TxWARN Project 25 Questions

[nomorewreckersd5]

I finally got this system programmed into my BCD996T, after a couple of days of listening, I have several questions.

1) I have the Tomball site programmed, with all H.C.S.O. talkgroups, DPS, TABC, TPWD, Tomball PD and PCT. 4 & 5. All HCSO Dispatch talkgroups and Tactical (example "West-A") come in great, as well as PCT. 5 Dispatch 1. However, I have heard no activity from PCT. 4 talkgroups. Are they utilizing this system, or have not migrated yet?

2) I can hear DPS Houston on TXWARN P25 and on occasion can hear the actual units, my question is, do they operate on this system or is it patched from the DPS APCO system? I also have DPS APCO Statewide programmed into the BCD996T but seem to get more on the TXWARN P-25 talkgroups.

3) Can I program more than one site in the same system? (Example: Tomball Site and Houston Simulcast)

4) Will I be able to pickup the same talkgroups from the Tomball site that I normally listen to on another site like the Houston Simulcast?

Sorry for the long post and the questions, I have not been scanning lately, and decided to get back to my hobby! Thank you in advanced to those who respond. God Bless!

One more question, with my BCD996T (Firmware Version: 1.02.01) am I capable of monitoring the (TxWARN) Motorola Type II SmartZone? I have attempted to program the Hempstead and Tomball site and cannot pick up anything.

Once again, thank you for your help.

 

[nomorewreckersd5]

I finally got this system programmed into my BCD996T, after a couple of days of listening, I have several questions.

1) I have the Tomball site programmed, with all H.C.S.O. talkgroups, DPS, TABC, TPWD, Tomball PD and PCT. 4 & 5. All HCSO Dispatch talkgroups and Tactical (example "West-A") come in great, as well as PCT. 5 Dispatch 1. However, I have heard no activity from PCT. 4 talkgroups. Are they utilizing this system, or have not migrated yet?

2) I can hear DPS Houston on TXWARN P25 and on occasion can hear the actual units, my question is, do they operate on this system or is it patched from the DPS APCO system? I also have DPS APCO Statewide programmed into the BCD996T but seem to get more on the TXWARN P-25 talkgroups.

3) Can I program more than one site in the same system? (Example: Tomball Site and Houston Simulcast)

4) Will I be able to pickup the same talkgroups from the Tomball site that I normally listen to on another site like the Houston Simulcast?

Sorry for the long post and the questions, I have not been scanning lately, and decided to get back to my hobby! Thank you in advanced to those who respond. God Bless!

One more question, with my BCD996T (Firmware Version: 1.02.01) am I capable of monitoring the (TxWARN) Motorola Type II SmartZone? I have attempted to program the Hempstead and Tomball site and cannot pick up anything.

Once again, thank you for your help.

An update, I am now receiving C-4 Dispatch 1, however I am still confused what DPS is using in and around my area (Cypress) and whether I can put different sites in one system and still pickup the talkgroups for that system. I am also not having any luck programming the Hempstead or Tomball site in the Type II Motorola TxWARN.

 

[loumaag]

DPS uses both, sort of depends what mic he picks up. That said, it really doesn't make any difference since the transmission is simulcast on both the TxWARN talk group and the DPS Conventional channel. Listen to both or either one.

As for the TxWARN Motorola system, don't forget that the towers have gone through re-banding so you have to adjust the trunking tables. I don't own a 996XT (or 396XT) so I am not exactly sure how you change them manually, but if you are using FreeScan software to program (or any other software product) it should be pretty east to adjust the settings. In FreeScan it can be done on the site tab and is a drop down menu item.

 

[nomorewreckersd5]

loumaag, thanks a lot for your help. I don't pick up much for DPS, I guess that is because the computer they have now, where when I used to listen to them, they had to do all their traffic on the radio.

I'm starting to get familiar with the TxWARN P25 System but have given up on the TxWARN system.

loumaag, will I be able to listen in on the talkgroups from the Tomball site on another site, per example the Houston Simulcast? Can I put these sites together in one system (bank)?

Again thanks for your help. Really enjoying listening again.

 

[loumaag]

Again I don't have a 996XT but doesn't it have multiple sites for one system? I mean don't all the TGs get associated with multiple sites in the same system? Remember, you can only hear something on a site if there is an active radio affiliated with the site. Tomball is a nice site because of where it is situated.

