Difference between revisions of "Ka3jjz"
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==Scanners that can be programmed== | ==Scanners that can be programmed== | ||
* '''Which Scanner Models can be programmed with the PC?''' | * '''Which Scanner Models can be programmed with the PC?''' | ||
| − | All the models listed on our [[Popular_Software_for_RS/Uniden_Scanners|Popular Software]] article can at least be connected to a PC and | + | All the models listed on our [[Popular_Software_for_RS/Uniden_Scanners|Popular Software]] article can at least be connected to a PC and can up/download data. In addition, the recently released GRE |
[[PSR-500]], [[PSR-600]], [[PSR-300]] and [[PSR-400]] has this capability. Check the indicated links for more information. | [[PSR-500]], [[PSR-600]], [[PSR-300]] and [[PSR-400]] has this capability. Check the indicated links for more information. | ||
* '''Can a Radio Shack Scanner be used to log frequencies/record and scan?''' | * '''Can a Radio Shack Scanner be used to log frequencies/record and scan?''' | ||
In general the answer is no, due to firmware limits. The only exception is the old [[Pro-2052]], which is really a rebadged Uniden scanner in a GRE case. This scanner can log, record and scan with the right software. See the popular software link above for more information | In general the answer is no, due to firmware limits. The only exception is the old [[Pro-2052]], which is really a rebadged Uniden scanner in a GRE case. This scanner can log, record and scan with the right software. See the popular software link above for more information | ||
* '''I used to program scanners years ago; now Uniden has this [[DMA]] technology. What is that all about?''' | * '''I used to program scanners years ago; now Uniden has this [[DMA]] technology. What is that all about?''' | ||
| − | In [[DMA]] terminology, there are no such things as banks anymore. Basically, channels are allocated from a pool of memory, the capacity of which is different for each model. It's highly recommended to read UPMan's article, and use a spreadsheet (or other columnar function) to plan how to program one of these scanners. There are also the 'Easier to Read' manuals for each of the [[DMA]] scanners, which are a signficant improvement over the Uniden offerings. | + | In [[DMA]] terminology, there are no such things as banks anymore. Basically, channels are allocated from a pool of memory, the capacity of which is different for each model. It's highly recommended to read UPMan's article, and use a spreadsheet (or other columnar function) to plan how to program one of these scanners. There are also the 'Easier to Read' manuals for each of the [[DMA]] scanners, which are a signficant improvement over the Uniden offerings. Start by reading the [[Uniden DMA FAQ]] first. |
==Connecting the scanner to the PC== | ==Connecting the scanner to the PC== | ||
Revision as of 17:42, 26 January 2008
Welcome to the Scanner Programming FAQ. This article is inteded to document many of the common questions regarding programming scanners, cables, software and so forth. Please feel free to add items, new sections or comments as needed. Note that anything in blue is a link.
Scanners that can be programmed
- Which Scanner Models can be programmed with the PC?
All the models listed on our Popular Software article can at least be connected to a PC and can up/download data. In addition, the recently released GRE PSR-500, PSR-600, PSR-300 and PSR-400 has this capability. Check the indicated links for more information.
- Can a Radio Shack Scanner be used to log frequencies/record and scan?
In general the answer is no, due to firmware limits. The only exception is the old Pro-2052, which is really a rebadged Uniden scanner in a GRE case. This scanner can log, record and scan with the right software. See the popular software link above for more information
- I used to program scanners years ago; now Uniden has this DMA technology. What is that all about?
In DMA terminology, there are no such things as banks anymore. Basically, channels are allocated from a pool of memory, the capacity of which is different for each model. It's highly recommended to read UPMan's article, and use a spreadsheet (or other columnar function) to plan how to program one of these scanners. There are also the 'Easier to Read' manuals for each of the DMA scanners, which are a signficant improvement over the Uniden offerings. Start by reading the Uniden DMA FAQ first.
Connecting the scanner to the PC
Most newer PCs these days have no serial ports - you must use a USB cable to make the connection. While there are some dedicated models - Uniden has their USB-1, and certain distributors - such as Scan Control - market their own offerings, other brands may also work. Many problems with using USB connections seem to fall into a few categories;
- Not having up to date drivers. These are generally available from the manufacturer's website
- Not allocating an open COM port. Be sure to check in Windows Device Manager to insure that COM port you are attempting to allocate is actually available
- Bad cables - yes, it does happen.