BCD396T / DPS problems in Allen

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grodgers

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Jul 12, 2008
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Carrollton, TX
I have a BCD396T w/firmware 3.02.02. For the life of me, I can't get any DPS reception. I've programmed manually, I've used Freescan - i get nothing. I don't know if it is just my location, but you'd think i'd get something...but not a whimper.

Last attempt, I used Freescan to import DPS Dallas, DPS Sherman, DPS Texarkana as well as the Statewide APCO25 systems.

I get absolutely nothing.

I have my trunked systems (Collin County and Plano Public Service) working fine. Is DPS doing something funky?
 

hiegtx

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Dallas, TX
Yes, have QK's setup for both the system and groups. Not a peep.
If you're using the 396T (not an XT), be sure that you have the frequencies set without without a DCS code or PL tone. That field needs to be set as "None". Also, you may want to check the mode field. I believe that most of the DPS stations/mobiles are actually using "FM". However, the default import mode in FreeScan is "Auto", which in the 396T is roughly equivalent to a FMN. That's going to affect you as well. Try importing the attached *.usd file into FreeScan. It's the statewide frequency plan (without the duplicated frequencies due to the NAC codes, which the 396T can't use anyway), with PL/DCS set to NONE & mode set to FM.

Which antenna are you using? Post your FreeScan file. (Probably need to either zip it or add a ".txt" extension to the file name.)
 
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grodgers

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Jul 12, 2008
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Carrollton, TX
Thanks for the file - I will import it in the morning and let you know how it works out, and post mine as well.

I am using the stock antenna - yes, i know range is limited, but I still believe that after 2-3 hours of monitoring, I should hear at least a peep.
 

hiegtx

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Thanks for the file - I will import it in the morning and let you know how it works out, and post mine as well.

I am using the stock antenna - yes, i know range is limited, but I still believe that after 2-3 hours of monitoring, I should hear at least a peep.
I would think, at least, you could hear Denton, or maybe Sherman. However, they don't talk as much as they used to, using the MDT's more.
 
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