MESSAGE #: 14 of 151 FROM: Bill Cheek TO: All Subject: PRO-2004/5/6 Interface! Date: 01 Dec 91 06:04:00 To: All Scanner/Computer Interface At Last! A Review ================================================================= I am pleased to offer an evaluation of a most effective and potent computer interface for the PRO-2004, PRO-2005 & PRO-2006 scanners. Telling it like it is, here are its PLUSes: + Works with virtually any computer that has a serial port, RS-232 compatible; i.e., universal. + Special software not required; works with most any standard telecom (modem) program, but a modem is not used. Four wires in a cable 25-ft long or less connect between the computer's serial port (TxD, RxD, RTS and ground) to the interface. The cable is not difficult to make up if you don't have one. + Two-way operation: programs frequencies into the scanner; collects data from the scanner. + Four modes of operation are available: (1) Downloads (programs) 1 to 400 frequencies at a time into the scanner; [A 400-ch download takes about 9-minutes, ma] (2) A limited activity log uploads a record of active frequencies from either SCAN or SEARCH modes to the computer's buffer memory; [you can transfer this record to a data base!] (3) Quickly uploads contents of the scanner's memory, 1 to 400 chan, into the computer's buffer memory. [You can transfer this record to a data base!] (4) Manually change channels to be monitored from the keyboard. + Easy to master and use; very little to memorize. + Programming the scanner via the Interface is similar to sending an ASCII file to a BBS. As an example, a partial file to be sent would be configured something like this: @ 001 >starting channel * 0158.9700 >local police * 0275.8000 >military air freq ^ 0000.0000 >reserved * 1284.6000 >amateur radio repeater ^ 0162.4000 >NOAA Weather * 0146.8800 >amateur radio net Where @ precedes the starting channel (001) to be programmed; "*" precedes the 8-digit frequency to be programmed; ^ precedes a frequency to be programmed and LOCKED OUT. Therefore, with minimal manipulation, your data base of scanner frequencies can be used to program the scanner. + Ignores all ASCII text except numbers preceded by: @ * ^ Therefore commentary & text in the data base are irrelevant. + Professional (Mil-Spec appearing) printed circuit board with a solid and thorough electronic design! + Interface is compatible with most modifications, but see below. Continuing to tell it like it is, here is the negative side: - Available only as a kit excluding cable and wiring. Requires 1-2 hours to assemble the PCB with its six IC chips and handful of parts. Requires another 3-6 hours to install in scanner. Another hour or so may be necessary to fabricate the cable for between the computer and scanner/interface. - Documentation & directions are adequate, but not great. (I can help you here on-line, though, if anything is not clear. I have written a set of supplementary instructions for this Interface for clarity. - The interface does not accept custom programming such as MODE (AM/NFM/WFM), DELAY, PRIority, etc, with exception of LOCKOUT. These custom scanner functions must be manually set as desired. - The interface draws about 225-ma of current from the scanner's AC/DC power supply which will increase the heat accumulation within the scanner. I always recommend using an external power supply anyway, so this liability is not a factor IF external DC (+12v @ 1-amp) is available; otherwise, there could be long term problems caused by the increased heat within the scanner, especially if other mods have also been done. An external DC power supply nullifies this potential deficiency! - The Interface has a custom programmed microprocessor chip and two PAL chips. This means that replacement parts might not be available if the supplier dies or elopes with his secretary. - The interface might not be compatible with speed modifications where the Clock Resonator has been replaced with a crystal. - Some "of the variables in your telecom program may have to be "played with" such as Tx Line Delay (.4-sec), but this results from the slowness of the scanner; not a fault in the Interface. - For the PRO-2004, PRO-2005 & PRO-2006 only; not other scanners. And now for the nitty gritty: The Interface Kit is available for $99.00 (last known price) from: RW SYSTEMS; PO BOX 910043; SAN DIEGO, CA 92191. Information is available for a SASE. When inquiring or ordering, please mention that you heard about the Interface from Bill Cheek via the FIDONET! I am not connected to nor associated with RW Systems. This Report is an objective evaluation based upon my initial tests, observations and experience. In conclusion, I like the Interface despite its few shortcomings and I can heartily recommend it to technically inclined scannists and others who are patient and methodical in their work. If you are not able to build and install it yourself, I might be able to do it for you. Contact me by Snail Mail for details. 73/Bill Cheek COMMTRONICS ENGINEERING PO BOX 262478 SAN DIEGO, CA 92196-2478