In a trunked radio system, which contains up to 28 different frequencies, radio users are divided into groups, often called talk groups, and these talk groups are assigned specific IDs. When someone in a talk group uses their radio, a brief burst of data is broadcast before each transmission. The trunking system computer uses this data to temporarily assign each radio in a talk group to an available frequency. If the group using a frequency stops broadcasting or pauses between replies for a few seconds, they are removed from the frequency so another talk group can use it.
Sharing of the available public service frequencies, or trunking, allows cities, counties, or other agencies to accommodate hundreds of users with relatively few frequencies. Following a conversation on a trunked system using a scanner is difficult, if not impossible, because when there’s a short break during the conversation you’re monitoring, it’s possible that the talk group will be assigned to a completely different frequency in the trunked system. This type of scanning is difficult and frustrating.
TrunkTracker™ changes this! Not only does your new UBC 245XLT scan channels like a conventional scanner, it actually follows the users of a trunked radio system. Once you know a talk group’s ID, you won’t miss any of the action.
If you’re a new scanner enthusiast, you may want to read the first part of this manual and use your scanner in conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking. Understanding scanning fundamentals and its terminology will make trunk tracking much easier. But if you’re already an experienced scanner operator, you may want to go to Trunk Tracking on page 36 now.
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