AEP Benton Harbor / System Off Air?

[Craigmoe]

Does anyone know what happened to the system? Have not heard any traffic for several day's, no channel control noise, nothing! Any information would truly be appreciated. Thanks in advance... Craig

 

[Thunderbolt]

I seem to recall from someplace that AEP was going to convert to Project 25 trunking. I don't know if this is the case or not, but in checking their radio licenses, here is a complete list of frequencies licensed for the Benton Harbor site:

855.0375
855.6625
855.9375
856.2875
857.2875
857.8375
858.2875
859.2875
860.2375

You might want to plug all of these into your scanner, and see if you find an EDACS or Project 25 control channel. Moreover, if the Benton Harbor site has changed, more than likely other nearby sites will also be modified in the near future.

73s

Ron

 

[Craigmoe]

Ron, I tried the frequencies above and the system is still EDACS. Now one freq you didn't include was 860.2875 (one of the originals) I did hear traffic from them on it. With this added to the above that would make it a 10 channel system. Also, do you know the correct 'LCN' order. My scanners will not track the system correctly at all so this must be the problem? Hear them on my 2006 scanner. Also, I have only heard traffic (so far) on 860.2875 and the data channel at this time is 855.9375. On your list you have 860.2375, I cannot find that (not listed) on the FCC search files. (only 860.2875 / can you confirm)? Morris code (ID) on several frequencies as well. Thanks again for your help... Craig

 

[Thunderbolt]

I live across the state near Detroit. Maybe someone who monitors this TRS who lives in the area can shed some light on this system. Its very possible that some frequencies have been moved around for Nextel rebanding purposes.

Sadly, I don't know the new LCN for this site. Likewise, I forgot to add 860.2875 when I was typing the list of frequencies. Hopefully, someone who has experience with this system can provide the correct LCN?

73s

Ron

 

[Craigmoe]

Just an update.(AEP / Benton Harbor) This combination seems to be working. The scanner is trunking,
I hear all kinds of traffic. The only difference appears to be the addition of 855.9375 (control channel at this time).
Order: (1) 856.2875, (2) 857.2875, (3) 858.2875, (4) 859.2875, (5) 860.2875, (6) 855.9375.
There are three (3) other frequencies that are licensed for this site but don't appear they are being used?
(855.0375 / 855.6625 / 857.8375)