Fairfield P.D

[ELITEscanner]

What have you tried next?

Maybe a reset of the SDS100 and start fresh. Here is a fantastic video on resetting and much more..

After you reset you may want to just use the zip code feature and see how that works out.

Let us know how you make out.

Hey Mark
So, yesterday, I did do a complete reset/clean of the scanner and it is back to normal as far as display. I also reinstalled Sentinel and deleted all of the info I had on there as well. I still couldn't get Fairfield (or even West Caldwell PD) but I was getting Newark FD really well and NJSP Troop B really well. I actually called Uniden scanner support and went over stuff with them. She said that she found it strange that I still could not hear Fairfield because I was set up right. She said that I should go onto the forum (this forum) and ask. I said "I have already annoyed them enough" and that is why I called them. After doing all the "fixes" she had in mind, I scanned and still could not get Fairfield. I locked Fairfield on (so it wouldn't scan) and about an hour later I heard ONE transmission. Since I couldn't get FF at all when scanning but did get something while locked, I thought perhaps the signal was not strong enough. So, I decided I should get another antenna (like you suggested.) I saw another topic about antennas on here and in that thread I saw some recommendations for SDS100 antennas. I went on Amazon and bought one yesterday. Will be getting it on Tuesday or Wednesday. I will reset scanner again and try that zip code option to see what happens. I appreciate all the feedback!

 

[ELITEscanner]

Mark,
So, I got my antenna yesterday. I now hear the departments I have been hearing but hear them A LOT clearer. I AM hearing Fairfield PD but not a lot. Most of the transmissions I hear are obviously responses to another transmission (like dispatch acknowledging arrival of a unit on scene but never hearing the dispatching of the unit and the FD getting toned out but did not hear the PD units getting dispatched. So, the antenna definitely helped I guess but still sucks. I currently have Passaic and West Orange simulcasts on the fav list I created...squelch is at 1 and all the systems I need are checked (Law Tac, Law Dispatch etc) I am going to move it closer to a window to see if that helps or maybe to a different part of the room.

 

[markjrenna]

Thanks for the update and happy tp hear the antenna has improved reception.

Next...

New Fav or modify the current one as follows:

1. Only have Site 1 - West Orange
2. Only have Fairfield, West Caldwell, North Caldwell/Essex Fells, Verona, Montclair, and Little Falls.
3. Squelch at 4 seems optimal (to me)

Now you should hear traffic often from all of these agencies. If not, as you said, move around your home to find the optimal spot.

Also helpful... I am a Premium member so not sure if you would have access but you can compare your scanner to the live feed of Fairfield:

Fairfield PD Dispatch/Essex County Group Calls Live

2599 Group Calls Live

www.broadcastify.com

Let me know how this works out.

 

[ELITEscanner]

So, I made a new list but forgot to add Montclair and Verona. I opened that live feed as well. I am now hearing FF transmissions (complete from dispatch to arrival to clearing) and the reception is perfect. I am also hearing every other department as well. Scanner still in same spot with squelch on 2. I looked at the live feed to see if any transmissions were made that I did not get and there aren't any. So, looks like it all works now. I guess I just need to monitor less departments because that is the only thing that is different. That will suck because I like listening to NJSP Troop B, Montville, Wayne and Parsippany too.

 

[markjrenna]

Glad it is now working...

I think you can make Fairfield a Priority when scanning but not sure specifically how on the SDS100.

I have more advice... but it's more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[ELITEscanner]

Glad it is now working...

I think you can make Fairfield a Priority when scanning but not sure specifically how on the SDS100.

I have more advice... but it's more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

HAHAHA!! I should just put you on retainer!!! HAHAHA. I think I know how to do the priority thing. I REALLY appreciate the help..you really know your s**t!

 

[markjrenna]

LOL thanks. I didn't mean a fee for my help but now you have me thinking

Down the road take a look at Unication. I have a G4 and a G5. Not cheap, but between the SDS200, G4, and G5, I can listen to *most* of what I want at any given time.

So when Mountain Lakes initiated the pursuit and Fairfield joined in, I was able to listen to everything from Parsippany, Fairfield, Wayne, Totowa, Woodland Park, State Police, and SPEN.

When I watch the video I recall hearing all those transmissions as it happened.

As a Fairfield resident I am sure you are well aware and all involved have recently been cleared by the NJ AG.

 

[ELITEscanner]

LOL thanks. I didn't mean a fee for my help but now you have me thinking

Down the road take a look at Unication. I have a G4 and a G5. Not cheap, but between the SDS200, G4, and G5, I can listen to *most* of what I want at any given time.

So when Mountain Lakes initiated the pursuit and Fairfield joined in, I was able to listen to everything from Parsippany, Fairfield, Wayne, Totowa, Woodland Park, State Police, and SPEN.

When I watch the video I recall hearing all those transmissions as it happened.

As a Fairfield resident I am sure you are well aware and all involved have recently been cleared by the NJ AG.

Well, TBH, I am not that much of a scanner buff that I need more than one scanner...just a hobby really. I am a retired SO deputy from Florida (and was also a volunteer on FF Fire Dept (back in the 90s...showing my age) so I have always had a scanner on...LOVE still listening to departments. Now, I listen to just the departments close to me in case something big happens and I can get video footage of it (I always carry my camera bag and scanner if going out locally LOL)
As far as that chase, I remember it! I had just played golf in Parsippany and had to pick up food to bring home in the area of New Road and 46. As I was just about to get onto 46 East to go home...I heard all the sirens and the LINE of police vehicles. On a side note, I am a self employed videographer and work within the legal field. So, I have actually been asked to convert some NJSP dashcam video footage from calls/pursuits to different formats so they can be easily transcribed and/or used in any proceedings regarding the incident.

NOW, back to the FF issue, I just went back to monitoring my initial Fav List and I am now NOT hearing FF, West Caldwell or Little Falls HAHAHAHA. I did set Fairfield PD as priority. So, I will add the ones I want...one at a time...to the new Fav list I made...so I can see which one is causing the problem.