BCD436HP/BCD536HP: Connect + comparison

[rbuxton]

I live within visual contact of Dulles Airport. I listen to the United Airlines DMR Connect + system ( https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=8309 ) on DSD+. I cannot hear the system on my 436 (FW 1.23.0) stock antenna, downloaded from the RR database into Sentinel.



I just got the SDS100. FW 1.02.05, stock antenna. Downloaded the system from the RR database into Sentinel. The radio tracks the system flawlessly.



Is this to be expected?

 

[RayAir]

I live within visual contact of Dulles Airport. I listen to the United Airlines DMR Connect + system ( https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=8309 ) on DSD+. I cannot hear the system on my 436 (FW 1.23.0) stock antenna, downloaded from the RR database into Sentinel.



I just got the SDS100. FW 1.02.05, stock antenna. Downloaded the system from the RR database into Sentinel. The radio tracks the system flawlessly.



Is this to be expected?

Scanners such as the 436 suffer from overload on 8/900 frequencies. Cellular towers wipe out the receive. You could try attentuation.

 

[rbuxton]

Scanners such as the 436 suffer from overload on 8/900 frequencies. Cellular towers wipe out the receive. You could try attentuation.

Nope, that didn't help. I guess I just have another reason to like the SDS100.



I still am not convinced the 436, maybe the firmware, does not have a problem receiving CON+ systems correctly.

 

[rbuxton]

Nope, that didn't help. I guess I just have another reason to like the SDS100.



I still am not convinced the 436, maybe the firmware, does not have a problem receiving CON+ systems correctly.

,,,,or maybe the stock antenna, who knows.



I have changed the digital threshold to Manual/13 after watching the system on Auto Digital Threshold. 436 seem to be receiving a wee bit better. Not sure if that makes a difference on Connect + systems.



Heck maybe I'm receiving better cuz the humidity is lower today than it has been the past week.



And I see on the SDS100 there is no longer a setting for Digital Thresholds.

 

[jonwienke]

I have changed the digital threshold to Manual/13 after watching the system on Auto Digital Threshold. 436 seem to be receiving a wee bit better. Not sure if that makes a difference on Connect + systems.

There is no single threshold value that will be optimal for every system, or even every site in a system. 13 may be the best manual value for one site, but completely disable reception for another. Use Auto, unless Auto has trouble finding a consistent threshold value due to simulcast or weak signal issues.

And I see on the SDS100 there is no longer a setting for Digital Thresholds.[/QUOTE]

The SDS100 I/Q receiver doesn't need or use a threshold setting.

 

[rbuxton]

I've got the SDS100 and the 436 sitting right next to each other. The 436 is receiving fairly well, not as well as the SDS100. A lot of stops on talkgroups on the 436 with no audio as the SDS100 stops on the same TG but with voice.



I'm running a debog log on both radios FWTW.

 

[jonwienke]

Are they both connected to the same antenna? If not, you're testing antenna performance and placement as much as the scanners themselves.

 

[rbuxton]

Are they both connected to the same antenna? If not, you're testing antenna performance and placement as much as the scanners themselves.

No. Stock antenna on both radios, sitting next to each other. I know it doesn't make for precise (?) comparison but that's all I got right now.



About all I can say for myself is that the SDS is receiving much more than the 436. And the 436 is stopping often on talkgroups with no voice.


So, in summary,,,, I'm glad I bought the SDS100. (but still want to see the 436 receive just as good!)