785D won't decode

[FPOWLD]

I have a Uniden 785D scanner that I have have for a number of years and it has worked great. However
I updated some Alpha taags on some list ID's yesterday and it still worked well. Well I moved it from where I was doing the update back to where I always have it and all of a sudden all I get on the control channels is "motor boating" I checked all freq's and programming and nothing has changed. I even took out the APCO card and reinstalled and still nothing but "motor boating" Has anyone got a suggestion as what may be wrong.
Has anyone had the "APCO" card go bad? It still works fine on convential frequencies.
Any help would be appreciated. I don't want to have it become a door stop.

Thanks

 

[nick1427d]

So you moved the scanner to a different location? If this is the case try these:

1) Move the scanner again, if you're not hitting the control channel well enough you won't get decode.
2) Reprogram the CC and make sure it's being programmed as a trunking channel.
3) Then program your IDs
4) double check the RR database and make sure your local departments haven't gone 9600 baud.
5) Program a non-digital trunking system and rule out a card issue

And yes the card and/or the connection inside the scanner can be going bad. However if the system you are monitoring isn't digital, this shouldn't matter.

How long has this system you are monitoring been online? It's very possible that they "turned down" the power at one of the towers closest to you? Usually when they install a system it's at higher power and then they lower it and/or tweak the system. This can greatly effect the monitoring capability of the scanner.

My guess is location is your problem

 

[fasteddy64]

Perhaps it is not trunking?
Try hitting the trunk button on the front while scanning.

 

[FPOWLD]

Tried everything and still no change. I think it might be the card. I may send it in for repair. Like I said it had been working, then stopped.

Thanks for the info. May buy a new PRO197 since it's sale for 324.99 until 10/27.

 

[nick1427d]

Did you try trunking a non-digital system in your area if available?

 

[FPOWLD]

Yes, I do receive VHF frequencies. I even tried a analog 800 frequency and all I get is static.
I don't know if worth fixing. Don't even know how much it would be worth if I did have it repaired

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Dont u have to tell the scanner to have the card turned on ??

 

[nick1427d]

Yes, I do receive VHF frequencies. I even tried a analog 800 frequency and all I get is static.
I don't know if worth fixing. Don't even know how much it would be worth if I did have it repaired

The 785s are still good scanners for conventional use and go for around $150 - $200 in good condition on eBay.

What frequency database/talkgroups are you attempting to monitor? Lets have a look and see. Then go from there. Just because you get static on an 800mhz channel may have nothing to do with the card. Like I said earlier you need to rule out the card. The scanner may still be useful.

 

[nick1427d]

Dont u have to tell the scanner to have the card turned on ??

Yes

at least on my 250 i do

 

[FPOWLD]

The frequencies are:
867.7550
868.1875
868.5625
868.7750

These are the control frequencies. I have numerous TG ID's also programed in the scanner.

I just don't know why it stopped decoding the CC frequencies. It was working then just "motorboating"

I guess I will send it into Uniden and have it repaired if it doesn't cost a million dollars. If it can be fixed I'll use it as a backup or for VHF frequencies that continue to work.

My Pro96 has the same frequncy set up and it works fine.

I guess I'll buy a PRO197. It's on sale until Sat. 10/27, for $324.99. Hopefully I can program it by hand. I'm not to sure about the program cable and software stuff.. Not a whiz on the computrer....at my age. Any comments good or bad about the PRO197.

I'm not new to scanning and scanners. Been doing it since 1967.

Thanks for everyone help and let me know about the PRO 197

Happy scanning.

 

[NDRADIONUT]

Another thing to consider...i dont think the 785 decodes 9600 cc's if thats what the system is running.

 

[ka3jjz]

<snip>
I guess I'll buy a PRO197. It's on sale until Sat. 10/27, for $324.99. Hopefully I can program it by hand. I'm not to sure about the program cable and software stuff.. Not a whiz on the computrer....at my age. Any comments good or bad about the PRO197.
</snip>
Happy scanning.

We have a separate forum for RS scanners, so I'd encourage you to post there. However this wiki article will get you started- it has lots of related links...

Getting Started with your GRE/RS Object Oriented Scanner - The RadioReference Wiki

Unlike the Uniden radios, there really isn't any freeware to program the RS ones, and be aware that you must buy the USB cable separately

Enough with the OT..now back to the Unidens...Mike

 

[smithken]

The frequencies are:
867.7550
868.1875
868.5625
868.7750

These are the control frequencies. I have numerous TG ID's also programed in the scanner.

This looks like the Western Wayne County Mutual Aid system, if that's the case then 867.7550 is not a valid frequency for this system, it should be 867.7500. I am monitoring this system right now and 867.7500 is the current CC

 

[Redneck0410]

Another thing to consider...i dont think the 785 decodes 9600 cc's if thats what the system is running.

You are correct, the 785D does 3600cc only as does the 250D, whereas the 796D and 296D both do 9600.

 

[FPOWLD]

Sorry it was a typo. I showed 867.7550 and it should have shown 867.7500.

How do I determine if the systyem is 3600 baud or 9600 baud. It was/is 3600 as far as I know, or has it changed.

 

[nick1427d]

How far are you from the tower you are attempting to monitor?

If the pro-96 is tracking system without problems, I would say it's either the card or they went to a 9600 Baud control channel. The 96 can track 9600 baud...at least I think it does.

Hopefully someone else can chime in but I'm not aware of any way to determine the Baud without software and a program.

You might wanna post a thread on the Michigan forum and see if someone there knows of any changes that have occurred to the system recently.

 

[DJ88]

How do I determine if the systyem is 3600 baud or 9600 baud. It was/is 3600 as far as I know, or has it changed.

Motorola Type 2 systems with digital or analog/digital voice are 3600 baud. P25 systems are 9600 baud. It looks like Western Waye Mutual Aid system is 3600 baud.

 

[nick1427d]

Motorola Type 2 systems with digital or analog/digital voice are 3600 baud. P25 systems are 9600 baud. It looks like Western Waye Mutual Aid system is 3600 baud.

Then it's probably the card.

 

[FPOWLD]

Thanks everyone. I may send the scanner in for repair, if it doesn't cost a million to repair. Otherwise I'll use it as a VHF scanner. Uniden charges $49.95 plus $10.00 shipping and handling so we'll see.

I did go and buy a Pro 197 this morning and it is scanning right now. I now have to learn how to make changes ( scanning ony certain TG's etc. and banks) without using software etc. Wish me luck

DOB 1936 so you know I'm older than most scanner members.

Have a great weekend and thanks again....hope "SANDY" doesn't screw up a lot of people.