Confusion re uploading RR database trunked frequencies/ARC246

[cjn1962]

Hello:

I recently purchased a 246T and the ARC246 software. I used the "RadioReference" option under the "Internet" menu to upload the Massachusetts State Police statewide system. In older trunking scanners I am accustomed to programming a finite number of frequencies for a particular zone, or what I would expect to be a "system" in the 246T. In this case, 50 frequencies from several zones were downloaded and are now all part of the same "system" in the 246T. Can frequencies from several zones (or the whole state) be mixed into the same "system" in the 246T? If so, it certainly makes programming a statewide system extremely simple.

Thank you for any help on this issue.

Chris

 

[Junior08]

I would think they could. The scanner would more than likely pick out the strongest control channel from the system, and decode it. I usually set up a bank like that in my scanners, with all the control channels/alternate control channels in one bank, and I can track the entire system if I move around the State.

If I'm reading your question correctly, this would apply. Let me find a great link with info regarding the Mass State Police TRS, I'll post it in a bit.

 

[Junior08]

Here it is;

http://users.adelphia.net/~kc1ho/ematrunk/msp/msp.html

 

[cjn1962]

confusion re uploading RR database trunked frequencies/ARC246

Thanks, Mark. I am familiar with that link and it's a great website.

So, does your answer imply that I could have theoretically programmed ALL of the MSP statewide frequencies into one bank on my old 245XLT (which I just sold) and subsequently heard all of the zones and all of the talkgroups?

Also, can you explain to me how simulcasting works? There are several throughout the state (eg, Fall River). Does a simulcast site only rebroadcast the activity from other zones, or is it a repeater site as well?

I used to think I understood trunking...

Chris

 

[Al42]

Uniden scanners don't pick the strongest control frequency, they stop at the first control frequency they find, even if it's barely receivable. Which is why you program each site into a separate system. The only time you program multiple sites in one system is when you won't be hearing more than 1 site at a time.