| |
|
| Optotrakker FAQ Answers |
|
| |
|
|
How is Optotrakker different from DC442+?
|
 |
|
The DC442+ added LTR decode to the DCS, CTCSS, and DTMF capability
of the DC442. Optotrakker includes Motorola Slow Speed Handshake
decodes of Talk Group IDs. When used with ScanStar PC software,
Motorola and LTR trunk following is possible using a suitable
communications receiver. In addition, a real time clock has
been added and non-volatile memory to store setup information.
|
|
| |
|
| Are only ICOM CI-V and Opto CI-5 radios supported? |
|
No, the new Pass-Through CI-5 protocol
permits controlling AOR and other receivers that use ASCII control
codes. This ensures maximum flexibility while only requiring
a single Com port.
|
|
| |
|
| How does Pass-Through CI-5 work? |
|
It is a new addition to CI-5 protocol
which permits ASCII text to be embedded inside the CI-5 command.
Inside the OptoCom, the CI-5 command is striped away and the
ASCII command can be transmitted out to a dissimilar radio such
as an AOR 8200 or PCR-1000. This is significant because all
data including the Data Slicer output is routed through a single
PC Com port.
|
|
| |
|
| What can the Optotrakker decode? |
|
|
Tone controlled squelch signals such as CTCSS and DCS are
non-predictively decoded. LTR trunking is fully decoded. Motorola
Trunking (Type 1, II, etc) slow speed handshake. In Europe,
multiple formats of 5 Tone (Select Call). DTMF characters
are stored in memory. A two level Data Slicer is connected
to the microprocessor for future use and also to the RS-232C
interface for PC decoding of FSK data.
|
|
| |
|
| How does this Mot Trunking compare
with the Trunk Tracker? |
|
|
First of all we do not decode the data channel. We decode
what is known as the "slow speed handshake" present on the
voice channel. This data provides the Talk Group(s) ID which
can then be scanned for on other channels. Slow Speed Handshake
sounds like trunk following might be slow, is it? It is slower
than monitoring the control channel but plenty fast enough
to follow the conversation. Understand that this is the way
in which LTR trunking works and it is the same as scanning
for a specific DCS code on non-trunked systems. It works seamlessly
because the decode time is very short.
|
|
| |
|
| Wouldn't it be better to decode the Control Channel
like Trunk Tracker? |
|
There are major advantages to scan
based trunk following. First of all, we are not limited to a
single system. Because we scan for Talk Group ID we can scan
any system where we might expect to find it. In addition, we
can scan Mot and LTR systems as well as non- trunked channels
at the same time.
|
|
| |
|
| What about Software Compatibility? |
|
|
The Optotrakker is designed to work with ScanStar software
which is included in the purchase price. This is a special
version of ScanStar PC software that supports all the Optotrakker
features. Only ScanStar supports the Motorola Trunk following
feature.
|
|
| |
|
| What about future upgrades? |
|
|
New features can be easily added because of the new Flash
Based Microcontroller used. The Micro can be easily removed
and reprogrammed with the new features. While this can not
be done by the operator, it will be very reasonable because
no hardware is added.
|
|
| |
|
| Will Optoelectronics release the control codes
for Optotrakker? |
|
|
Everything except for the Motorola and LTR trunk following
commands will be released for third party developers. ScanStar
developed the Scan Based Trunk Following technology and it
will remain proprietary.
|
|
| |
|
| Can DC440, 442 and 442+ Decoders be updated to
Optotrakker? |
|
|
Although similar in outward appearance, the Optotrakker
employs different circuitry, new hardware, and a new Display.
There are no upgrades possible.
|
|
| |
|
| What are the differences between ICOM CI-V and
Optoelectronics CI-5 Protocol? |
|
|
Opto's CI-5 is conforms to ICOM CI-V rules in its basic
structure but has many additional commands and much wider
address range. Features such as Pipeline tuning, Pass Through
CI-5, and Hardware Squelch Status are unique to Opto CI-5.
|
|
| |
|
| What is the purpose of the Data Slicer Circuit? |
|
|
The Optotrakker Data Slicer Circuit is available for PC
based FSK decoding. The Data is connected to the PC's com
port but doesn't interfere with the control data transmission.
Weather FAX, ACARS, and many other types of data can be decoded
by independent software programs.
|
|
| |
|
| What connections are required to the Optotrakker? |
|
|
Discriminator Audio is necessary for everything except DTMF
and 5 Tone. Squelch status is recommended to all communications
receivers. There are also connections for radios both TTL
full and half duplex and RS-232C. PC com port connection and
cable are provided.
|
|
| |
|
| How do I make the Discriminator Audio connections
to my Radio? |
|
|
There are 3rd party vendors that can add the discriminator
and squelch status connections to your receiver. Check with
Optoelectronics for further information. Some Receivers like
the IC-R8500 already have this capability. All radio modifications
are at the risk of the owner.
|
|
| |
|
| What is LTR? |
|
Logic Trunked Radio - a trunking
protocol developed in 1978 by E.F. Johnson. Control data is
sent out on the frequency that is the next available channel.
Units assigned to the home channel use their home frequency.
