New Winston-Salem/Forsyth County P25 system coming online?

[IcomIcR20]

Hello all,

I just rolled into town after being out-of-state for the past few months, and I am seeing a P25 control channel for what I am guessing may be the beginnings of the new Winston-Salem/Forsyth County P25 system. I know there are plans to upgrade from their old Motorola system soon. I am not seeing any voice traffic yet, but for those in the listening area, this is something to keep an eye on! The current control channel is 853.275.

See: FCC Callsign WPZN983 (WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH COUNTY INTRAGENCY COMMUNICATIONS)

 

[NCFireman11]

Thanks for the update! The last I heard Spring of 2024 was the go live date. I'll listen in for any testing talkgroups.

 

[Tobydog]

Talking with radio system administrator recently, it will be around May 2024 if all the pieces come together.

 

[IcomIcR20]

I am also receiving some sort of continuous P25 TDMA data stream on another frequency (853.075) previously used by the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Motorola system. DSD+ picks it up only as a never-ending voice call using TG 1, but I am not sure what to make of it as I have not seen something like this before.

 

[NCFireman11]

I heard FDMA and TDMA voice testing today on TG 1. Sounds great on my SDS100 but one of the techs was having trouble hearing the other. Probably more testing and tweaks are needed.

 

[btrogdon]

Hello all,

I just rolled into town after being out-of-state for the past few months, and I am seeing a P25 control channel for what I am guessing may be the beginnings of the new Winston-Salem/Forsyth County P25 system. I know there are plans to upgrade from their old Motorola system soon. I am not seeing any voice traffic yet, but for those in the listening area, this is something to keep an eye on! The current control channel is 853.275.

See: FCC Callsign WPZN983 (WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH COUNTY INTRAGENCY COMMUNICATIONS)

View attachment 152804

Thanks for your Post. I have been beating my head for past few days. My scanner continues to change to 853.275 and I can then hear nothing. Have to turn off scanner and once back on it picks up a valid control channel. Assume I can lock out or remove 853.275 from my current list? Any hints on a correct way to resolve my issue?

 

[IcomIcR20]

Thanks for your Post. I have been beating my head for past few days. My scanner continues to change to 853.275 and I can then hear nothing. Have to turn off scanner and once back on it picks up a valid control channel. Assume I can lock out or remove 853.275 from my current list? Any hints on a correct way to resolve my issue?

If you are just trying to monitor the Motorola system, then there is no need to have the P25 control channel in your list. I am willing to bet that removing that frequency will solve your problem.

 

[btrogdon]

If you are just trying to monitor the Motorola system, then there is no need to have the P25 control channel in your list. I am willing to bet that removing that frequency will solve your problem.

853.275 is in the frequency list for the historical WS/FC System. As Suggested I have removed and will see what happens. My assumption is that they have reassigned that from the normal system to future state testing. Thanks again for you input and will let everyone know how this works out.

 

[btrogdon]

Wanted to write back and let all know that removing 853.275 resolved the scanners getting stopped and no longer scanning.

Another issue and I am sure this is due to WS/FC working towards switching systems. My issue now is that WSPD specifically and not other users of the system. Issue is that 80% of the time listening to traffic it sounds like its unable to decode the digital so I hear a few legible words then Brrrap all gone. Anyone have a clue what occurring here? Should I try to change programming or possibly remove additional freqs from the list?

Thanks again and wishing everyone a early Happy New Years.

 

[IcomIcR20]

Wanted to write back and let all know that removing 853.275 resolved the scanners getting stopped and no longer scanning.

Another issue and I am sure this is due to WS/FC working towards switching systems. My issue now is that WSPD specifically and not other users of the system. Issue is that 80% of the time listening to traffic it sounds like its unable to decode the digital so I hear a few legible words then Brrrap all gone. Anyone have a clue what occurring here? Should I try to change programming or possibly remove additional freqs from the list?

Thanks again and wishing everyone a early Happy New Years.

Are you running an SDS series scanner? If so, the behavior you are describing is a well-documented issue with the latest firmware upgrades. Many, including myself, are now noting poor digital decoding on Motorola Type II systems.

SDS Firmware 12/21/23 Digital Reception Improvements

so some observations, with both of the new firmware version tested with all of the filters (they did not really change the performance), the D-error rate was min of 40 and maxed out at 130, while idle on the CC, the Rssi was -50 to -70 under load the Rssi was -80 to -109. after revert back to...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[Tobydog]

Just a heads up, Forsyth system has put P25 control channels in database but talkgroups probably not coming until mid year per shop. Phase II coming slowly but surely

 

[NCFireman11]

Lots of TDMA testing this week on the new P25 system. Sounds like they are completing county wide grid coverage testing on TG 1 and TG 2. I've briefly seen TG 3 in use as well for testing.

 

[Chris0516]

When it is fully online, update this: North Carolina VIPER Counties Verified - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[IcomIcR20]

When it is fully online, update this: North Carolina VIPER Counties Verified - The RadioReference Wiki

What needs updating on this page with relation to this new system? The Forsyth County entry states “County Trunked System,” which would still be accurate when the new system is fully online.

 

[Chris0516]

What needs updating on this page with relation to this new system? The Forsyth County entry states “County Trunked System,” which would still be accurate when the new system is fully online.

Like Cary/Wake25, having it listed as Winston-Salem/Forsyth25, just a thought.

 

[JTMax]

Has something changed with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth system? I have always had good reception at my QTH in Thomasville but recently it has been hit or miss. Once I get out on the road and move towards Winston I start to receive again. Any thoughts?

 

[IcomIcR20]

Does anyone have any updated information regarding Forsyth County's timeline for switching over to the new system? I am back in the area and decided to check the P25 system for activity, but the only thing I have seen this evening is a single registration on TG 48864.