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Difference between revisions of "GRE/RS PC Object Oriented FAQ"

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Welcome to the GRE/RS PC Object Oriented FAQ. The scanners this FAQ will cover include:
+
Welcome, here we'll start from scratch, and take you through some of the most basic of questions, in many cases what things mean and how to find information. A word of explanation; if a word or phrase appears in {{color|blue|blue}} then it's a link, clicking it should take you to another article in our wiki or another part of our website, or perhaps a different website altogether.
  
−
* GRE [[PSR-700]]
+
Please put all Tips, Problems and Solutions here, in this FAQ page, with anything GRE, Radio Shack (RS) or Whistler did not include in their manuals. EZ-Scan tips and other information are now on the [[Whistler EZ Scan FAQ]] article
−
* GRE [[PSR-800]]
 
−
* RS [[Pro-107]]
 
−
* RS [[Pro-18]] 
 
−
* RS [[Pro-668]]
 
−
* Whistler [[WS1080]]
 
−
* Whistler WS1088
 
−
* Whistler [[WS1095]]
 
−
* Whistler WS1098
 
−
* Whistler [[TRX-1]]
 
−
* Whistler [[TRX-2]]
 
  
−
These scanners lack a conventional keyboard; you use proprietary software to write data to a SD card.  
+
==What Does This FAQ Cover?==
 +
*'''GRE/RS/Whistler PC based, scanners with microSD cards''', apart from Whistler's WS1088 & WS1098 and TRX1 & TRX2, the others in the table lack a conventional keypad. All use proprietary software to read/write data. They use Object Oriented (OO) technology: which allows "Channels": whether conventional frequencies or digital talkgroups (TGIDs), both of which are '''Objects''', to be 'Grabbed and Shared' across many ''ScanLists'' in a ''ScanSet''. Using Scanlists allows the Scanner 'to scan' any of the ''Objects'': simultaneously and/or consecutively - no matter the kind: style or type (as long as the scanner can reliably receive and decodes that mode). These are the scanners this document covers. Click the blue text for more information;
  
−
Please put all tips, problems and solutions as well as anything GRE or RS did not include in their manuals here. This includes
+
{{Text SDObjectOrientedScannersTableWOCaveats}}
−
tips for the PSR Software Utility Manager (EZ-Scan) or IScan.
 
  
−
==Proprietary Software==
+
==The Nuts and Bolts==
−
; Whistler Scanners
+
 
−
* Whistler's Scanner Remote Control Software can be found [https://www.whistlergroup.com/usa/updates/ here]
+
*If you're a newcomer, you've probably already discovered that there's a huge amount of terms that seem unfamiliar to you. Our [[:Category:RR Glossary|Glossary]] has lots of these terms, along with definitions. Just click on the term you wish to view.
 +
 +
*When looking at frequencies in our database, float your mouse over the column header, and you should get a balloon with a brief description of the terms and abbreviations that are used there.
 +
 
 +
*The biggest hurdle for many is the concept of trunking. Our [[Trunking Basics]] article will get you started, as well as this [[Media:Trunking description.pdf|PDF file]] written by UPMan. Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat or a compatible reader (such as Foxit) to read it.
 +
 
 +
*[[EDACS Provoice]] trunking is '''not available''' in these scanners. Only Uniden scanners can trunk this mode.
 +
 
 +
*For the [[WS1040]] and [[WS1065]] (and their older brother models) which utilize object oriented programming, see our [[GRE/RS Object Oriented Scanners FAQ]] article
 +
 
