I'm looking to get a PSR 500, a question please?

[tampatracker]

I am fully versed in Unidens DMA concept, but am just now beginning to explore GRE's Object Oriented approach. I will be purchasing a PSR 500 shortly, and my question is pretty basic: I understand a V folder can have 1800 objects contained within it. Can I scan more than one V folder at a time, in the same scan cycle? I assume you can, otherwise that would seems like it would limit scanner performance greatly, (and would be a dealbreaker for me). Thanks in advance for any input, TT.

 

[texasemt13]

No, imagine a V-folder as personality. You can load one at a time.

In my instance I have folders for travelling.

One V-folder is for my hometown. One is for my daily drive. One for heading north on the interstate. One for heading south, etc. You basically cause it to load a different personality and store the one you were just using in its memory.

 

[tampatracker]

I get it. So if I have a folder of say 1800 conventional channels I'd be good to go? I am still trying to understand how this system allocates trunked systems in terms of available space left in a V folder, I've been referencing previous post from here and studying Mark's Easier Scanner pages for the 500 and it's getting clearer. I suppose I got used to the DMA model where I could have a vast # of channels/talkgroups at my disposal all in a single scan cycle, so I'm a little disappointed at the one V folder at a time limit, but the more I think about it the more I think I can make it work. Hopefully I can pick up some of the counties a littlte further out from me with the 500's increased sensitivity on 800 MHz, the 396XT I've got now does ok, but I hear the 500's performance is better in that area. So much to learn.....

 

[Samuel]

I think you will find for day to day needs one V-Folder will definently have enough space for you. I have 21 Trunked Systems with a combined total of almost 1300 talkgroups and 340 conventional frequencies in my main V-Folder. Obviously the less trunk systems you have programmed the more space there would be for conventional channels.

 

[tampatracker]

Thanks for the reply Samuel. With that amount of programming in that folder, about how much space do you have left in the folder? Also I assume a search range or signal sweeper configuration can be included in a cycle with a folder or would that have to be a separate solo operation?

 

[texasemt13]

I have 18 of 20 (21) V-folders filled. I use one in my hometown on multiple trunked systems. My daily drive is 50 miles one way and another V-folder satisfies that. I rarely use more than those two unless I travel out of my typical boundaries, and then I have folders for those.

One V-folder should be more than enough for what you need to listen to at one time. If you tried to fill it(listening to all 20 lists at once) you'd be trying to listen to too much.

You cannot include a sweeper range as an object. You can go to the Spectrum Sweeper, sweep through and locate an object, and then store it in your scan list, but a limit search range or spectrum sweep range cannot be added to the scan lists.

I consider myself an avid scanner, who listens to every type of transmission I can, and this scanner gets the job done. It has it shortcomings (as do all scanners) but this one is tough to beat.

 

[tampatracker]

Thanks Texasemt 13. About the plastic case, do you find it flimsy? I need something that can stand a rare jolt or two, and I've heard conflicting reports about the sturdiness of the radio.

 

[DonS]

You cannot include a sweeper range as an object. You can go to the Spectrum Sweeper, sweep through and locate an object, and then store it in your scan list, but a limit search range or spectrum sweep range cannot be added to the scan lists.

A "Search" or "Sweeper" configuration most certainly can be stored as an object: PGM NEW SRCH

 

[Samuel]

the folder that I used as an example is almost full...It has room for 12 more objects.

 

[tampatracker]

So DonS, you're saying that the S.S. can be added to a scan list for searching along with the contents of a V folder while in the same scanning cycle? That would be great.

 

[DonS]

So DonS, you're saying that the S.S. can be added to a scan list for searching along with the contents of a V folder while in the same scanning cycle? That would be great.

Yes.

Any Spectrum Sweeper (or Signal Stalker, if you buy the PRO-106) object, as well as any of the other "Search" types, can be added to a scan list - to be checked along with other objects while in Scan mode.

 

[tampatracker]

Thank you. I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but I'd like to know what I'm getting into before I take the plunge. I was just reading the sticky on custom rebanded system tables, and I hope I'm correct when assuming that when downloading systems from RR directly using say Win500 that that info is properly inserted into the scanner along with the other info being provided? Or is this something that must be entered manually? Thanks in advance,,, John.

 

[DonS]

Yes, if you were importing from RR directly using, say, Win500, the program would automatically set up the data for "rebanded" systems (as long as the RR DB indicates that the system is rebanded or has the correct trunking tables).

 

[tampatracker]

Do you find the case of the unit to be leaving something to be desired in terms of sturdiness? I've heard complaint on some posts about the case being/feeling "cheap".

 

[DonS]

My first PSR-500 survived several 66" drops to a concrete floor before it finally gave up. The replacement PRO-106 (same scanner, different chassis) has made the same fall a couple of times but is still working fine. I'm happy with the "sturdiness".

 

[W6KRU]

I find the sturdiness of the PSR-500 to be very acceptable.

 

[tampatracker]

Thank you all for your responses, my mind is made up, I will be ordering the PSR 500!