Newbie Question: ProScan vs. Freescan (or others) for 396XT

SuperCraig · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 12:48 PM

I posted this in the Software section as well, but wanted to see if I could get some input from local people here in Colorado. I'm in Denver (Cap Hill) and am hoping to get some local support as I'm brand new to the hobby.

My Uniden BCD396XT is scheduled to arrive on Thursday. I'm both excited, and a bit nervous as the learning curve is SO obviously steep!! None-the-less, I'm mostly excited about getting my scanner programmed properly.

I've lurked on the site for a while and am slowly (but surely) starting to pick up some of the lingo.

After choosing the scanner (we are mostly Digital here in Denver), the next big decision is which software to use to program it. It looks like ProScan and FreeScan are the two out there that are currently working with this unit (with more vendors coming out with updates in upcoming weeks from what I've heard).

IF you've had experience with ProScan and/or Freescan, can you please tell me what you did AND didn't like about each. I'm open to waiting for another vendor to release their update if you have another product suggestion (but one requirement is that it does work with multiple scanners as I'm sure to get a base unit as well before too long, and it doesn't seem to me to make sense to pay money for a product that only supports one scanner).

As I said- I'm new to all of this, so ease of use is probably my most important factor. Money is not a factor- the ease of use and effectiveness of the software is what's most important to me.

From looking at their websites- for ProScan I seem to like the visual interface better (especially the control screen for the scanner), and for Freescan the "Automatic Scanner Optimizer" feature sure seems like something a newbie like myself would appreciate. If you've used that feature, let me know how effective it is, or if you think it's just a gimmick.

I'm open to any other input/suggestions regarding my software choice. The BuTel product looked pretty good, but I don't like that you have to buy one version for each scanner. I'm hoping I'll enjoy my listening and will want to buy a base scanner at some point and would love a product that catered to more than one scanner.

If I missed a thread with these types of comparisons, or there are other resources online I should be aware of- links to those would be GREATLY appreciated.

OK... now I hope to get lots of feedback to help me make this important decision!

Thanks in advance for any/all input that's offered

n0nhp · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 02:12 PM

I have not played with Freescan but use ProScan on my 996, 795 and 785. I had several other software packages before I found ProScan but once I found it, I registered right away and have not regretted it.
Bob is very responsive with making suggested changes to the software and is always working on improving it.
I also like being able to serve the scanners to the internet with the same package, although off the net right now due to server machine problems.

Bruce

jeffreyinberthoud · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 09:56 PM

Welcome to a great hobby been doing this myself off and on for 35 years! You will love it.
I purchased ARC396 software two years ago
ARC is very easy to use and store systems. Im traveling three states and its a breaze to upload down load........systems ...............
Ive recently been playing with BCTOOL (freeware) Ive not been impressed with BCTOOL for programming however it does have a cool logging capability thats a lot of fun!!

Take your time its so simple "even a cave man can do it"

n0doz · #4 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 02:00 AM

I've used ARC396 with my 396T, had ARC500 for the PRO-106 I had for all of 2 months, and currently use FreeScan with my new 396XT. I've liked ARC, but FreeScan is.... free!
So far, I think FreeScan is an excellent product. It's fairly easy to use, you can import from the database here at RadioReference, and... it's free, vs. what, $50 for ProScan or $30 to $40 for ARC. It's a great way to get started without breaking the bank. The only extra expense is getting a premium membership to RR so you can directly download data into the software. Given that you're just getting started, I'd suggest FreeScan as a "starter", and later download the trial versions of the others if FS doesn't turn out to be what you want.

ka3jjz · #5 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 05:41 AM

Keep in mind that ARC396 will not fully support the 396XT as is - Gommert has already said that an upgrade will be needed. Right now, at least, only ProScan and FreeScan support the new XT models. Hopefully more software makers will catch up in the near future 73 Mike

SuperCraig · #6 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 12:03 PM

I've gotten lots of feedback on both this thread, and a similar one I posted elsewhere and I've come to the conclusion that I'll try them BOTH out. Since I'm not concerned about money and there's plenty of of good things to say about both programs- why try to choose one over the other? They each seem to offer good/different features, I'll give them both try.

Thanks everyone for your input- it's helped me make me feel good about my decision!!

Now on to learning to use them. My scanner shows up tomorrow and I'm very excited (and nervous) about learning how to use it best. Thanks again!

DGroves · #7 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 01:24 AM

Can't beat FREE. I very rarely will ever plug my credit card information in to my computer. Especially when there is something that is just as good, if not better for free. As you can tell by the lack of a flashy symbol up above, I'm cheap. Radio Reference advertises that you can download info straight to your scanner if you pay money. With freescan you can do it without subscribing to the website. Why buy the girl, you finish it. As stated above, it already has XT support.

SuperCraig · #8 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGroves

Can't beat FREE. I very rarely will ever plug my credit card information in to my computer. Especially when there is something that is just as good, if not better for free. As you can tell by the lack of a flashy symbol up above, I'm cheap. Radio Reference advertises that you can download info straight to your scanner if you pay money. With freescan you can do it without subscribing to the website. Why buy the girl, you finish it. As stated above, it already has XT support.

Hey, cheap is just fine and nowadays it would probably behoove a few people to learn how to be a little more cheap too, lol.

I work for my money, and don't mind spending it on convenience. Plus when a developer works as hard as these guys do, I'm more than happy to give them some of my cash. If I used Freescan- I'd still make a decent contribution to help out the developer.

Glad to hear you dig Freescan!