pro 96-- machine gun sound

[myhdsport]

Hi everyone--I hope 4th of July went over as well as mine :!: --EXCEPT--my pro 96 has recently began to stop on frequencies while in scan mode, but instead of voice transmission, I am hearing what I will describe as the sound a child would use to immitate a machine gun spraying bullets: split second sound is repeated over and over. My husband(5 year old--lol--4Lou! :wink: ) says it reminds him of the sound that old cars with radios(?w/somesort of problem?)--you could actually hear the sound of the motor on the radio and when you pressed the accelerator, the sound got louder on your car radio. I hope I have described my husband's 'soundslike' well enough that you guys(and some gals too-just not this 1today)...that you guys actually know the sound on an old car radio that he is actually referring to. Any way it's popping up on 3,4, maybe 5 freq.'s total; top of my head ksp post 3 and edmonson county/butler county(155.17--i think!), air to ground--ksp, 460.1-has never done it-my main digital voice channel. Attenuation works about half the time-where it will skip the noise on next scan loop,but I end up locking out alot of freq.s The noise seems worse at times but I haven't linked any pattern-not even a time pattern.
Hoping it is something simple or something I did and do not recall. Could it be LTR trunking config. that is entered by mishap(LTR--isn't that one thing(and only I believe) that my scanner will not pick up/decode? I know some are apco-25 ksp post 3 feqs that I should have no trouble with.

thanks and anxious!!

harleyGal,
michelle[/code][/list]

 

[MacombMonitor]

Have you added any new electronics around the house? Electronic Air Cleaner, Dimmer Switches, Florescent Lighting, Electric Motors, Aquarium Pumps, Bug Zapper, Video Cameras, Intercoms, etc?

Try moving the scanner to another area of the house, see if it makes a difference.

 

[myhdsport]

machine gun sound

Electronics-Oh yes-I have quite a lot of gadgets, think about it for a moment...I'm a girl w- a pro 96!--L.O.L.!!
OK, Let's see the most recent would be my brand-new-2me(used)big screen TV. I have heard that you have to be careful about what things you put scanners near. I have it pretty much as far away as it can be. I am going to re-route my cable and put it back on the outdoor antenna. Lately I have been using the rubber duckie and with no problems, until now. Also I have a couple of "yard cams"or "portable peepholes"-both cameras are wired instead of wireless, ie transmitting, interfereing w/my 96. And the usual teenager's home stereo, tv's and such.

I really hope there is an easy and logical fix like the antenna!

I greatly appreciate your input. I really like scanning, but I am by no means even a novice at this. There is a lot of information that is just the basics. I am really glad to have found this site. It sure makes it more enjoyable to scan with a little confidence that I actually understand a little of this.

thanks again--
harleyGal,
michelle

 

[myhdsport]

machine gun sound-update

Hello,
Thanks for the input and sorry it took me so long to give an update: seems the longer I have my scanner on, the less that sound is present, or myself or my husband have locked out the frequencies the sound comes from. Anyway thanks!

harleyGal,
-michelle

 

[grack]

I wonder if what you are hearing is a motorola system control channel.

Does it sound like this?

http://www.kb9ukd.com/digital/motorola2.wav

 

[MacombMonitor]

Maybe it's the old man's Harley running in the driveway, with noisy ignition! :shock:

 

[KT4HX]

Possibly an EDACS control channel?

 

[myhdsport]

motorolla control channel!

Yes!Motorolla control channel--that is the sound, thanks Grack!

harleyGal,
--michelle

 

[cj5]

Is it a trunk

Does that mean it's a trunked system? And if so is it Type I? The reason why I ask is because I hear something similar to the Motorola Type I sound http://www.kb9ukd.com/digital/motorola1.wav, on 155.64, but periodically before voice transmission, or sometimes there is no voice just that machine gun sound. I thought it was digital interference. Any thoughts? It's not as slow as the sound for the Type I or II, it sounds more like a buzzer (like when you get a wrond answer on a game show).

