Use of computer programs while scanning

[kmacka]

I just wanted to start a thread to find out what computer programs people use most while scanning. Alot of people have a computer in their "shack", what programs do you guys use while listening. I sometimes use google maps, google earth, mapquest, acarsd, pcr-100, etc. Let me know what else are good tools to use while scanning.

 

[justinnmr]

Google Earth, Firefox (to dispatch alerts through 1st Responder Wireless), and Notepad (to take notes on radio activity for 1st Responder)

 

[ampulman]

Being connected to the Internet allows me to check the FCC database for info on new-found frequencies, etc.

I will also refer frequently to .PDF documents (and others) either online, or stored on my computer. An example: During the recent manhunt for a bank robber in NJ, a file was useful in determining which talkgroups belonged to which troop (there are 3 main troops, each broadcasting through multiple sites).

Recently, I have been using Google Earth to plot my home and each system that I monitor, with its respective sites. I have determined the bearing to each site (using a protractor on screen -- a little crude, I admit) and included the bearing in the site description.

I'm doing this as I plan to have a directional (rotor) antenna someday.

AM

 

[padre29]

Vox Recorder, a free program that allows one to record the action in real time for listening later. It's nice for leavig a scanner on unattended to monitor odd ball channels.

 

[bonus1331]

Unitrunker and 396AVC

 

[gmclam]

I am logging what I hear; and have a couple of text documents open to keep track. I match that up with several pages of RR I have open; one to check FCC listings, one to check "found data" and one for the county I am interested in.

If there is a major incident someplace I am not familiar with; I'll open up StreetAtlasUSA or perhaps a TOPO! map. Every now and then I might have to check a law or code document.

 

[acarsnut]

airnav acars decoder,t4win [yes I still use this] pc-hfdl for hf type acars,Scan rec for recording mostly when the space shuttle goes up.And the internet for this great web site!!

 

[brandon]

I use lots of software for scanning stuff

• ProScan: for remote control of my San Diego County based radio
• UniTrunker: to decode and watch trunking activity
• Notepad: for taking notes/freq logs; I also use the sticky note utility in Windows Vista
• Google Maps: for following pursuits and looking at locations of brush fires
• BuTel ARC250/996/246: programming the Unidens
• Starrsoft Win92/93/96: for programming the RadioShacks
• ScanRec: to record pursuits and other major incidents
• Winamp/IceCast: to listen to my PRO-60 parked on a stringer freq and be notified of incidents that I can monitor using my ProScan link
• TrunkPCR: to control my Icom PCR-1000
• PC-HFDL: decoding HF ACARS transmissions
• TeamSpeak Client: for listening to SBN feeds during breaking news events
• SMC EZ-Stream Device: to monitor various scanner feeds without the need for a PC
• DVB Dream: for watching FTA satellite feeds on my Twinhan PCI card

 

[BaLa]

Streets and Trips is a pretty good mapping program also.

 

[mandlair]

Hi,all with the recent updates to ID TRACKER II that what I have been using the most lately.And butel I use them both with my 396 among numerous programs on the internet. Mike

 

[LordJ]

Nothing special, same as everyone else really... My Butel Arc996pro, Firefox (usually for reverse address lookup if I need it, otherwise reading newsgroups, general surfing) and the odd time MS Streets & Trips. Google maps doesn't have clear shots of my area...

 

[hypersight]

Scanner Recorder