Alrighty so, I've been looking for a scanner that is able to scan P25 phase II systems with simulcast. Are there any other options apart from the SDS100-200? It's probably not the best option but how would something like an APX8000 or similar work? I'm aware that those are made to sit in one frequency and not really meant for "scanning" but I'm looking into all possibilities. For reference, I plan on scanning in Galveston county, TX.
Simulcast scanning
- Thread starter Lonnie_
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A Unication digital pager is another alternative. Cost about the same as an SDS-100. It has scanning capability, but it doesn't have all the features of a true scanner. One limitation is that you can only scan one trunked system at a time. But that may be fine, depending on how you intend to use it. Also, you can set up your own Software Defined Radio for home monitoring on a computer. I use an RTL-SDR dongle and OP25 software, which handles simulcast fine. There are other software options as well.
My understanding is that in addition to the higher cost of purchase, one of the challenges for a private individual using a commercial radio like an APX to monitor a public safety system is getting it programmed, and in a way that it doesn't affiliate with the system. An unapproved radio showing up on a radio system can end up getting bricked by the system administrators.
My understanding is that in addition to the higher cost of purchase, one of the challenges for a private individual using a commercial radio like an APX to monitor a public safety system is getting it programmed, and in a way that it doesn't affiliate with the system. An unapproved radio showing up on a radio system can end up getting bricked by the system administrators.
Definitely look at the unication G4/G5 if your looking for a commercial quality radio. The SDS also works pretty good. For me one of the biggest downsides of the SDS is battery life - my XTS 5k has a ginormous 4500 mAH battery that lasts for 3+ days on a single charge. I'm pretty sure you can get similar batteries for APX's. Ironically, some people complain that the extended battery for the SDS is TOO BIG, which I've never understood. From what I hear, the Unication batteries also last significantly longer than the SDS.
Yeah you *can* use an APX or XTS with something called "non-affiliate scan". It's eminently doable *IF* you do the proper research, but it's not for the faint of heart. It will require some hackery, to say the least. With either the Unication or the APX, you will be limited to 64 talkgroups. It's better than the XTS, which only allows 15, and of course only supports Phase I. Also the Unication will be cheaper and easier to configure than an APX radio for non-affiliate scan (NAS). I'm guessing the biggest benefits of the APX would be more sophisticated roaming capabilities and more battery life. The impress battery system is pretty darn cool. Also please do NOT buy an APX until you have done extensive research about non-affiliate scanning - if you buy an APX with the "wrong" firmware versions or features, it will be totally useless for NAS.
If you are concerned about budget, for the price of a single used APX on Ebay, you could get SIX G-5 dual band Unications. Also if this radio would only be for non-affiliate scanning (i.e. as opposed to ham radio), it would be useless to get an APX 8000 unless you want to monitor VHF AND UHF P-25 systems, in addition to 700/800. Many scanner users end up getting numerous radios to monitor separate sites/systems/talkgroups/frequencies at once. Even though the APX has insane capabilities, it can only monitor 1 talkgroup/frequency at a time.
Yeah you *can* use an APX or XTS with something called "non-affiliate scan". It's eminently doable *IF* you do the proper research, but it's not for the faint of heart. It will require some hackery, to say the least. With either the Unication or the APX, you will be limited to 64 talkgroups. It's better than the XTS, which only allows 15, and of course only supports Phase I. Also the Unication will be cheaper and easier to configure than an APX radio for non-affiliate scan (NAS). I'm guessing the biggest benefits of the APX would be more sophisticated roaming capabilities and more battery life. The impress battery system is pretty darn cool. Also please do NOT buy an APX until you have done extensive research about non-affiliate scanning - if you buy an APX with the "wrong" firmware versions or features, it will be totally useless for NAS.
If you are concerned about budget, for the price of a single used APX on Ebay, you could get SIX G-5 dual band Unications. Also if this radio would only be for non-affiliate scanning (i.e. as opposed to ham radio), it would be useless to get an APX 8000 unless you want to monitor VHF AND UHF P-25 systems, in addition to 700/800. Many scanner users end up getting numerous radios to monitor separate sites/systems/talkgroups/frequencies at once. Even though the APX has insane capabilities, it can only monitor 1 talkgroup/frequency at a time.
