BCD396XT/BCD996XT: 396xt and Ohio MARCS

[scanman75]

So I can pick up a 396xt pretty cheap but I can seem to find a definite answer if it will work with Marcs and Licoijg county systems. I know they use simulcast and I want to know if this scanner will work or if it’s going to be a paper weight.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

In theory since MARCS is P25 Phase-I the 396XT is capable of picking it up. Now the catch: Every scanner with the exception of the SDS100 and SDS200 is prone to simulcast distortion if you're within listening range of two or more towers of any given simulcast. There are simulcast sites and non-simulcast sites on the system

Licoijg county systems.

Is this Licking County by chance? Go to this page, scroll down and look for the site map. If your location lies between two or more sites then simulcast distortion may be an issue for you.

 

[richardbritt]

Hi, I am not in Ohio, but I looked up the scanner and it's P25 phase 1 compatible and I looked at the Marcs system and it's phase 1. So it will work, however a lot of P25 phase 1 systems are going to phase 2. Once it does, you would like have to get a newer phase 2 compatible scanner. I recommend you get a P25 phase 2 unit, not the phase 1 unit. I did not look at the individual county information. But look and see if it says anything about P25 phase 1 or 2 in the listing.

Regards, Richard in NC

 

[scanman75]

Welcome to the RR forums. In theory since MARCS is P25 Phase-I the 396XT is capable of picking it up. Now the catch: Every scanner with the exception of the SDS100 and SDS200 is prone to simulcast distortion if you're within listening range of two or more towers of any given simulcast. There are simulcast sites and non-simulcast sites on the system


Is this Licking County by chance? Go to this page, scroll down and look for the site map. If your location lies between two or more sites then simulcast distortion may be an issue for you.

I am less than 2 miles west from one tower the other tower would be 4 miles northwest from me .

 

[kb8q]

I am less than 2 miles west from one tower the other tower would be 4 miles northwest from me .

2 Licking Co sites (Johnstown & Reynoldsburg) are not part of a simulcast setup IF those are the sites you’re referring to. It would probably work. On the other hand you will likely have distortion issues with the countywide Licking Co simulcast. I’d ask the dealer if you can return it if it doesn’t work. I have no idea what the difference would be with the comms on the simulcast vs the 2 standalone sites.

 

[Enjoi19]

I’d ask the dealer if you can return it if it doesn’t work.

The 396XT hasn’t been made or sold new in many many years… don’t think they’ll be taking it back. Sometimes biting the bullet on a more expensive scanner that will work rather than the hassle of trying out ones that “may” work saves a lot of headaches.

 

[KC8ONR]

Hi, I am not in Ohio, but I looked up the scanner and it's P25 phase 1 compatible and I looked at the Marcs system and it's phase 1. So it will work, however a lot of P25 phase 1 systems are going to phase 2. Once it does, you would like have to get a newer phase 2 compatible scanner. I recommend you get a P25 phase 2 unit, not the phase 1 unit. I did not look at the individual county information. But look and see if it says anything about P25 phase 1 or 2 in the listing.

Regards, Richard in NC

MARCS will not be migrating to phase 2 any time soon. Still have alot of equipment being used thats not capable. With that said the 396 will work but your results may vary.