Need help. Can't hear Virginia State Police

[MaverickStorm71]

First things first, I am new to scanning and still learning how to tweak my scanner settings for better monitoring. I live in Norfolk Virginia and have an SDS100. I have downloaded all the Police/Fire/EMS groups for the cities around me including all of the Virginia State Police frequencies from the RRDB. I am able to hear every city very well but don't hear anything from Virginia State Police. I don't see that its encrypted or any reason that I would not be able to hear them but I can't. Also, It seems like scanning is not as popular now days as it used to be back in the 80's and 90's. I was looking for a group or club or something around me that helps each other with scanning and amateur radio. I am interested in getting my Ham radio license also. I am more of a hands on learner. Any help would be very appreciated. I recently had back surgery and don't get out much and the scanner gives me something to do.

 

[Listener1440]

First, I hope you recover quickly from your back surgery. First thing is to make sure you have checked the correct Service Groups you need. I am guessing you built a Favorites List (FL) to scan with. You can go into the FL and narrow down your search by designating just certain Talk groups and sites. I see you are surrounded by Division Five of the VSP. You might want to select them to cut down on the amount of frequencies the SDS100 is scanning. Below are the three towers that seem to service Norfolk.

1-020 Virginia Beach (VA Beach City)



1-014 Chesapeake (Chesapeake City)



1-011 Hampton (Hampton City)

Hope this helps. Marks Easy to Read Manuals at Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual is a great resource to assist you with some of your questions. And by all means study and get your ham license, scanning peaked my interest enough in radio and I got my ticket.

Listener1440, 73s

 

[MaverickStorm71]

First, I hope you recover quickly from your back surgery. First thing is to make sure you have checked the correct Service Groups you need. I am guessing you built a Favorites List (FL) to scan with. You can go into the FL and narrow down your search by designating just certain Talk groups and sites. I see you are surrounded by Division Five of the VSP. You might want to select them to cut down on the amount of frequencies the SDS100 is scanning. Below are the three towers that seem to service Norfolk.

1-020 Virginia Beach (VA Beach City)

View attachment 151245

1-014 Chesapeake (Chesapeake City)

View attachment 151246

1-011 Hampton (Hampton City)
View attachment 151247
Hope this helps. Marks Easy to Read Manuals at Easier to Read SDS100/200 Digital Scanner Manual is a great resource to assist you with some of your questions. And by all means study and get your ham license, scanning peaked my interest enough in radio and I got my ticket.

Listener1440, 73s

Thank you Listener1440. It's been 3 months and I guess I'm coming along, slow but improving. I do have all of the VSP saved to favorites, and I then focused on just monitoring DIV5 but I still don't hear anything. I have all of the LAW Dispatch, Law Tac, car to car, and everything needed to hear but still can't hear anything. The VSP favorite is pretty much set up like all the other cities that I can hear fine. I don't get it. I'm still new and learning. Right now I'm just trying to get the basics down pat for my area and then I'll start "scanning" for new and other stuff. It's a lot to learn. I am trying out the ProScan app for 30 days to see if it's something I'll use. I wish I could find a local group that gets together shares info and helps each other. Still looking.

 

[tglendye]

Just to clarify a couple of things, are you attempting to listen to VSP on the STARS trunked radio system? Also, are you programming the radio with the Sentinel software? STARS is not encrypted now, however it sounds like they are in the process of encrypting very soon.

Welcome to the hobby. There is plenty to listen to where you are. Hope your back keeps healing- and keep the questions coming. We’ll help get you running. There are plenty of people in this forum from your area.

 

[MaverickStorm71]

Just to clarify a couple of things, are you attempting to listen to VSP on the STARS trunked radio system? Also, are you programming the radio with the Sentinel software? STARS is not encrypted now, however it sounds like they are in the process of encrypting very soon.

Welcome to the hobby. There is plenty to listen to where you are. Hope your back keeps healing- and keep the questions coming. We’ll help get you running. There are plenty of people in this forum from your area.

Yes, I am programming using the Sentinel software. I downloaded all of the VSP from the RRDB and then just honed in on Div 5. I also have the conventional string loaded. I don't know if its "Stars". It's the trunked string. I am also trying out the ProScan software but not using it to program my scanner yet because I am still learning it.

