UniTrunker madness

K4NNW · #1 (**permalink**) 08-23-2009, 10:27 PM

After having downloaded two or three different versions of UniTrunker (currently using 1.0.0.5), I have yet to find one of them that will work on a known control channel for a Motorola Type II Smartnet system (Roanoke City/County in VA). I have a Uniden BCD396XT and my com ports are set up correctly, as is my audio cabling. However, UniTrunker doesn't recognize that there's even any audio coming through. Yes, I did check for the correct sound card and sample rate, etc.
Also, I've heard loads about this supposed "Control Channel Data Output" on this scanner, but not one soul I've talked to has any knowledge on how to enable that, let alone use it. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Unitrunker · #2 (**permalink**) 08-23-2009, 11:30 PM

Download the "Retro" version and run Uniscope. Follow the "level up" instructions on the website. Come back here for any questions.

DaveIN · #3 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 10:14 AM

One thing I do know is that you need to be in an active System on the XT in order for the output to work. You can't use the custom search or HOLD, frequency, HOLD. So scan your local trunked system and press HOLD. You should see the SysID and held control channel, then the output should work. You can verify the with Hyperterm or some other terminal program. It does work with Pro96Com on P25 systems and Trunk88 is working with analog Motorola systems, so it "should" work with UniTrunker.

Rick, this is the first useful information I've seen that it could work with UniTrunker. I'll experiment and let you know what I come up with on Retro with the level up. Thanks for the tidbit.

mtindor · #4 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 10:18 AM

Rick,

Can you provide some clarification - If I'm not mistaken, UT may work with the BCD996XT for scanner control, but it doesn't work specifically with the BCD996XT data dump does it?

Mike

Unitrunker · #5 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtindor

If I'm not mistaken, UT may work with the BCD996XT for scanner control, but it doesn't work specifically with the BCD996XT data dump does it?

Correct. Despite my efforts, the program isn't able to use the XT models' as an inline signal source. K4NNW mentions audio cabling so I presume that means a discriminator tap.

K4NNW · #6 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unitrunker

Correct. Despite my efforts, the program isn't able to use the XT models' as an inline signal source. K4NNW mentions audio cabling so I presume that means a discriminator tap.

Actually, I haven't tapped the 396. Then again, I'm also fairly close to the sites that I'm attempting to monitor, although if push comes to shove, I have other receivers that can be put into duty with taps.
I think Dave found my problem, because I was using the custom search. I won't be at home until this weekend, so I'll report back on that whenever I'm in range, and try to hold one of the control channels on that system from the memory bank.

Many thanks for the help.

wayne_h · #7 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K4NNW

Actually, I haven't tapped the 396.

You need a tap for UniTrunker (or supported OSW output scanner). If I'm reading you right it sounds like you were trying through the headphone jack?

mtindor · #8 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 09:24 PM

Not to steer him away from UT, but I believe Trunk88 handles the data dump of the 396/996XTs. So, if he doesn't want to tap his scanner he can use Trunk88 until Rick gets things worked out with the data dump of the XTs, or forever.

Trunk88 download area: Index of /~phoenix/wap/TRUNK88

Latest Trunk88 (as of today): Win32-TRUNK88-480.ZIP

Trunk88 Support (via Yahoo! Groups): TRUNK88 : TRUNK88 forum

Mike

DaveIN · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 07:39 AM

Just a note. I had false hope that the control channel output from the XT models would work with UniTrunker. Again, no luck. Sure would be nice to be able to analyze an EDACS system with a Uniden XT model.

Not sure why it doesn't work if it will work with the output of the PSR500?

milf · #10 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 03:25 PM

Question: Will any of the following support CC info from the 396/996 T models?? UT, T88, Pro96Com

Unitrunker · #11 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milf

Will any of the following support CC info from the 396/996 T models?? UT, T88, Pro96Com

The "T" models do not provide CC info - at least not through the programming cable. You'll have to tap them to get the discriminator audio.

K4NNW · #12 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtindor

Not to steer him away from UT, but I believe Trunk88 handles the data dump of the 396/996XTs. So, if he doesn't want to tap his scanner he can use Trunk88 until Rick gets things worked out with the data dump of the XTs, or forever.
Mike

Ok, so I downloaded Trunk88 and that worked, once I set it for the serial port, rather than the audio input.
I tried UT again this weekend, but I have a hunch that it's a problem with my computer, more than it is with the program, because I never did get any actual audio signal on the scope. Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if there's crappy audio coming in, the scope should show SOMEthing, rather than a flat line.
For now, I have accomplished my main goal (since Roanoke City and Roanoke County are on the same Motorola system and they're the main TRS I monitor), but I'd still like to pry into AEP's EDACS mega-system. However, this should keep me occupied for a while.

DaveIN · #13 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009, 10:39 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but with the input as the control channel output from the XT, I'm not sure your going to see anything on the scope. Isn't the scope for data slicer input from discriminator tapped scanners?

The only way I've been able to verify the data is going to the computer COM port is by using a terminal program such as Hyper term.

milf · #14 (**permalink**) 09-02-2009, 08:43 PM

The scope will register that I know of- Audio from direct input vias speaker feed, and tap input. Not sure about the rest.