TACN Advice

[tbzep]

It looks like my county will be moving to TACN fairly soon. Is there a thread that recommends the best desktop scanner for TACN and maybe some info on getting RTL-SDR set up for it? I've searched "TACN" but so far all I've found is conversations of which cities and counties have moved over to the TACN net. Maybe recommend a thread with a layman's comparison between SDS200, BCD536HP and BCD996P2?

Currently my county runs 800MHz DMR on Tait/Harris radios, but we still broadcast on our analog VHF and UHF systems as well. Either Tait hardware or the company that services us sucks big hairy camel balls. We have terrible distortion, dropouts, radios not working, etc. Considering I've listened on broadcastify to other DMR Tait systems and they are crystal clear, I'm leaing toward the service company being the issue. At any rate, our radio issues along with how well other dept. like it are quickly pushing us toward the new system.

 

[tpredmore]

You might want to confirm if comms will be encrypted or not, before you buy a new scanner. Lots of TGs on TACN are encrypted and unmonitorable.

 

[C_615]

The best scanner will depend heavily on whether or not it’s a simulcast system. If it is then the SDS series is basically your only option (or Unication). There’s nothing special about TACN when it comes to monitoring it with an SDR setup.

 

[tbzep]

We aren't encrypted on the DMR system. Hopefully we won't be when we move to TACN, but I haven't heard anything on it yet other than we are planning on moving to it.

I really don't want to tote my service radio around the house with me all the time. If it isn't encrypted, I can use a scanner or SDR with the computer to pipe it to other rooms in the house and shop.

 

[jeepsandradios]

I start with an SDR then see what happens. An SDR is cheap and if you want a standalone PC you can find them reasonable.

 

[tbzep]

I start with an SDR then see what happens. An SDR is cheap and if you want a standalone PC you can find them reasonable.

I already use a stand alone PC to record my dept for after action reviews, etc. so that isn't an issue. Thankfully we have continued to keep redundancy on the analog side the whole time we've had DMR.

 

[ki4hyf]

If it isn't encrypted, I can use a scanner or SDR with the computer to pipe it to other rooms in the house and shop.

Even if it is, you can still listen if you are authorized and know the key.

 

[surfacemount]

It looks like my county will be moving to TACN fairly soon. Is there a thread that recommends the best desktop scanner for TACN and maybe some info on getting RTL-SDR set up for it? I've searched "TACN" but so far all I've found is conversations of which cities and counties have moved over to the TACN net. Maybe recommend a thread with a layman's comparison between SDS200, BCD536HP and BCD996P2?

You're in the wrong hole here.

This is where we air our grievances about this is for figuring out how to program it once you pick, and in return, since your monitoring area will be a new addition, tell us the talk groups you find.

To determine which scanner, pop up about a third of the page to the voluminous scanner subforums. They will happily argue back and forth over which one to get. Tell them you need something for a statewide P25 Phase II potentially simulcast system.

Question: you seem to be affiliated. Have you heard what band of TACN you will be on? In other words, 700 sites, or will they try to utilize any existing allocations?

My honest, currently uninformed opinion is if I was only really wanting to monitor a couple of things like a radio on scan, and not parallel monitor a lot of talk groups, I would look at a unication pager with a desktop interface.

My second opinion would be how deep into the weeds and checkbook you would want to go. You can get a handful of SDR's and repurpose an old laptop and have horrible amounts of flexibility and customization, but you will have to apply yourself a little. On the other hand, they actually make desktop scanners now that just want to know where it is, and will program itself and give you the hits. Have some room on that credit card before you begin.

The only thing I would not recommend is trying to repurpose an auction site radio to try and monitor TACN. It is very possible, but with so many other options that don't include potentially someone upsetting the radio techs, it just doesn't make sense from all but one or two perspectives.

 

[tvengr]

It looks like my county will be moving to TACN fairly soon. Is there a thread that recommends the best desktop scanner for TACN

It would help to know your city or town and county so we can get our eyes on the database to determine if simulcast will be a problem and to determine the best site or sites.

 

[C_615]

I already use a stand alone PC to record my dept for after action reviews, etc. so that isn't an issue. Thankfully we have continued to keep redundancy on the analog side the whole time we've had DMR.

You should consider going the SDR route along with Rdio Scanner so that you can put a “scanner” in everyone’s pocket.

 

[buddrousa]

@tbzep
You happen to be in Carroll County? I see that you are. I also see you are getting another TACN Site in your town.
I know they use that equipment and have not been very happy with service and the system not being completed after years.

 

[tbzep]

@tbzep
You happen to be in Carroll County? I see that you are. I also see you are getting another TACN Site in your town.
I know they use that equipment and have not been very happy with service and the system not being completed after years.

Yes, our current DMR system sucks. WTPUD uses TACN in our area and loves it.

 

[tbzep]

Question: you seem to be affiliated. Have you heard what band of TACN you will be on? In other words, 700 sites, or will they try to utilize any existing allocations?

WTPUD (natural gas provider) based in Carroll County is on 700Mhz. The site they use in Carroll County is 700, as are Weakley's and a couple other surrounding counties, but there are some 800 and VHF sites in the region as well. I don't know if that means we will end up on 700 or what we will have. We are in the dark on the details right now.

 

[buddrousa]

Your System TACN Sites will be Gleason, Leach, Huntingdon and possibility Paris.

 

[ka4bni]

WTPUD (natural gas provider) based in Carroll County is on 700Mhz. The site they use in Carroll County is 700, as are Weakley's and a couple other surrounding counties, but there are some 800 and VHF sites in the region as well. I don't know if that means we will end up on 700 or what we will have. We are in the dark on the details right now.

WTPUD is using single band 7/800 TACN sites. Most of the local agencies coming to TACN will be single band. Eventually the VHF sites will be phased out after the 7/800 coverage is brought up to replace it.

 

[FFPM571]

Even if it is, you can still listen if you are authorized and know the key.

TACN wont give any info about keys to anyone

 

[ki4hyf]

They shouldn't. Especially if they like having a job, and not being in jail.