Starcom 21 Help

[Chicago2210]

Hi, I would like to know how to program Starcom 21 into my scanner; I have a Uniden BCT 15 and would like to know if it is even compatible with starcom 21? Please let me know thank you.

[jclarkr6]

No, the BCT 15 will not work on Illinois' Starcom21 System. The BCT 15 is not a digital trunking scanner.

[jclarkr6]

Starcom21 is a P25 digital system so you would need a digital trunking scanner to monitor it.
I monitor Starcom21 with my Uniden BCD396XT and I have been impressed with how well my scanner performs on the Starcom21 system. While it's certainly not cheap, I would highly recommend using a BCD396XT to monitor Starcom21. There are many options out there for digital scanners, you just have to find one that is right for you.

[N9JIG]

In addition to J Clark's comments, if you prefer a mobile scanner the BCD996XT is the current Uniden digital scanner and it works very well on StarCom21.

[werinshades]

Originally Posted by N9JIG

In addition to J Clark's comments, if you prefer a mobile scanner the BCD996XT is the current Uniden digital scanner and it works very well on StarCom21.

Wellllll...ummmmmm...sorta kinda Rich...LOL. Based upon OP's username, i'd suspect he or she is located in the city. Even though their's improvement using the XT models, these pesky simulcaast sites still have audio grable, control channel drop outs. What's even more puzzling is I could be looking at 5 bars of signal strength, and get all of the above symptoms. So to the origianl poster, good advice on scanner purchase, but if you're in the city, you may think it's the scanner when it's just how the scanners respond to simulcast sites on Starcom , so don't get frustrated. As all others advised, the XT models are great scanners,

[stlcardinals]

A heads up, Radio Shack had the pro-106 on sale for $379.00 I believe until the 5th.Gotta be quick.

[msacof]

Like to know how to program the complete ISP Starcom 21 into the PRO106 (if it can be done). The Uniden can be (and I did using the preprogrammed (.28) StarCom 21 banks by just changing/updating the CC's for rebanding. But the PRO-106 is a different animal has I cannot figure out to put in multi sites in the #13 bank (WI-IL) scan list 3 and 4 to get all of the ISP Starcom21. I tried putting in 32 X2 control channels in the PRO-106 (64 total in scan list 3 and 4) but the scanner just kept mostly quiet. When I put in just the three each for Chicago North and Chicago South it was more active but I could not follow conversations very well. On the Uniden BCD396XT I put in a bank of just control channels (I don't think there is a limit on the Uniden) and is was much more alive with radio traffic.

However the Radio Shack PRO-106 (firmware Ver 1.7 factory) , at least for ME (YMMV!) sounds better digitally and has a little better sensitivity for other radio communications that I listen to.

Whom has a PRO-106 running LOTS of ISP StarCom 21 that would like to share the secrets of getting more then District Chicago in two scan lists working well! I understand you can have up to 20 lists going but I want/must keep the other lists 1-17 as default (although updated freqs) so that I can hear different agencys at once. The BCD396XT can so I hope the PRO-106 can as well. Thanks in advance!

[chgomonitor]

Is there a within the city limits of Chicago Starcom transmit site and where might that be?

[MFD4305]

Check this excellent map put together by a member:

Illinois StarCom21 - Google Maps

[N9JIG]

Originally Posted by chgomonitor

Is there a within the city limits of Chicago Starcom transmit site and where might that be?

There are several:

2 simulcast sites for 102, one at the CFD Shops and another at the Zone 8 TX site.

4 for the 115 simulcast site, at ORD's parking garage (the multi-level secure parking facility?;-), the state tower at Harlem and Lawrence, A CFD facility up north and at the Zone 2 TX site. Pop in the GPS coordinates from the CARMA Profile for closer in locations.

Surprisingly thought there is no site downtown like the old EDACS systems had.