Universal Studios Hollywood - DMR encryption?

[SuperHotLarry]

Hello! I just had a quick question about Universal's park-wide radios. On the RR Universal system page it says they're using DMR with a note at the bottom that states they're using "Enhanced Privacy Encryption." But a few days ago, I was staying near the property with a friend and fired up the SDR software and was hearing bits of unencrypted voice on the frequencies listed. I live quite a ways away (and behind a mountain) normally, so I don't get any signal from the park on my BCD436 even with appropriate the upgrades.

The RR page was last updated October 2016 so I don't know if the information posted is still accurate. Is anyone closer to the property able to confirm that the site is encrypted and if they're still using DMR?

Thanks!
-SHL

 

[kearthfan101]

Hello! I just had a quick question about Universal's park-wide radios. On the RR Universal system page it says they're using DMR with a note at the bottom that states they're using "Enhanced Privacy Encryption." But a few days ago, I was staying near the property with a friend and fired up the SDR software and was hearing bits of unencrypted voice on the frequencies listed. I live quite a ways away (and behind a mountain) normally, so I don't get any signal from the park on my BCD436 even with appropriate the upgrades.

The RR page was last updated October 2016 so I don't know if the information posted is still accurate. Is anyone closer to the property able to confirm that the site is encrypted and if they're still using DMR?

Thanks!
-SHL

I worked there til 2018 but when I was there it was 100% encrypted with RAS added in 2018. What city were you in? Is it also possible you were picking up another business (unless it was for sure the right color code etc)... do you have the details on which talkgroup it was?

 

[SuperHotLarry]

Do you have the details on which talkgroup it was?

Hello! and Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately, SDR# is not too good with the talkgroup labeling. But if I remember correctly, I was listening to *either* one of the "CW Backup" channels, or I was listening to one of the 5511 control channels when audio came through. I don't remember which (the Backup or the 5511) channels had the audio, though.

Additionally, I was in Sherman Oaks so not too far from the property. Though I suppose that doesn't stop me from accidentally picking up something else. Maybe I'll plan a trip back there to do a re-test.

 

[kearthfan101]

Hello! and Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately, SDR# is not too good with the talkgroup labeling. But if I remember correctly, I was listening to *either* one of the "CW Backup" channels, or I was listening to one of the 5511 control channels when audio came through. I don't remember which (the Backup or the 5511) channels had the audio, though.

Additionally, I was in Sherman Oaks so not too far from the property. Though I suppose that doesn't stop me from accidentally picking up something else. Maybe I'll plan a trip back there to do a re-test.

got it. All the backup channels are conventional analog and clear. But the DMR stuff is the encrypted stuff. If you do find that channel with clear audio we can always cross reference it with something else business related that shares that frequency but may use another color code or talkgroup.

 

[avascan522]

I used to like that park, but decided not to return once they "flipped the switch" on their new DMR system. Sorry not sorry.

 

[mharris]

Just curious, what's the point of encrypting this theme park? I can't imagine they have had legitimate interference issues or nefarious scanner enthusiasts causing big problems...??

 

[n3obl]

Just curious, what's the point of encrypting this theme park? I can't imagine they have had legitimate interference issues or nefarious scanner enthusiasts causing big problems...??

Because they don't want you to listen. Business want to keep their trade secrets private.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Just curious, what's the point of encrypting this theme park? I can't imagine they have had legitimate interference issues or nefarious scanner enthusiasts causing big problems...??

Besides the obvious that @n3obl mentions, and especially in this age of litigation and violence, should there ever be an incident at the park they wouldn't want the news media or others to hear the details, they'd much rather release their spin on it.

 

[kearthfan101]

And it’s pretty much included. If all the radios have it, might as well lock everything down across the board. Disney did it too and I’m sure others have thought about it. USH was pretty anti media too unless it was pre planned and PR-related.