[Scan-DC] Advice on trunking scanner

[Dewey3]

With the latter model digital trunk-tracking scanners you will be able to
monitor all ***open*** comms on just about everything in the area EXCEPT PG
Co, MD & Loudoun Co, VA.  They are using a form of Apco-25 Phase II known as
TDMA.  Currently, there are no scanners made that will monitor TDMA comms.
With that said, if a "FDMA" Phase II radio affiliates (phones home and says
I'm listening) with PG Co or Loudoun Co, the transmissions on that talkgroup
(channel) will revert to FDMA, which ***IS*** monitorable.  Loudoun Co seems
to do this quite frequently during the day, and can be heard when they do,
but I haven't heard PG Co operating FDMA at all, except for one week when
they were doing some type of testing.  As far as "going to some new system",
that is one of those only the future will tell questions, BUT, you normally
hear about it at least a year in advance when agencies start proposing
switches.  Encrypted comms can not be answered.

Dewey
MPDC Retired
1983 - 2010

On Tue, Jan 11, 2011 at 4:52 PM, Ryan <hobbes615 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hey, I've been lurking on the list for a little while and I'm looking for a
> intro level trunking scanner.
>
> I live in DC and was wondering what all I would be able to pick up or if
> its
> worth investing in if DC police/Fire/Capitol Police go to some new system
> or
> completely encrypt their communication.
>
> Home Patrol looks cool and its at the top of what I'd like to spend, I'd
> like to have more of a hand held or mobile that could be mounted in my car.
>
>
> Any recommendations?
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