ARC396 Virtual Control

[KT4HX]

The latest version of ARC396 beta now has virtual control - which is great. Even when you minimize the main window it leaves a small display window on your desktop (which you can move where you want it) so you can continue to monitor the display while working on other things. Very easy to use and and keep logs with. Gommert also fixed some known RRDB import quirks that I had myself experienced. Looking forward to the full blown version once it's released. I know many people are using the free Uniden software, but I have always been a fan of Butel's products and their customer service, therefore that is the route I went. Just a personal preference.

 

[Voyager]

The latest version of ARC396 beta now has virtual control - which is great. Even when you minimize the main window it leaves a small display window on your desktop (which you can move where you want it) so you can continue to monitor the display while working on other things. Very easy to use and and keep logs with. Gommert also fixed some known RRDB import quirks that I had myself experienced. Looking forward to the full blown version once it's released. I know many people are using the free Uniden software, but I have always been a fan of Butel's products and their customer service, therefore that is the route I went. Just a personal preference.

How does it compare to AVC396?

Joe M.

 

[KT4HX]

I hadn't tried AVC396 until just now. There are some similarities and differences of course. One thing I note is that AVC396 has record capability and ARC396 does not. Also, in the logging function, AVC396 provides more info, for example, it shows each hit as a separate line item with start and end times for each. ARC396 only shows each ID once and increments the "hit" count upward. When a new hit happens on a previously logged ID, it is moved to the top of the log page and the counter increments, and the time of logging is only applicable for the last hit. Whereas, you can see the time of each and every hit with AVC396. Another thing I noted about the logging functions is that ARC396 provides separate columns for tones and IDs, whereas, AVC396 combines these items into one column.

The AVC396 console has more buttons (for example it has "G" (group) buttons, than does ARC396. As I mentioned, one thing I like about ARC396 is that even when you minimize the main VC window, it leaves a small "screen display" window on the desktop so you can effectively watch the screen of your 396 without glancing at your scanner.

While I haven't compared every functionality, I would have to say just on the surface that AVC396 seems more detailed and robust. Others who have tried both might have additional comments. Since I personally don't utilize virtual control that much (and don't truly need the record function), I find that the ARC396 version is fine for me. Which I guess is good, since I pre-ordered ARC396, which gave me access to the beta version. That being said, I certainly will continue to play with the AVC396 product as well.

 

[mwjones]

Keep in mind that ARC396 is still very much a beta. The release version of ARC396PRO will include the recording capibilities.

I have used ARC250/ARC250PRO for a few years, and will attest that nothing that I saw ever came close to what Gommert put out. I suspect that ARC396 will meet or exceed every expectation when it is complete.

 

[tennesseefreq]

Also keep in mind that AVC396 is FREE!!!!

 

[mwjones]

AVC396 may be free, but, like I was always told, "the best things in life are not always free".

When I bought my 250 a few years ago, I tried a freeware product (don't remember what it was, used an Excel spreadsheet to load data). It barely worked.

I then tried a shareware product, it didn't work at all.

I then heard about and tried ARC250 Basic. I liked it so much that I bought it. Last year I upgraded to ARC250 Pro.

I'm not saying that AVC396 is a bad product, I'm saying that when compared to the features that Gommert has put in previous products, you will find ARC396 will be one tough all-around challenger.

AVC396 is Virtual Control only. Granted, you get Uniden's tool for programming the radio, but again, it's two products.

Again, ARC396 is a beta product, and is not release ready. Gommert is adding elements one at a time, and letting the beta testers break it. In the .800 beta that is currently out, a number of issues have been identified, and I presume that Gommert will have them fixed in the next beta. Once that functionality is good, another couple of features will be added and so on.

Given time, I suspect you will find many users switching to ARC396 with it's advanced features.

 

[Voyager]

AVC396 may be free, but, like I was always told, "the best things in life are not always free".

I'm not saying that AVC396 is a bad product, I'm saying that when compared to the features that Gommert has put in previous products, you will find ARC396 will be one tough all-around challenger.

AVC396 is Virtual Control only. Granted, you get Uniden's tool for programming the radio, but again, it's two products.

Given time, I suspect you will find many users switching to ARC396 with it's advanced features.

The best things also are not always the most expensive, either, and unlike Gommert's comments, quality does not require a high price tag (or any).

I wasn't aware you could program and use virtual control at the same time with ARC396. If you can't, what does it matter that UASD and AVC are separate programs since you can't do both at the same time? Usually, anything designed for multiple uses is a compromise. Something dedicated to a particular task can usually do it better.

But, I use the softare to program the scanner. UASD does that quite well, as does 246 UASD. I don't care about virtual control of a portable scanner. I bet most people don't. For those who do, AVC is out there.

Actually, you could edit your files on UASD while using AVC. Can you do that with ARC396?

I doubt your last comment. People who complain about a $500 price tag on a scanner are not likely to spend $70 on a piece of software when they can get the same functionality for free. Even if ARC would have a couple features the others don't, I doubt it would be worth the price. Also, after buying ARC780, I wish there were a UASD version for that scanner. I found so many problems with the basic functionality it wasn't funny. Little things - like correct pasting of copied lines, remembering the bank tags, knowing the difference between up and down, Etc. Or isn't Gommert done beta testing that program, either?

Joe M.

 

[Butelsoftware]

Little things - like correct pasting of copied lines, remembering the bank tags, knowing the difference between up and down, Etc. Or isn't Gommert done beta testing that program, either?

I confirmed to you by email the copy/paste problem and will be fixed in next release, the other things are user settings: the banktags was a setting in the software setup and you can select the up/down button behaviour in the software setup.

Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com

 

[Kirk]

AVC396 may be free, but, like I was always told, "the best things in life are not always free".

Nope, but sometimes they are.

I own the Scanstar software for the Pro-92, yet Win92 is much better.

I own lots of Yaesu software from RT systems, yet Jim Mitchell's "Commander" series of freeware programs are far superior.

I've been using AVC396 for a couple of weeks now, and LOVE it. No bugs (at least not that I've found), outstanding logging, good recorded audio, and a fanstastic user interface.

Yeah, I can't program the radio with it. Big deal. I've already created about 120 or so system files using USAD. It's not my favorite software, but I wouldn't spend $70 for a nicer UI.

 

[KT4HX]

Well I don't think I would spend $70 either. ARC396 is $40, and I like using it. I am just partial to Butel products though its obvious some aren't, and I certainly can't fault anyone for using freebies. In re to ARC396 to AVC396, there are features I like about both over the other. So guess I will just use both at various times - the best of two worlds! As always, to each their own.

 

[Kirk]

Well I don't think I would spend $70 either. ARC396 is $40, and I like using it.

If you want the "pro" version, which provides recording, then it's $70. AVC396 includes recording.

I've never used Butel software, and was actually budgeted to buy it when it came out. I rather like the look of the user interface for programming the scanner. But when Gommert made what I consider some pretty inappropriate remarks on the Yahoo group, I began looking for alternatives.

 

[KT4HX]

Well for me, I don't care so much for recording. I agree, I like the graphical representation of the ARC396. I never hardly check into the Yahoo group so I don't know what comments he made have made. He has always been cordial with me when I have had a reason to contact him. It is good that there are alternatives for everyone's taste. Programming is more of what I use it for than the virtual control (though I like to play with that from time to time).

 

[Voyager]

Little things - like correct pasting of copied lines, remembering the bank tags, knowing the difference between up and down, Etc. Or isn't Gommert done beta testing that program, either?

I confirmed to you by email the copy/paste problem and will be fixed in next release, the other things are user settings: the banktags was a setting in the software setup and you can select the up/down button behaviour in the software setup.

Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com

That's fine. Nobody else had ever found this problem in the years ARC780 has been out? I mean the scanner's replacement has been replaced.

As for the operation of the arrows in the setup, how?

Joe M.

 

[mikewazowski]

Actually, you could edit your files on UASD while using AVC. Can you do that with ARC396?

Sure, using the same method. Fire up another copy of ARC396 and edit away. I don't think it's recommended but it does work.

I'm also partial to the ARC line of software. Features and bug reports are all accepted and acknowledged. The next update quashes the bugs I have found. ScannerMaster and Butel have had a booth at Dayton for the past few years. It's always nice to drop by and see what's up and coming.

