A recent trip to the Optoelectronics website shows that OS-535
information has been removed from the menu and from the price list.
Have I missed something or is it no longer in production? The OS-535
webpage still exists at that site, however.

http://www.optoelectronics.com/os535.htm

I sent them a note inquiring about this but I wanted to post here as
well to see if I simply missed something.

If it has in fact been discontinued it is as dark a day as when the
Optocom was... :(

Scott

I think the group is growing well and will be a vital asset to Probe users.
You have to keep in mind first that the software is very bug free and
second that it takes time for a group to grow. I have a yahoo group that
has been established a while and still is growing
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Radio_Mobile_Deluxe/
but it takes time for everyone to get to know each other and start to
exchange ideas. This is a great group and will grow well.

Because I have been guilty of 'lurking' for a while and not taking the
time to introduce myself I will do that now. I have been using Probe for
more years than I want to admit (Perry gets older, I just get better) and
use it both at home and traveling. I can honestly say the only complaint I
have about Probe is that using it has spoiled me to the point where
conventional scanning frustrates me. With the power and flexibility of
Probe when I use other scanners it just seem like something is missing.

I would be happy to help if anyone has any questions, I am not a expert
but I have been using the software for a while and more than willing to
help if I can.

I have uploaded a file to the (I hope) appropriate file section in a .zip
format with my most used database. This covers the Omaha Nebraska and
Council Bluffs, Iowa area with some civilian air, military air and
railroad frequencies included. I hope you enjoy it if you travel this way.

Great group, great start. Hang in there, it only gets better and to all
who have joined, welcome and please feel free to join in, chat, ask
questions, help others and enjoy the great group.

Mike

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the Probe-Software
group.

   File        : /Probe and Probe1K Data Files/Omaha.ZIP
   Uploaded by : ku4zd <radionutmike@...>
   Description : Omaha Nebraska / Council Bluffs Iowa area

You can access this file at the URL

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Probe-Software/files/Probe%20and%20Probe1K%20Data%\
20Files/Omaha.ZIP

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit

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Regards,

ku4zd <radionutmike@...>

Hi Folks,

First off, thanks to all that have signed up to be part of this
list. We are slowly but surely growing in number.

I originally was a bit disappointed that there was not a great deal
of posting occurring. Then I stopped and thought about it for a
while, and have drawn the conclusion that this is the case due to
the simple fact that this great software is such a solid and bug
free performer. I watch some of the other Yahoogroups that are
replete with messages griping about bugs and problems...we as a
group can take solace in the fact that we are in good hands... :)

One thing I would like to ask is that if you can, at your
convenience, please upload your Probe data files (no pun intended)
for your area to the appropriate file section in .zip format. Those
of us that travel with Probe might well benefit from your
contribution.

Thanks again, folks!

Scott
Probe Yahoogroup Moderator
Scan Cape Cod/Scan Massachusetts - http://www.scanmassachusetts.net
Live Scanner Feed - http://www.scancapecod.net/scancapecod.asx

Bob's message reminded me of something I've been meaning to post
here...

One of the more useful purposes of this group would be to share tips
and tricks for using Probe / Probe1K. I've learned a lot over the
years, from guys like Steve Hancock, on how they've figured out
various tricks with Probe that I never thought of. This forum would
be a good place to share this type of information.

For starters, if you haven't looked through the "Resources" page for
Probe, check it out: http://www.datafileinc.com/resources.htm You'll
find a link to Steve's "Resource Guide" and Mike Donovan's "Tips and
Tricks" amongst other things. Definately worth reading.

So if you have some kind of unique use of Probe you can share with us
here, please do.

Perry J.

If this is old news pardon my old age.

We have an EDACS system here in McPherson County Kansas. For years
this system was a single site affair for all towns and largest city
as well as county-wide usage. It seemed that the talkies and city
units in the city of McPherson needed soem better reception as the
entire system wsa located on a tower some 10 miles to the NE.

Now since they now had 2 control signal sites the frequencies were
split and some added and deleted to accomodate this system. So hit
and miss was the order of the day to figure out what freq and the
sequence then I drug out trustee old Optocom and Probe. It took less
than 2 hours as to what I needed to know to track both systems now.

So Probe can be used in so many different ways and it is still the
most superior piece of "sluething radio" contolling there ever was.
Thought I would post something for someone to read it is a boring
Saturday night here in Kansas "Land of Oz...and that stupid dog Toto".
Bob

I plan to go portable with my two Optocoms.
And here are some links to products that I plan to do this with:

Maha MH-C777PLUS Universal Charger & Analyzer for Lithium Ion, NiMH, with LCD
Digital Capaity
http://www.mahaenergy.com/products/radios/amateur/chargers/mhc777plus.htm

10 NEW D-Size 9000 mAh Ni-MH High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries
http://www.onlybatteries.com/showitem.asp?ItemID=11208.1

Hewlett Packard 200lx w/ 2 Meg RAM
http://www.hp.com/cposupport/prodhome/pt200lx.html
http://www.palmtop.net/

SCOTTeVEST
http://www.scottevest.com/

I have installed and tested probe on one of my HP 200LXs.  An HP 200LX is a DOS
based palmtop with an 80186 processor.

> I'm curious as to what our growing list of members are using as  software
platorms as they run Probe and Probe1K. I'd love to hear  from all, but of
special interest to me are those running Windows  2000 and Windows XP, and their
experiences with using Probe/Probe1K  with or without Direct I/O software.

- I am using Probe on a P75 running OS/2 Warp.  Warp has direct I/O built in.  I
belive this is the best OS for emulating DOS.

> Also, don't forget to post a brief intro of yourself and your  equipment,
scanning and other interests, etc.

- I live in a relatively small town northwest of chicago.  Many years ago I was
given an old SW radio and loved it.  Things progressed from there.  I currently
have an ambitious scanning project.  It deserves a seperate thread so ... read
on.

- More than half are using Win9x/Me/Xp

- Almost half are using a 100 MHz or slower system

- The Irony of Probe being a DOS program?

> Limit modulation has to be used judiciously. There are going to be those
transmissions where the modulation is constant and doesn't fluctuate; albeit
there is voice present. This is an inherent limitation of the Opto unit. You'll
also find there are those transmissions where no modulation is detected yet
there is voice present. Before using "limit modulation", you should check that
all frequencies being scanned exhibit either no modulation or some amount of
fluctuating modulation. You can do this by observing the "z" in "MHz". It
fluctuates between "z" and "Z" when a change in modulation occurs. Upper "Z"
indicates modulation is detected - lower "z" indicates no modulation is
detected. When stopped on an active frequency, Probe is constantly monitoring
the modulation and reporting its condition. In the end, "limit modulation" is
one of those features that's used for specific conditions and not necessarily as
a standard setting for typical scanning. In many cases, the "limit monitor time"
is more often appropriate so one doesn't get stuck on an open key. It may also
be you need to increase the limit time if in fact you are seeing a change in
modulation and you need more time before the function kicks in.

- Increasing the limit time did the trick, this setting seems a little long but
...

> As a sidenote, it is presumed you are getting some kind of indication of
change in modulation from at least some frequencies. In other words, you're not
always getting constant modulation no matter what you're monitoring which might
otherwise indicate the Opto isn't reporting modulation correctly.

- The channel that this happens on seems to have some extra 'noise'.  When this
noise is stong enough between the spoken words it seems to fill in the gaps and
the software thinks its all the same.  Too bad you werent able to set a
threshold for z/Z indicator.

> And one more sidenote... On an Optoscan 456, the "sound squelch" button on the
scanner has to be "on" for modulation detection to work. The Optoscan Lite does
not support modulation detection.

- I am using two Optocoms now.  I sold my two Pro2006s w/ OS456 full ver boards
to by the Optocoms, which I had sworn that I would never do.

<<  When I have the Limit Modulation option switched on and it reaches
the specified time it allways triggers on every channel.  Is switching
this on effective for anyone?  >>

Limit modulation has to be used judiciously. There are going to be those
transmissions where the modulation is constant and doesn't fluctuate;
albeit there is voice present. This is an inherent limitation of the
Opto unit. You'll also find there are those transmissions where no
modulation is detected yet there is voice present.

