eyes00only
Member
Thanks milf. I have no idea how to add more ports in the back, but if I can adapt the cable somehow to fit a USB port, I'll be a happy camper.
Jerry
Jerry
Official PRO-83 Discussion Thread
- Thread starter Voyager
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corwyyn
Member
eyes00only said:
Would a USB-serial converter work? I'm not sure on compatability but if they are using a standard db9 layout then I can't see why not. I am using one to connect my Optolinx so I can program my AR8000 with the old ARC1.51 software, and I use the same converter for my Garmin Etrex GPS unit. They're available at any decent electronics store for around $15; otherwise it's time to hit the used computer stores to see if you can find a plug-in board for extra com ports. As for the search range, the manual details how to program any search bank for a specific range beginning on page 41. I am getting ready to change mine later today.
eyes00only
Member
corwyyn said:
Thanks, I will look for an USB serial converter. My problem with searching the 153 to 156 range is that it is not part of any of the "chain searches" (pg 39). As I stated, it worked with 450 to 451.
Jerry
gordonMP
Member
WILL THE PRO-83 BE A GOOD SCANNER FOR SOME WHO HAS NEVER HAD ONE. THE REASON THAT I'M ASKING IS BECOUSE I'M THINKING ABOUT GETTING ONE FOR MY PARENTS FOR A CHRISTMAS GIFT. EVERYTHING IN THERE AREA IS ALL CONVENTIONAL, NO DIGITAL. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY REPLY'S OR OTHER SUGGESTIONS.
Just as long as they dont need a trunking radio then the 83 would be a nice little radio for them.gordonMP said:
BTW you caps lock is stuck :wink:
gordonMP said:
Well, the big display is a plus, for anyone. It's not the most intuitive scanner, but it may be just fine for someone who hasnt become used to industry standards. Consider a desktop if it's for you parents. No batteries/chargers, better audio, etc. I run a BC 248clt in my office here (along with too many other radios) and it does a great job of just monitoring local traffic. It also as a built in clock/alarm and weather alert, along as being able to receive commercial broadcast radio.
john
ARC83 software PDF manual (draft) is now available at our website.
Gommert
Gommert
Today we have officially released ARC83 - V1.00 programming software
for the new RadioShack PRO83.
You can order now online, or in US you can also call our sales desk
at 1-800-SCANNER.
For information/screenshots/pdf manual check our website.
Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com
for the new RadioShack PRO83.
You can order now online, or in US you can also call our sales desk
at 1-800-SCANNER.
For information/screenshots/pdf manual check our website.
Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com
Well after a week of playing with this lil scanner here are the results I have found-
In VHF Lo, the scanner is very very sensitive to any and all signals, and especially easily overloaded on SS in the CB, and Lo Band areas in an area with several users....
In VHF Hi, Its almost perfect for pulling in distant signals, and if it had the CTCSS/CDCSS capabilities would be even better than the PRO-92 series.
In UHF, its still a very good scanner and the lil ducky ant that comes with it is awesome for UHF.
For 800, its almost far too sensitive for a heavy usage area,.. the lack of attenuation hurts in this area.
For VHF Aeronautical, I love this scanner! Same for VHF Marine.
The only issues I have are-
No attenuation at all, no CTCSS/CDCSS, no alpha tagging, and of course no SNFM actuality (It still rounds to nearest freq).
On the plus sides-
Its sensitivity is good for most situations, the SS feature is fast, it is small and has 200 Chans, The backlight is orange!
Issues others won't like-
Soft Touch power on/off -w- ring up/down tones.
No way to kill the tones.
Its a Uniden made for Radio Shack baby brother to the BC246T.
Maybe in 2006/2007 there will come a digital version of it, or the 246T, as it would be interesting to see how close call/signal stalker work on a digital system.
In VHF Lo, the scanner is very very sensitive to any and all signals, and especially easily overloaded on SS in the CB, and Lo Band areas in an area with several users....
In VHF Hi, Its almost perfect for pulling in distant signals, and if it had the CTCSS/CDCSS capabilities would be even better than the PRO-92 series.
