Pro-197

[tomolds]

Is there anybody around the Charlotte , Lansing Michigan area that had or has a Pro-197 scanner
I would like some input on which programming software that you used. I would like to get some software
On a CD. Had one guy look at it to program the scanner, and he said it was to old to program
Thanks Tom
wd8@sbcglobal.net

 

[n5ims]

Here's the link to the RR Wiki for the Pro-197 Pro-197 - The RadioReference Wiki. That will give you some information on the scanner.

There is software out there that will program the Pro-197 quite nicely. All of it is old, just like the radio, but work well for what they do. They all do basically the same thing, just in slightly different ways so the choice isn't really "which is best" it's more like "which works closest to how I do". The RR Wiki page for programming them is Getting Started with your GRE/RS Object Oriented Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki and there are links to the three main software packages (sorry, they're all Windows based) near the end of the page. Note, they may be links to the user's guides but using the information on them you can easily search for the software using their name(s) in your favorite search engine. I use WIN500 so I have that URL saved and here it is Win500: WS1040, WS1065, PSR-500, PSR-600, PRO-651, PRO-652, PRO-106, PRO-197, PSR-310, PSR-410 Scanner Software for Data Management, Monitoring, and Control (starrsoft.com)

Be aware that all 3 are full versions of the software but have a 30 day expiration built in. To use them for longer you'll need to purchase the registration key and enter that into the software (instructions are in the user's guides). Since they're old, there are quirks on registering that you may have to battle. Basically the makers have moved on to other things since scanner programming software isn't as profitable anymore so they no longer monitor the sites closely. Also, some of the purchase options may not work as well as others. Check the forum for issues and how to resolve or avoid them Scanner Programming Software | RadioReference.com Forums

Here's some good information on WIN500. Please note that this is an old page and you might get some warnings when you attempt to open it. Mostly that's just because it's an old page that hasn't been updated to reflect the new browsers that expect all sites to use HTTPS and other features. This site also has an expired certificate so you may see warnings about that as well. https://utahradio.org/mediawiki/index.php/WIN500

Please note that you'll need the correct programming cable for your scanner. This cable will have a DB-9 for you to attach to your computer's RS-232 Serial Port (true, most newer computers no longer have these) and a 1/8" stereo audio plug to attach to the scanner. Some will also have a mono to stereo adapter, but those are only needed for the very old scanners. Whistler may have the necessary cable if you don't have it. Now, to fix the RS-232 Serial Port issue. You can get a USB to RS-232 adapter if required. Be aware that many are available on eBay and may use chips that are no longer supported by the driver software. Those that use the FTDI chipset generally are the easiest to get working. Quality is important here since you might need to talk to a human to work through the installation and setup issues. The cheap imports on eBay will probably let you down on that part so you'll be on your own resolving any issues.

 

[rk911]

Is there anybody around the Charlotte , Lansing Michigan area that had or has a Pro-197 scanner
I would like some input on which programming software that you used. I would like to get some software
On a CD. Had one guy look at it to program the scanner, and he said it was to old to program
Thanks Tom
wd8@sbcglobal.net

i have and love my 197. i use the Butel Software ARC500 Pro to program it.
https://www.butel.nl/

 

[Ronaldski]

I'm up in Bay county, can do it Done several out that way, most before the Ingham switch over, piece a cake!

One big issue is you have multiple tower(simulcast) and whistlers do lousy at best. Unless you're say 1-1/2 miles or less from a tower, expect no reception to very garbled audio.
Tower locations, click the four items under Site FCC licenses: Ingham County Simulcast Site Details (Michigan's Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS))

See WS1040/WS1065 vs Simulcast 800

Unidens do better in these situations, recommended-
Uniden model’s that are digital, prices lowest to highest:
996P2, 325P2, 436HP, 536HP, SDS 100, SDS 200.
The SDS models are expensive, but work flawlessly in counties as yours with multiple towers.

I sent you a message here, look the upper right, just under the ad.

 

[tvengr]

i have and love my 197. i use the Butel Software ARC500 Pro to program it.

I have ARC500 Basic for my Pro-197 and find it very fast and easy to use.

 

[jhooten]

Please note that you'll need the correct programming cable for your scanner. This cable will have a DB-9 for you to attach to your computer's RS-232 Serial Port (true, most newer computers no longer have these) and a 1/8" stereo audio plug to attach to the scanner. Some will also have a mono to stereo adapter, but those are only needed for the very old scanners. Whistler may have the necessary cable if you don't have it. Now, to fix the RS-232 Serial Port issue. You can get a USB to RS-232 adapter if required. Be aware that many are available on eBay and may use chips that are no longer supported by the driver software. Those that use the FTDI chipset generally are the easiest to get working. Quality is important here since you might need to talk to a human to work through the installation and setup issues. The cheap imports on eBay will probably let you down on that part so you'll be on your own resolving any issues.

20-047 is the Radio shack part number for the PRO-197 USB programming cable. The Whistler part number is PCIF01. I have both and have used them on my 197 with no issues.

