Capacity Plus System Switching Between Two Color Codes

[model2guy]

So, for the last few days I've been attempting to track down a local mall's radio info. I seem to have done so, but noticed something very odd while attempting to program my XPR7550 to monitor their system.

Its a single site Capacity Plus system, with two repeater downlink frequencies. Ive noticed the system seems to swap between color code 8 and 10 about every 10-15 minutes. My 7550 does great when the system is using color code 8, but NOT when its using 10. I get the out of range banner every once in awhile, and recieve nothing.

I tried creating voice and data channels for both color codes, but that doesnt seem to help. I have tried programming it as linked as well, with the color code 8 channels on one site and the color code 10 channels on the other. Didn't work. Ive tried programming it as single site, with both CC8 and CC10 channels in the same voice and data lists, works fine with CC8, not with CC10. I cant find anything here about this, so I figured I'd ask. Its got me stumped.

For those interested, the system is RPAI Southwest Management in Salt Lake City, Utah

 

[16b]

If the color code seems to be "switching," you're picking up two different systems.

It does appear there are two systems in downtown Salt Lake City using the frequency 463.4625--one is the Hyatt Regency (using color code 8) and the other is the mall you're trying to hear (using color code 10).

If the radio goes "out of range" intermittently, this usually means the rest channel has rotated to something you don't have programmed in your radio. This behavior is what I'd expect if you had the mall frequencies programmed with the color code for the Hyatt. The radio would track the Hyatt system until its rest channel rotated to the other frequency, at which point the radio would go "out of range" because it doesn't have that frequency.

What's odd is that you say the radio works fine when you have it programmed for color code 8, and intermittent with color code 10. According to the RR DB, the Hyatt system supposedly uses CC8 and the mall uses CC10. Given how close the systems are, it's possible the database is wrong and the color codes are reversed (i.e., the mall is CC8 and the Hyatt is CC10).

It's also possible that the mall has added or changed a frequency that isn't in the database. I notice their license is expired, but there doesn't seem to be a replacement license anywhere (at least not under the same name). I'm not anywhere near SLC, so I can't help with any detective work.

I have programmed a bunch of Cap+ systems in various Motorola radios, so if you would like me to look at your codeplug, send me a PM.

 

[Cortexian]

This is honestly where an SDR with SDRTrunk or similar thrives, as you will get a lot more insight into the system configuration than you ever would with a portable or mobile subscriber unit.