SDS100 for C4FM P2

[TravelDave]

Let me start with... I'm clueless.

Okay, now that we've got that behind us, I'm trying to get a new scanner to replace my 785D since my city has been on Phase 2 for a while. I'm trying to make sure (before I drop $700) that the SDS100/200 will actually be able to track my local department and provide the associated (unencrypted) data.

Database is showing that they're on C4FM (which I only understand because I happened to pick up a new Yaesu rig for my car, so I got a brief education around Fusion). Just not clear if the SDS100 is compatible. Or if that's just a dumb question. I'm okay hearing that it's a dumb question, as long as I find out if it'll work.

For reference, my agency in the DB: Frisco Police Department

 

[hiegtx]

Let me start with... I'm clueless.

Okay, now that we've got that behind us, I'm trying to get a new scanner to replace my 785D since my city has been on Phase 2 for a while. I'm trying to make sure (before I drop $700) that the SDS100/200 will actually be able to track my local department and provide the associated (unencrypted) data.

Database is showing that they're on C4FM (which I only understand because I happened to pick up a new Yaesu rig for my car, so I got a brief education around Fusion). Just not clear if the SDS100 is compatible. Or if that's just a dumb question. I'm okay hearing that it's a dumb question, as long as I find out if it'll work.

For reference, my agency in the DB: Frisco Police Department

At present, though Frisco's system is capable of P25 Phase II, all of the listed talkgroups, currently in the database, are still shown as P25 Phase I. Note the Mode column. A D means P25 Phase I is in use. If, instead, that were to be a letter T, then that TGID would be Phase II.

I suspect that at some point you will see the system move fully to Phase II. That conversion is happening now over on PAWMCo, which has Plano, Allen, Wylie, and Murphy, as well as other users that migrated from the old Collin County system. Frisco has a backup TGID for Fire on PAWMCo, which is labeled as Phase II.

As long as Frisco does not do wholesale encryption of their talkgroups, the SDS100 (or SDS200) will have no problems receiving the system. Depending on your location, you might need to tweak one of the filter settings, but that's a one & done deal. I have both models, and monitor a number of the systems here in the extended DFW Metro area. Frisco has a few encrypted Tac & Talk TGIDs that are encrypted (that's why there may be an E appended to the D or T in the mode column.)

 

[TravelDave]

At present, though Frisco's system is capable of P25 Phase II, all of the listed talkgroups, currently in the database, are still shown as P25 Phase I. Note the Mode column. A D means P25 Phase I is in use. If, instead, that were to be a letter T, then that TGID would be Phase II.

Super helpful. If this is the case,, though, then i really am an idiot... I need to just hook up my 785D and see if Frisco comes through clearly since they're on P1 for now. Appreciate the quick reply!

 

[Project25_MASTR]

C4FM is the worst thing for Yaesu to call Fusion. C4FM is the modulation used by P25 in Phase 1 operation, NXDN and Fusion...

 

[mastr]

never mind...should have read closer.

 

[hiegtx]

Super helpful. If this is the case,, though, then i really am an idiot... I need to just hook up my 785D and see if Frisco comes through clearly since they're on P1 for now. Appreciate the quick reply!

While you could program the voice channels for Frisco's system in your 785D, and possibly monitor some of the conversations as long as they are using P25 Phase I, your scanner is not capable of trunk-tracking the system. So, all you would hear is occasional snippets of conversations, The scanner will not follow the talkgroups if the reply is made on a different frequency. You would have to try & program the frequencies conventionally, and the scanner will not recognize the TGIDs. I have the handheld sibling of your 785D, the 250D. Even with the digital card installed & working, neither of these scanners can trunk-track a true P25 system.