Finding CtrlChan

[wv_mountaineer]

Just did some programming into my 396XT and this is coming up on the screen. Finding CtrlChan when I hit hold... The signal meter tells me that I have a good signal from the site. But the scanner tells me that it can't find the control channel. What am I doing wrong. The system I am having trouble with is the Ohio MARCS and I am using FreeScan to program. I hope this is enough info!

Scott
Farrell, Pa

 

[greenthumb]

Just throwing something out there - the signal meter on the radio will show that there is a strong signal, but it doesn't differentiate between signal and noise, so you may be in the presence of a strong noise signal, not a strong control channel signal. The finding control channel means the radio isn't decoding the control channel for one reason or another.

If you are sure that you're in the presence of a strong control channel signal and not noise, you might want to check your trunking settings to be sure you have the correct type of system selected (I recall that MARCS is a Motorola Type II SmartZone system). One option would be to download the system via the RR download to eliminate or include the possibility of this programming error.

 

[wv_mountaineer]

I just tried to upload the system again. There was an error noted .. It said "No APCO band plan available for ... counties". I have the system set up for "Mot type II / P25".. This looks like my only choice for a Motorola Type II SmartZone Omnilink system...

Scott
Farrell, Pa.

 

[wv_mountaineer]

Could it be that FreeScan just didn't download the Control Channels from the RR Database when I downloaded the info? All of the talk groups where uploaded to the scanner, seems like it might have just not uploaded the CC's. I know I selected the ones that I wanted to upload.

Scott
Farrell, Pa.

 

[werinshades]

Reprogram as Motorola not P25 and see if that works.

 

[DaveIN]

Ohio MARCS is a Motorola Type II SmartZone Omnilink. You need to set the System to Mot not P25. No rebanding yet, so that wouldn't be a problem.