Configuring UniTrunker using GRE PSR 600

tbogs · #1 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 06:54 AM

I have recently bought a GRE PSR 600 and am trying to use UniTrunker via PC/IF connection. When I try to set up UniTrunker to read from the com port UniTrunker locks up. I use the ARC 500 software to program the scanner and it reads it from com port 4 and everything works great. When I set UniTrunker to read from port 4 and have the voice radio set for the PSR 600 no signal is received and UniTrunker locks up. I have the latest version of UniTrunker as well. Is there something that I am missing in the configuration? I am trying to listen to a Motorola type II system in Utah. Any help would be appreciated.

rdale · #2 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 10:15 AM

Since you have the PSR600 set as the voice scanner - which scanner are you using for data and how do you have it hooked up? Can you use that second scanner as data-only without UT locking up?

tbogs · #3 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 10:29 AM

Thanks for the quick reply. I have Unitrunker running on my Pro 433 as the data scanner and my BCT15 as the voice scanner and it works great! Wondering if I will be able to use the PSR 600 as voice and data...would be nice to have another Unitrunker running. I have my PSR 600 hooked up to my computer via USB cable that came with it (com port 4). Here is how Unitrunker is setup got PSR 600:
Signal input: null device
Voice Radio: PSR 600
Port: 4
Baud Rate 115200
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: none

I get this error message that says ERROR: Use Receiver menu to re-configure for recording

Unitrunker · #4 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbogs

Signal input: null device
Voice Radio: PSR 600

Use the "null device" if you want use the PSR600 with CCDump turned on for control channel data. Set the signal input to the sound input of your PRO433 if you want to use the PSR600 for voice while decoding from the disc. tap (make sure CCDump is turned off).

To confirm your settings, run Tuner. Once you find the right settings, copy them to your [R]eceiver settings in Unitrunker.

tbogs · #5 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 03:34 PM

I got the PSR600 to run in Unitrunker! Now for another question...is there any way that it can run the voice and control data at the same time using the PSR600? It would be really neat if that was the case but in any event thanks for all the help!

mtindor · #6 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbogs

I got the PSR600 to run in Unitrunker! Now for another question...is there any way that it can run the voice and control data at the same time using the PSR600? It would be really neat if that was the case but in any event thanks for all the help!

No, that would require the PSR-600 to be able to listen to two frequencies simultaneously (the CC freq to pull the Unitrunker data and the VC to provide you the voice). If you are using a single scanner, its one or the other. You can however have it so that it listens to the CC when there is no voice transmission simply scanning the scanlist for the trunked system. While there is no voice activity, unitrunker will display. When a voice comm occurs, the scanner will switch from CC to VC, Unitrunker will stop updating, and you'll hear the voice. When the voice comm is over, it'll go back to the CC and Unitrunker will resume.

The only way to do both at the same time on one scanner would be if that scanner had two separate receivers/VFOs to hear the CC on one and the VCs on the other.

Mike

tbogs · #7 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 04:17 PM

That makes sense now...thanks everyone for the help!

Unitrunker · #8 (**permalink**) 02-16-2008, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbogs

is there any way that it can run the voice and control data at the same time using the PSR600?

I haven't had time to make that work. It is possible ... but will require some extra effort for the code to support that. The next best thing is to do as Mike describes.

bneilson · #9 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unitrunker

I haven't had time to make that work. It is possible ...

I think I just got chills! That would be great if this could find a way into the new program...

Saliterman · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 10:33 PM

Hi all. I just obtained the PSR-600 and loaded it with local trunking and conventional objects from RadioReference (direct import). No problems so far with the USB link. I noticed that certain talk groups of a particular trunk show a good signal but there is no audio. I gleen from the Unitracker information that you need to decode certain control signals on one frequency and listen on another frequency (either with two radios or by the other method discribed earlier here). I loaded UniTracker into my XP computer and am able to obtain the grid display. I could not find directions anywhere on how to use the software except for the one page+ blurb that was in the "read me" file. Do I need to have both a sound card interface and the USB interface? I tried "running" just the Gre radio as "signal" but have yet to see the "site" window appear. I do not seem to be able to get the same images displayed as I see on the website. Thanks for any help. Steve.

Unitrunker · #11 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saliterman

I tried "running" just the Gre radio as "signal" but have yet to see the "site" window appear. I do not seem to be able to get the same images displayed as I see on the website. Thanks for any help. Steve.