 +
=Frequently Asked Questions=
 +
==Common Questions==
 +
;What is ''Object Oriented Scanning'' (OOS) and how does it work in the GRE / RS /Whistler microSD card based scanners?
 +
*Please see below for a 'basic' description of ''ScanSets'' and ''ScanLists'' or see our '''[[Object Oriented Scanning Described]]''' article for a description.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;Which Object Oriented Scanners decode [[DMR]], [[Project 25]] Phase 1 and 2, and/or [[NXDN]]?
 +
*[[Project 25]] Phase 1
 +
** [[PSR-800]], [[Pro-18]], [[WS1080]], [[WS1088]], [[WS1095]], [[WS1098]], [[TRX-1]], [[TRX-2]]
 +
*[[Project 25]] Phase 2
 +
** [[PSR-800]], [[Pro-18]]<sup>1</sup>, [[WS1080]], [[WS1088]], [[WS1095]], [[WS1098]], [[TRX-1]], [[TRX-2]]
 +
*[[DMR]]
 +
** [[PSR-800]]<sup>1</sup>, [[Pro-18]]<sup>1</sup>, [[WS1080]]<sup>2</sup>, [[WS1088]]<sup>2</sup>, [[WS1095]]<sup>2</sup>, [[WS1098]]<sup>2</sup>, [[TRX-1]], [[TRX-2]]
 +
*[[NXDN]] <sup>3</sup>
 +
** [[TRX-1]], [[TRX-2]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
; Notes
 +
# The [[Whistler Official Upgrade (WOU)]] is required for this mode
 +
# A firmware upgrade from Whistler, and applied via EZ-Scan, is required for these scanners. The TRX-1 and 2 have this mode out of the box
 +
# A firmware upgrade from Whistler, and applied via EZ-Scan, is required for these scanners. See the [[NXDN]] article for additional information about NXDN trunking
 +
# Whistler scanners '''cannot''' trunktrack NXDN or DMR systems. Whistler never bought the licenses, which is why the upgrades are free. The best these scanners can do is to decode the audio. This may be sufficient on systems that aren't too busy, but for busier systems, this is a serious limitation.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;Why isn't the PSR-700 and Pro-107 in the above list?
 +
*This is because they are analog only scanners, and lack the hardware and memory required for digital operation
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;How do I make the TRX-1 / TRX-2 work on NXDN Trunked Systems?
 +
*See the Can It Be Decoded section of the [[NXDN]] article.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;I purchase my scanner used, from a third-party, how do I know if my scanner has the Official or unofficial "hacked" firmware.
 +
*Check by Manually Programming a local DMR frequency and monitor for cleanly decoded  DMR transmissions.
 +
*Check to see which Splash Screen you have - if you have the 'Radio Shack' or 'GRE' logos, those contain standard OEM firmware. If it has a Whistler logo - it have been modified with either the [[Whistler Official Upgrade (WOU)]] or the Unofficial "hacked" process.
 +
**With Whistler's logo, try to update CPU to 4.7 or 4.8 in Whistler EZ-Scan Software if it doesn't take - it's likely Unofficial.
 +
*Turn Scanner on- while it's loading, (after power button is pressed) when Splash screen is displayed - hold the MENU until you see Bootloader CPU DSP version screen, if it's DSP 4.6 and CPU 3.1 try the first, do NOT update the date past May 31st, 2017 or it will be LOCKED and DMR decode will be Canceled (neither manually or via PC "Set Real Time Clock to Computer Time").
  
  
−
==Technical Issues==
+
;Why is the 796-806 Mhz range locked out?
−
* Do you have [[Connection Issues Under Win 10.x Using the WS-1080 / 1095|Connection Issues Under Win 10.x]]?
+
*According to a GRE representative, it's because there are intermod issues with these scanners at this range. Please see the first posting of the {{Thread|radio-shack-scanners|212385-info-missing-796-806-mhz-pro-106-a.html|missing freqs in GRE scanners}}.
−
+
 