 

[tglendye]

I would stay away from the conventional stuff for state police- at least until you get things working, and make sure you are using this STARS: Virginia Statewide Agencies Radio System (STARS) Trunking System, Statewide, Virginia.

I would program all VSP Div 5 (Chesapeake) talk groups. This will be your area. I’m pretty sure I’m making an accurate statement that adding additional TG’s will not slow your scanning down on a trunked system (such as STARS). What will slow it down and negatively effect scanning, is adding too many sites. So for now, I would go into Sentinel and only turn on the site that is closest- or the closet site that looks the busiest (has the most frequencies).

While your are trying this, I think I would also turn off all other Favorite Lists to make your testing easier. You can do that by going through the scanners menu or on Sentinel.

 

[Roydog62]

First things first, I am new to scanning and still learning how to tweak my scanner settings for better monitoring. I live in Norfolk Virginia and have an SDS100. I have downloaded all the Police/Fire/EMS groups for the cities around me including all of the Virginia State Police frequencies from the RRDB. I am able to hear every city very well but don't hear anything from Virginia State Police. I don't see that its encrypted or any reason that I would not be able to hear them but I can't. Also, It seems like scanning is not as popular now days as it used to be back in the 80's and 90's. I was looking for a group or club or something around me that helps each other with scanning and amateur radio. I am interested in getting my Ham radio license also. I am more of a hands on learner. Any help would be very appreciated. I recently had back surgery and don't get out much and the scanner gives me something to do.

I live in Suffolk and I listen to them everyday. I use only the control channel frequencies for the Chesapeake tower, Southampton tower, and Hampton tower. I'm too far away from the Virginia Beach tower. TG Chesapeake 1 which is the Peninsula and Eastern Shore. TG Chesapeake 2 covers the Southside and I85 and I95 for Division 5. Sometimes and rarely do they use the other TGs for Division 5. Channel 1is TG(49), Channel 2 is TG(51). TG 59 and 61, 64 are fully encrypted. Chesapeake tower freqs: 152.7875c , 152.7425c & 152.1575c. Hampton tower freqs: 152.5775c & 152.7575c.
Use a good 150 mhz antenna. Remtronix and other 800mhz antennas WILL NOT work properly for Virginia STARS. I hope this helps 👍

 

[MaverickStorm71]

I live in Suffolk and I listen to them everyday. I use only the control channel frequencies for the Chesapeake tower, Southampton tower, and Hampton tower. I'm too far away from the Virginia Beach tower. TG Chesapeake 1 which is the Peninsula and Eastern Shore. TG Chesapeake 2 covers the Southside and I85 and I95 for Division 5. Sometimes and rarely do they use the other TGs for Division 5. Channel 1is TG(49), Channel 2 is TG(51). TG 59 and 61, 64 are fully encrypted. Chesapeake tower freqs: 152.7875c , 152.7425c & 152.1575c. Hampton tower freqs: 152.5775c & 152.7575c.
Use a good 150 mhz antenna. Remtronix and other 800mhz antennas WILL NOT work properly for Virginia STARS. I hope this helps 👍

Uhg, there is a lot to learn. I thought or think I have all of those programmed in my scanner. I'm probably not programming it the right way. I have a 13" BNC Magnetic mount sitting on my window seal attached to the scanner. I also have a Remtronics antenna but haven't used it yet. I downloaded all of the TG you mentioned and probably a few extras. Part of the problem is I'm stumbling through setting up my scanner because I'm terrible at reading and following instructions, im a hands-on learner. For instance, I did exactly what several threads and sds100 instructions said was the way to program Priority channels thinking I have it right but as soon as I start scanning, I get the message, "No Priority Channel set". Fu$#!....I need to have a coffee with someone and just get a hands on lesson. Thats how I'll learn. I hear Norfolk PD, Norfolk FD and Chesapeake PD and Fire just fine but everything else is sketchy. Even when I listen to each one at a time. I did get some hits on Medivacs today flying up from the outer banks to Chesapeake Regional Hospital. I've also been playing with ProScan a little bit but Im not using it to program the scanner with yet. Just like the interface when listening.

