Pro 97 Tapped

[WisconsinRailfan]

Good Day All!

Well I finally bit the bullet and tapped my scanner, I loaded up unitracker, but for some reason I don't think it's working correctly, not sure if it's software or I messed up the tap somehow. I took to screen shots.
when there is no sound i see this.

then when the channel becomes active I see this

Also the UniScope goes crazy when there is no sound (inactive)

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, BTW the reason I tapped the scanner is to run ATCS, but then I founds out about unitrunker.

any suggestions on other software?

Thanks in advance,

Steven

 

[mtindor]

Steven,

see my response here: http://www.radioreference.com/forums/showpost.php?p=705761&postcount=13

It sounds like you have LISTEN turned ON but are only using one scanner... so the following happens:

1. You sit on a CC and all is quiet - unitrunker shows data
2. Unitrunker detects an audio convversation and switches to the voice channel
3. Since Unitrunker is no longer sitting on the CC, it has no data to work with
4. When the audio conversation is over, it switches back to CC and Unitrunker comes alive

Unless you have two scanners, or unless you don't mind having the information disappear when a voice conversation is happening, then turn OFF Listen and that way it will sit on the CC and stay there, even during a voice conversation, and will continue to update the data on the screen.

Mike

 

[SCPD]

Mike - the way I read Steven's post is his radio is set to scan (or search - depending on model). It is leaving the control channel to follow a voice call.

Steven - set your radio to hold on the control channel. For example, take the radio out of trunking mode so it doesn't try to follow trunked calls. As Mike says - you won't be able to hear voice calls but it will stop the radio from leaving the control channel so you'll have a steady signal.

 

[WisconsinRailfan]

It sounds like you have LISTEN turned ON but are only using one scanner
It is turned off

The above pictures are correct, when I can hear the conversation - it goes to no signal - unnamed quility 0%

But when the conversation stops is when I see the data and unnamed quility goes up to 97%

I do have it on HOLD and not set to scan - I can snap a picture of the scanner to make sure I do have it set correctly and post when I get home from work if needed.

<NEW QUESTION>If my receive signal is not the greatest IE: I only using a duckie, how much will that impact?

<NEW QUESTION>Is there a way to test my handy work? An app to test my tap?

<NEW QUESTION>what other apps can be used with the tap, again the reason why I installed in the first place was for http://www.atcsmon.com/ but always open to see what else I can do with it

 

[SCPD]

But when the conversation stops is when I see the data and unnamed quility goes up to 97%

I think the magic word is "conversation". If the radio is truly parked on the control channel - you shouldn't be hearing any conversations - just control channel buzzes.

<NEW QUESTION>If my receive signal is not the greatest IE: I only using a duckie, how much will that impact?

Depends on the signal.

<NEW QUESTION>Is there a way to test my handy work? An app to test my tap?

Run Uniscope so you can see the waveform and verify correct levels. EDIT: nevermind, you've already done that. This signal looks scratchy. Perhaps a better antenna and/or locate the radio further away from the computer.

<NEW QUESTION>what other apps can be used with the tap, again the reason why I installed in the first place was for http://www.atcsmon.com/ but always open to see what else I can do with it

Quite a few ... Trunker, Treport, Trunk88 (all trunking releated). I think there is an MDC1200 signalling decoder for voice channels. There are some ACARS decoders out there too.

 

[mtindor]

Rick,

<edited - I was thinking he was using a 996>

Mike

 

[WisconsinRailfan]

I think the magic word is "conversation". If the radio is truly parked on the control channel - you shouldn't be hearing any conversations - just control channel buzzes.

Actually, I don't hear anything, no buzzes or anything for that matter. Maybe I need to re-program my scanner, I have a cable on the way, and I will soon be a "premium" subscriber here (the least I can do for all the help I get here)

Thanks for the suggestions on the software! greatly appreciated, My nephew gave me a licensed copy of airnav ACARS Decorder 2. (he's an air traffic controller so he bought me a copy since we often go "spotting" when he is in town, or when I go visit him.

As for as antennas go, I bought an 800mhz antenna on flee-bay, what a disappointment (I learned my lesson) but after work tomorrow I am either going to buy the RS-800 mhz or the Diamond RH77CA from Universal.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my "newbie" questions, as I learn new stuff, I will be happy to pass what I have learned, to others.

any other input is greatly appreciated!

/Steven