Digital transmissions with PD & fire

[grafixman1]

Since Seattle, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way and others have switched to digital, my old BC346XT trunk tracker is for the most part, useless. I was looking at the SDS100 or the all new BCD160DN to receive audio. Does anyone know if these will work?

A concern is if they are encrypting the audio for security purposes, that would not allow listening. If not now, they could in the near future that would make these expensive receivers of no use.

I would appreciate any feedback, thanks.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Check the RRDB. Focus on the "Mode" column per talkgroup table. Any talkgroup ID'ed as mode "T" or "D" are in the clear. Those ID'ed as "TE" or "DE" are fully encrypted, very few on your system of interest

Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) Trunking System, Seattle, Washington

Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

 

[freqseeker]

The BCD160DN will not do P25 so I would scratch it off your list.
The SDS 100/200 line is recommended because of simulcast issues. My BCD325P2 struggles a lot, and the BCD436HP does a little bit better. Both the SDS 100 and 200 do very well.
BlueTail Technologies receivers do great on this system. The support is great.
Encryption is going to be the issue. PSERN is mostly in the clear for now. Encryption is in the plan. Do we have 3 weeks, 6 months, 3 years???

 

[grafixman1]

Check the RRDB. Focus on the "Mode" column per talkgroup table. Any talkgroup ID'ed as mode "T" or "D" are in the clear. Those ID'ed as "TE" or "DE" are fully encrypted, very few on your system of interest

Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) Trunking System, Seattle, Washington

Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

I checked over the listing and all are T or D. I would suspect they may eventually encrypt for secure transmissions, unless there is a reason not to. Maybe cost?

Thank you for your info.

 

[devicelab]

Do we have 6 months???

Not even.

 

[kd7yvv]

I'm in a similar boat. Thinking of getting the SDS-100.

 

[Tortue]

Not even.

Guess I'll need another dose of hopium...

 

[Wilrobnson]

I may have escaped Seattle 2.5 years ago but still keep in contact with those behind the lines, so I'll rehash what I've heard....All LE encrypted; Seattle Fire fully E, time frame was last given as Q 4 2023 - Q 1 2024.

I don't know if anything has changed, but good luck.

 

[JimClark]

So for someone who was looking to buy a Uniden BCD325P2 I might be better off getting Bearcat BC125AT to listen to the local airport, trains, car race, air show ect and just use Broadcastify for Seattle police and Fire. I hate to spend $350 and then have it basically turner into a $125 scanner by encryption.

 

[SeaTrane]

I am in the same boat, for now I'll just listen to Auburn PD on Broadcastify. I'll use my old Pro 107 to listen to trains and planes. $600 for a SDS 100/200 to listen to something that may soon disappear is not in my future..

 

[devicelab]

So for someone who was looking to buy a Uniden BCD325P2... I hate to spend $350 and then have it basically turner into a $125 scanner by encryption.

This is a dumb comment. The upcoming PSERN encryption won't magically devalue the scanner. Presuming it's in good, working condition then you could easily sell it for almost as much as you paid for it. Save the box, manuals and accessories and it'd be easy.