Downriver Mutual Aid Project 25 TRS Discussion - Page 4

Thunderbolt · #61 (**permalink**) 12-29-2012, 4:28 PM

WARNING! Stay on topic, or start another thread about online audio feeds hurting our hobby in Michigan.

73's

Ron

scanman10 · #62 (**permalink**) 02-08-2013, 6:11 AM

We are into February and still no change. Are they having problems or maybe the change is not going through?

Thunderbolt · #63 (**permalink**) 02-09-2013, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scanman10

We are into February and still no change. Are they having problems or maybe the change is not going through?

The problem is that the U of M and Washtenaw County analog trunking systems need to reband first, before the new Downriver TRS can go online. Two of channel pairs belong to the aforementioned entities, which need to be cleared first. With that said, the U of M should be rebanding within in the next 45 days if all goes well. However, Washtenaw County has been pushed back until June, 2013.

73's

Ron

MrMushroom · #64 (**permalink**) 02-09-2013, 1:07 PM

the longer it takes the better for us. before the new systems goes encryption

scanman10 · #65 (**permalink**) 02-10-2013, 12:07 AM

Yes, hopefully it takes forever! Thanks for the update. Please keep us informed.

N8QGC · #66 (**permalink**) 02-22-2013, 6:00 AM

Not sure if this is the right place to put this or not but I need help! I recently bit the bullet and bought a BCD396XT Digital Scanner so that I can monitor Police and Fire in Southeast Michigan. I live in Flat Rock so this system is of interest to me. I was an avid scanner listener until the mid 90's and stopped when everything went digital trunked due to the cost to monitor it. I've tried programming my scanner to pick up the new system and get nothing. Seems like the learning curve is pretty steep. I'm not sure what I've done wrong. Uniden's documentation is a joke; I found the easier to read scanner instructions which seem to help a little but really could use a hand. I'm not a complete idiot; I've been a ham for 20 + years and understand radio which really makes this frustrating.

Wyandotte · #67 (**permalink**) 02-22-2013, 9:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8QGC

Not sure if this is the right place to put this or not but I need help! I recently bit the bullet and bought a BCD396XT Digital Scanner so that I can monitor Police and Fire in Southeast Michigan. I live in Flat Rock so this system is of interest to me. I was an avid scanner listener until the mid 90's and stopped when everything went digital trunked due to the cost to monitor it. I've tried programming my scanner to pick up the new system and get nothing. Seems like the learning curve is pretty steep. I'm not sure what I've done wrong. Uniden's documentation is a joke; I found the easier to read scanner instructions which seem to help a little but really could use a hand. I'm not a complete idiot; I've been a ham for 20 + years and understand radio which really makes this frustrating.

Sorry John, I got a Radio Shack, so not too sure on the Uniden.
Look at the link below. You don't need to enter all 20 frequencies that Downriver uses into your scanner.
If it works like mine, you only need to enter the control channel, 868.750, and the scanner will use the control channel to scan the other 19 freqs for you.

Most Downriver cities dispatch on their own primary dispatch channel(see list in link), but Flat Rock generally dispatches on "Police - South Area Primary" When you get your scanner going, the 5-digit numbers on the left side of this link will be what you see your scanner display.

It's better to find some sort of "Programming Unidens for Dummies" somewhere on the net, instead of trying to use the manual. First and foremost, learn how to lockout talkgroups. You will soon lose interest in everything north of Pennsylvania. I got lucky, there are many sites that show how to program my Shack scanner, I'm sure there are many for yours too.

Downriver Mutual Aid Public Safety System Trunking System, SE Wayne County, Michigan - Scanner Frequencies

Thunderbolt · #68 (**permalink**) 02-22-2013, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8QGC

Not sure if this is the right place to put this or not but I need help! I recently bit the bullet and bought a BCD396XT Digital Scanner

You might want to visit the Uniden Web site, and install the latest firmware for your scanner. This will help to clear up any audio or performance problems. You can download it off the Web.

