FreeSCAN FAQ
Q. I can't get it to connect
with my scanner.
A: See the Documentation section
of the website, under "My Computer Can't Find My Scanner"
Q: How do I download FreeSCAN?
A: Goto
the “Get It” section and download the .exe installer file.
Q: I get a "Critical Comms Error -2147024882" when downloading.
A: You are using an obsolete
operating system such as Windows 98 or WinME.
Upgrade.
Q: What operating systems is FreeSCAN compatible with?
A1: WinXP
SP2, Vista or higher.
A2: It is not recommended to use
emulation software such as Wine with FreeSCAN. If you
want to run Linux programs, then get the Linux OS. If you want Mac programs,
then get a Mac. If you want Windows programs, then run Windows. There I just
saved you countless hours of trying to get things to work. You’re welcome.
Q: I get a "Critical Comms Error" when downloading, or channels or groups
are missing.
A: Slow down the baud rate you
are using. You may also need to update your USB/Serial drivers to the newest
available, see the links section. If this doesn't help, report it to the
forum..
Q: What scanners are
supported?
A: SC230, BC246T, 330,
396T&XT, 346XT, 996T & XT & 15T & X, 3500XLT.
Q: Is my BCxxx
scanner that isn't listed above supported?
A: No. Sorry.
Q: Why create FreeSCAN?
A: At the time I bought my 246,
there was no free software available that was usable. I decided there was a
need for some free software for these scanners that would provide both trunked
and conventional system support. I also have a good platform for constant
development into what I eventually hope to become The Ultimate Scanner
Program®.
Q: Why is FreeSCAN free (as in free beer)?
A: Several reasons.
1. I HATE
STUPID SHAREWARE. Either give it away
or charge for it, but don’t annoy the user with incessant nagging, delays, and annoying
limitations. I don't like nag screens, demos, time limitations, functionality
limitations, spyware, built in ads, and all the other endless crap that
seems to be the rage these days. It sucks and the marketing people who came up
with these ideas should go back to working the perfume counter at The Bay.
2. I’m lazy. I do not want to deal with processing payments,
registration codes, piracy, activation problems, licensing complications,
taxes, refunds and other stuff.
3. Customer
Support. Theoretically speaking, if I
were to charge for each copy, and then I were to get some long, rambling,
incomprehensible email that reads like it was written by someone taking
medication that they usually only give to cancer patients and women in labour, I would feel guilty about deleting that e-mail
while keeping that person’s money in my pocket. By giving away the product for
free, I can delete these requests for help without feeling guilty.
4.
Who wants to pay for software anyways? Paying for software sucks. (The exceptions are PC games
which need our support)
5. I’m a nice
guy, and I am doing this not just to
help myself but to help the scanner community at large.
Q: I am going to constantly
pester Assaf by griping about every little mundane
detail and e-mailing him several times a day. Is he going to start ignoring my
emails?
A: Probably.
Q: But I can pay $40-$60 for some other program. Should I spring for it
?
A: Sure, if you’re some kind of
an idiot. Or you could just program your scanner for free.
Q: What should I do if I
encounter a bug?
A: If you encounter a bug, then
please log onto the forum and report it. Please include what kind of a scanner
you have and the program version. Minor bugs will get fixed in the next
release, showstoppers (although rare) get fixed in a couple days.
Q: Is it Mac compatible?
A: No. Drive your hybrid down to
the store and get a real computer.
Q: What is the best smoothie
flavor?
A: Banana.