Before using "limit modulation", you should check that all frequencies
being scanned exhibit either no modulation or some amount of fluctuating
modulation. You can do this by observing the "z" in "MHz". It fluctuates
between "z" and "Z" when a change in modulation occurs. Upper "Z"
indicates modulation is detected - lower "z" indicates no modulation is
detected. When stopped on an active frequency, Probe is constantly
monitoring the modulation and reporting its condition.

In the end, "limit modulation" is one of those features that's used for
specific conditions and not necessarily as a standard setting for
typical scanning. In many cases, the "limit monitor time" is more often
appropriate so one doesn't get stuck on an open key.

It may also be you need to increase the limit time if in fact you are
seeing a change in modulation and you need more time before the function
kicks in.

As a sidenote, it is presumed you are getting some kind of indication of
change in modulation from at least some frequencies. In other words,
you're not always getting constant modulation no matter what you're
monitoring which might otherwise indicate the Opto isn't reporting
modulation correctly.

And one more sidenote... On an Optoscan 456, the "sound squelch" button
on the scanner has to be "on" for modulation detection to work. The
Optoscan Lite does not support modulation detection.

PJ

The following Probe-Software poll is now closed.  Here are the
final results:


POLL QUESTION: What computer hardware platform(s) are
you using to run Probe and/or Probe1K

CHOICES AND RESULTS
- 2 GHz or higher processor, 0 votes, 0.00%
- 1 GHz to 2 GHz, 2 votes, 18.18%
- 500 MHz to 1 GHz, 2 votes, 18.18%
- 100 MHz to 500 MHz, 2 votes, 18.18%
- Below 100 MHz, 5 votes, 45.45%



For more information about this group, please visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Probe-Software

For help with Yahoo! Groups, please visit
http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/

When I have the Limit Modulation option switched on and it reaches the specified
time it allways triggers on every channel.  Is switching this on effective for
anyone?

I just joined this group and would like to say hello. I have been
into radios for about 25 years now, both ham radio (W1RDB) and
scanning. I was a volunteer fireman and EMT for many years in New
Boston, NH, and I did all the department radio installations and
repairs for them. I now live in Merrimack, NH. My scanning setup
consists of 2 BC780's (house and car), a BC785, BC895, PRO2004, as
well as several handhelds. I have had the PCR1000 in a box for the
last couple of years, but Probe1K has revived it back into service. I
have only had the software for a couple of days, but am already
enjoying it. I already have a couple of questions, but will post them
as seperate messages. I appreciate the opportunity to become part of
this group and I hope to learn a lot! 73, Dan

Howdy everyone,
I have to make this quick, since I'm trying to get stuff together
so I can depart for Dayton Wednesday morning. I'm a fairly long time
Probe user. Think I go back to around version 2.0. I've been one of the
beta testers for a number of years now, and a Perry harasser for even
longer (hehe). I'll try to spend some time here after Dayton. Take care.

John, N2BFJ

Hello all,

I got into scanning around 1976 before I had a scanner.  I use to
stop by the local mall and listen to the scanners in the store and
program the scanners for them.  In 1979 I purchsed my first scanner
which was a Bearcat 300 and received my amateur license in 1981 as
KA4ULE.  My interest in all sorts of radio monitoring grew.  I still
have a passion for scanner listening and later picked up a Pro-2006
and picked up the Optoscan OS456 and Probe.  I been a Probe user
since version one and now a Probe user for the PCR-1000.  A few years
ago I started a web page for my favorite scanner the Pro-2006.  Its
at www.monitoringpost.com

Steve, N3FWE

Hello Leslie and the rest of the group.  I will take this opportunity to
introduce myself as well.



My name is Marty Grove, and I have been using various radios for
approximately twenty years.  My first scanner (and I still have it, although
it now sits at my parents house) was a Realistic VHF Hi (cannot remember the
model at the moment), good ol' crystal unit.  Currently I have a Sony
Wavehawk PC, an Icom IC-R2, a RadioShack Pro-95, an Icom PCR-1000, and a
Realistic PRO-2005 with the OS456 board.  I have been using Probe (now
V.7.0) with that scanner for a few years now.  For the PCR-1000, I typically
use TalkPCR.



