The Computer-Aided Scanner FAQ Version 1.0 by Michael Alexander, Copyright 1996 malex007@earthlink.com This is Release 1.1 of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Computer-Aided Scanning. As with early releases of software and humans there are bound to be mistakes, important things missing and topics that could be expanded upon or enhanced in some other way. I would appreciate hearing what suggestions you have for improving this FAQ. Send comments to malex007@earthlink.net. The mention of any products in this FAQ should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the product or its manufacturer. On the contrary, I suggest that you look at the claims made by vendors with a critical eye and consider that their prime objective is to get you to part with your hard-won dough at virtually any cost. Section A: Why Bother? Section B: Computer-controlled scanners Section C: Making the Connection Section D: Interfaces Section E: Scanning Software Section A: Why Bother? Why would I want to connect my scanner to a computer? With the right software and interface, you can enhance the capabilities of your scanner as well as avail yourself of capabilities that the scanner would not ordinarily have. Here's a quick look at some of the potential benefits of computer-aided scanning: -- increased scanning speed; -- ability to automatically load and reload frequencies into the scanner; -- decode and log CTCSS, DCS and DTMF tones -- access to frequencies that are locked out or not available on the scanner; -- ability to dump frequencies from a CD-ROM into the scanner. -- manage frequencies in a wide variety of ways using a database; -- visual display of signal strength -- tape recorder control -- and more.... Notice, I said "potential benefits." Exactly what capabilities you'll have depends on the combination of scanner, interface and software that you use. Section B: Computer-controlled Scanners What scanners can be controlled by computer? Given time, money and technical expertise, probably any scanner can be controlled via computer. However, scanners that are readily adaptable for computer-aided controls are as follows: AOR: AR5000, AR3000, AR3000A, AR8000, AR2700 Icom: R7000, R7000-2, R7100, R7100-2, R9000, R8500 Radio Shack: PRO-2004, PRO-2005, PRO-2006, PRO-2035, PRO-2042 AOR5000 This is the AOR's newest top-of-the-line base scanner. It covers 10khz to 2600 Mhz (no gaps); and features an RS-232 port for computer control. Price: $2200-$2300. AOR3000 and AOR3000A Base scanner covering 100 Khz to 2036 Mhz. The A model is cellular blocked. It features an RS-232 port. Price About $110 AOR8000 is AOR's top-of-the-line handheld scanner. It sells for about $600 to $630, depending on whether it is a blocked or continuous model capable of receiving cellular frquencies. If you purchase an AOR, or any other scanner for that matter, from a Canadian or overseas dealer, there is a good chance of your getting hit with customs fees. I don't know what the logic is for how customs fees are assessed, but it seems to be about 5 percent of the purchase price. AOR2700 Handheld scanner that covers 500 Khz 1300 Mhz. It sells for about $200, about half of its original cost because it is slated to be discontinued. Radio Shack PRO-2004/5/6: These scanners are no longer being manufactured. Used PRO-2006s, the most current of the three models, regularly sell for $275 to $350. New PRO-2006s typically sold for $375 to $400. Radio Shack PRO-2035: The PRO-2035 is no longer being manufactured but is still readily available (new) from many Radio Shacks in the United States as well as in Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Because this model has been discontinued, it is heavily discounted to about $200 (down from the original list price of $400) by Radio Shacks across the country as well as by mail order companies. The PRO-2042 is Radio Shack's current top-of-the-line scanner. It sells for about $430 to $500 and is readily available from many Radio Shacks across the country as well as Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Best prices are generally available from mail order companies such as Pioneer Data (503-982-5115). Check Popular Communications and Monitoring Times for the ads and telephone numbers. One word