Frustrated

[Bob1955]

I am a new user and I finally got my 325p2 programmed. However, I remained somewhat confused. I have strong signal strength when I press hold. But, I don’t always get voice, or it is garbled. I am within 10 miles of towers. When I move or drive around I get good audio. I don’t understand. Can someone clear that up for me. Our city uses the system is Project 25 Phase II. The Audio is APCO 25 Exclusive.

hooten3, what bands are you primarily listening too? if it is UHF/VHF beside 800Mhz, you are much better off with a Diamond RH-77CA and that can be purchased on Amazon.com. They are a little less then the OVERPRICED Comet on Scanner Master but I used it on a BC-125 AT which is like yours but non-digital and no trunking. Hope this helps you out.
Have a good evening, sir.

 

[hiegtx]

T

I appreciate the input. It just seems that my home is more problematic than anywhere else. Im wondering if a Yagi might boost DB's . I replaced the standard Rubber duck with an 800mhz with little improvement. And it seems that I often hear the dispatchers but not always the patrol units - one sided conversations. Now Im in that fine tuning mode and I really don't know what i'm doing.

Here is the map of the simulcast sites for the Lubbock system:


Where a yagi would help you for this system would be if you could aim it toward one specific site, preferably one that does not have another simulcast site in the same direction, or relatively close by in that direction. What you are trying to do is receive the signals from only one of the sites. With simulcast, the slight differences in time that result from signals from multiple sites, arriving at your scanner with just enough interval that your scanner cannot successfully decode the system. If you are out driving, and seem to be hearing the system more reliably, you are probably close enough to one site that it's signal overrides the out of synch transmissions from other sites.

Simulcast is very location driven. Sometimes, moving your scanner only slightly, a few feet in one direction or another, will result in improved decoding. While a yagi might be the best solution at home, that's not practical if you are out in your vehicle, drivin around the area.

 

[hooten3]

Do you think a Yag would bebeni

I understand - thanks.

T

Here is the map of the simulcast sites for the Lubbock system:
View attachment 80003

Where a yagi would help you for this system would be if you could aim it toward one specific site, preferably one that does not have another simulcast site in the same direction, or relatively close by in that direction. What you are trying to do is receive the signals from only one of the sites. With simulcast, the slight differences in time that result from signals from multiple sites, arriving at your scanner with just enough interval that your scanner cannot successfully decode the system. If you are out driving, and seem to be hearing the system more reliably, you are probably close enough to one site that it's signal overrides the out of synch transmissions from other sites.

Simulcast is very location driven. Sometimes, moving your scanner only slightly, a few feet in one direction or another, will result in improved decoding. While a yagi might be the best solution at home, that's not practical if you are out in your vehicle, drivin around the area.

Good information. Thanks.

 

[hooten3]

It also appears by the map that one simulcast tower is about a half mile from my house. The others are in the same general direction but about 15 degrees further East.

 

[hiegtx]

It also appears by the map that one simulcast tower is about a half mile from my house. The others are in the same general direction but about 15 degrees further East.

Here's an expanded view of the sites:


That marker near Abernathy is Site 7, not part of the Simulcast. With only three frequencies, it's probably a fill-in site, or roamer, for coverage in that area. It would not carry all of the system's traffic.

The same thing applies to Site 6, Idalou, and Site 5, Ransom Canyon. (On the map, that marker is the one you see at Buffalo Springs.) You would not want to aim a yagi at any of these three sites, since you would hear a smaller portion of the radio traffic.



The site out near Muleshoe may be from a typo on the license. But I seem to recall comments (when the system was being constructed & tested) about a remote site outside of Lubbock County that was at a city facility. Maybe a water treatment plant or landfill?

 

[hooten3]

T

Here is the map of the simulcast sites for the Lubbock system:
View attachment 80003

Where a yagi would help you for this system would be if you could aim it toward one specific site, preferably one that does not have another simulcast site in the same direction, or relatively close by in that direction. What you are trying to do is receive the signals from only one of the sites. With simulcast, the slight differences in time that result from signals from multiple sites, arriving at your scanner with just enough interval that your scanner cannot successfully decode the system. If you are out driving, and seem to be hearing the system more reliably, you are probably close enough to one site that it's signal overrides the out of synch transmissions from other sites.

