Arc software

[claybarnes]

I downloaded the arc software (Demo version) yesterday, and so far I'm confused. I have a BCD996T scanner. What will the demo version allow me to do? If I choose to purchase the program, should I buy the disc, or download the program? Should I also use the Uniden cable? I think Radio Shack makes a serial cable? I have Don Starr's software for my Pro-96, and I love his software. I'm just curious if the arc software is worth the sixty plus dollars, and is it as user friendly? I know I have shelled the RR forum with several questions, but I just want to make a good descion. I welcome all comments, and I thank you in advance.

Clay
KD4GVK

 

[DaveNF2G]

So, let me see if I understand.

You have a copy of the demo version. Have you installed it? Have you run it? Did you look at the documentation?

The ultimate question - why are you asking these questions when you have the means to find out in your hand?

 

[claybarnes]

Yes. i have read the documentation. If all you are going to be is a jerk, then ride off in the sunset, and don't reply to my posts. I'm not impressed with your M.A. either, because I also have a Masters degree, but I just don't go around shoving mine in peoples faces, and being a smart **** when someone posts something. I guess that's the difference our maturity levels. It's law enforcement folks like you that give cops a bad name, so why don't go, and pick on someone that's on your own maturity level. Say a WWWF wrestler perhaps?

 

[madnachos]

I gotta agree with DaveNF2G....you have the software, the cable, and the radio...why don't you try it out? Once you try it you can ask a more specific question and you will probably get a better response.

 

[kd5dga]

I sware by ARC software. I purchased ACR433 and it took the guess work out of programming up my scanner.
I highly recommend it.

 

[claybarnes]

Thanks! One of the questions i think was misunderstood was on the issue of the cables. Radio Shack makes a cables that will convert a usb port into a serial port. I have two laptops. Also, the online manual for the arc software does not specify how long the demo period is for. I would guess 30 days, but that was one question, and the cable was another.

Thanks for your help!

 

[DaveNF2G]

I'm not impressed with your M.A. either, because I also have a Masters degree,

I expected such a response. I'm not impressed with the degree, either, but with whatever a person got from the experience. You evidently didn't learn how to learn.

 

[claybarnes]

And you still have not learned any social graces. Why don't you trade some of your learning for a personality....Jerk.

 

[eagle_i_photos]

Buying decision!!!

I believe your new scanner is similar to the BCT-15 I just got but with the add level of digital. Being retired I've got the time to mess around with all the cool features the new "toy" trying to get it all figured out. But, it's frustrating. Add having to learn about the many software options and it makes sense to seek advice from those who have the experience. Life's too short to dedicate it ALL to scanning.

I tried the demo version of ARC15Pro for a short time before I purchased it. I was able to quickly load both local trunking systems without having to dig too deep in either the radio or software manuals. In demo mode the virtual radio mode has a timer so it disappears after 30 mins. I also recall a demo warning message popping-up about a limitation of the number of systems you could load. Prior to demoing ARC I'd found RadioReference.com to be a GREAT resource for learning about local freqs. I was "sold" on ARC when I discovered I didn't need to do a separate file download to program systems because ARC connects direct to RadioRef (using your login info) to gather just what it needs. Made it simple to get the first systems up and running.

Like editing a word processing document I'm revising and transferring various versions to and from the BCT15. ARC is performing well and I'm slowly getting the hang of both the radio and software. Decision made ... frustration gone!


Now, as I listen to the scanner and also watch hdtv, I'm plugging away at adding and organizing a conglomeration of conventional freqs. I find the logging feature is very helpful for me to determine activity of the RadioRef listed freqs I'm interested in and also those I've searched out on my own. I like having the ability of recording and logging audio to the computer, but that hasn't been of much practical use yet.

 

[Ardan]

I like the ARC396t software. Easy to use. Works great. I can add frequencies and names when I want, update the scanner as I have time, save everything as I work on it.....
I never tried the demo version, but went straight to the full "pro" version.

