AirNav Systems Forum
AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com => AirNav RadarBox and RadarBox24.com Discussion => Topic started by: Allocator on August 26, 2009, 06:51:03 AM
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Here is my 'latest' RadarBox and radio scanner setup :-)
The scanner is a Realistic Pro-2042 with an OptoScan 535 interface board that I fitted back in 2000 (or there abouts). The PC is one I made up from bits in the shed and it's running MSDOS 6.22 - and yes, I do have the original installation disks! The scanning software is Probe from DataFile Inc and it is by far the best scanner control software I have ever run. Unfortunately, Probe doesn't support any of the modern scanners (I think that the PCR1000 is the latest it supports).
For the moment, I've turned my back on my PCR1500 and it's Icom software, because it's just not that flexible in the way it works. Just goes to show that new and expensive isn't always the best!
http://www.datafileinc.com/
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Allocator if you lived near my location you would need the PCR1500 because of the break through from all the local transmitters the 2042 would just pick up spurious signals and not scan on VHF.
Although I do remember from a previous post when you thought the PCR1500 worked well with airnav perhaps in a few years it will find a loving home again ;-)
PS Apparently Icom have now ceased production of the PCR1500 so the prices are expected to rise (According to the dealers), you may get more for it secondhand than you paid for it new.:-)
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I do like the PCR1500, but I wish that the software interface was more flexible or there was more choice of software to run it.
The Probe software just does so much more - and without the need for a mouse! Just a few things that spring to mind:
- Lightning fast scanning - I set it at 60 to 80 frequencies per second
- On screen history display of the last 20 or so frequencies as they scroll down
- Instant access to scan Bank and Frequencies from the scanning screen
- Instant and easy frequency/Bank and Group setting
- Count of 'hits' and marking of those frequencies in the list
- Copy, move, export of any marked frequencies in the list
- Create a new scan Bank from the marked frequencies
- import and export of csv frequency lists
- Activate recording settings
- Alerts, both audio and visual
and so the list goes on ...... and on!
If I could run my PCR1500 using this software, I would be very happy, but it's serial port control not USB as it's DOS based. It will run on Win 98 and aslo ox XP (with a bit of cheating), but not as fast as with DOS.
My next experiment will be to run the PCR1500 alongside on the Netbook.
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I did have an Icom 8500 base receiver and the performance of the PCR1500 equals the 8500 for civil and military airband. I have used the PCR1500 with my Asus 1000HA Netbook and it works fine its a shame the Icom weighs in at more than the Netbook!
I was not surprised to find out from Icom that several military customers use this receiver due to its excellent filtering. I did used to have a PCR1000 but vista killed that one because vista hates serial ports :-)
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i,m running the 2500 and the bearcat 780xlt and find the icom blows the 780 away on quality when used in the mil freq zone and when i use it to decode acars signals
paul
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Hi Paul
I had a 785XLT for a while and it was awfull, the only drawback with the PCR is it requires a PC.
The 785 suffered breakthrough from VHF voice stations.
Kevin
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hi kevin
yep i find the 780 front end is easily overloaded with local taxi radios and other such users usually have to keep the attenuator selected
as you say the pcr is limited however i went with the 2500 to give me the optional controller never really used it though tend to have the unit plugged into hf or vhf acars signals and run it into planplotter
paul
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I do like the PCR1500, but I wish that the software interface was more flexible or there was more choice of software to run it.
I know very little about this software, but it does mention that it supports the PCR-1500 and appears to allow it to be driven via a web interface.
Worth a look?
http://www.shortwavelog.com/
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Thanks for that. I've had a quick look, but it looks more like a shortwave logging and database program rather than scanning software.
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Hey Allocator,
Did you ever take a look at the WinRadio G3* series receivers?
http://www.winradio.com/home/receivers.htm
These things thrive on software...I wanted one of the the Icom PCR1500/2500 receivers until I saw the WR in the flesh so to speak...
Thought I would miss the lack of a hardware dial but it has never bothered me at all.
