Help Programming Saint Peters, MO Trunked System

[mjthomas59]

I've been monitoring conventional systems for quite a while but am now looking to expand my horizons into the world of trunked radio. I thought this would be an easy system to learn on due to its small size. I'm using ARC software to program my scanner. I've so far setup my system for a motorola type2 standard and imported the 3 control channels listed on the website.

I've probably already done something wrong. I'm not sure but i don't know what to input for the trunk id's on the ARC software.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm only wanted to monitor the 4 police talkgroups listed at: http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&sid=2552

Thanks
If it matters, i have a Uniden 246t.

 

[BaLa]

for trunk IDs you mean maybe Talkgroup IDs?

you want to put in
16, 48, 176, 208

 

[mjthomas59]

In the ARC software after i open a system i click on the group i want. From there i have 5 columns available. In order from left to right they are Trunk ID, Name, L/Out, Alert, and Comments.

Perhaps i do mean talkgroup ID's, however that column doesn't show up in the software when i set my system to a motorola 800mhz type2 standard. I'll put in those 4 #'s into the trunk id's field and see what happens.

Also, do i only need to include the primary control channels (the ones in red on the database) or do i need all the frequencies listed?

Thanks

 

[BaLa]

technically you would just need the control channels..

but I would put all of the frequencies in it, b/c they might use one of the other frequencies...
so since there are only 5 I would just put them all in.

 

[TooLate]

MO Trunked System

This thread offers a chance to ask a nagging question. As a scannist for several decades, (tunable, crystal, binary switched, analog programmable) it is obvious that the Digital APCO "Glacier" is creeping closer to my area. Obviously, it's going to require re-equiping the home and car shacks and more critically, learning new programming methods.

Since most of the manuals and user's guides are created by engineers FOR engineers and make subtle but vital assumptions that are not always accurate (about the ability of the programming user to a given procedure should have already been done), is there any location here on RR.com that "cookbooks" the programming procedures of these new units in a step by step and "never fail" sequence? You know, step one, turn on scanner, step 2, turn on computer, step 3, go to "?" website and click on 'blank'...etc right through the process so that much of the time required by many of the reporting readers here is avoided. (Sorry for the run-on sentence).

Since there are only a few of these new "APCO Compatible" units discussed currently (396, 996 etc) and since this 50 something doesn't have lots of time to devote to this endeavor (I don't want to be required to learn how to build a clock just to find out what time it is!), just tell me what WILL work, utilizing the KISS method! (where S2=me)...KIS4S.

I have a 3 yr old computer running XP and can still recall what DOS stands for but I just don't feel up to spending bouqou hours trying to discover something that works when someone else has already discovered AND implemented it. At my age, you're more appreciative of the "accumulative knowledge" that society tries to pass to younger generations (even though they can insist on seeing for themselves ... don't touch that, you'll get burned...sissss...waaaaa!) Simply, I don't need to get burned...just tell me the easy way to get around it...other than "don't touch that"...rather "use a pot-holder".

So, apologizing for the rambles above, is there an updated WIKI for each model... that is written in a concise manner... that's easy to follow... for someone who just wants to get the thing programmed and usable...as simply and efficiently as possible? i.e. The "Cliff's Notes" of programming these units.

Flamers need not respond. I need technical assistance...not sarcasm. (See other threads of recent weeks).

Thanks in advance.

TL

 

[fmon]

By TooLate: "is there any location here on RR.com that "cookbooks" the programming procedures of these new units in a step by step and "never fail" sequence? You know, step one, turn on scanner, step 2, turn on computer, step 3, go to"

Click the RR Wiki button at top of page. You will find listings under 'Radio Model Information' of scanners. In the Radio Shack Scanners link, I have written 'Programming Shortcut' procedures for the Pro-96/2096, both are APCO 25 9600b CC capable. Under Uniden Scanners I have written the same type shortcut for the BC250D/785D scanners which are 3600b CC capable. The BC296/796D program nearly the same and are APCO 25 9600b CC capable.

Can't help with BC396/996 because don't have either. However, my procedures in the other scanners are written from the Owners Manual of the 96, 2096 and 785D.

Many scannist in these forums do own the newest Unidens and would be happy to assist. Also, ARC software is excellent for programming Uniden scanners.

Back on topic for mjthomas59, I scan St Pete while traveling through at least once a year (both directions). Not too busy (compared to St Charles) but is active. Most recent time was this past Oct.