I just found out about this discussion board yesterday, so I thought I'd
join so I can "lurk" and listen to what those who are using the new Probe
software for the PCR-1000 think of it.



By the way.. Does anyone know if DataFile offers any type of discount for
the PCR-1000 software if one is already a registered user of the Probe V.7.0
software?



Anyway, I look forward to the discussion of this software.



Marty



-----Original Message-----
From: bartoshl [mailto:bartoshl@...]
Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2003 9:44 AM
To: Probe-Software@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Probe-Software] Introduction



Hello All:
My name is Leslie Bartosh.  I have been a scanner since 1994.  My
primary interest is Milair.  But, I have been known to listen to
civil air,marine traffic and public safety too.
I currently use Probe 6.0 with an OS535 board in a Pro 2042.  This is
hooked up to an older AMD 333 mhz machine.  I like this set up so
much that I recently bought another Pro 2042 with a board installed.
Haven't had the chance to see if they will both run on the same
machine at the same time but maybe this summer.
My set up currently does not run 24/7 though it has in the past and
will in the future.
I look forward to "meeting" you all as this forum grows.






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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello All:
My name is Leslie Bartosh.  I have been a scanner since 1994.  My
primary interest is Milair.  But, I have been known to listen to
civil air,marine traffic and public safety too.
I currently use Probe 6.0 with an OS535 board in a Pro 2042.  This is
hooked up to an older AMD 333 mhz machine.  I like this set up so
much that I recently bought another Pro 2042 with a board installed.
Haven't had the chance to see if they will both run on the same
machine at the same time but maybe this summer.
My set up currently does not run 24/7 though it has in the past and
will in the future.
I look forward to "meeting" you all as this forum grows.

Hi All

My name is Perry Joseph, and with a lot of help from friends and
fans, I developed Probe and Probe1K.

I've been working with radios since my youth and particularly enjoy
working with scanners. My primary interest in "scanning" is public
safety operations in St. Louis.

St. Louis is not your typical city since we have so many independant
municipalities. As a result, we have quite a few public safety
operations to monitor; most of which are still operating in the VHF
band.

My largest interest in scanning over the last 10 years has been
in "virtual computer controlled scanning". I've always felt the best
modification we can make to a scanner is to replace the
microprocessor in the scanner with the more powerful processor in a
computer... not to mention enjoying a much bigger display for more
data.

For the record, I look forward to participating in this group as
a "hobbyist" and will not conduct business here. If you have a
question for me that is business / support related, please direct
your question to me directly via email.

My hat's off to Scott for starting this group. Thank you, Scott!

Regards / Perry Joseph

Hello, my name is Dave, and I've been a radio hobbyist since the
middle 1950s when I used Vocaline 460 MHz CB sets. I've been scanning
since 1976 and using Probe since 1998.  My favorite Probe mode
in unattended scanning 24/7 with dedicated laptops, obtained for
less than $100 at hamfests. The current machine is a Compaq 486, where
Probe (OS456 Heavy) runs easily at 50 channels/sec at 19200 BAUD.

Today's tip:  When you buy a 2006 with OS456 installed, make sure it's
not OS456 Lite, if tones and signal levels are important to you. You
should have seen my face when I opened the newly arrived 2006 and
didn't find the two OS456 wires soldered to the receiver board.

73s,
NØHMI

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Probe-Software group:

What computer hardware platform(s) are
you using to run Probe and/or Probe1K

   o 2 GHz or higher processor
   o 1 GHz to 2 GHz
   o 500 MHz to 1 GHz
   o 100 MHz to 500 MHz
   o Below 100 MHz


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Probe-Software/surveys?id=690690

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Probe-Software group:

What computer software platform(s) are
you using to run Probe and/or Probe1K?

   o Windows XP
   o Windows 2000
   o Windows 98 (or ME)
   o Windows 95
   o Windows 3.1 or DOS


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Probe-Software/surveys?id=690685

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

I have 2 PCR 100's but apparently they differ greatly inside from the
PCR-1000.  The author of Probe has said if he gets enough requests he
may come up with a version that works for the 100.  Probe1k will
operate the 100 but only has a scan speed of 2 chan/sec.

