J. Wells |
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