Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What's so great about Computer Capable Scanners?

Click here for the answer.

What's the difference between the registered and unregistered version?

Some Advantages of Registering Radio Manager for Windows

• Restore full coverage to several radios
• Fully-Enabled Band Plan Editing on AR8000
• No Time Limit on BC895XLT Virtual Key Pad Scanning
• Usually Free Upgrades
• Notification of Major Upgrades
• Keeps me motivated to keep improving Radio Manager.

Where can I get an interface for the Uniden Bearcat BC895XLT?

You can build your own using the instructions in the Radio Manager help file, or pay around $30 to Grove Enterprises or other scanner dealers.

You might build one for less, but the connector on the BC895XLT side isn't easy to come by.

Where can I get an interface for the Radio Shack Pro-64 or Pro-2041 scanner?

You can build your own using the instructions in the Radio Manager help file. It's cheap at less than $10 and you don't even have to solder.

The Pro-64 or Pro-2041 doesn't seem to be receiving data from Radio Manager

Try resetting the scanner by pressing the Reset button with the end of a paper clip and try uploading again.

Does Radio Manager Support the AOR AR3000 or AR2500?

No

Does Radio Manager Support the new Icom R-10 ? (4/14/97)

No. I asked Icom about adding support for the R-10 and this is part of their response…

Ben,

>> I do not see any reference to commands for uploading and downloading the channel and bank labels though.<<

The CI-V system in the R-10 does not allow you to read or write to the memory channels. You need to use the cloning port. The caveat to this is the factory has not released the protocol for the cloning port to date. We have asked for this information, the factory has not told us if they will be releasing the cloning port information.

I do not understand Icom's lack of support for uploading and downloading channel data, and do not currently have any plans on adding support for the R-10, but should new commands become available, I'll happily reconsider.

Why doesn't Radio Manager stop on active frequencies?

Radio Manager needs some form of Hardware Signal Detection to stop on active frequencies. That means the radio needs to report the squelch status to an output in or to the interface, and the interface needs to connect that output to the serial (RS-232, Com) port's Ring, DCD, or DSR pin. In Radio Manager, use the TOOLS|CONFIGURATION menu to open the Configuration dialog box. On the Radio Connection page, set the Signal Detection method to match your interface. Not all interfaces support hardware signal detection. Some that do not can be modified. Here are some common interfaces and what I know about them. If you have anything to add to this information, I would be happy to hear about it.

Some radios only report squelch status via software. Unfortunately, this is a very slow method because Radio Manager has to send a command requesting the squelch status and then wait for the return from the radio. It's just too slow a method to really enjoy interactive scanner control functions.

Even if your radio doesn't support squelch detection effectively, there are still lots of other functions that you can do with the computer that will make an interface worthwhile.

AOR AR2700*, AR8000, and AR8200

* Some sources say that early AR2700 do not report squelch status to the interface. If this is the case, Radio Manager will not stop scanning and searching on active frequencies.

Icoms**

**Requires cable from radio's Record Remote jack to interface.

OptoElectronics

What is Frequency Manager and how does it relate to Radio Manager?

 FrequencyManager for Windows is a another separate (stand-alone) shareware program that I also write. It is used to manage your frequency list whether you are using your computer to control your radio or not. You can store, sort, and print your frequency list using Frequency Manager.

Radio Manager can use the information you've stored in Frequency Manager to look up frequencies while searching. Radio Manager will display any matching frequencies that you already have in your database, or list a frequency as "unknown". As you scan and search in Radio Manager you can quickly add and edit information you've stored in Frequency Manager using the EDIT|FREQUENCY MANAGER RECORD (F8) menu item.

Radio Manager's registration fee includes Frequency Manager, but there's no price reduction for not getting Frequency Manager.

How do I import channels from Frequency Manager?

You can open a Frequency Manager file in Radio Manager to convert that file into a bank file. Simply follow these steps.

1. Choose FILE|OPEN
2. In the Open dialog box choose to List files of type Paradox Files (*.DB).
   Select the Frequency Manager file you want to Import.
3. Click the OK button, and wait a moment while Radio Manager converts the Frequency Manager file into a new Radio Manager bank file.

You can also append a Frequency Manager file to an existing Radio Manager bank file by following these steps after opening the bank file that you want to append to.

1. Choose EDIT|CHANNELS.
2. Click the File View button.
3. Choose FILE|APPEND FROM.
4. In the Append From dialog box choose to List files of type Paradox Files (*.DB).
   Select the Frequency Manager file you want to Import.
5. Click the OK button, and wait a moment while Radio Manager converts and adds the Frequency Manager file into the existing Radio Manager bank file.

How do I import channels from PerCon Spectrum CD-ROMs or from a UFDBF file?

The PerCon Spectrum CD-ROM can save FCC frequency information in the Universal Frequency DataBase Format (UFDBF). Once you've saved the frequencies in PerCon or obtain any other UFDBF file Radio Manager can convert them to a bank file.

1. Choose EDIT|CHANNELS.
2. Click the File View button.
3. Choose FILE|OPEN or FILE|APPEND FROM.
4. Select the UFDBF file you want to Import.
5. Click the OK button, and wait a moment while Radio Manager converts the UFDBF file into a Radio Manager bank file.

What interface should I buy?

I think the OptoElectronics OptoLinx is the most versatile. It controls the AR8000 and AR2700 as well as the OptoElectronics Scout, and Icom radios. It's about $130, but worth the price. You can also decode many different digital data formats like Motorola and Ericsson trunked control channels, MDT, Pager signals, and Packet.

For the AR8200, AR8000 and AR2700, the Javiation interface is my first recommendation.

If you are good with a soldering iron there are some Icom CI-V compatible interface plans available. Please see the Radio Manager for Windows help file for contact information. I think there are probably some homemade AR8000 interfaces out there on the web too, but I haven't tried them.

What is the latest version?

Please see Version History.