So if you have a PCR-100 please post here or send him an e-mail and
let him know.  I'm looking for a PCR-1000 anyway as a backup plan in
case it doesn't happen.  Probe is excellent.  My antique 486 needs
something to do!

With the power of the Internet it can happen!

Thanks in advance.

Hi folks,

Just a quick note of introduction. I have been in the scanning hobby since
the early 1970s. I started out with the Bearcat-7 8 channel crystal scanner.
I now use a Pro-2006, Pro-2042, Uniden BC895XLT, and a new BC785D. I ties
these four scanners to a Diamond Discone antenna up at about 30 feet using a
Streidsberg coupler. I also monitor with several Bendix / King mobile VHF
radios.

For mobile I use a Uniden BC780XLT, and a Bendix / King VHF mobile radio.

I have used Probe Software since early on (I think it was Version 3). I use
it with a Pro-2006 and Opto 456 board. It has been running almost 24/7 since
then. I have had to email Perry several times over the years with various
computer type problems and have always received very quick and courteous
support. I am sure you new users will enjoy the same high quality service.

Just a disclaimer. I have no affiliation with Probe Software, just a VERY
satisfied user. I look forward to this forum.

73,

Bill

Bill Collins KG4BKO
wdcollins@...
Vidalia, Georgia
146.625 -           442.500 + (88.5)

I'm curious as to what our growing list of members are using as
software platorms as they run Probe and Probe1K. I'd love to hear
from all, but of special interest to me are those running Windows
2000 and Windows XP, and their experiences with using Probe/Probe1K
with or without Direct I/O software.

Also, don't forget to post a brief intro of yourself and your
equipment, scanning and other interests, etc.

Thanks!

Scott
Scan Cape Cod/Scan Massachusetts - http://www.scanmassachusetts.net
Live Scanner Feed - http://www.scancapecod.net/scancapecod.asx

Welcome to the Probe and Probe1K Yahoogroup. I hope that this will
serve as a growing and expanding forum for the exchange of
information regarding these superb software packages.

As I asked everyone for an introduction when they joined, I guess
I'll be the first:

I've been involved in scanning for over 25 years, and have lived in
the Cape Cod Massachusetts area throughout that time, with the
exception of a four year stint in the US Coast Guard from 1981-1985.
I currently run three Probe configurations with an Optocom, a PRO-
2006/OS456, and PRO-2042/OS535. As a recent purchaser of an Icom IC-
PCR1000 I also am running Probe1K and was a beta tester for that
software.

In addition to these setups I have a slew of other scanning and
receiving equipment to include an Icom IC-R8500, Uniden BC785D,
Uniden BC250D, Uniden BC780XLT, and many more.

I also run 24 hour a day, 7 day a week live scanner feed at the
following link:

http://www.scancapecod.net/scancapecod.asx

I am also the webmaster of Scan Massachusetts at
http://www.scanmassachusetts.net

Welcome to the group, and enjoy!

Scott
Scan Cape Cod/Scan Massachusetts
Moderator of the Probe Software Group

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
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   File        : /Probe1K Data Files/search.zip
   Uploaded by : scancapecod <kc1ua@...>
   Description : Probe1K Search Ranges covering a wide variety of the spectrum
from VHF-LO to 900 MHz.

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.zip

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Regards,

scancapecod <kc1ua@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the Probe-Software
group.

   File        : /Probe and Probe1K Data Files/barnscntyma.zip
   Uploaded by : scancapecod <kc1ua@...>
   Description : Barnstable County (Cape Cod) Massachusetts licenses, imported
directly from FCC UFDBF data file downloaded from Percon Spectrum Online. Data
is separated by radio service code into different banks. Current as of
4/30/2003.

You can access this file at the URL

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scancapecod <kc1ua@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
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group.

   File        : /Probe1K Data Files/Eastmass.zip
   Uploaded by : scancapecod <kc1ua@...>
   Description : Probe1K data for Eastern Massachusetts. Downloaded from my
Uniden BC785D and imported into Probe and Probe1K

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ss.zip

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scancapecod <kc1ua@...>