BCD996p2 picking up one site but not the other

[hiegtx]

That’s his problem. The radio is latching onto the strongest CC (North) and won’t check for any others. I’m not that familiar with the 996XT, but my 396T will only latch onto one CC no matter how many I have in the system. I have to set up other sites as seperate systems. Works on the 396T like a charm. It will only let go if it loses the CC.

If the scanner is working (and programmed) correctly, one site being "stronger" than the other will not be a factor.

It will scan the first site's control channel, and monitor active talkgroups that are programmed. If, after a brief time (unless an excessive hold was assigned to that site), it's no longer seeing active talkgroups on that site (the ones that are programmed and not locked out in ID Scan mode, or any active talkgroup that is not locked out and/or not in a group that is locked out if using ID Search mode), then it will move to the next site, if it's signal can be received and decoded successfully.

Once it's checked the second site for activity, then (assuming there is not additional sites in that system) it will go to the next system programmed.

 

[ChuckWillis55]

If the scanner is working (and programmed) correctly, one site being "stronger" than the other will not be a factor.

It will scan the first site's control channel, and monitor active talkgroups that are programmed. If, after a brief time (unless an excessive hold was assigned to that site), it's no longer seeing active talkgroups on that site (the ones that are programmed and not locked out in ID Scan mode, or any active talkgroup that is not locked out and/or not in a group that is locked out if using ID Search mode), then it will move to the next site, if it's signal can be received and decoded successfully.

Once it's checked the second site for activity, then (assuming there is not additional sites in that system) it will go to the next system programmed.

Ok, the 996P2 works quite a bit different. Thanks for that.

 

[jonwienke]

That’s his problem. The radio is latching onto the strongest CC (North) and won’t check for any others. I’m not that familiar with the 996XT, but my 396T will only latch onto one CC no matter how many I have in the system. I have to set up other sites as seperate systems. Works on the 396T like a charm. It will only let go if it loses the CC.

That's how Unications operate, but not Uniden scanners. Unless you've programmed all the control channels for the entire system as a single site, which totally wrong and would cause the problem you describe. If you program each site's frequencies a separate site, the scanner will scan all sites it thinks are in range, and not hang one any one.

 

[villlythekid]

Update: With the help of @tvengr, I've been able to get it so it will pick up tranmissions on South. However, they are often distorted and even at times unreadable. Whether that's simulcast distortion or the distance I am from the South towers, I don't know. But at least it's a step in the right direction. Thank you to every single one of you who commented, I was not expecting this amount of support!

 

[jonwienke]

If you have decent signal strength (2 or more bars) but everything is broken or distorted, that's almost certainly a simulcast problem. If the signal is weak, it could be simulcast and/or weak signal.

 

[dave3825]

Your file looks like its set up properly. So its either distortion or a range issue. Just for kicks, locate the nearest South transmitter that you can from this link and try to get an address or nearest landmark. South Simulcast Site Details (Prince George's County)
Then open google maps and use the measure distance feature from your house to that nearest transmitter or landmark.

Not sure of your set up because the scanner is base and mobile, but if the scanner stays home (in the north) then one thing that may be a problem is talk group affiliation. If all tg's affiliate with all sites then there would be no problem. If certain tg's affiliate with only the South site, and you want to listen to those, then that would be a problem.

How are you using the scanner? Base, mobile or both? If used in your house, what are you using as an antenna and where is the antenna mounted?

What did @tvengr suggest that enabled you to pick up the South site?

 

[villlythekid]

Your file looks like its set up properly. So its either distortion or a range issue. Just for kicks, locate the nearest South transmitter that you can from this link and try to get an address or nearest landmark. South Simulcast Site Details (Prince George's County)
Then open google maps and use the measure distance feature from your house to that nearest transmitter or landmark.

Not sure of your set up because the scanner is base and mobile, but if the scanner stays home (in the north) then one thing that may be a problem is talk group affiliation. If all tg's affiliate with all sites then there would be no problem. If certain tg's affiliate with only the South site, and you want to listen to those, then that would be a problem.

How are you using the scanner? Base, mobile or both? If used in your house, what are you using as an antenna and where is the antenna mounted?

What did @tvengr suggest that enabled you to pick up the South site?

I used the straight line feature, it said about 12.8 miles. I almost always listen to the scanner in one spot and don't really move it. I use the antenna that came with the scanner. @tvengr sent me a file that fixed the problem where it wasn't locking on the South talkgroups.

 

[dave3825]

If you add an antenna to your roof or even your attic, that should improve reception. If your in one of those hoa things with ridiculous rules or an apartment, there are other options.