Using Arc500 to program Pro-106

[KI5FKE]

This afternoon, I experimented with the Arc500 software, which is used to program the RadioShack Pro-197, 106, the GRE PSR-500, and the GRE PSR-600 receivers.

I just want to know from other users of this program: How easy is it to program the Pro-197, 106, GRE 500, and 600 with the Arc500 software?

 

[hiegtx]

This afternoon, I experimented with the Arc500 software, which is used to program the RadioShack Pro-197, 106, the GRE PSR-500, and the GRE PSR-600 receivers.

I just want to know from other users of this program: How easy is it to program the Pro-197, 106, GRE 500, and 600 with the Arc500 software?

I primarily use Win500, with PSREdit500 for certain things. As Win500 is written by the same author as Win96, you should also download & try it, in addition to ARC500. All three programs that will work for these scanners have a thirty-day trial period. See Object Oriented Scanner Software - The RadioReference Wiki , if you have not already.

 

[VE3JSO]

i use win500 and i find it alot easier then arc500

 

[ScanFanWV]

I am using ARC500 on a Windows 7 64-bit computer to program a GRE PSR-500, which is identical to the RS PRO-106 as far as the scanner's software is concerned. I'm also completely new to trunked scanning and to "object-based" scanning.

I do not think the ARC500 software is too difficult to use. Using it helped me to understand how trunking system control channels and talkgroups are entered into the scanner, and how they are related to each other. I also liked being able to navigate to the different types of scanner "objects" using the folder tree-like menu on the left side of the software window. Conventional frequencies are listed in one folder-like area, talkgroups in another, and trunking systems in a third. There is a fourth section with a tabbed window in which you can made adjustments to all of the scanner's global settings.

Also - there are some global settings in the scanner that can be changed ONLY by using some kind of programming software. One of the settings for which you need computer software are the voltage levels for the "Battery Low" warning icon and alarm.

If you haven't seen it yet, check out the Easier to Read Manual for the PRO-106/PSR-500 here: Easier to Read Pro-106/197/PSR500/600 Digital Scanner Manual. This will tell you how to change the Battery Low warnings, and other settings.

I also splurged on a 1-year membership to RadioReference.com so I could download trunking system control channels and talkgroups directly from the website's database using the features which are included in ARC500 for that purpose.

The RadioReference.com Wiki has a page of instructions for how to download, install, and start using the ARC500 software. I followed the instructions on this page, and I didn't have any problems getting everything set up. The Wiki page is here: ARC500 User Guide - The RadioReference Wiki.

Please note that ARC500 is NOT compatible for use with a Mac computer.

The ARC500 software comes as a 30-day trial version. I have been programming and re-programming my scanner using the trial version for nearly 3 weeks, and it doesn't seem to have any limits except the 30-day time limit.

I think Win500 and PSREdit500 also have trial versions, so you can try all three to see which one you like best before buying anything. I like ARC500 well enough that I have ordered the CD version, but you can also just buy a code from the manufacturer to unlock the trial version after 30 days if you decide to keep using it.

 

[ScanFanWV]

I forgot to mention that the Wiki page has a link to a PDF file near the bottom. The document has screenshots of how to import trunked systems and talkgroups as well as conventional frequencies.

Here is a link to the PDF: http://s.radioreference.com/rs_help.pdf.

 

[Mojaveflyer]

Butel ARC500 Software

I have the PSR-600 and have been very pleased with the Butel software. I find programming the GRE radios much easier than programming a Uniden using Butel. I really think it's the architecture of the programming for the radio than the software that makes the difference.

 

[KI5FKE]

I use Butel software to program both the Pro-2096 and the Pro-106. I thing I notice about programming the trunk systems into the radios are that for the Pro-2096, to separate banks into different agencies (police, fire/EMS), you need to import the control frequencies each time. With the Pro-106, you just import that system once, import your talkgroups, assign them to different banks, and link the talkgroups to that trunking system.

I find the Pro-106 is easier to program via software than the Pro-2096...

 

[KI5FKE]

I have the PSR-600 and have been very pleased with the Butel software. I find programming the GRE radios much easier than programming a Uniden using Butel. I really think it's the architecture of the programming for the radio than the software that makes the difference.

I agree!

 

[KI5FKE]

i use win500 and i find it alot easier then arc500

I'll try the Win500 software.

 

[ScanWV]

I use ARC 500 for my GRE PSR 600 and my RS Pro 106. I used Win 500 for a short time and seem to like ARC. It's probably just personal preference. I also use ARC 300 for my RS Pro 97.

 

[KI5FKE]

I use ARC 500 for my GRE PSR 600 and my RS Pro 106. I used Win 500 for a short time and seem to like ARC. It's probably just personal preference. I also use ARC 300 for my RS Pro 97.

I used Win96 for my Pro-2096 for a little while, but prefer the ARC software.