Nassau EDACS Alternate LCN-5 Frequency

[n2jtx]

I have been scanning the 850-854MHz range on my old PRO-43 looking for trunking control channels that I can test out on my PRO-163. I happened to find an extremely strong EDACS control channel on 850.7750MHz. I put it on its own channel on the PRO-163 and it identified itself as CTL-05. I found that interesting as that is the same control channel ID for Nassau EDACS on 851.8375MHz. For fun, I replaced the 851.8375MHz LCN-5 frequency in my Nassau EDACS bank with 850.7750MHz. Low and behold it works! In fact, I have a stronger copy on the 850.7750MHz frequency here on the north shore in Glen Head than I do with 851.8375MHz (I get a higher decode percentage and the S-meter shows more bars).

If anyone on the inside knows the story on this other control channel I would be curious to know what is up. I am going to leave it programmed into my scanner as it has a better signal. The database should probably be updated to reflect this alternate channel as some folks on the fringes may have better copy on this new control channel versus the original 851.8375MHz frequency.

 

[garys]

My guess is that you are hearing an image of some sort as the 850.775 frequency isn't licensed and I don't think it's in the public safety band. Why it's stronger than the actual frequency I can't tell you.

 

[n2jtx]

Very odd indeed. My PRO-163, PRO-43 and Yaesu VX-7R all have good reception of that frequency. Stronger than 851.8375. If a transmitter is malfunctioning and throwing an image, that might explain why the 851.8375 signal is weaker.

 

[n2jtx]

Activity on 850.7750 disappeared today. Whatever it was it has apparently been fixed.