SDR question...

[BoxAlarm187]

Hey folks, not really a Virginia-specific question, but I wanted to reach out and see what you all are using for SDR and capturing new TG's and other information from TRS's?

Although scanners aren't anything new for me, the world of SDR is. I've been reading some about DSD+ and several other platforms, but simply don't have the background to start to find the direction to go in.

Thanks guys!

 

[Mr_Boh]

I use Unitrunker myself - for v2 you join the Google Group to ensure you have the latest version, but currently as long as the SDR is set up properly, it detects it automatically, and I like having the quick graphical spectrum display to fine tune into the CC. Also quick way to add aliases and such.

DSD+ isn't bad, I just don't really use it so I am not the best person to speak to it.

Some folks still use Pro96COM and while dated, seems to still do it's job with the right radio (although it's not really for SDR).

There are plenty of other methods, but Unitrunker and DSD+ seem to be the better options.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Unitrunker V2 is my favorite, but will not do P25 Phase 2 or NXDN, DSD+ is very good but it will not handle a Motorola Type II system

 

[BoxAlarm187]

Good replies so far, thanks. With the influx of Phase 2 coming to my area, anything that doesn't decode that is going to be less appealing.

 

[Mr_Boh]

So Unitrunker won't decode Phase II audio, but it will still decode the control channel and log TGs, etc. Phase I and Phase II systems have the same control channel protocols, data, etc.... So Unitrunker will be fine as long as you don't want to listen to audio without piping to something like DSD+ for decode.

 

[BoxAlarm187]

Outstanding, that's the tech information I was looking for. Sounds like Unitrunker will do what I need, I don't mind importing the unknowns into the scanner for monitoring.

 

[TJX400]

I'm out in the west end of Hanover County. I use SDRTrunk with 4 tuners to decode the Hanover/King William system. If you have a premium Radio Reference you can input all radio systems (trunked or conventional) with little hassle. Decodes both Phase-I and Phase-II systems. Also, if you decide to stream to Broadcastify, SDRTrunk has a built in feature for that. Super cool. Shows tons of interesting information. Highly recommend.

 

[reconrider8]

if you need help setting up ut i can help you out... ive ran unitrunker for years now lol i run 3 diffferent sites on NC Viper here off of 1 dongle no voice just decode of the CC

 

[dlwtrunked]

I use Unitrunker myself - for v2 you join the Google Group to ensure you have the latest version, but currently as long as the SDR is set up properly, it detects it automatically, and I like having the quick graphical spectrum display to fine tune into the CC. Also quick way to add aliases and such.

DSD+ isn't bad, I just don't really use it so I am not the best person to speak to it.

Some folks still use Pro96COM and while dated, seems to still do it's job with the right radio (although it's not really for SDR).

There are plenty of other methods, but Unitrunker and DSD+ seem to be the better options.

I use both. I prefer Unitrunker to analyze a signal (I prefer an older version) and DSD+ if I actually want to decode the voice. I use it with an Airspy R2--better than the cheap dongles.

 

[maus92]

I use Unitrunker 2 to monitor our county's SmartZone system, both logging the system activity, and decoding analog and digital voice traffic. I also use it to log activity on the state's 700 system, however it cannot decode TDMA voice channels. I use SDRTrunk to decode TDMA voice. You will need a fairly modern computer with 64 bit Win10 to run these programs simultaneously.

 

[kainixon2187]

Every time I use unitrunker to monitor ORION it's extremely distorted.

 

[maus92]

Every time I use unitrunker to monitor ORION it's extremely distorted.

Unitrunker or Unitrunker 2? Remember that the Unitrunker software series are primarily control channel monitoring and logging programs, with basic multichannel audio decoding capability in version 2. If you want better audio performance, use SDRTrunk to monitor P25 simulcast audio (or OP25.)

 

[kainixon2187]

I'm using unitrunker, I'll check out SDRTrunk.