Monitoring VSP with SDS100

[rbenn]

I'm trying to monitor VSP from Loudoun County using my new SDS100, but not having any luck so far.

At this point, I've added VSP to my FL as follows: USA > Virginia > Loudoun > Statewide > VA STARS > Virginia State Police, then 'Append to Favorites List'.

With all of the repeater locations, most of which are out of range, I thought it would be easiest to just enable location control for this system. When I start scanning, it appears to be scanning Dumfries, Fairfax, Independent Hill, and Mount Weather, which seems correct based on my actual location. RSSI is around 99-104 range when on Fairfax, none of the others seem to indicate a signal. Unfortunately, I'm not getting any audio.

I'm using the stock Uniden antenna, SQL set to 2.

Appreciate any tips anyone might have to help resolve my issue.

 

[N4ANJ]

Check to be sure your "Law" "ServiceTypes" are ON.

 

[rbenn]

Check to be sure your "Law" "ServiceTypes" are ON.

Yes, I'm able to receive LCSO & LCFR, so basic setup of service types is all good.

After some further testing, it seems that I just don't have enough signal at my location. I've determined that the only repeater site I can hear at the moment is Fairfax, so I've set an avoid for all others so I don't waste time scanning those. I also swapped out the stock Uniden duck for a Diamond SRH77, which gets me more signal. With the combination of locking on the Fairfax site and the improved antenna, I'm now able to get some audio on Fairfax 1 & 2, although quality is not that great. Now that I have identified the issue, I'll continue to work on getting a better signal to the radio.

Anyone else in Loudoun monitoring VSP with an SDS100?

 

[ResQguy]

Keep in mind that STARS is designed for mobile coverage, not portable.

 

[GmanX]

Depending on where you are in Loudoun you might not have the best coverage even with a mobile

 

[rbuxton]

Yes, I'm able to receive LCSO & LCFR, so basic setup of service types is all good.

After some further testing, it seems that I just don't have enough signal at my location. I've determined that the only repeater site I can hear at the moment is Fairfax, so I've set an avoid for all others so I don't waste time scanning those. I also swapped out the stock Uniden duck for a Diamond SRH77, which gets me more signal. With the combination of locking on the Fairfax site and the improved antenna, I'm now able to get some audio on Fairfax 1 & 2, although quality is not that great. Now that I have identified the issue, I'll continue to work on getting a better signal to the radio.

Anyone else in Loudoun monitoring VSP with an SDS100?

I live just of east of Dulles Airport. I can hear Mt. Weather, Independent Hill, and Fairfax sites at my location. Where, more precisely, are you located in Loudoun County?

 

[IcomIcR20]

Yes, the stock antenna just doesn't cut it. Those are never any good. Using an extended whip, or mag mount will help a lot. If you can get a outdoor VHF antenna up, that will help even more.

I'm able to get full signal on a portable here in NC from the closest STARS site which is on Beamer Knob -- nearly 50 miles away. That thing has some serious coverage footprint!

 

[rbenn]

I live just of east of Dulles Airport. I can hear Mt. Weather, Independent Hill, and Fairfax sites at my location. Where, more precisely, are you located in Loudoun County?

I'm about 2 miles west of the Stones Springs hospital, just south off of Rt 50.

What is your setup that you're using to listen to STARS?

 

[rbuxton]

I'm about 2 miles west of the Stones Springs hospital, just south off of Rt 50.

What is your setup that you're using to listen to STARS?

I live on the 5th floor of an apartment building (just SE of the intersection of Rt28 and Rt267) with a west facing window, SDS100 with a Remtronix antenna (on the radio.)