P25 reception

[TheFlyingPilot]

Do any of you radio experts have any tips for increasing P25 reception? I've been trying to use an external antenna, which doesn't really seem to work, and just using stock antennas indoors isn't crystal-clear either. Help?

 

[mmckenna]

Do any of you radio experts have any tips for increasing P25 reception? I've been trying to use an external antenna, which doesn't really seem to work, and just using stock antennas indoors isn't crystal-clear either. Help?

Antennas are frequency dependent, not mode dependent. Making sure you have an external antenna that is designed for the frequency you want to listen to is key.
-There is no such thing as a "P25" antenna, so beware of anyone who tries to sell you such a thing-

Using quality coaxial cable is important. All wire/cable has some amount of inherent loss. Higher frequencies will suffer more from this. Longer cable runs increase the amount of loss. So, make sure you are using the appropriate cable for the application.

Simulcast systems can also create issues. When a system is using multiple sites all using the same frequency, some radios can have a hard time not suffering from interference. In these cases less antenna can work better.

Local interference can be a problem, too. If there are transmitters located close to you, those can desensitize your radio and make it difficult to receive a weaker signal.

If you can provide the information on the agency/system you are trying to listen to, and exactly what sort of antenna and coaxial cable you are currently using, we might be able to offer some suggestions.

 

[bob550]

Your previous posts indicate you're using a Uniden BCD325P2. If the system you're monitoring is primarily 800 MHz, the Remtronix 800 MHz antenna (REMTRONIX 800 MHz Portable BNC Antenna | Scanner Master) is a worthy choice. Personally, I've found that considerable experimentation is necessary to achieve good P25 reception and decode. I use the RadioShack version of this antenna with success. These antennas have achieved a legendary status on this forum.

 

[hsdtech]

I second the Radio Shack 800MHz antenna. I have two and have used them for over 10 years.

 

[TheFlyingPilot]

Your previous posts indicate you're using a Uniden BCD325P2. If the system you're monitoring is primarily 800 MHz, the Remtronix 800 MHz antenna (REMTRONIX 800 MHz Portable BNC Antenna | Scanner Master) is a worthy choice. Personally, I've found that considerable experimentation is necessary to achieve good P25 reception and decode. I use the RadioShack version of this antenna with success. These antennas have achieved a legendary status on this forum.

This would be correct, and I'll have to check out that antenna. I'm not located very close at all to a repeater, and as far as I know, my local system does not use simulcast

 

[chief21]

I'm not located very close at all to a repeater, and as far as I know, my local system does not use simulcast

FlyingPilot -

According to the RR Michigan database, all public safety agencies in your county utilize the statewide Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS), of which there are two (2) sites in your county (Beulah and Interlochen) as well as other sites in adjacent counties. Most wide-area systems do employ simulcast. Therefore, any one of these sites could be causing destructive simulcast interference at your location and you should take this into consideration. You might be able to get some further assistance from folks more local to you by visiting the Michigan forum here at RR.