Pro 197 vs Pro106

[bep]

I have had extremely difficult time with multi-site/simulcast issues. A yagi antenna has solved "most" of my issues. I have both the above listed scanners all programmed the same via Win500.
It seems the 106 "hears" a lot better than the 197, for some reason. When I do a decode rate the 106 is 96%-89%, and the 197 is about 89%-83%. Just curious about this difference, since it make a big difference on this system.

I have also noticed if the 106 is scanning just the one system and the 197 is scanning two different systems, there is a lag, or decreased reception/decode, on my problem system. Seems like the radio needs time to obtain the systems protocol. Is this correct?

With all the help from you guys I am getting closer to solving many of these reception issues. Scanning is getting fun again.

Thanks

 

[retiredmich]

I have a PRO106 & I have good luck with it, when I travel on i70 or south on i35 here in Kansas, I get very good reception & loud & clear & it receives traffic from WAY out there. Just FYI !

 

[N8IAA]

I have had extremely difficult time with multi-site/simulcast issues. A yagi antenna has solved "most" of my issues. I have both the above listed scanners all programmed the same via Win500.
It seems the 106 "hears" a lot better than the 197, for some reason. When I do a decode rate the 106 is 96%-89%, and the 197 is about 89%-83%. Just curious about this difference, since it make a big difference on this system.

I have also noticed if the 106 is scanning just the one system and the 197 is scanning two different systems, there is a lag, or decreased reception/decode, on my problem system. Seems like the radio needs time to obtain the systems protocol. Is this correct?

With all the help from you guys I am getting closer to solving many of these reception issues. Scanning is getting fun again.

Thanks

Are you using the same antenna on both scanners? On strong sites, I use the smallest antenna. RS used to have the stubby race antennas. That is my preferred antenna for my county which has many sites up near me.

I've had my 106 and 197 for 8 years, and both work great. One programming tip, I set my Multisite mode to OFF. ROAM would be the next best setting.
Larry

 

[retiredmich]

I use ROAM for all systems except local department's. I use this 3 piece antenna on top of my truck at all times & it REALLY reaches out when traveling. Got it from RS about a year ago. The PRO 106 is the only scanner I have & had it for 4years & really like it. Just FYI

 

[Spitfire8520]

It seems the 106 "hears" a lot better than the 197, for some reason. When I do a decode rate the 106 is 96%-89%, and the 197 is about 89%-83%. Just curious about this difference, since it make a big difference on this system.

I have also noticed if the 106 is scanning just the one system and the 197 is scanning two different systems, there is a lag, or decreased reception/decode, on my problem system. Seems like the radio needs time to obtain the systems protocol. Is this correct?

I think the conventional belief is that base/mobile units are generally thought to be more sensitive. If this holds true, then it would make sense that your Pro-197 picks up on weaker systems while the Pro-106 doesn't. Unfortunately, this also means your Pro-197 may tend to pick up other sites of a simulcast system while the Pro-106 doesn't, leading to distortion.

 

[kb3isq]

How do you do a decode rate?

 

[Spitfire8520]

How do you do a decode rate?

On the Pro-106/197 and any of it's relatives, you need to park on a control channel to determine decode rate. You do this with TUNE or with the TSYS Analyze mode.

 

[bep]

I was told to press FUNC then Tune when no voice traffic, scanning one system.

I am on a fringe area, the farthest away point in my city, next to the ocean. Not good combinations to say the least. The ST2 feed line needs an amplifier at the antenna, and the Yagi does not.

 

[allandunn]

I think the conventional belief is that base/mobile units are generally thought to be more sensitive. If this holds true, then it would make sense that your Pro-197 picks up on weaker systems while the Pro-106 doesn't. Unfortunately, this also means your Pro-197 may tend to pick up other sites of a simulcast system while the Pro-106 doesn't, leading to distortion.

In general handheld units are designed to be more sensitive than base/mobile because they usually work with smaller antennas such as rubber ducks. Plug an ht into a good outdoor antenna and you may get overload if there are transmitters in your area.

I am not speaking to the two receivers you mention (although I own both), but speaking as a design requirement in general.