BCT-8 what have I done THIS time?!?!?!

[N4RMT]

I have the local (closest) VIPER site programmed in. The display shows trunk M, PVT, List, B1 idscan. All is as it should be, EXCEPT every few seconds or so, it flashes to regular scanning mode for a second or two. List changes to Bank and it just scans through the site's frequencies I have entered. During this time, anything is liable to come through because it's not just looking for the talk groups i have entered. What does this signify? Is it losing the control channel or something? I can place an XTS 2500 right next to it that is affiliated with the same site and shows an RSSI of 92...


I'm so sick of this thing!!!

 

[ka3jjz]

The likelihood seems high that you are indeed losing the control channel at times.

Don't compare a professional radio to an old consumer grade scanner. As a ham, you should realize that the Moto radio is likely much more sensitive because, in part, it's built for just one band, and to a much tougher spec.

It's better antenna time - or pick a site that physically closer to you. Moving the radio an inch or two in any direction might also help (at 800 Mhz, a quarter wave is so small that such a move might make a difference)...Mike

 

[N4RMT]

As a ham, you should realize that the Moto radio is likely much more sensitive because, in part, it's built for just one band, and to a much tougher spec.

It's better antenna time - or pick a site that physically closer to you. Moving the radio an inch or two in any direction might also help (at 800 Mhz, a quarter wave is so small that such a move might make a difference)...Mike

As a ham, I get that the Motorola is a better receiver. That's why I included the RSSI number. Just wanted to make sure, because I would think that if the XTS is receiving at a 92, surely the scanner would have enough received signal not to completely lose the CC. That's all. As for the antenna, it's the one and only much revered Radio Shack 800mhz antenna. I'll see what I can come up with as to a better location for the scanner.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[ka3jjz]

Consider improving that antenna as well. Even a 800 Mhz beam stuck in a closet, pointing at your nearest site, would be better than the 800 Mhz duckie by a wide margin. At these freqs, an 800 Mhz beam is tiny, and should be real easy to hide...Mike