SARA Network, Story Co Simulcast, Ames P25

[TJK50010]

Sorry to rehash this question. I read all the threads and looked over the RR database. I can't find a clear answer about the SARA Network, Story Co Simulcast, Ames P25 systems.

When I try to find the primary control channel to listen to Ames, I get: (769.09375c 769.50625c 770.00625c 770.50625c 771.09375c 771.50625c).
How do I determine the one to choose? Do I take my chances with the first one, or do they all work equally (synced)?

 

[baker50021]

It's a trucked system and all of them are used as a control channel. Short answer is all of them must be programed. There is no primary control channel

 

[thatoneiowan]

my limited understanding is that since it is a Harris system the control channel changes often enough that it's best to program then all. I can check what it is now when I get home if you need but not sure how much good it will do

 

[TJK50010]

Crazy question, I want to setup my antenna in the best location for the Ames system. Where is the antenna tower located? I know they used to have a Ames tower and a Iowa State tower, are they still separate? (Using SDR in a window)

 

[baker50021]

Assuming this is accurate

FCC Callsign WREW491 (STORYCOMM)

FCC Callsign WREW491 (STORYCOMM)

www.radioreference.com

 

[TJK50010]

Assuming this is accurate

FCC Callsign WREW491 (STORYCOMM)

FCC Callsign WREW491 (STORYCOMM)

www.radioreference.com

Yeah, I didn't expect a 40 ft antenna near campus. But it's more central than the one that used to be on Lincoln Way and Dayton ave. Definitely helps with the Western parts of town that used to have reception issues, but not so great for the north areas like Ada Hayden park.

 

[TJK50010]

Yeah, this is my first time back in Ames since it went P25. I'm trying to scan with DSD+. It only allows you to enter one frequency. How do you do that when Ames doesn't have a primary?

 

[TJK50010]

Oh, looks like you just check the next freq in the list. 769.50625

 

[chris451rr]

Yeah, this is my first time back in Ames since it went P25. I'm trying to scan with DSD+. It only allows you to enter one frequency. How do you do that when Ames doesn't have a primary?

If you use Sdrsharp on your receive tuner to determine which control channel is active put that in Unitrunker manual frequency.
Then it will decode the data stream and fill in all the valid channels. Then activate chase, and adjust squelch and it will search for a new control channel if it changes. In the tuner window it shows where its chasing for the control channel.
I start with just the active control channel on the system. The channel list is broadcast as are the band plan.
I found you can go to one of the unitrunker windows and change systems that way double click on others, but you have to put in a control channel then it can download the channel list.
Its been decoding p25p1 better than the scanners are. P25p2 you can see who's talking. The developer says the patent on p25p2 expires within 2 years then they will add that to decoding.
I get 3 or 4 counties here using a tv beam turned vertical it helps and unitrunker is doing a great job with simulcast (where different sites are on same freq (but with a low beat note).