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Recording Software and Tips

From The RadioReference Wiki

Welcome to the Scanner Recording Software and Tips page. You'll find some basic tips on how to hook up your scanner and PC, Scanner Software packages that include recording in its features, and various hints/kinks to help get you off the ground.

Setting Up the PC

  • Double click on the Speaker Icon in the System Tray
  • If you don't see the 'Line In' and/or 'Mic In' settings, click on 'Properties', then 'Recording'
  • Make sure that both the 'Line In' and/or 'Mic In' radio boxes are checked
  • On the panel, insure that the 'Mute All' box is unchecked
  • Also insure that the 'Line In' and/or 'Mic In' mute boxes are unchecked
  • Hit OK (or Apply; this selection may change with the software loaded with the soundcard)
  • Tune some constant audio source; something that is always busy. A NOAA weather station is a good choice.
  • Adjust the levels to about halfway to start

Cabling and Hookups

  • The use of shielded audio cable is strongly recommended. Make it as short as possible to minimize stray pickup.
  • Many soundcards require a stereo jack (1/8 inch) as input. Simply wire one side (either right or left). It may also be possible to short the 2 sides together. Check any available documentation on your soundcard for specifics.
  • Laptops may require an attenuating patch cord, since their inputs may be designed to handle low-level inputs. If you hear distortion no matter what audio level you set, this is likely to be a cause. An example of an attenuating patch cord can be found here
  • A resistor across the jack is an easy way to assemble an attenuating patch cord. One way to find the correct value would be to connect a 10k audio taper potentiometer across the jack, along with a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM). Begin with maximum resistance, and slowly increase it until the audio sounds normal. You may need to also adjust the levels in the soundcard's control panel. When the audio is satisfactory, note the reading on the VOM. You now have an idea of the resistor's value.

Scanner Control Software with Recording Features

BuTel Software

Scannerbase Software

Signal Intelligence Products

  • NOTE: Audio Files recorded with Signal Intelligence software cannot be played by a standard .wav player

Other Scanner Software

Recording Utilities

Problems and Solutions

  • There are no software packages that will log and record using Radio Shack scanners- with the exception of the PRO-2052, which is really a Uniden clone. This is due to firmware limitations.


  • No audio is heard through the PC speakers using either 'Line In' or 'Mic In' jacks on the soundcard
    • Make sure that neither of these selections has been muted in the control panel for the soundcard (see above)


  • An A/C type hum is heard, even when receiving nothing.
    • Double click on your speaker icon on your taskbar, go to Options, Properties, change "Adjust volume" to Recording, hit OK, and under Mic, there should be an advanced, and see if 20 db boost is enabled. (Evan Platt via Scan-L)
    • Many Uniden receivers put a resistor in the headphone jack circuit to limit the output. This is in the ground side of the jack and can cause hum if you are trying to use it for a tape input. According to the manual, the 796D has a programable tape output on the rear panel. See page 18 of the manual. If you still have hum, get a ground loop isolator such as the Radio Shack Catalog 270-054 and the necessary adapters. (Mike Miller via Scan-L).


  • The BC796D (and possibly the BC785D) has a tape output jack; however, it seems to activate after a 2 second delay. To get around this, connect to the speaker out jack instead