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If programming a scanner scares you, maybe I can help and save you a few bucks. I’ve been there. I’ll explain later.
First off, the WS-1040 is a fantastic scanner. When programmed correctly, it has more bells and whistles than a circus train and leaves nothing to be desired in the way of a scanner. The specs are on the money and correct to a T.
The most difficult part is the programming.
If you wish to do it yourself, WIN500 from Radio Reference or Starrsoft is highly recommended but it is a PC based program. It will not work on Mac.
Butel, ARC500 software is what I use. It is also PC based.
Here's a WARNING based on my 4 years of experience starting as a dummy knowing nothing.
In 2012, I didn't know anyone who could program a scanner for me. Numerous negative reviews stating “difficult to program” scared me away from trying it myself. So, I ordered a GRE PSR500 from an online SCANNER retailer that offered pre-programming for 1 county for $70.00. I thought it would be great to have my scanner working right out of the box. This was a huge mistake. I felt like I’d just had a bad night at Vegas and didn’t even get a kiss.
The scanner did not work out of the box. An expensive amplifier was a waste. I emailed the seller twice and explained my problem. They told me to call them.
Having worked on an I.T. help desk for a major corporation for years, I fully understand the obstacles involved in communication between the trained and untrained even when both parties speak the same language fluently. That's seldom the case anymore. I've written trouble-shooting flow charts and know they exist on any help desk, however, they are not about to email them to a customer. Programming a digital scanner is a complicated process. Attempting to do so over the telephone was more than I was willing to endure.
Finally, through an Internet search, I located a local HAM radio club. Almost immediately, a half dozen members responded who were willing to help me out. I was totally impressed and pleasantly surprised.
Amateur (ham) radio operators are a great group of guys. As Yogi Bear might say, “They are smarter than the average bear.”
I live in a small county with only eight frequencies. The SCANNER seller had not programmed any of them. The amateur (ham) operator deleted all incorrect data and cloned my GRE PSR500 to his. The results were amazing.
Whistler bought GRE. GRE made Radio Shack scanners. Therefore, the Pro106, Pro107 and GRE PSR500 are internally the same as the WS-1040. They can all be cloned from each other by pressing 3 keys. The SIMPLE instructions are on page 19 of the WS-1040 owner’s manual. All that’s needed is a cable with a 1/8-inch(3.5 mm) male stereo phone plug on each end, NOT INCLUDED. I use Amazon Basics.
The WS1040 is compatible with the following scannermodels: PRO-106, PRO-197, PRO-651, PRO-652, GREPSR-500, PSR-600, WS1040, and WS1065.To clone a scanner: 1. Connect the two scanners at their PC/IF ports. 2. Turn on both scanners. 3. On the source scanner, press PGM. 4. Press the GLOB softkey. 5. Use the 4-direction keypad to locate the CloneSend option. 6. Press SEL to transfer data.
Since my GRE PSR500 settings were saved on ARC500 software in my PC. I plugged in my WS-1040 with the supplied data cable and uploaded. I was scanning in one minute.
The WS-1040 has 7 color coded lights that can be set by the programmer to flash or stay steady indicating which agency is transmitting. I love this feature. I listen to two police departments, county sheriff’s office, EMS and Fire. I can tell by the color and flashing sequence of the lights which agency is transmitting from across the room. This is really helpful anytime you're not holding the scanner in your hand. The LED and keypad can also be programmed to illuminate as the user desires. This is a great amenity in low light conditions.
Pre-programming services do NOT program such luxury features.
There is NO refund on pre-programming service whether it works or not. A pre-programming service is not for the benefit of the buyer, it merely helps the online retailer make more sales to nervous first-time buyers like myself. And making sales is what business is all about.
Had the SCANNER online help desk been able to get me up and running over the phone, I would have never realized what I was missing and would have probably been willing to accept the very minimum this scanner has to offer.
If a new, pre-programmed scanner DOES work out of the box, it will be the very minimum at best and most users will probably be willing to accept it. As a result, they will never know what they're missing.
Here’s the SUGAR FROSTING: Someone in your area owns one of the above mentioned radios and probably has it programmed exactly as you would like. Start by searching the Internet for local HAM Radio clubs and send them an email. They are willing to help beginners get started and will clone it for you in a heartbeat at NO charge. If they have a frequency that you do not want like the FAA tower, delete it.
Do it right from the beginning and you will be a HAPPY SCANNER.
I didn’t do it right from the beginning and it cost me big.
In 2012, the GRE PSR500 was $500.00.
IN 2016, the WS-1040 is about $265.00.
SCANNING IS GETTING CHEAPER AND THAT MAKES ME A HAPPY SCANNER.
