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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!hao!noao!terak!anasazi!john
From: john@anasazi.UUCP (John Moore)
Newsgroups: net.ham-radio
Subject: Computer Controlled Scanners?
Message-ID: <237@anasazi.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 19-Jul-85 16:10:35 EDT
Article-I.D.: anasazi.237
Posted: Fri Jul 19 16:10:35 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 21-Jul-85 02:09:30 EDT
Reply-To: john@anasazi.UUCP (John Moore)
Organization: Anasazi, Phoenix Az.
Lines: 29
Keywords: Scanners
Summary: Looking for info on scanners capable of computer control

There are many scanners in the world with all sorts of neat features.
Unfortunately, they never seem to do quite what you want. For example,
when searching a frequency range for new signals, there is no way to
skip specific frequencies which you don't want to hear.

I am looking for information on scanners which can be interfaced to
a computer so that the computer can exercise real-time control over
the parameters of the radio - especially frequency. I know of two
scanners with computer control (one made by Bearcat, and the other
a clone of the Regency MX-5000 made by AOR). Unfortunately, it is
pretty difficult to get information on either one. The last time I
talked to Bearcat (a while ago), they were unwilling to part with the
interface specs. Rather, they wanted one to buy a software package for
the computer of interest and just run it. I was unable to determine for
sure if the frequency skipping option is possible, but it looks like it
may not be. The computer may just be capable of loading the frequency
registers and reading usage counts, etc. If anyone knows more about this,
I would like to hear from them.

The AOR scanner is even more mysterious. It appears to be a Regency MX-5000
except with a Japanese name. There is an RS232 adapter for it for around
$130. However, finding out what you can do with that is an interesting
problem. My brother, who lives in Tokyo, is trying to find out but he
is not likely to succeed. Again, help!!

Does anyone know of any other computer controlled scanners? Regency? JIL?
etc...

	John Moore