Pro-668 won't receive Westfield

[jblock56]

Since Westfield recently joined the P-25 Phase 2 system, I have been unable to receive any significant reception on the south side of Westfield on my RS Pro-668. Programming the unit with the included software was easy enough. I adjusted the trunking threshold down to 3 (low) and 95 (high) as some have suggested.

I was wondering if anyone knows of other tweaks that can be applied, and if any of the Uniden scanners would be likely to provide decent reception. The 668 reception improves somewhat if I take it near the center of Westfield---but is horrible elsewhere. Occasional clipped bits and pieces of conversations are all that I can receive. I have attenuation turned off. Squelch set to minimum.

Performance on non-trunked signals seems fine.

While not new to scanning, I am new to trunked systems. I programmed it with the updated RR frequencies listed for the Union County Simulcast system in the NJICS Project 25 listings.

Thanks!
Jim

 

[DJ11DLN]

Is it a simulcast (LSM) system? And are you using the stock antenna? Depending on what kind of system, it could be either too little or too much. Try removing the antenna and inserting a short piece of wire or a straightened paper clip into the center connector. If you're getting swamped by strong signals from an LSM system, that may work, or at least point you in the right direction. If you're not getting sufficient signal you might try the RS/Remtronix 800 duck instead. Or appropriate antenna for the band if your system is not in the 700/800 range.

 

[jblock56]

Thanks for your suggestions. Yes it is a simulcast system. I am using an extendable antenna (4" to 14"). This antenna came with the unit when I purchased it on Ebay. The paper clip seems to give poorer reception than the antenna I have. I will probably give the Remtronix antenna a try.

 

[Analogrules]

On the BCD436, some transmissions are completely clear and others are totally broken up. Non-commercial consumer scanners seem to do poorly receiving/decoding Phase 2 digital.

 

[ansky]

It sounds like you are experiencing LSM issues. From where I live in West Orange I can't hear anything on the West Orange simulcast. The Union County simulcast is much better from my location. It doesn't matter what type of scanner you're using. I have an HP-2. It's all dependent on location.

 

[Analogrules]

Ansky, is there an antenna that would help eliminate these LSM issues? Just curious.

 

[jblock56]

Is there any reason to think that the recently announced DMR scanners and upgrades will improve performance receiving transmissions on these Simulcast Phase 2 systems?

Jim

 

[Analogrules]

I recently noticed that after I removed the Union Site from my scanner and only monitor the Essex site, it made a huge difference and transmissions are not cut off as often. Give it a try.

 

[ansky]

Is there any reason to think that the recently announced DMR scanners and upgrades will improve performance receiving transmissions on these Simulcast Phase 2 systems?

Jim

No, that won't make any difference. DMR is just another type of radio system. It has nothing to do with simulcast issues.

 

[Analogrules]

Personally, I don't plan on updrading my BCD436 to DMR after giving it some thought. There really isn't much to listen to except for businesses. Not one public safety department in my area uses it. Yeah, it would be interesting to document more local businesses who use DMR in the radio reference db, but surely not worth paying $50 extra. (At least to me it's not worth it)

 

[jblock56]

Thanks to all who tried to help me receive Westfield on my Pro-668. I tried the upgraded Remtronix antenna with no improvement. I took it with me on a drive to Livingston and received transmissions quite well in Millburn and Livingston on the Union County Simulcast. Here in Westfield, I tried the West Orange Simulcast with poor results--seems the signal is not strong enough.

So---I pretty much give up for now. Short of moving to another town, seems I will not be monitoring Westfield while in Westfield

Jim

 

[RadioDitch]

Had to make a drive up East Broad Street from South Avenue East this morning. No issues hearing Westfield in Westfield on a BCD996P2 hooked up to the Larsen tribander.

 

[jblock56]

That is encouraging Matt. I live on the South end of town near the Clark border. If you ever are in the area, please let me know if you are still hearing Westfield. I may need to try a Uniden unit at some point. I would probably pick something up on Ebay and would hate to invest substantial money only to find it is no better than my Pro-668. Are you on the Union County or West Orange Simulcast?

Jim

 

[RadioDitch]

That is encouraging Matt. I live on the South end of town near the Clark border. If you ever are in the area, please let me know if you are still hearing Westfield. I may need to try a Uniden unit at some point. I would probably pick something up on Ebay and would hate to invest substantial money only to find it is no better than my Pro-668. Are you on the Union County or West Orange Simulcast?

Jim

Union County. Which is probably why since the talented County OEM Communications Division handles the UC Simulcast, and NJSP REMU handles the West Orange Simulcast.

 

[Monoxide16]

Hi all. I'm from the Burlington County area and I also have the Pro-668 this scanner does not work good at all very disappointed. While listening to my Pro-96 for the 500Mhz digital system the Pro-96 works great accept when their portables come in all broken up. And while I have the 668 on I get nothing and 2 hours later it starts to work for a little.