Probe Software for Optoscan 456

mike_s104 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 01:35 PM

anyone still use this software? I would like to buy it for use with Optoscan 456 (full version) but the $59.99 is a little high for 10 year old software that runs in DOS. just want a few opinions before I buy it.

scancapecod · #2 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 01:50 PM

Outstanding software and highly recommended for conventional scanning with your setup. There is no better. Don't let the fact that it runs in DOS fool you.

mike_s104 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scancapecod

Outstanding software and highly recommended for conventional scanning with your setup. There is no better. Don't let the fact that it runs in DOS fool you.

OK...I may go ahead and get it. are you running it under WinXP or another OS? thanks.

scancapecod · #4 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 02:15 PM

I'm guessing you've been to http://www.datafileinc.com and read about the software. Also, if you're planning on running this in Windows XP or 2000 Pro you will quite likely need a program called Direct I/O for direct access to the serial port; otherwise performance may be degradated or it might not work at all. The best bet is to run it from DOS, or to boot a Windows 95 or 98 machine to the DOS prompt and do it that way. I have nothing but good things to say about this software, both from a searching and scanning point.

Best of luck.

mike_s104 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scancapecod

I'm guessing you've been to http://www.datafileinc.com and read about the software. Also, if you're planning on running this in Windows XP or 2000 Pro you will quite likely need a program called Direct I/O for direct access to the serial port; otherwise performance may be degradated or it might not work at all. The best bet is to run it from DOS, or to boot a Windows 95 or 98 machine to the DOS prompt and do it that way. I have nothing but good things to say about this software, both from a searching and scanning point.

Best of luck.

thanks for the info. I think for the cost (considering DOS based and being old as dirt) compared to the cost of Butel software, he either needs to drop the price (so you can get Direst I/O) or redo it to work with news OS's. I have an older PC and will install Windows 98SE on it.

edweirdFL · #6 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 04:06 PM

I'm using Scanstar's software with my 2 OS535's, and it supports the OS456 as well as other radios. It costs more, but development is ongoing and it's made for Windows.

http://www.scanstar.com

mike_s104 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edweirdFL

I'm using Scanstar's software with my 2 OS535's, and it supports the OS456 as well as other radios. It costs more, but development is ongoing and it's made for Windows.

http://www.scanstar.com

I thought about it and I'm not going to buy it. it will cost me about $100 for 10 year old software. that's like buying a full version of Win 3.11 for $300. screw that. I have an old PC and am installing Win98SE. I a really old version of the ScanStar that I will use. it will do what I need it to. I emailed the guy for Probe and ask if I would be able to download it after I bought it. his answer was "it ships priority mail" it's as if he has a few thousand copies on CD and is expecting to hit it big without any more work or support for it. it may be good, but if it's that good work on it and make it better and work with Windows 2000 and beyond.

scancapecod · #8 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 06:03 PM

Mike,

Your choice, but there is no better software for the OS456, hands down, and that includes Scan*Star. Why do you need to spend $100 when Probe is on sale for $59.95? If you're planning on using it with a Windows 98 box you don't need Direct I/O, only Win2k and XP require it.

I know Probe's creator personally and will vouch for him being a top notch individual. I've met him and had lunch with him on a few occasions, as my sister-in-law literally lives right around the corner from him. He and I have discussed porting Probe to Windows and he is not going to do it.

I hope some other Probe users will chime in and offer their thoughts as well. With respect to Scan*Star, Probe beats it by a mile where the OS boards are concerned, both in speed and ease of operation. I continue to use it and love it.

morfis · #9 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_s104

anyone still use this software? I would like to buy it for use with Optoscan 456 (full version) but the $59.99 is a little high for 10 year old software that runs in DOS. just want a few opinions before I buy it.

Yes, it's THE best software for scanning and searching using the Optoscan boards.
The price reflects the quality.

If you want similar features but insist on using windows then check out Spectrum Dominator (but I don't think you'll like the price tag on that either).

morfis · #10 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_s104

I thought about it and I'm not going to buy it. it will cost me about $100 for 10 year old software. that's like buying a full version of Win 3.11 for $300. screw that. I have an old PC and am installing Win98SE. I a really old version of the ScanStar that I will use. it will do what I need it to. I emailed the guy for Probe and ask if I would be able to download it after I bought it. his answer was "it ships priority mail" it's as if he has a few thousand copies on CD and is expecting to hit it big without any more work or support for it. it may be good, but if it's that good work on it and make it better and work with Windows 2000 and beyond.

If your old Scanstar will "do what I need" then your Optoscan is almost wasted on you.

fineshot1 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 06:28 PM

I must concur with scancapecod - for conventional scanning & searching its the best around. I have a RS Pro2042 with the Opto OS535 and run Probe version 7.0 and its great. The support from Perry Joseph has also been great. I use an old laptop and have dedicated it to this task. I just boot it into MS Dos 6.22 and start it off - that way it runs at high efficiency. I'd say go & get the latest version from Perry. You wont be sorry......

mike_s104 · #12 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morfis

If your old Scanstar will "do what I need" then your Optoscan is almost wasted on you.

so can probe do that's worth the money? just curious now...

mike_s104 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scancapecod

Mike,

Why do you need to spend $100 when Probe is on sale for $59.95? If you're planning on using it with a Windows 98 box you don't need Direct I/O, only Win2k and XP require it.

correct...I was doing to many other things when I was thinking about this.