How 996/396XT multi-site works

[W2SJW]

Guys,

Just a quick question about the behavior of the multisite feature on the 996/396XT. Is it similar to the 'stationary' mode on the PSR-500 & 600 (where it checks all receivable control channels in the list, instead of finding the first & parking there)?

I want to know what to expect when I get my 396XT & start programming some of the multi-site systems here in NJ...

 

[UPMan]

Not exactly. The structure is more like:

System
  -- Site 1
  -- Site 2
  -- Site 3
|
 -- Channel Group 1
 -- Channel Group 2
 -- Channel Group 3

Each site can be independently turned on or off for scanning at any time, or automatically if using a GPS. Each enabled site is scanned when the scanner "hits" that system. Disabled sites are not scanned. All enabled channel groups for the system are checked for every enabled site on the system.

 

[thewenk]

Not exactly. The structure is more like:

System
  -- Site 1
  -- Site 2
  -- Site 3
|
 -- Channel Group 1
 -- Channel Group 2
 -- Channel Group 3

Each site can be independently turned on or off for scanning at any time, or automatically if using a GPS. Each enabled site is scanned when the scanner "hits" that system. Disabled sites are not scanned. All enabled channel groups for the system are checked for every enabled site on the system.

I think maybe the question was about setting up one site, and say calling it "multisite" and programing control channels from a number of physical sites into this one multisite. How would the 966/396 scan all of those control channels programmed into one site?

Dave

 

[UPMan]

It would stop on the first control channel it was able to receive.

But, it would also be programmed incorrectly for a multisite system. Each site should be programmed as its own site.

 

[W2SJW]

OK, it's better if I describe the 3 systems that are the ones I'm confused about setting up right:

#1 - NJ State Police - A SmartZone OmniLink that's made up of three totally separate SmartZones with quite a bit of talkgroups that are heard across all three systems. Each system has only about 12-14 talkgroups that are specific just to each single system. Main issue - I don't want to have to create three systems like I did with the 396 & have to duplicate all those talkgroups

#2 - Burlington County, NJ - Very large SmartZone system with 7 seperate TX sites that do not share any frequencies between them. Each zone has quite a few talkgroups all to it's own, but every zone pretty much simulcasts the traffic of the zones that border it. Same main issue as #1, I don't want to duplicate talkgroups.

#3 - Morris County, NJ - A 4-site SmartZone that uses the same talkgroups county-wide. Zones 3 & 4 only carry traffic when a unit affiliates to that zone. Zones 1 & 2 are a south/north full-time simulcast that do not share any frequencies.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 

[DaveIN]

Not exactly. The structure is more like:

System
  -- Site 1
  -- Site 2
  -- Site 3
|
 -- Channel Group 1
 -- Channel Group 2
 -- Channel Group 3

Each site can be independently turned on or off for scanning at any time, or automatically if using a GPS. Each enabled site is scanned when the scanner "hits" that system. Disabled sites are not scanned. All enabled channel groups for the system are checked for every enabled site on the system.

This should be great. The ability to turn an individual site on or off sites with the GPSr is great on the 15/996. Will it work as a temporary lockout when locked out manually?

 

[UPMan]

I'd program them all the same. Put each site (physical) into its own site in the scanner. Put all talk groups of interest in that system, too. Enable or disable whichever sites you are in range of (or just enable them all...it will sequentially check each site for TG of interest).

Your situation is why I added GPS control to channel groups in the new "X" models. GPS will be able to independently turn on/off sites and channel groups (so you are always hearing the location relevent TG's on the closest tower). That would also let you limit the TG set on a per-site basis (without a bunch of button pushing).

 

[UPMan]

Yes, GPS does a temporary lockout of sites and channel groups (x only). If a site or channel group is permanently locked out, it will unlock when you enter its range. (You'd want to disable the site's QK to keep it quiet.)

 

[torontokris]

to answer the OP it's NOT like the stationary mode on the 500/600. If you hit hold it's only staying on that site.
If the scanner is scannning then yes it will search the other sites.

 

[DaveIN]

For some, that could be allot of repeated talkgroups. Too bad you couldn't load them once in a talkgroup list and then reference them to the system of interest like a start up configuration. I'll defiantly want to load the systems/sites with my favorite program. That's not something you want to do in the field by hand, but I'm just happy to have the multi-site configuration mind you.

 

[UPMan]

Not sure which post you are referring to.

You don't have to reenter the TGID channels for each site. Every site on the system will apply to every channel on the system.

 

[DaveIN]

I'd program them all the same. Put each site (physical) into its own site in the scanner. Put all talk groups of interest in that system, too. Enable or disable whichever sites you are in range of (or just enable them all...it will sequentially check each site for TG of interest).

Your situation is why I added GPS control to channel groups in the new "X" models. GPS will be able to independently turn on/off sites and channel groups (so you are always hearing the location relevent TG's on the closest tower). That would also let you limit the TG set on a per-site basis (without a bunch of button pushing).

I guess I should have quoted the message. I was referring to multiple copies of talkgroups for sites, but maybe it's not a problem. I thought if you could link the talkgroup list to the site it would be easier than multiple copies of the same talkgroups.

 

[UPMan]

Every list (Channel Group) in the system links to every site in the system. So, multiple copies are not neded.

 

[DaveIN]

So each system has the list of talkgroups and each site uses them. If you want to select just a different set of talkgroups for each site you'll need a different start up configuration right?

 

[UPMan]

If you want to select a different set of talk groups for each site (without using GPS), then you'd have to treat each site as its own system.

 

[W2SJW]

Guys,

Thanks to all for the quick replies. The unit is going to behave just the way I want it to as per Paul's description.

My last question - can you multi-site an EDACS system? If I could pull that off & get all non-ProVoice operation in Atlantic County here in NJ jammed into one system, it would be awesome... :lol:

 

[UPMan]

Yes, you can do multisite on EDACS, too.

 

[awasser1]

BOY THAT SURE CONFUSED ME. I PUT EACH SITE FOR CT STATE POLICE ON A DIFFERENT SYSTEM BUT I PUT ALL THE TG'S FOR ALL THE ZONES, E,C,W IN EACH SYSTEM. i DONT UNDERSTAND THE OTHER WAY TO DO IT ESPECIALLY USING SOFTWARE. I GUESS MY WAY WORKS.

 

[datainmotion]

Your situation is why I added GPS control to channel groups in the new "X" models. GPS will be able to independently turn on/off sites and channel groups (so you are always hearing the location relevent TG's on the closest tower). That would also let you limit the TG set on a per-site basis (without a bunch of button pushing).

Oh sure, only the X models get it...:roll::lol: