Pro-197 programing problems

macari77 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 09:07 PM

Ok, got my new Pro-197 and programmed Downriver Mutual Aid and Western Wayne County M-Aid. I have the Radioshack discone antenna mounted on a mast on my roof. The problem is that Western Wayne M-Aid will show 3 to 5 bars but will only come in when it wants to, sometimes it will be only static, very garbled, no sound, or starts out perfect then cuts out and come back (or dose not come back) ...

If anyone can help me with the Win500 programming I would appreciate it.

Also Detroit simulcast on MPSCS 701 has 1 to 2 bars signal, but no sound at all.

MPSCS · #2 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 09:42 PM

Where are you located in relation to the systems you're trying to monitor? The Radio Shack discone is not the best choice for monitoring 800MHz systems. How high is your antenna, and what type of coax are you using? How long is that coax?

macari77 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIG-INT

Where are you located in relation to the systems you're trying to monitor? The Radio Shack discone is not the best choice for monitoring 800MHz systems. How high is your antenna, and what type of coax are you using? How long is that coax?

About 4 miles away from the coverage area.
On a 5 foot mast on top of my two story house.
50 foot Radioshack coax (nothing special).

Also I should add, there is a forest behind my house which sits in the way of the signal. Trees are about as tall as my house or 10 feet higher. Forest is about a quarter mile think. Think that could be a major problem?

MPSCS · #4 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 10:00 PM

The 50 feet of nothing special Radio Shack coax could be part of the problem. At 850MHz the wrong coax can suffer a lot of loss.

Have you tried your radio upstairs in the house with the stock antenna to see how that performs?

Skud · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2009, 10:33 PM

if it is RG58 you are looking at ut a 8db loss just on the cable. I would do the same and try just a stock antenna and also if it is 800mhz try a mhz800 antenna in the house.

macari77 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-14-2009, 09:38 PM

My 800 rubber ducky does not get the signal anywhere in my house. However when I walk my dog I usually take the pro-96, with good weather I will get the signal when I am out of the house. I really think the forest behind my house is killing the signal. Think my 20 element yagi will be able to power through the forest?

diskmonger · #7 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 10:32 AM

If your not within the city limits of Detroit your going to have a problem hearing that system. Try upgrading your coax to LMR-400 or something similar.

macari77 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 06:08 PM

where is the best place to buy the LMR-400?