Motorola CDM1550-LS (Question on Scan Settings)

[dapaq2]

Hello Group,

I am working with a Motorola CDM1550-LS. Model number AAM25KHF9DU6AN. Using in conventional mode only, no trunking.

In the programming software I see that I can setup multiple "Scan Lists" that offer up to 16 channels per scan list, but is not what I am looking for.

I would like to know how I can program this radio to scan all the channels within a group/zone or to scan selected channels in multiple groups/zones at the same time and then use the nuisance delete feature to temporarily remove any channels as needed.

When I access the radio's menu via the front panel menu button and screen I am presented with the following: System Scan, All Group Scan, Program Lists, Phone, Radio Call, Zone, Utilities, Repeater/Talkaround, Audio/Tones, Message, and Status. It appears that what I am wanting to do is doable as there is "All Group Scan" showing up in the radios front screen menu selection, I just don't know how to go about accomplishing it in the programming.

Any help and/or information on scan settings and scan abilities for this model radio is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Doug

 

[mmckenna]

Scan lists are limited to 16 channels, and that can be one of the drawbacks of Motorola radios. CDM's are not the only radio that does this.

I'm using many CDM's, both at work and at home and I don't think All Group Scan does what you think it does. 16 channels is the limit, as far as I know.

A scanner might be a better choice, or a different manufacturer that doesn't settle on a somewhat arbitrary number like Motorola.

 

[dapaq2]

Thank you for your response mmckenna.

I am aware of the scan lists existence and have played around with it a little bit and also aware of the 16 channel limit per list. Scan lists suck I can't even change the scan lists from a number to a name, useless. But scan lists are not what I am asking about.

I would like to know more about group or zone scan, multiple channel scanning, system scan and all group scan. Also, if "All Group Scan" does not do what I think it does, then what exactly does it do?

Looking for a scanner or different brand of two way radio is not an option. My purpose of this post is to try and learn as much as possible from more experienced Motorola users about the CDM1550-LS's scan capabilities and then attempt to program the radio so that the scan functions are as close to my wants/needs as possible within the radios abilities.

Any additional help or information is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Doug

 

[firebuff17]

Group scan, all group scan, and system scan I believe are scan functions for trunking systems. I don't think they apply when used as a conventional operation.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mmckenna]

Yes, I'd agree with Firebuff. I think you've discovered the limits of the radio scan function in conventional mode.

While Motorola's are nice, they do have some funky annoyances.

A better place to look for information would be over at Batwing Laboratories That's primarily a Motorola oriented site. You'll find some better answers, but I think you are also going to find the same limitations you'v already discovered.
I own many of these radios, but I rarely use the scan function. I have limited resources on information on Motorola gear, but I might be able to dig around at work tomorrow.

 

[dapaq2]

Thank you for making mention of the Batwing website and Batwing discussion forum, actually I have known about them for many years and occasionally visit and post. I had posted this same question over there prior to posting here at RadioReference, but as of this reply no one has yet to respond.

After spending several hours yesterday messing around with the programing and testing of various settings within this radio to see what it will and will not do, I believe that firebuff17 is correct, but partially correct.

From my findings it appears that the "Group Scan" and "All Group Scan" function are functions that do just that; "scans groups", but is not available for use with conventional channels/personalities, only when using trunking. "System Scan" appears to be the scanning of one scan list at a time and each scan list is selected by selecting the zone that that scan list is associated with and then enabling "System Scan". The ability to scan multiple scan lists at the same time does not appear to be available.

I have setup two or three scan lists (16 channels maximum per list) and have entered the 16 most important frequencies/personalities into each scan list. It is not exactly what I was wanting, but it is better than having NO scanning ability...

Thank you guys for your responses and help with this. I changed from Motorola to Kenwood many years ago and after messing around with this Motorola software and radio it has all come back to me, and I now remember why I made the change...

Doug

 

[mmckenna]

Thank you guys for your responses and help with this. I changed from Motorola to Kenwood many years ago and after messing around with this Motorola software and radio it has all come back to me, and I now remember why I made the change...

Doug

A few years back I had to replace my aging SmartNet trunked system. I was happy to select Kenwood to replace the system, including about 400 radios.
Motorola makes good stuff, but they shoot themselves in the foot too many times. Kenwood has been much easier to deal with and appear to actually pay attention to their customers.
Not sure Motorola will ever be able to comprehend that, at least not before they go under.