In a trunked radio system, which contains upto 29 different
frequencies, radio users are divided intogroups, often
called talk groups, and these talkgroups are assigned
specific IDs. When someone in a talkgroup uses their
radio, a brief bust of data isbroadcast before each
transmission. The trunking system computer uses this data
to temporarily assign each radio ina talk group to an
available frequency. If the group using a frequencystops
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 publicservice frequencies, or
trunking, allows cities, counties,or other agencies to
accommodate hundreds of users with relatively few
frequencies. On the other hand, following a conversation
on a trunked system is difficult, ifnot impossible, because
when there’s a short break during the conversation you’re
monitoring, it’s possible that the talkgroup will be assigned
to a completely different frequencyin the trunked system.
This type of scanning is difficultand frustrating.
TrunkTracker™changes this! Not only does your new
BC 235XLT
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 scannerin
conventional mode before you begin trunk tracking.
Understanding scanning fundamentals and its terminology
will make trunk tracking much easier. But ifyou’re already
a sophisticated scanner operator, you may want to go to
Trunk Trackingon page 35 now.
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