Unwanted Chatter

[Ricker1997]

When I monitor my county fire&ems dispatch/paging (Lehigh Co. Pa), I get chatter from a neighboring county (Berks Co. Pa) on the same frequency. Also, a alpha-numeric code(DCS664) flashes with the chatter. This started after a few months when I began trying new settings.
Can someone guide me thru the steps to correct what I inadvertently changed?
Thanks in advance
Rick

 

[Voyager]

Is there a code that flashes when you hear the users you want to hear?

If so, press the ENTER button when it is flashing and enter that code into the channel. You will then only hear the locals.

Previous models had a CTCSS/CDCSS Lockout that would block certain codes, but I don't think the x36 has that. We will likely start hearing about that from the whiners, though, now that they realize it's not in there.

 

[Ricker1997]

No, no code when my local dispatch transmits. Only when the next county chatters.
Still think this is something I changed.
Not finding anything looking thru Sentinel.
Could I try entering a generic code?
Which is the ''enter button" on a BCD536HP?

 

[sparklehorse]

Actually you can use tone lockout on the 536 to block the unwanted transmissions, just like in the older Uniden models. Here's the relevant quote from Marks Easier to Read manual:

CTCSS - the scanner only opens squelch if the CTCSS tone you select is also present with the signal. Scroll to the desired CTCSS tone you want present with the signal. Press E/yes to save.

DCS - the scanner only opens squelch if the DCS code you select is also present with the signal. Scroll to the desired DCS code you want present with the signal. Press E/yes to save.

Set Lockout - the scanner does not stop on the channel if the tone/code you select is present. Scroll to CTCSS or DCS and press E/yes. Scroll to the desired tone/code you want locked out and press E/yes to save.


****** shows on screen indicating tone/code lockout in Hold Mode.


More here:
Easier to Read BCD436/536HP Digital Scanner Manual

.

 

[Voyager]

Don't know how I missed that, but in Sentinel click the TONE L/O button below the tone after setting the tone to DCS664 and you should no longer hear that adjacent county.

 

[Ricker1997]

Ok, I need to scroll to DCS, Press E, scroll to 664( the code I want to lock out) press E
What buttons do I press to get to DCS list ?
I want to do this right so I do not cause another conflict.

 

[Voyager]

Set the channel to Analog Only first, then you can set the CTCSS/DCS and select LOCKOUT then DCS then 664.

 

[sparklehorse]

Ok, I need to scroll to DCS, Press E, scroll to 664( the code I want to lock out) press E
What buttons do I press to get to DCS list ?
I want to do this right so I do not cause another conflict.

You go:

Menu -> Manage Favorites -> (select favorite list) -> Review/Edit Sytem -> (select system) -> Edit Department -> (select department) -> Edit Channel -> (select channel) -> Set Audio Type -> Analog Only -> Set Lockout -> DCS -> scroll to 664 -> Hit 'Enter' -> Press 'System' to resume scanning.

Or do it in Sentinel as Voyager mentioned.

.

 

[Ricker1997]

Thanks, I will give it a try shortly.

 

[Voyager]

You go:

Menu -> Manage Favorites -> (select favorite list) -> Review/Edit Sytem -> (select system) -> Edit Department -> (select department) -> Edit Channel -> (select channel) -> Set Audio Type -> Analog Only -> Set Lockout -> DCS -> scroll to 664 -> Hit 'Enter' -> Press 'System' to resume scanning.

Or do it in Sentinel as Voyager mentioned.

I also gave the scanner direct method. <remainder removed>

 

[sparklehorse]

I believe you are missing a step between ANALOG ONLY and SET LOCKOUT. I think there is a selection CTCSS/DCS between them that is required.

I didn't miss any steps on the 436. Pretty sure the 536 is the same.

.

 

[Voyager]

You're right. The SET LOCKOUT is at the bottom of the selection, and not the next selection. I edited my post two above.

 

[Ricker1997]

Thanks all for the help.
The DCS code flashes alternately with all xxxxxx, but the chatter is gone.

 

[sparklehorse]

Thanks all for the help.
The DCS code flashes alternately with all xxxxxx, but the chatter is gone.

That's exactly what you want. Now any transmissions that include that particular DCS code will be blocked. Everything else gets through, like your local dispatch that uses no code or tone at all. The downside is that if you have an intermod or interference problem on that frequency, that will come through as well. But in this case you don't really have a choice. You could try using the attenuator if intermod is a problem. You're also likely to have trouble when the county you're blocking is transmitting at the same time as your local dispatch. If their signal strengths are similar you'll likely hear some garbled audio while they are "stepping on each other". Again, you could try the attenuator. It may help with that.

.

 

[Ricker1997]

Ok, so that lasted for about a week.
I have not disconnected power, or made any changes.
Looks like I might have to do this more than once.

 

[Voyager]

Did you overwrite your programming?

 

[Lehigh_911]

While I cannot be of any assistance with the technical operation of your scanner, I would ask on what frequency are you receiving this unwanted chatter? Lehigh County and Berks County do not share common dispatch frequencies. Here at Lehigh County, we dispatch FD and EMS on 154.175 (CSQ), and Berks County uses 151.220 (CSQ) for their FD and EMS dispatching.

Our region does use DPL664 on Regional Med (155.340) for multi-county EMS incidents.

Dan Bellesfield
9-1-1 Operations/Training Coordinator
Lehigh County Communications Center

 

[Ricker1997]

Yes, 154.1750MHz FM
I believe this to be a scanner related issue, as none if my other receivers / scanners receive the "unwanted chatter"
If I get brave enough, I may disable the the tone lock out of DCS664 and monitor to see if it is a mirror of another Berks Co. Frequency.
Thanks for your concerns.
Rick
Prior Sta 71 Volunteer EMT

 

[Ricker1997]

Voyager,
I believe the scanner overwrites (saves to the micro sd) when I power down.
Must not have saved the first time.
I locked out the code again. DCS664 with all xxxxxx in front if it is again flashing and I only hear Lehigh County Fire & EMS Dispatch/Paging.

 

[Lehigh_911]

Hi Rick,

Perhaps based on your signature and location, you may be receiving an unwanted signal spur or something along those lines from the 151.220 Berks transmitter at the West Penn site. Kind of far, frequency wise, from our 154.175 TX at that same site, but not unheard of. If you have multiple radios, perhaps you could see if any other frequencies (other than 151.220) are transmitting at the same time that you are getting the "splatter" onto 154.175. There may be some type of mixing going on that your newer radio is more sensitive to. I know there is a good deal of RF from multiple sources and at least three county public safety systems and others coming off of the West Penn site.

Dan Bellesfield
Lehigh County Communications Center