 

[tomolds]

Here's the link to the RR Wiki for the Pro-197 Pro-197 - The RadioReference Wiki. That will give you some information on the scanner.

There is software out there that will program the Pro-197 quite nicely. All of it is old, just like the radio, but work well for what they do. They all do basically the same thing, just in slightly different ways so the choice isn't really "which is best" it's more like "which works closest to how I do". The RR Wiki page for programming them is Getting Started with your GRE/RS Object Oriented Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki and there are links to the three main software packages (sorry, they're all Windows based) near the end of the page. Note, they may be links to the user's guides but using the information on them you can easily search for the software using their name(s) in your favorite search engine. I use WIN500 so I have that URL saved and here it is Win500: WS1040, WS1065, PSR-500, PSR-600, PRO-651, PRO-652, PRO-106, PRO-197, PSR-310, PSR-410 Scanner Software for Data Management, Monitoring, and Control (starrsoft.com)

Be aware that all 3 are full versions of the software but have a 30 day expiration built in. To use them for longer you'll need to purchase the registration key and enter that into the software (instructions are in the user's guides). Since they're old, there are quirks on registering that you may have to battle. Basically the makers have moved on to other things since scanner programming software isn't as profitable anymore so they no longer monitor the sites closely. Also, some of the purchase options may not work as well as others. Check the forum for issues and how to resolve or avoid them Scanner Programming Software | RadioReference.com Forums

Here's some good information on WIN500. Please note that this is an old page and you might get some warnings when you attempt to open it. Mostly that's just because it's an old page that hasn't been updated to reflect the new browsers that expect all sites to use HTTPS and other features. This site also has an expired certificate so you may see warnings about that as well. https://utahradio.org/mediawiki/index.php/WIN500

Please note that you'll need the correct programming cable for your scanner. This cable will have a DB-9 for you to attach to your computer's RS-232 Serial Port (true, most newer computers no longer have these) and a 1/8" stereo audio plug to attach to the scanner. Some will also have a mono to stereo adapter, but those are only needed for the very old scanners. Whistler may have the necessary cable if you don't have it. Now, to fix the RS-232 Serial Port issue. You can get a USB to RS-232 adapter if required. Be aware that many are available on eBay and may use chips that are no longer supported by the driver software. Those that use the FTDI chipset generally are the easiest to get working. Quality is important here since you might need to talk to a human to work through the installation and setup issues. The cheap imports on eBay will probably let you down on that part so you'll be on your own resolving any issues.

Here's the link to the RR Wiki for the Pro-197 Pro-197 - The RadioReference Wiki. That will give you some information on the scanner.

There is software out there that will program the Pro-197 quite nicely. All of it is old, just like the radio, but work well for what they do. They all do basically the same thing, just in slightly different ways so the choice isn't really "which is best" it's more like "which works closest to how I do". The RR Wiki page for programming them is Getting Started with your GRE/RS Object Oriented Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki and there are links to the three main software packages (sorry, they're all Windows based) near the end of the page. Note, they may be links to the user's guides but using the information on them you can easily search for the software using their name(s) in your favorite search engine. I use WIN500 so I have that URL saved and here it is Win500: WS1040, WS1065, PSR-500, PSR-600, PRO-651, PRO-652, PRO-106, PRO-197, PSR-310, PSR-410 Scanner Software for Data Management, Monitoring, and Control (starrsoft.com)

Be aware that all 3 are full versions of the software but have a 30 day expiration built in. To use them for longer you'll need to purchase the registration key and enter that into the software (instructions are in the user's guides). Since they're old, there are quirks on registering that you may have to battle. Basically the makers have moved on to other things since scanner programming software isn't as profitable anymore so they no longer monitor the sites closely. Also, some of the purchase options may not work as well as others. Check the forum for issues and how to resolve or avoid them Scanner Programming Software | RadioReference.com Forums

Here's some good information on WIN500. Please note that this is an old page and you might get some warnings when you attempt to open it. Mostly that's just because it's an old page that hasn't been updated to reflect the new browsers that expect all sites to use HTTPS and other features. This site also has an expired certificate so you may see warnings about that as well. https://utahradio.org/mediawiki/index.php/WIN500

Please note that you'll need the correct programming cable for your scanner. This cable will have a DB-9 for you to attach to your computer's RS-232 Serial Port (true, most newer computers no longer have these) and a 1/8" stereo audio plug to attach to the scanner. Some will also have a mono to stereo adapter, but those are only needed for the very old scanners. Whistler may have the necessary cable if you don't have it. Now, to fix the RS-232 Serial Port issue. You can get a USB to RS-232 adapter if required. Be aware that many are available on eBay and may use chips that are no longer supported by the driver software. Those that use the FTDI chipset generally are the easiest to get working. Quality is important here since you might need to talk to a human to work through the installation and setup issues. The cheap imports on eBay will probably let you down on that part so you'll be on your own resolving any issues.

