Is anyone using a Uniden SDS200 with this system? My 536's work just OK, and I really am not crazy about how they sound. I'm considering the SDS200, even with its reported problems. How does it sound to you with this system, and do you have any issues with the radio?
Erie County P25 System
- Thread starter MarkPalmer
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Theoretically the SDS200 should work better than the 536. But there are so many variables: the EFJohnson implementation of the P25 "Standard," the system design, tower site / antenna orientation wrt your listening location, structure of your building, etc. I own a SDS200 and I use it all over the Mid-Atlantic region and it performs flawlessly on Moto and Harris P25 systems. IMO, issues with the SDS200 are way overblown, but then people have their reasons...
My recommendation is to purchase the SDS200 from a major retailer like Walmart who accept returns within a reasonable period with no restocking fee. This way you can test the radio to see if it works in your situation, and you can return it if it is not satisfactory. I want to support small retailers, but some of them charge restocking fees on returns, which is a deal-breaker for me. Just make sure you buy it directly from Walmart, and not a Walmart Marketplace retailer.
I did hear Walmart was a good option. But this is what they show for returns now:
Return policy for Gova Deals
A note from Gova Deals
We will issue a refund within 30 days from date received & must be returned in same condition as received including all accessories & manufacturer packaging. 15% restocking fee & deduction of shipping fees may apply
Walmart requires sellers to use minimum standards for item returns, but each seller has their own policy.
Return policy for Gova Deals
| Return Within | 30 Days after item is delivered |
| Returnable to Store? | Yes |
We will issue a refund within 30 days from date received & must be returned in same condition as received including all accessories & manufacturer packaging. 15% restocking fee & deduction of shipping fees may apply
Walmart requires sellers to use minimum standards for item returns, but each seller has their own policy.
Gova Deals is a Walmart Marketplace third party dealer - look for the option sold by Walmart.
Is anyone else getting really annoyed about how the MPS squads just blast in much louder than any other transmissions? This occurs both when dispatched and when talking to the hospitals. I understand this is happening at the 911 Center too. I did hear testing a couple weeks ago, but nothing has changed. Seems like this wouldn't be that hard to fix!
I'm still using 536's, but I'm not sure the SDS 200's would sound any different for this issue. Has anyone bought an SDS scanner yet?
I'm still using 536's, but I'm not sure the SDS 200's would sound any different for this issue. Has anyone bought an SDS scanner yet?
I don't think there would be any appreciable difference between the 536 and SDS re: this issue. Some users / TG can be louder than others. For example, on the MD FIRST, the state highway personnel *always* seem to be loud users compared to state police users - might have something to do with noisy vehicles, and people's natural reaction in those environments to raise their voices. And perhaps the audio levels are not adjusted consistently between user groups, dispatcher headset and mike differences, etc.
TV report on system issues. Attached is a report from John Grappy.
www.erienewsnow.com
Coverage Concerns With New Erie County Public Safety Radio System
There have been concerns over lack of coverage in 4 areas of Erie County. Officials have been addressing those concerns.
www.erienewsnow.com
Anyone know what talk group ID Government North might be, I hear some Fire /ems traffic being sent to there but am not receiving it?
504
| 500 | 1f4 | T | Conneaut OH FD | Conneaut OH Fire | Interop |
| 501 | 1f5 | T | Conneaut OH PD | Conneaut OH Police | Interop |
| 502 | 1f6 | T | Monroe Twp OH FD | Monroe Twp OH Fire | Interop |
| 503 | 1f7 | T | Crawford Govt W | Crawford Co Govt West | Interop |
| 504 | 1f8 | T | Crawford Govt N | Crawford Co Govt North | Interop |
| 506 | 1fa | T | Chautauqua Co NY | Chautauqua County NY | Interop |
I thought maybe we had a govt north that we didn’t know of, seemed weird erie co.would use that as a tac channel.but might have been some involvement with Crawford co. Also heard radio testing on TG125 which isn’t listed. Don’t know what that is going to used for. Apparently they have room for expansion for other groups.
Sometimes one of the south county companies will respond to a call in Crawford Co. and go to one of their Government TGs.
I know I've asked about this before, but has anyone yet bought an SDS 200 for this system? If so, how well does it work?
Also, has anyone found any tricks to get their BCD536's to work well on the system? I've tried numerous back of set antennas. Some days they seem to work OK, and other days not too well. I'm in NW Millcreek. Very frustrating!
Also, has anyone found any tricks to get their BCD536's to work well on the system? I've tried numerous back of set antennas. Some days they seem to work OK, and other days not too well. I'm in NW Millcreek. Very frustrating!
Not knowing exactly where you live (but let's say south of the airport where Google Earth plots Millcreek Township,) you are within 5 miles of 3 member towers of the Urban Simulcast cell - not ideal for a non-optimized radio. The Countywide Simulcast cell *should* work a little better for you, considering that one of its tower sites is significantly closer to you vs. other member sites of the Countywide cell. You could try a Yagi and aim it west slightly off bearing to the Fairview VFD tower to see if that helps with the Urban Simulcast reception. Otherwise, you know my answer.
So if I just use the County site I'll still get all TG's? I'll try it to see if it works better. I do notice that the 2 536's on the 2nd floor sound better that the one on the first floor. I'm using telescoping antennas on all of them.
I can't answer the question about what traffic is carried on each simulcast cell since I don't monitor it, and don't know its logical setup. I'm just looking at the physical system architecture.
We have been through this before. I am using 2 536, 2 436, 1 SD200, 2 HP2 & a Whistler 1098 to monitor the system and have NO PROBLEMS with any of them. 1 HP2 is mobile and has worked fine in every location in Erie County. Base antennas are a Larsen UHF on a 35 ft mast and a discone in the attic. I am in NW City of Erie. People with no experience with this system are quick to say simulcast distortion. I have yet to see that with the HP2 mobile from any location in Erie County.
With 60+ years in radio communications as a vocation or avocation both civilian and military. A radio is only as good as the antenna you have connected to it. If a whip isn't working get a better antenna.
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