UPDATE 9/9/21. I cloned 2 WS1040 scanners. Here are easier-to-follow instructions on cloning.
CLONING WHISTLER WS1040 SCANNER
All that’s needed is a cable with a 1/8-inch(3.5 mm) male stereo phone plug on each end.
Connect the two scanners at their PC/IF ports.
Turn on both scanners.
On the source scanner, press PGM.
Press the GLOB softkey F3. Will be lit.
GLOB will appear on screen above.
Use the 4-direction keypad to locate the CloneSend option.
Press SEL to transfer data.
Disconnect cable.
Press SCAN key and you’re in business.
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This Item  Whistler WS1040 Digital Handheld Radio Scanner57 |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $299.99 | -7% $361.59 Typical: $389.41 | -26% $96.35 List: $129.99 | $649.99 | $549.99 |
| Delivery | Get it Aug 22 - 26 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Aug 22 | Get it as soon as Thursday, Aug 22 | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, Aug 22 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Easy to use | |||||
| Sound quality | |||||
| Value for money | |||||
| Battery life | |||||
| Sold By | BlueDealz | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | San Juan Creek Distribution Co., LLC | Amazon.com |
| scanner type | Radio Scanner | Text | Radio | Digital Handheld Scanner | Document |
| sheet capacity | 300 | — | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| connectivity tech | — | gps | USB | USB | USB |
| media type | USB | USB | USB | MicroSD Card | Micro SD |
| resolution | 10000 | 2400 dpi | 200 dpi | 24 Bits | 1200 |
| min system requirement | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 | Windows 7 |
| weight | 0.53 pounds | 1 pounds | 3.25 pounds | — | 1 pounds |
From the manufacturer
WS1040 - Handheld Scanner Radio
System Requirements: Only for use with Windows Operating System
The WS1040 stores up to 1,800 frequencies and lets you search for nearby frequency transmissions and automatically jump to a found transmission. Plus, it lets you hear storm reports and more before they are broadcast on TV or radio.
What is Object Oriented Scanning? Programming scanning receivers can be challenging, but object-oriented programming simplifies the process by using common conventions for scanning concepts that have common characteristics. A Scannable Object is any defined item that can be scanned or monitored.
Features
- Intuitive Object Oriented User Interface
- Context Sensitive Help
- Scan List
- V-Scanner Technology - Save complete backup radio configurations, up to 21 versions.
- Skywarn Storm Spotter Function
Videos
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Worth it? Whistler WS1040 Digital Handheld Radio
✅ Tony's Reviews
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Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital Scanner Radio
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Customer Review: Good range but very confusing to setup
Mason Voit
Reviews with images
Great Little Scanner
This is an excellent little scanner. But, pay attention, you need the programming software.If you own a Mac, you'll need to find a PC to program this, as the software will not work on a Mac.The radio's performance has been excellent. I have a trunked APCO P25 Phase II system where I live and it decodes it perfectly. None of the channels are encrypted. If your channels are encrypted it is not going to get them.About the software. It's not intuitive. But it is very powerful. I tried to program with the software about a dozen times using the instructions I found in videos on-line, only to discover that an important step in the programming process had been left out. When you set up this software you can have it program all your local channels into a series of call lists starting at list # 151. If you do this you can select those that you want to listen to and the scanner will scan dozens of channels you may not give a hoot about. I wanted just to scan certain frequencies where I knew there would be traffic.So I used the software, selected those channels, and every time I did it wouldn't program the scan lists. I went back and re-did this several times following the instructions I copied from the video, then watched the video again. Finally, I did something I almost NEVER do... I read the damned instructions. When you select a PREFERRED scan then you can program your own scan lists and import just the channels you want. You have to be careful though, because once you program it, it's difficult to change it.The radio has excellent reception, however, I replaced the stock antenna with an 800 mhm antenna available here on Amazon. That improved the reliability of the scans of my 800 mhz channels locally without adversely affecting the conventional channels I also receive.Overall, 2 thumbs up on this radio. I can firmly recommend. AD0DQ
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2016
Color: BlackStyle: Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital ScannerPattern Name: RadioVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
Alex
works well
Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2023Color: BlackStyle: Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital ScannerPattern Name: RadioVerified Purchase
Javier Zavala
Buen equipo, bien por amazon
Reviewed in Mexico on June 5, 2019Color: BlackStyle: Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital ScannerPattern Name: RadioVerified Purchase
Amazon カスタマー
周波数ステップが
Reviewed in Japan on February 17, 2019Color: BlackStyle: Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital ScannerPattern Name: RadioVerified Purchase
