Can't get APCO-25 system to work on BCD396

[racin06]

I'm a 396 newby. I'm using the latest firmware update and am trying to program my 396 with the PC software; however, I can't get digital trunking systems to work. I am trying to program the Project Hoosier SAFE-T system (Indianapolis tower) into my 396. The 396 just scans but doesn't stop on transmissions (my Pro-96 is picking up transmissions on this system). Any ideas? I do have the scan set to SCAN SEARCH at this time. Thanks.

 

[kjfswkr]

I wish I could help you but I am new to this radio. I would actually pay for a class on the 396T


good luck,

Kevin

 

[pfish]

I own a 396t, but there are no apco-25 systems in my area. I've heard that you have to adjust the digital threshold on the 396. This is done automatically on the pro-96. Sorry that I can't give you a direct for sure answer, just trying to jump in and help with what I can

 

[ajpritch]

How are you programing the 396T? By hand, software from Uniden or aftermarket?

 

[rbm]

I can't help much but:

The system type isn't true P25. The RR database says:

System Type: Motorola Type II SmartZone Omnilink
System Voice: Analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface

So:
It has to be a P16 system with P25 voice TGs.
Program it as Motorola Type II.

One other thing. Change the modulation from 'AUTO' to FM. AUTO defaults to narrow FM.

I noticed that there are some files for the Indiana SAFE-T system located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BCD396T/files/

None for the location you want but you may be able to use them as guides for your area.

For completeness here's a note from the manual. (Easily overlooked.)

Note: The scanner will not detect or decode P25 signals if you turn on CTCSS/DCS search.

 

[Voyager]

For completeness here's a note from the manual. (Easily overlooked.)

Note: The scanner will not detect or decode P25 signals if you turn on CTCSS/DCS search.

To expand on that a little, it won't detect or decode them, but you would hear the raw data. That is usually an indication that you are in CTCSS/CDCSS search mode.

Joe M.

 

[racin06]

Program it as Motorola Type II.

That solved the problem. Thanks for your help (and others that responded, as well). I do have another question. Should all Motorola Type II systems (even those that are analog only) be programmed with FM mode? Also, what systems require NFM? Thanks.

 

[rbm]

An example of the emission listed for that system is:
20K0F3E (The 20K0 means 20 kHz which is 'normal' FM)

See: http://radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&cs=WPCE312&action=fcc

The page below explains the various parts of that. See the section on 'Bandwidths'.

Emission Designator List
Emission Designators: The following system of designating emission, modulation and transmission characteristics shall be employed.
http://www.apcointl.org/frequency/emission.html

The bottom line is that the vast majority of existing systems are FM and NOT the default NFM. That will change over time. My 'personal' default is FM unless proven otherwise through FCC listings, low audio levels, etc..