STARS.... Icom PCR-1500/2500??

[N4FTN]

Have any of you had any experience with the ICOM PCR-1500/2500 series receivers?? The slick sheet and operator's manual describe them operating in "P-25" digital mode but the manual is not clear to me regarding it following trunking, etc. But, why would it receive P-25 and not be trunking???? Do you think it would track STARS?

Any experience or info on the units? Here's a link to the Ops Manual... http://www.icomamerica.com/downloads/manuals/receivers/ic-pcr1500_pcr2500_manual.pdf

 

[N4FTN]

Note.... The Digital receive portion starts on page 118... P-25 on page 121

 

[RBMTS]

Hi John
I have the P2500 (control head) version, but they are identical. The unit will not perform any trunk tracking as it is only a conventional receiver. You need a different program called TrunkPCR. Using that software I have tracked P25 systems like the JCC/Wlmbsbrg system. FYI to get the radio to monitor P25 that high on 800Mhz, you need to perform a diode removal modification on the main receiver board. The mod works and will expand the P25 range.

I have monitored STARS in conventional mode. The audio is superb - so much better than any scanner. It really rivals a professional radio. As for tracking STARS in a trunking mode - I have not yet tried since the local systems are not yet being utilized.

I believe there is a way to do some pseudo-tracking in conventional mode by way of filtering on the TGID or Unit ID's in the system. In other words you conventionally scan the system voice channels, but only listen to units that match the ID's you enter into a list. Something that's always been on my list to try but never got around to it.

Hope this helps.

Randy

 

[N4FTN]

RBMTS (Randy).....

Thanks for the info. I have been contemplating a purchase of this ICOM unit since the original PCR-100 came out, but felt it did not contain the features I wanted in a "scanner". Your comments regarding the audio quality is also interesting.

Your theory of scanning seems logical. I didn't see any discussion of TG's etc in the manual so figured it was not "trunk-tracking". Wonder why they wouldn't have included such during development??? Seems like it would have opened the unit to a much wider audience and potential purchasers..... (i.e. all the avid scanner listeners like those fine folks here).

Regarding STARS - I have information that Division 5 will go live on STARS around the middle of the month? Anxious like everyone else to see that get going in Tidewater.

Appreciate your comments......Thx