There's not much you can't decode or do with it especially when you see the additional software you can get for it.
http://www.winradio.com/home/software.htm
It also uses its own programming language so you can write your own XRS plug-ins for it if you are that way inclined.
http://xrs.winradio.com/
There is even a free version of a Basic programming language called RBasic (or RadioBasic);
http://www.rbasic.com/
Do I sound like a fanboy? ;^)
Going back to your Icom there is some software - Bonito RadioCom I think it is called that should work with the IC-PC* series;
http://www.bonito.net/infos/en_ham_rc60.htm
DOS 6.22? Still have my original discs here somewhere along with MS WfW 3.11, MS Office 4.3 and all 40-odd discs of Novell 3.12!
Kind regards,
-=Glyn=-
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Glyn,
Do you have a winradio? They look very interesting.
Is there a facility to attach lables to a specific freq? i.e. 120.400 Heathrow.
Perhaps you could reply off line as I do not want occupy the forum with another product.
Jeremy.
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I did try one of the earlier winradios but it was a very deaf receiver, that may have changed now.
One nice touch of the PCR is the ability to receive NOAA weather satellite transmissions because it has the correct filter width.
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Jeremy, replied via PM.
EMA, earlier models were criticised for appearing to be 'deaf' but it was always seen as a trade-off between that and the ability to reject unwanted signals I believe.
No problems with my G305e I can assure you. A friend of mine who has been using scanners for many years says my WiNRADiO is at least as good as his Yaesu VR 5000 at picking up signals and much better when it comes to decoding them
No problem either with satellite weather fax on the WiNRADiO - it seems made for the job;
http://www.winradio.com/home/ads-fax.htm
This is part of the essential Advanced Digital Suite;
http://www.winradio.com/home/ads.htm
Correct filter width? How does continuous IF bandwidth adjustment from 100 Hz to 15 kHz sound;
http://www.winradio.com/home/g305-demod.htm
Remarkable piece of kit but I am only just scratching the surface of what it can offer...just wait till I can drive it! ;^)
Kind regards,
-=Glyn=-
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Rxed Glyn. with thanks. sounds good!
jeremy
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Sounds good Glyn although comparing it to a Yaesu VR5000 would put many off. The best stand alone receiver in my opinion is the AOR5000 sadly no longer in production. I used to test and compare radio receivers many years ago and at one point had sixteen of them lined up. How times have changed no more CW, RTTY and Packet decoding, SAtcomm, etc. The digital age has killed all the interesting radio comms off but on the positive side we now have Radarbox decoders :-)
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I was just using the VR5000 as an example of a 'hardware' receiver...:-)
Sixteen? That's just plain greedy...;^)
That's a shame about CW, RTTY etc. as I now finally have the software to decode them!
I was even wondering if it would be possible to author an XRS plug-in to decode morse signals?
Might be good to decode radio pagers also but I am guessing they are a dead or dying breed also?
Thanks & kind regards,
-=Glyn=-
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Sixteen? That's just plain greedy...;^)
That's a shame about CW, RTTY etc. as I now finally have the software to decode them!
I was even wondering if it would be possible to author an XRS plug-in to decode morse signals?
Might be good to decode radio pagers also but I am guessing they are a dead or dying breed also?
Thanks & kind regards,
-=Glyn=-
I was a radio fanatic, do your remember Hoka Code 5?
As for pagers, gladly they have disappeared from here and so has the mast!
Kevin
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I have a Universal M-7000v6 here....pretty well useless unless you're a Ham. :-(
Ken
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Hi there Glyn,
Must put my 5ps worth in,The Winradio that you have is by far the best PC controlled receiver-decoder etc,etc.,that i have seen and heard to date.Not knocking the other available receivers,but for quality and the ability to go up to i think 16ghz(correct me if i`m wrong Glyn)its in a class of its own.You are still scratching the surface with it,because it has so much to offer over other products at the moment,but when you really start to drive it you will appreciate just how versatile it is,plus new add ons are a click away.Now i will wander off into the sunset probably never to return!Just my opinion having used receivers/scanners for quite a few years.
