Mesa PD

[KD7JVRinAZ]

I got a GRE PSR-500 for Christmas. (My first digital scanner) I'm only having trouble trying to listening to anything on the TOPAZ RWC. I am receiving it choppy or digitized. I've tried using either Mesa Simulcast or Thompson Peak or both at the same time. I've assured that I am putting in all the site frequencies. I live in 4 story apartment building, my external antenna is outside my window.I am in direct line-of-site of both the Mesa tower and Thompson Peak. Any ideas/suggestions?

[wls1951]

You are experiencing the same problem that I have with receiving
the Mesa PD. The only cure that I have found is to install a Yagi
antenna and point it at one of the towers. I have mine pointed towards
MCC and that works quite well. I am receiving everything at nearly
100%. The simulcast system they use causes the scanner to receive
signals at different times which cause the audio to be choppy. The
receiver just does not cope well with simulcast signals. You can hang
a Yagi from the ceiling if you can't put it outside. I have one installed
in my attic for when the weather gets stormy, I can still listen to the
scanner and not worry about the outside antenna catching a lightening
strike. Hope this helps.

[KD7JVRinAZ]

Thank you very much. I've been wanting to check into Yagis for a while now. I guess now I have an even better excuse. BTW, this scanner is awesome. If it was beer, I'd be an alcoholic.

[kingshootr]

Is this a fairly recent change? I could have swore a couple months ago I was getting the "dispatch" channels fairly well, but now next to nothing. That's why I popped on tonight to see if anybody else was having issues with Mesa PD. If I need an inexpensive YAGI for 800mhz, any recommendations?

[kingshootr]

https://www.scannermaster.com/Terraw.../20-541560.htm

Would an antenna like this mounted indoors be able to get have some success with Mesa PD as they broadcast now? And where approx. are the two towers they use for repeaters? Thx.

[Astrak]

That would work, you'll need to purchase some N to BNC adapters as well. You won't want to point the antenna directly at a tower. WPNY928 (MESA, CITY OF) FCC Callsign Details should give you a fairly good idea of where the towers are located. It takes some playing around with before you'll be able to get it right. When I lived in Mesa I used an 800mhz RS antenna and moved it around until I found a sweet spot and taped the antenna in that location and I used a yagi for the Phoenix PD feed.

[kingshootr]

Cool, thank you for that information. Is the yagi super directional, or will it pick up fairly strong signals from other depts. in the same freq bands? I don't know if Pinal Cty, Gilbert, MCSO, Rural Metro, etc use the same repeater site or not.

[kingshootr]

CushCraft PC804N 800 MHz 6 dbi Yagi Antenna, 806 - 902 MHz, 4 Element

I'm looking at this little guy because I will have to keep in the bedroom - I can't install outside and don't have an attic. Can anyone tell me if, in their best estimation, it will allow me to get Mesa PD dispatch. Thanks for your help.

[W8RMH]

Here is a nice Yagi. May even be smaller.

Tram/Browning BR-6383 [Tram/Browning BR-6383] - $44.95 : The Antenna Farm :: , Your Two Way Radio Source!