Cant get DTRS set up right

[jking078]

I am new to Colorado, so this P25 stuff has me baffled.
I have a BCD69T with firmware 3.2.2
I am using FreeSCAN to load my scanner.
I have deleted all the built in default systems, so I am working on a clean base.
I am using the data I copied from RadioReference.
I can receive conventional VHF and airband. So I know the radio works.
But I cant receive any of the 700Mhz P25 stuff they use here in Colorado. So, I figure I must be setting something wrong. I've read marksscanners, searched this forum, searched RadioReference and ScanAmerica. So, I think I know "how" to program the scanner, I just dont know "what" values to put where.
I live in Broomfield, CO and wish to scan the Broomfield PD and NorthMetro FD/EMS. So, I read the RR maps and I'm closest to site 322 (Adams County).
So, I created a "System" and Site of CO-DTRS-322 in FreeScan. I put in the several 700Mhz frequencies (below), and fiddled with all the settings, but nothing.... I know there's traffic as I listen to it on ScanAmerica.us.
Can someone detail out what I values I need to put where in the scanner to receive Colorado DTRS for Broomfield?

775.53125c
774.78125a
775.03125a
775.28125a
764.69375
765.65625
765.90625
774.03125
774.28125
774.53125

 

[datainmotion]

I'm not sure exactly where in Broomfield you are (most areas there should be able to receive 322), but just for arguments sake, have you tried to program Lookout Mtn or Mt. Thorodin and see if you can hear either of those?

Does the display ever say "Looking for Control Chnl"?

 

[datainmotion]

Also, would you be able to post screen shots of the properties of Site 322 as you have them programmed - specifically the "Site Set Up" and "Trunk Frequencies" tabs from FreeScan?

 

[jking078]

I dont see "Looking for Control Chnl" currently. Although I do recall seeing that ar some point, but I've tried to many things, I dont know the conditions under which I saw that. Like I said, I dont see that with the current programming.

I will try to post screens at attachments... havent done that before on this forum.

 

[jking078]

oh, as you can see from screen shots, I'm trying to set up lookup and Thorodin (site 105,108) but thats not receiving anything yet either.

 

[jfab]

Check your private messages

 

[jimmnn]

Like I mentioned on the 396T list, you only need the control channel for each site, not the entire frequency list.

Welcome to the state and welcome to RR!

Jim<

 

[datainmotion]

I see a couple issues (mainly housekeeping). Check your Private messages for my contact info. I can give you a hand with this.

 

[datainmotion]

I think I see the problem - check your e-mail.

 

[utlchris]

Not sure if you got it going or not but a few things to check. As Jim had mentioned all you really need are the main CC's. I am up in that area and use 775.5312 as primary and 853.9750 as back up. With that being said when you put your radio into scan mode does it lock onto one of the CC's? That would show up right under the ID Scan. There should be a steady CC Freq showing up with DAT next to it. That will clue you in if you have the system programmed in correct or not. If that is showing up and you are still not hearing anything while in the scan mode press the scan button again to go from "ID Scan" to "ID Search". Doing this will allow you to scan all the talk groups on that system as opposed to only the ones you have programmed in. If you start hearing things in ID Search as opposed to ID Scan that would say there is an issue in programming the talk groups.

 

[jking078]

OK, in response to various private messages and emails I have gotten and the responses posted here, thanks a bunch guys.

So, to answer some of the inquiries:

a. FreeScan saves its files with extension .996. It doesnt have an option for extension .396 but I dont think that the file name matters. Its still just a data file and it uploads to the scanner just fine.

b. I did build the above screen shots from scratch. I did not use any form of transferred data. I first downloaded out of the scanner all the "factory" Systems, Sites, etc. Then created the above from new file, and chose option to delete all Systems and sites. So, the scanner only has the above in it.

c. I have switched back and forth from ID Scan to ID Search.
I do not see the "DAT" indicator or the frequency locked on or the talk groups or any of the above mentioned. I've tried the factory rubber antenna, a Radio Shack 800MHz $20 rubber antenna and a Radio Shack mag mount car antenna. the car mount gives slightly better reception.
In ID Search mode, I still hear nothing, no talk groups, at all and see no screen indicators.

So, I'm thinking there is something wrong with the radio itself. I am 3 miles from Rocky Mtn Metro Airport with direct line of site. I mean I can see the tower from my window with binoculars. I can barely get ATIS on 126.25 with squelch at zero.

So, unless there is some hidden menu option that detunes the entire scanner or some form of "reset" function, I think there must be something wrong with a circuit in it or something. Because based on all the help and tips, I think I have the scanner set correctly.

Is there some way to verify the scanner is working at full capability or, put another way, to verify it is broken?

 

[datainmotion]

Here's my last stab without seeing it:

Assuming everything is programmed correctly and the scanner is fully functional what is the possibility of a near-by cellular/Nextel site de-sensing the scanner on 700-800? Have you taken the scanner to a different location other than where it is now and tried it?

I know when I get in a parking lot near here that is a virual antenna farm for cellular sites on buildings, my DTRS reception goes to nil.

Good luck.

 

[jking078]

So, I did some driving around to get away from the house so test your cell tower theory.
When in scan mode I still received nothing.
When I HOLD on the various talk groups, I see the "Locating ControlChnl" message, the "P" indicator shows (priority, not P25), but still no traffic. The strength meter for all sites, channels, is zero.
So, I'm thinking its the scanner is not working. My buddy is taking me to HRO today to see if they can shed some light on this. Perhaps they can give it a look over to see if it appears to be working properly.

 

[datainmotion]

Sounds like you're onto something. Let us know how it turms out...

 

[jking078]

I went to Ham Radio Outlet today.
While they dont have any form of test equipment or repair ability, we did compare my scanner to one of their brand new, off the shelf units of the same model.
Basically, something is wrong with my scanner. Its not as simple as antenna tip broken or similar. The problem is inside.
When tuned to a standard VHF freq like Centennial Airport or Weather, my radio shows nothing or weak signal (no bars, zero squelch). Their new radio shows 5 full bars of reception and clear voice.
So, now its off to Uniden Customer Service to see if its repairable or what.
Thanks to all the tips here to help me out. I understand this P25 digital stuff a lot better now.
Until I'm on the air....