Smartzone, Smartnet?

[chris5758]

OK, I'm probably not going to like the answer I get but here goes. I have a mts2000 model H01UCF6PW1BN with smartnet H37 . (oh boy, I should have bought a regular trunking scanner)

Does this mean that I can ONLY listen to smartnet systems? Or, because the radio is fully programmable I would be able to program any system conven, type I, type II and so forth...but what about smartzone?? I'm confused.

The specs for the radio went like this; (System Compatibilities
Compatible through software configuration with multiple system types, including Conventional, StartSite, SMARTNET, SMARTNET Type I and SmartZone systems.) What about type II?

Am I missing something when I bought this?

Thanks for the replies I probably won't like.

 

[WayneH]

Does this mean that I can ONLY listen to smartnet systems? Or, because the radio is fully programmable I would be able to program any system conven, type I, type II and so forth...but what about smartzone?? I'm confused.

No, Yes, and No. If a radio is SmartNet capable it can handle SmartNet features (SmartNet is not a different trunking format; it only adds frilly features) and anything else below it such as standard Privacy Plus trunking in Type I or II along with conventional. You can track SmartZone systems but you have to program in a site as if it was a network. You lose the ability of selecting the best site which is included with the SmartZone package.

You'll also have the issue of learning how to program it once you procure the necessary equipment. Then there's the issue of dealing with the requirement for a system key to create or modify a trunked profile. You also have a slower scan speed. The only serious benefit is you can track patches and MultiSelects and Nextel sites won't normallybeat the hell out of the radio's front end like a scanner is. Some will say you get better reception with a commercial radio but with how trunked radio networks are built there isn't that much of a gain so that excuse is worthless. Going commercial is much better for conventional radio.

I'd suggest brushing up on your knowledge of Motorola trunked radio too.

-Wayne

 

[chris5758]

:lol: Thanks Wayne. I guess I put the cart before the horse. I should have researched it more.

I do have all the equipment mot RIB, cables, I just need some time. I would like to get a copy of the user notes on the software but I don't know how motorola would respond to such a request?

I thought I had a selective radio there for a minute. Thanks a lot!

 

[WayneH]

There's no issue with buying the programming manual. I don't have the PN off-hand. You can call parts id at (800) 422-4210 to get it then order it directly from them.

-Wayne

 

[mikewazowski]

I do have all the equipment mot RIB, cables, I just need some time. I would like to get a copy of the user notes on the software but I don't know how motorola would respond to such a request?

I'm not sure Motorola sells RSS manuals anymore. Too many people with unlicenced copies of software wanting a manual. They've even cracked down on the people on Ebay selling manuals.

Chris should have gotten a manual when he bought the software from Motorola.

 

[Josh]

You also have a slower scan speed.
-Wayne

Now, I don't know about that. The procedure for scanning in trunking is the same...monitor the control channel until one of the scan-list talkgroups pops up.

It's not like conventional scan where it is listening for each talkgroup one at a time- That was something that the old STX821 used to do.

In trunking (10+1 talkgroups), and even in conventional (16 ch capacity) you will not notice any scanner work faster than the Motorola radio will when it comes to scanning.

-Josh

 

[mikewazowski]

In trunking (10+1 talkgroups), and even in conventional (16 ch capacity) you will not notice any scanner work faster than the Motorola radio will when it comes to scanning.

-Josh

I would beg to differ. Wayne is correct (as he usually is).

Motorola radios are generally slower then scanners. The old MCX1000's without the fast lock option were dreadfully slow. Even's todays Motorola radios still don't compare with most scanners.

 

[scanfan03]

yeah, Motorola radios are a whole lot slower at scanning than a scanner, a Motorola isn't made to scan, it is made to stay on one TG or freq. Also it is a whole lot harder to set a Motorola up to scan.

 

[WayneH]

We're all correct, but for the record...Josh...he didn't state what he would exactly be listening to. Josh is correct but a majority of us will scan more than one system and/or conventional channels also. Those combined are scanned at a slow rate.

Now if scanners could emulate Motorola's conventional priority scan then I'd be happy. The PRO-96 does good.......but not good enough.

-Wayne