Missing parts of transmissions Whistler 1040

[notalexnau]

I'm noticing the begging and sometimes middle of transmissions cutting off while listening to the local fire/ems channels.

For example, I'll hear an officer or dispatcher say something, there will be a pause (I assume 'copy' or '10-4' or the like was said) and then the dispatcher/officer will say a reply. Occasionally, I'll miss out on the middle of a transmission. It'll garble for like a half second and I can tell I missed a few words. It's also normal for me to miss the first second or less of a transmission (instead of hearing 'boy 57' ill just hear '57'. It also doesn't matter if I pause the channel either. I know for sure I miss some things because I can turn on the live stream of the scanner, and it doesn't cut anything off (normally).

This happens on every one of my banks, but I notice it more on one bank vs the others, but I think it's more noticeable because there's a lot less action happening, but I am not sure.

My scanner is setup for Sacramento County, CA and the area I hear I notice this issue the most on is Citrus Heights City PD.

Can someone explain why my scanner does this? Is it because the scan rate of my scanner? Would it not happen if I had gotten a nicer scanner? I'm just curious to why this happens.

I cannot explain how I programed it because my friend has the same scanner and he just cloned his over to mine. For what its worth, he experiences the same issues.

Thank you, any information would be appreciated!

 

[K9DAK]

If these are conventional frequencies you're talking about... check the CTCSS / DCS settings. If there are specific codes programmed for each frequency, OK. But, if they're set to Search, then there will be a slight delay while the scanner searches for the proper code. If the frequency does not use a CTCSS or DCS code then set the setting to None, rather than Search. That helped a lot on my PRO-106, which is essentially the same scanner as the WS-1040.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I cannot explain how I programed it because my friend has the same scanner and he just cloned his over to mine. For what its worth, he experiences the same issues.
Thank you, any information would be appreciated!

Might be worth reprogramming the radio yourself using EZ Scan software, sounds like your friend may have made an error somewhere

 

[Spitfire8520]

Which system are you monitoring?

If you are monitoring Sacramento Regional Radio Communications System (SRRCS) P25, then it is probably simulcast distortion and it would be a good idea to read about it in the linked article. If you are monitoring Sacramento Regional Radio Communications System (SRRCS) Motorola, then your scanner might not have been rebanded correctly and will need to be reprogrammed.

 

[budevans]

I agree with Spitfie8520. I looked at the RR Database and Citrus Heights City PD is on the Sacramento Countywide Simulcast Site.
Simulcast distortion is most likely the issue you are having.

"Can someone explain why my scanner does this? Is it because the scan rate of my scanner? Would it not happen if I had gotten a nicer scanner?" The short answer is Yes. But, there are just two scanners that are designed to handle Simulcast signals properly. The Uniden SDS-100 and SDS- 200.

You do have other possible low cost or no cost options, that might reduce or resolve the problem. In the case of Simulcast (multiple signals carrying the same traffic) you could try moving your scanner to different locations in your house. Another option is to purchase a stubby (short) antenna for your scanner. With Simulcast issues, less (signal, antenna, etc..) is more.

 

[K9DAK]

Well, without the OP posting his location and agencies of interest, we can't speculate about simulcast distortion.

 

[budevans]

Well, without the OP posting his location and agencies of interest, we can't speculate about simulcast distortion.

He posted all of that info in his first post. Plus, if you look at my post or Spitfire8520, you'll see the same info.
" I looked at the RR Database and Citrus Heights City PD is on the Sacramento Countywide Simulcast Site. "

 

[tvengr]

The 1040 cannot be programmed with EZ Scan software. It may very well be a simulcast problem since both scanners are doing it. There could also be a programming problem. If you have too many systems or sites, that can cause the problem of cutting into the middle of transmissions. Some of the sites could have a poor signal strength and that can cause decoding problems resulting in garbled audio. If you had programming software such as ARC500 or WIN500, you could post the file for us to check for problems. Also try setting the squelch to minimum. Turning on SuperTrack and turning off AGC can also improve simulcast reception.

 

[notalexnau]

Wow! Thanks for all the replies here. It sounds like it's a simulcast interference problem as Spitfire said.

I think I may buy a stubby antenna to see if that helps. Even if it doesn't, I'd be able to use it at the race track once I figure out how to program the NASCAR frequencies into this thing.

This is all overwhelming as a beginner, and I don't think I'll fully understand scanning for a while, but I am thankful that RR exists because it is a great resource.

Is there some way to tell if I'm listening to the P25 vs. the motorola? Sorry, I am such a noob. lol

 

[KG4DRF]

Another stronger possibility that I see no one said anything about is that PRIORITY is turned on. That will cause the same issue that you describe. If your display shows PRI, then it is turned on.

 

[ecps92]

Before you run out an buy the antenna, try the paperclip method.
Try using a paperclip, and also, experiment moving the radio ever so slightly to get that optimum location

Wow! Thanks for all the replies here. It sounds like it's a simulcast interference problem as Spitfire said.

I think I may buy a stubby antenna to see if that helps. Even if it doesn't, I'd be able to use it at the race track once I figure out how to program the NASCAR frequencies into this thing.

This is all overwhelming as a beginner, and I don't think I'll fully understand scanning for a while, but I am thankful that RR exists because it is a great resource.

Is there some way to tell if I'm listening to the P25 vs. the motorola? Sorry, I am such a noob. lol

 

[tvengr]

You can also try turning on the attenuator. That can reduce the number of simulcast towers you are receiving and improve the control channel decoding.

 

[K9DAK]

He posted all of that info in his first post. Plus, if you look at my post or Spitfire8520, you'll see the same info.
" I looked at the RR Database and Citrus Heights City PD is on the Sacramento Countywide Simulcast Site. "

Well, the OP only posted his city in his first post, NOT the system. I didn't have the time to research what system it was on... you guys did... good for you. I'll just go lay by my dish now.