Monitoring P-25

[RS8]

Can anyone tell me why transmissions are so broken up on the P-25 system for
Fairfax County Virginia FD? The old system was very clear.
Am I doing something wrong?

 

[Forts]

Is this a new P25 system? If so, and it's a simulcast system... scanners traditionally have a difficult time with them. Basically a transmission is coming from multiple tower sites on the same frequency, but they arrive ever so slightly out of sync with each other at the scanner. A 'real' system radio can deal with this much much better than a wideband scanner, so it typically isn't an issue for users on the system.

 

[brownlab]

I have been meaning to weigh in here but I was off the radar for a couple of days last week. Anyhow I am finding that I have no problem receiving the new or old FFX Public Safety System even with the simulcast issue (which is an issue) so I totally understand your problem and have the same issue with Loudoun Fire Dispatch. I have had some luck with antennas which are on a hinge and can bend at a slight angle. You can find such types at Scanner Masters or you can make one using attachments from Radio Shack. Sometimes it is as simple as rotating and setting the antenna slightly less than a 90 degree angle. If you have a potable unit, you may also find some places in you house work better than others. I have also had some success with the little "stubby" antenna used by NASCAR radios. Yes simple but fairly cheap solutions. Let me know if you have any luck.

 

[jaspence]

Simulcast problems

I have had better reception in some situations by using a stubby antenna such as designed for racing scanners. It does cut down lower frequency signals, but it will pick up the nearest tower rather than multiple towers like an antenna with more signal gathering ability would. You might also try the attenuator if you scanner has one, as this will limited signal strength.

 

[brownlab]

Yeah and the "stubby" is only two or three bucks so what do you have to lose? I often use one on my GRE 800 when I take it out on the road.