In UHF, its still a very good scanner and the lil ducky ant that comes with it is awesome for UHF.
For 800, its almost far too sensitive for a heavy usage area,.. the lack of attenuation hurts in this area.
For VHF Aeronautical, I love this scanner! Same for VHF Marine.
The only issues I have are-
No attenuation at all, no CTCSS/CDCSS, no alpha tagging, and of course no SNFM actuality (It still rounds to nearest freq).
On the plus sides-
Its sensitivity is good for most situations, the SS feature is fast, it is small and has 200 Chans, The backlight is orange!
Issues others won't like-
Soft Touch power on/off -w- ring up/down tones.
No way to kill the tones.
Its a Uniden made for Radio Shack baby brother to the BC246T.
Maybe in 2006/2007 there will come a digital version of it, or the 246T, as it would be interesting to see how close call/signal stalker work on a digital system.
bugs421
Member
Trying to decide between the Pro 83 & BC92XLT, the Pro is on sale for $99 in my hometown. Does anyone own a BC92XLT? Haven't heard much about it....Thanks
From what I see, they are basically the same scanners. The Pro-83 boasts some pc programmablity, while the 92 has this above mentioned backlight feature the 83 does not.
john
johnvassel said:
While the PRO-83 does NOT had the squelch-activiated backlight, it DOES have a backlit keypad, which the BC92XLT doesn't...
The_Inspector
Member
"patented"... :lol: Since the backlight feature is activated via a key, it could be possible to modify the circuit for "squelch-on" activation...the 15 second time-out might not alow for it... the circuit needs more studdy. Secondly, has anyone tried the multi-key-power-up features?...like the near-field frequency counter feature [HOLD]+[3]+[0]+[power]. I got my 83 for $60 at the "black Friday" sale 
Adding to Matt's info, imho, it's much nicer to have the Pro 83's backlight features.
ON-SQUELCH BACKLIGHT -- How often are you looking at your scanner, really? Audio gives much better information than the display. Plus, On squelch backlight really doesn't make sense if left on under battery power.
Where could you use on squelch backlight, effectively?
Pressing HOLD and toggling the backlight for a few seconds is more intuitive.
Of course, imho,
Andy
Having to find the light button in the dark, in order to backlight the keypad and display was/is an idiotic bit of engineering.
Why not have it be like any other piece of equipment, and activate on any button pushed for 5 seconds or so?
This scanner works okay, and I do enjoy the signal stalker feature. But if it didnt have that feature(and a $60 price tag), it would be useless. It is one of the most terribly ergonomically designed scanners I have ever layed my hands on.
You'd 'think' since there's a more expensive model based on this platform that they would have given more thought on the base (cheap) model.
john
Why not have it be like any other piece of equipment, and activate on any button pushed for 5 seconds or so?
This scanner works okay, and I do enjoy the signal stalker feature. But if it didnt have that feature(and a $60 price tag), it would be useless. It is one of the most terribly ergonomically designed scanners I have ever layed my hands on.
You'd 'think' since there's a more expensive model based on this platform that they would have given more thought on the base (cheap) model.
john
johnvassel said:
Why not just activate the backlight the instant any key is pressed (ala AOR 8200s)?
Just make sure the keylock is ON, otherwise you could unknowingly alter the behavior of your scanner.
Imho,
Andy
Boomeranger said:
The PRO-96 is great, because it has an IGNORE FIRST KEYPRESS option on the backlight. The light comes on no matter which button you press, but it only beeps. Then, you can do what you want...
Incidentally, the PRO-83 with Signal Stalker on requires TWO presses of the light key when it finds a freq, since the first press displays the freq, but DOESN'T turn on the backlight...
The 246 has buttons on the side where a PTT would be. You can see the outline on the 83 where this would be if used on that model. It's too bad they didn't add the side buttons and make one hold and one the light.
mancow
mancow
jdtrue66
Member
eyes00only said:
I dont use software with my Pro83 but I do use it for my Pro95 this is the USB to RS232 Cable I got and it works fine. costs only 9.50
http://store.yahoo.com/meritline/usb-cable-rs232-rs-232-cables.html
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