Few OpenSky/ General Interop questions

[sc800]

I have a few questions about opensky.


1. Is it truly encrypted, or only encrypted in the sense there is no current scanner able to recieve it.

2. Is it truly statewide interop possible, in any but the smallest states? I mean, doesn't there come a point where the distance between two points is so great that the signal simply can't reach, sans satelite relays?

 

[bezking]

No scanner can currently decode an Opensky CC, so it really doesn't matter if there is encryption.

I suppose if enough repeaters are installed a signal could go from coast to coast.

 

[Coastie127]

I have a few questions about opensky.


1. Is it truly encrypted, or only encrypted in the sense there is no current scanner able to recieve it.

2. Is it truly statewide interop possible, in any but the smallest states? I mean, doesn't there come a point where the distance between two points is so great that the signal simply can't reach, sans satelite relays?

I seen some article on the OpenSky network dealing with Scanners and well they have a copy right making it where no one can have any type of radio to use on the Opensky Network and well New York does'nt just want MA/Comm as there only radio dealer since i guess they would like to use other products on the system instead of using only MA/Comm radio's so some how there's suppose to have to change the copy right or patent on the Opensky Network to make it that other radio brands can use the system making it capable if a Scanner Manafacturer can make a scanner to decode which is possible. So idk, i'll havev to find the story about it and post it up.

 

[Just_Me]

1. Is it truly encrypted, or only encrypted in the sense there is no current scanner able to recieve it.

Sometimes and Yes.
It can be clear using only the OpenSky protocols, or it can be encrypted within those protocols.

Additionally, OpenSky protocols are based heavily on CDPD, when I think is natively encrypted.

AND, there are no scanners available, and it is doubtful that even if the protocol was public there would be a market for a scanner, and the protocol is not public, and the vocoder in particular is very well protected with patents and copyrights.

2. Is it truly statewide interop possible, in any but the smallest states? I mean, doesn't there come a point where the distance between two points is so great that the signal simply can't reach, sans satelite relays?

Yes, and it does not matter how far apart the two users are as long as each is in a coverage area. The network ties it together.