Motorola Reception

Motorola Tracking

There are really two types of Motorola trunking systems. These are usually referred to as Type I and Type II systems. Type I only occurs on some 800 MHz systems. All VHF, UHF and 900 MHz trunking systems use Type II.

One important distinction between these two systems is the amount of data transmitted by each radio when its push-to-talk button (PTT) is pressed. Every radio in a trunked system is assigned a unique ID so the central site computer can identify it when it’s used. Both Type I and Type II systems place radios (or radio users) into groups, called talkgroups, and these talkgroups are also assigned unique IDs. Some radios have access to only one talkgroup, while others have access to many talkgroups. The talkgroup(s) each radio can access is called the radio’s affiliation(s).

In a Type II system, when someone uses their radio, only the radio ID is transmitted when PTT is pressed, whereas in a Type I system the radio ID and its current affiliation are both transmitted when PTT is pressed.

Why the difference? Type II systems are slightly more advanced because the central computer maintains a database which is used to determine each radio’s affiliation (s). Changes to a Type II system are easier than Type I because the system manager only needs to update the database instead of reprogramming individual radios.

Another difference between the systems is that Type I systems are arranged in a Fleet- Subfleet hierarchy. For example, its possible for a city using a Type I system to designate 4 Fleets, each with 8 Subfleets. Their fleets might be the Police Department, the Fire Department, Utilities, and Administration. The Police may decide to further divide their fleet into subfleets such as Dispatch, Tactical Operations, Detectives, North, South, East and West Side Patrols, and Supervisors. All the available police radios would then be assigned to one of the police subfleets. Determining the exact Fleet-Subfleet hierarchy for a particular area is referred to as Fleet Map Programming, which is discussed further in this manual.

The disadvantage of a Type I system is that when PTT is pressed, the brief burst of data must contain the radio’s ID and its Fleet and Subfleet. This is three times the amount of data a Type II system radio sends, and as a result Type I systems usually accommodate fewer users than Type II systems.

Even though there are many Type II systems, Type I systems are still in use. There are also Hybrid systems which are a combination of both Type I and Type II. Your scanner defaults to monitor Type II systems, but its possible to select a Preprogrammed Fleet Map or create a Custom Fleet Map for your area.

For VHF and UHF Type II trunking systems, you will need to know the base, spacing frequencies and offset channels. See page 55 for details.

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Uniden BC780XLT manual Motorola Reception, Motorola Tracking
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BC780XLT specifications

The Uniden BC780XLT is a versatile and popular scanner that has made a name for itself among scanning enthusiasts and professionals alike. Released in the early 2000s, this model is known for its extensive feature set, allowing users to monitor a wide range of frequencies and communications.

One of the primary features of the BC780XLT is its capability to scan multiple frequency bands, including VHF, UHF, and 700/800 MHz frequencies. This makes it an ideal choice for monitoring public safety communications, utility services, and various other two-way radio frequencies. The scanner operates in an impressive frequency range of 25 MHz to 1.3 GHz, allowing users to enjoy a broad spectrum of signals.

The BC780XLT features TrunkTracker technology, which enables it to follow trunked radio systems. This is crucial for monitoring communications from agencies that operate on these complex frequency systems, like police and fire departments. The scanner can decode both Motorola and EDACS trunked systems, providing extensive coverage of public safety communications.

User-friendly controls and advanced features make the BC780XLT accessible for both beginners and experienced users. The numeric keypad allows for quick entry of frequencies, while the large LCD display provides easy visibility of channel information, including frequency and mode. The 10-channel pre-programmed memory allows users to store their favorite frequencies and easily scan between them.

In addition to its scanning capabilities, the BC780XLT also supports close call technology. This feature allows the scanner to automatically detect nearby signals, instantly alerting users to any active frequencies in their vicinity. This is particularly useful for users in urban areas, where multiple frequencies may be in use simultaneously.

The BC780XLT also has a robust battery-saving feature, making it an excellent option for those who need to scan on the go. This functionality, coupled with its ability to operate on AC or DC power, adds to its versatility, ensuring uninterrupted scanning during extended use or in field operations.

In conclusion, the Uniden BC780XLT Scanner stands out for its comprehensive feature set, including TrunkTracker technology, extensive frequency coverage, and user-friendly design. Whether for hobbyists, emergency responders, or professionals needing reliable communication, the BC780XLT continues to be a valuable tool in the world of scanning. Its enduring popularity speaks to its performance and adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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