 

[hiegtx]

Again I don't have a 996XT but doesn't it have multiple sites for one system? I mean don't all the TGs get associated with multiple sites in the same system? Remember, you can only hear something on a site if there is an active radio affiliated with the site. Tomball is a nice site because of where it is situated.

Lou,
Does the OP have a 996XT, or a 996T (his first post says 996T).

Both the 996T and the 996XT have multi-site capability, though as you've already mentioned, that won't change the fact that all traffic is not carried on all sites.

One more question, with my BCD996T (Firmware Version: 1.02.01) am I capable of monitoring the (TxWARN) Motorola Type II SmartZone? I have attempted to program the Hempstead and Tomball site and cannot pick up anything.

nomore,
Can you confirm which scanner? BCD996T, or BCD996XT?

One more question, with my BCD996T (Firmware Version: 1.02.01) am I capable of monitoring the (TxWARN) Motorola Type II SmartZone? I have attempted to program the Hempstead and Tomball site and cannot pick up anything.

Either scanner will monitor those sites, assuming you are within range. However, both sites require the use of custom tables due to rebanding of the frequencies.

I'm starting to get familiar with the TxWARN P25 System but have given up on the TxWARN system.

If you have the 996T, you definitely need to update the firmware before you would be able to enter the custom tables required for Hempstead & Tomball. See this page for firmware updates. The most current update is 3.02.00

For the 996XT, the most current firmware version is 1.07.03. Update information is here.

I am also not having any luck programming the Hempstead or Tomball site in the Type II Motorola TxWARN.

Once you have the firmware up to date (especially if you have the 996T, not a 996XT), then you can program the custom band tables required for each site.

For either scanner:
Create each site separately (don't combine frequencies into one), though you don't need to make two systems. For each site, after you enter the control channel frequencies, then enter the custom band plan settings.

The band plan settings are done at the site level:
Menu->Program System
Press E (yes) to select
Scroll to the system
Press E (yes) to select
Scroll to 'Edit Site' & Press E (yes) to select
Scroll to the site you want to edit (if you have more than one entered in that system), then Press E (yes) to select
Scroll to Edit Band Plan
Press E (yes) to select

For the 996T, you'd see "Band Plan 1" through "Band Plan 6". Use the values shown below in the screen shot. (Note: This is also at the bottom of the firmware page for the 996T, linked above.)

For the 996XT, assuming it's the same display as the 396XT, which I believe it is:
800/900 Standard
800 Splinter
Custom

Scroll to Custom & select it.
Enter the values shown below in Band Plans 1 & 2.

This is easier to do using software, such as FreeSCAN. Are you programming manually, or, in fact, using software?

 

[nomorewreckersd5]

Again I don't have a 996XT but doesn't it have multiple sites for one system? I mean don't all the TGs get associated with multiple sites in the same system? Remember, you can only hear something on a site if there is an active radio affiliated with the site. Tomball is a nice site because of where it is situated.

loumaag, yeah just found out today that it has multiple sites for one system which makes things a lot easier. Tomball sure is an awesome site. Thanks for all your help.

 

[nomorewreckersd5]

Lou,
Does the OP have a 996XT, or a 996T (his first post says 996T).

Both the 996T and the 996XT have multi-site capability, though as you've already mentioned, that won't change the fact that all traffic is not carried on all sites.


nomore,
Can you confirm which scanner? BCD996T, or BCD996XT?


Either scanner will monitor those sites, assuming you are within range. However, both sites require the use of custom tables due to rebanding of the frequencies.

If you have the 996T, you definitely need to update the firmware before you would be able to enter the custom tables required for Hempstead & Tomball. See this page for firmware updates. The most current update is 3.02.00

For the 996XT, the most current firmware version is 1.07.03. Update information is here.

Once you have the firmware up to date (especially if you have the 996T, not a 996XT), then you can program the custom band tables required for each site.

For either scanner:
Create each site separately (don't combine frequencies into one), though you don't need to make two systems. For each site, after you enter the control channel frequencies, then enter the custom band plan settings.

The band plan settings are done at the site level:
Menu->Program System
Press E (yes) to select
Scroll to the system
Press E (yes) to select
Scroll to 'Edit Site' & Press E (yes) to select
Scroll to the site you want to edit (if you have more than one entered in that system), then Press E (yes) to select
Scroll to Edit Band Plan
Press E (yes) to select

For the 996T, you'd see "Band Plan 1" through "Band Plan 6". Use the values shown below in the screen shot. (Note: This is also at the bottom of the firmware page for the 996T, linked above.)