to the wise, mail order companies will stiff you by adding hefty $20-$30 shipping and inflated "handling" fees. Section C: Making the Connection How to I hook the scanner up to a computer? The way that scanners and computer "talk" to each other is by means of an interface. You need an interface that understands RS232 or CV-I and software. Some scanners have the interface built in; others require that you purchase an interface that is either installed in the scanner or connected between the scanner and the computer. How much does an add-on interface cost? External interface costs between $100 and $300. How much does software cost? Software sells for $30 to $150. Can I listen to frequencies that my scanner is not capable of receiving? For the most part, no. If your scanner does not receive frequencies between 800 Mhz and 900 Mhz, hooking it up to a computer will not give it capabilities that the scanner itself does not have. There is one interface, the Optoelectronics OS535 when installed in either the PRO-2035 or PRO2042 Radio Shack scanners can be made to receive frequencies in the cellular telephone range. (More about that later). What computer platforms can I hook up my scanner to? Virtually any computer can be used to control your scanner. However, unless you're planning to write your own software, you have but two basic choices: IBM PCs and compatibles and Apple Macintosh. Not surprising, the majority of computer-aided scanning programs run on IBM PC and compatible machines. As you would expect, there are both commercial and shareware versions available. This FAQ describes the current offerings and providers pointers on where to get demo versions as well as shareware. What else do I need? A cable, of course. PC: You need a standard RS232 serial cable, which will plugs into a comm port on the PC on one end and into the interface on the other end. Mac: You need a standard hardware handshaking modem cable, with 9 pin on one end and RS232 on the other. You may also need to use a variety of adapters to go from the RS232 25-pin to RS232 9-pin. If you don't have a spare comm or modem port, buy a switch box that allows you to switch between two devices (about $10-$15 by mail order). Section D: Interfaces Product: OptoScan 456 and OptoScan 535 Price: $299 (either model) Manufacturer: Optoelectronics Address: 5821 NE 14th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33334 Telephone: 305-771-2050 Fax: 305-771-2052 Email: N/A URL: http://www.optoelectronics.com Supports: OptoScan 456 is designed for the Radio Shack PRO-2005 and PRO-2006; the OptoScan 535 is designed for the Radio Shack PRO-2035 and PRO-2042. The OptoScan 456 (OS456) is an add-on computer interface board designed to fit into the Radio Shack Model Pro-2005 or PRO-2006 receivers. The OS456 allows for complete computer control of the receiver. It will not only tune the radio, but increases scanning speed up to 65 channels per second (depending upon the software used). It also provides decoding of CTCSS, DCS, and DTMF (Touch Tone) and much more. At 65 channels per second, the OS456 can scan at more than twice the rate of an unmodified Pro-2005/6, ICOM R7100, AOR 8000, or any other scanner using computer control. The faster your receiver can scan, the less chance you have of missing any conversations. The OS456 and OS535 include built-in CI-V to RS-232C serial interface converter for application in which a receiver is connected to a computer. Its purpose is to convert the CI-V interface voltage levels to RS-232C levels compatible with most personal computers. This feature eliminates the need for an external interface converter box. In addition, the RS-232C interface provides pipeline tuning, resulting in the ability to increase the scanning speed of the OS456 by up to 65 channels per second and to increase the scanning speed of the OS535 by up to 80 channels per second (perhaps as high as 100 cps). In addition to providing the PRO-2035 and PRO-2042 with computer-aided scanning, the Opto 535 can also be used to capture frequencies in the 800 Mhz cellular range. The key is to obtain the code to "unlock" this capability. The unlock code is 27568114936463053849. This code is entered via Probe, Scancat or other popular scanning program . Cellular reception