Jackson is simulcast-multiple towers using the same frequencies and talkgroups. Whistlers and in particular the 1040, 1065's are notorious for missing transmissions, garbled audio to no reception at all. Many people do get them when they look at prices certainly.
Here is Jackson's towers -
FCC Callsign WRBL748 (MICHIGAN, STATE OF)
Here’s a forum post that bears out what I say about the Whistler brands. In the second post – (By me BTW) there is a video of someone in Saginaw with 4 towers that had the latest, greatest and highest cost whistler and how it essentially does not work! His solution is a G4 fire pager, same one that is used for the fire personnel that cost ~$700, the SDS scanners weren't available at that time.
Disregard message #7 there as whistler didn't pursue it.
WS1040/WS1065 vs Simulcast 800
Look to get Uniden models that do better in those situations, if you get one with zipcode capability, be sure to update the database with the free sentinel Uniden software. Jackson went digital last 1-2 years ago and routinely the info on those SD cards can be older and may not have the new Jackson information or all of it as we were getting info as they started using it and we updated the database here that the zipcode scanners use for their information. 325P2/996P2 can use freescan software that is free as well.
Also we dont know when or what areas of MI will go to phase II from the current phase I digital, all the Unidens are capable of phase II. Those whistlers can only do phase I. The TRX1/TRX 2 can do phase II but have simulcast issues. See my message #3 -
COLDWATER, Mich. - County approves 911 radio bid
Be sure to update their firmware if you get one of the Unidens.
People will highly suggest and for good reason the SDS series that are designed to work in these situations for near flawless reception, but are expensive and in shorter supply.
Uniden model’s that are digital, prices lowest to highest:
996P2, 325P2, 436HP, Home Patrol2, 536HP, SDS 100, SDS 200.
