BCD325P2/BCD996P2: BCD996P2 help please

[sixgunslinger]

Hello all

I'm in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. I believe I have my scanner programmed correctly but apparently not. I'm not receiving much. I am receiving SOME transmissions some crystal clear and some broken up. I know there is more to be heard. Lots of traffic being heard on my scanner app on my phone.

I bought the scanner new less than a year ago. I have tried free scan and the arc software. I had a little luck but not much with free scan. I had a a little better luck with arc but mot much more,

As far as I know it is the ICORRS ststem. Any help would be appreciated, THANKS

I have tried a bunch of different settings and just cant seem to get what i need. any ideas on what I'm doing wrong ?

 

[hiegtx]

Hello all

I'm in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. I believe I have my scanner programmed correctly but apparently not. I'm not receiving much. I am receiving SOME transmissions some crystal clear and some broken up. I know there is more to be heard. Lots of traffic being heard on my scanner app on my phone.

I bought the scanner new less than a year ago. I have tried free scan and the arc software. I had a little luck but not much with free scan. I had a a little better luck with arc but mot much more,

As far as I know it is the ICORRS ststem. Any help would be appreciated, THANKS

I have tried a bunch of different settings and just cant seem to get what i need. any ideas on what I'm doing wrong ?

Is this the system?
https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=2594

Which site (or sites) are you trying to monitor? Looking only at Westmoreland County, I see Westmoreland West, which is noted as being simulcast. Westmoreland East is not flagged as being simulcast, but looking at the site map, it appears that it might be as well. Simulcast sites can be problematic, as signals using the same frequency, transmitted at the same time and on the same frequency arrive at your receiving location with slight differences in reception time. These can often be enough to give your scanner a problem, Simulcast Distortion, See the linked page for more information.The third Westmoreland County site, Seward, is not simulcast, but with a smaller number of assigned frequencies, it may be a roamer or fill in site, only carrying traffic from units that are perhaps not able to access either of the two other sites.

If simulcast is the root of your problem, solving it can often be challenging. Sometimes, using less antenna (a less efficient one) can work. Or, using a directional antenna, aiming it at one single site may help. If you can, take your scanner, say in your vehicle, closer to one of the sites (maybe using the 12v power cable that came with it), and see if the problem is eliminated, or at least much improved.

If you used software, you might also attach your programming file to a post. That way, other members can look at your file and see if anything might have been overlooked, or is out of place. Note that the file extensions used by FreeSCAN and ARC are not valid to attach to a post. However, you can either use a file utility such as WinZip or 7Zip to compress the file, which can then be posted. You also could rename your file to make it acceptable. For example, lets say that you are using FreeSCAN, and your file is named MyFile.996. Simply rename the file to either MyFile.txt, or MyFile.996,txt. The renamed file can then be attached to a post. Whoever looks at it then simply renames it back to MyFile.996, then opens it in FreeSCAN.

 

[sixgunslinger]

Is this the system?
https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=2594

Which site (or sites) are you trying to monitor? Looking only at Westmoreland County, I see Westmoreland West, which is noted as being simulcast. Westmoreland East is not flagged as being simulcast, but looking at the site map, it appears that it might be as well. Simulcast sites can be problematic, as signals using the same frequency, transmitted at the same time and on the same frequency arrive at your receiving location with slight differences in reception time. These can often be enough to give your scanner a problem, Simulcast Distortion, See the linked page for more information.The third Westmoreland County site, Seward, is not simulcast, but with a smaller number of assigned frequencies, it may be a roamer or fill in site, only carrying traffic from units that are perhaps not able to access either of the two other sites.

If simulcast is the root of your problem, solving it can often be challenging. Sometimes, using less antenna (a less efficient one) can work. Or, using a directional antenna, aiming it at one single site may help. If you can, take your scanner, say in your vehicle, closer to one of the sites (maybe using the 12v power cable that came with it), and see if the problem is eliminated, or at least much improved.

