Progress Energy Tampa Area

[tampatracker]

Is anybody able to monitor this system in the Tampa area? I downloaded the system using the RR database and Freescan and am unable to pick them up. I get a control channel of 939.6625 and snippets of conversations on random talkgroups, but it never all comes together. Anybody else getting this?

[trooper890]

Originally Posted by tampatracker

Is anybody able to monitor this system in the Tampa area? I downloaded the system using the RR database and Freescan and am unable to pick them up. I get a control channel of 939.6625 and snippets of conversations on random talkgroups, but it never all comes together. Anybody else getting this?

I've always had problems monitoring it, going back to when they first got off UHF. It is a mobile coverage system in nearly all areas, and the narrowband 900mhz is very hard to hold on to, especially without a very good outside or mobile antenna tuned for 900 specifically.

[tampatracker]

Yeah, that's what I thought, thanks for the reply, trooper. I was driving around Pinellas Co. yesterday and was unable to pick them up in their own backyard with a 396XT, using a RS 800 MHz rubber duck. Oh well.

[trooper890]

Not all but a good amount of their comms are base to mobile and mobile to mobile. Their MDT system has replaced a lot of the daily day to day chatter. Hurricane season is a different story usually.

I do see the MTS portables around in the field, but not near what I used to.

From home with a yagi, or a 800/900 optimized portable antenna that isnt the broadbanded hunk of crap that comes on the radios will certainly yield better results.

[FLA2760]

I recently programmed them into my Pro 163. I put in the Brooksville frequencies which has a control channel listed as well Inverness and Seven Springs. I am getting the Brooksville CC at 95% with the Radio Shack 800 MHz antenna. I hear the most radio traffic on the Inverness and Seven Springs TGs though. I am surprised that you are having trouble hearing them in Tampa.

[mitbr]

I have them programed into my Bct15 using RS 800mhz ant here in Dunedin and can hear them it is very weak.....when I hook up the big 800mhz yagi outside they come in loud and clear of course!
Tim
kg4jjs

[tampatracker]

Ah, the joy of an outside antenna! My apt complex won't let me put one up I'm pretty sure, but I am going to ask now. The RS 800 MHz has worked OK , I can get Sarasota Co at night and sometimes Citrus with the 396XT, I can only imagine what would happen if I hooked up a Yagi with this thing.

[FLA2760]

I will be looking into a yagi too. We have some strict rules with our HOA though so I will have to check first.