DMA Scanners and Software

Software and Connections

Programming and Virtual Control

I don't have a serial port on my PC. How do I connect the scanner?

• See our Connecting scanners via USB article for specific hints and tips. Uniden sells their own USB-1, and other distributors (such as Keyspan products) have also been known to work well. Be sure to download the most up to date drivers for your OS, regardless of from whom you buy it.
  • Uniden's USB-1 is available direct, or can be purchased from Scanner Master at this page Be sure to download the correct driver for your OS.

I Want to Program My Scanner via Software. What Packages are Available?

• Each scanner's article linked in our wiki has a listing for supporting software. See the Popular Software for RS/Uniden Scanners article for the most popular packages.

Freeware packages

There are 2 Freeware packages that work with these scanners:

• FreeScan
  • FreeScan User Guide
  • A support forum is available on the same site

• BCTool
  • Be sure to download the beta version (it's really the latest production version)
  • Support can be found on the BCTool Yahoo group

Where can I get a file for the program I'm using?

• Programming files for these packages can often be had from several different sources;
  • Make a request for a file on your state's forum;
  • Check the Yahoo group(s) for your state;
  • Check the Yahoo group for your scanner. This is listed in every article (usually toward the bottom);
  • Check to see if someone has set up a web page with file(s) for your scanner and area. Look at the Programming Files article to see a selection of known sites;
  • Many programs now have either dedicated forums on their website, or on Yahoo groups
  • Download data from the RadioReference database.

Some of these packages support connecting directly to, and downloading data from, the RadioReference database. (Note however, that the Trunkstar package does not allow you to use it for controlling the BC246 from the PC, due to software limitations). This is often the easiest way to get started.

To use this service, you must be a paid subscriber. The list of applications that are known to be compatible with the Web service can be found here.

If you make a request for a file, be sure to specify which software package you are using. For example, ARC396 can read UASD files as an input source; the UASD cannot directly read ARC396 data.

Audio Recording

How do I set up my PC and software to record what I am hearing?

• The first thing to do is to get a shielded cable that goes from the earphone or line out jack of the scanner to the proper input of the PC. This can be a bit tricky, particularly with laptops. See our Connecting Radios to Soundcards article for more information.

What software has the capability of recording audio?

• Be sure to check the website to insure compatibility with your OS and scanner

Commercial

• Many of the BuTel ARC PRO versions (ARC330, ARC396, ARC996 and ARC15)
  • Support for these packages can be found here
• ProScan
  • The ProScan support forum can be found here
• Scan Control
  • The Yahoo group for Scan Control can be found here
• Trunkstar Elite
• Trunkstar Elite Pro

Freeware

• BCTool
  • Bctool Yahoo group
• IDTracker II
• Advanced Virtual Control 246T
• Advanced Virtual Control 396
• 246T Scanner Audio Recorder

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