 

[loumaag]

Re: motorolla control channel!

Yes!Motorolla control channel--that is the sound, thanks Grack!

harleyGal,
--michelle

Next time you encounter this press <MAN> and hold on the channel for a while. Press the <MODE> button so the upper right corner of the display changes to "MO". If you are getting a Motorola or P25 sytem the last line of the display should change to a description of the system like "M36:372B 98%" or something similar. If it just remains blank after a bit, press <MODE> again so that the upper right changes to "ED" and hold for awhile. If it is an EDACS CC eventually it will report what LCN is there by putting something like "CTRL-02" in the last line. Note you have to do this in a memory slot, you cannot do this by using the <TUNE> function of the scanner.

Let us know what you find.

 

[myhdsport]

machine gun sound-motorolla search

Hi Lou,
I had not actually thought that it could be from Bowling Green(motorolla trunk) Although I do usually toggle through the modes, it is by habit usually for a ct/dc reading. Question regarding that: while scan mode, I pick up a voice transmission and the bottom line displays a ct/dc number, if I function then save, does that mean that any other voice transmissions on that frequency for that channel will not be heard unless the ct/dc number matches my save?

For that reason--to catch all the traffic on a few certain frequencies, I allot a channel in at least two banks, leaving the ct/dc code blank on one channel(bank). Hopefully I am thinking correctly and not wasting channel space.

I also have the main action frequencies entered in more than one bank, such as ksp dig.--460.1. I have found that I don't end up missing part of the conversation by having it in at least 3 different banks.

BTW the only motorolla system that I know of around these parts is Bowing Green PD and Warren County SO. I usually do not have that bank enabled and always closed because there are so many channels-correct term? that I do not want to hear on that system. Even closed when I enable that bank, there is so much traffic, it monopolizes my scanner.
I only scan BG if I have a particular reason.

Thanks for the input and hopefully you can answer my paragraph/explanation question, lol. If I am understanding this correctly, I owe thanks to Donn Starr and not so much to the RS manual, but it's kind of hard to get a grasp on all the features using a screen the size of an cell phone's. --!- $30 software is worth every penny! :!:

harleyGal,
--michelle

 

[loumaag]

Re: machine gun sound-motorolla search

Hi Lou,
I had not actually thought that it could be from Bowling Green(motorolla trunk) Although I do usually toggle through the modes, it is by habit usually for a ct/dc reading. Question regarding that: while scan mode, I pick up a voice transmission and the bottom line displays a ct/dc number, if I function then save, does that mean that any other voice transmissions on that frequency for that channel will not be heard unless the ct/dc number matches my save?

If you store a CT/DC tone/code with the frequency, then yes, the squelch will only open when you receive the appropriate tone/code. When you toggle through the various modes while on a spcific channel (frequency) then any previously saved tone/code is cleared and set to zero (search mode). I was unaware you could store a detected tone/code by using <FUNC> + <ENT> (you said save, but there isn't a save key) I always just press <ENTER> and it stores the tone/code.

For that reason--to catch all the traffic on a few certain frequencies, I allot a channel in at least two banks, leaving the ct/dc code blank on one channel(bank). Hopefully I am thinking correctly and not wasting channel space.

I do something similar, but I store the correct tone/code with each instance and alpha tag them so I know who I am hearing.

I also have the main action frequencies entered in more than one bank, such as ksp dig.--460.1. I have found that I don't end up missing part of the conversation by having it in at least 3 different banks.

Do you have your delay turned on? (For the conventional frequencies of course.)

BTW the only motorolla system that I know of around these parts is Bowing Green PD and Warren County SO. I usually do not have that bank enabled and always closed because there are so many channels-correct term? that I do not want to hear on that system. Even closed when I enable that bank, there is so much traffic, it monopolizes my scanner.
I only scan BG if I have a particular reason.