N5IMS thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. This stuff drives me crazy at times
Thanks again WD8TJM

i have and love my 197. i use the Butel Software ARC500 Pro to program it.
https://www.butel.nl/

Thanks you for your info, Tom

I'm up in Bay county, can do it Done several out that way, most before the Ingham switch over, piece a cake!

One big issue is you have multiple tower(simulcast) and whistlers do lousy at best. Unless you're say 1-1/2 miles or less from a tower, expect no reception to very garbled audio.
Tower locations, click the four items under Site FCC licenses: Ingham County Simulcast Site Details (Michigan's Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS))

See WS1040/WS1065 vs Simulcast 800

Unidens do better in these situations, recommended-
Uniden model’s that are digital, prices lowest to highest:
996P2, 325P2, 436HP, 536HP, SDS 100, SDS 200.
The SDS models are expensive, but work flawlessly in counties as yours with multiple towers.

I sent you a message here, look the upper right, just under the ad.

Thank you for your info, I guess that’s why the guy
that was going to program it said the scanner is to
Old due to the simulcast. Thanks again Tom

I have ARC500 Basic for my Pro-197 and find it very fast and easy to use.

I had a guy that was going to program the scanner
But he said it is to old I guess cause of the
Simulcast. Not sure
Thanks Tom

20-047 is the Radio shack part number for the PRO-197 USB programming cable. The Whistler part number is PCIF01. I have both and have used them on my 197 with no issues.

Thanks for the info you and everyone have been so
Helpful. Thank You Tom

 

[tomolds]

20-047 is the Radio shack part number for the PRO-197 USB programming cable. The Whistler part number is PCIF01. I have both and have used them on my 197 with no issues.

i have and love my 197. i use the Butel Software ARC500 Pro to program it.
https://www.butel.nl/

Thank You

I'm up in Bay county, can do it Done several out that way, most before the Ingham switch over, piece a cake!

One big issue is you have multiple tower(simulcast) and whistlers do lousy at best. Unless you're say 1-1/2 miles or less from a tower, expect no reception to very garbled audio.
Tower locations, click the four items under Site FCC licenses: Ingham County Simulcast Site Details (Michigan's Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS))

See WS1040/WS1065 vs Simulcast 800

Unidens do better in these situations, recommended-
Uniden model’s that are digital, prices lowest to highest:
996P2, 325P2, 436HP, 536HP, SDS 100, SDS 200.
The SDS models are expensive, but work flawlessly in counties as yours with multiple towers.

I sent you a message here, look the upper right, just under the ad.

Thanks

 

[tvengr]

I had a guy that was going to program the scanner
But he said it is to old I guess cause of the
Simulcast. Not sure
Thanks Tom

I created an ARC500 file for you to determine if you are able to receive the 2 Eaton County sites and the Ingham County site on the MPSCS statewide trunked system. If you are able to receive these talkgroups OK, you will be in good shape to receive all of the others for Eaton and Ingham Counties. This will answer the question if simulcast distortion is a problem for the Pro-197 at your location. Once you have a cable, install the driver. Then, download and Install Butel ARC500 Basic or Pro software for the free trial period. Connect your scanner to your computer with the cable. Save the attached zipped file to your computer and extract. Open the extracted file with ARC500. Go to the Scanner tab and Upload to Scanner. You will be able to select a site or sites by enabling or disabling scan lists 1, 2, and 3. Scan lists as follows:

SCAN LISTS:
1. MPSCS Dimondale (Eaton County)
2. MPSCS Eaton Co
3. MPSCS Ingham Co

 

[tomolds]

I created an ARC500 file for you to determine if you are able to receive the 2 Eaton County sites and the Ingham County site on the MPSCS statewide trunked system. If you are able to receive these talkgroups OK, you will be in good shape to receive all of the others for Eaton and Ingham Counties. This will answer the question if simulcast distortion is a problem for the Pro-197 at your location. Once you have a cable, install the driver. Then, download and Install Butel ARC500 Basic or Pro software for the free trial period. Connect your scanner to your computer with the cable. Save the attached zipped file to your computer and extract. Open the extracted file with ARC500. Go to the Scanner tab and Upload to Scanner. You will be able to select a site or sites by enabling or disabling scan lists 1, 2, and 3. Scan lists as follows:

SCAN LISTS:
1. MPSCS Dimondale (Eaton County)
2. MPSCS Eaton Co
3. MPSCS Ingham Co

Thanks for the info I will try and get it in a day or two, are u in Michigan
Thanks again

 

[Ronaldski]

I'm in Michigan as mentioned above.

While he setup a file for the whistler, dont hold your breath it works due to the above mentioned simulcast issues with whistlers in my message 4.
Other thing to try is turning on the attenuator at least for Ingham. Real world what I've seen this way it doesn't help, but its worth a try.
Look at

Under tvengr Icon says, Location Baltimore County, MD

 

[tvengr]

Thanks for the info I will try and get it in a day or two, are u in Michigan
Thanks again

No, I am not in Michigan. Ronaldski is. He is correct that you may have simulcast problems with the Pro-197. With the file, you will be able to determine which sites work at your location, if any.