If you used software, you might also attach your programming file to a post. That way, other members can look at your file and see if anything might have been overlooked, or is out of place. Note that the file extensions used by FreeSCAN and ARC are not valid to attach to a post. However, you can either use a file utility such as WinZip or 7Zip to compress the file, which can then be posted. You also could rename your file to make it acceptable. For example, lets say that you are using FreeSCAN, and your file is named MyFile.996. Simply rename the file to either MyFile.txt, or MyFile.996,txt. The renamed file can then be attached to a post. Whoever looks at it then simply renames it back to MyFile.996, then opens it in FreeSCAN.

Yes, those are the systems I have tried (West is the most important but also tried East and Seward) . It appears that I may be pulling my hair out trying to get this figured out. I definitely appreciate the reply.
I do have one question as of now. How or where is the system noted simulcast ? I'm not calling you out, I just want to learn. I used to be fairly intelligent ( I have held my general class ticked since I was 18 (45 now) but a stroke five months ago took a little away. Hopefully I zipped the attached file correctly.I used a file i saved from the ARC software if that helps.
I'm going to go do a little reading up on the simulcast link you provided to see if I can figure anything out. THANK YOU.

 

[mule1075]

Try this file out.

 

[hiegtx]

Yes, those are the systems I have tried (West is the most important but also tried East and Seward) . It appears that I may be pulling my hair out trying to get this figured out. I definitely appreciate the reply.
I do have one question as of now. How or where is the system noted simulcast ? I'm not calling you out, I just want to learn. I used to be fairly intelligent ( I have held my general class ticked since I was 18 (45 now) but a stroke five months ago took a little away. Hopefully I zipped the attached file correctly.I used a file i saved from the ARC software if that helps.
I'm going to go do a little reading up on the simulcast link you provided to see if I can figure anything out. THANK YOU.

Sixgun,
No offense taken. Here's what I was looking at:
Go to the database page for the system.
Now, look at the sites in your county.


Click on the Westmoreland West site name.
That takes you to a page for that specific site, showing a map with the estimated coverage, the FCC licenses in use, and frequencies for the site.
In the detail on the left side, see where it says Site Notes. That's where I am seeing the Simulcast notation.


Now, the Westmoreland East site does not have that specific note, but other information leads me to believe that it is also simulcast.
Back at the main system database page, click on the Westmoreland East site name.
Now, on the same line that says FCC Site Licenses, look at that symbol at the right end of that line, next to the map image, which I highlighted. Click on it.

That takes you to a map showing the locations associated with each of the assigned FCC licenses.

Each of those balloon markers shows locations on one of the FCC licenses in use. As the licenses are shared between the sites, I'd presume that some of those points are for the West side, with others for east. Without reviewing the frequencies listed for the East site to match them with the physical physical location on the map (to determine whether used for West, East, or maybe Seward, I can't say for sure which actual sites are used for which site. But with that many, I'm thinking that East is simulcast as well, even though not flagged as such in the database.

Try the file mule attached for you. I don't use the ARC program, so I can't look at your file or his, but he may have a better suggestion for you. (I use FreeSCAN and ProScan instead of the ARC program. They all do the same things, in regards to programming, just slightly different graphical interface.)

 

[mule1075]

Sixgun,
No offense taken. Here's what I was looking at:
Go to the database page for the system.
Now, look at the sites in your county.
View attachment 68135

Click on the Westmoreland West site name.
That takes you to a page for that specific site, showing a map with the estimated coverage, the FCC licenses in use, and frequencies for the site.
In the detail on the left side, see where it says Site Notes. That's where I am seeing the Simulcast notation.
View attachment 68136

Now, the Westmoreland East site does not have that specific note, but other information leads me to believe that it is also simulcast.
Back at the main system database page, click on the Westmoreland East site name.
Now, on the same line that says FCC Site Licenses, look at that symbol at the right end of that line, next to the map image, which I highlighted. Click on it.
View attachment 68137
That takes you to a map showing the locations associated with each of the assigned FCC licenses.
View attachment 68138
Each of those balloon markers shows locations on one of the FCC licenses in use. As the licenses are shared between the sites, I'd presume that some of those points are for the West side, with others for east. Without reviewing the frequencies listed for the East site to match them with the physical physical location on the map (to determine whether used for West, East, or maybe Seward, I can't say for sure which actual sites are used for which site. But with that many, I'm thinking that East is simulcast as well, even though not flagged as such in the database.

