Bought RS Pro-528 for $50 today...worth it?

[raisindot]

Hi, folks.

I already have a GRE PRS-500 as my "main" scanner, but was wandering around my local Shack today and saw a brand new Pro-528 for $50. Bought it as a no brainer that I can use as a 'second' scanner for whatever reason. Of course, if you said you found one new for a lot less than $50 I'd be kinda pi**ed.

I haven't opened it yet, and may return, but wanted to get your opinions on it. I know it doesn't have alpha tagging (which is kind of a pain), but I can sort of live without it. How do/did you find performance overall? I'm probably more likely to use it for conventional frequencies than trunking, but would like to hear your comments in any case.

And I'm not sure which programming software works with it--looks like none of Don Starr's programs support it. Is there anything free out there, or anything that I can use for a 30-day trial period?

Also, will I be able to use the same USB-PC interface cable that came with my PSR-500? I really don't want have to go through a serial connecton if I don't have to.

Thanks!

Suzie

 

[Bucko]

I use ARC433 for the Pro 528 myself which works with the 433 and 2051 as well. For the interface cable I use the 20-047 from Rad Shack, I don't know about the cable that came with your 500 for I don't own one.The 528 is a Uniden built scanner and for $50 you can't go wrong with that considering I bought mine on sale for $149. It has very good selectivity and the gain is very good also compared to some of my other hand held scanners. Draw back like you said no alpha tags, no PL and no Mil Air but for a basic conventional its an okay scanner but opinions will vary I am sure.

 

[raisindot]

Thanks. Downloaded the software. Turns out it did work with my PSR500 USB cable.

Didn't like the software all that much. I'm a Don Starr loyalist, and find his easier to use. But it does work. Gotta figure out now how to transfer my trunking information from Win500 to this software.

Definitely would say at first glance that the 528 was worth $50---and no more. It doesn't bring in conventionals as well as the PSR500, regardless of which antenna I use, and the audio is rather tinny. And I do miss the alpha tags. But for what is is, it's fine.

Suzie

 

[sffire]

Has Radio Shack discontinued the Pro-528 also?

 

[Caesar]

Has Radio Shack discontinued the Pro-528 also?

yes....