Scancat-Lite Plus
Scancat-Lite Plus has been designed to make it as easy as possible to program your Scanner from the computer. Working in conjunction with National Communication's Frequency website, we have enabled you to seamlessly acquire - pick and choose frequencies from a master frequency list - and then program them into your radio. All without having to type the first thing. Individual settings for almost every function of your radio, including Trunking parameters, can be programmed on a "by frequency" basis. All with a simple click of the mouse.
Table of Contents
Getting Connected - (Read this first)
Detailed Description of Modules:
Setups
Radio
Selection
Database
Autoload
Source
Database
Personal
Database
Autoload Database
Comm Port
Settings
Baud Rate
Auto
Detect- Uniden)
Timing
Adjustments
The
Upper Database
The
Lower Personal Database
Trunking
Database
Trunk
System Settings
Search
Range Database
Pasting
Frequencies to Database
Pasting
Trunking ID's to Database
Pasting
from Excel
Explanation of Top Menu Bar Selections
Files
New
Load File
National Communications Data Files
Mr. Scanner Data Files
Read Mr. Scanner Data Files Directly
Bearcat Data Files
Printing Databases
Download From Nat-Com Site
Personal Files
Save Files
Load/ Read Radio
Load database to Radio
Read from Radio to Database
Load Trunking to Radio
Read Trunking From Radio
Load Search Ranges
Read Search Ranges
Database Views
- Getting Connected - READ THIS FIRST
RADIO SHACK CABLES ( 20-047 USB / 20-048 black / 20-298 white cable
Getting
connected through the cable is our most common "problem", I'd say
60% of our calls are not because there are issues with Scancat. Instead they
are due to the cable not "working".
Most times the solutions are very easy.
Please understand, we do not sell the cables. We really try our best to
guide you on how to get the cable installed and working. (But) while getting
the cable to work is an integral part of the "programming the radio
process", the ultimate responsibility (for getting the cable to work)
resides with Radio Shack.
Can't "do anything", (or) in your case "the computer
crashes", usually indicates the connection between the Computer and the
radio is not correct, or the USB driver is installed improperly.
If you are using a Radio Shack 20-047 cable (Most popular cable), take a
look at the links below for solutions first. This FAQ has several solutions,
many involving using the 20-047 cable - and they will guide you to getting
"Connected". Once you get to that stage, you have probably solved
90% of your issues.
http://scancat.com/OnLineHelp/FAQ-AssortedSubjects/
Above is the main FAQ link:
http://scancat.com/OnLineHelp/20-047_Device_Driver_Instructions.pdf
THIS is
link to the PDF Instructions that comes on the RS DRIVER CD. (in case you
cannot find it). In particular read how to UNINSTALL the driver, as if
it isn't installed properly all kind of different problems can occur
including Computer crashes.
http://scancat.com/OnLineHelp/FAQ-AssortedSubjects/20-047_USB_HOW_TO_BASICS.htm
http://scancat.com/OnLineHelp/FAQ-AssortedSubjects/20-047__USB-FINDING_THE_SERIAL_PORT.htm
These
links apply to getting started (USB related):
http://scancat.com/OnLineHelp/FAQ-AssortedSubjects/GETTING_STARTED_Programing_RadiShack.htm
http://scancat.com/OnLineHelp/FAQ-AssortedSubjects/GETTING_STARTED_With_Scancat.htm
UNIDEN RADIOS - Cables are supplied in the box with the radio
You Must FIRST turn on the PC Control inside the radio.
This can be done in this manner.
Menus will differ slightly from model to model, but this applies to mainly
BC15, BC246, BC396, BC996
Press "Menu" on radio <press E for enter>
Navigate to "settings" (Some radios will have "System" <press E for enter>
Locate PC CONTROL <press E for enter>
Locate "Baud Rate" the radio must be set for "some" baud rate" (will usually say "OFF") <press E for enter>
Back out of these settings by continually pressing MENU until you are again "Scanning"
Go to our SELECT RADIO menu option
At Top Left of that window is a button "Auto configure" For Uniden only
Once it finds the radio - inside the Blue Box it will say
"Detected Radio... etc"
Press ACCEPT and that should "do it"
- Brief Description of Modules -
Scancat-Lite Plus is divided into distinct modules:
These Modules are:
1 - Setups
2 - Database
All of functions of Scancat-Lite Plus are inter-connected by a common interface screen we call it a module you are returned to the Splash Screen - which is the only place you can exit or terminate the program.
Brief Description of Modules:
1. Setups – Individual settings for:
A. Choosing your Radio.Includes an auto-detect for most common settings (Uniden Radios only)
B. Serial Port Connections.Includes an auto-detect for most common settings (Uniden Radios only)
C. Data-file default choices Loads the data-files for you upon boot up of Scancat-Lite Plus
2. Database - The database consists of two "grids" an upper and a lower.
A. The upper Database Grid contains the Source files for frequencies from our area. Normally the TOP database grid is not visible unless a source file has been picked.