Program your TG's as per this picture.

 

[KAA951]

This thread offers a chance to ask a nagging question. As a scannist for several decades, (tunable, crystal, binary switched, analog programmable) it is obvious that the Digital APCO "Glacier" is creeping closer to my area. Obviously, it's going to require re-equiping the home and car shacks and more critically, learning new programming methods.

I bought a 996T recently since my area went to a P-25 standard. I bought the ARC software to go with it and can't believe how easy it is to program new systems in. Programming that would have taken hours before on my old RS Trunktracker takes less than 5 minutes using the ARC softwares ability to connect and download systems directly from Radioreference.

Don't sweat the change- it is easy (just a bit more expensive than scanning before).

 

[mjthomas59]

Thank you all for your assistance. I'm hoping Saint Peters isn't too dead, and without having a digital scanner yet i'll have to wait to listen in on St Charles city and St Charles county sheriff Maybe someday, when a new one doesn't cost a kidney hehe thanks again!!!

 

[shaft]

Thank you all for your assistance. I'm hoping Saint Peters isn't too dead, and without having a digital scanner yet i'll have to wait to listen in on St Charles city and St Charles county sheriff Maybe someday, when a new one doesn't cost a kidney hehe thanks again!!!

You'll be able to listen to St. Peters just fine on your scanner. You can also plug in O'fallon and Cottleville (Lake St. Louis dispatches for them) to listen to them.

 

[shelleys1]

New Technology - a good thing!

This thread offers a chance to ask a nagging question. As a scannist for several decades, (tunable, crystal, binary switched, analog programmable) it is obvious that the Digital APCO "Glacier" is creeping closer to my area. Obviously, it's going to require re-equiping the home and car shacks and more critically, learning new programming methods.

Since most of the manuals and user's guides are created by engineers FOR engineers and make subtle but vital assumptions that are not always accurate (about the ability of the programming user to a given procedure should have already been done), is there any location here on RR.com that "cookbooks" the programming procedures of these new units in a step by step and "never fail" sequence? You know, step one, turn on scanner, step 2, turn on computer, step 3, go to "?" website and click on 'blank'...etc right through the process so that much of the time required by many of the reporting readers here is avoided. (Sorry for the run-on sentence).

Since there are only a few of these new "APCO Compatible" units discussed currently (396, 996 etc) and since this 50 something doesn't have lots of time to devote to this endeavor (I don't want to be required to learn how to build a clock just to find out what time it is!), just tell me what WILL work, utilizing the KISS method! (where S2=me)...KIS4S.

I have a 3 yr old computer running XP and can still recall what DOS stands for but I just don't feel up to spending bouqou hours trying to discover something that works when someone else has already discovered AND implemented it. At my age, you're more appreciative of the "accumulative knowledge" that society tries to pass to younger generations (even though they can insist on seeing for themselves ... don't touch that, you'll get burned...sissss...waaaaa!) Simply, I don't need to get burned...just tell me the easy way to get around it...other than "don't touch that"...rather "use a pot-holder".

So, apologizing for the rambles above, is there an updated WIKI for each model... that is written in a concise manner... that's easy to follow... for someone who just wants to get the thing programmed and usable...as simply and efficiently as possible? i.e. The "Cliff's Notes" of programming these units.

Flamers need not respond. I need technical assistance...not sarcasm. (See other threads of recent weeks).

Thanks in advance.

TL

Never any flames from here! *smile* Someone has already recommended the ARC software and I absolutely, 100% agree! I have used Gommert's (Butel Software) since he started writing it for our radios and have it for each of my Uniden radios!

I also have the 996T but am one of those who doesn't like it. I much prefer my older but much faster 796D. I can use my ARC software on it and am happy as I can be with it. I owned two of the 996's and have gotten rid of one of them. I bought a second 796D and have two of the 396Ts. Not sure why I like the handhelds when I don't like the base but I do.

Anyway, from a very longtime user (37+ years) that's just my take on them. Other than having a few capabilities (Close call and GPS - neither of which I personally use and a couple of others) the 796 can do most everything the 996 can and it's a solid radio. I've kept one of my 996's but I seldom turn it on - it's here for emergency use only. The new technology in the 996 is good but, IMHO, some of it is hampering the ability of the scanner to scan at an acceptable rate. Just my personal opinion, of course. *smile*

Shelley

P.S. I too started with tunable scanners - weren't they a kick?? A pain in the patootie - but still a kick!