Lots of static on Indianapolis MECA system?

racin06 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 09:44 AM

Is anyone experiencing static on the Indianapolis MECA system? I have a RS Pro-95, RS Pro-96 and a Uniden BCD396T and I hear lots of static (on all three radios) on many talkgroups on the system. As a matter of fact, I have been monitoring MECA for about 6 years and I have always heard light to moderate (and sometimes heavy) levels of static. I once thought it was just a function of the distance from my home in Westfield to the MECA towers in Marion County; however, that isn't necessarily the case because I also experience the static at my place of employment which is located in Indianapolis.

I'm beginning to wonder if the problem is the MECA system itself. Perhaps, MECA is just a poor system. Anyone have any answers?

shaggy2dope · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 09:02 PM

It is called digital encryption. Most likely it is on the narcotics, vice and administration talkgroups. And there is no published way to decode it.

scannerfreak · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 09:53 PM

There is no encryption on MECA, yet, and it is not Digtial, yet,

rdale · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 10:33 PM

I just want to know how shaggy monitors it all the way down in Texas ;>

delallen · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2005, 01:04 PM

Yep!

They have a lot of static on that system.

I just put on a 800 mhz external antenna and it cleaned it up quite a bit.

I live in Greenwood and do have my ant. pointed SW for the SAFE-T system.

Del

shaggy2dope · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2005, 07:58 PM

I am en ex-cop from Indy and encryption IS used. Has been for many years. Whether you care to believe it or not is your own personal malfunction.

GTO_04 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2005, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggy2dope

I am en ex-cop from Indy and encryption IS used. Has been for many years. Whether you care to believe it or not is your own personal malfunction.

The static is normal. I work in the central part of Indy and I get it also with either the Pro-96 or the 396T. A better antenna does help some.

I was told that the static happens because of it being a multiple site system but I do not recall the details. The best solution is a directional (beam) antenna aimed at one of the repeaters.

I get the static during normal voice transmissions so it is not because of encryption.

GTO_04

racin06 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2005, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO_04

The static is normal. I work in the central part of Indy and I get it also with either the Pro-96 or the 396T. A better antenna does help some.

I was told that the static happens because of it being a multiple site system but I do not recall the details. The best solution is a directional (beam) antenna aimed at one of the repeaters.

I get the static during normal voice transmissions so it is not because of encryption.

GTO_04

I'm glad I'm not the only one experiencing the static. Thanks for the reply and useful information. I appreciate it.

GTO_04 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 10:17 PM

I wonder if this antenna would help with MECA static?

http://www.radioreference.com/forums...153#post171153

Looks like it may be worth a try.

GTO_04