P25 Phase II, ability to see signal on SDR, not necessarily decode?

[solock]

So a simple question I think, shouldnt I be able to "see" a P25 Phase II signal on an sdr? Not necessarily decode it but at least see the presence of the signal?

Im at a relatively new QTH and digging some of my scanners out and getting them running, and trying to evaluate if there is value in buying a P25 Phase II scanner by seeing if I can atleast receive here.

I can see signals of a P25 Phase 1 system (Bethlehem PA) that is 25-30 miles away but cant see the control channel for a P25 Phase II system that is much closer (Allentown PA).

Not sure if the allentown system is badly positioned for my location, or the published frequencies are off?

Thanks for any insight,

Steve

 

[boatbod]

Of course you can "see" P25 Ph II. On a spectrum plot it looks just like any other nbfm signal.

 

[solock]

Ok, see thats what I thought, how couldnt I see them, unless I just cant receive them... Must just be an oddity of where I am located that I cant see that system.

Thanks

 

[boatbod]

Ok, see thats what I thought, how couldnt I see them, unless I just cant receive them... Must just be an oddity of where I am located that I cant see that system.

Thanks

The control channel (which will be phase 1) should be visible all the time. The voice channels only transmit when there is traffic on one or more of the timeslots.

 

[rabbit108]

Ok, see thats what I thought, how couldnt I see them, unless I just cant receive them... Must just be an oddity of where I am located that I cant see that system.

The transmissions are intermittent, as you can see on the waterfall:





Zoom in on P25 Phase2 signals
SDR# v1807 and RTL-SDR.COM V3 dongle:



RTL-SDR.COM V3 dongle with SDR Console:



SDRplay RSP1A SDR and SDRuno software: