I agree
I decided to do another Wagner Road tower test today using one of my 996XTs (I just sold my 996T) and my GRE PSR600. Both scanners via a RF splitter were using the same mast mount preamped tower mounted Scantenna oriented to maximize reception which is about 2-3 air miles from my location. The good news is the 996XT received a solid 4-5 bar signal strength level and excellent reception. The bad news is the PSR600 could not lock on the control channel because it never detected it. This is not surprising news. All digital scanners are relatively insensitive compared to analog scanners. My experience with the PSR600 has been it is noticeably more insensitive compared to the 396T, 996T and 996XT but very susceptible to front end signal overload which is ironic for an insensitive scanner. The GRE/RS scanners are the only models with which I have ever had front end signal overload problems and have to try different external attenuation values the PSR600 likes...20 db on average works ok but may vary and is a time consuming exercise sometimes to find the right combination.
I did a TUNE test on 856.4875 mhz. CC and data audio was discernible mixed with white noise but that was all. Curious again using the same antenna I tuned 856.4875 mhz. on my R7000 to obtain a relative signal strength level. The lowest meter reading was S8 and "wandered" up to a maximum of S15 and then down again to about S8. Normally it would be +/-S40.
I agree with you that the PA configuration at the Wagner Road site has been operating at a reduced power level and is in the process of failing. Actually total failure would be the best scenario for scanner listeners as that would be a 911 type maintenance response from Commtronics. Home and business users in that area to Rt. 460 are not large in numbers. There are Berkeley Estates, a few businesses and lots of NS owned property to Wagner Road/Rt. 460. Until PBPD complains to Commtronics about comm problems in that area it is doubtful the situation will change.