New to scanners PRO 96 comments

jsb1976 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-26-2007, 02:25 AM

Purchased a PRO 96, RS Discone Antenna, RS 800mhz rubber antenna, and a copy of WIN 96 software.
WOW! The software makes programming a snap. (I have not even read the manual yet.)
The discone antenna allows me to pick up signals at least 50 miles away on a regular basis and 90 miles away when the weather is cooperating. The antenna is mounted in my attic.
With the 800 mhz rubber duck I am able to consistently monitor police stations at least 35-40 miles away from my house from anywhere in my house, or yard, or car. I am just amazed at the difference between this antenna and the stock rubber duck.
To be honest, the only difficulty I had was installing the RS data cable driver on my computer.
This is the first scanner I have ever owned, and I was a bit apprehensive at dropping almost $500 for all the equipment I bought. (Got the scanner on sale a few weeks ago). However, I am thoroughly impressed.
The WIN 96 software in my opinion is a must. It allows you to see you entire scanner contents on one page, and enters all the info with a simple click of "upload to scanner".
Anyway, I was just giving a newbie impression of this particular equipment.

dvferguson · #2 (**permalink**) 04-26-2007, 07:04 AM

Welcome to the world of the Pro-96. I'm sure you will impressed by it's features and and find it's worth the money paid. I know I have.

Dave

james32746 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-26-2007, 09:00 AM

You are lucky to have a PRO-96, the DSP and audio quality (on digital signals) IMHO is probably the best out there for a scanner. I had one until 2/2006 when it died because it accidently slipped out of my hands and hit the clothes dryer in my house.

GreatLakes · #4 (**permalink**) 04-26-2007, 09:38 AM

I agree, the Radio Shack (GRE) PRO-96, and PRO-2096 have an AGC that actually works, and can handle P25 simulcast systems using CQPSK modulation much better than Uniden. Uniden has a few more features, but nothing I can't live without.

n4voxgill · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weblacsp

Im from brazil , my state is using the motorola astro digital system...Im using the radioshack pro 96 scanner , i put the frequencies in a bank and the scanner not show de id in the digital channel just in analog trunk motorola it shows...How i can make the scanner show the id talkgroup in motorola astro digital system?

You have to enter the information into your scanner. The scanner will receive the talkgroup numerical number. If you have programed in what the name is for that number then it will be displayed. I hope that you are using WIN96 to program your scanner, as it makes it easier to do all of this. You first have to either have a list of what the numerical number means, or you will have to listen and prepare a list once you figure out that talk group 12345 is detectives or what ever it is.

K8PBX · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatLakes

I agree, the Radio Shack (GRE) PRO-96, and PRO-2096 have an AGC that actually works, and can handle P25 simulcast systems using CQPSK modulation much better than Uniden. Uniden has a few more features, but nothing I can't live without.

I agree too, Bill. As it relates to the MPSCS Macomb 219 simulcast system - my Pro-2096 does a much better job than my BC796D.

No broken transmissions at all with the 2096. The 796 just plain chokes too frequently.

weblacsp · #7 (**permalink**) 05-14-2007, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n4voxgill

You have to enter the information into your scanner. The scanner will receive the talkgroup numerical number. If you have programed in what the name is for that number then it will be displayed. I hope that you are using WIN96 to program your scanner, as it makes it easier to do all of this. You first have to either have a list of what the numerical number means, or you will have to listen and prepare a list once you figure out that talk group 12345 is detectives or what ever it is.

I try it...but the scanner dont show de talkgroup id in the digital frequencie....in the under line dont show anything...In the trunk analogical motorola system...the scanner show the talkgroup id in the under line when the trasmission begin....but in the digital channel dont show anything....????

fmon · #8 (**permalink**) 05-14-2007, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weblacsp

Im from brazil , my state is using the motorola astro digital system...Im using the radioshack pro 96 scanner , i put the frequencies in a bank and the scanner not show de id in the digital channel just in analog trunk motorola it shows...How i can make the scanner show the id talkgroup in motorola astro digital system?

I don't think any scanner will decode astro digital.

weblacsp · #9 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmon

I don't think the CPU in any scanner will decode digital astro.