 

[MaverickStorm71]

Uhg, there is a lot to learn. I thought or think I have all of those programmed in my scanner. I'm probably not programming it the right way. I have a 13" BNC Magnetic mount sitting on my window seal attached to the scanner. I also have a Remtronics antenna but haven't used it yet. I downloaded all of the TG you mentioned and probably a few extras. Part of the problem is I'm stumbling through setting up my scanner because I'm terrible at reading and following instructions, I'm a hands-on learner. For instance, I did exactly what several threads and sds100 instructions said was the way to program Priority channels thinking I have it right but as soon as I start scanning, I get the message, "No Priority Channel set". Fu$#!....I need to have a coffee with someone and just get a hands on lesson. Thats how I'll learn. I hear Norfolk PD, Norfolk FD and Chesapeake PD and Fire just fine but everything else is sketchy. Even when I listen to each one at a time. I did get some hits on Medivacs today flying up from the outer banks to Chesapeake Regional Hospital. I've also been playing with ProScan a little bit but Im not using it to program the scanner with yet. Just like the interface when listening.

I'm pretty sure I'm not using Sentinel correctly or something. Which doesn't make sense because my Norfolk and Chesapeake FL work right, as far as I can tell.

 

[tvengr]

I'm pretty sure I'm not using Sentinel correctly or something. Which doesn't make sense because my Norfolk and Chesapeake FL work right, as far as I can tell.

Please export and attach your favorites list with VA State Police so that we can take a look at it. Go to the File tab in Sentinel and click on Export to hpe file (Favorites List). You will need to zip the exported file to be able to attach it. Click on Attach files and open the zipped file.

 

[MaverickStorm71]

Please export and attach your favorites list with VA State Police so that we can take a look at it. Go to the File tab in Sentinel and click on Export to hpe file (Favorites List). You will need to zip the exported file to be able to attach it. Click on Attach files and open the zipped file.

I hope i did it right.

 

[tvengr]

I don't see anything wrong with the programming. You should be in ID Scan (ID Search Off) to hear just the state police. In ID Search, you should be hearing all talkgroups carried on those sites. In the Profile Editor, make sure that both Download and Monitor are On for the favorites list when you write the favorites list to the scanner.

 

[Roydog62]

Uhg, there is a lot to learn. I thought or think I have all of those programmed in my scanner. I'm probably not programming it the right way. I have a 13" BNC Magnetic mount sitting on my window seal attached to the scanner. I also have a Remtronics antenna but haven't used it yet. I downloaded all of the TG you mentioned and probably a few extras. Part of the problem is I'm stumbling through setting up my scanner because I'm terrible at reading and following instructions, im a hands-on learner. For instance, I did exactly what several threads and sds100 instructions said was the way to program Priority channels thinking I have it right but as soon as I start scanning, I get the message, "No Priority Channel set". Fu$#!....I need to have a coffee with someone and just get a hands on lesson. Thats how I'll learn. I hear Norfolk PD, Norfolk FD and Chesapeake PD and Fire just fine but everything else is sketchy. Even when I listen to each one at a time. I did get some hits on Medivacs today flying up from the outer banks to Chesapeake Regional Hospital. I've also been playing with ProScan a little bit but Im not using it to program the scanner with yet. Just like the interface when listening.

I learned how to program my scanners by YouTube.

 

[MaverickStorm71]

I don't see anything wrong with the programming. You should be in ID Scan (ID Search Off) to hear just the state police. In ID Search, you should be hearing all talkgroups carried on those sites. In the Profile Editor, make sure that both Download and Monitor are On for the favorites list when you write the favorites list to the scanner.

So, I changed it up a little. I "Cleared User Data" and started over. I put in my zip code for location and set distance to 50 miles. I organized my favorites by City, System and Precincts for police of Fire/EMS. I'm gunna run it and see what hits I get.

 

[tvengr]

In your scanner, Press MENU > Set Scan Selection > Press E > Scroll to Select Lists to Monitor > Press E > You should see the VSP favorites list in the scanner > If not, you did not send it to the scanner. If it shows Off, press E to turn it on. That would mean that Monitor was not turned On for the favorites list in the Profile Editor of Sentinel. > Press AVOID to exit menus.

