Freescan FAQ

• I can't get it to connect with my scanner
  • See the Making the Connection article of this manual

• How do I download FreeSCAN?
  • Goto the Download section and download the .msi file. If there is a Hotfix available, download that as well. Run the .MSI file to install it, then double click on the Hotfix to install it.

• I get a "Critical Comms Error -2147024882" when downloading
  • You are using an obsolete operating system such as Windows 98 or WinME

• What operating systems is FreeSCAN compatible with?
  • Win2k, WinXP, Vista (sometimes), and partial support for Linux with WINE.

• When trying to communicate with the scanner, I get "Exit Menu Mode before download". What does this mean?
  • Your scanner is in menu mode. Push scan to go back to normal scanning and try it again -or-
  • You are having a problem with the serial port not being setup properly.

• I get a "Critical Comms Error" when downloading, or channels or groups are missing
  • Slow down the baud rate you are using. You may also have to turn off turbo mode. If this doesn't help, report it to scannow.org.

• What scanners are supported?
  • SC230, BC246T, 330, 396, 996 & 15.

• Is my BCxxx scanner that isn't listed above supported?
  • No, only Uniden's DMA based scanners are supported

• Why create FreeSCAN?
  • At the time I bought my 246, there was no free software available that supported both trunked and conventional systems. I decided there was a need for some free software for these scanners that would provide both trunked and conventional system support. I also have a good platform for constant development into what I eventually hope to become The Ultimate Scanner Program®.

• Why is FreeSCAN free (as in free beer)?
  • I like free software. I like software I can just download and go and use. I don't like nag screens, demos, time limitations, functionality limitations, spyware, annoying toolbars, registration codes, "call home" software, activating software, and all the other crap that seems to be the rage these days with programmers.

• What should I do if I encounter a bug?
  • If you encounter a bug, then please log onto the forum and report it. Please include what kind of a scanner you have and the program version. Minor bugs will get fixed in the next release, showstoppers (although rare) get fixed in a couple days.

• Is it Mac compatible?
  • No

Return to the FreeScan User Guide