PC Controlled Scanner?

[Mac128k]

I have been looking at the Icom IC-PCR1500 but it doesn't look like it natively supports trunking.
Other than Icom are there any other real-time PC controlled scanner options on the market?

I went to HRO but they really aren't too into scanning and couldn't offer any advice.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[ka3jjz]

Not for trunking - even the well respected WinRadio series needs software to support it.

Do yourself a favor - get a trunktracker (and since you didn't say where you are - so folks can look it up in the db - no one can say whether an analog trunktracker or a digital is needed).
If you need digital, start saving ... they aren't cheap, watch the for sale board (there's been a few there lately) or wait for a sale. 73s Mike

 

[iMONITOR]

I have been looking at the Icom IC-PCR1500 but it doesn't look like it natively supports trunking.
Other than Icom are there any other real-time PC controlled scanner options on the market?

I went to HRO but they really aren't too into scanning and couldn't offer any advice.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Uniden's digital trunking scanners all support real-time PC control, and do it very well!

 

[Mac128k]

Thanks guys. I live in the SF Bay Area and monitor the East and South Bay, mostly Alameda county.

I currently own a BCT-15 and Pro-96. I haven't looked into any real-time SW options for the Uniden because it is mounted in my vehicle. What programs do you recommend for the Uniden? The two I have seen with scanner control are ARC-15 and Trunkstar.

Perhaps I will just buy another for the house

 

[brandon]

BC780XLT can't get any better than this for PC control (and remote via Internet using ProScan). It also works for the Uniden BC796D/785/250/296 scanners. They are making a version that will do the BCD996T and maybe it can support the BCT15 since they are similar.

Regarding the Icom you can trunk track with these if you use TrunkPCR. I can monitor Motorola and EDACS with it. These radios come with their own software but it's pretty basic so i would highly recommend you use TrunkPCR (even works without paying but has nags every 10 mins or so).

 

[ka3jjz]

Mac, ARC15 from BuTel is probably the creme of the crop for the BCT15 (to be fair, Scan Control works with this scanner, too). Our BCT15 wiki page has the link.

The PRO-96 cannot be computer controlled; it's not in the firmware. However, pretty much the acknowledged champ for up/downloading is Win96 from Starrsoft. Our PRO-96 wiki page has the link.

73s Mike

 

[kennyloatman]

sidcar

I have a BC796D. It works great and I have it loaded with data that I want to put into my computers database that I down loaded from Unidens site. The problem is I can't save anything on the data base regardless if I read it from the scanner or enter it from the computer. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?

 

[iMONITOR]

I have a BC796D. It works great and I have it loaded with data that I want to put into my computers database that I down loaded from Unidens site. The problem is I can't save anything on the data base regardless if I read it from the scanner or enter it from the computer. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?

What software are you using? Some of the applications require that you buy, and register them before they will allow you to save your data.

 

[kennyloatman]

The one from the uniden manufactures site. I had to register the scanner with them before I could down load there data base

 

[iMONITOR]

The one from the uniden manufactures site. I had to register the scanner with them before I could down load there data base

How are you attempting to save it, and what happens when you try?

 

[kennyloatman]

BY simple clicking on the save in the tool bar and saving it to a folder in my documents. when I do this the data base disappears and when I reopen it the data is not there.

 

[iMONITOR]

BY simple clicking on the save in the tool bar and saving it to a folder in my documents. when I do this the data base disappears and when I reopen it the data is not there.

I never used Uniden's software after trying it a few times, and I can't recall too much about it. Are you certain the version you downloaded was the full version with the capability to save data? Maybe someone more familiar with Uniden's software can help.

In any event, I would suggest you use different software. Butel's ARC is excellent. ScanControl, and ProScan are good also.

 

[kennyloatman]

I down loaded data from unidens site before for a 996T and that worked fine. I will try one of the other ones you suggested if I can't get this one going. Thanks.

 

[iMONITOR]

I down loaded data from unidens site before for a 996T and that worked fine. I will try one of the other ones you suggested if I can't get this one going. Thanks.

That's what is confusing with Uniden's software policies. The software for the BCD996T is fully functional. The software for the BCT15 is not fully functional, you have to pay extra for it to work like it should. Go figure?

 

[mparker]

dont want to sound like a dummie... but what can you do with controlling software?

 

[iMONITOR]

dont want to sound like a dummie... but what can you do with controlling software?

Depending on the radio, and software, sometimes you can control all, or just about all of the scanner functions from your keyboard. You can also create log files that show what bands/channels/talk groups/frequencies get a hit, and how often. You can record audio log files showing related band/channels/talk groups/frequencies/dates/times, duration, related to the audio. It might also allow you to have a radio on the second floor of your home, while controlling, and listening to it on the first floor of your home. Those are just some ideas.

 

[mparker]

wow i had no idea... i was think just a more streamed line way of inputing frequencies... awesome...

i like that remote operation idea...

what are some software titles, and where do i look to learn more about them...?

 

[iMONITOR]

wow i had no idea... i was think just a more streamed line way of inputing frequencies... awesome...

i like that remote operation idea...

what are some software titles, and where do i look to learn more about them...?

RR's Wiki is an excellent place to start!

Click here: http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Radio_Control_Software

 

[mparker]

wow there is alot of software... any ideas how i should start narrowing it down to one thats would be good for me? assuming i buy a bct15

 

[iMONITOR]

wow there is alot of software... any ideas how i should start narrowing it down to one thats would be good for me? assuming i buy a bct15

Butel's ARC15, no question! For full logging capabilities you want the "PRO" version.