For the 996XT, assuming it's the same display as the 396XT, which I believe it is:
800/900 Standard
800 Splinter
Custom

Scroll to Custom & select it.
Enter the values shown below in Band Plans 1 & 2.

This is easier to do using software, such as FreeSCAN. Are you programming manually, or, in fact, using software?

hiegtx,

I have an BCD996T. Yes, I do need to update the firmware, I am looking for the cable to connect to the computer. Lost it somewhere during the move. Thanks a lot for all your help. I finally went to Radio Shack and decided to get one of those magnetic antenna for the vehicle. Not the best choice, but It is better than the "back of the set antenna" I had. I am planning a trip to Corpus Christi from Houston, so I am anxious to try all this out. I have not been scanning in almost five years, the people at Radio Shack had no clue what a BNC connector was or what antenna I wanted. They tried to tell me about the "scanner apps" for cell phones..lol anyways, guys, thanks for all your help. One more thing I still hear the "buzzing noise" when i scan DPS and I have it set to 'Digital instead of Auto, did I maybe program this the wrong way? Another thing, when programming EDACS standard into the BCD996T, when it ask for the LCN number, do I have to place a "0" in also as in "01" 02. etc..or just simply put in "1"?

 

[hiegtx]

hiegtx,

I have an BCD996T. Yes, I do need to update the firmware, I am looking for the cable to connect to the computer. Lost it somewhere during the move. Thanks a lot for all your help. I finally went to Radio Shack and decided to get one of those magnetic antenna for the vehicle. Not the best choice, but It is better than the "back of the set antenna" I had. I am planning a trip to Corpus Christi from Houston, so I am anxious to try all this out. I have not been scanning in almost five years, the people at Radio Shack had no clue what a BNC connector was or what antenna I wanted. They tried to tell me about the "scanner apps" for cell phones..lol anyways, guys, thanks for all your help. One more thing I still hear the "buzzing noise" when i scan DPS and I have it set to 'Digital instead of Auto, did I maybe program this the wrong way? Another thing, when programming EDACS standard into the BCD996T, when it ask for the LCN number, do I have to place a "0" in also as in "01" 02. etc..or just simply put in "1"?

For the EDACS systems (or LTR, for that matter, if you have any of those to do), you can enter just the 1, without the 'leading zero' (01). Just be sure to enter the listed LCN number, not entering the them as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. Some systems skip one or more LCN 'slots', so you may see 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, or some other setup where one or more LCN#s were unused.

I've noticed on my 396T (same basic scanner as the 996T, but without the multi-site), that I get some of the same 'buzzing' on a couple of the smaller cities south of me that recently converted from analog to digital, on Vhf-high. However, the 396T does not have the option to set a channel to 'digital' or 'analog', which you can do on the 996T. The buzzing is the scanner not switching to digital decode fast enough, plus somewhat marginal reception on a whip antenna.. Go to the firmware page for the 996T, then take a look at the P25 waiting time section. You might try tweaking that and see if you get any improvement. (Note: You won't have this feature until you get the firmware up to date, so that'll be after you locate your cable, or obtain a replacement.) You may also get improvement with a better antenna.

For a mobile antenna, I use this. Works well with my 396XT & my Home Patrol. Same antenna is also available from ScannerMaster. Yes, there are better antennas out there, but this does a good job when I'm out west of the metro area, where everybody is using Vhf-high. I routinely get agencies 40-50 miles, or farther, away.

If you end up having to order a replacement programming cable, then you have two choices:
If your pc has a serial port, you can get the Uniden serial cable.
If it does not have a serial port, then you'd need to get a USB->Serial converter in order to use the serial cable (see this Wiki article).
Or, just get the USB-1 cable, which is USB.

Of course, once you get the cable, to do the firmware updates, you'll be able to also use software, such as FreeSCAN, which will simplify your programming immensely.

 

[loumaag]

hiegtx:
Thanks for stepping in and giving a hand, I would have responded sooner but had some commitments yesterday that kept me away from the house all day. And, I don't know why I got the "T" and "XT" confused, but in this case (other than firmware) it really doesn't matter.

 

[teknishun]

P25 Talkgroups for Brazoria and Galveston Counties

I was just now looking in RR at TXWARN P25 and I found radio tower sites for Pearland, 2 in Alvin, etc.

The problem is under TXWARN P25 I cannot find any talkgroups listed for Alvin PD, Fire, or EMS
nor can I find talkgroups for Friendswood, Dickinson, Webster, or Manvel and several others.