 

[MaverickStorm71]

In your scanner, Press MENU > Set Scan Selection > Press E > Scroll to Select Lists to Monitor > Press E > You should see the VSP favorites list in the scanner > If not, you did not send it to the scanner. If it shows Off, press E to turn it on. That would mean that Monitor was not turned On for the favorites list in the Profile Editor of Sentinel. > Press AVOID to exit menus.

Thank you, I am a little more knowledgeable than that, but you got the idea of how I learn...lol. I have checked all that several times. Cleared the profile and started over several times. Made sure my FL are downloaded and turned on to monitor. I am really starting to think its my antenna or interference from being inside my house or something. I pick up Norfolk Police and Fire almost perfectly. I live in Norfolk. I pick up Chesapeake pretty good as far as I can tell. I replaced the stock antenna with a 13inch BNC antenna with a magnetic base and put it in my window so it's away from my computer and TVs. I have my location set with my zip code. I have distance set to 50 miles. I have close call set to off. I hate bugging you guys like this but I hate to think I have a $650 plastic brick because I am screwing something up.

 

[LeSueurC]

Thank you, I am a little more knowledgeable than that, but you got the idea of how I learn...lol. I have checked all that several times. Cleared the profile and started over several times. Made sure my FL are downloaded and turned on to monitor. I am really starting to think its my antenna or interference from being inside my house or something. I pick up Norfolk Police and Fire almost perfectly. I live in Norfolk. I pick up Chesapeake pretty good as far as I can tell. I replaced the stock antenna with a 13inch BNC antenna with a magnetic base and put it in my window so it's away from my computer and TVs. I have my location set with my zip code. I have distance set to 50 miles. I have close call set to off. I hate bugging you guys like this but I hate to think I have a $650 plastic brick because I am screwing something up.

I would turn close call off and I would steer away from using the zip code feature as it’ll add a lot of unwanted frequencies. Making your own FL is the most optimal way to program it

 

[tvengr]

Your programming for the favorites list looked good. Norfolk is on 800 MHz. STARS is on 150 MHz. Please attach a link to the antenna you are using. It is possible that you are getting interference on the 150 band in your area. A nearby FM broadcast or NOAA weather transmitter can cause that. It is unusual that all three sites are not working. You could have wideband interference in that frequency range. USB power supplies are notorious for that. I would unplug any nearby USB supplies. A quick way to find out if anything in your house is causing interference is to turn off the main breaker with your SDS100 operating on battery power. If the radio starts receiving, you will need to go through the house and unplug all of the electronic devices one at a time to determine the source of the interference. If that doesn't solve the problem, try all of the filters on all of the sites. If the filters don't work, try using IFX on all of the frequencies in the sites. Squelch on the SDS100 should be set at 2.

 

[tglendye]

So, I changed it up a little. I "Cleared User Data" and started over. I put in my zip code for location and set distance to 50 miles. I organized my favorites by City, System and Precincts for police of Fire/EMS. I'm gunna run it and see what hits I get.

A couple of questions. Do you have your Favorites List enabled for location control? Is Full Database turned to Off? I would turn FDB off. If you are scanning by location controlled (either FL or Full Database), I would turn the range from 50 down closer to 0. In most locations (Tidewater, certainly) 50 miles is going to scan way too much to be effective. A range closer to 0 will give should give you fewer STARS towers, and truthfully for your location one STARS site will probably suffice.

 

[MaverickStorm71]

I pulled my FL from the RRDB manually. Organized all the cities by city and precincts so I can listen to each one separately or together as I feel like. Location control was on, but I turned it off. FDB is turned off. I just reduced my range to 10 miles after reading this response. I hear Norfolk Police and Fire very good since I live here. Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, VA Beach are all less than 10 miles away as the crow flies. When I went out to eat tonight, driving to Chesapeake I put my BNC Magnetic Mount Antenna on top of the car and heard VA State Police once but nothing from Chesapeake. I think it was just a quiet night. Right now, sitting in my house with the same antenna sitting in my window away from my computer and tv, all I'm hearing is Norfolk. I really thought this sds100 would have way more range than it seems like I'm getting.