capability exists only when the scanner is hooked to a computer. Depending on the software you use, you may or may not have to unlock the cellular feature each time you wish to monitor those frequencies. One alternative is to purchase the OS535 from a Canadian, European or other supplier outside of the United States. These interfaces have readily accessible 800 Mhz reception ability and need not be unlocked. The Opto 456 does not have this feature because the PRO-2005 and 2006 can readily be modified to receive cellular telephone transmissions. The OS456 and OS535 are supported by most of the popular scanning software programs such as Probe, Scanstar, Scancat, Scannerware For Windows, And Radio Manager For Windows. One of the most exciting features of the OS456 and OS535 is that these interfaces can be used with Optoelectronics' Scout, for Reaction Tuning. The Scout will automatically tune the PRO-2005/6 and PRO 2035/42, ICOM R7000, R7100, and R9000, or AOR AR8000 and AR2700 to the frequency it records. The frequencies may also be recalled from the memory of the Scout to tune the receiver. Features -- Interfaces with the Pro-2005 or 2006 VHF/UHF scanner -- Decodes CTCSS, DCS, and DTMF (Touch ToneŽ) -- Scans up to 65 channels per second -- Built-in CI-V, to RS-232C serial interface converter jack -- Receives VHF/UHF from 25-519.995 MHz and uninterrupted 760-1299.95 MHz -- Supports AM, FM-narrowband and FM wideband modes -- Supported by the following software programs: Probe, Scanstar, Scancat, Scannerware For Windows, and Radio Manager For Windows -- The Scout; automatically tunes the Pro-2005/6 when equipped with the OS456 -- Import files from the PerCon FCC database into either Probem ScanCat or RCSI Product: Optoelectronics CX12AR Price: $99 Manufacturer: Optoelectronics Address: 5821 NE 14th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33334 Telephone: 305-771-2050 Fax: 305-771-2052 Email: N/A URL: http://www.optoelectronics.com Supports: AOR 27000, AOR8000, Icom 7000/-2, Icom 7100/-2 This interface has been replaced by the OPTOLINX (see below) but is still widely available. The interface supports both full duplex (as used by the AR8000) and half-duplex modes (with ports for 3 radios, used for equipment that supports CI-V, such as Icom receivers, the Optoelectronics Scout, etc.) - Includes an external power supply - Provides a computer-controlled relay output, for use by tape recorder, etc. - Provides a generic squelch status line input (usable with the AR8000) - Connections to the CX12AR are through 3.5mm stereo mini-jack patch cables (full duplex) or 3.5mm mono mini-jack patch cables (half duplex) - Includes a "Flexible Flat Cable Adapter" to convert the 7-pin FFC connector of the AR8000 to two 3.5mm stereo mini-jacks, one of which provides data, the other of which provides squelch information. - Includes 25-pin RS-232 cable and 2 3.5mm stereo mini-jack patch cables - Approximate size is 10 cm (W) x 5 cm (D) x 3 cm (H) Product: Optoelectronics OPTOLINX Price: $129 Manufacturer: Optoelectronics Address: 5821 NE 14th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33334 Telephone: 305-771-2050 Fax: 305-771-2052 Email: N/A URL: http://www.optoelectronics.com The OPTOLINX PC-Radio universal interface replaces the popular CX12AR. The OPTOLINX sits between a wide variety of radios, scanners, decoders, frequency counters, frequency recorders, GPS receivers and other devices and the RS-232C serial port of a PC. It features: -- special provisions for connecting the AR2700 and AR8000 to a PC for full featured computer control scanning, while enabling the user to control multiple radios at one time; -- interface the AOR AR3000A with the DC440 decoder and the OPTOLINX to allow for decoding of DCS, CTCSS, and DTMF. -- interface with an NMEA 0183 compatible GPS or LORAN receiver. and any communications receiver with a data port to receive longitude and latitude coordinates for any signal the receiver receives.; -- interface to the Scout frequency recorder for the downloading of Scout frequencies in memory; -- use the M1 Frequency Counter with Optolog software for computer controlled datalogging of all frequencies the M1 captures. Product: AOR CU-8232 Price: $125 Manufacturer: AOR Address: Email URL Supports: AOR AR8000, AR2700. Not sold in the U.S., but can imported from Javiation (http://www.demon.co.uk/javiation) and other companies. Feature Highlights: -- Transfer frequencies and other data from one AR8000 to another -- Does not need an external power supply (it's powered by the AR8000) -- Includes 9-pin to 25-pin adapter -- Includes 9-pin gender changer --- Includes two Flexible Flat Cables to connect AR8000 to CU-8232 --- Approximate size is 75 mm (W) x 30 mm (H) x 123 mm (D) Product: AR8000INF Price: $100 Manufacturer: EDCO Address: 325 Mill St., N.E., Vienna, Va. 22180 Telephone: 703-938-8105 Fax: 703-938-4525 Email: N/A URL: N/A Supports: AOR AR8000, AR2700. Similiar to the AOR CU-8232 but does permit cloning from one AOR8000 to another. Feature Highlights: -- Does not need an external power supply (it's powered by the AR8000) -- Inlcudes PC sotware -- Extra shielding to reduce interface is available as an option -- Squelch status line on one of the RS-232 pins -- Approximate size is 6 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm Product: CE-232 Price: CE-232 (kit): $194.95; CE-232 (assembled): $244.95; CE-232 (assembled and installed): $344.95; CE-232 (assembled and installed in an external box): $344.95 Manufacturer: COMMtronics Engineering Address: PO Box 262478, San Diego, CA 92196-2478 Telephone: 619-578-9247 1:30pm-5:30pm E-mail: bcheek@cts. URL: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bcheek Supports: Radio Shack PRO-2004, PRO-2005 and PRO-2006. COMMtronics claims the CE-2323 is also compatible, although with less functionality, with other base and handheld Radio Shack scanners. Contact the company at the above address for more information. System Requirements: The CE-232 interfaces with any IBM PC or compatible with a minimum of 512 KB RAM capable of running MS-DOS 3.1 or higher and. It also operates on PCs running Windows 3.1, Windows For WorkGroups 3.11 and Windows 95. The CE-232 connects to the computer's serial port (COM1 or COM2) via standard serial cable (not supplied with the unit). Feature Highlights: -- Automatically program 1-999 channels from ASCII text file -- Automatically reject birdies or other undesirable frequencies -- Operate the scanner via the PC's keyboard -- Automatically log frequencies for unlimited periods of time, -- Automatic lookup that displays line of data related to a particular frequency -- Text editor for editing and reviewing log and configuration files -- Script language to automate scanner operations Product: RS-232 to TTL Cable Converter Price: $130 Manufacturer: Applied Computing Systems, Inc. Address: 120 Longview Drive, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544 Telephone: 505-672-4003 Fax: 505-672-4103 Email: sales@acsys.com URL: http://www.acsys.com Feature Highlights: -- Does not need an external power supply -- Comes inside a 25 pin female RS-232 housing. -- Comes with a six foot 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) cable. -- Half-duplex. Full-duplex version under development. The RC-125 Tone Interface Box RC-125i Computer Interface -- The New RC-125 hardware interface module: -- Allows complete computer control scan of the following radios: -- RC-125i for ICOM R-7000/ 7100/9000. -- RC-125a for AOR 3000A/8000. -- AOR 8000 requires special cabling. Features: -- Hardware interface module that contains built-in level converter and squelch detector. -- This eliminates the need for the CT-17. -- This allows programmed scanning using CTCSS, DCS, & DTMF with: -- ICOM R7000, R7100/9000, & AOR 3000a/8000. -- You must use ScannerWEAR 2.0 and above to implement full features of the RC-125 interface. -- (2) CI-V ports, may be set for half or full duplex. -- (1) RS-232 computer port (1) RS-232 radio port. -- Audio Input port for speaker or discriminator audio. (Note: most tone traffic needs discriminator audio.) -- Squelch input port for fast squelch detect. -- Optional daughter board for LTR trunk following. Section D: Scanning Software The features and capabilities of computer-aided scanning software described in this FAQ were culled from documentation and other material supplied by the manufacturers of the software. Where possible, I have included my observations based on first-hand experience with a particular