Changing trunking 'talk groups' in BCT8

[tehcharl]

Hello - I am completely new to scanning, and for the most part have found the uniden bct8 very easy to use. I have successfully added numerous trunked systems. My problem is after the system is programmed into the device - I don't know what buttons to press in order to get the device to let me scan through the different 'talk groups'. By default it seems to only let me scan through the various frequencies within the trunked system. It is only by pressing random buttons that I've been able to get it to let me enter or view 'talk group' IDs. I've tried going through the manual, but it isn't much help. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[captclint]

My problem is after the system is programmed into the device - I don't know what buttons to press in order to get the device to let me scan through the different 'talk groups'.

If I understand correctly, you have a bunch of TGID's programmed for several systems, but you want to see what other TGID's are on the system that you haven't programmed. You just need to select TG search, rather than TG scan. It will show ALL active TGID's, and you can then add to your list, or lock out ones you don't want. If the system is moto 800/900 with control channels, and you have them programmed, it should seek out all the available frequencies as needed...you do not need to program every freq in the system. Edit: This is how most Unidens work, but the BCT8 may be slightly different. Check http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/4254 KG2LI review (operation) to see if it applies.

 

[tehcharl]

Thanks for your reply...my problem is that regardless of whether or not I have specific TGID's programmed in, when I enter trunked mode it scrolls through the actual frequencies of the trunked system, not the TGIDs. From the link you posted, this part related to my problem:

"Press the TRUNK button once while scanning your State and you’ll be trunk tracking. In this mode, the scanner will display the TALK GROUP instead of the frequency whenever it stops on a channel that is part of a trunked system. You will be scanning every pre-programmed Trunking system in your area at this point so you can take notes and write down the talk groups that the scanner displays while receiving something of particular interest to you. Pressing the DOWN button while the radio is stopped on a trunked channel will conveniently change the display from the TALK GROUP ID to the FREQUENCY of the channel that you are listening to."

I tried that and it didn't work for me. When I hit the TRUNK button it begins to scan through the frequencies on the trunked system, not the talk groups. Pressing the DOWN button doesn't change the display to or from TALK GROUP ID; instead, it goes to the next channel in the bank, which may or may not have a frequency assigned to it.

The systems I'm trying to join are Moto 800. I tried using the control channels, but it seemed like I could only get the scanner to work if I entered in all the frequencies manually. I must be doing something fundamentally wrong!

 

[Bucko]

It has been a while since I used this scanner but if I remember correctly you push and hold the search button while scanning your trunked system till it beeps, this will toggle you from ID Scan and or ID search. If you don't see ID Scan scroll while in ID Scan mode then you don't have the trunked system setup correctly.

 

[tehcharl]

I think the problem was that I was trying to access a system that was out of range for me. Everything seems to be working now. I have one other question...I am trying to scan the Roswell, GA police frequencies. I joined the Fulton County trunked system and entered in all of the Roswell PD-related talkgroups found at http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=1580 . I've set my BCT8 to continuously scan these groups until any activity happens.

Is there anything else I should monitor or do to make sure I'm getting everything? The online feed that is at scanamerica.us seems to be receiving more information than my scanner is...

Thanks again!

 

[ka3jjz]

Impossible to judge without a lot more information. Better antenna and scanner is going to bring in more...73 Mke

 

[tehcharl]

I am using the bct8 at home with the standard telescoping antenna. Is there any way to know if I am getting poor reception? All of the channels that I do receive seem to come in with no problems or excessive static...are the talkgroup lists on this site usually complete?

 

[ka3jjz]

Depends on the system and state; we generally have a team that handles such things, but of course the quality of the data is only as good as the folks that submit it, and the member(s) that act as admins on he database...

However just using the telescoping whip, that's somewhat efficient at 800, but you're really limiting yourself. Getting an antenna outdoors, away from objects that can deflect or attenuate a signal, and fed with good coax, the amount of traffic you will receive cleanly will definitely improve.

73 Mike

 

[tehcharl]

thanks for the info, I'll look into upgrading my antenna..

 

[xanlexian]

thanks for the info, I'll look into upgrading my antenna..

Not sure where in Roswell you are -- but there used be a VERY decent Radio Shack that really seemed to cater to hams/scanner enthusiasts right on Alpharetta Hwy. and Holcomb Bridge Rd. I haven't been to that area in years, but check them out. Also, you're not too terribly far away from Ham Radio Outlet (about two miles north of 285 on Buford Hwy). Take your scanner in there and try different antennas -- before you buy!

I'm not in any way affiliated with RS or HRO, by the way.

 

[tehcharl]

I went to that Radioshack and bought an 800mhz antenna...my reception is much, much better now. Also, I think my earlier confusion was partially because I didn't realize that control channels can rotate. Thanks for the help!