B. Lower Database which is divided into the number of banks of your radio. Each Bank is displayed in a tabbed styled interface, each tab representing one of the 10 banks in your radio.
C. The Database also serves to load and read the radio's memories. Frequencies and Group ID's are loaded to the radio from the database. You can also read the memories programmed into the radio and they are placed into the database.
Detailed Description of Modules:
- SETUPS -
A. Radio Selection.- Listed are the radios that are supported by Scancat-Lite-Plus. Simply click on a Radio to assign that as the working radio. Always pick your radio FIRST before assigning other settings, as each radio can have a unique setup.
B. Database Autoload - On a separate TAB are two white "Input Boxes". One each for the Source and Personal databases. Double Click on either to change the default databases.
SOURCE DATABASE (SOURCE) - You can double click on the white input box and select the database of your choice. This file will be loaded automatically if you select the "Autoload Option". If this is checked, then the source file will be loaded in the TOP Database, when you enter the database screen.
PERSONAL DATABASE (TARGET) – You can double click on the white input box and select the database of your choice. This file will be loaded automatically. If you select the Autoload Option it will be loaded in the BOTTOM Database.
C. Autoload Database - Directly below the two database filename input boxes is a Check Box titled "Autoload Database". If you choose filenames as in "B" - these files can be automatically loaded at the start of your program. If you want this option click to CHECK, then ''Scancat-Lite Plus'' will automatically load these files on startup.
D. COMM PORT - Pick the serial/comport you are connecting the radio to on your computer. If you do not know the correct settings, you can choose the "Auto Detect" function and let this find the correct serial for you.
E. BAUD RATE - Pick the baud rate the radio is set for. If you do not know the correct settings, you can choose the "Auto Detect" function and let this find the correct baud rate for you. (Autodetect only supported for Uniden Radios)
(Most
Radio Shack units that use “Cloning”, only support one baud rate. We will
automatically set the baud rate to the correct setting each time the comport is
opened to program these type of radios.
F. AUTO DETECT - UNIDEN ONLY - If you do not know settings for COMM and BAUD, you can also use the "Autoconfigure" Button, and
Scancat will poll all possible combinations - and if the radio is detected, will set them for you. *** Please Note ***
The BC-895 and non-Uniden radios do not support Auto Detect. Check your radio owner's manual for correct default settings.
G. TIMING ADJUSTMENTS – this control is useful to set Timing, or what is called "Pacing" of the data being sent and received through the serial Port. Scancat can operate on a wide variety of computer speeds, Windows Versions and serial baud rates. No matter how fast your next computer may be, Scancat-Lite Plus can be adjusted to compensate for these new operating speeds.
(Default = .001)
The timing settings for the database and load/read functions of the radio's memories are
dependent on the timing settings in the loading/reading modules. Simply put, if the data is sent to the radio too quickly, it does not have time to interpret the individual characters and many times it will end up as “incomplete" frequencies or alpha tags. IF this occurs, then adjust the timing to a higher value. This will slow down the process and enabling sufficient time to elapse between data information transfers to and from the radio to be completed.
H. Related to "G" is a "CheckBox" titled "Win ME/XP/2000".
Because these operating systems use a different environment than Windows 95/98, we have found there are variances in the way our timing is treated when running on the newer Windows XP/2000. If you experience problems with the incomplete data going to or being read from the radio, then check this box to tell Scancat-Lite Plus you are using one of these Windows versions.
I. Detect
Valid CommPorts. – This is especially useful for Radio Shack scanners as they
do not support “auto configure”. So it is a trial and error process to find
the correct comm. Port if you do not know which one it is.
With USB to serial devices, most times when they are plugged in, there is
a “new” comm. Port showing from when the USB device is not plugged in. This
can be used to determine the exact comport being used by the USB to serial
device, or Radio Shack’s 20-047 cable. If you plug or unplug the USB device
and then press this button, you can see it “show up
(or) disappear” from the list. That will be the comport number to use.
Once all is finished, click "ACCEPT" – You must press accept before you exit or the settings are not saved to the configuration file, The next time you start Scancat-Lite Plus it will use the previous settings.
DATABASE
The database module is divided into two distinct areas or Grids;
1. The upper "Source"
database.
A. The Upper Grid is used to load files that are available from National Communication's web site. The files available from this website are all formatted to be compatible with the Scancat-Lite Plus program. Scancat-Lite Plus can also load Dbase III and Dbase IV files. This enables you to load files from other than Nat-Com’s website.
B. The Upper Grid is not editable
C. Records in this grid cannot be deleted
2. The lower "Personal
Database”:
A. The Lower Grid contains a set of tabs that represent the same numbered bank in your radio. Clicking on a tab will change you to a new Grid with records and settings for your radio.
