wxyz2009's Install

[wxyz2009]

I'm currently using Uniden 396T (in vehicle) with a Mobile Scanner/Transceiver Antenna "Bandspanner" and Uniden 996T with a super discone antenna 13 element omni-directional. They both work great

[rochedalescan]

Nice setup, would love to see your install in the vehicle.

Cheers Shane

[wxyz2009]

Oh, that's pretty ordinary actually! for the 396T(using some blu-tac to keep it in place)
But it still does the trick. The Bandspanner antenna from Dick Smith Cat No. D4437 $46.98 gets pretty good reception.

[wxyz2009]

Really good actually, I've got no complaints so far. Police are the only digital transmissions I recieve. Newcasle went encrypted last year and Lower Hunter is still available in digital (5/5 signal strenth). But, overall the best investment I have ever made for my scanner is the super disone antenna ($200rrp, a couple of years ago). I have this connected to my 396T and it greatly improves the reception of all bands, especially the air band, but greatly improves all bands.

[AIRMAN]

So what is the difference between 'digital reception' and encrypted?

Your 396T is capable of decoding Police digital?

[Comint]

So what is the difference between 'digital reception' and encrypted?

Basically 'digital' means that the audio is digitised before it is transmitted, as in the case of APCO 25, which the Qld and NSW Police use. However, both Police Services also encrypt those transmissions, in most areas where APCO 25 is used.

Your 396T is capable of decoding Police digital?

The BCD396T scanner, and others, is capable of decoding (recovering) the digitised audio of UNencrypted Trunked APCO 25 transmissions. It cannot decode encrypted transmissions.

If anybody doesn't know what APCO 25 is, then Google it.

--
Comint

[SunnybankScan]

Now for the million dollar question....

Will be ever be able to listen to encrypted transmissions?

[wxyz2009]

No, it would be extremely difficult!

[SunnybankScan]

Yeah.

It's just one of those things that we will never be able to do again. We would need the Key, which changes all the time anyway.

[AIRMAN]

Great information & thanks.

Next question is........

Are there many scanners on the market here in OZ that can decode ACPO 25?

In regard to the Uniden model that does this... is it a simple matter of pressing a button or is it a complicated mess like trunking?

[AIRMAN]

I see the EDIT button has disappeared from this thread, so I can't add to what I've just posted.

[wxyz2009]

Great information & thanks.

Next question is........

Are there many scanners on the market here in OZ that can decode ACPO 25?

In regard to the Uniden model that does this... is it a simple matter of pressing a button or is it a complicated mess like trunking?

As far as I know, I have only come across the Uniden models that are UBCD396T and UBCD996T, capable of monitoring APCO25 digital transmissions.

Here's a link to Prestige Comms. for some scanners.

http://www.prestigecom.net.au/index.php ... ex&cPath=6

No, it's not complicated at all. Just program your frequency as usual. Then the next step is "Set CTCSS/DCS"; then you have the option of selecting 'off' for digital signals. Although, the 'off' position is selected as default anyway. So you really dont have to do anything for digital frequencies. Just set and forget!!

Hope that helps

[AIRMAN]

Sure does...thanks mate

All I have to do now is save up for one

[wxyz2009]

No worries mate ! They're a bit pricey, but worth it

[Comint]

In regard to the Uniden model that does this... is it a simple matter of pressing a button or is it a complicated mess like trunking?

APCO 25 is not a Trunking protocol in its own right, but it is most often used on Trunked Radio systems, such as the NSW GRN (New South Wales - Government Radio Network). APCO 25 can also be used on conventional repeaters, such as used by the QPS. Unfortunately, the QPS APCO 25 network is encrypted, and the likelyhood of hearing any transmissions 'in the clear' doesn't justify owning a 'digital capable' scanner. The QPS APCO 25 network, is the only known APCO 25 network in Queensland.

Although the NSW Police are presently using unencrypted APCO 25 outside the Greater Sydney Area, they are steadily moving towards full encryption across their network.

--
Comint

[wxyz2009]

In regard to the Uniden model that does this... is it a simple matter of pressing a button or is it a complicated mess like trunking?

APCO 25 is not a Trunking protocol in its own right, but it is most often used on Trunked Radio systems, such as the NSW GRN (New South Wales - Government Radio Network). APCO 25 can also be used on conventional repeaters, such as used by the QPS. Unfortunately, the QPS APCO 25 network is encrypted, and the likelyhood of hearing any transmissions 'in the clear' doesn't justify owning a 'digital capable' scanner. The QPS APCO 25 network, is the only known APCO 25 network in Queensland.

Although the NSW Police are presently using unencrypted APCO 25 outside the Greater Sydney Area, they are steadily moving towards full encryption across their network.

--
Comint

Even though QPS is using encrypted transmissions, I wouldn't dismiss a digital scanner on that reason alone! Soon, there will be alot more emergency services and corporations switching to digital for more a more secure network and improved transmission quality. Not to mention a whopping 6000 channels memory capacity.

QPS is just one of many radio users that can go digital at anytime(which they have). With todays advances in technology,most things have gone digital already and a just a matter of time before the rest follow.

[SunnybankScan]

There was talk a few years ago about QFRS going digital

[wxyz2009]

Yep, some NSW RFS areas have already begun trials and training on how to use the new radio system, they will also be incoporating this into NSW GRN. I have also read that WA transport system might be going digital as well by 2009/10.

[alinco21]

.

[wxyz2009]

why not?