One In Line Attentuator required for GRE & also Whistler? radios
I may have to do that as the in set attenuator is not enough. I had same problem with second GRE PSR600 in my other car. Had to use an 800MHZ unity gain trunk antenna to get any reception on it on STARS. Any other tuned or gain antenna wiped it out while in this area. It does decode STARS better as long as it does not overload, but that is a big problem. Thanks.
Eugene KG4AVE
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Eugene,
My past experiences programing and using GRE (RS) scanners concluded several things:
1. The GRE user programing OS software was primitive, limited, and very difficult for most purchasers to use including some who were teckie types. Thankfully GRE allowed third party software like Win500 I used for programing the 106 and 197 models. Otherwise, it would have been very frustrating for most users including myself attempting to program their scanner..
2. Whistler redesign based partially on the GRE PSR800 model and introduced new models with new features. Based upon reading some of the user complaints about programing the Whister models, I concluded Whistler perpetuated the old GRE basic logic with primitive user editing software functions.
3. Whistler decided NOT to allow third party software vendors like Butel, and Don STARR (Win500) to offer user friendly software for their models. In my opinion, that was a stupid business decision for those potential scanner users who want the option of purchasing more user friendly software that the basic scanner OS software offers and probably would have resulted in more scanner sales.
4. My guess is that most Whistler users scan only the Virginia files which were programed at the factory level. They learn a few user features for basic use and hope that the radio systems they want to monitor were correctly pre-programed. That is the main reason I didn't purchase a Whistler scanner was I knew I would experience frustrations attempting to use the primitive user editing software as the GRE scanner models had. .
5. Thankfully, Uniden did allow third party software vendors for their 436 and 536 models. If I did not have ARC536PRO I would have 536 scanner programing problems/frustrations. In my opinion, the Uniden Sentinel Software OS package is about one enhancement level above the 1990s version of MS DOS. It still has be used for certain features as firmware updates, etc. but otherwise I avoid having to use it unless absolutely required.
6. Regarding the GRE(Whistler also?) front end signal overload problem, attached are pictures of what I use with my GRE PSR600. They are not cheap so it depends upon had bad you want to hear a particular radio system. Currently, my in-line attenuator is selected for 30db for STARS but for other PSR600 systems, I have to attenuate one as much as 38 db attenuation. In my opinion, the problem is sourced to a GRE system design error which also may have been perpetuated to the Whistler models. My XLTs and 536 are connected to the same RF pre-amped antenna and have no input signal overload problem.
7. Do Google searches and see what returns. My guess is the prices will be over $100. I bought mine used for $75 about 7 years ago and has proven to have been worth every penny..
John
W4UVV