Hi John;
Welcome to the quest.
Since there isn't any info in the database, you will have to determine the purpose of each talkgroup on your own. The program will log talkgroups but the only way to know the purpose is to listen in over a period of time to get each one labeled.
Here's a very effective system. Let Unitrunker map out the frequencies and talkgroup IDs. Program the info into your trunking radio to validate the data. Once verified - please submit the information to the RR DB to save other folks the hassle.
If your radio is portable - take it with you and leave it turned on (but not in class). Seriously, I watched my history professor eject a fellow student for wearing headphones during the lecture.
When you hear something noteworthy - eg. a clue as to the type of activity for a given group - write it down along with the group ID. Eventually you'll have enough information to come up with a descriptive name for that group. Once the group is ID'd, lock it out to focus on other group IDs - or leave it in if it is something worthwhile for listening.
Pay attention to the campus newspaper for upcoming events and announcements that may translate to increased traffic on some talkgroups or the sudden appearance of previously unseen talkgroups (such as a special events group).
Eventually you will reach a point where you've identified most of the active group IDs. That is where having a PC with recording software - or a program like IDTracker - becomes very useful. Rare, infrequently used groups are hard to ID because of their inactivity. Having the ability to record the calls for later playback greatly extends your reach.
Back to DB submissions - we've had folks submit unidentified talkgroups. Please don't do that. It isn't very useful - but having a meaningful description to go along with an ID is. As you accumulate new ID descriptions - or revise old ones - please submit them to the RR DB.
-rick