product but I have not tested every product on the market to verify the claims made by the manufacturer. All reputable software vendors provide demo versions of their products, which can be downloaded from a variety of sites on the Internet. I suggest that you try whatever software interests you before you actually buy it. Common features of commercial and shareware scanning software: -- Scan between frequencies -- Scan individual and multiple banks -- Scan frequencies maintained in a log -- Specify search limits, search steps, delay mode, demodulation and other scanner capabilities in separate windows -- Decode CTCSS, DCS and DTMF codes -- Tape recorder control -- Skip birdies and other undesirable frequencies -- Fast scanning -- Frequency database -- Loads and scans PerCon FCC data on CD-ROM -- Log active frequencies and tones and maintain chronology -- Signal strength detection, -- Squelch on a specific signal strength range What commercial software is available for PCs? In no order of particular importance: ScanCat Gold--Computer-Aided Technologies Scanstar Radio Manager Probe What shareware software is available for PCs? ARUtil Comm 3 (?) What commercial software is available for Macs? At the moment, there are no commercial software programs available for the Macintosh. However, it is possible to run PC-based software on Macs equipped with SoftPC and SoftWindows PC. As you might expect, the programs run slower than they ordinarily would but are still quite useful for programming, managing frequencies and other benefits to make it worthwhile. If you already have a Mac and SoftPC or have no plans to buy a PC, it's an option worth consideration. What if just invest in a PC just to run a scanner? If you can afford it, or you're that serious about scanning, it makes sense. You'll have more software alternatives to choose from and you'll run the scanner at top speed. Many outmoded PCs built around an Intel 80286 or 80386 are suitable for controlling a scanner and can be bought for a few hundred dollars. If you got this route, keep in mind that you're probably going to run MS-DOS on a machine with only 1-2-4 megabytes of RAM so look for software that does not require much memory. What shareware software is available for Macs? WAVE, by Adaptive Technology, which controls Radio Shack PRO 2004/5/6 scanners equipped with an Optoelectronics 456 interface and Radio Shack PRO 2035/42 scanners equipped with an Optoelectronics 535 interface. AOR8000 Toolkit, by Eddy Works, controls an AOR8000 equipped with one of the three popular interfaces available. Descriptions of each product: Product: WAVE (shareware) Price: $95 sent to buyer electronically; $120 on disk Manufacturer: Adaptive Systems Address: 215 Fishing Lane, Wood dale, Ill. 60191 Telephone: (708) 766-2887 Email: mikeasl@aol.com URL: Not available Supports: Radio Shack PRO-2005 or PRO-2006 with OptoScan 456 or Radio Shack PRO-2035 or PRO-2042 with OptoScan 535. System Requirements: Apple Macintosh with System 7.1 or higher (7.5.1 recommended); 1 MB RAM; 2 MB free hard disk space. Also requires specially configured serial cable for optimum performance (see program documentation). Optional: Speech capabilities available if Sound Manager 3.0, Speech Manager 1.0 and a voice are installed. Note: The Mac Classic, Plus and SE do not support Sound Manager 3.0. WAVE requires a specially configured cable to access all of the features of the program. See the documentation that comes with the demo version of the program for more details. Feature Highlights: -- Scan between frequencies -- Scan frequencies maintained in a log -- Specify search limits, search steps, delay mode, demodulation and other scanner capabilities in separate windows -- Decode CTCSS, DCS and DTMF codes -- Tape recorder control -- Speech options reads out frequency and time -- Skip birdies and other undesirable frequencies -- Chronology of hits Product: AOR8000 ToolKit (shareware) Price: $30 Manufacturer: EddyWorks, a subsidiary of The Eccentricity Group Address Email URL: http//www.mich.com/~eddy/works. Supports: AOR8000 equipped with either AOR CU8232, EDCO AR8000INF, or Optoelectronics CX12AR interfaces. System Requirement: a Macintosh running System 7 or higher. Feature Highlights: -- Auto program