Why can't I scan??

[Bravo1]

All recommendations welcome...

I live in the S.E in Calgary and my office is on the second level facing the Core on the south side of 22X.

I CANNOT pick up the Bankers Hall tower, nor Fish Creek Tower from our location no matter what antenna I use and regardless of placement of the scanner and antenna.

I am using a PRO-2050 which is old and a PRO-2052 which I bought new/used but never liked the audio quality. I sold my 996XT a while ago due to the arrival of our daughter - now I am looking at getting back into the hobby after being out of it for a few years.

I am beginning to wonder if there is a problem with my Scanners or if I am truely in a dead zone for scanning.

We do have a fairly large cell tower located about 200 meters away, could this be a possible cause of my dead zone?

Any suggestions, input, feedback is greatly appreciated - I don't want to spend good money on a new 996XT only to find out it will never work due to my location.

Thanks for your time!

Bravo1

 

[Bravo1]

Wow, 150 views and not a single reply...

I guess it makes sense now why I stopped paying for my membership and contributing here...

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful insight...

Bravo1

 

[SCPD]

I would suggest that not everyone that viewed this thread is from the Calgary are and is able to assist you.

I personally read just about every item here in the Prairies section even though I am not always in the area in question. You just never know when you can learn something from what others are doing in other areas of the country or province.

I am from Edmonton and as such cannot assist you with your Calgary problem as I am not familiar with the system in your city.

I think you are being too hard on the people here and would suggest that with a negative attitude no one is likely to assist you. There are some great people here on RR, but I would suggest being positive is a better way to get some assistance.

 

[EdmontonFireRadio]

Same here. Not able to help you out with the problem you are having. Perhaps if you could edit your original post and update the topic from "why can't I scan" to include "why can't I scan in the Calgary area", you may get some people from that area to read the thread and offer some suggestions.

Good luck.

 

[robertmac]

Oh?

I kind of find the OP second response all too common these days. First, I looked at the OP but I know nothing about the PRO radios. Other than the radio, I do not know what frequencies are entered. I usually do not go by Bankers Hall or Fish Creek. Does the PRO operate on control frequenies or what? I am not even aware if the PRO radio is P25 capable. Or are we talking Fire and ambulance? What antennas are used? Is this problem inside a building only or outside. How far away from the cell tower has the PRO been tried? And "why can't I scan" is bound to get a lot of reviews and few answers.

 

[HDMechanic]

Bravo1
Sorry for the delay on saying anything but its that time of year where everyone gets back into the yard work and spending time out doors. On reading about your problem could be the fact that the windows in the building are causing the problem. Many office buildings have high solar reflection windows in them now and this could be the cause of the problem. I know if I go into the office area where I work my scanner will not work properly either due to the windows effects cell phones a lot two. This is my two cents.

 

[smason]

Just noticed your post, was considerably south of town (Mexico) for a while

I agree with HD, could be windows, but also the close cell tower may be contributing as well.

What happens when you try outside the building?

I live just a bit North of that area, and have no problems receiving Fish Creek, from inside the house on a crap antenna. Banker's is hit and miss though.

I'd try from the parking lot and see if there's a difference.

My solution to scanning at work is a remote feed from home. I can control and monitor my PSR600, BCT15, and an RX320 from my desk in the office.