Scanner Computer Interface

[ffjwhite]

I am looking for a brand of scanner and Software that I can control and interface with my Mobile Computer. I just need to know what kind of software I need and what kind of Scanner I need. I also have some Motorola CDM's that I would like to also interface. If anyone has anything please let me know. Thanks

 

[ka3jjz]

Hi ffj - I'm hoping here that you mean scanning radios and not other kinds of scanners, such as document scanners. Those are a completely different animal.

Note that anything in blue is a link of one kind or another...

To start, I would read the Scanning 101 article linked below - this will get you introduced into the scanning world and exposed to some of the terms and concepts...

Scanning 101 - The RadioReference Wiki

Bombay NY is in Franklin County - we have an online database for that area, and there's a website with its own listing of information. Even if you don't understand this yet, bookmark them for future reference...

Franklin County, New York (NY) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

NF2G - New York

Understanding what is in your area is critical to buying the right scanner for the right application. Unless you are interested in hearing the power company, it looks like an analog trunktracker or even a simple conventional scanner will do very well. However, I would investigate further in our NY forum, as you may find folks local to you to give you better information...

New York Radio Discussion Forum - The RadioReference.com Forums

Most all scanners these days can interface with a PC via a USB connection (with a few exceptions, this has to be bought seperately) and the proper software. When you choose the scanner you wish to use, you will also know which software is compatible with it (there are some links in the Scanning 101 article for this). If your mobile computer is running Windows XP, Vista or Win7 and has a USB connection free, chances are it will work just fine for programming - and, depending on the model, controlling - a scanner.

And for Motorola questions please see our Motorola forum...

Motorola Forum - The RadioReference.com Forums

73 (best regards) Mike

 

[ffjwhite]

Ok, thanks for the reply. Yes I am talking about two way radio Scanners. I was looking at the Uniden BCT15X for a scanner. It says I will do PC control and programming. Now i just need to find the Software. I know about the online scanner cause I am the Feed Provider for that Channel. I am using just a Basic Radio Shack Pro scanner for that, but I want to control the scanner in my car. I will check out those links. Thanks.

 

[ka3jjz]

Then check out Freescan, which is mentioned in the Scanning 101 article. The new version of BCtool also supports this radio, however it was just re-released after a major rewrite, and is still (from all accounts) somewhat buggy...73 Mike

 

[ampulman]

For someone who is (relatively?) new to scanning, the first order of business would be to learn the 'nuts 'n bolts' of that particular unit.

Once, having done this, it would appear to me to be easier to push the buttons of a properly mounted unit, rather than trying to type/mouse a computer while driving.

I personally have no problem operating my unmounted 396T manually, mostly with one hand, with little attention, while driving on the highway with the other.