Computrguy
Member
Trying to understand the RR database and the functionality with the SDS100/BCD436. Looking at this data I see some listed as Dept and some listed as a site. What is the functional difference between the 2?
SDS100/SDS200: What's the difference between a Site and Dept on a P25 system?
- Thread starter Computrguy
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W6KRU
Member
The sites contain settings for the sites that are transmitting the frequencies used by the system. Depts. contain settings for the talkgroups that the users of the system use to access the system.
Computrguy
Member
Thanks W6KRU. I am still not following. Probably because I am not familiar with trunked or P25 systems. Is there a wiki I can read through that explains those systems? My scanner experience goes back to the 90's when everything was conventional and I have just picked up the hobby again now that I am retired. I still have my BC200XL and it works good for those systems 
hundeesport412
Member
Think of a Site like a tower location and Department like a channel or Talk Group for a police department,EMS or fire department. You would need the Site/tower location for your police department. Now you need the Department for your exact police department, EMS, FD. Now you want to listen to a police dept on the other side of your county. You need their Site /tower now you need the departments for fire ,ems and police. Two step process.
This might be the issue in your other thread since you're trying to get a grasp on programming. In the profile, make sure this system you're having trouble with is set to on. You'll need to get into the Settings menu on the scanner.
W6KRU
Member
Sites are towers, antennas, radios, and cables. Users of the system are segregated into groups that are called Depts.
When a newly introduced to this programming friend asks me that question, I mention to think of Sites like cellular phone sites. As you travel along your phone picks up the closest site to stay in touch with your phone and if you're on a call, it holds the conversation.
tvengr
Well Known Member
A department is the same as a group on the older scanners.
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