I have been using WinScan780 version 1.0 for a week now. Before that, I used the demo version. To date, I've found no flaws in the software. It has been great being able to use the software to program 5 780xlt scanners at work. I am very pleased that I spent the money (out of my pocket) for the software. My employer owns the scanners, but I intend to purchase one next month. Because I was faced with programming more than 150 channels in each radio, I opted for the WinScan780 demo. I liked it, saw the developer make improvements in the demo version, and placed an order for the retain package.For me, the features are well worth the price. Would I like to see some changee? Sure. Am I happy with the software? Absolutely. Are there other suitable products available? Sure. There are many choices. I'm pleased with what I bought. Everyone doesn't drive a Ford. Everyone won't use WinScan780. However, my experiences with the 780xlt and WinScan780 have been very satisfactory.
If I could suggest a change, it would be implementing a way to select the mode (for each channel) so that the 138-142 AM military aircraft frequencies could be programmed as AM. At the present time, the scanner defaults to FM. In a similar fashion, the 225-400 MHZ range needs the ability to have the steps set at 25 KHz. Many of the aircraft frequencies in this range use 25 KHz spacing, and the 780xlt receiver requires that the steps be manually changed for each individual frequency before they will be maintained in the memory.
Overall, the 780xlt is the most sophisticated, functional scanner I've ever seen. For two weeks, one has been mounted in my work auto. Except for some isolated cases in the downtown area near RF-congested areas, there has been no problem at all with the receiver. Where CTCSS and DCS tones are in use, I have the receivers programmed to take advantage of the tone squelch capability.
The scanning feature works well with Bank 1 set up for trunking channels and Banks 2 - 10 set up as conventional ones.
Overall, I never imagined that a scanner would have the performance, features and price which are prevalent with the BC780xlt.
Phil Johnston