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Freescan Install Under LINUX

From The RadioReference Wiki

Please document all steps necessary to installing - and executing - FreeScan under Linux (and note the distribution with the version number) here

Installation Process (Ubuntu 15.10)

The following is written after the base OS has been loaded and updates applied as needed with Wine not installed. This will probably work for all Debian based distributions of Linux.


Not only will this proceedure work for FreeScan but has been tested with ProScan, ControlScan and ARC-XT Demo for communication and works.


Observations with software functionality in Wine:

  • FreeScan doesn't connect to the RadioReference Database after Username and Password are entered.
  • ProScan Full Function Trial version connects nicely with the RR DB, doesn't find its User Manual from the toolbar. $50 after 30 day trial.
  • ScanControl last updated 2009. No import option.
  • ARC-XT Demo tested, no virtual control with it or the Basic Version, $39.95. Pro version $69.95.


1) Install Wine 1.6.2:

Using the Package Manager install the latest version of wine.


2) Create a 32 bit wine prefix:

Delete the directory ~/.wine, run:

rm ~/.wine

(If created in step 1 above)

Create the new prefix run: WINEARCH=win32 WINEPREFIX=~/.wine winecfg
Close Wine Configuration window by selecting “OK”.


3) Install winetricks:

Run: wget http://www.kegel.com/wine/winetricks
(Run the above "wget + The URL". Don't go to the site)
Make it executable, run: chmod +x winetricks


4) Install .NET Framework v4.5:

Note: If .NET FW 3.0 or XML Parser are not found in the respective ~/.cache directories the 4.5 install will fail.
Download .NET Framework 3.0 from: http://www.oldversion.com/windows/download/net-framework-3-0
Copy netframework3.exe to ~/.cache/winetricks/dotnet30
Download MS XML Parser 3.0 SP 7 here: http://download.cnet.com/Microsoft-XML-Parser-MSXML-3-0-Service-Pack-7-SP7/3000-7241_4-10731613.html
Copy msxml3.msi to ~/.cache/winetricks/msxml3/
Run: bash winetricks -q dotnet45 corefonts
Note: The actual install takes ~10 minutes. Wait until it finishes with a command prompt.


5) Check the .NET Framework v4.5 (Optional Step)

Download the tool from here:
https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/astebner/2008/10/13/net-framework-setup-verification-tool-users-guide/
Run: wine ~/Downloads/netfx_setupverifier_new/netfx_setupverifier.exe


6) Add current use to the dialout group:

sudo adduser <You_User_Name_Here> dialout
Logout then back in to complete the user group addition.


7) Create symbolic link to the serial port:

For RS-232 Run: ln -s /dev/ttyS0 ~/.wine/dosdevices/com1
For USB to RS-232 Run: ln -s /dev/ttyUSB0 ~/.wine/dosdevices/com1


8) Add serial port to the registry:

Run: gedit ~/.wine/system.reg
Add to the file under the line “#arch=win32”:
[Hardware\\Devicemap\\Serialcomm] 1131331688
"COM1"="COM1"
Note: This was the trick to get FreeScan and ProScan operational but didn't solve the problems with BCTool+ which has it's Com fields populated where as the other 2 programs do not. Something else is needed here for BCTool+.


9) A reboot will probably be required after connecting your serial cable.


10) Install FreeScan 2.17:

Download fssetup-217.zip: http://www.sixspotsoftware.com/downloads
Extract file in your download directory.
Run: wine ~/Downloads/<Replace_With_Folder_Name>/fssetup-217.exe
Uncheck “Run FreeSCAN” at the end of the setup.
You can then create a shell script to run the program with:
Run: wine ~/.wine/drive_c/'Program Files'/FreeSCAN/FreeSCAN.exe &
On the toolbar select Scanner > Control Scanner > COM Port Setup and pull down Port# selecting COM1.
Match Baud rate to your scanner port setting and press “Start Auto” and your scanner will be detected.
Now select the right most handheld icon to start the Virtual Control.
Once started a scanning radio will be placed into hold.
Note: There maybe a setting to correct this or its a bug.


11) Install ProScan 10.0 here (Good for 30 Days then $50):

Download from here: http://www.proscan.org/
Extract file in your download directory.
Run: wine ~/Downloads/<Replace_With_Folder_Name>/ProScan_10_0.exe
Note: The OS needs to be in the Proscan folder when started otherwise it won't find its dll. There's probably a fix for it by someone smarter than me with Linux.
For now you can create a shell script to start it in its directory using:
cd ~/.wine/drive_c/'Program Files'/ProScan/
wine ~/.wine/drive_c/'Program Files'/ProScan/ProScan.exe
From the toolbar go to Comm Port to setup your communication.

Installation Commands (Fedora & Suse)

  • Fedora 9 under Wine 1.0: msiexec /i FreeSCAN0.6E.msi
  • Suse with Wine 1.0: wine filename.msi

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