frequencies and labels -- Drag-and-drop organization of frequency banks -- Balloon Help -- Displays same typeface as seen on AR8000's LCD. -- Edit search banks and scanner settings -- Edit auto-mode bandplan table Software for PCs. Product Name: Probe Suggested Retail Price: $99.95 Manufacturer: DataFile, P.O. Box 20111, St. Louis, Missouri, 63123 Telephone: N/A URL: DataFile@GEnie.com Supports: Radio Shack PRO-2004/5/6 or PRO-2042 scanner equipped with Optoelectronic's OptoScan 456 or 535 computer interface; IBM or IBM compatible computer using MS /PC DOS version 3.3 or higher; 640K RAM, hard disk, serial port (COMM 1, 2, 3 or 4). Optional: Printer. Note: Version 2 is about to be released at $99.95, normal price will be about $120. There will be an update to this FAQ soon. Features: -- Fast scanning, up to 94 FPS with the OptoScan 535 -- "On-line tuning" from frequency and log file viewers -- True database engine (dBASE format) -- Loads and scans PerCon FCC data on CD-ROM -- Log active frequencies and tones including DTMF -- Comprehensive scanning screen information -- Status indicators for frequency, codes, and more -- Scan up to 99 banks to scan at one time -- Up to 4000 groups of 99 banks -- Signal strength detection, -- Squelch on a specific signal strength range Product Name: AOR Searchlight Suggested Retail Price: $ Manufacturer: Telephone: URL: Supports: AOR AR-3000A or AR-3000; 25 MHz 80386 IBM PC compatible or above; 4 MB RAM; Microsoft mouse; at least two RS-232 serial ports (one for mouse); 2 MB free disk space; Microsoft Windows 3.1 (or higher) or Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1 (or higher) running in enhanced mode. Requires a specially configured serial cable (company provides instructions). Optional: Printer; Windows multimedia compatible sound card (highly recommended). A cable with a 3.5 mm plug is required to connect the audio output of the radio to the PC sound card (connectors on the sound card vary). Feature Highlights: -- Runs under Microsoft Windows -- On-line context sensitive help -- Unlimited number of disk based memory banks. -- Includes utility to import AOR Spectrum Coordinator memory -- Copy data to/from clipboard -- Memory scan and Programmable Band Scan -- Graphical analysis showing full statistics compiled as the SFW is in progress and includes text based reports and a log file. -- Spectrum analyzer display -- Supports Windows Sound Recording (requires a Windows compatible sound card) Product Name: PC-MANAGER for DOS Suggested Retail Price: $ Manufacturer: Telephone: URL: Supports: AR8000 with AOR CU8232 remote control interface System Requirements: 80286 PC compatible (or higher); Microsoft DOS v3.0 or PC-DOS v3.0 or higher ; 1M byte of DOS memory (640k bytes of base memory); Microsoft mouse or equivalent (strongly recommended); 1MB free hard disk space or twin 720k bytes floppy disks; at least two RS-232 serial ports (one for mouse if used). Optional: Printer. Feature Highlights: -- On-line context sensitive help -- Memory, search and auto mode data; cut and paste or edit each line of text in a number of text windows -- Auto line number when adding memory data. -- Renumber each line of search or memory data. -- Set password, search and scan parameters with simple dialogs. -- Send memory, search or auto mode data to your radio or print it out. -- Edit auto mode data to define your own setup and send it to the radio. -- Import and export memory and search bank data into raw format (for interoperability with your existing data) -- Choose the serial port parameters to suit your radio. -- A built-in terminal is also provided for full control of the AR8000 Product Name: PC-MANAGER for Windows Suggested Retail Price: $ Manufacturer: Telephone: URL: Supports: AR8000 or AR2700 with AOR CU8232 remote control interface System Requirements: 80486 PC compatible (or higher); Microsoft WindowsTM 3.x or Windows 95; 8MB RAM; Microsoft mouse or equivalent (strongly recommended); at least 2MB free hard disk space; at least two RS-232 serial ports (one for mouse). Optional: Printer. Features: -- Comprehensive and powerful editing features for memory, search, auto mode and pass frequency data including intelligent cut/paste, line renumbering and syntax checking (for auto mode data) -- On-line context sensitive help -- Set the password (not supported with AR2700 ), search, scan and many other parameters of the radio with simple dialogs. -- Send memory, search, auto mode or pass frequency data to your radio or print it out. -- Edit auto mode data to define your own bandplan setup and send it to the radio. -- Execute searches and scans within the radio for maximum tuning speed (approx. 