[Scan-DC] RE: Dumb question about 780XLT

[Wally Frank]

 Hi Cathy, I've been contemplating getting software for my 780XLT too.  I believe you'll find that disconnecting your PC is not a bad idea, depending on how you plan on using it at any particular time. But you will lose just about all of the neat reasons for using a PC.  While connected, you can make a copy of exactly how your 780XLT is configured, eg. all the freqs, the alpha tags (names you assign to the channel), the talk groups and ID's for the Trunked Mobile Radio systems, create a log of activity, have a spectral display of activity(?), etc.   You can also configure all of the channels in your scanner using your PC by either typing them in on your PC or downloading hundreds of freqs obtained through the internet.  That's a whole lot easier than doing it with the scanner buttons.  However, once you disconnect the PC, the scanner just functions as it normally would.  No cataloging, no spectrum analyzer displays, no extended memory channel capability, etc. If you plan on listening to digital signals, you'll need the 785D and NOT the 780XLT. The 780XLT I believe is strictly an analog scanner. You'll also have to purchase the 250D plug-in module for the 785D in order to demodulate/decode the digital signals.  That little plug-in card is an additional few hundred bucks you'll have to shell out in order to listen to digital transmissions.  I'm sure someone here can tell you what format Montgomery County is using.  Keep in mind that the 785D with the 250D plug-in does NOT handle systems that use 9600 baud control channels. Concerning a mobile unit, I occassionally through my 780XLT in my truck.  That's a big mistake because I get spoiled by the nice easy to read Illuminated display, the full bodied audio, and a nice size keypad. Ordinarily I use a PRO-97, which is a portable.  Like you, I'm also in the market for a nice mobile unit.  Perhaps Santa will be kind to me this year and leave another 780XLT under the tree.  Right now, I can't justify the bucks for a 785D and digital plug-in card.  Analog is just fine for me for the forseeable future.   Wally            Message: 18Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 17:49:05 -0500To: scan-dc@mailman.qth.netFrom: Cathy Drzyzgula <cathy@drzyzgula.org>Subject: [Scan-DC] Dumb question about 780XLTI'm convincing myself I need a new scanner because I can't stand not getting aircraft (CAP in particular) frquencies. From what I have heard recently, it seems I should get a 780XLT and eventually the digital card so I can still listen to Montgomery county police and fire when they are 800 digital all the time. My main question is if I program the scanner using my PC can I then move it somewhere not connected to the computer, or would that be stupid? I've never used a PC controlled scanner before, so I'm not sure how much it is continuing data transfer (other than recording transmissions) and how much it is just a data dump from one machine to the other. Also just as an aside, I realize the 780XLT is mostly a base unit, is there a comparable mobile unit? my mobile is cruddier than my base unit.

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