The Pro-197 does receive control channels in Ohio, but only if you program them manually

The Radio Shack Pro-197 is a handheld scanner that picks up radio transmissions across multiple frequencies. Control channels are the specific frequencies that dispatch centers use to send commands to police cars, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles — separate from the main talk frequencies where you hear the actual conversation. The Pro-197 can receive these control channels in Ohio, but the radio does not automatically find them or update them on its own. You have to enter the frequencies yourself using the scanner's programming mode.

This matters because control channels often contain important information that main channels do not. When you listen only to the talk frequency, you hear officers responding to calls, but you miss the dispatcher's initial instructions about what the call actually is. Control channels let you hear the full picture — the dispatcher sending a unit to a robbery, then that unit confirming they are en route. Without control channels, you only hear half the conversation.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pro-197 can receive control channels in Ohio, but you must program the frequencies into the radio manually — it does not read them automatically.
  • Control channels are the dispatch frequencies where emergency services receive their orders, separate from the main talk channels where you hear the actual radio traffic.
  • Ohio emergency services use different control channel frequencies depending on the county and agency, so you need a frequency database specific to your area.
  • Online scanner frequency databases like RadioReference.com list Ohio control channels by county, and you enter them into the Pro-197 using the radio's programming cable and software.

How control channels work in emergency radio

When a 911 call comes in, the dispatcher does not when ready put it on the main talk frequency where everyone listening hears it. Instead, the dispatcher sends instructions to the officers' radios on a control channel — a dedicated frequency that tells the radio which talk channel to switch to. The officer's radio receives this command, switches to the assigned talk channel, and then you hear the conversation. This system lets dispatch send different units to different channels so multiple calls can happen at once without everyone talking over each other.

In Ohio, different counties and agencies use different control channel frequencies. Columbus Police use different frequencies than Cleveland Police, and county sheriff departments use different frequencies than municipal police. This is why you cannot just program one control channel and hear everything in the state — you have to know which control channels belong to which agencies in your area.

What the Pro-197 can and cannot do with control channels

The Pro-197 is a conventional scanner, which means it receives whatever frequency you program into it. It does not have trunking capability — a feature found in more expensive scanners that automatically follows control channel commands and switches to the right talk channel on their own. With a conventional scanner like the Pro-197, you have to program both the control channel and the talk channels separately, and you listen to whichever one you choose.

This is actually useful in Ohio because many agencies still use conventional (non-trunked) systems. You can program the Pro-197 with the control channels and talk channels for your local police department, fire department, and county sheriff, and the radio will receive them all. You just cannot program it to automatically follow dispatch commands the way a trunking scanner would.

Finding Ohio control channel frequencies for your area

The most reliable source for Ohio control channel frequencies is RadioReference.com, a volunteer-maintained database of scanner frequencies across North America. Search for your county on RadioReference, and you will find a list of all the agencies in that county with their control channels and talk channels. The information is organized by agency — Columbus Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Franklin County Sheriff, and so on — with each frequency labeled as either a control channel or a talk channel.

When you find your local frequencies, write them down or take a screenshot. You will need the exact frequency, the bandwidth (usually 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz for Ohio agencies), and the mode (usually FM). Some databases also list whether the frequency is encrypted, which matters because the Pro-197 cannot receive encrypted channels — if a frequency is marked as encrypted, you will hear only noise.

Programming control channels into the Pro-197

The Pro-197 comes with a programming cable and software that you install on a computer. Connect the radio to the computer with the cable, open the software, and create a new database or open an existing one. The software shows a grid where each row is a channel. Enter the frequency in the frequency column, the bandwidth in the bandwidth column, and a name for the channel in the name column — something like "Columbus PD Control" or "Franklin County Sheriff Talk".

Once you have entered all your local frequencies, save the database and write it to the radio. The Pro-197 will store the channels in memory, and you can scroll through them using the radio's keypad. You can organize channels into groups (called banks or zones depending on the radio model) so all your police frequencies are together, all your fire frequencies are together, and so on.

Why some Ohio frequencies may not work on your Pro-197

The Pro-197 receives frequencies from about 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz, which covers most emergency services in Ohio. However, some agencies use frequencies outside this range or use digital modes that the Pro-197 does not support. For example, some Ohio agencies have moved to P25 digital trunking systems, which require a digital-capable scanner. If you program a P25 frequency into the Pro-197, you will hear only noise or digital garble.

Before you program a frequency, check RadioReference to see whether it is conventional or digital. If it is marked as P25, DMR, or any other digital mode, the Pro-197 will not receive it. Stick to frequencies marked as conventional FM, and you will have good results.

Keeping your Pro-197 frequencies current in Ohio

Emergency services in Ohio change frequencies occasionally — agencies consolidate, move to new systems, or add new channels. RadioReference is updated by volunteers who monitor local radio, so the information is usually current, but it can lag by a few months. If you program your Pro-197 and then find that a frequency no longer works, check RadioReference again to see if the agency has moved to a new frequency.

Some scanner enthusiasts in Ohio maintain local frequency lists on forums and Facebook groups dedicated to scanner radio. These groups are often more current than RadioReference for a specific county because the members are listening every day and notice changes when ready. Searching for "Ohio scanner frequencies [your county]" on Facebook or Reddit can connect you with local listeners who know the current setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pro-197 automatically follow control channels like newer scanners do?

No. The Pro-197 is a conventional scanner without trunking capability. You have to program both the control channel and the talk channels manually, and you choose which one to listen to. Newer scanners with trunking can follow control channel commands automatically, but they are more expensive and more complex to program.

Will I hear encrypted police channels in Ohio on the Pro-197?

No. Many Ohio police departments now encrypt their radio traffic, which means the Pro-197 will receive the signal but you will hear only noise or digital garble. Check RadioReference to see whether your local police department is encrypted before you program those frequencies.

What is the difference between a control channel and a talk channel?

A control channel is where dispatch sends instructions to units, telling them which talk channel to use. A talk channel is where the actual conversation happens — where you hear officers reporting their location, requesting backup, or giving updates. You need both to understand the full picture of what is happening.

Do I need a license to listen to Ohio emergency radio on the Pro-197?

No. Listening to emergency radio frequencies is legal in Ohio. You do not need a license to own a scanner or to listen to police, fire, or emergency services. However, some states restrict the use of scanners in vehicles — check your local laws before using the Pro-197 while driving.

Where do I get the programming cable for the Pro-197 if I do not have it?

The original Radio Shack programming cable is no longer manufactured, but third-party cables that work with the Pro-197 are available on eBay and Amazon. Search for "Pro-197 programming cable" and verify that the listing says it is compatible with the Pro-197 before you buy. You will also need the software, which is available as a free read from scanner enthusiast websites.