30 channels/s) -- Execute duplex searches and scans from the PC (not available with the AR2700 ) -- Record audio from the radio automatically during searches and scans in an audio log (PC sound card required, not included) -- Display the spectrum when searching, measure frequency and signal strength Product Name: Scan*Star for Windows Suggested Retail Price: $159.97 Manufacturer: Signal Intelligence Telephone: URL: Supports: Radio Shack PRO 2004/5/6 equipped with an Optoelectronics OS456, Radio Shack PRO-2035/42 with an Optoelectronics OS535, , R7000, R7100, R9000, AR3000, AR3000A, AR8000 with interface. System Requirements: IBM PC or compatible (386 or faster) with 4 MB RAM running Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or Windows 95,. Features: Operate up to ten radios at one time -- Combine groups, banks and search ranges and scan at once -- Mini-status monitor -- Spectrum analysis display -- Scan by carrier squelch, sound squelch, PL/DPL code or signal strength, -- Search and store mode finds frequencies and builds new groups, -- Log activity to disk or printer, -- Use any serial port, even COM3/4 when COM1/2 in use, -- Import and export data in other formats, -- All scanning parameters selectable on a per-channel basis. Product: Radio Manager for Windows 2.0 Price: $30 Manufacturer: Address: Telephone Email: URL: Supports: Icom R-7000, OptoScan456 System Requirements: 80386 and higher IBM PC and Compatibles with 4MB RAM, Windows 3.1 or Higher (running in Standard or Enhanced Mode); a hard disk with 2MB free disk space. Feature Highlights: -- Each channel has a class and service description -- User defined banks and channels (as many as 998001 channels!) -- User defined Delays and Priority Intervals -- Lock-out individual channels or entire banks -- Lock-out Review shows individual channels that are locked-out -- Unlimited number of search ranges and bank files -- 5 Preset buttons for easy access to favorite channels -- Scan and Search up and down -- Select Delays for individual channels -- History Window shows last 999 active frequencies -- Look Up feature displays information on known frequencies -- On-line Help -- Number of files only limited by free disk space Product: Scan*Star for Windows Plus Price: $159.97 Manufacturer: Signal Intelligence Address: Telephone E-mail URL Supports: AOR AR3000, AOR AR3000A, AOR AR8000, Icom R7000, Icom R7100, Icom R9000, Radio Shack PRO-2005 and PRO-2006 with OS456; Radio Shack PRO-2035 and PRO-2042 with OS535 installed in Radio Shack PRO-2035. Product: * Scan*Star Professional Edition Price: S79.97 Manufacturer: Signal Intelligence Address: Telephone E-mail URL System Requirements: 386 or better PC with 2 MB RAM, hard disk, EGA, VGA or MONO display. DOS V5 or V6 loaded high or OS/2 V3 (Warp). Serial ports required for adios and tone readers. Some radios require RS-232 to TTL converters. Operation in DOS prompt under Windows not supported. Any serial port can be used, including COM3 or COM4 when COM1 or COM2 already in use. Scan*Star Professional Edition Information -- Spectrum analysis on OS456, R7100, R9000, AR3000 -- Scan by tone with OS456 or DC440 and another radio. -- Scan multiple groups, banks and ranges at the same time. -- Four level alarm system for priority channels. -- Channel and bank organization limited only by PC memory. -- Comprehensive report printing & data logging. -- Import & export data. -- Upload & download radio memory. -- Terminal window for TNC, decoder or modem. -- Monitoring assistant for logging while "tuning around". -- Background scanning. Product: * Scan*Star Commercial Edition Price: S129.97 Manufacturer: Signal Intelligence Address: Telephone E-mail URL System Requirements: IBM PC 386 or better with 4 MB RAM, hard disk, VGA or SVGA display. DOS 5 or 6 loaded high or OS/2 V3 (Warp). Serial ports required for