 +
 
 +
;How do I clean out dirt that gets into the LCD display?'''
 +
*See our [[Cleaning the PSR-800 LCD Display]] article.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;I want to get a another or replacement microSD card, what does 'the size' impact, does speed class make any difference?
 +
*See our [[Working with Scanners with Secure Digital (SD) Cards]] article.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;Why does may scanner reboots or turn itself off when I disconnect power but have batteries installed?
 +
*It's most likely related to the USB power device you are using; if it is over the recommended voltage of the USB 2.0 standard - 5v DC and amperage of 500mA, these scanners do NOT seem to like when either is too much above spec. 5.1v and/or 850mA seems to be the limit before the scanner falsely senses an 'abrupt power-loss,' as if it was total power removal. Also it is more likely to happen when using low capacitance and/or highly discharged batteries (of any kind).
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;I am hearing a great deal of distorted audio / spurs / interference in some specific bands. What is causing this?
 +
*Please, see our [[Simulcast_digital_distortion]] and [[Object Oriented Scanners Overload Issues]] article.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
; Are there any Third Party Applications that allow for remote control?
 +
* Some of the Whistler Scanners have their own control demo program. It's available from the scanner's homepage.  However it is limited in scope and functionality
 +
* For the TRX1, TRX2, WS1095, WS01098, WS1080 and WS1088, check out the [https://www.thesoftwarehandyman.com/trxa/ TRX Android Suite]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===Common PSR-700, Pro-668, Pro-107, or Pro-18 Questions===
 +
;Are there any hints for working with and installing the iScan Software?
 +
*See our [[iScan Installation and Tips]] article.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;What are ''Playlists'' and how do I use them?
 +
*Playlist are the same as Scanlist continue to follow below and interchange ''Playlist'' for ''Scanlist'', ignore ScanSet as your scanner is a single ScanSet or see our [[Working with Playlists]] article.
 +
 
 +
=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 was the "knowledge based article" that previously appeared on GRE's webpage ->
 +
 
 +
:''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.
  
−
==Operational Tips==
+
:''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.''  
−
* '''What is Object Oriented Scanning and how does it work in the GRE/RS Scanners?'''
 
−
** Please see the [[Object Oriented Scanning Described]] article
 
  
 +
:''In rare cases it may be necessary to restore the radio to factory defaults ...''
  
−
* '''Do the PSR-800 and PRO-18 work the same way and have the same functions?'''
 
−
** As of the current understanding, not precisely; see the PRO-18 article to see the functional differences
 
  
  
−
* '''Can these scanners handle the new Phase II systems that are coming online?'''
+
=Technical Issues=
−
** These systems are identified by '''Project 25 Phase II''' in the System Type in the database. Such systems '''cannot''' be received the PRO-18, but can be heard by the PSR-800 with a firmware upgrade. The Radio Shack Pro-668, Whistler WS-1080 and WS-1095 can also receive these systems without a firmware fix.
+
*[[Windows 10 installation of GRE PSR-800 Software and Driver]]
 +
*Do you have [[Connection Issues Under Win 10.x Using the WS-1080 / 1095|Connection Issues Under Win 10.x]]? '' See the article above for the PSR-800''
 +
*{{Thread|whistler-scanners|336780-converting-au-mp3.html|Converting AU files to MP3 (RR Thread)|}}
 +
*Go to the [[Working with Scanners with Secure Digital (SD) Cards]] article to learn how to work with the SD cards in these scanners
 +
*[[PSR-800, Pro-668 and WS1080 Error Codes]]
  
  
−
* '''How do I import a system from the library?'''
+
=Firmware and Software Sources=
−
** Importing an entire system requires these steps:
+
==GRE==
−
#Press MENU key to display main menu
+
*[http://www.greamerica.com/ GRECom home page] has links for Firmware, Drivers for USB and Device with varied versions of EZ-Scan applicable to the PSR-700 and PSR-800
−
#Select "Browse Library". You're presented with a list of states.
 
−
#Scroll down to and select state. You're presented with the 3-item "Agencies / Counties / Systems" menu.
 
−
#Scroll down to and select Systems (this shows all statewide systems).
 
−
#Press SEL key to select the system.
 
−
#Press MENU and select "Import Selected"
 
−
#Select target playlists for talkgroups
 
−
#Press MENU and select "Import Now"
 
−
#Wait while scanner parses DB files and builds its run-time data files/structures.
 
−
*Note: If you only wanted a few Sites / Talkgroups, you wouldn't select the entire system in step 5. Instead, you'd drill into the system and select individual sites, categories, and/or talkgroups.
 
