Trunking with my laptop and BCT396D.

[EFjohnsonVHF]

Hello all, I was wondering if there is any FREE programs that I could use to connect my scanner to my COMPAQ laptop to monitor the activity on my computer screen, To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what I'm talking about, I just know I have seen it before, and it looks cool, So I want it.

#114

 

[ka3jjz]

Before you jump into anything make sure you can connect the scanner - I assume from your sig, either a BC250 or 396 - to the laptop. I'm going to bet you're going to need a USB converter, since most newer laptops don't have serial ports. I'm sure some folks here can recommend brand(s) that work for them.

As to software, there are actually a few free programs - altho some of them are written in TCL/TK. IDTracker - which has 2 versions, incidentally - one for the 250, the other for the 396 - has been around for a long time. A new kid on the block - BCTool - I think doesn't work with trunking yet, but is developing nicely (it's beta software, so 3 words apply - backup, backup, backup).

You can find the links to these and more in our wiki articles for both scanners;

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BC250D

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD396T

73s Mike

 

[UPMan]

The free Uniden software for the BCD396T will also display a "Virtual Scanner."

 

[EFjohnsonVHF]

I don't have the cable adapter, and I don't have the money right now to get one, So I am S.O.L for now.