Phoenix PD

[rchjr]

I have a uniden BCD996T I had it set up a few years ago to hear Phx Pd. They were encrypting their hot calls at the time, thier normal traffic could be heard. I had it programed through Pro Scan with a susbcripton from RR. I got busier in life and unplugged it and put it up for about a few years. I just hooked it up and I do not hear anything from Phx PD. I hear other chatter from other things that were programmed but nothing on Phx Pd. Do I have to get another scanner to hear Phx Pd? I know they may have completed a radio transition from phase 1 to phase 2.

Thanks,

Rchjr

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

You're not going to be able to pick up Phoenix Police with a 996T as it does not handle TDMA talkgroups on a P25 Phase-II trunked radio system. Strongly advisable to pick up a Uniden SDS100, 150 or 200 to overcome simulcast distortion you'll likely face if you're within range of two or more sites on any given simulcast on the system. Additionally mode "TE" talkgroups are fully encrypted and therefore cannot be picked up by any receiver

 

[rchjr]

Thanks for your response Whiskey3JMC, I looked at those scanners and they are pricey. Would a uniden BCD996P2 work? Its cheaper, and it supports phase 1 and 2.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Thanks for your response Whiskey3JMC, I looked at those scanners and they are pricey. Would a uniden BCD996P2 work? Its cheaper, and it supports phase 1 and 2.

You'll be taking a gamble with anything else other than the models I mentioned as other scanners are prone to simulcast distortion. You can certainly try the mitigation workarounds mentioned in the wiki I linked. You may or may not find one that works

 

[rchjr]

Thanks - It was a thought! Looks like I need what you mentioned. They do look like nice receivers.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

I've got the SDS100. My other Unidens don't stand a chance against it with simulcast systems in my region

 

[rchjr]

I'm going to to with the sds/200 , what roof mounted antenna would you recommend for that?

 

[GlobalNorth]

If you do not want to buy an SDS scanner, you can get an outside mounted 700/800 band Yagi antenna with an antenna rotator to aim at the site you want to monitor, but I suspect it will cost more than buying a SDS200.

 

[Foresigt]

Look at the BCD436HP or BCD536HP. Though others swear that you have to spend all the money for the SDS series, I have used the 436 and 536 successfully for years. The only trick is less antenna so you don't pick up so many towers at the same time.

 

[rchjr]

Thanks Foresigt - I'll take a look at those too!