iSCAN Post-Release Discussion Thread

[DonS]

Bigger point is that I cant imagine why this feature would have any value, I mean we have to take the batteries out just to program the thing using software......why not just remove them if you are not going to use it for a long time

You are correct: under normal conditions, there is no reason to ever use that switch. If you're going to be storing the unit for a long time, you're supposed to remove the batteries anyway (every battery-powered electronic device I've owned has had, or should've had, such a warning in its owner's manual).

 

[KC5EIB]

My fingers and fingernails are WAY too big (fat) to get into that tiny compartment. I had to use a ball point pen. Guess its an individual issue. Bigger point is that I cant imagine why this feature would have any value, I mean we have to take the batteries out just to program the thing using software......why not just remove them if you are not going to use it for a long time.....Im just waiting for the question on this forum "My iScan won't power up".......

No argument here on that point. I am sure we will get the same question in the store also.

 

[DaveIN]

Is the CTCSS/DCS search-able on a conventional frequency or do you just have what is in the database?

If it has a search mode for this how would you save it if there is only a few buttons on the front of the radio? Is it in the menu system? I'm only seeing reference to CTCSS/DCS in the preliminary manual.

 

[DaveIN]

The RadioShack PRO-107 product page mentions that two battery cases are included. Is this true?

What's in the box

* iScan trunking scanner
* 2 battery cases
* USB charging cable
* PC software
* Detachable antenna

 

[trido]

The RadioShack PRO-107 product page mentions that two battery cases are included. Is this true?

What's in the box

* iScan trunking scanner
* 2 battery cases
* USB charging cable
* PC software
* Detachable antenna

No thats a mistake doesnt use cases like in the past just a switch below the two batteries for akl or ni cad.

 

[DaveIN]

I don't see an SD port on the side of the radio. Does this mean it's under the battery compartment?

Edit: I see in James pictures now. Wow, kinda hard to get at. I guess you don't really need to if it has a USB connection, just access it from the PC.

 

[DaveIN]

Several pictures of the scanner are here, they include the box, SD Card, its size, comparison with the size of an iPhone, etc.

Picasa Web Albums - jamesa53 - iscanPICS

Thanks for the picture collection James and Jeff.

 

[jamesa53]

Edit: I see in James pictures now. Wow, kinda hard to get at. I guess you don't really need to if it has a USB connection, just access it from the PC.

That's the problem Dave....to program the scanner using the RS PC Software you have to remove the SD card from the scanner and connect it to your computer either by an SD port or a USB to SD card adapter......the software does not use the PC cable for programming, the cable is used only for scanner firmware updates and to charge it.

 

[wise871]

WOW, according to the RS site, all 7 stores in my area have it instock.

 

[KC5EIB]

Per channel scan rate is very slow. I have 8 play lists programed with Trunked and Conventional channels. I have missed local Fire and Police calls (monitored on my 164) while the 107 was slowly chugging through other banks.

 

[DaveIN]

That's the problem Dave....to program the scanner using the RS PC Software you have to remove the SD card from the scanner and connect it to your computer either by an SD port or a USB to SD card adapter......the software does not use the PC cable for programming, the cable is used only for scanner firmware updates and to charge it.

Really? Even the media players have switchable interface mode that lets you access the internal and SD memory. It's usually a key press/hold and power switch. Maybe the PC/IF is not true USB communication, but just a cable to serial connection as before in previous models?

 

[DaveIN]

Per channel scan rate is very slow. I have 8 play lists programed with Trunked and Conventional channels. I have missed local Fire and Police calls (monitored on my 164) while the 107 was slowly chugging through other banks.

Are you scanning the same channels in one playlist that you have in the 164? That would be more realistic than all eight of the playlists being checked. I'm sure there are more objects in eight playlists than channels in your 164's banks, or is it the same setup?

 

[KC5EIB]

The 164 has more conventional channels and Trunked systems active then the 107

 

[DonS]

Maybe the PC/IF is not true USB communication, but just a cable to serial connection as before in previous models?

That's exactly what it is (USB-Serial adapter), which is why I said above: "The Library data itself is 37+ MB ... just copying that data over the 115200bps serial link would take at least an hour."

 

[DaveIN]

OK, so you'll need an SD card reader if your PC doesn't already have one, but at least you can charge your NiMIH batteries via the computer if you do not have a USB AC converter.

 

[glenspoor]

Not confused anymore

II took a long hard look at the pro 107 and decided not to buy it. It does not show the frequencies on screen just the ID. I really like my new pro 137 and it works like a charm so why spend the money. the PRO 137 is a great scanner at a great price.

 

[DaveIN]

Once you've imported a trunked system, can you browse to individual TGID's and pause on it or would a wildcard only work for this situation?

 

[DonS]

Once you've imported a trunked system, can you browse to individual TGID's and pause on it or would a wildcard only work for this situation?

You can browse to and monitor any of the talkgroups you've imported (analogous to "manual mode" on the PSR-500).

 

[DaveIN]

Is the CTCSS/DCS search-able on a conventional frequency or do you just have what is in the database?

If it has a search mode for this how would you save it if there is only a few buttons on the front of the radio? Is it in the menu system? I'm only seeing reference to CTCSS/DCS in the preliminary manual.

Don, can you do the above?

 

[trido]

How

You can browse to and monitor any of the talkgroups you've imported (analogous to "manual mode" on the PSR-500).

Don please post how I been telling people you can not do this.

thanks