Seeking Scanner Frequencies and Fire Station information

[RennMan]

I still have to figure out how to set up the trunked frequencies in my PRO-95 scanner, but this is a great list.  I see some programming input in my near future...

[RobertW]

I still have to figure out how to set up the trunked frequencies in my PRO-95 scanner, but this is a great list.  I see some programming input in my near future...

I use Programming software. It's the only way to go.  Win95 works with the Pro-95 and is FREE!

http://www.starrsoft.com/freeware/win95/default.asp

[RennMan]

I use Programming software. It's the only way to go.  Win95 works with the Pro-95 and is FREE!

http://www.starrsoft.com/freeware/win95/default.asp

Thanks Robert!  I do have the Win95 software, and I've used it to program the PRO-95 in the past.  I just don't quite understand how to set up the banks for the trunked frequencies, and the PRO-95 owners manual is not very clear on this function.  I need to do some more research to see how it all works...

Peace

[Moose]

Does the Win95 software work on Win  XP? 

I assume it does not.  Most older programs I have tried do not have the correct drivers to work with XP.  And I no longer have any computers set up running Win95.  I have a Bearcat Trunk Tracker II and the older software I have for it and what I have downloaded from the internet (free/shareware) none works with XP.

[RennMan]

Win95 is the name of the program for the PRO-95 handheld scanner that Radio Shack sold for several years.  I've run it successfully on my XP laptop, as well as my Vista laptop.

I should caveat that I have been able to boot the program and input data into it.  I haven't yet downloaded the updated bank/channel information to the scanner.

I just don't understand how the whole trunked frequency series works WRT inputting data into the scanner.  I haven't had the time to dig too deeply into it, due to other committments.  I do need to do this.  My XYL was wanting to listen to the scanner last weekend, and luckily I already had the CHP Car Relay frequency in the scanner.

[CaptureCom]

Make sure you have the latest version of WIN95

http://www.starrsoft.com/freeware/win95/default.asp

Read the "Revisions" portion of the page and give the Excel spreadsheet approach a try.  I've been using the BuTel programming products lately with great results, but when I looked at the BuTel site, they don't have SW for the PRO-95, and start with the PRO-96.  A feature of the BuTel SW that makes it worth every dollar is a feature that allows you to log into your RadioReference account (check out their site), and you can pick any frequency data you are interested in, and the program will import the data and load it into your radio.  So something like SB County frequencies and Trunking system talk groups are moved from RadioReference and into your radio without typing in any data.  Unbelievably simple.  No data entry at all.  You won't learn a thing about Trunked systems, but you will be listening with ease.  To do this would require a newer radio and programming SW that is not free. 

[RobertW]

I too, use the BuTel solftware (ARC369) for loading my BCD396T.  Downloading from the Radioreference.com site is very easy.  I download it into my database, make a few modifications and then send it to the scanner.

[RobertW]

Due to a server change, these pages have been relocated...

Wrightwood Scanner Frequencies

and this: (Click on the Station Number to see a picture of the Station.  I am still trying to get updated info on these stations).

Fire Station Locations

[RennMan]

OK gang, I would like some recommendations...

A while back, KC6ZGG sent me a list of frequencies he uses in his scanner, but the list won't import into WIN-95, the software used to program my older PRO-95 scanners.  I've been trying to enter the data into WIN-95, and I'm wondering if it is worth the effort for an older scanner.

So I've been looking into more current versions of analog scanners.

The current front-runner is the Uniden BCT15X.  From what I've read, it is a quality unit, with different way of organizing scanner frequencies (groups rather than banks in the PRO-95).

Has anyone had any experience with this scanner?  What are the pros and cons?  I realize it is analog only, not digital.  I also know that I'll still have to enter the data, but I may be able to use a file from RadioReference or FreqOfNature and not have to enter the WHOLE thing.

Any information is appreciated.

73
N4MAN

[Bob C]

Win-95??? you tightwad

[KC6ZGG]

I have a GRE -400 and use ARC software to program it. The new GRE-410 uses the New Object Oriented User Interface as opposed to banks. John has been using the 400 as well. All I can say is it's easy to program and reliable.

[RobertW]

I don't think you can go wrong with the BCT15X.  Personally I've never cared too much for the GRE scanners as the early models were difficult to program manually.  But a lot of people like them and I suspect it is like Fords vs Chevys.  It depends on the person.

ARC (butel) has software that will program the BCT15X (not the BCT15).  It's easy to use and interfaces with Radioreference.com if you're a registered user.

Channels and banks are quickly becoming a thing of the past.  Thank goodness!  "Systems" are much more efficient and don't leave you with blank channels and banks just wasting space and memory.