Statewide Encryption? (Highway patrol)

[KJ5ONZ]

Is there a specific list of states that have encrypted highway patrol? Or should I start looking into purchasing upgrades?

The reason I ask:
I was on a road trip recently. I programmed my scanner (with gps), and some states would catch broadcasts almost every minute, it seemed. But then some states, I don't even think I got a single transmission. I'm trying to figure out if I programmed those states poorly, or if maybe they were just encrypted?

 

[RaleighGuy]

Is there a specific list of states that have encrypted highway patrol?

The reason I ask:
I was on a road trip recently. I programmed my scanner (with gps), and some states would catch broadcasts almost every minute, it seemed. But then some states, I don't even think I got a single transmission. I'm trying to figure out if I programmed those states poorly, or if maybe they were just encrypted?

Where reported, the database includes the information in the mode column.

 

[nd5y]

Is there a specific list of states that have encrypted highway patrol?

The closest thing would be:

Encrypted Agencies - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Or should I start looking into purchasing upgrades?

You can't buy a scanner upgrade for encryption.

 

[KJ5ONZ]

The closest thing would be:

Encrypted Agencies - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

You can't buy a scanner upgrade for encryption.

I understand that you cant purchase upgrades for encryption. My questions about upgrades is because I'm wondering if not having NXDN or DMR would cause an entire state to feel dry while listening.

 

[K9KLC]

To be honest, without knowing exactly what you were doing it's going to be hard to guess. What scanner? What states? What was enabled or not enabled in the database on the type of scanner you were using? (if applicable) Did you verify all the types were enabled on that needed to be? Anything is honestly just a guess on anyone's part without more information.

My questions about upgrades is because I'm wondering if not having NXDN or DMR would cause an entire state to feel dry while listening.

I'd go and double check everything in the DB here prior to rushing out and buying upgrades, that will yield your answer.

 

[KJ5ONZ]

To be honest, without knowing exactly what you were doing it's going to be hard to guess. What scanner? What states? What was enabled or not enabled in the database on the type of scanner you were using? (if applicable) Did you verify all the types were enabled on that needed to be? Anything is honestly just a guess on anyone's part without more information.

I'd go and double check everything in the DB here prior to rushing out and buying upgrades, that will yield your answer.

Thanks!

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

Is there a specific list of states that have encrypted highway patrol? Or should I start looking into purchasing upgrades?

The reason I ask:
I was on a road trip recently. I programmed my scanner (with gps), and some states would catch broadcasts almost every minute, it seemed. But then some states, I don't even think I got a single transmission. I'm trying to figure out if I programmed those states poorly, or if maybe they were just encrypted?

Check the applicable state and county RRDB (Radioreference database) pages. Any time you see an uppercase "E" in the mode column (as in DE, TE, P25E, etc) this indicates full encryption. A lowercase "e" would indicate partial encryption.

I'm wondering if not having NXDN or DMR would cause an entire state to feel dry while listening.

These modes are mostly (although not exclusively) used by non-public safety users (businesses, hospitals, schools, etc). Again, check the RRDB for the applicable state(s)/counties and it will tell you

 

[ofd8001]

For the most part, statewide radio systems invite local users on the system. There is a mutual benefit to this.

So to be "accommodating", they will use what is called "open architecture/standard", more commonly called "P25". That allows users a wider choice of which brands of radios that can be used. NXDN and DMR are more manufacturer specific radios.

Recently I traveled I-65 through Kentucky and had the Kentucky State Police system programmed. Never heard the first peep over two hours.

I know the programming works because at home I can receive three different posts.