Uniden Web site

73's

Ron

N8QGC · #69 (**permalink**) 02-23-2013, 6:23 AM

Update...

Thanks fellas; really I was loosing it!

I got the adapter cable to attach my scanner to my laptop and downloaded the firmware update. Then I got Freescan and built up the system using the software.

I have no clue about what I did or how I did it which is scary however now it works like a champ....

Thanks for the tips... Now that I've took the plunge and paid the $$$ to monitor them they are going to go encrypted ? That majorly sucks!

kd8ati · #70 (**permalink**) 02-23-2013, 8:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8QGC

Thanks for the tips... Now that I've took the plunge and paid the $$$ to monitor them they are going to go encrypted ? That majorly sucks!

Thats just what a lot of people assume. No one will really know for sure until the system is up & running and you are listening to it.

scanman10 · #71 (**permalink**) 02-23-2013, 4:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8QGC

Not sure if this is the right place to put this or not but I need help! I recently bit the bullet and bought a BCD396XT Digital Scanner so that I can monitor Police and Fire in Southeast Michigan. I live in Flat Rock so this system is of interest to me. I was an avid scanner listener until the mid 90's and stopped when everything went digital trunked due to the cost to monitor it. I've tried programming my scanner to pick up the new system and get nothing. Seems like the learning curve is pretty steep. I'm not sure what I've done wrong. Uniden's documentation is a joke; I found the easier to read scanner instructions which seem to help a little but really could use a hand. I'm not a complete idiot; I've been a ham for 20 + years and understand radio which really makes this frustrating.

Glad you got it working, I was going to suggest Butel Arc Patrol, that is what I use for my Uniden BC785D and it was a breeze. I live in Brownstown very close to Flat Rock and have been listening to scanners in downriver for quite some time. I still have my BC785D, I let my brother use it, it's still a great scanner. When you get one of these working well you have a feeling of accomplishment. I now use a Home Patrol 1 and a GRE PSR-800, but in the end they all work about the same.

N8QGC · #72 (**permalink**) 02-25-2013, 9:05 AM

Yeah no kidding thanks guys...

I'm a scanner guy from way back.. When I started listening to PD and Fire North Downriver PD was on 155.490 and South Downriver PD was on 155.640 VHF Simplex. Most of downriver fire was on the same freq but I don't remember it.

I quit monitoring when they all started this 800 Mhz digital crap. Didn't want to part with the $$$ to listen to them.

I was wondering why I never heard Flat Rock PD on their dispatch channel.. I hadn't programmed the mutual aid talk groups. After you guys pointed me to that I did and got em all now..

The curve is steep but I think I'm finally making some headway. I got downriver, western wayne, and a lot of MSP stuff programmed. Gonna work on Detroit next I work downtown.

Good to be back in the hobby.

Thunderbolt · #73 (**permalink**) 03-21-2013, 10:42 AM

I heard from a reliable source that Cassidian is adding a 5th radio tower in the area of I-75 and West Road. Apparently, the base for the tower has been poured. Can anyone confirm this?

73's

Ron

N8QGC · #74 (**permalink**) 03-21-2013, 10:54 AM

There is a new tower that is standing there!

Thunderbolt · #75 (**permalink**) 03-21-2013, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8QGC

There is a new tower that is standing there!

How tall would you say it is?

Ron

N8QGC · #76 (**permalink**) 03-21-2013, 1:52 PM

Maybe 80 or 100 feet? I was wondering what it might be for.

Thunderbolt · #77 (**permalink**) 05-11-2013, 5:09 PM

From a reliable source, this TRS may start out as a P25 Phase II, rather than a traditional Phase I. Apparently, Cassidian wants to make this system a "technical showcase" of their capabilities in delivering next generation P25 data and voice interoperability solutions. However, no final decision has been made at this time regarding what phase it will operate in.

73's

Ron