RCMP PACS Changes

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beeperboy

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Is anyone else around here keeping track of MDC1200 IDs being used on PACS? I log them as I hear them and then store them with the alpha tag so they resolve to the patrol unit number or portable number whenever a member goes to RTT or 10-33. These are the ones I've collected throughout my travels so far...

The MDC1200 signal protocol is often quite resilient to noise in the way that I'll see these decoding correctly on my radio even though I can't copy any of the audio at all.

I'm pretty sure decoding data, and rebroadcasting it on forums is the same as divulging voice traffic. You may get your hand slapped by the Feds.

Industry Canada monitors this site.
 

harryshute

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ANI Numbers

I can't see the feds or IC getting to bent out of shape about ANI numbers but who knows. Time might be better spent on the various RCMP voice feeds and I don't see that happening either. They are going the ENC route which is fair.

I had never thought about logging the ANI information. Is it easy to do?
I did log the touch tone codes from the old provincial UHF system so it makes sense.

I've logged RCMP call signs in Alberta since the early 70's and when I travelled extensively in the Province. Alberta is not quite like B.C. where each detachment is given a unique number. Probably the best approach would be to take the real detailed stuff off of the forums and share via PM.
 

Jay911

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There are at least two Windows apps and one mobile app I know of that decode some signaling. WinMDCD handles only MDC1200; another one I recently found on the RR forums does MDC1200 and GE-Star with the promise of Kenwood Fleetsync soon. The mobile app RadioID does MDC, Fleetsync, and DTMF as far as I know.
I have no qualms about people knowing my department's MDC IDs - they could get them off the stream anyway.
 

TRENT310

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Well, the data isn't coded in a way that it's used for encryption and it would not aid nor hinder unauthorized access or misuse to this particular system. In addition, these unit numbers are public information and proudly emblazoned on the exterior of most patrol units.

As a radio tech I fully realize that the voice and data repeater systems I set up are monitorable by others and that doesn't bother me. As a user of a radio system, I also believe people should also be aware of that. MDC1200 is just yet another signalling standard, not unlike FleetSync, G-STAR, DTMF and single/multi-frequency signalling - yet we share fire page tones on public internet webpages and forums alike. Heck, what about decoding CTCSS/DCS and sharing those sub-tones? They may be simpler signalling systems, but still used for such purposes nonetheless.

In any case... my participation on here is mostly to try and connect with others also monitoring radio communication systems to share knowledge and advance the hobby. For me it is also a profession and it is interesting to see how other systems are designed and configured for each particular customer's application and needs. I've been involved with projects for several smaller fire department radio systems (yes, typically migrating from conventional FM voice to TRBO/DMR) and I've seen multiple ways that radio unit signalling can be set up and brought back to either manual or automated dispatch systems for anything from basic identification of transmissions, to a user pressing the emergency button on their radio, to automated "man-down" notification triggered by the built in sensors in the newer portables. I'll just say there's quite the plethora of systems running out at EOCs such as Parkland County 911.

For the most part I lurk these forums just to "read the mail" and I'm not all too active on the posting, and I realize I never did make a formal introduction to the members here.

As you would expect, I deal with Industry Canada's Spectrum Management team as part of my work, and they're aware of me... if there's a problem they know how to get a hold of me and I'll be happy to comply. Or, if there's a problem with the rules around here I'd be happy to comply as well. Again - just looking to connect with others who may have common interests on here. I've been on the flip side... troubleshooting problems caused by unauthorized users of radio equipment or poorly maintained equipment - and I know first hand the impact that can have on mission critical systems.
 

harryshute

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I downloaded the 99 cent Radio ID on my iphone and it works pretty well so far on the West Edmonton Mall Security radios. Now trying it on RCMP. When they first hit the RTT there is a tone. Is it when they turn up the repeater you hear the MDC?
 

Jay911

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It's just before the ~780 Hz tone. I find if you're not parked on the frequency (i.e. if you're scanning), you often miss the MDC signaling, as it's the first thing transmitted.
 

harryshute

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Yes it does work well parked on the frequency. Recording it on the BC536HP parked on a frequency did not. Trying to record it on Home Patrol now.

Happy Thanksgiving!
 

Jay911

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One thing you might try to look at on the x36 (and potentially the HP1 too) is that the channel is set to Analog and the P25 Wait Time is set to zero. If it is >0, the scanner spends time trying to figure out if it's a P25 signal prior to playing the audio.
 

Jay911

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Sorry, I don't have details on that, but this thread's revival reminded me of something I wanted to ask.

Anybody know who uses B14 northeast of Calgary? I pick it up particularly only when I'm going up the hill from Beddington to Sarcee on Stoney Trail westbound. Historically in that area, I manage to pick up some "skip" from signals like the ATCO Electric P25 site in Linden, so I'm thinking somewhere in that region.
 

kayn1n32008

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Funny I heard a radio ad for the same position as well as an IT specialist... I'm guessing they are ramping up for the change or replacing folks that are retiring.
 

harryshute

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I'm curious about a recent addition to the database. It shows both A5 and A8 being used in Waterton and A8 called A59. This seems very odd. On an old list I show 4A59 as a Crowsnest Pass car if that relates.
 

mciupa

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I'm curious about a recent addition to the database. It shows both A5 and A8 being used in Waterton and A8 called A59. This seems very odd. On an old list I show 4A59 as a Crowsnest Pass car if that relates.

The submitter detailed that frequency and tone as Unit A59, which I mistakenly took for a detachment identifier as opposed to a channel number.

It has now been returned back to its proper designator.

Thanks
 

harryshute

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The submitter detailed that frequency and tone as Unit A59, which I mistakenly took for a detachment identifier as opposed to a channel number.

It has now been returned back to its proper designator.

Thanks

Gotcha. Can someone down there confirm whether Waterton is A5 or A8. It can't be both.
 
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