You will want to configure the receiver type as "GRECOM". The "Signal" type is for decoding discriminator audio from a sound input. Also, make sure the CC dump feature is turned on.

Saliterman · #12 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 11:02 PM

Thanks - I just discovered the GRECOM option. I do have the CCdump "on" - still no site window. I have the radio on the talk group ID with tag and am watching a signal strenght of three bars. Have settings of Com 8, 9600, 8, no parity, 1. I also confirmed these match the settings under System - Hardware - Ports - Com 8. Steve

Unitrunker · #13 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saliterman

Thanks - I just discovered the GRECOM option. I do have the CCdump "on" - still no site window. I have the radio on the talk group ID with tag and am watching a signal strenght of three bars. Have settings of Com 8, 9600, 8, no parity, 1. I also confirmed these match the settings under System - Hardware - Ports - Com 8. Steve

You want a baud rate of 115200. The control panel / system settings have no effect here.

Saliterman · #14 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 08:48 AM

Up and running -thanks! I missed the baud rate setting - I printed the "read me" and the graphics did not print. Looked back at the file and saw the correct set-up. Perhaps you could explain to me why I am unable to hear on the 600 or decode with UniTrunker some of the talk groups in a given trunk. I can see these talk groups with signals of 3-5 (the 600 does not stop on these while scanning the trunk - I can only see them under manually stepping through the talk groups), but no decoding or voice. My guess is that it has something to do with which tower in the system I am primarily receiving. This is a large trunked system inclusive of many towers throughout the area and state. The group of interest is using a tower that is on the other side of a large hill from my antenna (omni with broadband preamp on the mast), while what I am receiving is line-of-sight groups. Perhaps I should use a 12 dB Yagi, pointed towards the tower of interest, with a narrow filter (800-900 MHz) preamp. Of course going on top of the hill would be ideal. The other thought I have is that I should have the 600 on "roam," and be lowering the threshold.

On a separate topic, I have the ICOM R-7000. Can this be used as a second radio - set as "control" for voice? Thanks, Steve

Unitrunker · #15 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saliterman

Perhaps you could explain to me why I am unable to hear on the 600 or decode with UniTrunker some of the talk groups in a given trunk.

I have no idea as to why. The program will display activity based upon the control channel. If the radio is trying to follow voice calls or scan multiple sites then you will likely miss something.

Quote:

On a separate topic, I have the ICOM R-7000. Can this be used as a second radio - set as "control" for voice?

Yes. It will work with the previous generation program. Voice following for the new program remains a work in progress.

YoShep69 · #16 (**permalink**) 12-14-2008, 12:39 PM

Before I attempt to use Unitrunker, two questions.

Do the GRE500/600 require a tap?
What will Unitrunker do that pro96com doesn't?

Thanks,
Greg

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdale

Since you have the PSR600 set as the voice scanner - which scanner are you using for data and how do you have it hooked up? Can you use that second scanner as data-only without UT locking up?

Unitrunker · #17 (**permalink**) 12-15-2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoShep69

Do the GRE500/600 require a tap?

No tap required; use the USB cable included with the radio.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoShep69

What will Unitrunker do that pro96com doesn't?

I don't know what all pro96com does or does not do so I can't make a comparison. Perhaps someone familiar with both programs can comment.

mtindor · #18 (**permalink**) 12-15-2008, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoShep69

Before I attempt to use Unitrunker, two questions.

What will Unitrunker do that pro96com doesn't?

Thanks,
Greg

I'll partially answer your question. Pro96Com is meant to decode data on a pure P25 9600 baud control channel. If it isn't a P25 9600 baud control channel, Pro96Com can't do anything with it. That doesn't mean Pro96Com is no good - in fact, it's a great program. If all you ever want to monitor is the information pulled from a P25 9600 baud control channel, then you can get Pro96Com.

If you want to monitor LTR, Motorola 3600 baud, and EDACS 4800/9600 baud then Unitrunker is for you - with the added bonus that it also does P25.

They are both great programs, and even if you have Unitrunker you can always still use Pro96Com - because it is meant specifically for P25 systems, it may produce more useful information and/or present it in an easier to read manner. I have both, Unitrunker runs 24/7 monitoring a Motorola system and when I feel like monitoring a P25 system I pick and choose between both programs.

Mike