Regards Terry.
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Hey Terry,
How many PC controlled receiver-decoders have you heard then? ;^)
I don't know about 16GHz but you can go to 8599MHz although it comes at a cost and I don't know what would actually be up there - that's three-and-a-half times higher than my microwave oven!
I might actually hear my dinner screaming...;^)
I'm still scratching the surface with it for no other reason because it can be complicated and I can be stupid...:-/
As you know I am debating whether to change it for the G315e - mainly for the Client/Server Option but it seems an awful lot of money...if only it would work on the end of the UBox...
Whichever way I decide to go I really need to sort out a decent HF antenna - I might go down the active route with the WiNRADiO AX-81S...seems like it might be a 'tidier' solution than a long wire to me.
Catch you later matey.
-=Glyn=-
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I was a radio fanatic, do your remember Hoka Code 5?
Kevin
No but I remember doing the Hokey Cokey when I was p*ssed...;^)
Regards,
-=Glyn=-
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Hey Terry,
How many PC controlled receiver-decoders have you heard then? ;^)
I don't know about 16GHz but you can go to 8599MHz although it comes at a cost and I don't know what would actually be up there - that's three-and-a-half times higher than my microwave oven!
I might actually hear my dinner screaming...;^)
I'm still scratching the surface with it for no other reason because it can be complicated and I can be stupid...:-/
As you know I am debating whether to change it for the G315e - mainly for the Client/Server Option but it seems an awful lot of money...if only it would work on the end of the UBox...
Whichever way I decide to go I really need to sort out a decent HF antenna - I might go down the active route with the WiNRADiO AX-81S...seems like it might be a 'tidier' solution than a long wire to me.
Catch you later matey.
-=Glyn=-
Glyn,
See my thread in the Aviation section (All things HF). There is a website which may be of interest. It gives details on HF antennas, etc. Just click on the main menu.
Cheers,
Ian
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Glyn,
See my thread in the Aviation section (All things HF). There is a website which may be of interest. It gives details on HF antennas, etc. Just click on the main menu.
Cheers,
Ian
Hi Ian,
I had already seen that one...thanks for the heads-up.
Kind regards,
-=Gyn=-
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Playing with the demo version of Spectrum Commander IX from Scanstar to control my PCR1500. Much more like the sort of thing that I'm looking for. I've tried this before and just couldn't get my head around it - but I'm doing better this time :-)
Don't like the price though USD 159.97 and that will probably be plus VAT - ouch!
www.scanstar.com
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OK, had a week playing with Spectrum Commander now and I will definitely be purchasing it when the demo period runs out. It is very similar in function to the DOS based Probe software that I've been running with my old Pro2042 with the Opto525 board fitted, but running under Windows.
I'll post some decent screen shots when I get some time, but in the meantime here are a few highlights :-)
- Runs LOADS of radios with a PC interface. I've run it with my PCR2042, the Icom PCR1500 and the AR8000 (with Optolinx interface.)
- Not only can it run these radios, it can run them at the SAME TIME. I've had the PCR1500 and the PRO2042 running at the same time, scanning different frequency banks, without any noticeable loss of scan speed.
- There are three main interfaces:
--- a typical 'scanner' type view with all the usual buttons.
--- A 'Tactical Scan' screen that shows ALL the channels on the screen at the same time, so it's easy to see activity as a channel becomes active and changes colour. Active frequencies are 'ticked' so you can see which are live.
--- A small s-meter with frequency and channel information that is always on top. Very useful and small enough not to hide too much if only using one screen.
- There is a built in web browser that allows you to grab frequencies from the screen and store them in a new frequency bank - it just takes 2 clicks of the mouse - brilliant!
- A frequency/bank/channel editor that makes manual input of frequencies and editing really easy.
- Recording and time/data stamping of received audio direct to hard disk. With the PCR1500 no extra cables are needed as the audio come into the PC via the USB interface. Other radios will need an audio lead from the radio to the PC.
- Bandscan and activity scanning - haven't really had time to play with this yet, but it gives a graph of freq against activity.
