Considering a PSR 800

[ab8sn]

Hey Guys

I'm considering a PSR 800 to play around with (definitely don't need it though lol) and have a couple questions regarding it's operation: (1) Does this unit come with the programming software or do I have to download it? (Looks it might but I want to know for sure) (2) Is it easy to change scanlists while traveling as compared to the 106, 500 & 197? Is the drivers for the programming cable easy to install? Is the reception about the same as the 500 or 106? (I sure hope so since $400+ is a lot to spend) and when using the programming software does it operate like WIN500 since that's what I'm use to?

Thank you all very much in advance and look forward to reading the replys

73s

Chad

 

[N8IAA]

Hey Guys

I'm considering a PSR 800 to play around with (definitely don't need it though lol) and have a couple questions regarding it's operation: (1) Does this unit come with the programming software or do I have to download it? (Looks it might but I want to know for sure) (2) Is it easy to change scanlists while traveling as compared to the 106, 500 & 197? Is the drivers for the programming cable easy to install? Is the reception about the same as the 500 or 106? (I sure hope so since $400+ is a lot to spend) and when using the programming software does it operate like WIN500 since that's what I'm use to?

Thank you all very much in advance and look forward to reading the replys

73s

Chad

1. Yes
2. No
3. If running Window 7, yes.
4. No. It is quite different. DonS did not write EZScan for GRE.
Love my 800 for its digital decoding on 800MHz. The scanner is only missing hit counts, the ease of changing scanlists, and (most important to me) not easy on batteries. The USB cable is also the dc cable if going mobile with it. Thus the no for question 2.
HTH,
Larry

 

[Swipesy]

Hey Guys

I'm considering a PSR 800 to play around with (definitely don't need it though lol) and have a couple questions regarding it's operation: (1) Does this unit come with the programming software or do I have to download it? (Looks it might but I want to know for sure) (2) Is it easy to change scanlists while traveling as compared to the 106, 500 & 197? Is the drivers for the programming cable easy to install? Is the reception about the same as the 500 or 106? (I sure hope so since $400+ is a lot to spend) and when using the programming software does it operate like WIN500 since that's what I'm use to?

Thank you all very much in advance and look forward to reading the replys

73s

Chad

Chad -
1. It comes with the software but once installed you will need to check for upgrades. Easy to do.
2. Depending on number of scanlist you use I would not recommend trying to change list while moving in a vehicle. It is all menu driven and requires eyes off the road to follow menus. Since there is no keypad you must use buttons up, down, sideways.
3. I still use a PSR 500 but from what I have followed on RR the reception of an 800 is equal to or better than the 500/600.
4. The software is nothing like WIN500 or PSREdit. Totally different. I have used the 800 software to mirror my 500 and after a couple hours of playing with it, the 800 software is easy.

John

 

[ab8sn]

Psr 800

1. Yes
2. No
3. If running Window 7, yes.
4. No. It is quite different. DonS did not write EZScan for GRE.
Love my 800 for its digital decoding on 800MHz. The scanner is only missing hit counts, the ease of changing scanlists, and (most important to me) not easy on batteries. The USB cable is also the dc cable if going mobile with it. Thus the no for question 2.
HTH,
Larry

Thanks Larry I appreciate the reply

I'm running Vista on the machine I will be running the software on. Sounds like it will be a challenge then to get it going lol. I kind of figured that with no keypad that changing scanlists on the fly would be almost impossible. Maybe I should pass on this one.

73s & take care

Chad

 

[ab8sn]

Psr 800

Chad -
1. It comes with the software but once installed you will need to check for upgrades. Easy to do.
2. Depending on number of scanlist you use I would not recommend trying to change list while moving in a vehicle. It is all menu driven and requires eyes off the road to follow menus. Since there is no keypad you must use buttons up, down, sideways.
3. I still use a PSR 500 but from what I have followed on RR the reception of an 800 is equal to or better than the 500/600.
4. The software is nothing like WIN500 or PSREdit. Totally different. I have used the 800 software to mirror my 500 and after a couple hours of playing with it, the 800 software is easy.

John

John I appreciate the reply. Sounds like the reception is going to be good, that's a plus. With regards to "mirroring" the programming, that is exactly what I want to do. I guess the copy & paste theory won't work between the programs, bummer lol

73s

Chad

 

[Halfpint]

John I appreciate the reply. Sounds like the reception is going to be good, that's a plus. With regards to "mirroring" the programming, that is exactly what I want to do. I guess the copy & paste theory won't work between the programs, bummer lol

Actually you can use `copy-n-paste' *from* the PSR 500/600 quite a bit with only a few hassles. The *real* problem is that you cannot use it *inside* the EZScan software to do assorted moves or copies in and between the `CDAT'/`VScanners'.

As for making changes `on the go'... *If* you've got the various different `setups' already planned out via `Scansets' and `VScanners' *and* also have your actual travels figured out so that there are `planned!' stops or pauses along the way *or* have a `co-pilot' it's fairly easy. However... Until you finally get your `mind wrapped around' how the software and the scanner works it is *definitely* a bear.

On the subject of batteries... Yeah, rechargeables, even the large capacity NMHs, are problematical `life wise'. *I* have pretty much quite using rechargeables and have switched to using Energizer ULTIMATE Lithium AAs when ever I am not able to supply external power. I've been able to get around a couple week's worth of useage out of a set because I use external power as much as possible when I'm traveling around. (At home it is pretty much *always* `on shore power' so to speak. Also... I can carry *2* complete `backup' Lithium sets easier than I can carry *1* NIMH `backup' set weight wise.) Now... *If* I was going to be `out-n-about' someplace where I couldn't drop into a `local' `drugstore' or `grocery' and pick up some more of the Energizers *and* *could* plug a charger into a lighter or power socket in/on my vehicle I *would* have a couple sets of NIMH rechargeables with me on top of the Energizers. (In cases like that there would probably already be more than just my scanner along using rechargables and I wouldn't be the only one needing the ability to do recharges. IE: *2* teenagers and SWMBO with *their* assorted `toys'! {GRIN!})

Anyway... If you like your 500, or 106, you will definitely like having an 800. Possibly even more since if you have to do a complete `re-program' for some reason or another you have a pretty complete database right there at your `fingertips' and don't need a separate computer with all it's hassles.

 

[robschonk]

The scanner comes with a disk, but you can download the software here:

PSR-800 Software Utility Manager v1.05 - Powered By Kayako SupportSuite

That way you can play with the software to see if you like it, and even have your scanlists and scansets set up before the scanner arrives!

There's a bit of a learning curve involved.

Also, the software is free, and the database updates are free, without having to buy a premium membership here, as you would with many scanners.

 

[ab8sn]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the replys! I think for now I'm just going to hold off on this purchase since I'm very used to the operation of the 106 & 500. I have to resist the urge of money burning my pocket lol

73s

Chad