Try the file mule attached for you. I don't use the ARC program, so I can't look at your file or his, but he may have a better suggestion for you. (I use FreeSCAN and ProScan instead of the ARC program. They all do the same things, in regards to programming, just slightly different graphical interface.)

I want to see if that file works for him in anyway and then we can start to narrow down some things. I am just on the fringe of receiving that system at home but can when I travel to the county about twice a month. With both of us helping out maybe we can get him pointed in the right direction.

 

[sixgunslinger]

I want to see if that file works for him in anyway and then we can start to narrow down some things. I am just on the fringe of receiving that system at home but can when I travel to the county about twice a month. With both of us helping out maybe we can get him pointed in the right direction.

I tried the file you suggested. It was a no go for the most part. I received VERY little. The file looked pretty much like the files I have created and tried .As far as I could tell, yours just had more talk groups added.
Receiving a signal should not be a problem as my location is pretty high on a mountain facing the towers.
I'm going to try a firm ware update as soon as I can figure out how to find the firm ware version that is in the scanner. I would think that it should be up to date seeing how old it is but who knows how long it sat on a shelf before I received it.

 

[sixgunslinger]

Here is a file I created using free scan if it helps any.

 

[2IR473]

Have you tried adjusting the P25 Threshold Settings values in your BCD996P2 (Menu-Settings-P25 Threshold) ?
The scanner will default to “auto”, but I find I have to adjust the settings to the system I am monitoring, in order to receive it more reliably. Just change the level setting and monitor, and you may find one that works best.

 

[sixgunslinger]

Have you tried adjusting the P25 Threshold Settings values in your BCD996P2 (Menu-Settings-P25 Threshold) ?
The scanner will default to “auto”, but I find I have to adjust the settings to the system I am monitoring, in order to receive it more reliably. Just change the level setting and monitor, and you may find one that works best.

I have not. I'll give er a try. Thank you.

The funny thing is, two days ago I was receiving more, now not much of anything at all again
.

 

[2IR473]

Receiving some transmissions, then having them disappear is not unusual from my experience. Finding the best level setting in the P25 threshold menu helps me receive Chester Co. PA, but leaving in it Auto or a level setting far from the optimum, will still pass a transmission occasionally. I also find I may have to change that level setting by one number at times, perhaps due to the control channel changing.
If you haven’t done this yet, turn to the control channel of your county’s system and make sure your scanner is locked on it. You should see the system ID (SID) flash on the screen, just to make sure you have good reception.
It would be nice if the BCD996P2 worked better on the Phase 2 systems around me, but I can usually get it to work pretty well on one system at a time, with a little tweaking of the threshold levels.

 

[sixgunslinger]

I finally figured out how to adjust the threshold settings. They go from 5 to 13 and an auto setting. It did not help on any setting.
I also updated the firmware version. Still no good.
I am getting a signal on the control frequency but no audio.

 

[sixgunslinger]

Receiving some transmissions, then having them disappear is not unusual from my experience. Finding the best level setting in the P25 threshold menu helps me receive Chester Co. PA, but leaving in it Auto or a level setting far from the optimum, will still pass a transmission occasionally. I also find I may have to change that level setting by one number at times, perhaps due to the control channel changing.
If you haven’t done this yet, turn to the control channel of your county’s system and make sure your scanner is locked on it. You should see the system ID (SID) flash on the screen, just to make sure you have good reception.
It would be nice if the BCD996P2 worked better on the Phase 2 systems around me, but I can usually get it to work pretty well on one system at a time, with a little tweaking of the threshold levels.

I tried each level of the threshold setting (3 to 13) for at least three hours each. The ONLY luck I had was the AUTO setting and it is spars to nonexistent most of the time.