This is why I have 12 scanners here. (4 digitals) :shock:

Thanks for the input and hopefully you can answer my paragraph/explanation question, lol. If I am understanding this correctly, I owe thanks to Donn Starr and not so much to the RS manual, but it's kind of hard to get a grasp on all the features using a screen the size of an cell phone's. --!- $30 software is worth every penny! :!:

I agree, he is a god-send for GRE scanners, now if we could just get him to work with the Uniden models ... :wink:

 

[myhdsport]

delay

Hi Lou,
Yes, I do have certain channels set on delay (by using the <.> button). I think the RS manual suggests that the control channels should be on delay. Still, I like having at least 460.1 dig. ksp in a couple or more banks. That channel stays really busy with a lot of action. I wish I could have a priority channel for every bank. That would be cool :!: Maybe someone could mention that to Donn Starr :?:

There is one system around here that I can't monitor: Palco and it covers Barren and Simpson that I am interested in--along with various other county systems. I think Franklin, Simpson is just trying it out temporarily.(I can't recall where I got that information) Can you suggest an inexpensive scanner for LTR? It's not a priority, just a pet peeve.

Thank for addressing all my comments and concerns.

harleyGal,
michelle

 

[loumaag]

Re: delay

There is one system around here that I can't monitor: Palco and it covers Barren and Simpson that I am interested in--along with various other county systems. I think Franklin, Simpson is just trying it out temporarily.(I can't recall where I got that information) Can you suggest an inexpensive scanner for LTR? It's not a priority, just a pet peeve.

Well unless you can find a used Pro-92 or Pro-2067 or one of the Uniden models that does LTR used, you are going to have to go with new. The Pro-97 does LTR as does all of the current Uniden TT scanners. Just check out the specs before you decide. Also a consideration is this, I don't know what "flavor" of LTR the Palco sysstem is, but unless it is LTR Standard, (which most public safety avoid) you can't monitor it with any scanner currently made.

 

[myhdsport]

LTR "flavor"

Hi Lou,
I am not sure...I will check what "flavor" of LTR just for the sake of knowing. So can KSP communicate with the LTR systems from their APCO-25 digital system?

LTR is used in a neighboring county(Barren and one away Simpson). I am in Edmonson. County and city of Brownsville combined have 4 cars! I believe we are the only county in the state without a redlight, unless there is road construction on the bridge. There is however a KSP tramsmitter in my community of Rhoada and considering the size and atmosphere, it's pretty busy in these parts.

What about TAC? Is there a reason why I can not seem to find the frequency when I hear "switch to TAC"? I have no problem with "channel A" and "channel B". My scanner finds it almost every time on <scan>. If TAC is something my scanner won't pick up, I'd like to know before I break my neck getting to the <search> button.

That is very disappointing to find out that I can't pick up most LTR systems! Are there mods, can the old scanners get them? I have read about old tvs and cell phone frequencies--but I do not have the knowledge to even know if something like that is possible or just BS, for lack of a better term.

I will admit that I did tinker with an old black and white tv with the two turn knobs before I got my pro-96(with no luck-but that does not mean it's not possible) I stopped because it holds voltage and I was not that determined, just bored.

-harleyGal-
michelle

 

[myhdsport]

LTR &quot;flavor&quot;

The counties Barren(city-Glasgow) and Simpson(city-Franklin) use Palco Enterprises' system for law enforement and lucky us they are the STANDARD type of LTR trunking, ie monitorable.

thanks again,
harleyGal

 

[Al42]

So can KSP communicate with the LTR systems from their APCO-25 digital system?

Even if they could operate on the same frequencies, which they probably can't, not unless someone really knew what s/he was doing in designing both systems.

What about TAC? Is there a reason why I can not seem to find the frequency when I hear "switch to TAC"? I have no problem with "channel A" and "channel B". My scanner finds it almost every time on <scan>. If TAC is something my scanner won't pick up, I'd like to know before I break my neck getting to the <search> button.

In many cases, "Tac" means a talk-around channel, IOW, simplex, so you have to be near the cars to hear them. (It can also mean "tactical", but that's probably not the case here.) The Palco system doesn't seem to list any Tac talkgroups (that's done sometimes, although it's not really "talkaround"), so the Tac channels are probably simplex.

