Understanding Object Oriented Scanning
As we get started, it's important to understand that the new digital scanners work differently than their analog predecessors. The radio's main memory is no longer classified as banks or channels but rather "objects" and those objects must be defined through "Object-Oriented Programming".
Programming scanning receivers can be challenging, but object-oriented programming simplifies the process with "Object-Oriented Memory Management". This memory organization is just a large collection of Scannable Objects which are assigned to various Scan Lists or Scan Sets..
What is a scannable object you might ask?
A Scannable Object is any item that can be scanned or monitored, including:
- Any Conventional (non-trunked) radio frequency
- Talkgroup ID (used on a Trunked radio system)
- Radio services
- Defined searches
Because scannable objects are defined by the same basic elements you will only have to define a particular object once and then it can be scanned from any list or lists that it is assigned to.
What is a Scan List?
Each scanner can maintain up to 200 Scan Lists (#1-200) + the SkyWarn list ( #201 - A pre-defined list for quick access).
Each Scannable Object can be assigned to one or more of the main lists (1-200).
Multiple lists can be scanned at one time. However, if the SkyWarn list is selected, only objects in that list will be scanned.
What is a Scan Set?
Each scanner can maintain up to 20 Scan Sets (#1-20).
A Scan Set lets you quickly select a group of Scan Lists to enable or disable rather than choosing each Scan List separately.
Things to remember...
A SCANNABLE OBJECT can be any conventional frequency or Talkgroup ID
A SYSTEM can be defined as a single transmitter or multi-site for statewide or networked systems
A TALKGROUP is associated with a single system
A TALKGROUP can be a member of multiple SCAN LISTS
A SCAN LIST can be a part of a SCAN SET