Montgomery Area Police/Fire

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arp35

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Apr 27, 2017
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Wetumpka, AL
I am using a BCD536HP with both the DMR and Provoice Upgrade. I live on the border of Montgomery/Elmore county (near the Montgomery Wind Creek Casino) currently using a Tram 1410 Discone Antenna. I have the MMCCD frequencies programmed using the Sentinel software. I can receive Montgomery Sheriff Tactical and an occasional TGID 20136 but not much else. Am I too far away to receive Montgomery Police and Fire/Rescue? My antenna is placed high inside my attic. If too far away, would a diplexer with a second antenna tuned to the 800mhz and above work better? Any suggestions or help is appreciated.
 

arp35

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Apr 27, 2017
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Wetumpka, AL
Okay, I'm just going to go for it and try adding another antenna. I purchased a few lmr-400 cables, adapters, a Yagi 800mhz antenna, and a comet 413b duplexer. Hopefully it will give me better reception in the 800mhz range while still using the discone for 450mhz and below. Can I place the antennas close to each other or do they need some separation? They will both be at the peak of my attic and I will try and point the Yagi toward downtown Montgomery. Any other suggestions or critiques?
 

RadShackFan

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Jun 2, 2010
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Auburn, Alabama
You are aware that both MPD & MFD are encrypted, right? I live about a mile from one of their radio towers and the only group I can hear in the clear is the Sheriff's main dispatch channel. (Well, all the VFDs are in the clear too.)
 

arp35

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Wetumpka, AL
Thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure if they were encrypted but I suspected they may be based on no reception at all. The Yagi antenna may be for nothing but I'll still hook it up and give it a go (for other sites in Montgomery). Then I might replace the discone for a dedicated antenna for LF/VHF/UHF reception. Is there much traffic in Montgomery around the 800mhz band that's interesting to listen too?
Alan
 

arp35

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Apr 27, 2017
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Wetumpka, AL
I just noticed I picked up Montgomery County Fire Dispatch. Are they encrypted or just transmitting on Provoice radios? I knew they were using a Provoice system but didn't think the Provoice was also encrypted.
 

RadShackFan

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Auburn, Alabama
The Montgomery system is now a P25 system. MPD and MFD are totally encrypted. The Sheriff's main diaspatch frequency, all the VFD, and the Trooper patch frequencies are in the clear.

The closest tower to you appears to be the one located at Patterson Field near Crampton Bowl.

The Alabama First Responder Network is available (antenna on the PBS tower near Crampton Bowl) and is loud and clear. I live near Ray Thorington Road in Montgomery and listen to it using a rubber duck antenna. I occasionally hear the Life Flight helicopters from around the state and, during severe weather, the state EMA center can be heard talking with various counties. This system is 700 MHz, but you should be able to pick it up.
 
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