I am not an expert on scanners or software, but found this easy to learn and use.
I have not tried any other scanner software as of yet

hth
Ardan

 

[N9JIG]

I downloaded the arc software (Demo version) yesterday, and so far I'm confused. I have a BCD996T scanner. What will the demo version allow me to do? If I choose to purchase the program, should I buy the disc, or download the program? Should I also use the Uniden cable? I think Radio Shack makes a serial cable? I have Don Starr's software for my Pro-96, and I love his software. I'm just curious if the arc software is worth the sixty plus dollars, and is it as user friendly? I know I have shelled the RR forum with several questions, but I just want to make a good descion. I welcome all comments, and I thank you in advance.

Clay
KD4GVK

You get the same software whether you buy the disk or download the software. By downloading you are assured that you have the latest version, it is possible the CD was burned prior to a version upgrade.

When/if you buy the software be sure to print and save the key code, it is the literal "Key to the kingdom" for your purchase and you need it to unlock the software if you move to a new computer or reinstall etc. You can always download the latest version from the Butel website.

I just went thru the 3rd hard drive in a month on my PC, and had to reinstall all my ARC products each time (ARC15, ARC996, ARC780, ARC330, ARC396 and ARC250). It took about 5 minutes to download all the apps and a minute or 2 to install each and enter the keys and set the Comm Ports.

While the 996 comes with free UASD software from Uniden, I think the ARC product is far superior, easier to use and less prone to crashing. I use it both in Windows as well as on my MacBook Pro with Parallels. While I rarely use Virtual Control, I have played with it a few times and it is pretty cool. I use ARC mostly for developing Systems or downloading them from RadioReference.

 

[claybarnes]

Thanks guys! I decided to try the software after programming by hand for the 3rd time in a year.

 

[kd5dga]

Its a breeze with computer programming.I strongly suggest ARC.Its too easy.

 

[claybarnes]

Thanks Glenn,

I've been playing around with, and I like it so far. I still would like to know if I have to have the Uniden cable or if the one from Radio Shack would work. If the latter will work, then I'm good to go today. Thanks again, and have a great, safe holiday.

Clay.

 

[radio50]

I still would like to know if I have to have the Uniden cable or if the one from Radio Shack would work.

I first used a non-Uniden USB-to-RS232 converter cable from a local computer store along with ARC996 PRO. It seemed to work fine until I ran some overnight "Virtual Control" sessions. The connection would sometimes "hang" during those. But for short periods of programming it was ok. I suspected the converter cable was the problem.

I changed to an older computer with a real RS232 port, using just the cable included with the radio, and all was well. No troubles at all with the connection.

Anyhow, those are my experiences -- not sure what you'll discover. Good luck.

 

[N9JIG]

Thanks Glenn,

I've been playing around with, and I like it so far. I still would like to know if I have to have the Uniden cable or if the one from Radio Shack would work. If the latter will work, then I'm good to go today. Thanks again, and have a great, safe holiday.

Clay.

I have used a USB-RS232 converter as well as the Uniden USB-1 cable and have had similar results between them. The Uniden USB-1 cable is really just a USB to RS232 converter built into a 996/396/et al programming cable.

As for Radio50's experiences with USB converters and virtual control, I had the same issue when connected to a Mac, I reduced the com port speed to work around that and all was well with the world.

 

[radio50]

As for Radio50's experiences with USB converters and virtual control, I had the same issue when connected to a Mac, I reduced the com port speed to work around that and all was well with the world.

Thanks for the tip -- I hadn't thought of that approach. I just tried it with the USB converter and . . . so far, so good. In fact, I used a null-modem cable and connected to the rear panel RS232 connector -- no cables out the front of the radio -- a bit nicer looking. I changed the rear panel data rate to 9600 bps. That seems fine for Virtual Control. When connecting using ARC996 PRO, the radio seems to understand which RS232 port is in use. It may be obvious, but I told ARC996 to use 9600 bps when searching for the radio rather than the default 115200.

Update: it ran ok for about an hour, then it just stopped communicating. I think I should look for another USB-RS232 converter.