bcd996xt p25 garbled

[stfloran81]

I have a p25 system programed on my scanner but the audio is somewhat garbled/choppy. Is there something I can do to clean it up better?

[ka3jjz]

There are several things, actually, but one of the best is to improve your antenna system. P25 systems are notoriously fickle about poor signal levels, and what you describe is one possibility.

For a better analysis we need the following;

a. Where you are (county/city/state is fine)
b. What system you are trying to hear? Go up to the blue toolbar on the left, float your mouse over Database, then select Frequency Database Use the resulting maps and pulldowns to get to your system
c. Are you using an outdoor antenna? If so, which one? Fed with what coax?

These 3 items will help folks (and more importantly, folks in your neck of the woods) to make some better recommendations

HTH...Mike

[stfloran81]

I am in Wheeling wv listening to Ohio County p25 system using the antenna supplied with the scanner. all other systems are ok but this is the only p25 system I have programed.

[ka3jjz]

The only P25 system listed in Ohio county is the SIRN system, which has a simulcast site in that county... (any links are blue)

West Virginia Statewide Interoperability Radio Network (SIRN) Trunking System, Statewide, West Virginia - Scanner Frequencies

And here's a thread in the WV forum where that system is being extensively discussed

WV Interoperability System

Depending on where your scanner is, and what the terrain is like, it's very likely you need a better antenna than the little stick that the scanner comes with. Moving the scanner to a higher location may well help. But before you go buy anything, ask in that thread for some opinions

HTH...Mike

[Ronaldski]

have this one? if so its a simulcast is why.
Look at Simulcast digital distortion - The RadioReference Wiki

Ohio County Simulcast

453.17500
453.31250a
453.33750c
453.43750a
453.56250

Actually for simulcast you dont want a better antenna actually shorten it down so your not getting another tower signal, but at same time you still want some signal. Its a personal thing with your location.

[ka3jjz]

Yes, not too good of an antenna - but certainly better than the little stubby whip...or you might actually try using a different site that is in range of you.

That would, in theory at least, relieve the simulcast issues...Mike

[Soundman]

I am having the same problem with my bcd996.It sound great then I have nothing . I live in Charlottle N.C .I made a homemade antenna that someone showed me on this site .It a inside antenna . This is driving me nuts .I am wounding if I am setting something wrong .When the audio come in the meter show 5 . So I don't know what is wrong .Thanks for your help.

[ka3jjz]

Did you read the article Ronaldski linked in his message? This may be your issue as well...Mike

[Anderegg]

When I get full signal, my 996XT is choppy. When I get low signal, my 996XT is choppy. When I am in motion, my 996XT is choppy. When I am sationary with a somewhat good signal, it works perfectly.

I am monitoring the San Diego RCS system, a simulcast one. 99% of the time, my main site is too much signal, while my other site is too little signal. This means both sites come in choppy, one because it gets too much reception, the other because it gets too little. There is no fix or solution to this issue.

Paul

PS: My Motorola Astro radios receive everything 100% under all circumstances!!!!

[Anderegg]

I just wanted to add that I found that a 1/4 800 antenna works better than a 3-5db "gain" antenna. It actually picks up weaker signals better, not sure how it would work for UHF?

Paul

[ka3jjz]

Probably not too well - it's too short to receive efficiently at UHF if it's a quarter wave at 800. It will hear the stronger stuff, but likely nothing else easily

Larsen makes a tribander (150/400/800) that has next to no gain at UHF, but still performs well (from all reports) on 800. You have to buy your own mount, but it sounds like a workable solution. YMMV, of course

Mike

[ajalbarano]

I live in Blair County, Pa. We just switched digital. It is NOT simulcast. I have this scanner, hooked to a discone outdoor roof antenna. One minute the transmissions are fine and the next garbled. I can be listening to PD dispatch and hear it clear, then they will randomly be garbled. This happens with all the frequencies, both dispatch and units. Sometimes the garble is readable and other times it is not. Is there a solution to this? Thank you!

[Clark]

Yes, a better antenna is the Scantenna ((ST2), it has some gain, the discone does not.
Clark