Simulcast is very location driven. Sometimes, moving your scanner only slightly, a few feet in one direction or another, will result in improved decoding. While a yagi might be the best solution at home, that's not practical if you are out in your vehicle, drivin around the area.

I am in SW Lubbock just outside the Loop

 

[hiegtx]

Then, if you were going to try a yagi, would aim at one of these three sites that I circled.


Unless you were literally sitting next to that one in the middle, near the 327 Hwy marker, maybe aim at the one farthest west.

 

[hooten3]

Then, if you were going to try a yagi, would aim at one of these three sites that I circled.
View attachment 80006

Unless you were literally sitting next to that one in the middle, near the 327 Hwy marker, maybe aim at the one farthest west.

 

[hooten3]

I am close to the one at 327. I’m thinking that a Yagi at the house on a small tripod might be an answer.

 

[hiegtx]

I am close to the one at 327. I’m thinking that a Yagi at the house on a small tripod might be an answer.

Yeah, you may be right. Plus, if needed, you could always try aiming at a different one to see if it comes in better.

Good luck, I know it can be frustrating trying to solve the problem.

 

[seth21w]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but harris systems are nearly impossible to hear clearly on the 325 I know because I listen to a harris lsm it looks like they are converting from edacs to harris and will probably change the control channels to where they are all primary and it may not be in db yet the 436 is somewhat better but really it depends what modulation they use. I would look at selling it or returning it for a unication g4 or an sds100. But may can squeak by with a 436.

 

[maus92]

P25 simulcast systems (and Harris systems in particular) are notoriously difficult to receive acceptably with older design consumer radios. Some of the few Harris P25 systems in Maryland even have issues with coverage using Harris subscribers (St. Mary's and Worcester counties.) If it is possible, I would strongly recommend purchasing a SDS100 scanner or a Unication G4 paging receiver. I can tell your from first hand experience that both these radios work well with both Motorola and Harris P25 systems in my region. I think you would be happier in the end because Yagis indoors can be cumbersome. As far as buying a Diamond or Comet antenna as suggested above, don't bother - they are not the solution. So try the Yagi - or even a paper clip. What you don't need is more antenna gain. Hopefully the Yagi will work out, but I if not, return the 325 if you can, or sell it on eBay - they are generally good radios (but not for simulcast P25 systems.) . Buy the right tool for the job.

 

[Hit_Factor]

Yeah, you may be right. Plus, if needed, you could always try aiming at a different one to see if it comes in better.

Good luck, I know it can be frustrating trying to solve the problem.

And if aiming at a specific tower doesn't work keep spinning it around. Another attribute of a yagi is it's void. It's not a gun, so don't sight it like it is.

If you just buy something simulcast compatible you wouldn't be jumping through these hoops. Sell what you have and upgrade.

 

[hooten3]

And if aiming at a specific tower doesn't work keep spinning it around. Another attribute of a yagi is it's void. It's not a gun, so don't sight it like it is.

If you just buy something simulcast compatible you wouldn't be jumping through these hoops. Sell what you have and upgrade.

As a novice, I know very little. However, what continues to be a mystery to me is that the signal strength is usually 4-5 bars and when I am receiving, most everything seems fine. But, the signal will blank out to zero and then come back. Do, I only hear part of the communication. And yes, there are several towers in my area and a couple within 2 miles.

 

[KevinC]

As a novice, I know very little. However, what continues to be a mystery to me is that the signal strength is usually 4-5 bars and when I am receiving, most everything seems fine. But, the signal will blank out to zero and then come back. Do, I only hear part of the communication. And yes, there are several towers in my area and a couple within 2 miles.

Do you have Close Call enabled?

 

[hooten3]

As a novice, I know very little. However, what continues to be a mystery to me is that the signal strength is usually 4-5 bars and when I am receiving, most everything seems fine. But, the signal will blank out to zero and then come back. Do, I only hear part of the communication. And yes, there are several towers in my area and a couple within 2 miles.

“So, I only hear part ...”

 

[hooten3]

Do you have Close Call enabled?

Yes, “close call only”

 

[wtp]

well, turn it off.

 

[wtp]

we won't leave you hanging,
do you know how to turn it off...?

 

[hooten3]

Yes, the fine tuning is helping and I really appreciate the help.