Best software for the pro 97

[lanke]

I have opted to keep my Pro 97 rather than return it because it was just so frustrating programming my local frequencies.

If you haven't read any of my previous posts, I am a novice and this is my second attempt at the hobby.

I did take the advice of many and purchased the USB scanner cable so now I am ready to roll. So now I just need some advice on what is the best software to use for my Pro 97 scanner and a dummy like me.

Thank you.

[KG4LJF]

www.starrsoft.com

Win97 is the best, hands down. It comes with a free trial, and then you have to buy it, but it's worth the money. Trust me, it's worth every cent!

You'll wonder how you ever programmed a scanner before without software!

[justinnmr]

Win 97. Very much worth the money.

http://www.starrsoft.com/software/win97/default.asp

[justinnmr]

Originally Posted by KG4LJF

www.starrsoft.com

Win97 is the best, hands down. It comes with a free trial, and then you have to buy it, but it's worth the money. Trust me, it's worth every cent!

You'll wonder how you ever programmed a scanner before without software!

You beat me to it!!!

[KT4HX]

Ditto all the above! Makes programming a breeze.

[KG4LJF]

It really does... I mean, it's not a bad price either. I think it's worth $25 any day of the week. I would have probably paid more for it actually. I tried the trial, programmed the scanner with the trial, and I was like, dang.. I've got to have this...

It has so far proved itself as an indespensable aid for programming. Never again will I hand program a "big" scanner. Now smaller scanners, 200 channels and under, i dont mind to hand program. But when you're programming a trunked scanner, and then when you want to add text tags to all the frequencies and talkgroups, software is worth it's weight in gold.

[W5JSS]

I echo the above comments about Win97.

In addition, if you become a donating member here you can use the "Import" feature of Win97 to directly add information from the RadioReference.com database to your Win97 file in just a few clicks.

[Don_Burke]

My experience with Win97 is that it works the first time, every time.

I have not found a single bad habit in the software.

[w8jjr]

Runs out of the box. I dont think I've ever looked at help. Very easy

[lanke]

By unanimous decision, have purchase WIN97 software and now I'm ready. I am trying to program my local police precinct so I can track conversations.

I live in Centereach, NY on Long Island. Someone had posted the following, but I was not sure where to put the information in using the software.

If the info is correct on the Suffolk County database page, Brookhaven FD is on VHF conventional frequency 153.89000 Brookhaven Fire District FM

However, if you desire to listen to them on TG 57776, you will need to program the Suffolk County Motorola Type II SmartZone systems 4 Controls and Alt Controls.
866.36250
866.41250
866.68750
867.28750

Then program the talkgroup.

After I finish that, than I was wondering how to search just that talk group so I can track the conversation.

Thanks for everything. I promise I am almost there.

[madnachos]

Dont forget about the webimport feature that win97 has...download the info from RR via win97 then tweak to taste....

[loumaag]

Originally Posted by lanke

By unanimous decision, have purchase WIN97 software and now I'm ready. I am trying to program my local police precinct so I can track conversations.

I live in Centereach, NY on Long Island. Someone had posted the following, but I was not sure where to put the information in using the software.

If the info is correct on the Suffolk County database page, Brookhaven FD is on VHF conventional frequency 153.89000 Brookhaven Fire District FM

However, if you desire to listen to them on TG 57776, you will need to program the Suffolk County Motorola Type II SmartZone systems 4 Controls and Alt Controls.
866.36250
866.41250
866.68750
867.28750

Then program the talkgroup.

After I finish that, than I was wondering how to search just that talk group so I can track the conversation.

Thanks for everything. I promise I am almost there.

Providing that you programmed the system as you described (correctly) then when scanning that bank if a "+" symbol is showing under the bank#, press <FUNC> <5> to toggle it to "-" (closed mode), then you will only be hearing whatever TG (or TG's) you programmed. If it is showing a "-" and you are hearing TG's you didn't program, you didn't program it correctly.

[lanke]

I think I got it. It is only scanning those frequencies that I entered in.

I am also able to tarck a few conversations.

I am picking up different talk group id's though and not much from my own. Does that mean I am in a safe neighborhood or does it mean that my talk groups switch as well?

[loumaag]

Originally Posted by lanke

I am picking up different talk group id's though and not much from my own. Does that mean I am in a safe neighborhood or does it mean that my talk groups switch as well?

I am sorry but after reading this numerious times, I fail to understand what you are asking.

[dougjgray]

Or the cops in your area are busy eating donuts and not talking hehe

[scanrrman]

I think his bank is OPEN and not CLOSED and he's picking up all talkgroups.

[loumaag]

Originally Posted by scanrrman

I think his bank is OPEN and not CLOSED and he's picking up all talkgroups.

As I indicated in Post #12 in this thread.

[Stick0413]

Yeah with open mode you are basically searching all IDs. With closed mode you are scanning only the IDs that you have programed in.