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.
