Issues with SC21 Site 1-02

[ILjim]

Hello everyone,

It is my understanding that one of the many towers used for StarCom21 Site 1-02 is located outside the Chicago FD radio shops at 31st/Sacramento. I pass by the area often going to/from work, but I've noticed that for the past several days or so that I barely get any signal when I go through the area. There was one time where I got a strong signal (like I usually do) and then it suddenly drops down almost to nothing. It seems like the tower just shut off and stopped transmitting. Am I correct or is there something else to it?

Also, I am 100% certain that whatever it is, it has nothing to do with intermod or LSM distortion as I have never had those issues when I am in that area.

Thanks.

 

[IAmSixNine]

What scanner? is it the PSR in your profile pic?
Are you making the scanner lock onto the particular site 1-02? or are you scanning the entire system with all the sites enabled?
Its entirely possible your overloading the front end of the scanner by being so close to the tower. Just a few thoughts.

 

[ILjim]

What scanner? is it the PSR in your profile pic?
Are you making the scanner lock onto the particular site 1-02? or are you scanning the entire system with all the sites enabled?
Its entirely possible your overloading the front end of the scanner by being so close to the tower. Just a few thoughts.

1. Yes, it's the PSR-500. I usually use the RS 800 MHz antenna when scanning.

2. Yes, I am only scanning the Control Channels for 1-02. No voice channels are programmed in.

3. I only have Site 1-02 enabled, no others. I do not have it set to 'Roam' or multi-site.

4. Again, it's not overloading/intermod. I usually get a strong signal without any garbling. I never get close enough to the tower where I would have such an issue.

 

[cubn]

Could Site 102 have changed control channels recently?

 

[rbrtklamp2]

I've got tower 1.02 Dist Chicago South 5x5 from Dupage County. CC is still on 774.34375, with the PSR500 I'm thinking it's probably simulcast distortion as my first guess.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[ILjim]

Could Site 102 have changed control channels recently?

Maybe. I do recall that the CC changed to 770.71875 at least once recently. It seems to be changing between that and the usual 774.34375...

 

[ILjim]

with the PSR500 I'm thinking it's probably simulcast distortion as my first guess.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Nope, that's not it. Never had that issue when I'm in that area.

 

[ILjim]

I usually use the RS 800 MHz antenna when scanning.

I forgot to mention that A) I do not use the attenuator and B) the system usually comes in great when I use different antennas. I'm pretty sure that it has to do with that specific tower since I get a much weaker signal than usual. When passing near the tower on I-55, I always get a strong, reliable signal. Now, I'm lucky if I get any signal.

 

[werinshades]

I monitor site 1-02 from my post just west of Midway Airport and can report reception is the same as always, SDS 200/ SDS 100 is receiving as normal. Their is a possibility that the receiver site is down due to maintenance.

 

[kevino]

All of the frequencies that are used for STARCOM21 Site 102 (except for one) are covered by a statewide 700 MHz "blanket" license (WPTZ798) issued to the State of Illinois. This license does not list individual repeater frequencies or locations. The frequency not covered by that callsign (772.64375) is licensed to PACE SUBURBAN BUS SERVICE OF THE RTA under three different callsigns (WQQD815, WQQE903 and WQTG796) at 14 different locations:

- IDOT tower southeast of the intersection of I-294 and I-88 in Hillside (possibly at the I-294 Cermak Road toll plaza in Westchester?)
- 43rd & Western (Chicago)
- Chicago PD Area 2 (727 E 111th St.)
- I-294 86th Street toll plaza (Justice)
- I-294 maintenance garage M1 (Alsip)
- ISP weigh station (Torrence Road S. of US 30, Chicago Heights)
- 6 E. Main Street (Chicago Heights)
- 167th Street 1/2 mile west of LaGrange Road (Orland Park)
- I-294 163rd Street toll plaza (Markham)
- 14329 S. Torrence Avenue (Burnham)
- 1010 S. Clinton (behind the Chicago Fire Academy)
- 2430 N. Elston Avenue (Chicago)
- 7188 W. Irving Park Road (behind the IDOT yard)
- I-294 Irving Park toll plaza (Schiller Park)

No idea if there are additional Site 102 tower locations or not.....

 

[RoninJoliet]

Here in Joliet i have four bars on T1-02 and very good signal at 2pm today, last night about 9pm i had one bar and no CC......the CC is the same ....