Best Software Available

[gelwell]

I am sure this question has been answered here many times before, but what software package would you recommend for a BC246T. I am thinking about switching from my RadioShack radios to a Uniden, so I am relatively new to the software end. I appreciate any input.

 

[rdale]

All of the software packages come with a free trial, so what's best for me is likely not what's best for you and your best bet is to just check them out...

 

[gelwell]

All of the software packages come with a free trial, so what's best for me is likely not what's best for you and your best bet is to just check them out...

Well I was actually inquiring more along the lines of functionality. Does one software program have advantages over another. Better yet, what exactly is available. I have seen Uniden's software, but it seems quite expensive. I have also seen ARC246. I would just like some first hand input.

Thank You

 

[oregontreehugger]

I think you'll find a lot of people using Butel's "ARC246" software and Uniden's "UASD" software for programming the BC246T.

You can try both demo versions; available at www.butel.nl and www.uniden.com .

I've tried both and they each have their strengths and weaknesses. As far as the BC246T is concerned, it's a great radio and a purchase I have not regretted one bit.

Since I am building my database in Excel, I will probably opt for purchasing Butel's software, which seems to have more spreadsheet-type functions.

There is also a new digital radio due out this year, the Uniden BC396, which has a lot of the same features, plus some extras.

 

[Voyager]

I am sure this question has been answered here many times before, but what software package would you recommend for a BC246T. I am thinking about switching from my RadioShack radios to a Uniden, so I am relatively new to the software end. I appreciate any input.

I find that the UASD does everything I need it to do - it programs the scanner.

If you want to use it for logging/PC control, ARC246T may be better for you. I use my scanner purely as a portable scanner - not connected to the PC for long - so I can't say for certain which is better for that function.

Joe M.

 

[gelwell]

I am sure this question has been answered here many times before, but what software package would you recommend for a BC246T. I am thinking about switching from my RadioShack radios to a Uniden, so I am relatively new to the software end. I appreciate any input.

I find that the UASD does everything I need it to do - it programs the scanner.

If you want to use it for logging/PC control, ARC246T may be better for you. I use my scanner purely as a portable scanner - not connected to the PC for long - so I can't say for certain which is better for that function.

Joe M.

Is UASD free, or is there a charge? I wasn't sure if it came with the scanner or not?

 

[Dubbin]

No its not free. Make sure you check out ARC246T first. Its a much better program.

 

[Voyager]

I am sure this question has been answered here many times before, but what software package would you recommend for a BC246T. I am thinking about switching from my RadioShack radios to a Uniden, so I am relatively new to the software end. I appreciate any input.

I find that the UASD does everything I need it to do - it programs the scanner.

If you want to use it for logging/PC control, ARC246T may be better for you. I use my scanner purely as a portable scanner - not connected to the PC for long - so I can't say for certain which is better for that function.

Joe M.

Is UASD free, or is there a charge? I wasn't sure if it came with the scanner or not?

It's not free to register, but it is less expensive than ARC246T, and both are DL-able via the internet. UASD is restricted in that you can only UL four systems to the scanner. ARC246T demo is time limited as well as being limited to a 5-system upload.

Try them both - don't be coerced into any program on the word of others - they may not be using it for the same things you are. Like Rob said, and I mentioned above try them all for yourself and make up your own mind. There is no program that is far superior to any other for the BCD246T (despite wha tsome people say). What works for someone else may not work as well for you. As I said, for what I do, UASD works fine. ARC246T would have just been throwing money away for features I would never use. Your needs may be like mine, or you may want the extra features ARC246T offers. Nobody but you can say for certain.

Info on UASD may be found on the BC246T Yahoo group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BC246T/
or on the Uniden site:
http://www.uniden.com/product.cfm?product=BC246TUASD
with purchase info here:
http://www.uniden.com/store/itemdetail.cfm?item=BC246TUASD

You can also read a lot about ARC246T on the ARC246T Yahoo group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arc246t/
or on the Butel web site:
http://www.butel.nl/bc246t/bc246t_software.html
(That URL may force you back to the main page)

Joe M.

 

[gelwell]

UASD Full vs. ARC246 Full

I am guessing that both of these are unrestricted on how many systems you can have if you decide to pay for the full versions?

 

[Voyager]

Re: UASD Full vs. ARC246 Full

I am guessing that both of these are unrestricted on how many systems you can have if you decide to pay for the full versions?

Correct - only limited by the scanner limit (200) or scanner memory (which you will likely run out of first).

Joe M.

 

[gelwell]

Scancat

Has anyone used the software called Scancat before for the 246?

http://www.scancat.com

I saw it on a website and was curious. I see all of these cost about the same, but do have demos. Does the Uniden software just allow you to purchase a key to unlock the software?

 

[Butelsoftware]

Does the Uniden software just allow you to purchase a key to unlock the software?

For ARC246 you can also purchase a key to unlock at our US distributor ScannerMaster. All other US ARC246 dealers sell ARC246 CDroms, dealerlist at http://www.butel.nl/dealer.html .

Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com