Newbie Seeking Assistance LOL

[MayportDrone]

This might be a long shot. But, I have two SDR dongles arriving on Friday. I opted to go this route before I broke down and spent 800$ on an SDS200. I have been watching as many YouTube videos as I can about them, and setting them up, getting them running and so forth. My system I will be monitoring is Jacksonville Fire and Rescue here in Florida. (ONLY JFRD). It is a Phase 1 Digital Trunk Simulcast system. I was wondering if anyone could be of any assistance or help with the setup process? It would be greatly appreciated! Not that I don't feel like I can't do it. I just want to do it right and get the best I can out of it. Thanks in advance to anyone who would be willing to help me out if possible.

 

[RaleighGuy]

@MayportDrone what software will you be using?

 

[MayportDrone]

@MayportDrone what software will you be using?

The current feed out of Jacksonville runs on Fastlane, but the feed goes down on 8/1/2023. Other youtube videos I have seen are using Airspy, unitrunker, DSD Plus, and the virtual cable download.

That's my whole thing, I don't know which software to go with for it to be the most efficient or "up to date."

I am open to options or the way someone else does it, if they are willing to help!

 

[SkinnyFirefighterMS]

The current feed out of Jacksonville runs on Fastlane, but the feed goes down on 8/1/2023. Other youtube videos I have seen are using Airspy, unitrunker, DSD Plus, and the virtual cable download.

That's my whole thing, I don't know which software to go with for it to be the most efficient or "up to date."

I am open to options or the way someone else does it, if they are willing to help!

The best software is DSDplus FL and SDRTrunk. If you trying to build a feeder use SDRtrunk.

 

[CanesFan95]

I'm a fan of OP25, but it's hard to set up:

 

[SkinnyFirefighterMS]

I'm a fan of OP25, but it's hard to set up:

Lol, I am sticking it with DSDplus, SDRTunk, and Rdio scanner. If can't find any videos on youtube on how to build OP25, I don't want it at all.

 

[JamesWest]

If you are completely new to monitoring don't forget about the basics. Antennas. You might be lucky and can get away with indoor antennas at your location. I think you have good list of software now. I would plug the SDR in and tune to the strongest FM broadcast station or NOAA weather. setup the source settings first. turn the gain all the way up, select frequency, bandwidth, mode and get that very simple constant signal tuned in. good luck.

 

[maus92]

If you are not using an Airspy, I'd suck it up and pay $25 for DSD Fastlane. DSD FL will allow a single SDR to cover the Jacksonville system's almost 6 MHz channel spread as the SDR can be re-tuned on the fly whereas SDRTrunk would probably require 3 RTL type SDRs to cover this system (or one Airspy Mini or R2.)

 

[kingshootr]

I'm as rookie as it gets so not sure this is pertinent.

I'm following this tutorial for SDRTrunk setup. Halfway through the video and so far, so good.

 

[LimaZulu]

Don't forget the newcomer guys - DSD-FME

 

[MayportDrone]

Thank you everyone for the great responses and help! I broke down and got the SDS200 and partnered it with ProScan to be able to listen remotely without being a feed provider! Totally worth it and love it! This is going to be my next hobby though getting into the SDR! Love you all!