GRE PSR-500 Post Release Thread

[DonS]

Apparently there is no FM/NAC/Search configuration (or at least the Win500 software does not allow it) like there is for CTCSS and DCS.

When switching between "Squelch Mode" settings, Win500 doesn't change the "Squelch Code" value from whatever it was before the Mode change.

To set "NAC Search", change the Mode to NAC and then type 'S' in the Code field and press Enter. It will be changed to 'Search'.

I'll look into automatically preserving the 'Search' setting when changing between modes (e.g. CTCSS to NAC). The problem is that the value the radio uses for 'Search' differs between Mode values.

 

[BOBRR]

MultiSite Settings Question

Hello:

All my usage is essentially at home. No roaming.

Was wondering about the Multisite settings:

The manual says: "The STAT(ionary) setting is ideal for those times when you are not
moving and are within range of more than one tower site, as it will allow you to monitor traffic from any tower that you are within range of."

So, why is the Default set to OFF ?

Wouldn't the STAT setting be the "best" for any non-roaming user, all of the time ?

Seems there are apparently some negatives to using STAT ?
(I have no idea what towers I may, or may not, be in range of from my location)

Can anyone explain the advantages and disadvantages for a non-roamer
between the OFF and Stationarysettings usage ?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[DonS]

All my usage is essentially at home. No roaming.

Was wondering about the Multisite settings:

The manual says: "The STAT(ionary) setting is ideal for those times when you are not
moving and are within range of more than one tower site, as it will allow you to monitor traffic from any tower that you are within range of."

So, why is the Default set to OFF ?

Wouldn't the STAT setting be the "best" for any non-roaming user, all of the time ?

Seems there are apparently some negatives to using STAT ?
(I have no idea what towers I may, or may not, be in range of from my location)

Can anyone explain the advantages and disadvantages for a non-roamer
between the OFF and Stationarysettings usage ?

With MultiSite = OFF, the radio looks through the list of TSYS frequencies, stopping when it finds the first "good" control channel. It then remembers that control channel and uses it for the duration of the SCAN (or MAN on a single TGRP).

With MultiSite = STAT, the radio will constantly look through the entire list of TSYS frequencies searching for other control channels. This takes time - time during which the radio isn't monitoring the "good" control channel it would've stayed on with MultiSite = OFF. You might miss very short transmissions or the beginning of longer transmissions.

 

[rdale]

For me, I'm equally distant from two sites, and because it's a statewide system there are some minor differences in comms between the two -- but for the ones that I'm interested in (i.e. local) they are identical. So 1) I don't care which tower it uses and 2) I don't want it to waste time checking other towers so 3) OFF works for me.

 

[rvawatch]

has anyone found a way to change the frequency step size for custom limit searches? flexstep seems to only affect frequencies directly entered in.

thx

 

[bee]

Thanks for your answer "landman"!

Another question, "does the "audio boost" deplete battery life "noticeably"?

 

[Landman]

Since I have never used it without the audio boost applied to everything I can't really say how much shorter it makes the battery life. I get about 10 to 12 hours out of a set of duracell 2650 mAh rechargaeables with the volume turned high and the light on about half the time. I use a rapid 15 minute charger (it really takes about 22 min) to charge them and I am good to go again.

 

[RoninJoliet]

I have four sets of (4) of Duracell 2650 nmhid, they last as mentioned on above post even with about 20% of my 400 Objects with "audio-boost" on, the GRE500 is very good on battery time....

 

[Detjohnc]

PSR-500 help

I am about to take the plunge and purchase a 500. I probably am not in the correct forum to ask this question, and for that, I apologize. My question is this: it all seems so much more technical than the PRO96, and without the WIN96 firmware, and this site, I never would have made it. Whenever I want to change something, I just call it up from my documents file, and make the change. Is there now, or is there going to be, the same type of system where you can program it from your computer without too much hassle? Or is a bit more technical knowledge required for the 500? Also, are there many "glitches" that maybe I should wait to be worked out prior to making the purchase? Any guidance that anyone wishes to pass on would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

Det. John M. Crupi
DetJohnC@aol.com

 

[DaveIN]

There have been a few initial problems with the PSR-500, but GRE was quick to work with people, and released update firmware that could be installed by the owner. Don Starr who wrote Win96 has also written Win500. There is also PSREdit and the ARC500 available for programming. You can update your documents in the same way as before an upload them to the 500. You will need to read the owners manual for the initial learning curve, but the examples are helpful.

Just FYI: if you do live in an area with lots of RF interference, the 500's front end can be overloaded, however there is global and individual attenuation via the keypad that helps. Many people use the Radio Shack 800MHz antenna, or the stock antenna works well in stronger signal environments.

 

[spooney]

Buy it John. I really like mine and I used to own a 396 and it was OK too. I have a 996 also and it is a great receiver also. The only issue I have with the 500 is receiving Edacs I-Calls.
I am working hard with the tech's at GRE and I think I was able to capture some useful data to send them yesterday. They don't have an Edacs system real close to them so they haven't been able to monitor the problem. I feel they will have it figured out very soon now with what I sent yesterday.