B. Within each Tabbed area the database is segmented into colored areas.
Aqua background – Frequencies, descriptions and associated settings
- Frequency columns accept only numeric data
- Description columns accept almost all characters. BUT, quotes, commas and other delimiters that could cause problems in the saved database will be removed before it is saved to disk
- Check Boxes – these show with a red check when "on".
- Drop Down boxes – these contain a number of choices and permit you to accept any one of them.
Green Background – Trunking
settings, Fleet ID's and descriptions.
- Group ID columns permit only numeric data. HEX, which contains alpha and numeric characters is not supported. "-" such as used in Motorola or Edacs systems may be used and is acceptable.
-Group description columns accept almost all characters, but quotes,
commas and other delimiters that could cause problems in the saved database will be removed before it is saved to disk.
-"Check Boxes" – these show with a red check when "on".
-"Drop Down" boxes
– these contain a number of choices and permit you to accept any one of them.
Trunk System Settings Column
– This column is unique to each grid of the database. It contains many settings that pertain to a particular type of Trunking system. The TOP MOST drop down box picks the type of Trunking system. While the rest of the settings are in a single column their position in the column does not relate to a record in the same row. These settings are to be programmed accordingly to the type system in use.
Yellow Background – Search Ranges
The Design of the Personal Database is to permit easy transfer of records into the grid with a minimum of hand typing. This can be accomplished in several ways:
1. Pasting FREQUENCIES from the upper source database.
- Highlight records in the source database by clicking on a row. The row will be highlighted in reversed background
Once all records are highlighted
- Click once on the first row in the lower database to establish the "insert point".
- Use the Top Menu bar function EDIT / Paste highlighted frequencies to lower database
- All highlighted Frequencies and their associated description in the top
database will be pasted into the lower grid at the "insert point".
2. Pasting FLEET ID'S from the upper source database.
- If the fifth column is titled Fleet ID's, then this function will automatically "know" the pasting operation is to use these two adjacent columns and will place them into the proper personal database columns.
- Highlight records in the source database by clicking on a row. The row will highlighted in reversed background
Once all records are highlighted
- Click once on the first row in the lower database to establish the "insert point".
- Use the Top Menu bar function EDIT / Paste highlighted FLEET ID's to lower database
- All highlighted fleet/Group ID's and their associated descriptions in the top database will be pasted into the lower grid at the "insert point".
3. Pasting from Excel or similar 3rd party database programs -
4 - One basic alignment of the Excel spread sheet should be adhered to for best results. Frequency and Fleet ID columns and their descriptions should be next to each other.
IE: Excel Columns are usually "lettered" A-B-C-D.
-
One basic alignment of the Excel spread sheet should be adhered to for
best results. Frequency and Fleet ID columns and their descriptions should be
next to each other.
IE: Excel Columns are usually "lettered"
A-B-C-D
A - Frequencies
B - Descriptions for Frequencies
C - Talk Group ID's
D - Descriptions for TGID's
- Highlight the cells to be pasted into the Personal database
- Press CTRL + C to copy them to the clipboard
- Go to Scancat-Lite Plus and click on the first cell where you want to start the "Paste" and Press CTRL + V
4. Copying a cell or group of cells from one area to another area or bank of the personal database grid.
- Highlight the cells to be copied
- Press CTRL + C to copy them to the clipboard
- Click on the first cell (Top-Left) where you want to start the "Paste"
- Press CTRL + V
- It is possible to copy an entire bank to another bank by highlighting the entire bank to be copied and then pressing CTRL + C to place the bank into the clipboard,
5. Direct entry by hand, a cell at a time.
- DOUBLE CLICK on a cell
- Notice that the cursor will end up on the first position of an empty cell or at the end position of the data.
- Backspace or place cursor at edit point and start typing. Most type-in cells have a maximum length and will not permit entry once this is reached.
- When finished press ENTER or move the cursor to another cell to make the edit permanent.
- Press the Keyboard ESC key to abort an edit and return cell to it's former contents.
The Scancat-Lite Plus "grid" conforms to most standard Microsoft conventions of copy and paste operations. Basically you can copy data from almost any source as long as the data is arranged in the proper columnar format. **** NOTE **** It is not be possible to paste alphabetical characters to a target column that only accepts numeric data.
Brief explanation of Top Menu Bar Selections
Files
\New
Completely erases all data in all 10 banks. You do get an additional prompt
asking you if you are sure. Hitting Cancel (or) ESC will abort. Pressing OK will erase all data. However you would still have to SAVE the file to make all changes permanent.
\Load File
Source
Nat-Com file – These are files of conventional frequencies that have been sent to you from National Communications. All Nat-Com files are comma delimited format and have the proper number of fields and location of information within the records. Scancat-Lite Plus has been designed to use these files with no modifications necessary.