OptoScan: Any Windows software?

[N9JIG]

A friend recently obtained an OptoElectronics OptoScan and we were wondering if there is any software to run it that works in Windows 10 or 11.

The last time I used an OptoScan was many years ago with DOS software like Probe, Trunker/Etrunker, TrunkTrac etc. I had two of these and they were awesome in their day!

I assume that any such software should also work with OS456 and S235 boards as well.

 

[theoldcop]

Spectrum Commander works very well on Windows 11. I use it with my Optocom and AOR 8600 MKII

 

[theoldcop]

I use this adaptor: Amazon.com

 

[AK4PY]

I started writing my own Windows software for the OptoCom some years ago, but abandoned it due to the device not able to support splinter frequencies. There are ways around that, but it just wasn't a project that excited me. The OptoCom was very cool, but any cheap SDR blows it away today.

 

[N9JIG]

Spectrum Commander works very well on Windows 11. I use it with my Optocom and AOR 8600 MKII

Is it still available for purchase? It was my understanding that ScanStar has not been responding to purchase attempts.

 

[theoldcop]

I misplaced my license text after transferring my software to a new PC. I reached out to ScanStar approx. 8 months ago ,and received a response with the info. I needed. It did take quite a while, but in their defense my purchase was made about 25 years ago.,

 

[wa8pyr]

A friend recently obtained an OptoElectronics OptoScan and we were wondering if there is any software to run it that works in Windows 10 or 11.

The last time I used an OptoScan was many years ago with DOS software like Probe, Trunker/Etrunker, TrunkTrac etc. I had two of these and they were awesome in their day!

I assume that any such software should also work with OS456 and S235 boards as well.

Rich,

Try a thumb drive configured with Rufus DOS, make sure the computer has USB before Hard Drive in the boot list, and boot to DOS. I've done this to run Probe (as well as a whole boatload of old Moneyrola and GE programming software) and it works pretty nicely.

Tom

 

[n2pqq]

See if this helps

Optocom SDR

The Optocom is an older SDR receiver made for a short period by Optoelectronics. The receiver board was made by GRE,

www.hamradio.hanklambert.com

 

[kd2c]

I'm running Probe 7 with the Opto OS456 on a RS Pro 2006 using DOSBox under Win 11 Pro. Runs like a champ!

 

[N8YX]

Is it still available for purchase? It was my understanding that ScanStar has not been responding to purchase attempts.

They responded to a recent query of mine. That said, I also run Probe (both v7 and 1k) with my OS-456/535/Optocom and PCR-100/1000 receivers, respectively.

For traditional analog scanning, Probe is a good package. An instance is running in a VM on this PC, talking to a Pro-2035/OS-535. I just runs and runs without hiccup.