That is very disappointing to find out that I can't pick up most LTR systems! Are there mods, can the old scanners get them? I have read about old tvs and cell phone frequencies--but I do not have the knowledge to even know if something like that is possible or just BS, for lack of a better term.

Sure there are ... but they'd cost more than buying a BC396. Modifying a (modifyable) scanner that's had cellular locked out to receive cellular is usually just a matter of removing 1 diode that the scanner sees when it powers up that tells it to not receive that band. Adding a mode that the scanner doesn't have is a lot more complicated.

 

[myhdsport]

Tac!

WOW! It actually does make sense if you stay at it. For the most part, I feel like I really do not understand "scanning". I have this word bank of terms that even with definitions and explanations, sometimes just doesn't click....until...that moment....of--- TA-DA! My favorite word, BTW, TA-DA!So, may I say- TA-DA? TA-DA, simplex means there is no repeater(which repeats a transmission with more power-longer range)simplex is two people, close range, probably hand helds, but wouldn't necessarily have to be. If say a third person(ok-cop or officer), a third officer were at his/her car and tuned to that "tac" simplex frequency, s/he could also communicate with the 1st two on that freq: Is that correct? Is that still symplex? Can HQ or dispatch hear the "tac" transmissions, if they are close enough? **The third officer even with the correct freq may not be able to communicate unless he knows the ct/dc code if they are using one. Do they have the option to use or not use a ct/dc code? Answereing myself-yes, the code makes it more private!
Shew, calm down, Ok now as long as most of that is correct, I'm A-O-Kay! AND VERY EXCITED!
So now-how many blondes does it take to ride a Harley?
Just this one today! C-ya.
btw, I don't monitor palco(barren)can't anyway-pro 96, I scan ksp post 3, and edmonson county (my home) and warren-BG mainly.
Truly, thank you for enabling my TA-DA moment, but I gotta go ride before I combust spontaneously(spell?-no time)
bye

harleyGal-
michelle

 

[Al42]

TA-DA, simplex means there is no repeater(which repeats a transmission with more power-longer range)simplex is two people, close range, probably hand helds, but wouldn't necessarily have to be. If say a third person(ok-cop or officer), a third officer were at his/her car and tuned to that "tac" simplex frequency, s/he could also communicate with the 1st two on that freq: Is that correct? Is that still symplex?

Yep - simplex simply means that all transmitters and receivers are operating on the same frequency.

Side note:

There was a time (maybe 10 or 15 years ago, if memory serves, which it does less and less these days) when some of us were experimenting with simplex repeaters - which will give your head something else to wrap around.

This was a radio, running decent power, located high up, with a high gain antenna - but with a little specialized tape recorder or solid-state recorder. The transmission came in, was recorded then, when the person speaking let go of the push-to-talk button, the "repeater" came on the air and played the tape back. There was a delay, of course, and the length of the transmission was limited, but it eliminated some problems that plague "real" (duplex) repeaters.

Can HQ or dispatch hear the "tac" transmissions, if they are close enough?

And they have a receiver on the tac frequency, yes. Not all dispatch points that dispatch through repeaters by radio have receivers on tac (or even input) frequencies. (Some dispatch points don't have radios at all - they're connected to the repeater by wire.)

**The third officer even with the correct freq may not be able to communicate unless he knows the ct/dc code if they are using one. Do they have the option to use or not use a ct/dc code? Answereing myself-yes, the code makes it more private!

Not usually - when you change the channel to "B", or "5", or whatever the radio is programmed for, you either also have tone squelch or digital code squelch or not, depending on how the radios are programmed. You're supposed to hit the "monitor" button - which turns off the tone or code squelch in the receiver - to see if someone using a different tone or code (some other department someplace else, that's coming through for some reason - skip, maybe) is using the channel, but I doubt anyone but techies even knows that there is a way to turn it off.