I have a BCD396T and am attempting to program it for the RCS system in San Diego that recently moved to Project 25 Phase II but is operating in Phase I mode for most groups. I am using ProScan to program it and am unable to receive anything. I need some advice on settings for this new system. I am using Mot P25 system type and specify the four frequencies (1 control and 3 alternates) listed for the system for my location. I also specified the new Project 25 talk group I.D.'s. I read that this scanner should work with this system until they switch to Phase II, but I cant get it to receive anything at all. I have both searched and scanned the I.D.'s and altered various settings with no effect. I would appreciate any help and advice. Thanks.
BCD396T San Diego RCS Programming
- Thread starter gfox
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ilgrant
Member
I don't know if it is a 396T issue or a Freescan issue. I would factory reset the radio and then reprogram the radio again with Freescan. I have ran into the problem you describe when the radio has existing programming and then programmed with Freescan. (Turn off radio, press HOLD, 2 and 9 while turning the radio back on. You can say NO to load existing database or whatever preprogramming that they would load after a factory reset.)
Thanks for your reply. I tried as you suggested and it did not help.
ilgrant
Member
Which site are you trying to program? I am assuming this is the system you are trying to monitor.
San Diego-Imperial County RCS NextGen Trunking System, Various, California
San Diego-Imperial County RCS NextGen Trunking System Profile
www.radioreference.com
Yes, that's it. I am using the North site:Which site are you trying to program? I am assuming this is the system you are trying to monitor.
San Diego-Imperial County RCS NextGen Trunking System, Various, California
San Diego-Imperial County RCS NextGen Trunking System Profilewww.radioreference.com
| 1 (1) | 042 (2A) | North Simulcast | San Diego | 853.6625a | 853.6875a | 853.8375c | 853.950a |
ilgrant
Member
If you set the scanner to the 853.8375 control channel are you getting any bars? If so, you should be also seeing the network ID (SID) on the screen being supplied by the control channel.
tvengr
Well Known Member
What firmware version is in your scanner? The latest version is 3.02.02. Using the original firmware, you had to access a hidden menu and make adjustments to get P25 systems to work.
I was just doing that! No, none of the control channels are received. I was scanning the range. Nothing there.
It's 3.02.02.
ilgrant
Member
Many things to consider. Try one of the local weather channels to make sure the scanner and antenna receives something. How far are you from the site? Try searching the 850 to 870 range and see if any signals can be received.
tvengr
Well Known Member
Firmware is good. Are you in this area? North Simulcast Site Details (San Diego-Imperial County RCS NextGen)
I am scanning in the range of the control channels listed. I am receiving P25 voice on some frequencies. Not sure of their group or if they belong to RCS. Also some data. Nothing on the control channel listed, though.
Yes.
ilgrant
Member
Sounds promising as there is some traffic being picked up by the scanner. Can you try progrmaming one of the neighboring site control channels? 1-041, 1-043, 1-044, 1-045, 1-049. I also wonder if there is a missing control channel on RR for site 42.
Added the northeast site 4 control channels to my list. Crickets.
ilgrant
Member
Hmm...during your search did any of the frequencies where you heard voice match up with any of the frequencies listed on RR? And the channels where you said 'data' are you referring to the display showing 'DAT'?
OK! I figured out the problem. I live in in North San Diego County and the RCS system (all public service for the county) for 10+ years designated the site closest to me as the North Cell. So when they cut over to NextGen Project 25 I logically assumed I would use the frequencies for the site named North. But no, they added new sites and renamed the old ones. Making it even more convincing, the map I saw when I clicked on the North site indicated it easily covered my receiving area. Apparently, they renamed the site closest to me to Northwest. So, I put in the three control channel frequencies for the Northwest site and everything started working. I hope this helps someone else avoid the frustration I had. Thanks to everyone who lent a hand helping me. It's always something....
ilgrant
Member
Fantastic! Happy scanning and wash your hands!
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