Scanning NXDN NEXEDGE 4800 System

[paramedic228]

Should I be I able to scan the above system on my SDS200 scanner? I do have the NXDN option. This is the system details:




So far, I am not able to hear any radio traffic.

Dave

 

[hiegtx]

Should I be I able to scan the above system on my SDS200 scanner? I do have the NXDN option. This is the system details:
View attachment 119790View attachment 119790View attachment 119791

View attachment 119791

So far, I am not able to hear any radio traffic.

Dave

Yes, presuming the database info is correct, you should be able to scan the system. I monitor a NXDN 4800 system on one of the smaller cities in Dallas County:

Lancaster Public Safety Trunking System, Lancaster, Texas

Lancaster Public Safety Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

I also have a NXDN 9600 system for three other small cities near me:

Southwest Regional Communications Center Trunking System, Cedar Hill, Desoto, Dunca, Texas

Southwest Regional Communications Center Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

I can monitor either of these systems with any of my Uniden scanners with the NXDN upgrade, including the SDS100, SDS200, 436HP, & 536HP.

Make sure that you have the Fire Tac service type enabled,

If possible, use the 'System Status' option under the Analyze menu, to see if you see any indication of activity. Of course, activity is going to vary, from dead quiet, to really busy during a working incident. Are you sure they are still actively using this system? For the license shown for the trunked system, there is a second repeater site listed, but it only shows a single frequency, which is not any of the four shown in the site for the NXDN system.

You might request that your thread be moved down to the Texas forum, so that members in your area might see it and provide information. To do that, click on the Report link in the lower left corner of your post to make the request. Don't create a second post on the same subject; just ask this one to be moved.

You might also check in on the HoustonScan list on Groups.io, which is dedicated to your area.

HoustonScan@groups.io | Messages

groups.io

 

[paramedic228]

I do have the Fire Tac service type enabled. I believed that I imported (appended) to my Favorites List the correct way. They were working a 2-alarm incident last night, but I didn't hear any traffic in the short time that I listened since programming. I wasn't sure if I had to do anything else. I do see it appear on the display on the scanner during regular scanning. Maybe I am just out of range? I don't know where their site is, but I am about 15 miles from their area.

 

[ka3jjz]

According to this...

Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department Site: Confirmed LCN

Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department Site: Confirmed LCN Details

www.radioreference.com

you are pretty close to the edge of their coverage area. Assuming that the programming is correct, you may need a better antenna to hear them. Just a duckie is not likely to hack it.

Mike

 

[paramedic228]

Mike....I am using this antenna https://www.scannermaster.com/Wideband_Antenna_with_Mag_Mount_and_BNC_p/01-541326.htm which probably still isn't much better. I have debated using an outdoor antenna, but would have to be somewhat discreet since it would be on the front of my house, facing the street, and I have to contend with HOA rules for antennas.
A friend has advised that this particular system is poor. They are the ONLY agency around on this NEXEDGE trunk system.

 

[ka3jjz]

Can you get that antenna higher and outside on a balcony or porch? Height above the surrounding objects makes all the difference in frequency ranges like these. Surround it with plastic plants (which is not likely to be against HOA rules) to hide it

Mike

 

[paramedic228]

Can you get that antenna higher and outside on a balcony or porch? Height above the surrounding objects makes all the difference in frequency ranges like these. Surround it with plastic plants (which is not likely to be against HOA rules) to hide it

Mike

At the present time no. At least not this particular antenna. I might look into another, better antenna once I do some more research on which one will work best for me. I did actually hear traffic today though on two channels. Spotty, but there none the less.

 

[hiegtx]

At the present time no. At least not this particular antenna. I might look into another, better antenna once I do some more research on which one will work best for me. I did actually hear traffic today though on two channels. Spotty, but there none the less.

Any thought of putting an antenna in the attic? While not as effective as a true external, rooftop, antenna, it can still be better than an antenna 'hidden' around or just above ground level.

 

[mmckenna]

You'll do yourself a favor by ditching the antenna. RG-174 is pretty lossy cable. As other said, at ground level, you're going to have issues.

If budget is an issue, try putting that antenna up as high as you can get it. Drop it on a conductive surface to give it something resembling a ground plane, and get it up high.

Antenna in the attic might work better, depending on the composition of the roof and what's up in the attic. Kind of hard when you are on the fringes of coverage and trying to work with a limited antenna.

 

[paramedic228]

Any thought of putting an antenna in the attic? While not as effective as a true external, rooftop, antenna, it can still be better than an antenna 'hidden' around or just above ground level.

The attic is not an option for me as access is nearly impossible. I am told that their signal even 7-8 miles closer is still pretty lousy!

 

[Echo4Thirty]

I will confirm that the LCNs posted are correct. Make sure they are programmed correctly in your radio. That said, your issue is probably a lack of coverage. Its not a wide area system by any means.

A friend has advised that this particular system is poor.

He is correct

They are the ONLY agency around on this NEXEDGE trunk system.

Dumb. So much for interoperability! I get agencies may dislike dealing with TXWARN, but to utilize a proprietary business grade trunking radio system for the fire service is not smart, imho.

 

[paramedic228]

I will confirm that the LCNs posted are correct. Make sure they are programmed correctly in your radio. That said, your issue is probably a lack of coverage. Its not a wide area system by any means.



He is correct



Dumb. So much for interoperability! I get agencies may dislike dealing with TXWARN, but to utilize a proprietary business grade trunking radio system for the fire service is not smart, imho.

I have been receiving from time to time and one day, perhaps with a different antenna, my reception will get better. It's not a huge issue; I was just wondering if I would pick up anything from this system at all. I am sure that the programming is correct, as Sentinel usually gets it right. I appreciate all of the feedback received so far.