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xts radio monitoring Harris

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ve5wil

ve5wil

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Hi all,

I am interested in monitoring the Saskatchewan PPSTN network with a XTS5000 radio

Apparently this is a Harris system ..

I know the system ID and Network Access Code. Is there a way to find the WCAN ID from this, or am I stuck with having to get the radio programmed with a dongle (which wont happen) or finding a p25 harris radio

(Yes I have permission from system admin, and the agency I want to monitor provided I can get my radio to monitor without affiliating or interfering with the system)

thanks
 
Thunderknight

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Take a look at the no affiliate scan thread over at p25.ca, I think that's where I read it.
If I recall there is an issue with Harris systems and NAC/SysIDs that don't match the Motorola pattern. I can't remember if the problem is with Astro25, APX or both, but I think it requires some type of option (or lack of restriction) on WACN roaming.
 
davidzimmerman

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With a Harris System you have to use all frequency's listed Harris system is different and may use anyone of them for a control channel
 
ve5wil

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I do have all the frequencies in .

the system id is 00a but the listed WCAN does not appear right.

with the xts programed as per p25.ca

the radio picks up nothing , even with the default nac for all communication.

and as thundernight stated
If I recall there is an issue with Harris systems and NAC/SysIDs that don't match the Motorola pattern. I can't remember if the problem is with Astro25, APX or both, but I think it requires some type of option (or lack of restriction) on WACN roaming.

this is the issue i am trying to overcome. the xts series wont change wacn roaming option without the proper wcan.or apparently a dongle of some sort.

rescue 161 - i will look into unitracker thanks.
 
Forts

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I've monitored multiple Harris systems with an XTS2500 (and vice versa... Motorola systems with a P7200). Never had an issue. Make sure you check the bandplan though. Many of the Harris systems around me use a non-default base frequency. You will need UniTrunker or Pro96COM to view this info.
 
riveter

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Forts said:
I've monitored multiple Harris systems with an XTS2500 (and vice versa... Motorola systems with a P7200). Never had an issue. Make sure you check the bandplan though. Many of the Harris systems around me use a non-default base frequency. You will need UniTrunker or Pro96COM to view this info.
Click to expand...

This, many times over, including the order of bandplan items. This is especially relevant if your scan is stopping on correct talkgroups as they activate but no vox traffic comes through- that means the radio isn't jumping to the right voice channel because something's wrong in the plan.
 
ve5wil

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Thanks guys - Im going to see if i can get unitrunker and my BCD396xt to work. hope this helps !
 
ve5wil

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unitrunker is giving me all the same information I currently have. still no luck.

I put the control CH in , in their LCN order with no luck
I still have to find where i can check the bandplan with the cps

if it makes a difference it is a vhf p25 p1 system I am trying to monitor.


set up as a conventional scanner its great - gets everything including the groups I dont want to listen too. My sys admin contact did say unless the radio is programmed with a " security dongle" there is no way to monitor individual talkgroups.
 
KevinC

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You will need a WACN key to be able to check the "Intra-WACN Roaming Feature, which will allow the radio to not validate the NAC against the system ID....assuming no other factors are also not allowing the radio to monitor the system.
 
ve5wil

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Thats what I am trying to figure out.

With the system key I can change the WACN ID. but I assume as long as the WACN is incorrect I wont get to select the inter WACN roaming option.

Thanks\
 
PJH

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I'm not going to go into the "use a scanner" rant, as apparently that will work better for you (and hear more than 15 TG's at a time)...

....However, what has been coming down my pipeline is that certain system ID ranges and with the WACN ID's have been hardcoded into programming software that does not allow for programming without a valid WACN dongle. I personally know of at least three in the US. Depending on the software (Harris or Motorola) that will either allow the programming but will not work in the radio, or the software will just not allow the entry in the proper fields.

If your CN system is like this or not, I do not know. The systems I am aware of are newer ones. Its designed to keep persons such as yourself off the system or doing harm (with or without intent) - even if you have the means to program one up that will work on most others. Sneaky, but effective. This includes the scanning method, hidden talkgroups, etc as it deal with the trunked system menu options.
 
Forts

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And more than likely, this will be defeated in a heartbeat.

Harris RPM has protected systems in it.. You can't program in the system without a security file/certificate. But it can be worked around pretty easily.
 
grem467

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We aren't talking about anything having to do with rpm. It's a Motorola. You will need a wacn key as pointed out by Kevin, it's a hardware key which is different than the software system key you are using to program the system into the radio and is probably unubtainum unless you can convince the system management to order it from Motorola and let you use it.
 
KevinC

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ve5wil said:
Thats what I am trying to figure out.

With the system key I can change the WACN ID. but I assume as long as the WACN is incorrect I wont get to select the inter WACN roaming option.

Thanks\
Click to expand...

You need a "WACN Key" to check the feature I mentioned, it does more than "Intra-WACN Roaming". Again, assuming nothing else is also hindering your attempt.

You can find more info about it on P25.ca (communications.support).
 
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ve5wil

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As PJH says "does not allow for programming without a valid WACN dongle" , this is basically what my contact has said, so thats probably why he said go for it and attempt. Its been a fun challenge :)
 
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