TRX-2 programming help for Ohio MARCS

[BN203]

I have tried several different set ups on my TRX-2 to optimize scanning in a mobile setting. West Central Ohio MRACS only. I currently have only one trunked system programmed using about 12 sites and about 30 TGs for LE and FD. Has anyone experimented with settings? Has anyone tried creating a separate trunked system for each site with all the TGs assigned to each site? I have searched AI and have settings suggestions, but I thought I read or heard somewhere that creating a separate trunked system for each site is advantageous. Has any tried this approach with success?

 

[tvengr]

Please attach your configuration archive file so we can take a look at it. Click on Attach files and open the file. Which counties are you interested in covering?

 

[BN203]

Please attach your configuration archive file so we can take a look at it. Click on Attach files and open the file. Which counties are you interested in covering?

As you will see, I have 12 sites saved each in its own trunked system. I live in Clark County but travel anywhere from Columbus to Lima down to Springboro on a regular basis. Gives me the opportunity to listen to OSP District 5 which comprises most of that area.

I have found dead spots in Champaign County mainly in the NW end of the county. In Springfield in the area around US68 and SR41, and at times along SR29 in Shelby County from The Champaign County line to Sidney.

From what I have been reading it appears that settings are a part of the issue. I do get the open squelch sign S, instead of the trunked systems T a lot of times. Again from what I read the squelch setting should be around 8-10 to stop the open squelch, if those posts are correct.

Any ideas are certainly welcome.

I chose the TRX-2 for my truck due to the detachable head. Made mounting easy. The CAT5 cable is 15' long. and it is a shielded cable.

I was using a Uniden BCD536 before and it would just go dead in spots. I know the SDS200 would be a solution, but mounting it my truck would not be feasible due to its size.

 

[tvengr]

Scanning all of the sites with the dwell time set to 2.4 seconds will take about 30 seconds to scan all of the sites. That will cause you to miss most transmissions. I have a SDS150 handheld with a REM-820S antenna which works great sitting in a cupholder. I usually am in 2 counties only, and it covers them flawlessly. The new SDS150 has a built-in GPS which would take care of switching sites automatically as you travel. You would probably want a mount on the dash which would place it close to the windshield for the GPS. For the TRX-2, you would be better off setting up a system for each site on its own scan list. It would be fairly simple switching sites using the scanner keypad. The scan lists could be arranged in sequential order for the directions you usually travel. Some of the sites surrounding you are simulcast. That most likely will cause receive problems using the TRX-2. What antenna are you using?

 

[tvengr]

In addition to my previous post #4, if you set up a single system with all of the sites, the scanner will find a site with a good signal and stay there. The units you want to monitor may not be affiliating with that site. You have no control over which site the scanner is using. Also, you will be able to monitor only one county at a time. If each site is set up in a different system with its own scan list, you will be able to select any combination of sites you want to monitor.

 

[Whistler_Support]

BN203

I made some edits (BN203 Separate) that may help with decode of the 4 Simulcast Sites however it may take 30 seconds or so to run thru these 12 Sites as they are seen by the scanner as separate Trunked Systems in this configuration.

Combining these Sites under 1 system should be much faster, you can try (BN203 Combined)

As you are only scanning P25 Trunked, you can technically set the Squelch to Minimum.