While one of the Unication pagers would deal with the simulcast issues you'll encounter in Galveston County, it does have it's limitations. While you can program a number of sites, as well as talkgroups, and then switch between them via the scroll knob, you are limited to only one site at a time, and only 64 talkgroups. The Galveston County Simulcast site will likely carry all of your talkgroups of interest (within that single county), but you would be excluded from other talkgroups of interest carried on other sites. Sure, you could program, and scroll to, other sites in your vicinity, but everything of interest might not be all on the same site. The BlueTail receiver is another option, and, I believe, is less expensive than either a Unication pager or SDS series scanner. However, it is not a "true" scanner (neither is the Unication). It is not programmable through the keypad, and requires an external power source at all times (no batteries in the unit itself).
I would suggest that you request your thread be moved down to the Texas Forum, where someone in your area is more likely to see it and offer their opinion. To do that, do not create a new thread. Instead, click on the Report link in the lower left corner of your post, & request that a moderator move the thread.
You could also post in the HoustonScan section of Groups.io, which covers your area.
HoustonScan@groups.io | Topics
groups.io
That would connect you with a number of people in the greater Houston metro area, who can advise what works best for them.
I believe I was mistaken about the APX, it appears the APX radios only allow 50 scan list members, while the Unications do allow 64.
Don't forget the KNG2 series of TDMA-capable radios... They are much easier to setup for NAS than Motos, with nothing more complicated than ticking a box in the software. If you're willing to search a bit for them, they can be purchased at decent prices. My KNG-P400 is my "grab and go" radio for monitoring our county's P25 Phase 1 system when I can't be in my own car with a dedicated scanner. They are great with simulcast systems and the audio is top notch.
How many TG's can they scan at once?
As far as TGs at once, they scan one site against a list of pre-defined TGs. My scan lists on my KNG-series is no longer than 16 TGs long, but I believe the KNG2-series may be capable of longer scan lists.
Wasn't trying to knock Motos, just showing how there are other options at decent prices. My KNG-P400 cost less than my G5, and it allows me to "force select" any site that's in range instead of how the G5 defaults to the strongest site--something I think Motos can do as well.
Wasn't trying to knock Motos, just showing how there are other options at decent prices. My KNG-P400 cost less than my G5, and it allows me to "force select" any site that's in range instead of how the G5 defaults to the strongest site--something I think Motos can do as well.
where would one look for a KNG?
Do you think you could see how many TG's it will let you monitor at once? I'm gonna start seriously looking into this radio but TG scan capacity would be a huge factor.
Here's the best answer from a guy who has forgotten more about KNG radios than I'll ever know:
forums.radioreference.com
The specific post is #31:
Hope that helps.
P25 Phase 2 Best Radio for Unaffiliated
Plus i can use priority TG which i can't do with an APX and NAS. But there are downsides to this (including the inability to "sit" on a particular channel without programming it as a scan list by itself, a limited delay because you are scanning from a conventional channel, inability to have a...
The specific post is #31:
Hope that helps.
I bought mine on eBay for $575 (with APCO 9600 trunking option, desktop charger and speaker mic all included) from a very reputable seller named: deal_digger_cny
There are usually some used units for sale, depending on your flavor... For Galveston, I assume you'd be looking for a KNG-P800 or KNG2-P800--I'm not really certain about the differences between KNG-series and KNG2-series. The KNG2s seem to have newer, more colorful displays. Whichever version you buy, the radio needs the TDMA option--I think it's KZA0593--but I'd double check that before buying. New, these radios go for around $2K before options, but if you're persistant, you'll find one. Software is about $120, but is readily available from any BK/Relm dealer.
TomLine
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I'm using two RTL-SDR 's and SDR-TRUNK. Works pretty well for me. Can't carry it in the car though.
blackbelter
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One more vote for the Unication Pagers. Hands down, G5 is my go to device. I only monitor one P25P2/800 Simulcast system and 20 talk groups at a time and pocket sized friendly. My RSS using its supplied nano sized antenna is -60 to -80 with TT about 5 miles away.
iMONITOR
Silent Key
It can be done.
I really wish there were more options for using an SDR with android. Can't find a trunking or digital decoding software anywhere for Android..the OTG dongle and SDR w/antenna together are fairly clumsy but do-able.
Salvatorejrc
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Can the Unication scan both a phase 2 system & digital conventional frequencies at the same time or can it only scan one system at a time, & nothing else?
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