I just love it, although it's interesting that I did try this a while back and just couldn't figure out how it worked! The manual is fairly comprehensive, but it does leave quite a lot to the imagination. I contacted Scanstar to ask about some of the functions and to see if there was 'anybody there' as the last software update was 2008. I got an immediate answer and an admission that they needed to update the manual. I still need to get my head around some of the advanced functions, but I've got more than enough to keep me going at the moment.
By comparison, the standard ICOM software is barely fit for purpose, but Spectrum Commander IX has breathed new life into my PCR1500. I have to admit that the PCR1500 was starting to gather dust and I wondered if I'd got a 'deaf' example as I didn't really hear much, but as always, it's just a case of getting the right frequencies in the right banks.
I've got my frequency banks set up by location - London Mil, London Civil, London TMA, Heathrow, Lakenheath, Cottesmore/Wittering, Coningsby etc. Changing or adding banks to the scan list is just a couple of mouse clicks. I'll listen to the civil stuff with Lon Mil also selected and when I get any activity, I'll get rid of the civil scan and add the appropriate Mil banks.
I don't have any affiliation with Scanstar, but I'd be happy to accept a discounted licence if they read this -lol
The 14-day demo is fully functional. If anybody does try it and runs into problems, let me know and I'll be happy to share my (limited) experience.
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Those Spectrum Commander screen shots I promised :-) Running on my Eee PC to free up the 'proper' laptop for RadarBox.
1. Standard scanning screen with channel frequency groups shown below.
2. Tactical display, showing all the frequencies being scanned
3. Scanning screen with frequency history 'hit' list
4. 'S' meter type display - ideal for running on top of the RB window. The meter window can be resized to just show the top line without the meter.
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And the other 2 screen shots.
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Interesting feedback Allocator, I have now switched from my PCR1500 to the Uniden 785XLT mainly because I swap computers so often.
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Does the 785XLT have a PC interface?
Spectrum Commander lists the BC780XLT and the 785D in its setup options, but not the 785XLT.
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Yes it does have a PC interface
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Does the 785XLT have a PC interface?
Spectrum Commander lists the BC780XLT and the 785D in its setup options, but not the 785XLT.
hi
i have the pcr 1000 would you recommend
the Spectrum Commander never used it, i use talk pcr, and where do i get
Spectrum Commander from and what is the cost.
thanks from pat
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15 day fully functioning demo from here:
http://www.scanstar.com/products/commander.htm
Cost is USD 159.97 - so not cheap!
I used the software for the full 15 days before I decided that I just had to have it. The PCR1000 is supported.
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Yes it does have a PC interface
Why not try the free 15 day demo and see if it works for you.
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Thanks
I will download the trial and give it a whirl over the weekend.
It would need to be good for that price!
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I expect they do not sell many copies these days hence the inflated price.
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I expect they do not sell many copies these days hence the inflated price.
I think that the MS DOS 'Probe' scanning software that I purchased about 10 years ago cost me GBP 70.00 and the Spectrum Commander works out at about GBP 95.00. It certainly doesn't fit into the 'casual purchase' bracket. The only thing that I would say is that I'd stopped using my PCR1500 as I just couldn't get on with the ICOM software, so for me, its made the GBP 360 that I paid for the PCR1500 more reasonable. I was seriously starting to regret the PCR purchase and was starting to look for a scanner with some controls on the front.
I will say that the Spectrum Commander software, although very simple to use when you know how, is not the easiest thing to get started! The install includes a PDF manual and it's well worth printing this out to read in slow time.
This is a simplified summary of the install process:
- download the demo software and install it in the default directories it suggests. It puts all the scan groups etc in My Documents\My Radio Files
- run the software - it will prompt you to install a radio. Make sure that you know the serial port/com port/connecting baud rate of your radio connection (if you need this for your particular radio)
- it them prompts you for the type of interface - Scanner is what you want
- it then gives a number of options, one of which ic to use an existing Scan frequency group, choose this option. I've attached a sample scan group for London Civil (put it in the My Radio Files directory)
- Choose this group from the browse window
- the software should now connect to your radio (if you've got the settings right) and start scanning.
