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GRE/RS Object Oriented Scanners FAQ

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Revision as of 12:42, 13 November 2016 by QDP2012 (talk | contribs) (updated template call after template name changed)

Welcome to the GRE/Radio Shack Object Oriented Scanners FAQ. This document addresses common questions and answers, along with tips and explanations, that will help newcomers work with and comprehend the new generation of object oriented scanners. Specifically these models include;

GRE Model Older RS Model Newest RS Model Whistler Model
PSR-3101
PSR-4101
PSR-500 Pro-106 Pro-651 WS1040
PSR-600 Pro-197 Pro-652 WS1065
  1. Trunking w/ Analog Voice Only scanners, others shown in table can handle up-to Digital P25 Phase I


Also see this PSR-500 Operating hints PDF file for additional information.

For these scanners, please see our GRE/RS PC Object Oriented FAQ

GRE Radio Shack Whistler
PSR-700 Pro-107
PSR-800 Pro-668 WS1080
Pro-181 WS1088
WS1095
WS1098
TRX-1
TRX-2
Notes
  1. Originally the PRO-18 was released around the same time as the PSR-800, but with less features. It is NOT the equivalent to the WS1088.


Please feel free to add new questions (and hopefully answers) to this document. If a question or answer is specific to a scanner, be sure to specify this.


General



Finding Owners Manuals, Firmware/DSP Updates

  • Where can I find a copy of the original owner's (insert GRE model) manual?
  • Where can I find the last released firmware for my (insert GRE model)?





Issues and Operational


  • What causes distortion when listening to P25 simulcast systems? How can it be remedied?



  • Why is the 796-806 Mhz range locked out?
    • According to a GRE representative, it's because there are intermod issues with these scanners at this range. Please see the first posting of this thread.


  • My wall wart went bad. Where can I get a replacement?
  • I lost my wall wart. Where can I get a replacement?
    • You will need a wall wart that supplies 9 volts at least 500 ma. Here are a couple of possibilities
      • GRE AC Adapter II via Scanner Master
      • The Shack also sells a multi power adapter with numerous plugs. Use Adaptaplug C


Heap error messages

  • I am getting a Heap Error message. What is causing this?
    • You have some TGRP objects that are not associated with any TSYS. Associate or delete these TGRP objects and reload.
    • To correct the HEAP ERROR condition, look for any TGRPs that have "NEW" as their TSYS, and delete them (press FUNC CL) or associate them with a new or existing trunking system.
    • This can be caused by having duplicate TGRPs in a TSYS.
    • This is the knowledge based article that appeared on GRE's webpage - no longer available ->

Heap Errors are most often caused by one or more talkgroup (TGRP) objects that are programmed into the radio, but not associated with any trunking system (TSYS). When programming an OOUI scanner by hand, this can happen when a new TGRP is saved without mapping it to a new or existing trunking system, e.g., pressing the Save softkey when "NEW" is displayed in the TSYS field of the TGRP object menu. Specifying "NEW" in the TSYS field tells the radio that a new trunking system is needed. If SEL is pressed while NEW is displayed in the TSYS field of the TGRP menu, the radio will present a blank TSYS menu that can configured with the parameters for the new system, named, and saved. Once the new TSYS is saved, it can be used over and over again for more talkgroups on the same system by scrolling through saved TSYS(ystems) using the left/right arrow keys at the TSYS field.

To correct the HEAP ERROR condition, look for any TGRPs that have "NEW" as their TSYS, and delete them (press FUNC CL) or associate them with a new or existing trunking system. To review programmed objects, press PGM, then use the left/right arrow keys to browse through the Scan Lists, and the up/down arrow keys to scroll through objects mapped to the selected Scan List. Third party programming software can also be used to find unassigned talkgroups. For example, the Win500 application has a feature that displays only TGRPs that are not mapped to a TSYS.

In rare cases it may be necessary to restore the radio to factory defaults to clear a Heap Error. To reset the radio to factory defaults, turn the radio on, wait for the Welcome screen to appear, then immediately press 0, then 1, and follow the instructions on the LCD display to reset the radio. This will result in the loss of programming data, so use this as a last resort.


Programming questions

  • What kind of cable do I need to connect my PC to these scanners?
    • These scanners require a USB connection. Please see the Connecting scanners via USB article for a complete discussion of USB cables and installation notes. Note that the GRE and Whistler radios come with their own USB cable; the RS scanners require you to purchase it separately.


  • What Software works with these scanners?
  • Where can I go to learn how to use the various software packages?
  • What Software will allow me to control the scanner remotely?
  • What Software will allow me to record what I hear?
  • What Software will allow me to monitor the Control Channel of trunked systems?
  • Is rebanding supported? What do I need to enter and where do I do it?


  • Can these scanners handle the new Phase II systems that are coming online?
    • Those systems, identified by Project 25 Phase II in the System Type in the database, are receivable by the PSR-800 with a firmware upgrade. In addition, the RS Pro-668 and Whistler WS-1080 and WS-1095 can receive these transmissions without a firmware fix


  • Programming trunk systems seems cumbersome. Are there any shortcuts or other hints to make this easier?
  • How do I apply rebanding changes to an existing TSYS?



Additional References