New Pro 96 owner need guide to Fairfax County scanning

[eldoubleu]

I just purchased a Pro 96 at the sale price (I was going to wait for the Pro 97, but my wife insisted I get the digital model- go figure!). I need some pointers for setting up the Fairfax County digital system in the scanner. Is there a guide to scanning public safety in Fairfax County out there someplace? Also, any suggestions specifically regarding programming the Pro 96 for Fairfax would be handy. Is the preprogrammed data current/useful?

For years I've used my Uniden BC-200 but it died recently. I mostly monitor Air band at nearby Dulles, also Rail and Marine, and occasionally public satefy (before FC went digital) .

I also want Mil Air for air shows at Andrews, etc. What s/w is needed to open up the Mil Air freq's on the Pro 96? I read that the reception is spotty from one unit to the next- any experience in this area? What should I expect to pick up in western Fairfax? So far the VHF-Air sensitivity seems to be lacking vs. my old Regency scanner (still working). Will a different antenna help? I'm about three miles from the airport.

BTW, after I get the Pro 96 set up I'm supposed to wrap it up and put it under the tree for a couple of weeks. Right.......

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[JamesO]

eldoubleu,

Check your Private Mail on this site.

JamesO

 

[leonzo]

I monitor Fairfax County everyday, if you still need help I would be glad to help out just reply back.

 

[leonzo]

I monitor Fairfax County everyday, if you still need help I would be glad to help out just reply back.

 

[eldoubleu]

So far I am using the preprogrammed data from V-Folder 6 for the metro DC area. How out of date is this info- anyone know? I seem to be getting good hits for Fairfax County PD. The date code in my Pro-96 is 06A04.

Is there a good primer out there on the current Fairfax Co. system? Who uses what channels, tower locations, etc? Reception seems pretty good in my area. I'm familiar with the basic police districts and fire boxes, but not the tactical stuff and other public service groups on the system.

Thanks!

 

[leonzo]

Most of the information listed in the database is accurate. If you have a more specific question i will try to help you out. It's basically a multi-site system that transmits off all the sites simultaneously. Towers are located throughout the county the closes to you would be Tysons and Merrifield. It does have pretty good reception in the majority of the County. Most PD traffic is on dispatch or tac 1 for each district. Most FD traffic is on talkgroups 4A dispatch or 4B response or if it becomes a working incident talkgroups 4C through F or so. 4I is used for interstate highway incidents.

 

[vincenzo4]

Pro-96 Issues

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum: I'm having the same issues with monitoring FCPD and Fire Rescue. The Radio Shack folks dumped the canned VA-MD-DC frequencies and I cannot receive any Fairfax County.

 

[ACU1000]

I am sure some of us local can help the new folks!

Also, we are having a meet and greet this coming month in Sterling - look for announcement here.

Will be a Famous Daves on a Sunday afternoon I think.

 

[fmon]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum: I'm having the same issues with monitoring FCPD and Fire Rescue. The Radio Shack folks dumped the canned VA-MD-DC frequencies and I cannot receive any Fairfax County.

Use this programming shortcut and this database for Fairfax.

Program only the Blue and Red frequencies and use the DEC number for ID's. You can Alpha Tag the four freqs as Fairfax CC for the red or Fairfax ACL for the blue freqs, The scanner will list the voice channels as VC xxx.xxxx on line two of display when it is used and the freq Alpha Tag on line three at the same time. Line 4 will list the ID number or the programmed unlocked agency talkgroup (ID) Alpha Tag.

Recommend you use Win96 at www.starrsoft.com but the above will get you setup today.

 

[gcgrotz]

Se, you shoulda got the 96 AND the 97 for mil-air!

Check the MD forum for the mil-air sticky thread, those guys are quite active!