Getting started with a Uniden BC246T Trunk Tracker III

[mongovb1]

Hello, newbe here from VA Beach VA. I picked up a used BC246T and was excited to start scanning. I get some of the frequencies from VBPD and the talk arounds and I get no chatter. I am wondering if they have switched to P25 now? I have programmed the below freqs in a conventional system group. I get a lot of EMS chat and of course plenty of normal city worker talk, but, no PD. The live player works but the audio is sometimes understandable but usually garbled. Am I doing something wrong? Also can someone point me in the right direction to learn to tell the difference between all the freqs as they relate to Conventional, EDACS, LTR and Motorola? I searched and really did not find anything, of course being new I dont really know how to word it when I search. Thanks

852.41250 WNQJ860 M 023 DPL Fire T/A 16 Fire Talk-Around FM EMS-Talk
851.41250 WNQJ860 M 023 DPL PD T/A 16 Police Talk-Around FM Law Talk
854.48750 WNQJ860 M 023 DPL FD TA Fire Talk Around FM Fire-Talk
855.68750 WZS605 M 023 DPL SBPW TA Schools/Public Works TA FM Multi-Talk
856.03750 WNQJ860 M 023 DPL PD TA Police talkaround FM Law Talk


851.51250 WPXJ737 RM 156.7 PL 8TAC91 Public Safety Tactical FM Interop
852.01250 WPXJ737 RM 156.7 PL 8TAC92 Public Safety Tactical FM Interop
852.51250 WPXJ737 RM 156.7 PL 8TAC93 Public Safety Tactical FM Interop
853.01250 WPXJ737 RM 156.7 PL 8TAC94 Public Safety Tactical FM Interop

 

[DickH]

It looks as if the police are using this Motorola Trunked system. The 246 will work fine.
Virginia Beach Trunking System, Virginia Beach, Virginia - Scanner Frequencies

 

[ka3jjz]

Maybe not - I thought I read somewhere that VB is now on the Orion digital system (which the 246 won't handle) and the old analog system is a backup...

See this thread in the Virginia forum

http://forums.radioreference.com/vi...-forum/241210-norfolk-orion-p25-question.html

Mike

 

[mongovb1]

Thanks for the reply. Man that sucks. I really wanted to be able to listen to the local PD. The live audio is pretty broken up as well and pretty much pointless to listen to. I dont have the big money for a good scanner yet. Im trying to learn all the lingo so I can take my technician test in a couple of weeks. I was a data systems technician in the Navy and it seems to help a bit when it comes to the basic electronics stuff.

 

[W8RMH]

Thanks for the reply. Man that sucks. I really wanted to be able to listen to the local PD. The live audio is pretty broken up as well and pretty much pointless to listen to. I dont have the big money for a good scanner yet. Im trying to learn all the lingo so I can take my technician test in a couple of weeks. I was a data systems technician in the Navy and it seems to help a bit when it comes to the basic electronics stuff.

I don't see where public safety lingo will help you on the technician test.

If you want to get into amateur radio use that scanner to listen to the VHF/UHF ham bands.

 

[mongovb1]

I don't see where public safety lingo will help you on the technician test.

If you want to get into amateur radio use that scanner to listen to the VHF/UHF ham bands.

Sorry, I didnt mean to learn from public safety, I was referring to just all the radio acronyms even when setting up the scanner and knowing what frequencies are used with which systems. I have taken some of the practice exams.

 

[gr8rcall]

Since VA Beach is on P25 Phase 1 you're going to need a digital scanner. I would recommend the GRE PSR-500 as it comes with the following:

• Antenna
• Quick Guide for V-Scanner Pre-loads
• PDF - Owners manual
• Black non-rechargeable battery holder
• Yellow rechargable battery holder
• AC adapter
• Belt clip
• GRE USB PC interface cable
• CD-ROM (including the owners manual and GRE radio control demo software)

It can be purchased for $350 new.

You can also get the pro-106, which is the same scanner as the GRE-500 but doesn't come with the ac adapter, usb cable, or demo software. These accessories will cost you about $50 by themselves. Radioshack has the scanner for $425.

 

[mongovb1]

I wish I could afford that, but, my current situation doesn't allow me to. I basically have to sell something to buy something. Thanks for the advice though. I do have a few things I could sell, but, I prefer self defense over a scanner.

Is it possible to run some type of DIY antenna to increase the reception?

 

[gr8rcall]

The scanner you have is NOT P25 capable. So, unfortunatly, you will have to upgrade to one that is. I would check the RR Wiki for more options. You'll need one that is "P25 Standard" capable.

 

[Rt169Radio]

I wish I could afford that, but, my current situation doesn't allow me to. I basically have to sell something to buy something. Thanks for the advice though. I do have a few things I could sell, but, I prefer self defense over a scanner.

Is it possible to run some type of DIY antenna to increase the reception?

Maybe you can get one used or second hand?