New to this...

[stash9009]

Hey all,

I am just getting back into scanning after 15 year hiatus and need some help. I just bought a PRO-97, radio shack scanner. Most of the frequencies I want to listen to in Northeastern Mass. are simple, I just type in the frequency and bam..

I am however, very confused with the MSP trunked system and how to enter it all into the scanner. The manuel is confusing. I even bought a "for dummies" book on scanners but I am still thoroughly confused. I have even read the forums here. Maybe I am looking into it too much? What I am asking is this:

Step 1 - find the control frequency
Step 2 -find the talkgroups?
Step 3 - ?
Step 4 - ?


If anyone can break this down easy for me I would be most grateful.

 

[Sac916]

For starters

http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=TRSDB&sid=736

Program the Control Channels for your region.
Set your scanner to "Control Channel only"

 

[studgeman]

second step check out scanboston.com There is a link to a page with has TONS of information on the MSP system.

 

[Junior08]

3rd step, check here;

http://users.adelphia.net/~kc1ho/ematrunk/msp/msp.html

 

[stash9009]

Still Confused

Okay guys,

sorry for asking again, but I am still having problems. Okay, let me explain what I did and see if any of you can tell me what I am doing wrong. Remember, I am using a PRO-97 radio shack scanner. I entered all talkgroups manually....no computer software.

First, I found all the MSP frequencies they are using for Troop A only (I think there was 1 control frequency and like 12 other frequencies). What I did was program the control freq into channel 700.

I then programmed all the talk group ID's into the subgroup of channel 700 and gave them each an appropriate name. Then for channels 701 through 714, I typed in the other frequencies that Troop A uses (according to radioreference-database).

I made sure channels 700 through 714 were all on "MOT" mode.

Then I hit "scan".


Now what occurs is strange. When a transmission comes across, a MOT talkgroup number pops up at the bottom of the screen. Sometimes it is one that I programmed in, othertimes, it is just a 5 digit number. Now, even though I did not enter that talk group number, I can still receive it? Strange right?


Any help would be appreciated.

Tony

 

[rescueone]

I'm not familiar with the Pro 97, but if it's like other Rat Shack scanners (Pro96, Pro2096) you have to set the bank to OPEN or CLOSED. In OPEN mode it's like searching. It will show all active talkgroups, even if you didn't program them in. In CLOSED mode. it only tracks the talkgroups you've programmed. Hope that helps.

 

[Junior08]

Tony,

Are you the same person that posted this on www.scanmassachusetts.us? I think me and some others offered help there. From what you describe here you did it right. MAKE SURE that if it's bank 7 your using that the BANK is also set to MO or MOT mode!!!!!

The talkgroups that show up as 5 digit numbers and not in alpha form means your scanning in open mode, as rescueone stated. Open mode means any group affiliated with that zone will show up regardless of whether you labelled them or not. If you only wish to hear groups you labelled, then set the bank to closed mode. I still say you only need the control channel to monitor this system. This is a control channel only scanner, I believe, and as such you should not need the extra voice channels programmed.

 

[stash9009]

Thanks all....it works great now. I appreciate all the help.

Oh, and no, I am not the same guy who posted the question on scanboston.


thanks again.

 

[Junior08]

Ok,

My mistake. Someone on that site had some programming issues similar to yours and help was provided. Carry on!