  
 +
==Radio Shack==
 +
*[https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0953/5270/files/PRO668.exe?14204073518063566193| Official Radio Shack Pro-668 Direct Download Link] of IScan
  
−
* '''My SD Card has failed or I want to replace it with a larger capacity second memory card.  What SD Cards are compatible?'''
+
==Whistler==
−
* '''How do I format a SD Card for Use?'''
+
*Whistler's versions of EZ-Scan, drivers and CPU firmware updater can be found [https://whistlergroup.com/pages/downloads HERE]
−
**Some microSD cards up to 32GB are supported, as long as it uses 512-byte blocks and is formatted correctly:
+
*All User have to fictitiously "Purchase" for free, then "item" will be available to download, after all info is entered or will be e-mailed (w updates sent to that e-mail) with a time sensitive download hyperlink.
−
*** 2GB or smaller: FAT16, 32kB clusters
 
−
*** larger than 2GB: FAT32, 32kB clusters
 
−
** SanDisk and Transcend cards from Class 2 to 6 and up to 32 GB are known to work correctly. Some 4 GB PNY cards have worked while others have not. Other brands have been known to cause issues and could not be recognized by the PSR-800.
 
−
** Larger capacity memory cards (16-32 GB) have been reported to take longer for the PSR-800 to read, boot up and become operational. 
 
−
** The SD association recommends using their SD memory card format tool. They say Windows does not properly format SD cards. Their tool can be found [http://www.sdcard.org/consumers/formatter_3/ here]
 
  
 +
==Utilities==
 +
*Whistler Remote Control Software '''Also functions on PSR-800, PRO-668 and PRO-18'''
 +
**[https://whistlergroup.com/collections/scanner-downloads/products/remote-control-demo-for-use-on-whistler-sd-scanners Remote Control Software (Whistler)]
 +
***{{Thread|radio-shack-scanners|336974-whistler-remote-control-software-works-pro-668-pro-18-a.html|Whistler Remote Control}}
 +
*[http://whistlerq.wixsite.com/whistlerq WhistlerQ] Import tool for EZ-Scan
 +
*[http://www.digitalfrequencysearch.com/Search/QuickImport.php Digital Frequency Search Quick Import] Tool to import DMR, NXDN, and P25 into EZ Scan (as conventional objects)
 +
*[http://www.thesoftwarehandyman.com/trxa/ TRX Android Suite]
 +
*[http://www.mediafire.com/file/aub01jii38mkty4/UniversalScannerAudioPlayer.zip/file Universal Scanner Audio Player]  For the TRX-1,2
 +
** The {{Thread|general-scanning-discussion.28|416924-universal-scanner-audio-player.html|Support}} is here
 +
* [https://radioreferenceuk.co.uk/scanner-linker.php RRUK Scanner Linker]
  
−
* '''How do you work with playlists?'''
+
=Additional Resources=
−
** Please see the [[Working with Playlists]] article for more information
+
== Easier to Read Manuals - GRE / RS / Whistler ==
 +
*[http://new.marksscanners.com/18/18.shtml Pro-18 and iScan Manual]
 +
*[http://new.marksscanners.com/107/107.shtml Pro-107 / iScan Manual]
 +
*[http://new.marksscanners.com/P800/P800.shtml Pro-668 / PSR800 EZScan / iScan Manual]
 +
*[http://new.marksscanners.com/P700/P700.shtml PSR-700 and EZScan Manual]
 +
*[http://www.scannermaster.com/Easier_to_Read_PSR700_800_Pro_18_107_Manual_p/47-511842.htm Easier to Read PSR700, 800, Pro-18 and 107 Manual] printed via Scanner Master
 +
*[http://new.marksscanners.com/1080_1095/1080_1088.shtml Whistler WS1080 / 1088 and TRX-1 Manual]
 +
**ALL [[Whistler Official Upgrade (WOU)|WOU]] PSR-800, Pro-18 Pro-668 are now regarded as WS1080  except there is a separate CPU Loader for Whistler Officially upgraded models.
 +
*[http://new.marksscanners.com/1080_1095/1095_1098.shtml Whistler WS1095 / 1098 and TRX-2 Manual]
  
  
−
* '''Why is the 796-806 Mhz range locked out on the PSR-800?'''
+
==Other websites==
−
** 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 [http://forums.radioreference.com/radio-shack-scanners/212385-info-missing-796-806-mhz-pro-106-a.html thread].
+
*[https://whistlergroup.com/apps/help-center Whistler Help Center]
 +
**Whistler's user guides can be found [https://whistlergroup.com/pages/user-guides here]. Click on the Radio Scanners category to see the list
  
