How bad is simulcast distortion in NW Tucson area?

[DeDawg]

Will be staying in Oro Valley for a while.

Wondering if it is worth programming and bringing my BCD325P2 if PCWIN is unlistenable with the simulcast in that area.

 

[DanRollman]

Will be staying in Oro Valley for a while.

Wondering if it is worth programming and bringing my BCD325P2 if PCWIN is unlistenable with the simulcast in that area.

I would guess that North Simulcast (which is the primary site for Oro Valley) is less of an issue than Sim A and Sim B, because North Simulcast has less signal overlap in its design, but it's been a long time since I've listened to PCWIN on a scanner that doesn't have the proper hardware for decoding simulcast systems (I use a SDS100, Unication G5, and BK Radio KNG now).

Depending on what part of Oro Valley you are in, you might hear the Golder site fine on your 325. Golder isn't simulcast, and will typically carry most fire and law enforcement TGs of interest to you in the area. You will likely also be able to hear Keystone well from that area (notwithstanding how far away it is), which isn't simulcast.

When trying to listen to PCWIN on a scanner that wasn't properly designed for simulcast reception, Golder, Bigelow and especially Keystone is the "hack" if you can pick it up and it is carrying what you want to hear.

PCWIN is a great system. Have fun with it.