EZ Scan while mobile

[tbiggums]

How do people with these "dumbed down" EZ Scan models use them while driving? On my PRO-197, changing scan lists is as simple as pressing a couple of number keys. On my PSR-800, I have to press 10-20 buttons while looking at the menu to do the same thing--not something you want to be doing while driving.

A local agency just converted to Phase II, so I'd be interested in the WS-1095 when it comes out. But I really don't see how any of the EZ Scan models would be very practical to use while driving. What do people with these EZ Scan models do while driving? Is there something I'm missing?

And the Uniden scanners aren't an option, cause they can't even follow P25 trunked system talkgroup patches. That's a capability I can't live without.

 

[torontokris]

True your right, some people use scansets etc... or program the trip before leaving.

But can your Pro-197 import anywhere in North America from an SD card.. without the use of the internet/software/PC

Unidens have been following P25 patches ever since 2009 BCD396XT and every model since. It was only the earlier 396T/996T and before that did NOT follow patches.

For Uniden Phase 2 you need the BCD436HP BCD536HP HP-2 or upcoming BCD996P2 (thats the P2 not the XT its phase 1)

 

[Blackswan73]

On the "dumbed down" scanners, press menu, down arrow once, then select. This brings up your scanlists. Select the lists you want to scan with the arrows, and select key. The easiest way if your traveling, is simply input city/county, or zipcode

 

[JD21960]

EZScan while mobile

How? Very easily thanks. Menu/scanlists, scroll *fast speed to the one you want and select, menu/start scanning again. I usually do have the one's I need ON when traveling. But It can be done with one hand. I never change it while driving though. I wait till a stop light or when stopped as the police can get you for any "device" distracting you not just a cellphone if you appear to be weaving or a problem to other drivers. I have only 23 scanlists. It's fast and easy to scroll to one of those. All the rest are turned OFF and don't show. I've been scanning since 1975 and adapted to every change in scanning there has been. EZScan controls are not a problem compared to past scanner changes. Changing Crystals in a hurry to catch a chase on ISPERN on my 4 Channel RS hand held was much tougher *when mobile* I like the WS1080 EZScan a lot more than my old Pro96. Glad the Pro197 is working out for you though, what works for you is the best thing.

 

[troymail]

I've been using the PSR800/WS1080 in my vehicle for years and regularly switch scanlists while driving. It's as simple as hit MENU, down arrow one to SCANLISTs, right arrow and then scroll up or down. It's like anything else - once you have done it a few times, you can do it mostly without even looking at the screen (unless you get to the point where you want to enable or disable a given list). Of course, I have mounts for my radios on the dash to make this easier (vs. sitting in cup holders, etc.).

I do like the quick key concept that the PSR500 and even the Uniden's offer. On the PSR500, it's pretty easy given there are only 20 scanlists. On the Uniden, the problem is trying to remember all of the QK settings and it can be difficult sometimes to figure out what is really enabled (even while not driving). Many times I find myself disabling everything one system or site at a time to get to "Nothing to Scan" and then enabling from there.

In either case, some planning goes a long way to simplifying the process while driving.

I do, however, pull over to make system/site adjustments on radios and my laptop, etc. when playing with Pro96Com....:lol:

 

[jaspence]

EZScan

In some states doing any button pushing, whether on a cell phone or other device is distracted driving. The 800 with the V-Scan folders and scanlists allows you to have almost unlimited choices, but the safe driving way is to load them before you start and during rest stops.

 

[tbiggums]

Unidens have been following P25 patches ever since 2009 BCD396XT and every model since. It was only the earlier 396T/996T and before that did NOT follow patches.

That's not correct. Uniden has yet to make a scanner that properly follows patched talkgroups on P25 (9600 bps control channel) systems. Here's a thread on it:
http://forums.radioreference.com/un...9-talkgroup-patches-motorola-p25-systems.html

The newer GRE made units will follow the Motorola "supergroup" or Harris "system-assigned talkgroup ID" method of patching talkgroups together on P25 trunked systems. By "follow" I mean that the radio decodes and understands the patch message sent on the control channel, and only receives the traffic if one or more talkgroups involved in the patch are in your scan list.

It's really frustrating that Uniden won't address this.

 

[torontokris]

my mistake then... back to ezscan while driving

That's not correct. Uniden has yet to make a scanner that properly follows patched talkgroups on P25 (9600 bps control channel) systems. Here's a thread on it:
http://forums.radioreference.com/un...9-talkgroup-patches-motorola-p25-systems.html

The newer GRE made units will follow the Motorola "supergroup" or Harris "system-assigned talkgroup ID" method of patching talkgroups together on P25 trunked systems. By "follow" I mean that the radio decodes and understands the patch message sent on the control channel, and only receives the traffic if one or more talkgroups involved in the patch are in your scan list.

It's really frustrating that Uniden won't address this.

 

[tbiggums]

I've already removed all the 'factory programming' and just programmed my own local stuff in it. So it's not like there are hundreds of scan lists to scroll through in the menu.

But as I drive around, I want to only scan the jurisdiction or district that I'm currently in, so that means changing scan lists as I drive. And having to press at a minimum MENU, DOWN, RIGHT, DOWN (repeat as needed), SEL, DOWN (repeat as needed), SEL, MENU, SEL just to change a scan list isn't convenient at all. Pressing two number keys can do the exact same thing on the PRO-197, and you don't even have to look at the scanner since you can feel your way around the keypad.

If it had a simple serial interface, I could probably make a keypad for it using an Atmel AVR or something similar. But since it's a USB, that's going to be a lot more involved. I don't want to drive around with a PC or a tablet in my vehicle just to operate the scanner...

 

[TAbirdman]

But as I drive around, I want to only scan the jurisdiction or district that I'm currently in, so that means changing scan lists as I drive. And having to press at a minimum MENU, DOWN, RIGHT, DOWN (repeat as needed), SEL, DOWN (repeat as needed), SEL, MENU, SEL just to change a scan list isn't convenient at all. ...

Make a few Scan Sets and it cuts that in half! I have a work set and a home set.

 

[MONITORING247]

my question is why drive while doing this?" stop your vehicle at a location do what you need to do and be on your way. never endanger another driver please we all want to go home to are love ones and with DUI CELL PHONE USE female subjects putting on there face while going to work its a miracle we make it home.

 

[15plus1]

my question is why drive while doing this?" stop your vehicle at a location do what you need to do and be on your way. never endanger another driver please we all want to go home to are love ones and with DUI CELL PHONE USE female subjects putting on there face while going to work its a miracle we make it home.

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