New BCD996P2 Scanner - Waterloo Region P25

[scanner1971]

Hi:

I just got a BCD996P2 scanner delivered today. I have programmed it three times now to receive the new Waterloo Region P25 system but it isn't working. The signal is 5 bars.

The first time that I programmed it I was able to get the police talkgroups but of course it is gobbley-goop due to encryption. I was also able to receive a digital talkgroup 5805 10-2. The fire talkgroups only got picked up a few times. I have installed the latest firmware 1.08.01.

The 2nd and 3rd programming resulted in only picking up one or two fire transmissions over a period of hours. The fire channels were quite active on Broadcastify during this time.

Please bail me out.

Thanks much.

 

[Enjoi19]

How'd the few times you did get fire sound? Distorted at all?

What sort of antenna setup is going here? Just the factory one?

Wondering if it's a simulcast issue since Waterloo P25 is only one site.

 

[Forts]

It definitely is a simulcast system there.....

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Hi & welcome to the forums:
Have a read about simulcast distortion. It's one of the most discussed issues here on the forums. What you're describing sounds like a textbook example

 

[buddrousa]

Looks like you programmed by hand so we can not see your programming.
#1 If it is programmed right you are still in a SIMULCAST SYSTEM AREA and that scanner is not designed to work with those systems.
#2 Look at the SDS200 the only scanner on the market designed to work in SIMULCAST SYSTEM AREAS.

 

[BC_Scan]

What about using the stock antenna and try to collapse it to the desired freq, then move it around on axis to orient towards a tower?

 

[jonwienke]

What about using the stock antenna and try to collapse it to the desired freq, then move it around on axis to orient towards a tower?

None of that is likely to help. The whole reason the SDS models were developed was to deal with simulcast reception issues. I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but you got the wrong tool for the job.

 

[buddrousa]

If you tie enough ropes on a OX Harness it will work on a DONKEY pulling a cart.
And a FLAT TIRE is only flat on bottom.

 

[gary123]

Actually, some of the simulcast issues can be fixed IF your able to reduce the amount of incoming signal to a level where one site is strong enough to capture the receiver. This can sometimes be done by either pointing an antenna at one site and getting a strong enough signal from it to capture out the other site. Or reducing the incoming signal to a point again where one site only is heard.

If your unlucky enough to be in a spot where both sites are the same strength or so close they bounce between them selves for the strongest signal then you are stuck having to look at a SDS.
I would try playing with antennas before making the switch to a SDS.

NOTE: ultimately it would be better to get a SDS as this would permanently fix the issue and not be subject to future changes or signal variations on the system over time.