BCD396XT/BCD996XT: 396xt Public Service Search
- Thread starter kc9neq
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It's so long since I've handled one, but if I remember correctly, if mode is set to all you should be able to decode p25 Phase 1 only when doing a service search.
I didn't look it up because I didn't want to give an incorrect answer. I'm just going by memory so.. if I'm wrong, I'm wrong.
It's been a long time.
I didn't look it up because I didn't want to give an incorrect answer. I'm just going by memory so.. if I'm wrong, I'm wrong.
It's been a long time.
Last edited:
Looking at my 396XT, I can confirm what @trentbob says... Unless you've specifically changed something, you're scanner should decode P25 during a Public Safety service search, right out of the box.
Here's a sample of what the screen displays when you land on a P25 transmission in Public Safety Service Search:
I can't find a setting in service searches for modulation type, but there is a setting in the Edit Custom search options that allows you to set the modulation to "Auto" and that's what mine is set to. Not certain if that applies to service searches or not.
I use ARC-XT to program my scanner. The settings for searches are found under the "Scanner" tab, then select "Configuration Editor."
tvengr
Well Known Member
I just checked my BCD396XT and found that it does decode P25 on a service search. You may have problems decoding frequencies on a simulcast system.
The BCD396XT should absolutely be decoding Phase 1, P25 signals. I agree with your assessment that it's most likely a settings issue. I'd also advise checking the firmware version. It should be 1.11.01. Many of the previous firmware updates had P25-specific tweaks, so updating your firmware might help.
Firmware revision notes, and instructions on how to update the firmware:
If your firmware is up-to-date, you may want to update how you program the scanner... $40 for ARC-XT, which is usable for the XT and P2-series scanners.
tvengr
Well Known Member
My BCD396XT receives P25 on the Public Safety service search but struggles on my local systems due to simulcast distortion.
That's a great point... I don't live in an area that is plagued by simulcast. If the OP does, no setting will correct will fix the problem. Although he does mention that his custom searches receive P25, there clearly are lots of variables.
If you wanted to see talkgroup numbers in the search, go into your search and turn on "Set C-Ch Only"
