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CTCSS and DCS tones

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Rawkee1

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Hi all, I listen to a variety of communications and I program with tones to eliminate hearing unwanted transmissions. I have a few stations programmed but I don't know the PL or DCS tones and I hear chatter that share those frequencies (business frequencies) that can be annoying. I have a Uniden 996P2 and a Pro 2067. I do have a CD100 frequency counter, but is does me no good if I'm not near one of the company vehicles to collect that data. How are PL/DCS tones assigned and is there another way or data base to find them?
 

RaleighGuy

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How are PL/DCS tones assigned and is there another way or data base to find them?

They are assigned at random by whoever programs the radios, there is no special database or other way to find them other than listening. If your scanners are able to be programmed to search for them, as many scanners can be, that might help you. Check the RR database if the frequencies and PL codes were submitted you can find them there.
 

dave3825

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Sometimes the desired entity may not have a tone and an undesirable user on the same freq may have a tone. Some scanners have a tone lock out feature though it never seemed to work on my 436.
 

DVINTHEHOUSEMAN

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If it were me, I would stick the 2067 on a freq and set the mode to PL and let it detect the various tones. If a tone of 136.5 with the little lightning bolt comes up for a short period of time (right at the end of a transmission), they're using DCS, as 136.5 is the end of transmission tone for DCS programmed radios. Sit with it for maybe an hour or so, and just glance up every time you hear something. After you're pretty certain you got all the PL tones and you saw short bursts of 136.5, let it sit on DPL mode and have it detect any potential DCS codes going around.

Once you figure out the different tones/codes, program that freq with all the tones/codes you've logged into a (preferably empty) bank and let it scan only that bank. Sit with it again and listen every time something comes up. If you figure out what business uses what tone, program the name into the associated channel for it.

This is just my strategy, I'd leave the 996 as normal but if you want to expedite the process a bit you can let it sit on a different freq. The 996 should just auto detect the tone or code without you having to do anything as well.
 

dave3825

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I can do this with my Uniden996P2 and when the company I listen to talks, it will display the PL/DCS tone on the screen?

The scanner will display tones detected when it is in tone search mode.

I do all my programming with chirp if that makes it easier.

What are you programming with chirp?
 

spongella

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Great question and great answers. I do it the unconventional, complicated way using an SDR dongle and HDSDR software which I already have. Once the station is tuned in and using the audio spectrum option in HDSDR, I can see the tone's "peak" frequency.
 

APX7500X2

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I do all my programming with chirp if that makes it easier.
I know it costs $50 but I would recomend ProScan. You can have your 996P2 scan all day and it will log the PL/DPL/NAC for you if you set it up to do so.
The 996P2 Will Decode PL/DPL/NAC out of the box and CC/RAN if you get the DMR & NXDEN upgrades
it will also decode Unit IDs and talk groups, it has alot of neat stuff
 

dave3825

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I do it the unconventional, complicated way using an SDR dongle and HDSDR software which I already have
Based on my mood of the day, I either use DSDPlus fast lane with a scan list for any digital tones or color codes. Just set up a scan list, let it run and check the event log. Or I use @ProScan and just review recordings and logging file for any tones.
 

Rawkee1

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Based on the feedback I received from all of you, it appears Proscan seems like the easiest and quickest route to go in my situation. I would imagine I would have to contact Uniden or even Scanner Master to get it.
 

dave3825

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it appears Proscan seems like the easiest and quickest route to go in my situation. I would imagine I would have to contact Uniden or even Scanner Master to get it.
No contacting anyone. For @ProScan software you go to proscans website.


You mentioned you do all your programming with chirp. What are you programming with chirp?


.
 

Rawkee1

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I program uniden Uniden BCD 996P2 and BCD325P2 and a variety of 2 way radios.
 
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Is proscan better software for what I’m doing?
Absolutely. At least for the Unidens.

It has a free trial.

Try it!

 

dave3825

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