If you get that far, lesson 2 will come later :-)
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Thanks Allocator I will make time over the weekend to give it a try.
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Well I did not get far, I downloaded the trial and the first thing it said was my trial period had expired :-(
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Well I did not get far, I downloaded the trial and the first thing it said was my trial period had expired :-(
Can't think why this might be, other than your PC clock being wrong, or if you have installed it before. I trailed this on one desktop and 2 laptops all running Windows XP and the install and demo ran fine. Drop Signal Intelligence an Email
[email protected]
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Clock and date are okay and I have never used this software before, also the PC is only a couple of weeks old.
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Maybe it's a Vista thing?
Edit: The program release notes say that it works with Vista - attached.
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I can't believe that I've bought another scanner :-0
A well used Uniden UBC 780 XLT off of eBay. It doesn't seem to work with Spectrum Commander (even though it is supposed to!) but I purchased the Butel software so I could 'load' all the channels from my PC. It's very sensitive and I'm very happy with it - listening to Heathrow Director right now and watching all the action on RadarBox :-)
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Hi Allocator
I am currently using the 785XLT :-)
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I guess that the 785XLT is just a bit newer/better than the 780?
Do you use PC software to manage your radio?
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I can't believe that I've bought another scanner :-0
That's just plain greedy...how many have you got now? ;^)
Regards,
-=Glyn=-
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Ohhhaahhh, lets see .......
I've just lent the AOR AR8000 to a friend as his scanner has gone bang. I hardly use the Icom IC-R2. The Realistic Pro-2042 with the Opto 535 board is a cracking performer. The UBC72XLT with Close Call is really nice when out and about, but it lacks the Mil UHF coverage. The PCR1500 is much better now it's driven by the Spectrum Commander software. I don't think that you can really count the Optoelectronics Scout Model 40, as you can't actually listen to anything on it, it just tells you that a signal is present.
And of course, there is the Amateur VHF/UHF/HF kit too ...........
Must go, Lon Mil are on the air :-)
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If it was the 780 on eBay last Thursday I was bidding against you.
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So, it was you!
Yes, I'd missed one a few days earlier that went for a little more than I was expecting, so I was pretty determined to get this one. It's a bit 'tired', the ext speaker socket is broken and it didn't come with the telescopic antenna or the Manual, but I've downloaded the manual off the web and I've got loads of antennas. I'll probably replace the speaker socket, but it's going to need a bit more disassembly than I did the other day. It's a modular socket, but I can probably source another one.
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I missed the one a few days earlier as well :-)
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I can't believe that I've bought another scanner :-0
A well used Uniden UBC 780 XLT off of eBay. It doesn't seem to work with Spectrum Commander (even though it is supposed to!) but I purchased the Butel software so I could 'load' all the channels from my PC. It's very sensitive and I'm very happy with it - listening to Heathrow Director right now and watching all the action on RadarBox :-)
hi i have that scanner, among a few others, but mine is quite deaf compeared to my others- even deafer than my 3500xlt, my 360 clt is the most sensitive but lacks full coverage. anyone know how to unlock it?
frank
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try :-
http://www.thiecom.de/ftp/bearcat/360clt/360clt-manual.pdf
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thanks for the info. it's the shipped manual in pdf format. no mods there
frank
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I part exchanged or sold all my transmitting kit 9 years ago. I kept my AOR 5000 and my Realistic PRO26 handheld. The PRO 26 goes everywhere with me. It's good for mobile ACARS and Civil and Military Aircraft monitoring. The AOR 5000, well, what can I say..... Fantastic piece of kit :)
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I use to have an AR5000, the best receiver I ever had.
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Take a look at ProScan software for the Uniden's, offers much more then Butel.
http://www.proscan.org/
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Ooooohhhhh! Downloading the demo now!
Edit: Downloaded and running - looks good. I will use all the 30 days of the demo to play with this :-)