What scanner for TDMA (Loudoun, Stafford, Spotsy)?

SVFire01

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Feb 21, 2024
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Off Topic (Maybe), But what scanner am I going to need to listen to TDMA, Like Loudoun Fire and Stafford and Spotsy? I have searched google but it really haven't been helpful so if I can just get some to say "hey, this is the one you need" LOL. Thanks!
 

TJX400

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You will need the SDS100 or SDS200. They're capable of TDMA. They're also the only scanners which are capable of properly decoding linear simulcast modulation, which all of those systems use. The BCD436HP is great for Phase II, but it's not great with simulcast.
 

fredva

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I would recommend against a BCD436HP. I have experience with one on Stafford's system, and I replaced it with a SDS-100, which works much better. As @TJX400 mentioned, the challenge is the simulcast nature of these systems. Most scanner models do not properly handle a digital transmission coming from multiple transmitters on the same frequency. The three systems you mentioned all operate that way. The SDS-100/200 were built to handle those systems.
 

hill

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Unication works great, but only monitors one system at time. Plus a learning curve in the operation, but you can download right from Radio Reference

Going forward I wouldn't trade my G4 and G5.. Size easy to carry batteries last all day l, plus they receive great.

Going forward for the performance I can live with the limitations.
 

N4VKF

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Spotsylvania and Stafford are simulcast systems. The 436 can't follow the trunking control channels so well especially if mobile. The 325p2 is a good one but you might need a different antenna than stock but it also suffers from the simulcast distortion if mobile. I vote for SDS100 or a Unication product.
 

freqhopping

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You will need the SDS100 or SDS200. They're capable of TDMA. They're also the only scanners which are capable of properly decoding linear simulcast modulation, which all of those systems use. The BCD436HP is great for Phase II, but it's not great with simulcast.

That's only applies to specific modulations of simulcast and Loudoun is not using such modulation.

A 436HP, 325P2 and even my modified GRECOM PSR800 work perfectly well with the Loudoun system.
 

jpb

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That's only applies to specific modulations of simulcast and Loudoun is not using such modulation.

A 436HP, 325P2 and even my modified GRECOM PSR800 work perfectly well with the Loudoun system.
@freqhopping - I respectfully disagree. Loudoun is indeed using simulcast, and my 436HP went down the tubes when it happened. The only effective receivers are the SDS100, SDS200 and Unication G4/G5.
 
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