WS1040: Trial by fire

[turbo4x4]

So, I received a new Whistler WS-1040 for Christmas. My wife purchased this for me at my request, in spite of my reluctance due to the reviews which overwhelmingly targeted significant programming difficulties.
The reviews weren’t wrong! After 3 days of relentless trial and error, I finally succeeded in getting all the conventional frequencies correctly programmed into the correct scan list. I did take advantage of the radio reference programming assistance, and I’m glad I did.
I figure in about 6 months or so, I’ll be ready to make my first foray into trunking systems and talk groups👍. That's OK... This definitely will keep the mind both challenged and young! (It also helps to keep a glass of Cabernet close by)!
KI6ROB

 

[trentbob]

So, I received a new Whistler WS-1040 for Christmas. My wife purchased this for me at my request, in spite of my reluctance due to the reviews which overwhelmingly targeted significant programming difficulties.
The reviews weren’t wrong! After 3 days of relentless trial and error, I finally succeeded in getting all the conventional frequencies correctly programmed into the correct scan list. I did take advantage of the radio reference programming assistance, and I’m glad I did.
I figure in about 6 months or so, I’ll be ready to make my first foray into trunking systems and talk groups👍. That's OK... This definitely will keep the mind both challenged and young! (It also helps to keep a glass of Cabernet close by)!
KI6ROB

Hey Rob, a thoughtful gift from your wife, this is a classic Radio that came out in 2007 from GRE and rebranded by RadioShack. When GRE went out of business due to domestic domain issues with China... It was bought by the radar detector company. There is so much information out there as I'm sure you know on how to program this radio. So many threads.

I'm going to make a prediction. You will keep picking it up and reading threads which will always include the easier to read guide.

Although you've been a member for a long time... but because this is your first post, expected a delay in your replies, as you're being moderated.

If you're into the hobby and active, as you read, it will hit you like a brick and you'll have it down pat.

A tip, replace one of those cabernets with a Jack Daniels double LOL. Good luck... Let your wife know what a great gift... Bob, W3BUX... 73s.

 

[turbo4x4]

Thanks for the feedback, Bob. It’s been a long time since I owned a dedicated scanner, so none were capable of internet data base programming. I’ve had my share of ham radios, but always programmed these manually.

This site and it’s members have been incredibly helpful. I’ve got a long way to go, but looking forward to the challenge.

Thanks Bob
KI6ROB
73’s

 

[jaspence]

Before you tackle the next level, consider one of the software packages. I use the ARC500 from Butel, and there are a couple of others out there, all with free trial periods. Trunking and P25 is another world from conventional.

 

[turbo4x4]

Thanks Jaspence.
I did purchase the premium subscription from radioreference.com and the ARC500 Software. But, since I’m the average guy, I don’t read the instructions until after I’m knee deep in no-no land 😳. Amazingly... the instructions helped!
Getting there slowly but surely. Since I'm retired, time is irrelevant 👍.
Thanks again
Bob
KI6ROB

 

[jaspence]

Good luck! I have had my Radio Shack version since the year it was introduced. Right now it is on loan and going strong.

 

[Nascar18]

Bob, This site will help you.

Easier to Read Pro-651/652/106/197 - WS1040/1065 - PSR 500/600 Digital Scanner Manual

 

[turbo4x4]

Thank you, Nascar18👍