I found talkgroups for cities all around the above. What gives? I was under the impression
these agencies and a lot more in both Brazoria and Galveston counties were just about ready
to hop onto TXWARN P25. They are currently operating on TXWARN.

Am I mis-informed? Where can I get definitive information as to exactly which agencies in
Brazoria and Galveston counties will be moving to TXWARN P25 and in what timeframe?

 

[loumaag]

...
Am I mis-informed? Where can I get definitive information as to exactly which agencies in
Brazoria and Galveston counties will be moving to TXWARN P25 and in what timeframe?

You are not mis-informed, the issue is not which agencies but when they will move. Let's face it, it is going to be a budgetary issue whenever such a move is contemplated. Yes, there are sites in areas where the majority of the agencies don't use them yet, some of that is for current overlap, some of that is for units traveling outside their normal area (think strike force or task force agencies) and of course they are there for the planned movement to the new system.

At the present time, virtually every TG on the Motorola system is patched to the P25 system where the agencies have moved or are in transition. That is not the case where such transition has not taken place, like Galveston, Brazoria, and Ft. Bend counties. Where the transition is complete or newly moved from conventional modes you won't find such patches. Examples of this include Montgomery and Austin counties. Granted Montgomery Co. moved from their EDACS system but you get the idea.

As for when it will take place, that is more or less a local issue and I would bet the main reason is budget. Having lived in League City, I can understand that there may be still a bit of a money shortage throughout Galveston Co. for such changes since 2008.

 

[nomorewreckersd5]

Thanks guys for all of your help. The trip to Corpus Christi went great. Monitored DPS Conventional, and the counties between Houston and Corpus Christi along U.S. 59/ U.S. 77. I did have trouble attempting to program the EDACS Standard for Corpus Christi. It would not take the last frequency because it was already entered. So I just gave up on programming it in the BCD996T and used my PRO 97 to Monitor Corpus Christi and Robstown PD.

Coming back into Harris County I noticed Toll Road Law was being used on the TxWarn P25 system, however this not always the case. Do the agencies "switch" from one using one system to using another? Per example, Pct. 4 Harris County Constables, do not use the P25 system as much, but I can hear them on my PRO 97 using the other system. Other than that still trying to find that cable so I can upgrade my firmware.

 

[loumaag]

...
Coming back into Harris County I noticed Toll Road Law was being used on the TxWarn P25 system, however this not always the case. Do the agencies "switch" from one using one system to using another? Per example, Pct. 4 Harris County Constables, do not use the P25 system as much, but I can hear them on my PRO 97 using the other system. Other than that still trying to find that cable so I can upgrade my firmware.

Toll Rd Law dispatch has been on the P25 system for quite some time. I don't listen to Pct 4 much but they have been on it also for quite some time also, (actually way before we updated the DB). They don't "switch" back and forth, depending what radio they have is where the transmission starts, but it is carried on both at the same time.

You may be experiencing affiliation loss based on where you are and what you are listening to. For an example of what I mean by that, see the thread I started the other day about TG 2007 in Montgomery Co.

 

[nomorewreckersd5]

Toll Rd Law dispatch has been on the P25 system for quite some time. I don't listen to Pct 4 much but they have been on it also for quite some time also, (actually way before we updated the DB). They don't "switch" back and forth, depending what radio they have is where the transmission starts, but it is carried on both at the same time.

You may be experiencing affiliation loss based on where you are and what you are listening to. For an example of what I mean by that, see the thread I started the other day about TG 2007 in Montgomery Co.

I have noticed this when monitoring HCSO District 5. Sometimes I can only hear one side of the conversation, per example, the dispatch says "Clear show you S.O." but I never heard the unit. I am in Hockley so the Tomball site comes in with great signal. I just started hearing Toll Road Law, but I usually only hear the Pct. 7 and 8 guys and not C-5 or C-4. Everything else comes in okay. It does the job, so for now I am happy.

 

[loumaag]

I have noticed this when monitoring HCSO District 5. Sometimes I can only hear one side of the conversation, per example, the dispatch says "Clear show you S.O." but I never heard the unit. ...

There may be more to that than first thought. You may be cycling when the transmission starts and you miss the first part only catching the acknowledgement. You may be only catching the verbal acknowledgment of the dispatcher to a MDT message he/she received, I know this was quite common on HPD.

I'm in Dist 4, so sometimes I will lock one of the radios on to the Tomball site on the Disp 4 TG (563) and just let other radios scan. Lots of times I will hear all the conversation on that radio but miss quite a lot on the scanning ones.