Helena WS1065 help

[UnknownGnome]

OK. Here goes. I got a Whistler WS1065 a few years ago. And I’m finally trying to get it set up and working for Lewis and Clark County. I gave up first try. I’ve added the P25 Phase 1 system (Montana Public Safety Communications System Trunking System, Statewide, Montana - Scanner Frequencies). But I’m getting about 50% of the transmissions as garbled and unreadable. My understanding this is probably a Simulcast issue and I’ve read all I can about the topic. Some of it could maybe be encryption? RadioRef says that the PD is partially encrypted.

To deal with the Simulcast issue, I’ve tried adding just one site, but that didn’t make a difference. I’ve also tried changing Multi-Site settings to ‘Stat’ and ‘Off’, but that also didn’t help. So should I just try with a Yagi antenna? Or does someone have tips on how I could get this working? I’m a few blocks east of the Capital building, if that makes a difference.

 

[aprswatcher]

I lived in Helena several years ago, and had no problem monitoring the MPSCS trunked system with a Whistler TRX-1.
You should not be having any simulcast issues as all the towers use a different Control Channel (cc) frequency.
Helena PD and sometimes L&C Sheriff are encrypted.
Try a few of the towers in your programming, see if any have better signals, seems as if the East Helena and Hogback sites were best for me.
Are there any cellular phone towers near your location? If so you might be getting interference from them.
73, Rex

 

[aprswatcher]

Also the output frequencies from all the towers are different.

 

[UnknownGnome]

Oh ok. I was guessing it was Simulcast because of the garbled transmissions I was receiving. Googling that came back with a bunch of things about Simulcast.
I did try adding just the downtown site once and just the East Helena site once. Same problem on both of those. I'll try adding hogback and see what happens.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[aprswatcher]

If you still have the same problem after programming in the Hogback site I would suggest trying a different location in your house.
if the problem is still present then try and take it mobile to some locations around Helena and see if the reception is better or worse.
This will help in seeing if the problem is only at your house or all around town.
Have you tried a different antenna? The stock antennas aren’t the best antennas.
73, Rex

 

[jjwhite29]

I'm 100% sure your problem is encryption as the WS1045 does not block out encryption like the newer scanners do. I have a RadioShack PRO 651 and GRE PSR500 that do the same I get the encrypted part.

 

[UnknownGnome]

Yeah. I'm thinking encryption at this point too. Considering upgrading scanner to one that will handle the encryption better. Thinking Uniden BCD436HP for the portability. I'd rather not pay quite that much if there's something comparable that is cheaper. Any suggestions?

 

[UnknownGnome]

I'd also take suggestions for an affordable antenna to replace the stock one. Thanks.

 

[UnknownGnome]

Maybe I can get another question answered that has been bothering me...
I tried programming in just the conventional frequencies since RR doesn't say anything about them being encrypted. I still get the same regular digital garble noises. Usually from the officer. Dispatch is normally fine. Could it just be that I need a better antenna? Just using the stock one now. If it is encryption, I'm going to get a scanner that will filter that out. But if I can avoid that with just a new antenna, that would be ideal.

 

[jjwhite29]

Its the encryption not much more you can do about that. Highway Patrol should be getting both sides in that area though Fire and EMS both sides. But for PD and Sheriff is mostly encryption except dispatch.

 

[aprswatcher]

The Uniden BCD-436 will do great for you, it is expensive but a good scanner. Get several sets of extra rechargeable batteries and an external charger. Sentinel software from Uniden is ok but not real great, use it to update the firmware and database. Proscan software is a great software for programming, plus you can use it to log radio activity, ie frequencies, talkgroups, radio id’s.
As far as antennas, I have had good luck with Diamond RH-77 antenna for handhelds. Covers the VHF and UHF bands well.
You haven’t said what your interested in monitoring.
The Helena Valley has numerous small VFD, East Valley, Tri-Lakes, Bauxendale, etc all on conventional VHF.
Look for used BCD-436HP here on RR and e-bay, some good deals, just check sellers ratings.
73, Rex

 

[jjwhite29]

From what I gather all Lewis and Clark County Fire and EMS is on Digital P25 all the ones you named plus Wolf Creek, Augusta and Lincoln. You might also get them on conventional but I always here them getting paged out on P25 system.

 

[UnknownGnome]

Thanks. I'll see if I can find a used one. I'm mostly interested in public safety monitoring. EMS, Fire, MHP, and whatever PD/Sheriff traffic that isn't encrypted. I might also sometimes monitor ATC. I haven't tried any of the small departments, so I'll look into that.
Have you had any luck monitoring Forest Service fire radio? Probably too late for this season, but saw the freqs on RR.