Mac

[Celestron8]

Really want the BCD536HP but only have a Mac. How often do you really need to update firmware and databases? If it is important what do you guys recommend? Or am I just SOL? Thanks

 

[coolderb]

You can run Windows on the Mac using VirtualBox, VMWare Fusion, Bootcamp or Parallels.

 

[smithken]

For me the updates are not important at all. I have a 536 and it works great, since it ain't broke I'm not fixing it (I'm not doing firmware updates). I have everything I want to listen to in favorite lists so I don't need the database for anything and it's been a year or 2 since I've updated the database.

Regarding coolderb's remarks VirtualBox is free, Fusion and Parallels cost money, with these you can run Windows inside a window, you don't have to reboot and you can run Windows and OS X at the same time. Bootcamp is already on you Mac, this allows you to dual boot, you can run Windows or OS X but not at the same time and you have to reboot to switch operating systems. With all of these you also need to buy a copy of Windows. Another alternative would be to buy a cheap used Windows machine.

 

[Celestron8]

Thanks

Thanks guys! I'm thinking of getting the pro voice update also. Am I correct that they can do that for me so I don't have to hook up to a PC?

 

[fxdscon]

Thanks guys! I'm thinking of getting the pro voice update also. Am I correct that they can do that for me so I don't have to hook up to a PC?

The ProVoice capability upgrade is contained in a firmware update, which must be done through the Sentinel software on a PC.

Depending on when the scanner you get was manufactured, it may or may not contain the latest firmware update when you receive it.

Once the firmware is updated, a key to unlock the ProVoice feature is purchased from Uniden for $49.99. The key is entered through the menu system on the scanner.

If you purchase from a scanner dealer, they may be able to do the upgrade for you and add it to your cost.

.

 

[hardt0303]

Scanner master charges $20.00 they charge $69.99 and through uniden it is $49.99. That is for the ProVoice upgrade.

 

[N9JIG]

If you buy the 536 at ScannerMaster for $39.95 they will update the firmware and database as well as create a Favorites List for your area. For an additional $69.95 they will purchase and install the ProVoice Update for you.

You could do these yourself for $50 (the cost of the ProVoice Update thru Uniden). There is no computer required for the ProVoice Update, except that you need to make sure you have the latest firmware. If you have a pre-ProVoice version of the firmware then you are gonna be stuck.

I wrote an article on Mac use for scanner people at Mac Users of Police Scanner Radios | ScannerMaster.com, the basics are it would be cheaper usually to get a Windows PC, they can usually be had for less than $100 used. You might even find a tablet with the full version of Windows 8 or 10 for under $100 new if you can use a small screen.

It might work well if you can find a friend who has a Windows machine or perhaps you have one at work, even a public library (if they will allow you to install Sentinel...).

If $60 that it will cost to have Scannermaster install this stuff for you is worth it then go for it. (The ProVoice will cost you $50 regardless and requires the firmware to be up to date...) If you can get it done otherwise then you are ahead of the game. I usually suggest these options to our Mac-using callers and most decide to pay us to handle it for them.

 

[coolderb]

Another option would be to purchase something like a Winbook TW700 tablet. They are available at Microcenter stores for about $79 and on Ebay for even less. I purchased an Open Box model at Microcenter last year. It is a 7' tablet PC that comes with Windows 8 and license, a license for Microsoft Office 365 and also has a full size USB slot. In addition to making a perfect scanner companion for doing firmware and database updates, even while on the go, the USB port makes it an ideal portable SDR system. Add a $12 SDR dongle, load some of the free SDR programs and then you also have a new Comm. Receiver. It even runs DSD+ with no problem.

 

[Celestron8]

Thanks

That is the option I will go for most likely. Computers and I hate each other.

 

[popnokick]

Regarding the Winbook tablet, Windows 8, Windows 10, etc....... Is everything merry and happy with USB on that tablet and those OSes? I've read various posts here on RR from people struggling with USB issues on tablets, Win8, Win10, drivers, etc. using Sentinel. Just want someone with firsthand experience to post here saying, "Yah, works on Winblows xx and my yyzTablet. All I had to do was update drivers [or whatever]"

 

[coolderb]

Regarding the Winbook tablet, Windows 8, Windows 10, etc....... Is everything merry and happy with USB on that tablet and those OSes? I've read various posts here on RR from people struggling with USB issues on tablets, Win8, Win10, drivers, etc. using Sentinel. Just want someone with firsthand experience to post here saying, "Yah, works on Winblows xx and my yyzTablet. All I had to do was update drivers [or whatever]"

On my Winbook TW700 tablet, which is running Windows 8.1 to load drivers for my Uniden scanners I had to use these Unsigned Drivers procedures: Installing unsigned drivers in Windows 8 (step-by-step) • The Windows Site for Enthusiasts • Pureinfotech

Everything working fine.

 

[N9JIG]

Regarding the Winbook tablet, Windows 8, Windows 10, etc....... Is everything merry and happy with USB on that tablet and those OSes? I've read various posts here on RR from people struggling with USB issues on tablets, Win8, Win10, drivers, etc. using Sentinel. Just want someone with firsthand experience to post here saying, "Yah, works on Winblows xx and my yyzTablet. All I had to do was update drivers [or whatever]"

As long as the tablet has the full version of Windows and not the Windows Mobile version the drivers should work (or not work) the same as on a desktop or laptop. For example, I have a Surface Pro, this has a full version of Windows 8.1, the Surface RT has a mobile version that does not work with these products.

I have had to use the same Device Signing techniques coolderb indicated above on some devices, such as my AirNav RadarBox and I have heard varying reports of whether this was needed for the USB-1 cable or the Uniden USB Driver as used on P2 scanners. Since I had already disabled Device Driver Signing on my Windows 10 computer to install my Radar Box (it's main job...) I don't know if my various Uniden or GRE cables required signed drivers.


No driver is needed for Sentinel, either the HomePatrol 1/2 or x36 version. For Mass Storage Mode (as used for updates) the radio is seen merely as a flash drive and as such is natively supported by Windows. When using Serial Mode (for control of the radio in ARC536/ARCPatrol for example) then the Uniden Serial Driver is needed.

All of the above pretty much applied to running the various shades of Windows on the Mac using any of the methods (Virtualization or BootCamp). I have had great success on my iMac using Parallels and it has run fine with anything that works in Windows 7. There are some old Motorola programming applications that do not play nice in a 64-bit environment (Like the Pro Series RSS) but they don't work on my PC either. I keep an old netbook with XP around to program my CDM's and other Pro-Series radios just like I kept an old DOS machine around to program HT1000/MT1000/HT600 type radios until I replaced them.

 

[Webheadfred]

I'm using an iMac and Parallels running Win7 Pro. Absolutely no issues updating my scanners. Close Windows, and Parallels closes like nothing happened. Easy.

 

[Flywheel17]

Been running a Mac for 8 years and converted Sentinel to a Mac program using Wine Bottler and run it natively. Works fine - but I remove the cards and use the card reader to program - can't remember why now....

It is a little glitchy when editing the profile - but for simply DB and firmware updates - works like a charm....

 

[Webheadfred]

I retired a week ago and need a project. My various radios work like a charm under Windows but I'm all Mac'd up (with the exception of Parallels). I've decided to actually use my college programming minor and attempt to write some native code for the various radios. I may be in over my head but I intend on giving it a shot. Time will tell.

 

[mmartinfan]

MACBOOK RETINA with Parallels no issues, expect the MAC iOS is buggy!