User's Manual

(the Object Oriented User Interface, or OOUI). In Object Oriented Scanning, we introduce the concept of
the Scannable Object. A Scannable Object is defined as “something that can be scanned”.
The Scannable Object concept is very important in the OOUI design. Recall that one of the more frustrating
things about current trunking scanners is that entirely different methods of programming and interacting
with the radio are used depending on whether the user is working with trunking talkgroups or conventional
channels. A method that works with one does not work well with the other. The user must learn two entirely
different “languages” for “talking to” the radio - one for trunking and one for conventional, non-trunked
frequencies.
What if it was possible to use the same basic “language” regardless of whether a user is working with
trunked talkgroups or conventional channels, such that once a user has learned how to enter a
conventional channel into memory, they already know most of what they need to know to enter a trunked
talkgroup? Or, a search range, or other “Scannable Objects”? This is how the OOUI works - the two primary
Scannable Objects, talkgroups on trunked radio systems and conventional non-trunked frequencies use
the same user interface elements.
Additionally, we include limit and service search configurations and Spectrum Sweeper configurations as
Scannable Objects. This means that it is possible to create, edit, group, scan and delete service and limit
searches, and Sweeper configurations using the same methods that are used when working with trunked
talkgroups and conventional channels.
Object Oriented Scanning also lends itself quite well to the “collector hobbyist model” we describe above.
Object Oriented Scanning makes it very easy for newcomers to the hobby or the radio to start off with a
small collection of scannable objects and expand their collection as needed later. Object Oriented
Scanning makes it easy to group Scannable Objects in Scan Lists, a powerful and flexible grouping system.
Object Oriented Scanning makes it easy to search for new frequencies or talkgroups to monitor, and add
them to existing or new Scan List groups. Object Oriented Scanning makes it very easy to delete or
deactivate objects and Scan Lists that you do not want to listen to, including a powerful temporary lockout
mode that allows you to zero in on activity associated with a specific incident, then restore your desired
configuration when the incident is over. Finally, Object Oriented Scanning makes it exceedingly easy for the
scannist to enjoy the collection of channels and talkgroups they have programmed into the scanner, and to
share them with other scannists.
A Few Things To Remember about Object Oriented Scanning
Object oriented scanning is completely different from any prior scanning receiver technology. Accordingly,
some users may find it difficult to visualize and understand how Object Oriented Scanning works. This may
be especially true for users who have become very familiar with more recent scanning receiver
technologies.