I hadn't seen 48 decided on. Thanks for that. Last I saw they were going with 0 for most ops, with PD's using different RAN's and encryption etc. Since they now have officially gone with 48 that is another step closer to active wide spread use.cool.
Railroads and NXDN
- Thread starter PJH
- Start date
The "48" you are seeing on the national railroad database is referring to the type of digital signal - NXDN4800 (very narrow) vs NXDN9600 (narrow). It has nothing to do with the RAN number a particular railroad is using. On Uniden scanners, you don't have to specify which version of NXDN that the frequency is using but on ICOM receivers, you have to specify which version of NXDN is being used.
The only local railroad in my area (RJ Corman) is using RAN 0.
The only local railroad in my area (RJ Corman) is using RAN 0.
Ahh, that clarify it, I was pretty sure it was 0 for basic ops.
Probably because they aren't transmitting using NXDN. Many of the railroads updated their FCC licenses to include digital voice, but that doesn't mean they are using it.
Icom Radios only do VN / 4800. Kenwood radios will do both 9600 and 4800 (12.5 / 6.25). If a Railroad is going to use Icom and use IDAS / NXDN, then they have to use VN / 4800 / 6.25, or they won’t work with Icom.
And RAN 0 has not been clarified as the official “RAN”. Look at FEC. There are other Railroads that use different RAN’s as well. Class 1’s included.
Now when NXDN goes widespread, there may be a primary RAN for interchange. But there is nothing supporting “RAN 0” as default.
For instance, CSX uses PL on several road channels….
My ICOM R30 can receive both NXDN4800 (Very Narrow) and NXDN9600 (Narrow) but you HAVE to tell it which version you are trying to receive when you program the receiver. Obviously the R30 can’t transmit on either version. My original post was about only receivers and scanners.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Used to be the case very early on in NXDN. Icom changed that pretty quickly and now allows both 6.25KHz and 12.5KHz. Kenwood had a lower tier NXDN model that only did 6.25KHz also, but that's long gone/discontinued, in fact, I think there was a firmware update for some hardware versions of those early radios that added 12.5KHz since even Kenwood realized it was a dumb move (my own opinion).
I stand corrected re; ICOM and VN only. Last batch we bought a couple of years ago were VN only. (Railroad use) Most of what Railroad related NXDN that I see and hear is VN.
Interestingly, we have found that VN has better range, I presume it's due to the lower noise floor? Surely the opposite from analog, where we could talk several miles further on 25 v/s 12.5
Interestingly, we have found that VN has better range, I presume it's due to the lower noise floor? Surely the opposite from analog, where we could talk several miles further on 25 v/s 12.5
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
I've found that 6.25KHz does give better range. That was kind of the goal behind it.
My original plan was to run my trunked system in 6.25, but ultimately chose 12.5KHz since we had a user that was going to be doing a lot of AVL. Ultimately they changed their mind, but not before deploying about 400 radios. DIdn't want to tackle trying to reconfigure the system and all those radios.
My original plan was to run my trunked system in 6.25, but ultimately chose 12.5KHz since we had a user that was going to be doing a lot of AVL. Ultimately they changed their mind, but not before deploying about 400 radios. DIdn't want to tackle trying to reconfigure the system and all those radios.
If you would have read the clarification above, you would see the outcome of why I stated that. ICOM did only do 6.25 for quite a while, then more recently opened up to 12.5. Why, I don’t know, as 6.25 is much better than 12.5 for several reasons, IE; more channel separation, lower noise floor = increased range, don’t have to re-program if the bands are split to 6.25 in the future, etc.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
This was my experience experimenting with NXDN on some with a friend of mine. We both ended up getting NX700 mobiles for use on radio controlled roads. We were both using 1/2 wave antennas centered at about 162MHz(half way between 150->174MHz) on a 145MHz ham simplex channel. We found VN NXDN to be quite decent, both for range and voice quality.
peten1vak
Member
Does anyone know if CSX in Pitt County North Carolina is using nxdn for communications? I see they have frequencies listed?
The only freqs listed (in NC Railroads) as using NXDN are Great Smokey Mountain Rail and Atlantic Rail. It might be better if you ask in the North Carolina forums.
Long thread,
AFAIC, if the AAR would of wanted to switch over, it would of been done by now. Look how long has it been, what, 20 or so years? Wasn't it in the middle 20's (around 2005 or so) when this proposed change surfaced?
I've heard (literately and otherwise) all these 'digital' modes are nothing but a joke, nothing but problems and the audio quality is usually terrible with a few exceptions.
The only carrier around WNY that is using it is GO Transit in Ontario Canada. When the signal comes in strong enough, the audio level is ridiculously over modulated and next to impossible to understand. There are plenty of assigned AAR channels, there is no shortage of them which removes the need of more flexibility that Business & PS band transmissions need.
IOW,s there is little need for it, it's nothing but a cash cow for the radio manufactures clear and simple. The AAR got sold a bill of goods. And I'd bet they realized it long ago.
AFAIC, if the AAR would of wanted to switch over, it would of been done by now. Look how long has it been, what, 20 or so years? Wasn't it in the middle 20's (around 2005 or so) when this proposed change surfaced?
I've heard (literately and otherwise) all these 'digital' modes are nothing but a joke, nothing but problems and the audio quality is usually terrible with a few exceptions.
The only carrier around WNY that is using it is GO Transit in Ontario Canada. When the signal comes in strong enough, the audio level is ridiculously over modulated and next to impossible to understand. There are plenty of assigned AAR channels, there is no shortage of them which removes the need of more flexibility that Business & PS band transmissions need.
IOW,s there is little need for it, it's nothing but a cash cow for the radio manufactures clear and simple. The AAR got sold a bill of goods. And I'd bet they realized it long ago.
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You are incorrect.
NXDN / IDAS was chosen by the AAR, because at the time, it was the only commercially available mode that would do true 6.25, which is what would have been required, had the "Very Very Narrowband" mandate come through.
There is not a lot of NXDN usage on Railroads right now, because there simply is no need. But if it is set up correctly, the audio profiles correctly set, the RAN's kept simple, and used 6.25Khz, it offers more range, cuts background noise, and shows who is talking on the radio display (UID's)
NXDN / IDAS was chosen by the AAR, because at the time, it was the only commercially available mode that would do true 6.25, which is what would have been required, had the "Very Very Narrowband" mandate come through.
There is not a lot of NXDN usage on Railroads right now, because there simply is no need. But if it is set up correctly, the audio profiles correctly set, the RAN's kept simple, and used 6.25Khz, it offers more range, cuts background noise, and shows who is talking on the radio display (UID's)