 

[kikito]

Hit counter maxed out at 10k?

It seems the Hit Counter maxes out at 10,000. Anybody seen or confirm that?

 

[fmon]

It seems the Hit Counter maxes out at 10,000. Anybody seen or confirm that?

Golly, ya broke the counter already. I'll have changed setting by then.

 

[Statevillian]

Please share!

Buy it John. I really like mine and I used to own a 396 and it was OK too. I have a 996 also and it is a great receiver also. The only issue I have with the 500 is receiving Edacs I-Calls.
I am working hard with the tech's at GRE and I think I was able to capture some useful data to send them yesterday. They don't have an Edacs system real close to them so they haven't been able to monitor the problem. I feel they will have it figured out very soon now with what I sent yesterday.

Ron in Joliet is on this board. He and I both experienced that. I have found mine to possibly be a location issue. Mine seems OK now but I did a lot of playing around with expert settings too. But Ron is still having problems. He posted at the Yahoo 500 group the other day and no one had any advise or expressed similar concerns. I Call ID may show up on the display but no audio....or the 500 doesn't snag it but the 396 does. Very frustrating. The system is a 6 channel 800Mhz EDACS standard with countywide services. We both experience the problem within about 1 mile of 2 different transmitter sites.

 

[n4jri]

John,

One of the great things about this radio is that both Win500 and PSREdit can extract data from your PRO-96 or PRO-97 memory and convert it for loading into the PSR-500. Doing that, you can get a quick start on the 500.

I've been working with both applications, and they are comparable to Win96 in user-friendliness.

73/Allen (N4JRI)

 

[Detjohnc]

ok, i'm convinced

Thanks for all of your input everyone. I am going to take the plunge. Spooney and n4jri, and anyone else with advice, when i make this purchase, what accessories would i need/want to make everything easier. The fact that i can transfer my pro96 info to the psr500 with great ease, makes me feel better. At least it will get me on my way faster. Cables, another antenna (cause i here the stock one is loose), software, firmware....anything anyone thinks is necessary accessory wise, please let me know. Also, is there a particular distributor that i should deal with. Thanks again.

DetJohnC@aol.com
waldorf, md

 

[TES]

. . . One of the great things about this radio is that both Win500 and PSREdit can extract data from your PRO-96 or PRO-97 memory and convert it for loading into the PSR-500. Doing that, you can get a quick start on the 500. . .

In addition to the ability to extract data from the PRO-96 or PRO-97 memory, Win500 can also import the .p96 files & .p97 files directly - no need to own or load to a PRO-96 or PRO-97.

 

[seq788]

Psr-500

Thanks for all of your input everyone. I am going to take the plunge. Spooney and n4jri, and anyone else with advice, when i make this purchase, what accessories would i need/want to make everything easier. The fact that i can transfer my pro96 info to the psr500 with great ease, makes me feel better. At least it will get me on my way faster. Cables, another antenna (cause i here the stock one is loose), software, firmware....anything anyone thinks is necessary accessory wise, please let me know. Also, is there a particular distributor that i should deal with. Thanks again.

DetJohnC@aol.com
waldorf, md

One of the good things about this scanner is that GRE included a couple of the extras you will need. You will have a power cord and computer cable in the box.

I bought my 500 from Universal Radio in Ohio. I bought a case from lilkase.com to protect it. Though it does not have a window for the led. I use my Radio Shack 800 mhz antenna (from my Pro-96) and it fits the 500 perfect. For scanning software I use the Win 500 made by Don Starr (starrsoft.com). He is very quick to reply to any questions you may have.

Enjoy!

 

[n4jri]

In addition to the ability to extract data from the PRO-96 or PRO-97 memory, Win500 can also import the .p96 files & .p97 files directly - no need to own or load to a PRO-96 or PRO-97.

Exactly right--and there are a ton of these files on the Yahoo groups for the PRO-96 and PRO-97.

I can think of only two accessories that aren't included with the radio. The Radio Shack 800 MHz duckie is a very good antenna for urban areas (helps fight desense), and you'll definitely want a software package like PSREdit, Win500, etc. to help edit your data.

73/Allen (N4JRI)

 

[Detjohnc]

software packages for 500

i found the win96 program when it came out, and maybe i'm stupid, or it's too early in the a.m., but i am making out a christmas list. where do i find the win500 software. i am assuming by the "win," that that is the one that don created. i would prefer that over the psredit i think, because i have become comfortable with don's setup and have used it before on the 96. and yes, i will get the RS antenna. so everything is in the box, except this software i am looking for and a fitting antenna. i am trying to find a case that allows me to see the screen. if anyone can help me there, and/or think of anything else i need to purchase, please let me know. santa needs my list soon.

sincerely,

DetJohnC@aol.com
Waldorf, MD