Control Channel Question

[Oriley]

If I enter a CC in my analog scanner and hear the 'idling diesel' sound does that mean I'll be able to hear that channel with a digital scanner when I buy one? Trying to figure the range I'll have.

I live in Aurora and can pick up Aurora, Babbitt, Palo and Brimson. Nothing from Duluth.

Anyone know the CC for Virginia, Hibbing and anywhere else I can try?

If that noise means nothing disregard this post, I may be crazy.

Thanks

[NDRADIONUT]

YOU ARE CORRECT...LOOK HERE FOR CC INFO...Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) Trunking System, Various, Minnesota - Scanner Frequencies

[Oriley]

That's the list I was looking for, thank you. Little disappointed now though. I can pick up Midway, Sax and Whyte but no Hibbing, Chisholm or Ely. Hmmmmm.

Looking at pictures of antennas I see they have a single vertical element on top, mine doesn't have that. Does that really matter?





This one is about 30' off the ground.

Thanks

[davef3138]

Originally Posted by Oriley

Looking at pictures of antennas I see they have a single vertical element on top, mine doesn't have that. Does that really matter?

I believe the vertical element usually adds VHF Low (~30-50Mhz) to the discone type antennas like that.

-Dave

[Oriley]

Okay, shouldn't matter then for what I want.

Thanks.

[NDRADIONUT]

Looks like you could use some thicker low loss coax on your antenna.....

[K0EKL]

If you can hear any of those sites (Aurora, Babbitt, Midway, etc) you'll be fine. You just need a scanner that's capable of receiving P25 digital audio, like the Uniden BCD-396XT, Uniden BCD-996XT, etc.

Just because you're listening to the Midway site, for example, doesn't mean you won't hear Ely, Hibbing, and other cities and agencies.

Take a listen to my scanner audio feed: North St. Louis County Sheriff, Fire, and Roads Live Scanner Audio Feed

I'm only receiving the Babbitt ARMER site but you will still hear everything from Ely to Hibbing and Orr to Cotton.

[Oriley]

Originally Posted by NDRADIONUT

Looks like you could use some thicker low loss coax on your antenna.....

I went out and looked and can't find any lettering or numbers at all, just some yellow >>>>>> the length of the cable. It does have factory ends on it but seems a little smaller than the RG-6/U I installed for my cable internet and TVs.

Once spring arrives (little chilly today) would the RG-6/U be a good replacement for the 20+ year old cable? I ordered 250'....the sticker on the box said 250".....it contained 500' so I have a lot left. I have the tool for compression fittings so I'll have to find them.


Thanks

[Oriley]

I'm only receiving the Babbitt ARMER site but you will still hear everything from Ely to Hibbing and Orr to Cotton.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?!!!!!!! Listening to your feed now, sounds good. It is apparent I still don't fully understand how the towers/repeaters work with this system but I'm getting there.

I'm gonna order me the 996XT pronto if I can find one.

Thanks very much!

[NDRADIONUT]

I guess if you have a 50' or less run it will work ok....you will just have to test it and see if u get the results you want....

[K0EKL]

I'm glad my feed is sounding good.

Radio Shack has the BCD-996XT on sale through Feb 2nd:

Uniden® BCD996XT Digital TrunkTracker IV Scanner - RadioShack.com

Bu sure to get the programing cable for the scanner and download a copy of the free scanner control and programming called "Freescan". Once you have that all set I'll send you a couple files for Freescan that will have you receiving all the local stuff in just a couple minutes.

[Oriley]

I guess if you have a 50' or less run it will work ok...

I think I have 28' max right now.

Be sure to get the programming cable for the scanner....

My Dell has a blue port, looks like 9 pin. Is this for the serial cable that comes with the scanner? I also have a card in here with four USB ports on it so I could go that way if I have to.

[jim47]

Hi Oriley,
It sounds like your Dell has a serial port on it. Otherwise you would need a USB to RS-232 adapter. This is what I have:

USB to RS232

If you need help programming the BCD996XT I can help you. Let me know.

[JASII]

Originally Posted by Oriley

.....Once spring arrives (little chilly today) would the RG-6/U be a good replacement for the 20+ year old cable?.....

While the RG-6/U would be okay, I would suggest 9913 or better because there is so much loss in feedling at 800 mHz frequencies.

[Oriley]

Okay, I'll definitely think about the coax come spring.

I ordered it with 2 day shipping so I hope it arrives friday. :-)

Thanks guys for the help, I'm sure I'll be back soon.

[NDRADIONUT]

There would be about 1.5 db more loss with rg6 compared to lmr 400 with a 30 ft run... Make some notes on what you hear and how strong before and after u install the new stuff !

[wingmaker]

Originally Posted by Oriley

That's the list I was looking for, thank you. Little disappointed now though. I can pick up Midway, Sax and Whyte but no Hibbing, Chisholm or Ely. Hmmmmm.

Looking at pictures of antennas I see they have a single vertical element on top, mine doesn't have that. Does that really matter?





This one is about 30' off the ground.

Thanks

If you really want a good antenna I would go with the ST2 its awesome compared to the Discone I had that one before the ST2 I would recommend if you have money to get it and it works great with the RG6 that comes with it LOVE AND BLESSING

[NDRADIONUT]

SOMETHING LIKE THIS WIL WORK THE BEST FOR YOU....
800-960 MHz Omnidirectional Antennas - 824-960 MHz 6 dBi Fiberglass Omnidirectional Antenna with N-style Jack Connecto

[RickJF]

Does anyone have an opinion on using 75 ohm RG/11 cable instead of RG/6, we use it in the cable industry for lower attenuation on the higher freqs for longer runs. I was thinking of using it for my scanners roof antenna since I have it at my disposal. I imagine it would be better than RG/6. Any downsides?

[NDRADIONUT]

The f connectors on rg6 are lower loss than the pl-259's you would have to use on rg 11 but the rg 11 cable loss would be a little less...a toss-up maybe....