WS1040: WS1040 scanning nothing

[bayfarr]

I recently had the WS1010 scanner and wasnt able to listen to my local police stations. I was told by Whistler Support that i needed the WS1040 model, i bought one.
Now im having trouble with this one. I have all my channels programmed in but when i hit "scan" im still not picking anything up.. Can someone please help me? I blew $100 plus on the WS1010 and couldnt use it. Now i have spent $300 plus on the WS1040 and i still cant pick anything up im hoping this wasnt a waste as well.
I must be programming wrong but im not sure what to do or how to fix it!!??

 

[tvengr]

Are you using programming software?

 

[ka3jjz]

It may not matter much; if you are in Miami County, it looks like the trunk systems there are phase 2 and DMR, neither of which the 1040 can handle.

Miami County, Kansas (KS) Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference

Scanner Frequencies and Radio Frequency Reference for Miami County, Kansas (KS)

www.radioreference.com

If true, you can likely sell both scanners and make up some of the lost revenue. We have a list of phase 2 compatible scanners here;

APCO Project 25 - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

I would jump to our Kansas forum, where you can get an informed recommendation on the right scanner to get. As duplicate posts are not permitted here, you might want to use the REPORT link in the bottom left to ask to have this thread moved.

Mike

 

[RMason]

I'm not so sure that the trunked systems in Miami County are Phase II. While the system is Phase II capable, it looks like everything is Phase I (Mode = D) - if the database is up to date. The WS1040 is Phase I capable. As suggested, hopefully the Kansas locals can provide insight.

Kansas Statewide Interoperable Communication System (KSICS) Trunking System, Statewide, Kansas

Kansas Statewide Interoperable Communication System (KSICS) Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

 

[bayfarr]

I’m new to all this. All I know is I contacted whistler support because I couldn’t get the 1010 to work. They told me I needed the ws1040 in order to listen to the ones I wanted. I have no idea how to do a software thing on it. Any help would be great step by step since I’m new. If I’m still not able to listen to Miami and Franklin county after purchasing this one I have to say I will be pretty upset whistler support didn’t even know what they were talking about!
Any help or info is greatly appreciated by everyone!

 

[ka3jjz]

True but it's often wiser to buy for the future, when / if the system decides to switch over, you're already half way home

Mike

 

[bayfarr]

so I’m out of luck with my 1040? What scanner do I need to purchase now?

 

[K9ZV]

so I’m out of luck with my 1040? What scanner do I need to purchase now?

A P25 Phase 2 capable scanner will give the best long term experience.

 

[RMason]

@bayfarr Did you program the Kansas Statewide P25 system (KSICS) into your WS1040? Are both the control channel frequencies and talkgroups programmed? Did you program using software, or by hand? I have yet to see any reason that the WS1040 will not handle your area.

 

[N0MLP]

I really feel that you likely don't have the programming just right. From what I can find another poster is correct about them currently using Phase 1. They likely won't change too soon to the new system even though it is capable there is tons of cost involved in switching over an entire system. That being said while I do agree with the other poster about being future proof, these scanners can set you back a good chunk of change. I would recommend getting the programming figured out and using the 1040 to better familiarize yourself with how these scanners work. If you have access to a computer you can download software that has a free 30 day trial that will program your scanner and use Radio Reference database to do so. Check some youtube video's out there are quite a few about the 1040 and 1065 (same scanner one mobile and one handheld) That should guide you mostly step by step to get the radio programmed. I myself have the 1065 and while at first it was much more than I anticipated, after spending some time it really ended up not being too bad. I use PSREdit 500 for mine but there are other options out there that work just as well.

 

[ka3jjz]

As noted above, the 1040 will work for now, but once KSICS throws the switch (so to speak) and goes to Phase 2, the 1040 won't be able to copy it anymore

You can program these scanners manually, but it's a bit of a bear. But before you do anything, read through the links (anything in blue is a link, both here and in the wiki) found here...

GRE/RS Object Oriented Scanners FAQ - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Note that your 1040 is really a GRE PSR-500 in another box, so anything written for the 500 will work fine for you

Mike

 

[tvengr]

I use PSREdit 500 for mine but there are other options out there that work just as well.

I use Butel ARC500 Basic and find it very fast and easy to use.

 

[john1969]

This helped me out ALOT as I tried different software with no clue.

Manual programming.

https://www.youtube.com/c/k4dps

 

[tvengr]

If I’m still not able to listen to Miami and Franklin county after purchasing this one I have to say I will be pretty upset whistler support didn’t even know what they were talking about!

Here is an ARC500 file for Miami County to get you started. The Franklin County sites are distant from your location and it is doubtful that you will be able to receive them unless you are using a rooftop antenna or go to Franklin County. Download and install Butel ARC500 Basic for the free trial period. If your programming cable does not work, there is a USB cable driver installer under the Scanner tab on ARC500. Install the driver without the cable attached to the computer. Save the attached zipped file to your computer and extract. Open the extracted file with ARC500. Connect your computer to your scanner with the programming cable. Go to the Scanner tab and Upload to Scanner. Scan list 1 has the Miami County talkgroups using the Paola site of the KSICS trunked system. Scan list 2 has the Miami County talkgroups using the Miami Co site of the KSICS trunked system. Scan list 3 has the conventional frequencies for Miami County. You can turn the scan lists on and off by pressing 1, 2, and 3 on the keypad. Adjust the squelch to where it just quiets the noise on the conventional frequencies.