Software for Pro197

SLWilson · #1 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 09:53 AM

Is there a free (trialware) download for the Pro197 scanner out there?

Someone (I thought they had a Pro2096) brought me one to program, but, I can't seem to locate any software to set it up for them....

(I'm not buying it) for someone elses scanner....

Thanks,

Steve/KB8FAR

ka3jjz · #2 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 09:54 AM

If memory serves, all 3 of the big guys have a 30 day free trial on them. Should be enough time to get done whatever is needed...73 Mike

SLWilson · #3 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 09:56 AM

I have Don Starr's Win96 for mine....Aim me at one of the big three if you would....Thanks,

Steve

TES · #4 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLWilson

I have Don Starr's Win96 for mine....Aim me at one of the big three if you would....Thanks,

Steve

If you're using Win96, Win500 will allow you to import all your Win96 files.

mikey60 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TES

If you're using Win96, Win500 will allow you to import all your Win96 files.

PSREdit500 will also allow you to import a configuration from the Pro-96/2096. It can't read the P96 file directly due to some proprietary manipulation of the data in that file format, but it can read the configuration from the scanner and convert it.

Mike

SLWilson · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TES

If you're using Win96, Win500 will allow you to import all your Win96 files.

OK....I have Win500 loaded. I've copied all the local stuff I need. I can see it in the Win500 program.

Now, let me guess. The cable that I use on the Pro2096 won't "program" the Pro197 right? I keep getting a message it can't find the FTDI Drivers and I can download them at (it gives me the address and I downloaded them.) But, STILL the computer won't talk to the scanner.

Then, down in the body of info on the setup, if I'm understanding correctly, I need a "blue" cable - Part number whatever from RS.....

So, am I correct, the Pro2096 cable won't program the Pro197??????? I need a NEW one?

Thanks,

Steve/KB8FAR

AlabamaRS · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 03:30 PM

you will need the USB cable , the older Serial cable will not work.. RS # is 2047 I belive

SLWilson · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaRS

you will need the USB cable , the older Serial cable will not work.. RS # is 2047 I belive

OK...I HAVE the USB cable (converts the serial to the USB) and I still get that message from the scanner (or the program) that it can't locate that file.....

I'm sure glad I didn't buy one of these peices of crap. Even with the display issues I've had on the 2096, it is much easier to figure out than this 197.....Just my opinion....

Steve/KB8FAR

DonS · #9 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLWilson

OK...I HAVE the USB cable (converts the serial to the USB) and I still get that message from the scanner (or the program) that it can't locate that file.....

The PSR-500 family (PSR-500/600, PRO-106/197) will not work with the "serial" cable that you used for the PRO-96/2096. They require the "new" USB Programming Cable

The posts above that refer to a USB programming cable DO NOT mean "serial cable attached to a USB-Serial converter". Those posts are referring to the GRE-made USB programming cable - a single cable that connects a USB port on your computer to the PC/IF port on the scanner. GRE sells a blue one as their part number 30-3290. RadioShack sells the same cable in orange as their catalog number 20-047.

mikey60 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonS

The PSR-500 family (PSR-500/600, PRO-106/197) will not work with the "serial" cable that you used for the PRO-96/2096. They require the "new" USB Programming Cable

The posts above that refer to a USB programming cable DO NOT mean "serial cable attached to a USB-Serial converter". Those posts are referring to the GRE-made USB programming cable - a single cable that connects a USB port on your computer to the PC/IF port on the scanner. GRE sells a blue one as their part number 30-3290. RadioShack sells the same cable in orange as their catalog number 20-047.

One additional note, if you do get the Radio Shack version of the cable, do not use the short 3" adapter cable that comes with it. This adapter cable converts the 1/8" stereo connector that these scanners need to a 1/8" Mono connector that will not work with these scanners.

Mike

SLWilson · #11 (**permalink**) 03-17-2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey60

One additional note, if you do get the Radio Shack version of the cable, do not use the short 3" adapter cable that comes with it. This adapter cable converts the 1/8" stereo connector that these scanners need to a 1/8" Mono connector that will not work with these scanners.

Mike

That might be the "issue"....The RS adapter cable I have is a mono plug......

And, of course, our local RS doesn't have a CLUE about anything involving a "radio"....More interested in computer gadgets......

Steve/KB8FAR

rchalupajr · #12 (**permalink**) 03-18-2009, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLWilson

That might be the "issue"....The RS adapter cable I have is a mono plug......

And, of course, our local RS doesn't have a CLUE about anything involving a "radio"....More interested in computer gadgets......

Steve/KB8FAR

Steve, as Don stated you need a USB cable. the Radio Shack 20-047 cable is what you need. The old gray serial cable won't work for the 197, even with a USB to Serial adapter. I just bought a 197 recently. a little different animal, but it is a terriffic scanner. Once you get that connection working it's pretty easy to get it up and running.

SLWilson · #13 (**permalink**) 03-18-2009, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rchalupajr

Steve, as Don stated you need a USB cable. the Radio Shack 20-047 cable is what you need. The old gray serial cable won't work for the 197, even with a USB to Serial adapter. I just bought a 197 recently. a little different animal, but it is a terriffic scanner. Once you get that connection working it's pretty easy to get it up and running.

The local RS is going to have to ORDER it of course. NEVER anything IN the store in stock!.....

Steve/KB8FAR

rchalupajr · #14 (**permalink**) 03-18-2009, 02:42 PM

Yea, but they probably have every cell phone under the sun in stock.

SLWilson · #15 (**permalink**) 03-20-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rchalupajr

Steve, as Don stated you need a USB cable. the Radio Shack 20-047 cable is what you need. The old gray serial cable won't work for the 197, even with a USB to Serial adapter. I just bought a 197 recently. a little different animal, but it is a terriffic scanner. Once you get that connection working it's pretty easy to get it up and running.

Got the CORRECT cable and got the scanner programmed on Thursday. Listened to it all day. Heard everything on Ohio MARCS in SE Ohio. Has great sensitivity on Hi & Low bands as well as the trunked talk groups....

Actually a lot better sensitivity on Hi & Low than my Pro 96 or Pro2096 scanners.....

Alas, it isn't mine....The owner came and got it today after I got it programmed for him.....

Again, thanks to all who helped me through that nightmare!!!!

Steve/KB8FAR