radios and tone readers. Operation in the MS-DOS prompt under Windows not supported. Any serial port can be used, including COM3 or COM4, even if COM1 or COM2 already in use. Feature Highlights: -- Multi-radio scanning, search/slave and peer strategies. -- Scan 4 radios at once! -- 32 bit code for max performance on new processors. -- SVGA support, 800x600 and 1024x768 resolutions. -- CI-V port sharing minimizes serial port requirements. -- Improved terminal window with modem, dialing & macros. -- Radio detail recording for channel usage analysis. -- Spectrum analysis on OS456, R7100, R9000, AR3000 -- Scan by tone with OS456 or DC440 and another radio. -- Scan multiple groups, banks and ranges at the same time. -- Four level alarm system for priority channels. -- Channel and bank organization limited only by PC memory. -- Comprehensive report printing & data logging. -- Import & export data. -- Upload & download radio memory. -- Terminal window for TNC, decoder or modem. -- Monitoring assistant for logging -- Background scanning. Signal Intelligence offers three products for use with Microsoft Windows: The SE edition, the Plus edition and the Industrial edition. All editions feature a common set of features, and are upward compatible. Product: Scan*Star for Windows SE - Price: $99.97 Manufacturer: Signal Intelligence Address: Telephone E-mail URL Requirements: IBM PC or compatible, 386/486/586 running Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or Windows 95. VGA display, mouse and hard disk. Minimum system 4 MB RAM (8 MB RAM recommended). Serial port(s) required for radio device(s). Disk space to install: under 3 megabytes, disk space requirements for logging are a function of sampling rate, number of channels and activity, and can be substantial. Scan*Star SE for Windows Features (Also Plus and Industrial Editions) The SE edition is an entry level package, and is priced to be competitive with other Windows based scanning products. Users with only one radio and modest requirements should consider the SE edition. The SE edition has the following features: -- Combine groups, banks and search ranges and scan at once, -- Full featured radio data manager, -- PL/DPL and DTMF logging with OS456, OS535 or DC440 and any other radio, -- Mini-status monitor -- Spectrum analysis -- Scan by carrier squelch, sound squelch, PL/DPL code or signal strength, -- Search and store mode finds frequencies and builds new groups, -- Log activity to disk or printer -- Use any serial port, even COM3/4 when COM1/2 in use -- Import and export data in other formats -- AR8000 unlock and band plan editor Scan*Star Plus for Windows Features (Also Industrial Edition) The Plus edition of Scan*Star for Windows has all SE features, and adds the following: -- Operate up to ten radios at one time, -- Monitoring Assistant for spectrum browsing, -- User defined database fields with Dbase field associations, -- Spectrum analysis -- Sub list scanning for trunk groups, duplex channels or frequency hopping. Product: ScanCAT Gold Price: $99.95 Manufacturer: Computer-Aided Technologies Address: P.O. Box 18285, Shreveport, La. 71138 Telephone: 318-636-1234 Fax: 318-686-0449 E-mail: j.springer7@geis.com URL: Supports: AOR AR3000, AOR AR3000A, AOR AR8000, AOR 2700, Icom R7000, Icom R7100, Icom R9000, Radio Shack PRO-2005 and PRO-2006 with OS456; Radio Shack PRO-2035 and PRO-2042 with OS535. System Requirements: IBM PC or compatible, 286/386/486/Pentium running MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, or Windows 95. -- Manufacturer did not respond to a request for features list. I believe the product as has been updated but I'm not sure of the details. Contact CAT for additional information. Product: ScannerWEAR Softcontrol Price: $99 Manufacturer: Radio Control Systems Address: 8125-G Ronson Rd., San Diego, Calif. 92111 Telephone: 800-560-7234 Fax: N/A Email: URL: Supports: AOR AR3000, AOR AR3000A, , Icom R7000, Icom R7100, Icom R9000, Radio Shack PRO-2005 and PRO-2006 with OS456; Radio Shack PRO-2035 and PRO-2042 with OS535. System Requirements: Windows 3.1 Feature Highlights: Unlimited memory banks, with 100 channels per bank Search by frequency, step, mode, and description Date and time stamp Spectrum analysis CTCSS and DTMF decoding