I can listen the channel in the digitl frequencie , i select the channel and put in MO mode..when the transmission is begin than appear DG ....
If i put the squelsh in max , before the transmission is begin in channel , the scanner show me one ID GROUP MOTOROLA , but never is the same...

fmon · #10 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 03:22 PM

Could you purchase a programming cable and download Win96 from www.starrsoft.com and load your scanner data to the software? Then save the p96 file and zip and upload it for members of this board to view.

I will be out of town starting tomorrow for 10 days, but many members in these Pro-96 forums use Win96 and can find programming errors by viewing p96 files.

djg000111 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:46 PM

I have just received my new PSR-500. My Pro-2096 can receive at least 10 times better than my new PSR-500. The PSR-500 misses most of the calls that the Pro-2096 can receive. The few calls that the PSR-500 does receive, the PSR-500 drops about half of the message. The PSR-500 poorly tracks the talk groups.

I live in North Shelby Twp., MI. I like to listen to the activity on the Macomb County Simulcast (219).

Tom_G · #12 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 01:51 PM

djg000111,
There is more discussion on this in the GRE forum.
It looks to be a known issue that GRE is looking into.

Check out the GRE forum for suggestions.. Thanks

djg000111 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 11:14 AM

Thanks Tom_G
The newbie that started this thread should be happy about buying the Pro-96 instead of the new PSR-500.
I have found that GRE forum thread. Looks like a lot of PSR-500 owners are having my problem.

Viper43 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmon

I don't think any scanner will decode astro digital.

UH? Yes, they (digital scanners) will. all it is is a digital upgrade of Smartnet.... AKA Astro P25

V

gdmurphy · #15 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 05:31 AM

Just purchased my PRO-96. Previously had the analog model. With the analog model I bought the data cable to go from handheld to USB port. Didn't have much luck with it. Can I use the same cable with the PRO-96? When I plugged in the cable to the 96 and the other end into the USB port, the scanner automatically when to download mode and wanted to send the handheld data to my PC. However, WIN96 did not see the handheld. I tried loading the Scanner Loader software from the CD that I got with the cable and it would not recognize the scanner either. The PRO-96 was not listed on the program as an option to select. Since I am the Chairman for the Volunteers In Policing program in the Central Valley of CA, I'd like to be able to upload all the freqs etc. to my scanner with WIN96 vs. manually entering them. Any help/suggestions?

Thanks,
GDMurphy

mcscanner · #16 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 06:29 AM

It looks like the scanner sees the hardware (USB). I don't know the WIN96 program so this is only a SWAG. ARC780/ARC250 only works with COMM ports. On my laptop without COM ports the USB port is mapped to COMM ports. In the ARC program I select the COMM port that is mapped to the USB port and then everyone is talking to each other. I can't tell you if the mapping has happened or how. Every setup is different, but maybe the information points you in a direction that helps.

n2mdk · #17 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 08:36 AM

Open Windows Device Manager look under Ports (COM & LPT) look at what Com Port the cable was assigned and enter that into Win96. It will be in the Configuration menu under Serial Port. Then Win96 will see the scanner and be able to upload and download to or from it.

fmon · #18 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdmurphy

When I plugged in the cable to the 96 and the other end into the USB port, the scanner automatically when to download mode and wanted to send the handheld data to my PC.

This is normal when anything is plugged into PC/IF Port and is actually CLONE Mode ready to receive or send data.

Quote:

However, WIN96 did not see the handheld.

Because you need to match the Com Port in Win96 (Configuration>Serial Port) with the Port assigned by your computer when you loaded the drivers by plugging the cable in the first time. This assigned port can be found in the Device Manager in Ports (COM & LPT)

Quote:

I tried loading the Scanner Loader software from the CD that I got with the cable and it would not recognize the scanner either.

No software in the CD to load, only drivers to load for assignment of a Com Port to use cable with scanner.

Open Device Manager in Control Panel. Expand + next to Ports (COM & LPT) and look for USB Serial Port (COMx) x is the port number assigned and can be matched in Win96 under Configuration menu.

Edit: Note the pictures provided by Jerry in post 17.

ARCA-Dave · #19 (**permalink**) 04-26-2008, 07:52 PM

I have been doing a LOT of research lately looking for a good handheld scanner AND a good base unit. I have looked at the BC396T and the Pro96. I have looked on Ebay and never seem to be the lucky one to get one. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to find one at a decent price? I have mostly decided to go with the PRO 96, unless I find out something different on here. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated...Dave