SDS100/SDS200: EDACS Simulcast

[fasteddy64]

Ok, so there has obviously been discussions for years on P25 simulcast issues. What about EDACS simulcast?
Yes, my local system is still EDACS. I have terrible results when out mobile with my SDS-100.
Do the same solutions discussed for P25 simulcast issues also apply to EDACS?
I have been messing with filter settings with no real difference noticed.
Anyone have any suggestions?
The system I am monitoring is the Harrison County Public Safety system in Mississippi.

Thanks,
Ed
KG5UN
Gulfport, MS

 

[JethrowJohnson]

Huh, I don't know. I didn't think system type would make a difference.

 

[KevinC]

You may have other issues at play, but for the most part the “magic” in non-P25 simulcast systems happens in the sites (timing/phase) and not in the receiving device. So this may be as good as it gets, again assuming you don’t have other issues (filters, IFX, crappy receiver, etc…).

 

[fasteddy64]

Huh, I don't know. I didn't think system type would make a difference.

I dont know if it does or not, I was hoping someone here would know for sure.

You may have other issues at play, but for the most part the “magic” in non-P25 simulcast systems happens in the sites (timing/phase) and not in the receiving device. So this may be as good as it gets, again assuming you don’t have other issues (filters, IFX, crappy receiver, etc…).

That was kind of why I was asking.
I am using the SDS-100 so was curious about possible tweaks or fixes that could be done with the filters or anything else. Or do I just have to live with it.

 

[enosjones]

@JoeBearcat

 

[freqseeker]

What about EDACS simulcast?

I don't have EDACS systems in my area. Is this analog or digital (Provoice)?
Analog isn't impacted as much as digital with simulcast.

 

[JethrowJohnson]

I don't have EDACS systems in my area. Is this analog or digital (Provoice)?
Analog isn't impacted as much as digital with simulcast.

That system has analog and ProVoice talkgroups.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

What exactly are the symptoms. Missed transmissions? Does this affect analog as well as digital talkgroups? How close are you to the nearest transmitter site? Law enforcement talkgroups are all ProVoice (denoted as mode "D") but you didn't indicate if you have the Provoice upgrade on your scanner. Do you? The SDS100 doesn't track Provoice right out of the box

Harrison County Public Safety Trunking System, Gulfport, and 4 others., Mississippi

Harrison County Public Safety Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

 

[freqseeker]

That system has analog and ProVoice talkgroups.

Thank you. I'm curious if the op is having trouble with analog, digital, or both.

 

[fasteddy64]

What exactly are the symptoms. Missed transmissions? Does this affect analog as well as digital talkgroups? How close are you to the nearest transmitter site? Law enforcement talkgroups are mostly ProVoice (denoted as mode "D") but you didn't indicate if you have the Provoice upgrade on your scanner

Yes, I have the ProVoice upgrade.
The symptoms are typical simulcast distortion, breaking up and dropping out of the digital signals. Analog signals have some static at times but are still able to be heard.
Happens when I am out mobile. Have tried an external antenna as well as that stock antenna inside the car with pretty much the same results.
I am not sure where the transmitter sites are located around town.
At home I dont have any issues as there is a site a couple of blocks away, I can use all of my scanners (SDS-100, BCD-536 and 325P20 with no antenna connected.

 

[enosjones]

System Notes


ALL PUBLIC SAFETY for the city of Biloxi are in Provoice Digital mode. Harrison County Sheriff also uses Provoice Digital mode.
Currently, many of the public safety agencies in the area are on Southerlinc, but will be transitioning to this new EDACS ProVoice system.

This system will be converting in the near future to an 3 Site Harris P25ip P25 Phase I system.

 

[enosjones]

Depending on the scanner, it may need a provoice upgrade, if its a whistler scanner by chance then it doesn't decode provoice. Unidens do with a fee

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I am not sure where the transmitter sites are located around town.

See locations here & here

 

[fasteddy64]

Depending on the scanner, it may need a provoice upgrade, if its a whistler scanner by chance then it doesn't decode provoice. Unidens do with a fee

Yup, as I stated above, SDS-100 with the ProVoice upgrade.
Thanks

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

How's reception outside of the system in question: Weather? Conventional analogs? No drop outs?

 

[fasteddy64]

See locations here & here

Thanks. I live a couple of blocks from #2, no issues at home.
Problem areas are about halfway between 2 and 3, about halfway between 2 and five, and 1 and 5.

 

[fasteddy64]

How's reception outside of the system in question: Weather? Conventional analogs? No drop outs?

Weather seems to have no real impact that I can tell.
Analog signals will get some static but dont ever really drop out.
Not sure what you are asking when you say how is reception outside of the system. When I travel east on I-10 I lose the system completely just a few miles out of Biloxi. Havent tested in any other directions.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Not sure what you are asking when you say how is reception outside of the system.

Sorry, I should have said "aside from the system". You answered it

 

[JethrowJohnson]

ALL PUBLIC SAFETY for the city of Biloxi are in Provoice Digital mode

Yeah, but the list was still showing A for some of those.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

EDACS 9600 control channel is 2 level FSK. The simulcast reliability can be pretty bad if greater than 8 mile separation between sites. If you are outside the intended design footprint of a simulcast system, best of luck.