ARCXT: Bu-Tel Software

[Larry51]

I dusted off my old BCD996XT scanner and tried programming two P25 systems (Langley AFB and NAS Oceana) using the Bu-Tel ARC-XT software. The software did a direct download from the RR website and appeared to work properly. I transferred all the info to the scanner, and it seems to be scanning as it should, but I'm not hearing any traffic.

When I reviewed the settings, I determined that the software only downloaded the control channels for each system. Can anyone tell me if this is the way the BCD996XT works?

For a point of reference, I live about 15 miles and 25 miles from Oceana and Langley, respectively. If I did the programming correctly, distance could be a factor.

 

[doctordialtone]

Can anyone tell me if this is the way the BCD996XT works?

For the XT scanners I would download ALL of the frequencies.

SDS100/SDS200: - Bandplan Setting

I've manually programmed an 800 P25 Phase 2 simulcast system that is not in the database. This is my first ever attempt at manually programming it. When I scan it's seeing the control channel so I think I'm good so far. I've done a lot of searching first but what I can't seem to find an...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[rk911]

could it be that those systems are encrypted?

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

could it be that those systems are encrypted?

Not according to the DB

United States Air Force (57C) TG Category: Langley Air Force Base

United States Air Force (57C) TG Category: Langley Air Force Base Details

www.radioreference.com

NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Annex (Virginia Beach City) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Annex (Virginia Beach City)

www.radioreference.com

 

[Larry51]

Here is what I used:

Langley AFB: United States Air Force (57C) Trunking System, Multiple, Multi-State

Oceana NAS: United States Department of Defense (14C) Trunking System, Nationwide, Multi-State

 

[lebrunmn]

Here is what I used:

Langley AFB: United States Air Force (57C) Trunking System, Multiple, Multi-State

Oceana NAS: United States Department of Defense (14C) Trunking System, Nationwide, Multi-State

I would have guessed that since these two systems are 9600 baud, they would not require a custom bandplan, but that seems to be an obvious solution to try, if you're not getting anything with Control Channel only scanning.

 

[lebrunmn]

Just realized that I didn't really point you anywhere to get further info about custom bandplans... I would check this guy's excellent website for info about setting up a custom bandplan--I'm checking ARC-XT to see if it can be input there, as well.

Easier to Read BCD996P2/XT Digital Scanner Manual

To find the info on this page, search: Edit Band Plan (Motorola Custom/P25/VHF/UHF only)

Once you know how to input the Bandplan, you can use the info contained on each system's page.

Not saying that this is a certain solution--just something I'd try if I were in your shoes.

Best of luck.

 

[ProScan]

Did you import the TGIDs? You will need those if the system is in ID Scan mode.

 

[Butelsoftware]

When I reviewed the settings, I determined that the software only downloaded the control channels for each system. Can anyone tell me if this is the way the BCD996XT works?

In the RR import window under trunk options you can select if you want to import all channels or only the control channels

Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com

 

[Larry51]

Thanks for all the responses. Yes, the TGIDs are imported. One follow-up question for Gommert: will the scanner work with just the control channels imported, or do I need all channels?

 

[Butelsoftware]

That depends on the 'Control Channel Only' setting in the site settings. If that option is set you only need to import the control channels

Gommert
www.butelsoftware.com

 

[Larry51]

Thank you.