Frequency encryption
- Thread starter jrib65
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According to the database some are some are not, look for DE or De in the mode column, those are encrypted.
Marin Emergency Radio Authority (MERA) Trunking System, Various, California
Marin Emergency Radio Authority (MERA) Trunking System Profile
www.radioreference.com
Welcome to the forums. Here's a tip for you: Hover your mouse cursor over the Mode column heading on any given database table & you'll see the following...
I bought the BCD996P2 scanner. I had it programmed through the Uniden programming service on the flyer that came with the scanner. They programmed all the stuff. Upgrades and everything. It scans and say there is nothing to scan in Marin.
I think they did a good job as it shows the Novato police department frequencies, but my scanner is dead silent on those frequencies. I looked up counties with encrypted frequencies and San Francisco is one of them. I figured Marin county, Sonoma county followed SF's lead.
I'm not a radio guy. I know just enough to ask for help. I looked up Marin in the Radio reference.com and it shows no frequencies pertaining to the sheriff, police, fire, etc.
I'd like to believe I'm doing something wrong. I just wanted to hear what all the fuss is about when all the sirens go off in town.
I appreciate all the help and the fast response. It's not performing the way I expected. 20 years ago I could turn on my Radio Shack scanner and get all the chatter. Now, not so much.
John
I think they did a good job as it shows the Novato police department frequencies, but my scanner is dead silent on those frequencies. I looked up counties with encrypted frequencies and San Francisco is one of them. I figured Marin county, Sonoma county followed SF's lead.
I'm not a radio guy. I know just enough to ask for help. I looked up Marin in the Radio reference.com and it shows no frequencies pertaining to the sheriff, police, fire, etc.
I'd like to believe I'm doing something wrong. I just wanted to hear what all the fuss is about when all the sirens go off in town.
I appreciate all the help and the fast response. It's not performing the way I expected. 20 years ago I could turn on my Radio Shack scanner and get all the chatter. Now, not so much.
John
I recommend that you return your BCD996P2 and spend a bit more for a BCD436HP or BCD536HP. Learn to program it yourself using sentinel software using this link. I was in special ed and even I figured it out. Changed my life.
Antenna? I couldn't get dodo inside my house with factory antenna. I put up a external Omni X about 20 feet up, and my 996P2 was better, but not great due to simulcast. I bit the bullet and bought a SDS200, and life is good. Huge difference. I've read the complaints about the SDSXX with analog, but I've had no issues. Maybe it's the antenna.
That is a great question. Are you getting signal bars and receiving data from the control channel?
If you're referring to signals on the 996, yes I was getting full bars. Problem was the distortion due to the simulcast. The SDS200 fixed that. My house is completely foil wrapped insulation including the attic, and that's why I just got zero reception inside till I put up the external antenna.
All good, but you quoted me. Carry on. lol
I am going to return the BCD996P2 and try the SDS200. It's a little more expensive. I want to know what all the fuss is about when the cops and sirens and firetrucks start making a racket in town.
I live a tad on the outside of Novato next to open space, so when the cops or a helicopter comes into our neighborhood, it's a rare occasion and I want to know what is going on.
Society has a one fits all perception on who is smart and not. Intelligence is subjective. Us quiet people are considered "special". We have integrity and a great sense of perception that can't be easily expressed, easily. My teachers thought I couldn't read until the 5th grade.
JAR
I think your money would be better spent on a BCD436HP or BCD536HP. The SDS series don't receive analog (i.e. CHP) as well. I own a 2 BCD436HP's and they work great for me all over Marin County.
You can hear what all the stuff that's going on in Marin? I get nothing. Your probably right on me getting the BCD436HP.
I bought all this stuff from Amazon so it's easy to return and replace. Did the BCD436HP automatically install the frequencies or did you have to do some searching? Where are you getting the frequencies from? I have this list, attached, to work from.
I'm learning.
Thank you for your help.
I initially would enter my zip code and scan the full database until I discovered how to make favorites lists with the sentinel software.
I got the SDS200. Very easy to set up. I'm getting chatter I could not get with the BCD996P2. I'm getting a lot more out of the SDS200.
It's a quiet day here in Novato and that's a good thing.
Officer_415 I don't know what "PM" means. : )
It's a quiet day here in Novato and that's a good thing.
Officer_415 I don't know what "PM" means. : )
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Private message, but if your SDS200 is working then disregard. I'm sure it was just an incorrect setting on the BCD996P2; no reason that scanner shouldn't receive MERA.
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