Trunking in Bloomington, IN

[pallen]

I am brand new to scanning and just purchased a Pro-94 from RadioShack. I have been successful in getting frequencies programmed into it, and am hearing most of what I'd hoped to hear (Bloomington PD and fire, IUPD, EMS). Prior to purchasing the scanner, I hadn't heard much at all about trunking and it wasn't a factor in my purchase decision (it was mainly an impulse purchase).

However, I am interested in trying to pick up traffic from the SAFE-T system. I have programmed in the frequencies for the Bloomington area, and from what I gather, the scanner has identified the control frequency. When I put it in search mode, it doesn't receive anything. Every 20 minutes or so, it'll play a loud buzzing noise for about 5 seconds, and displays a TalkGroup ID while doing so, but I've never heard anyone talk.

Am I doing something wrong? Is this scanner capable of working with the SAFE-T system? Should I be able to pick up anything in Bloomington? I saw someone mention that SAFE-T is mostly digital, and read somewhere else that buying an 800mhz antenna will help. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[DaveIN]

Yes, most of SAFE-T is digital. You will need a BCD396T, BC296D, PRO-96, or their base/mobile equals to monitor all the action. These radios are all in the >$500 range new. You may find them *a little* cheaper on ebay or private sale.

And yes an 800Hz antenna will help.

Take a look at the Indiana database via the tab at the top of the radioreference page and then click on the SAFE-T link for all the system and talkgroup data.

 

[scannerfreak]

Every 20 minutes or so, it'll play a loud buzzing noise for about 5 seconds, and displays a TalkGroup ID while doing so, but I've never heard anyone talk.

The noise you are hearing is the scanner failing to deocde the digital audio

Am I doing something wrong? Is this scanner capable of working with the SAFE-T system? Should I be able to pick up anything in Bloomington? I saw someone mention that SAFE-T is mostly digital, and read somewhere else that buying an 800mhz antenna will help. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

You will need a digital scanner in order to monitor most SAFE-T traffic, especially in Monroe County. I do not believe they have any analog talkgroups and I think the only current user is IUPD.

The pro-94 is not a digital scanner. You will need a pro-96, or one of the Unidens. You can search the forums here for more info and to get product reviews. A new antenna may help your reception, but it won't allow you to hear the digital audio

 

[pallen]

Thanks a lot for the info.

These radios are all in the >$500 range new. You may find them *a little* cheaper on ebay or private sale.

Would anyone care to speculate on how quickly the prices will fall on digital scanners to the $200 range? I can't afford a $500 scanner, so I need to decide whether to return the Pro-94 I just bought and wait until the digital ones are affordable, or just keep it and enjoy what I can receive.

Which brings me to my next question... how long should I expect the groups I listen to now to remain on analog signals? Mainly I'm interested in Bloomington PD, IUPD and Bloomington Fire/EMS.

 

[trido]

Thanks a lot for the info.



Would anyone care to speculate on how quickly the prices will fall on digital scanners to the $200 range? I can't afford a $500 scanner, so I need to decide whether to return the Pro-94 I just bought and wait until the digital ones are affordable, or just keep it and enjoy what I can receive.

Which brings me to my next question... how long should I expect the groups I listen to now to remain on analog signals? Mainly I'm interested in Bloomington PD, IUPD and Bloomington Fire/EMS.

I have been selling digital Bearcat scanners since the very first one was out (bc250 plus digi card) never have they been under 500.
However I have been told that some radio shack stores that are closing have the pro 96 at 399.
Also if you had the chance to go to Dayton hamvention this weeked I bet the RS booth will have them way cheaper than the norm 500 dollars.

 

[scannerfreak]

Thanks a lot for the info.

Would anyone care to speculate on how quickly the prices will fall on digital scanners to the $200 range? I can't afford a $500 scanner, so I need to decide whether to return the Pro-94 I just bought and wait until the digital ones are affordable, or just keep it and enjoy what I can receive..

Not anytime soon, if ever. If you look hard enough you can find a used Pro-96 for $300-400. I have purchased 2 here in these forums for $300 each and have seen many under $350.

Which brings me to my next question... how long should I expect the groups I listen to now to remain on analog signals? Mainly I'm interested in Bloomington PD, IUPD and Bloomington Fire/EMS.

It's looking like SAFE-T is going to be the new communication system of the future for most counties in the state. I know Monroe County Sheriff and BPD want to join, but are having financing issues like many other Dept's attempting to purchase radios and dispatch equipment. I know IUPD already uses the system full time. I am pretty sure they are the only ones at this time using SAFE-T in the county(other than ISP ect..)Fire/EMS will most likely always be paged out over VHF, so you should always be able to hear the runs toned out. However, the units may eventually respond to the calls on 800, then you would not hear them without a digital scanner.

So, It looks like you might be ok for the county for awhile, as far as IUPD, they are already digital. Hope this helps

 

[pallen]

Thanks for all the info. This is one of the friendliest forums I have ever used.

I suppose I will just hang onto my Pro-94 for now and buy a digital one later if I find myself enjoying the hobby enough to justify it. I may be wrong, but I'm fairly sure I am getting IUPD traffic over their listed VHF frequencies; is it possible that they're simulcasting it?

Anyway, thanks again.

 

[scannerfreak]

Thanks for all the info. This is one of the friendliest forums I have ever used.

I suppose I will just hang onto my Pro-94 for now and buy a digital one later if I find myself enjoying the hobby enough to justify it. I may be wrong, but I'm fairly sure I am getting IUPD traffic over their listed VHF frequencies; is it possible that they're simulcasting it?

Anyway, thanks again.

:lol: Well, stick around awhile and you'll see there is a small dark side sometimes. There are a few not so nice people every now and then, but we deal with them swiftly For the most part, everyone is friendly and willing to help ones willing to learn.

It is very possible they are simulcasting, although, I am pretty sure that the IPSC does not allow full time 800/VHF simulcasting. Most likely it is them using a mix of both systems. I don't think there are to many in that area to give accurate, constant reports of activity. I do not live in that area so I am going on things I have heard from others. I believe it was one of our other admins passing through the area that first discovered that IUPD was using SAFE-T. He maybe able to shed some more light on their usage. Chris?

 

[All_Clear]

I picked up my pro 96 on ebay for $300 (was a buy it now) + $16 shipping.... Bought an 800Mhz and wall cord from radio shack....

Watch for a deal.... They are out there....


All Clear

 

[Radio_Cowboy]

I'll be heading back to Indiana for a nice siesta on Lake Monroe in a couple of weeks...gotta love having a dad with a cabin! I'll be bringing my Pro-96 along and have to see what's active down that way now. I mostly listen to the DNR south region and the local Monroe/Brown county PD/FD's when I'm there. Anyone know if ISP Bloomington (district 33) and DNR are regularly using Saf-T down there yet?



-RC-

 

[delallen]

Lake Monroe

I spent 10 days at Monroe the first of May.

DNR LE was the only tg I would call active on Safe-T. Bloomingtoon troops once in a geat while.

DNR South Region is still using 159.465 alot. The parks are using 159.240.

Monroe Sheriff and Bloomingto PD are still conventional.

FRS freqs were pretty active. Overheard a few fishing reports.