SCANNING: Scancat software developer dies
Jim Springer | N5JMZ SK was an early developer of computer programs for scanners
The developer of one of the first software programs that allowed computer programming of scanner radios has died.
Jim Springer | N5JMZ, the developer of the Scancat scanner programming program, is seen in his ham radio shack. | Photo courtesy of N5JMZ QRZ.com profile
James W. Springer, 84, N5JMZ, of Shreveport, Louisiana, died June 7, according to his obituary. He developed Scancat and various versions of the program for scanner users. Scancat was was one of the earliest software programs to interface personal computers and scanners to aid in their programming.
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According to an interview with The Shreveport Times in 2007, Jim Springer ran his business, Computer Aided Technologies, from his home beginning in the late 1980s. His obituary stated that the business was started in 1983. The Scancat program was designed to work with many different programmable scanners — including Uniden, GRE, AOR, RadioShack and Whistler — making it easier for hobbyists and others to program scanners without the need to use the front keypad on radios. In fact, not only radio hobbyists used Scancat, but also law enforcement, the military and government agencies, according to the article.
Former National Communications Magazine publisher Norm Schrein partnered with Springer over the years in conjunction with his Mr. Scanner frequency database.
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“Jim and I worked together integrating his Scancat software with the Mr. Scanner database,” Schrein told NatCom. “At the time, it was sold together with the Betty Bearcat database through Uniden and later with RadioShack. At RadioShack, it was incorporated into all store computers where the staff at the store could easily program a scanner for the customer.”
In addition, Scancat with the Mr. Scanner database was sold in Sears, Roebuck and Co. and JCPenney catalogs as well as many locations online.
Scancat was sold not only across the United States, but also all around the world. Sales of the program began in 1989 with RadioShack latching on about 2003. At one point, almost 70 percent of Scancat’s sales was a result of its affiliation with RadioShack.
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Scancat wasn’t Springer’s only entry into the software world. Copycat was a program for amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners, and also catered to military and professional clients. Springer was an engaged ham radio operator, sharing his knowledge with other amateurs.
Springer also was the United States reseller of Hoka, a Dutch software suite used for HF and VHF radio signal analysis. In his interview with the Shreveport paper, Springer said: “We're a vendor and sell that product to government people — people in agencies with three letters in Maryland. Only one in 50 sales goes to a hobbyist.”
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He also sold a product called Springloader, a plastic assembly that allowed the fast and easy reloading of clips for semiautomatic pistols. He once commented that the device’s target audience was about the same as Scancat users.
Springer’s wife Alicia died in 2020 at the age of 78. He is survived by two sons, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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