Looking for help and info about p25 on my ws1080

[scanner916]

I have a pro 688 with the legacy update marking comparable to ws1080. I have Sacramento p25 programmed in but not getting anything. The trunking mark on screen doesn’t stay on like it did b4 p25 not sure if it is supposed to be. I’ve looked up marks easy guide and have tried reprogramming the whole thing but still nothing. I know scanner is working cause I can get noaa and non trunking frequencies. If you might have ideas please help

 

[scannerboy02]

Simulcast Distortion - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

 

[jaspence]

First.be sure it can receive weather or other analog frequencies. Simulcast can be a problem with the older design of that scanner, but there are suggestions in the forum that have helped in some locations. Tower location can also have a strong influence on a usable signal. A directional antenna sometimes will give better results.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Another possibility is encryption, check the setting under ADVANCED FEATURES then AUDIO OPTIONS and change Audio Mode to Tone so you can see if encrypted signals are being suppressed

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Another possibility is encryption

Having a look at the Sacramento Regional Radio Communications System (SRRCS) P25 only the talkgroups here identified as mode "DE" are fully encrypted. Most talkgroups in the system are mode "D" and therefore "in the clear". I agree with scannerboy's assumption regarding simulcast distortion as it is known to plague Whistler scanners as well as any non-Uniden SDS series scanner. There are a number of workarounds mentioned in the simulcast distortion wiki linked in post #2 but they work in very few cases, less likely to work in a large metropolitan area like Sacramento

 

[RaleighGuy]

@Whiskey3JMC totally agree with you @scannerboy02 however always good to cover all bases in case of changes from database have occurred.

 

[trentbob]

Original poster, this is all right on the money. There are gimmicks and tricks as described. They are more likely to work on a Uniden radio that is non simulcast capable rather than a whistler but...

The directional antenna like a Yagi mounted on a broom handle could work by trying to isolate one transmitting Tower as opposed to several transmitting towers which are simultaneously transmitting the same thing.

In other words you want to desensitize your reception as opposed to trying to increase it. Some people had luck with a paperclip as an antenna or they use the Comet CH 32 miracle baby antenna. Some people tried drilling a hole in a paint can and sticking the rubber duck in the hole, again to compromise reception so as to try to isolate it to one Tower.

 

[wtp]

and with my county being on 700 digital simulcast, my 396XT did better when i moved it from the middle of the window to the edge and put it in a cell phone holder with a race antenna (1.5 inch) and horizontal. it is now listenable to the wife.

 

[trentbob]

and with my county being on 700 digital simulcast, my 396XT did better when i moved it from the middle of the window to the edge and put it in a cell phone holder with a race antenna (1.5 inch) and horizontal. it is now listenable to the wife.

Location location location LOL. I forgot to mention the UHF racing Stubby's.

It helps if you are relatively close to a tower, that means the other towers are a good distance from you so compromised reception works.

 

[scannerboy02]

The SRRCS is known for being a scanner killer. The number of towers they are using cause huge simulcast problems. Even my Unications have issues in certain places in Sacramento.

 

[trentbob]

I also live in simulcast hell.
Even the apx gets wanky.