anyone using FreeScan?

[cacherjoe]

Hey,

Just getting back into scanning after MANY years. Technology has changed a bit. I don't have a scanner as of yet, but am looking to purchase a Uniden 996tx and have began building the database using FreeScan. I'm not sure that I have the Moncton Trunked system set up properly, of course without a scanner to test it on, I can't be sure.

My problem is that there seems to be more information in the RR database than FreeScan asks for. Does anyone perhaps have this set up and can provide some screen shots to see if I'm on the right track?

j

 

[neondesert]

Welcome to RR cacherjoe!

I use FreeScan with a BCT15X and it works great.

Might I suggest checking out the Wiki page (which is basically the user guide for FreeScan) so that you'll have a bit of a head start on using the program before you get your scanner. FreeScan User Guide - The RadioReference Wiki

Once you purchase your scanner if you still have problems setting up the database, I'm sure someone with a 996XT would be happy to help you.

 

[hfxChris]

catcherjoe,
I'm attaching my Moncton Freescan file. It's zipped, so you will have to use something like WInZip to extract the file within.
I don't live in Moncton myself, I live in Halifax, but this is the configuration file I load up every time I travel to Moncton. So obviously I can't give you too much detailed local information, but this config file has worked flawlessly for me! At the very least it should be a good starting point.
The two systems were assigned system quick keys (1 for the conventional stuff and 2 for the Moncton trunked system), but you will have to assign group quick keys the groups (if you want), as I did not do that. I'll direct you to the "Easier to read" manual for the BCD996XT for more information on group and system quick keys:
Easier to Read BCD996XT Digital Scanner Manual

Also as somebody who owns the BCD996XT I can say it's an awesome scanner.

Welcome back to the hobby

 

[cacherjoe]

Thanks Chris,

That's exactly what I was looking for. With just a quick look, I think I had it right.

 

[NSParamedic]

catcherjoe,
I'm attaching my Moncton Freescan file. It's zipped, so you will have to use something like WInZip to extract the file within.
I don't live in Moncton myself, I live in Halifax, but this is the configuration file I load up every time I travel to Moncton. So obviously I can't give you too much detailed local information, but this config file has worked flawlessly for me! At the very least it should be a good starting point.
The two systems were assigned system quick keys (1 for the conventional stuff and 2 for the Moncton trunked system), but you will have to assign group quick keys the groups (if you want), as I did not do that. I'll direct you to the "Easier to read" manual for the BCD996XT for more information on group and system quick keys:
Easier to Read BCD996XT Digital Scanner Manual

Also as somebody who owns the BCD996XT I can say it's an awesome scanner.

Welcome back to the hobby

hfxChris. Do you have a file set up for Nova Scotia with all of the towers? I am looking to buy a BCD396XT but I am looking for someone who knows how to program all of the towers and talkgroups for HRP, EHS, RCMP ect.

Thanks.

NSParamedic

 

[Gator596]

Cacherjoe said, "My problem is that there seems to be more information in the RR database than FreeScan asks for"
You may want to try checking/unchecking the "Simple view" box in Freescan. Doing so gives you a place to input NACs which are kind of like PL tones.
Welcome back to scanning!
Good luck with the 996 - I have it's little brother the 396xt. They are complicated at first but it is worth the climb up the learning curve!

 

[hfxChris]

hfxChris. Do you have a file set up for Nova Scotia with all of the towers? I am looking to buy a BCD396XT but I am looking for someone who knows how to program all of the towers and talkgroups for HRP, EHS, RCMP ect.

Thanks.

NSParamedic

I'd say go for it, get the BCD396XT, and we can help you out with the programming. I can probably put together a 'bare bones' Freescan config file for you, and you can tweak it / add to it as you see fit.

 

[cacherjoe]

Finally made a decision. I ordered an HP-1 from Scanner Masters and am going to use ARC Patrol. Can't wait for it to be delivered.

J

 

[rwier]

Finally made a decision. I ordered an HP-1 from Scanner Masters and am going to use ARC Patrol. Can't wait for it to be delivered.

J

I think if you are planning on getting the Extreme Upgrade (you do that through Uniden after you get your radio) for an additional $100 USD (well worth it, in my opinion), you won't need the ARC Patrol. I think I got that right, but I am enjoying some industrial grade Margaritas, lol.

 

[cacherjoe]

I'm going to go ahead and get the extreme update. I still am going to use ARC Patrol however. One of the thinks I like about scanning is building a database of the various frequencies used. Never know when they come in handy, and it passes the time.

J

 

[scruggsy]

I thought the HP-1 didn't require anything more than the occasional updates to the already installed national database that it has on the 2gb msd card, one of it's biggest selling points is not having to program it!

 

[cacherjoe]

For the most part you are right. The updates come from the RR database, sent to Uniden then pushed out for people to update. For me it is more than listening. Also not all the frequencies are in the database. Much of the updates come from people like us, submitting frequencies we know of, or find. Personally I have submitted 10 or so in the last while, all of which are now in the database and if not yet, will soon be pushed out to the HP-1 database.

So in short, for most the biggest selling point is that you don't need to program. For some, like me, it's an excellent radio that still allows me to do what I like.

The 2 Gig card is for adding your favourite files and recording audio. The database is contained on the internal memory of the radio.

J

 

[cacherjoe]

With respect to my last posting, I was incorrect. The database does reside on the card. After some research it appears that the database is only about 30.5Mb. Also some have indicated that the unit will handle upwards to an 8Gb card.

Just got notification that my HP-1 has shipped, can't wait to get playing with it.

J