Support for the current Palmetto800 Motorola SZII - Spartanburg

[lite_c]

Introduction
Hello RR forums, I am a new radio enthusiast and scanner in Spartanburg/Greenville/Cherokee/York counties. I decided to formulate a thread to resolve some complications with Spartanburg's - specifically Spartanburg - Palmetto800 system on Motorola SmartZone II with P25 CAI voice Simulcast (LSM).

To what I understand, this is the same system and platform, with the exception of Simulcast/LSM, as every other county with Palmetto800. I have been effective in every measure scanning York County's P25 Phase I Simulcast system, multiple conventional systems, and Greenville County's Simulcast Palmetto800 system.

Specifics

• Unit: Uniden BCD996P2.
• Array: Default antenna.
• Platform: Mobile.
• Date/Time: 21/01/2016 - present.

Problem(s)
In Spartanburg, out of all of the other places and systems received and operated, I am unable to receive anything but static and garble; no transmissions are readable on the Spartanburg Simulcast system. I have tried adjusting squelch, utilizing all available frequencies for the site, utilizing only the primary control channel frequency for the site, utilizing the alternate control channel frequencies for the site, attenuating, using 800/900 Standard and 800 Splinter bands, using 'ID Search' and 'ID Scan' all in vice versa.
The problem is that this system in Spartanburg is not receivable anywhere, whether it be 20 miles out at the limit range or 1 mile adjacent to the base, despite success in neighboring counties that utilize the same SmartZone II P25 CAI system with Simulcast.
Monitoring the control channel, 853.70000MHz, a tone similar to an engine is audible, indicating the signal is received. Upon scanning the system/site, it frequently jumps at a very quick rate from 'ID Scan' or 'ID Search' to a channel, then back to 'ID Scan' or 'ID Search' and it seems glitchy. Also, when monitoring a verified particular channel (Spartanburg Sheriff Dispatch), it seems as though when there is a transmission, the signal bars vary dramatically or don't appear at all. There has been no 'DAT' or 'LNK' or 'P25' or 'FindingCtrlChan' indication, either.

Thinking...
Has Spartanburg Simulcast possibly transitioned to P25? Should that be attempted?
Is it the Simulcast/LSM distorting/blocking transmissions?
Would an 800MHz antenna help or resolve the distortion and improve overall reception?
Is it just me, or is this common...any other operators??

Solution(s)
Please let us all know by detailing/explaining any thoughts and questions. Thanks!

 

[brian]

I've been monitoring the Spartanburg site for many years, and I monitor it every day. I can tell you with 100% certainty that 853.7000 is a standard 3600bps Motorola control channel. Most of the talkgroups on this site (for Spartanburg SD, EMS and SCHP) are analog, so LSM/simulcast distortion are not an issue. There are some digital talkgroups active - SRHS Security, USC-Upstate Security, Laurens County occasionally). I get very good reception throughout the county.

I'm using GRE-made radios to monitor, including a PSR-800, PRO-106, PSR-500, PRO-197,etc. So I'm not familiar with the programming particulars of the Bearcat radios. On the GRE radios, you choose among MOT 800/900 and P25 for system types, and this is NOT a P25 system. It's still a Smartzone Type II system.

To be clear, the Palmetto 800 system a different system type than York County (which is a P25 Simulcast system).

I hope that helps.

 

[lite_c]

Brian,
Thanks for the attention. I did not know that the Simulcast distortion applied to only digital - this is a relief. I was aware of York's P25 and referenced it to give some background as to what I have been capable of monitoring.

I am glad you mentioned the variation of P25 system types - this is most likely the issue, as when I alternate between Splinter and Standard, the tone on 853.70000 is not audible. This is most likely an indication that the P25 CAI on 800 Splinter (which is what Spartanburg is/should be) isn't probably compatible on the BCD996P2...something that I will certainly look into.

Thanks for your help and your explanation!

 

[KevinC]

You need to program it as a rebanded system and apply the custom trunking tables.

 

[lite_c]

KevinC,

Had you not mentioned the rebanding, I would have never acknowledged it. I finally got the custom band plans set up and compatible. Thanks for the mention, I completely overlooked it. I am not surprised considering I started this one week ago.

Thanks for all y'all's help! Case closed!