Monitoring Westerville with a BCD436HP

[BogmanGlen]

I'm a old guy (new to scanning) , and could use some help regarding monitoring Westerville. I'm using a BCD436HP, updated firmware.

I programmed it using Sentinel. I have the Westerville talkgroups in, along with Columbus City Simulcast. I'm monitoring from Westerville, using the rubber duck.

I'm received Westerville PD & Fire, but the audio is garbled. Listening to other PD's, audio is clear.

I'm enjoying researching this, but it's a bit like drinking from a fire hose, so I need baby steps. Any help appreciated.

Tom
KB8RUT

 

[Colin9690]

I'm a old guy (new to scanning) , and could use some help regarding monitoring Westerville. I'm using a BCD436HP, updated firmware.

I programmed it using Sentinel. I have the Westerville talkgroups in, along with Columbus City Simulcast. I'm monitoring from Westerville, using the rubber duck.

I'm received Westerville PD & Fire, but the audio is garbled. Listening to other PD's, audio is clear.

I'm enjoying researching this, but it's a bit like drinking from a fire hose, so I need baby steps. Any help appreciated.

Tom
KB8RUT

Have you used this particular scanner before? Reason I ask is, wondering if you previously received them just fine and now a problem comes up after a firmware update, etc.

I’d try using the attenuator, double checking the basic things in the Sentinel programming such as proper system type, etc.

I don’t own that model of scanner, but if your scanner has different “filters” like my SDS-100 has, try experimenting with those. I have improved my reception of the system by finding the filter (or lack of) that works best for me. If your scanner has them, the filter options should be Auto, normal, invert, wide invert, wide normal, and completely off.

 

[escortz28]

Hi Tom,

A few basic questions - answers will assist us in helping you.

Does the quality of the audio change, i.e. less garbled, based on the location of the scanner in the home? Have you moved the scanner to different locations and tried? Have you tried outside the home?

Are you using the stock, OEM, antenna?

The other PDs - which one(s)? Columbus PD/FD (as Westerville is on same MARCS Site)? If not CPD/CFD, whom?

I have a 436 as well as the 100 & 200. No issues in monitoring Westerville amongst others on the Columbus City MARCS site.

Dave
N3IL

 

[BogmanGlen]

Thanks for the response, guys, let me work on those variables this week and report back.
Regards,
Tom

 

[phask]

Probably the fact that you are trying to copy Simulcast with a 536. Unless everything is just perfect, not gonna happen.

Tha's even if you have everything programmed properly. Can always try all the simulcast band-aids. Less antenna, yagi, etc.

 

[BogmanGlen]

"Probably the fact that you are trying to copy Simulcast with a 536" I apologize, I don't know what simulcast means.
I have a 436, is there a better scanner for this application?

Thanks

 

[Nasby]

"Probably the fact that you are trying to copy Simulcast with a 536" I apologize, I don't know what simulcast means.
I have a 436, is there a better scanner for this application?

Thanks

Unfortunately, the Columbus area can be very difficult to scan because of simulcast issues.
The 436 and 536 are great scanners but often don’t work well with simulcast systems (which is what you are trying to monitor).
The only scanners that are designed for simulcast systems are the Uniden SDS 100 and SDS 200.

 

[BogmanGlen]

Thanks, Nasby, I get it now. I guess I'm behind the curve and have some homework to do.

To the other respondents, thanks for the help!

Question, how does one know if an area is on simulcast?

Thanks again.

 

[wa8pyr]

Thanks, Nasby, I get it now. I guess I'm behind the curve and have some homework to do.

To the other respondents, thanks for the help!

Question, how does one know if an area is on simulcast?

Thanks again.

If it's a major metro county (Franklin County, Cuyahoga County, etc) it's simulcast. In many cases, some counties adjacent to major metro counties are also simulcast.

For MARCS, simulcast sites are listed as such in the database.

 

[phask]

Thanks, Nasby, I get it now. I guess I'm behind the curve and have some homework to do.

To the other respondents, thanks for the help!

Question, how does one know if an area is on simulcast?

Thanks again.

Probably as good a description as needed.

What Is Simulcast Distortion On Police Scanners Radios?

Simulcast distortion in police scanning is when multiple towers, in different locations, will send out the same signal on identical frequencies at the same time. Confusing? We know!. If your area uses simulcast you must buy a simulcast capable police scanner radio. We can look up your area and...

www.zipscanners.com

 

[BogmanGlen]

That helps a lot, thank you.

 

[JethrowJohnson]

Ohio MARCS-IP: Multi-Agency Radio Communications Site: Columbus City Simul

Ohio MARCS-IP: Multi-Agency Radio Communications Site: Columbus City Simul Details

www.radioreference.com

And it looks like you're right in between two towers and maybe in range of one or two more. So that's probably what's causing it.

 

[BogmanGlen]

Thanks! SDS100 on the way.