 +
===Bing Videos===
 +
* [https://tinyurl.com/y69ynuek WS-1080 Scanner Help]
 +
* [https://tinyurl.com/4ry8vb2j TRX-1 Scanner Help]
 +
* [https://tinyurl.com/ytwxcfv2 TRX-2 Scanner Help]
  
−
* '''How do I clean out dirt that gets into the LCD display on the PSR-800?'''
+
===YouTube Videos===
−
** See the [[Cleaning the PSR-800 LCD Display]] article
+
* [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ws1080+programming WS-1080 Programming]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ws1088+programming WS-1088 Programming]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=trx1+programming TRX-1 Programming]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ws1095+programming WS-1095 Programming]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ws1098+programming WS-1098 Programming]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=TRX2+programming TRX-2 Programming]
  
 +
===ZipScanners===
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/@Zipscanners1/search?query=ws-1080%20help WS-1080 Help]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/@Zipscanners1/search?query=trx-1%20help TRX-1 Help]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/@Zipscanners1/search?query=ws-1095%20help WS-1095 Help]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/@Zipscanners1/search?query=trx-2%20help TRX-2 Help]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODAOZGkzlAc&ab_channel=ZipScanners How to Record on a Whistler Scanner]
  
−
* '''How can I improve the performance on decoding LSM CQPSK systems?'''
 
−
**In the trunked radio systems tab on the radio software click on your system; then below click on the system in the site information area that highlites the error correction adjustment----change it to around low 70 high 98. These adjustments should be made with multi-site systems, not ones that are single-site.
 
−
**You can also adjust the noise threshold from 20 down to 5. You will need to play around with these settings for the best results in your area (<small> Thanks to IowaGuy1603 and Mancow for these</small>)
 
  
 +
==Whistler Contacts==
 +
===Bug Reports===
 +
In an effort to make it easier for you to report bugs to us, we have created an email address just for this purpose.
  
−
==Firmware and Software==
+
To report a bug - please email [mailto:scannerbugreports@whistlergroup.com Scanner Bug Reports]
 +
 +
In the subject please put '''Bug Report'''
  
−
* '''Are there any hints for working with and installing the IScan Software?'''
+
In the body of the email please let us know what scanner model you are using, what issue you are having and if you are able to replicate the issue - how you replicated it.
−
** Please go to the [[IScan Installation and Tips]] article
 
  
  
−
* '''What do I do to fix an error code 740 from the EZ-Scan software?'''
+
===Feature Requests and Suggestions===
−
** Make sure you mark this software ''run as administrator''
 
  
 +
We here at Whistler want to give you all the opportunity to provide us suggestions/requests for new features on future scanner models. This is your time to give us your wish list - not just updates for our existing scanners but what NEW features would you like to see in future models?
  
−
* '''What is the hierarchy of the database?'''
+
We genuinely want to hear from you! That is why we have created a email address for you to EMAIL us your suggestions/requests. Obviously you can post your suggestions/requests here to this thread but it will be MUCH EASIER for us to keep up with your requests through the email.
−
**The scanner has a menu-driven version of the RR DB's hierarchy:
 
  
−
Code:
+
Let us hear your ideas!  Please send your email to [mailto:scannersuggestions@whistlergroup.com Scanner Suggestions]
−
States
 
−
  Agencies
 
−
    Categories
 
−
      Subcategories
 
−
        Frequencies
 
−
  Counties / Independent Cities
 
−
    Agencies
 
−
      Categories
 
−
        Subcategories
 
−
          Frequencies
 
−
    Categories
 
−
      Subcategories
 
−
        Frequencies
 
−
    Systems
 
−
      Sites
 
−
      Talkgroup Categories
 
−
        Talkgroups
 
−
  Systems
 
−
    Sites
 
−
    Talkgroup Categories
 
  
−
* '''How do I activate a wildcard on the PSR-800 using EZ-Scan?'''
 
