Does anyone know of any scanner programming software that is mac compatable? I have ARC program that ive run on a mac w/ windows installed... Nothing but trouble!!! Maybe my bias, but i cant stand any thing PC or windows, wound up manually programming the scanner.Got it done, but kinda a pain....
Mac software?
- Thread starter mtnmadman
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There is currently no mac software for GRE/Radio Shack scanners. It is possible that a programmer could develop software for the GRE made scanners and sell it in the App store, the problem is lack of demand on the Mac Platform for such software.
the problem is actually more than that. 2 years ago I inquired with GRE on getting documentation around accessing the radio in the hopes to create mac software to program/manage the radio. I was denied with the explanation that they only provided such information to "established scanner software developers". I was pretty upset at the time and even dumped my psr500. I would have thought that it would be in their best interest to have as many client options out there as they could, but they claimed that the information was too proprietary to just hand out to anybody. I even offered to sign NDA, but no go. Whatever, it was their ballgame.
I had a bcd396t for a while, and while I loved the form factor, I just couldn't pull in the system I wanted to monitor (I am on the fringe of reception). So I was scannerless for 2 years.
I ended up getting a 106 and a 197 recently (the sale was too good to pass up) though.
I don't see myself talking to GRE again, at this point I want as little to do with them as I can
I had a bcd396t for a while, and while I loved the form factor, I just couldn't pull in the system I wanted to monitor (I am on the fringe of reception). So I was scannerless for 2 years.
I ended up getting a 106 and a 197 recently (the sale was too good to pass up) though.
I don't see myself talking to GRE again, at this point I want as little to do with them as I can
Beaquel
Member
I really wish there were options for those of us with Mac machines. I get the sense the Home Patrol would be the easiest since you're just populating an SD card. The other radios still require a COM port interface.
err? whats home patrol
Thanks for your info. I have heard bits and pieces of home patrol... dont really understand it. Now i have limted interests on the scanner, so i gave up and programmed it manually. Did you say there was other scanners that are Mac compatable? I like my PSR400, but i still cant belive there is no mac ware around!I did use the ARC300 software on my wifes Mac(hers is windows comp.) but she got pissed when it started screwing up her Mac. I finally deleted EVERYTHING related to the ARC software... Im not too good w/ puters , why i went to a mac, i just thing there should be a better way! Thanks for your help, and input!!
Thanks for your info. I have heard bits and pieces of home patrol... dont really understand it. Now i have limted interests on the scanner, so i gave up and programmed it manually. Did you say there was other scanners that are Mac compatable? I like my PSR400, but i still cant belive there is no mac ware around!I did use the ARC300 software on my wifes Mac(hers is windows comp.) but she got pissed when it started screwing up her Mac. I finally deleted EVERYTHING related to the ARC software... Im not too good w/ puters , why i went to a mac, i just thing there should be a better way! Thanks for your help, and input!!
See now , this is not right? !!! why the hate to mac users??????I would be FIRST in line to buy this soft ware... GRRRRRR
4909
Member
Dang. As would I...just got a nice used BCD396T and was hoping to be able to program it via my Mac. Looks like it's the stubby pencil method for me as well.
And, I DETEST windows/microsquash. I'll suck it up and do it 'the hard way'.
And, I DETEST windows/microsquash. I'll suck it up and do it 'the hard way'.
ka3jjz
Wiki Admin Emeritus
Some folks have had success with Windows programs reportedly working OK using VMWare or Parallels, as I understand it...HTH...Mike
I use Parallels and it works fine. Little issue with the drivers for the programming cables. Other than mymscanners, my AV remote is the only other item I need Parallels and Windows for.
txscan
Member
I use VWWare Fusion with my MAC and works flawlessly with GRE Radios, I will know wednesday how it works with Uniden / FreeScan.
w2xq
Mentor
Not trying to spend your money, but aggravation is not in my vocabulary. I'm too old, too tired, don't want to do it anymore. I was thinking about a Windows tablet, but the starting price around $1100 totally turned me off. Some of the Windows netbooks are available at a very good price. Two days ago I picked up a 2011 ASUS EEE 1018P (N570 dual core 1.6 GHz, 1 GB RAM, USB 3.0 x3, 8 hours on the battery). It's a much different animal compared to a year or two ago. It does a spectacular job running the radio programming software for the scanner and amateur radios listed below. I even put Skype on it; works better than I ever expected it to. I installed Java to run my favorite jEdit editor that lets me work on my Web site; it flies. Buying locally, I went to Best Buy, PC Richard and Staples to compare prices. I found a Gateway-something for less than $200 and a wide selection around $300. Yea I know, it's money, but the higher-end scanners cost more. In the long run you don't have to mess around with a Windows emulator and risk bogging down the Mac. As much as I loved my iMacs (e.g., Photoshop), I finally had to give them up because all the radio control programs I want to run and my brokerage program were Windows only. Just a thought. HTH.
Motorola CPS on a Mac
I programmed XTS and XTL's with a Mac using Parallels and Windows XP. I think a key point is my program cables for these radios were USB.
Most of the time I actually used a Toughbook just because we had Astro Spectra's and BK's which still need a serial connectors. Serial/USB adapters worked inconsistently, at best.
In retirement I have a Yaesu mobil and a couple of portables. After reading these posts I will be buying what I need to use my MacBook Pro for these radios
I programmed XTS and XTL's with a Mac using Parallels and Windows XP. I think a key point is my program cables for these radios were USB.
Most of the time I actually used a Toughbook just because we had Astro Spectra's and BK's which still need a serial connectors. Serial/USB adapters worked inconsistently, at best.
In retirement I have a Yaesu mobil and a couple of portables. After reading these posts I will be buying what I need to use my MacBook Pro for these radios
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