P25 Simulcast/Multicast Reception Question

[WaveJam]

Hi all...

I live literally right smack in the middle of two towers broadcasting our P25 communications. Each tower is about 3 miles away but in opposite directions. As you probably already figured, my question is related to simulcast/multicast distortion. I have tried dealing with this using different scanners (Pro-197 and Bearcat BCD996XT), multiple antennas (stubbie, stock telescopic, a dipole, a yagi, a corner reflector, I've even tried a paper-clip antenna and a "Can-tenna"). Directional, non-directional, attenuate, no attenuate, control channel only, etc... I've tried countless settings like Adjust Level, Adjust Mode, etc... I've tried the scanner/antenna in countless spots (indoors) including the basement hoping that reduced the signal some.

Anyways... With all that said. I know that I'm pretty much screwed. HOWEVER, I'd like to toy with the idea of setting up the antenna so that its "blocked" from the signal of one of the towers. I thought the Can-tenna was a great idea to zero in on one signal, but it didn't make much difference.

So, any ideas how I can block off one tower? And btw, yagi didn't help either. So far, my best scanner is the BCD996XT with a stubbie. Online here: Frederick County Airport, Highway, Police, Fire and EMS The Pro-197 is a mess! Its hating life listen to it here: Frederick County Fire

Thanks all...

 

[ka3aaa]

Simulcast

Try locking out all the control channels except one and you will be fine. I have the same problem where I live.

Also put all the frequency's into a single site instead of programming all the sites separately if there are multiple site in the system.

Enjoy.

 

[GTR8000]

Try locking out all the control channels except one and you will be fine. I have the same problem where I live.

Also put all the frequency's into a single site instead of programming all the sites separately if there are multiple site in the system.

Enjoy.

It's a simulcast system, per the thread title. None of what you said applies.


WaveJam, unfortunately there's really nothing you can do. I know it's not the answer you want to hear, but it's the reality of the situation.

 

[kayi4cle]

There are a few ideas in this thread that may or may not work for you: http://forums.radioreference.com/un...squelch-improves-lsm-simulcast-reception.html
Hopefully the new radios coming next year will offer an improvement on simulcast systems.

 

[WaveJam]

There are a few ideas in this thread that may or may not work for you: http://forums.radioreference.com/un...squelch-improves-lsm-simulcast-reception.html

You know... I saw that and yes, I think that did help some. Thank-you!

Hopefully the new radios coming next year will offer an improvement on simulcast systems.

I keep, searching the web for announcements on new scanner models. Can't wait for that. Is there anyplace to check on the latest gossip on upcoming models?

 

[adcockfred]

sounds like you stole my life for the past 6 years . the latest combo that seems to work , meaning antennas . titanium on the 700/800 .teed into a modified uhf brought down to 800 size of 3.3 inches. when I changed the exciters on the u from steel to copper . oh it brought it to life. every day is a brave new day in the digital world

 

[kayi4cle]

You know... I saw that and yes, I think that did help some. Thank-you!

I keep, searching the web for announcements on new scanner models. Can't wait for that. Is there anyplace to check on the latest gossip on upcoming models?

I'm glad that helped some. As for the new models, Radio Reference is the place to check for news. Uniden will be making an announcement on November 16 (keep an eye on the Uniden Forum) and Whistler (company that bought GRE) plans to have new models in first quarter of 2014 (see thread at very top of Radio Reference Forums page in Community News). I am hoping for a new radio with Phase 2 that also handles simulcast.

 

[nanZor]

Have you thought about one of these DF loops which should have a much deeper null than a yagi:
http://www.arrowantennas.com/main/fhl.html

It might be a last-ditch effort, especially if you are getting reflections, but maybe, just maybe, you can put the other site in a null.

 

[adcockfred]

thanks hertzain the df works better on my 800 than dipole.

 

[ryolsen8]

Same issue

I've got the same issue as well. I am 3 miles away from our Comm Center, and in between a bunch of our Towers... I too have tryed a ton to try and get it to work, but had no luck. Whenever I go by the Comm Center I get great reception, but when I am home, no sir!