−
** Look at the Trunked Radio Systems tab on the far right hand side. Click on the image to view it
 
−
[[Image:EZScan wildcard.jpg|thumb|center|Wildcard button]]
 
  
  
Line 124: Line 199:
 
[[Category:Programming FAQs and Tips for Radio Shack Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Programming FAQs and Tips for Radio Shack Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Programming FAQs and Tips for Whistler Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Programming FAQs and Tips for Whistler Scanners]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners with DMR]]
 +
[[Category:Digital Scanners with MOTOTRBO]]
 
[[Category:Digital Scanners without DMR]]
 
[[Category:Digital Scanners without DMR]]
 
[[Category:Digital Scanners without MOTOTRBO]]
 
[[Category:Digital Scanners without MOTOTRBO]]
Line 130: Line 207:
 
[[Category:Analog Trunktrackers]]
 
[[Category:Analog Trunktrackers]]
 
[[Category:Object Oriented Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Object Oriented Scanners]]
 +
[[Category:Scanners FAQ]]
 
[[Category:Software for GRE Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Software for GRE Scanners]]
 +
[[Category:Software for Whistler Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Software for Radio Shack Scanners]]
 
[[Category:Software for Radio Shack Scanners]]
−
[[Category:Software for Whistler Scanners]]
+
[[Category:Scanners Error Messages]]
−
[[Category:Scanners FAQ]]
 

Latest revision as of 19:30, 31 May 2023

Welcome, here we'll start from scratch, and take you through some of the most basic of questions, in many cases what things mean and how to find information. A word of explanation; if a word or phrase appears in blue then it's a link, clicking it should take you to another article in our wiki or another part of our website, or perhaps a different website altogether.

Please put all Tips, Problems and Solutions here, in this FAQ page, with anything GRE, Radio Shack (RS) or Whistler did not include in their manuals. EZ-Scan tips and other information are now on the Whistler EZ Scan FAQ article

What Does This FAQ Cover?

  • GRE/RS/Whistler PC based, scanners with microSD cards, apart from Whistler's WS1088 & WS1098 and TRX1 & TRX2, the others in the table lack a conventional keypad. All use proprietary software to read/write data. They use Object Oriented (OO) technology: which allows "Channels": whether conventional frequencies or digital talkgroups (TGIDs), both of which are Objects, to be 'Grabbed and Shared' across many ScanLists in a ScanSet. Using Scanlists allows the Scanner 'to scan' any of the Objects: simultaneously and/or consecutively - no matter the kind: style or type (as long as the scanner can reliably receive and decodes that mode). These are the scanners this document covers. Click the blue text for more information;
GRE Radio Shack Whistler
PSR-700 Pro-107
Pro-18
PSR-800 Pro-668 WS1080
WS1088
TRX-1
PSR-900 WS1095
WS1098
TRX-2

The Nuts and Bolts

  • If you're a newcomer, you've probably already discovered that there's a huge amount of terms that seem unfamiliar to you. Our Glossary has lots of these terms, along with definitions. Just click on the term you wish to view.
  • When looking at frequencies in our database, float your mouse over the column header, and you should get a balloon with a brief description of the terms and abbreviations that are used there.
  • The biggest hurdle for many is the concept of trunking. Our Trunking Basics article will get you started, as well as this PDF file written by UPMan. Note that you will need Adobe Acrobat or a compatible reader (such as Foxit) to read it.
  • EDACS Provoice trunking is not available in these scanners. Only Uniden scanners can trunk this mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is Object Oriented Scanning (OOS) and how does it work in the GRE / RS /Whistler microSD card based scanners?


Which Object Oriented Scanners decode DMR, Project 25 Phase 1 and 2, and/or NXDN?


Notes
  1. The Whistler Official Upgrade (WOU) is required for this mode
  2. A firmware upgrade from Whistler, and applied via EZ-Scan, is required for these scanners. The TRX-1 and 2 have this mode out of the box
  3. A firmware upgrade from Whistler, and applied via EZ-Scan, is required for these scanners. See the NXDN article for additional information about NXDN trunking
  4. Whistler scanners cannot trunktrack NXDN or DMR systems. Whistler never bought the licenses, which is why the upgrades are free. The best these scanners can do is to decode the audio. This may be sufficient on systems that aren't too busy, but for busier systems, this is a serious limitation.


Why isn't the PSR-700 and Pro-107 in the above list?
  • This is because they are analog only scanners, and lack the hardware and memory required for digital operation


How do I make the TRX-1 / TRX-2 work on NXDN Trunked Systems?
  • See the Can It Be Decoded section of the NXDN article.


I purchase my scanner used, from a third-party, how do I know if my scanner has the Official or unofficial "hacked" firmware.
  • Check by Manually Programming a local DMR frequency and monitor for cleanly decoded DMR transmissions.
  • Check to see which Splash Screen you have - if you have the 'Radio Shack' or 'GRE' logos, those contain standard OEM firmware. If it has a Whistler logo - it have been modified with either the Whistler Official Upgrade (WOU) or the Unofficial "hacked" process.
    • With Whistler's logo, try to update CPU to 4.7 or 4.8 in Whistler EZ-Scan Software if it doesn't take - it's likely Unofficial.
  • Turn Scanner on- while it's loading, (after power button is pressed) when Splash screen is displayed - hold the MENU until you see Bootloader CPU DSP version screen, if it's DSP 4.6 and CPU 3.1 try the first, do NOT update the date past May 31st, 2017 or it will be LOCKED and DMR decode will be Canceled (neither manually or via PC "Set Real Time Clock to Computer Time").


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 the missing freqs in GRE scanners Thread.


How do I clean out dirt that gets into the LCD display?


I want to get a another or replacement microSD card, what does 'the size' impact, does speed class make any difference?


Why does may scanner reboots or turn itself off when I disconnect power but have batteries installed?
  • It's most likely related to the USB power device you are using; if it is over the recommended voltage of the USB 2.0 standard - 5v DC and amperage of 500mA, these scanners do NOT seem to like when either is too much above spec. 5.1v and/or 850mA seems to be the limit before the scanner falsely senses an 'abrupt power-loss,' as if it was total power removal. Also it is more likely to happen when using low capacitance and/or highly discharged batteries (of any kind).


I am hearing a great deal of distorted audio / spurs / interference in some specific bands. What is causing this?


Are there any Third Party Applications that allow for remote control?
  • Some of the Whistler Scanners have their own control demo program. It's available from the scanner's homepage. However it is limited in scope and functionality
  • For the TRX1, TRX2, WS1095, WS01098, WS1080 and WS1088, check out the TRX Android Suite


Common PSR-700, Pro-668, Pro-107, or Pro-18 Questions

Are there any hints for working with and installing the iScan Software?


What are Playlists and how do I use them?
  • Playlist are the same as Scanlist continue to follow below and interchange Playlist for Scanlist, ignore ScanSet as your scanner is a single ScanSet or see our Working with Playlists article.

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 was the "knowledge based article" that previously appeared on GRE's webpage ->
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.
In rare cases it may be necessary to restore the radio to factory defaults ...


Technical Issues


Firmware and Software Sources

GRE

  • GRECom home page has links for Firmware, Drivers for USB and Device with varied versions of EZ-Scan applicable to the PSR-700 and PSR-800

Radio Shack

Whistler

  • Whistler's versions of EZ-Scan, drivers and CPU firmware updater can be found HERE
  • All User have to fictitiously "Purchase" for free, then "item" will be available to download, after all info is entered or will be e-mailed (w updates sent to that e-mail) with a time sensitive download hyperlink.

Utilities

Additional Resources

Easier to Read Manuals - GRE / RS / Whistler


Other websites

Bing Videos

YouTube Videos

ZipScanners


Whistler Contacts

Bug Reports

In an effort to make it easier for you to report bugs to us, we have created an email address just for this purpose.

To report a bug - please email Scanner Bug Reports

In the subject please put Bug Report

In the body of the email please let us know what scanner model you are using, what issue you are having and if you are able to replicate the issue - how you replicated it.


Feature Requests and Suggestions

We here at Whistler want to give you all the opportunity to provide us suggestions/requests for new features on future scanner models. This is your time to give us your wish list - not just updates for our existing scanners but what NEW features would you like to see in future models?

We genuinely want to hear from you! That is why we have created a email address for you to EMAIL us your suggestions/requests. Obviously you can post your suggestions/requests here to this thread but it will be MUCH EASIER for us to keep up with your requests through the email.

Let us hear your ideas! Please send your email to Scanner Suggestions

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