Neophyte help (brand new PRO-163)

[Lysander]

I'm absolutely new to this; while I grasp theory, the practice seems to be eluding me. The manual for the PRO-163 reads as if there is an assumed base level of knowledge, which means I am grasping at straws.

I've tried to set up the scanner using the data on RadioReference for Fairfax County, Virginia's Motorola trunking system for emergency services (data: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=182 ) At least, most of the information is in the scanner. I started with block 0 channel 000 (to keep things simple); entered in the control frequency, 860.26250c (minus the "c") as the first frequency, then each other frequency, all set to "MOT" rather than "FM." When I hit "scan", it scans bank 0 (where the frequencies are) and occasionally spits out ID numbers. Other than the control tones, I get nothing else from the scanner's speaker.

From the Virginia subforum, it appears that there are voice transmissions "out there" - but I can't seem to get them. even when I hit "search" and pause on any one of the Fairfax County frequencies, I either get a control tone or nothing.

From the top, how easy is it to "fix" my attempt to set this up using the scanner. This is (supposed to be) a gift, so there's no immediate plans to buy additional software; if I can get this working now, then tat may be a possibility down the line.

Please help!

 

[N8IAA]

Being that the 163 is an analog scanner, and a really good one at that, there is no fix to listen to your county system. Your system is P-25 digital. Unfortunately, there are no TG's in analog mode. They are all digital. The only fix is to get a digital scanner. I love my 163 for milair, conventional public service, railroad, and other stuff. Hate to be the bearer of bad news
Larry

 

[Lysander]

Being that the 163 is an analog scanner, and a really good one at that, there is no fix to listen to your county system. Your system is P-25 digital. Unfortunately, there are no TG's in analog mode. They are all digital. The only fix is to get a digital scanner. I love my 163 for milair, conventional public service, railroad, and other stuff. Hate to be the bearer of bad news
Larry

Oddly enough, that makes sense based on how the rest of this weekend is going. Before I go completely into the deep end, am I safe in assuming a digital scanner works for analog mode/communications, or is it single-purposed (that is, need an analog scanner for analog mode/communications and a digital scanner for digital mode/communications)?

 

[BuiltonAsus]

Correct. Although, any/most digital scanners also receive analog signals. You might be able to return the PRO-163, and purchase a digital scanner off of these forums. You can pick up used digital scanners for under $300. You have to be quick though.

 

[Lysander]

Returned the 163, got a 2096 (and the USB cable) - and it seems much easier to use. Why the manual difference between the 163 and 2096, I have no idea, but the 2096 manual makes much more sense.

 

[zzdiesel]

Tone Squelch - Next To The Best Thing

Wrong thread

 

[N8IAA]

Returned the 163, got a 2096 (and the USB cable) - and it seems much easier to use. Why the manual difference between the 163 and 2096, I have no idea, but the 2096 manual makes much more sense.

If I had not owned a Pro-97 prior to getting my 163, sheesh!! The manual is written for some other alien race. The 2096/96's manuals were much better written. Make sure you get a copy of Win96. Makes it much easier to program the radio
Larry