How often do you manually program channels?

[jeremyfuksa]

As I'm working to improve my app Bearpaw, I've come across a feature that could create a rare issue with the app if the user has manually programmed their scanner before plugging in and starting Bearpaw. So, I'm curious. Please let me know what you do in the poll.

 

[J-Wrock]

I've done it manually to learn more about the scanner and have a backup if Windows decides to break Sentinel or my MacOS decides to break Windows Generally, I use the computer as it is quicker and easier.

Edit to add the word "manually"

 

[pb_lonny]

I do it all the time, as I am often finding new frequencies when searching the bands or making other changes. I do read it in to the computer a few times a week.

 

[sideshowjim]

I've added in frequencies and related information that I've discovered, "spun" the knob many times to scroll through the numbers, characters, upper and lower case alphabet in order to spell out information on the display, but only for conventional systems on both my "996's" and SDS200... I manually programmed many "scanners" for decades prior to getting "996's" and now SDS200, it really wasn't too difficult to do. My "780" (still in daily operation!) was my first radio with a display capable of oodles of information, that was very time consuming entering the information manually!

 

[jeremyfuksa]

Thanks for the quick reply. I learned a lot, as I am a computer-only programmer. Kansas City airwaves are pretty silent overall.

 

[ladn]

With more than a half century of scanner programming under my fingers, I've done my share of manual programming (but the survey didn't have that option).

Now adays, channel data is a lot more complex, especially for digital channels, making it a certified PITA (not the bread) to hand punch.

I can still manually enter the information if really necessary, but I'd rather use the computer.

 

[EAFrizzle]

I still punch in frequencies regularly, my BC365CRS requires it. ProScan is definitely the preferred method for the others.

Most of the manual entry I do is adding in temporary air channels over fires and other events.

 

[RobDLG]

Relevant to the BC125AT: I've used bc125py to dump a whole CSV file straight into the scanner, under Linux even.

 

[maus92]

How often? Never.

 

[wtp]

edit... i am doing it now !

 

[Chris0516]

Why bother doing it manually, when. Proscan can make it a breeze.

 

[ecps92]

Why bother doing it manually, when. Proscan can make it a breeze.

all depends on the situation, location and access to a computer
knowing how to do it manually is very beneficial

 

[J-Wrock]

If I find a new frequency using Close Call while I'm out and about and it's something I want to keep, I'll program it manually as I won't be at the computer. When I get home, I'll read the scanner into Sentinel so I don't lose it. While I don't manually program on a daily basis, it is a good skill to develop and helps understand how the programming works.

 

[wtp]

i have been up and down to Tampa here in Florida.
for the last two weeks i have manually programmed things of interest.
and on the way up on Monday my rechargeables died and i lost all of my programming.
for the 325 this is the second time it has done that.
so, i have spent most of the morning today manually putting stuff back in and adding some others.
the 325 did not have muck in it, but i was going to bring my 396T that has 140 systems and 2500 frequencies in it and put some of them in the 325. i am now rethinking that. time to get into software stuff. yes, proscan looks good.

 

[J-Wrock]

i have been up and down to Tampa here in Florida.
for the last two weeks i have manually programmed things of interest.
and on the way up on Monday my rechargeables died and i lost all of my programming.
for the 325 this is the second time it has done that.
so, i have spent most of the morning today manually putting stuff back in and adding some others.
the 325 did not have muck in it, but i was going to bring my 396T that has 140 systems and 2500 frequencies in it and put some of them in the 325. i am now rethinking that. time to get into software stuff. yes, proscan looks good.

Yikes! Having the 325 die and lose your new programming sounds painful! I always get nervous when I am out and add new programming because my luck is such that the SD card will pick that exact time to go belly up.

 

[wtp]

the 325 does not have a card and really this should not have happened.
i am retired and have alllllll day to fix it.

 

[J-Wrock]

True about the 325. I apologize, I was not clear. I use the SDS series so a random SD card hiccup is always in the back of my mind.

 

[theoleman]

Often enough to remember how to use the feature in the event I want to add something spur of the moment.
Its a pain but better than have that Homer Simpson "duh" moment.

 

[wtp]

the SDS100 is the wife's radio, i don't get to play with it much.
WE programmed it and she uses it.