I tried one other piece of software and found it blatantly buggy. It was buggy enough that it was unusable. My detailed bug report was dimissed as being not possible since the program was thoroughly beta tested before being released but they would look at it when the next version was released. 6 months later a new version was released and the bugs were fixed. Unfortunately for them, I had moved on to the ARC software line.

To each his own though. If something works for you and the price is right then great. The ARC line has always worked for me (arc780, arc250, arc396).

 

[Butelsoftware]

As for the operation of the arrows in the setup, how?

Setup _ Software Options , General Tab > Reverse Channel Shift buttons

Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com

 

[Butelsoftware]

Sure, using the same method. Fire up another copy of ARC396 and edit away. I don't think it's recommended but it does work.

You can do it this way but the editor and VC can work at the same time.
You can not upload to the scanner and use VC at the same time.

Gommert

 

[brianfoy]

As I mentioned, one thing I like about ARC396 is that even when you minimize the main VC window, it leaves a small "screen display" window on the desktop so you can effectively watch the screen of your 396 without glancing at your scanner.

A quick note about small "screen display":

The Scannerbase AVC396 gives you far more then two window states to choose from. AVC396 users have the option of 7 different display sizes. One can use the little (+) and (-) buttons above the display area to switch between the full, all keys, primary keys, display and hold, display only, display only no chrome, and floating task bar window states.

Brian.

 

[brianfoy]

Again, ARC396 is a beta product, and is not release ready. Gommert is adding elements one at a time...

Gommert,

If this is true and you are still adding features to ARC396 1.0's VC then that is great news for people who actually bought ARC396! I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to see you add some of the most user appreciated features of my free program into your pay software. Heck, I'm a good sport so I'll even furnish you with some user data I've collected.

Based on the collective feedback I've have received on RR, Yahoo Groups and in Email, these are the features that users seem to appreciate most, a "top 5 AVC features list" of you will:

• * Group QK Buttons 1-10
  To me this seemed to be a fundamental feature to include, the user feedback seems to support this.
  
  * Extended Info (*most popular*)
  Go figure right? Back In Nov of 2004 I suggested this feature to you, you expressed an interest and thanked me for the idea, I guess you just haven't got around to implementing it yet. Now may be a good time.
  
  * Quick Search
  A fan favorite with a pile of enhancement requests already suggested. It Seems like users want this one to not only work, but also have advanced options avilable.
  
  * User Selectable Window Sizes/States
  Users seem to like to have a choice of various window sizes (in our case 7) and the ability to drag the smaller windows around with the mouse to position them wherever they want.
  
  * Audio Recording as a "Basic" feature
  From what I gather, users simply do not consider WAV audio recording to be a "Pro" feature any longer. You may want to reconsider your thought processes on only including this in your "Pro" version. My suggestion would be to put WAV audio in basic and give them MP3, WMA, RM etc.. recording options in Pro. If I decide to release a "Pro" version in the future, that is my plan.

That's it, you know, still being in Beta gives you the opportunity to really step up to the plate and play hard ball for your customers, really get some great advanced features into your
1.0 final for them. I'm sure the customers who spent the money for ARC396 will appreciate it, if it at very least, your pay software includes the top 5 features of the free AVC396.

Best of Luck!

Brian.

 

[peepoop]

ICE BURN!!! 6 months later and these features still haven't been added to ARC.

I love AVC's interface and I love ARC's programming features.

I hate ARC's interface and I hate AVC's lack of programming features.

Brian Foy! Any plans to update AVC396 or AVC246 anytime soon? Do you think it'd be pretty easy to merge them into a single product, with an option to select either radio? That'd be less work for you as far as updates are concerned, right?

 

[mancow]

I need some guidance with the record setup.

I have it installed on an HP N1000 series laptop with a USB to serial converter. Everything works fine except the audio recording. I put a mono jumper between the headset out on the 396 and the mic input on the front of the computer. I checked all the audio settings and have the record box set in the software.

No audio is heard through the speakers on the laptop and I get blank recording files.

I'm thinking that I may need to use a stereo 3 ring input instead of mono.

Does this sound right?