 

[oldtimeradio]

Having same problem here in Connecticut. There was talk about it here on RR back in 2017 people noticed these problems.
Latest firmware didn't help. (V 1.08.01)
I have a SDS200 that works OK on Phase 2 and right now CSP is simulcasting what is on 800MHz.
Don't see many people talking about it. Guess not to many people bought 996P2's or no one is switching to phase 2 "yet".
700MHz and 800MHz signal about the same and 100% reception on 800MHz past 10 years.
Still searching for info and still experimenting.

Mike

 

[Bob1955]

Hello all

I'm in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. I believe I have my scanner programmed correctly but apparently not. I'm not receiving much. I am receiving SOME transmissions some crystal clear and some broken up. I know there is more to be heard. Lots of traffic being heard on my scanner app on my phone.

I bought the scanner new less than a year ago. I have tried free scan and the arc software. I had a little luck but not much with free scan. I had a a little better luck with arc but mot much more,

As far as I know it is the ICORRS ststem. Any help would be appreciated, THANKS

I have tried a bunch of different settings and just cant seem to get what i need. any ideas on what I'm doing wrong ?

sixgunslinger, if you are on Facebook, please join Bearcat Scanner Club and look for David Bowman as he's a technician and will help you out. You can also call Paul at Bearcat Warehouse Monday-Friday at 877-568-7226. Another club on Facebook is "Scanner School" and Phil Litchenberger, Jr. provides a paid service for this stuff. He is based in Long Island and owns W2LIE repeater.
Hope I have helped you out sir.

 

[buddrousa]

Bob you might need to attend the sites you mentioned as you are always giving out bad information. A quick look at the database shows 2 different sites in the OP's county it is a simulcast system and as pointed pointed out you need a SDS100 or SDS200.

 

[buddrousa]

See Bob's POST #9
https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/uniden-325p2-or-sds-100.386609/#post-3105928

 

[mule1075]

A quick look at the database shows 2 different sites in the OP's county it is a simulcast system and as pointed pointed out you need a SDS100 or SDS200.

Actually not really for the Westmoreland system it depends on location. I have had great results monitoring it with a 796d and 996t. But I agree if you want no issues buy the sds.

 

[2IR473]

I guess I am fortunate because my 996P2 scanners (and my 325P2) work quite well on the simulcast systems in my area (as well as VHF receive, etc). But it took a lot of experimentation to get to this point. It didn’t happen right out of the box.

It doesn’t work well on ALL of the systems at the SAME time, because I find each system (simucast and Smartzone systems in my area) require different P25 Threshold settings. I have to dedicate a 996P2 to a particular system, in order for it to receive well, because I have to adjust the P25 Threshold setting for the system. For example, Chester County may require a setting of ‘7’, which will cause Montgomery County to come in garbled, as it prefers a setting of ‘11’. Berks County may want a setting of ‘5’, so I don’t believe you can monitor several systems well with these scanners.

Also, I have had my best results monitoring the simulcast systems, by using a small, cheap “mini dipole” scanner antenna, such as this UHF/800 mini dipole
I guess this little antenna has attenuated the other towers’ signals sufficiently, to allow me to receive well. I had tried many different antennas, and had little success until trying this one. Having a length of coax attached to it, allowed me to find a ‘sweet spot’ for reception.

What ever the reason, I enjoy excellent reception of my county simulcast system with my 996P2, as well as other P25 systems (Phase 1 and 2). The control channel does change occasionally, requiring I adjust the P25 Threshold setting, but this set up, along with the recent firmware update and NXDN upgrade, makes my 996P2 scanners a great value...for me. I understand why people will say ‘you need an SDS scanner to monitor simulcast systems’, but in my case, it is simply not true.

 

[buddrousa]

You make a good point but if you want more than one system the math looks like this.
996p2 #1 $400 DMR $50 NXDN $50
996p2 #2 $400 DMR $50 NXDN $50
For a total of $1000
SDS200 $700 DMR $50 NXDN $50
For a total of $800
Savings of $200 plus the SDS200 allows different settings per system so it will monitor several systems.
I use a scanner per system only to not miss traffic at the same time