If it is busy, subaudible digital signals switch a user's fleet
to any available channel. Each repeater contains a logic module
responsible for signaling on its own channel, and the module
in each repeater shares information with all other logic modules
through a coaxial data bus. LTR trunking is frequently found
on business band two way, SMR (Specialized Mobile Radio - radios
are leased by license holder to end user), and infrequently
to public safety. While LTR has been almost exclusively 800MHz
it is now being introduced on UHF (450MHz).
|
|
| |
|
| Will ScanStar software work with
the Optotrakker or OptoCom for Motorola Trunk following? |
|
| No, however both units are supplied
with Trakstar a version designed by ScanStar. ScanStar Commercial
and Industrial users will have to contact www.scanstar.com for
upgrade information. |
|
| |
|
| I don't have an AOR or ICOM receiver,
can I still use the Optotrakker with my scanner? |
|
| Yes, the Optotrakker can be used
with any receiver or scanner as a communications decoder. However
Trunk Tracking can only be done under computer control and would
require one of the listed computer controlled receivers. |
|
| Optocom FAQ Answers |
|
| |
|
|
Why Optoelectronics and GRE?
|
|
| GRE has been making scanners for
something like 35 years. They have introduced many new features
such as Frequency Lockouts and hold a number of scanning patents.
GRE has developed significant scanning related technology and
has maintained a leadership position in scanning receiver design.
Our other technology partner is Signal Intelligence, the company
that developed ScanStar software for computer controlled scanning.
|
|
| |
|
| Isn't OptoCom just a repackaged OptoScan 535? |
|
| While the receiver board is similar,
the controller board is completely different with a new flash
based microcontroller, additional decoding circuitry, non-volatile
memory, software controlled as well as user operated volume
and squelch. In addition, the major new capability is Motorola
and LTR trunk following. |
|
| |
|
| Are the Receiver characteristics the
same as the PRO-2042? |
|
Absolutely, this design is proven
to provide the fastest computer controlled scanning speed at
up to 100 channels per second depending on software. For monitoring
two way communications, scan speed is everything and OptoCom
is the fastest. Keep in mind Optocom's heritage: 2004, 2005,
2006, 2035, and 2042. These scanners are much sought after and
maintain unusually high resale dollars.
|
|
| |
|
| What can the OptoCom decode? |
|
|
Tone controlled squelch signals such as CTCSS and DCS are
non-predictively decoded. LTR trunking is fully decoded. Motorola
Trunking (Type 1, II, etc) slow speed handshake. DTMF characters
are stored in memory. A two level Data Slicer is connected
to the microprocessor for future use and also to the RS-232C
interface for PC decoding of FSK data.
|
|
| |
|
| How does this Mot Trunking compare
with the Trunk Tracker? |
|
|
First of all we do not decode the data channel. We decode
what is known as the "slow speed handshake" present on the
voice channel. This data provides the Talk Group(s) ID which
can then be scanned for on other channels. Slow Speed Handshake
sounds like trunk following might be slow, is it? It is slower
than monitoring the control channel but plenty fast enough
to follow the conversation. Understand that this is the way
in which LTR trunking works and it is the same as scanning
for a specific DCS code on non-trunked systems. It works seamlessly
because the decode time is very short.
|
|
| |
|
| Wouldn't it be better to decode the Control Channel
like Trunk Tracker? |
|
There are major advantages to scan
based trunk following. First of all, we are not limited to a
single system. Because we scan for Talk Group ID we can scan
any system where we might expect to find it. In addition, we
can scan Mot and LTR systems as well as non- trunked channels
at the same time.
|
|
| |
|
| Is it true that the OptoCom can operate when
disconnected from the PC? |
|
| Yes, because the OptoCom has non-volatile
memory, it is possible to download from 1 to 100 conventional
frequencies that can be scanned in what we term Store and Scan
Mode. |
|
| |
|
| In addition to a PC, what else can control the
OptoCom? |
|
| The Optoelectronics Scout can Reaction
Tune the OptoCom. There is also a control program for the Palm
Pilot. The Palm Pilot can provide complete control of the OptoCom
for portable use. |
|
| |
|
| What about Software support? |
|
| The OptoCom will enjoy the most
complete software support of any PC controlled radio. ScanStar,
Probe, Wavelengths, ScannerWare, Radio Manager for Windows and
ScanCat to name a few. |
|
| |
|
| What about upgrades? |
|
| New features can be easily added
because of the new Flash Based Microcontroller used. The Micro
can be easily removed and reprogrammed with the new features.
While this can not be done by the operator, it will be very
reasonable because no hardware is added. |
|
| |
|
| Will Optoelectronics release the control codes
for OptoCom? |
|
|
Everything except for the Motorola trunk following commands
will be released. ScanStar developed the Scan Based Trunk
Following technology and it will remain proprietary.
|
|
| |
|
| I have ScanStar software, will this work with
the OptoCom for Motorola Trunk following? |
|
| No, however the Optocom is supplied
with Trakstar, which is a version designed by ScanStar specifically
for the Optocom and Optotrakker. There is an upgraded version
available directly from Signal Intelligence. Please visit www.scanstar.com
for upgrade information. |
|
| Scout FAQ Answers |
|
| |
|
|
How do I set my ICOM R10 for Reaction Tuning with the Scout?
|
|
| The ICOM R10 has to have the following
parameters set accordingly: Baud Rate=9600, CI-V TRN=ON, CI-V
Address=52. In addition, after setting the parameters make sure
the Scout reads CI-5 upon power up. Once both units are hooked
together and the parameters set properly, turn the R10 on first
and then the Scout. |
|
| |
|
| What is the difference between the Super Scout
and Scout? |
|
| The Super Scout is ideal for anyone
who has an IFR COM120B, or IFR 1200 with serial port. The IFR
is a service monitor that is used primarily in commercial applications.
If you don't have one of these service monitors then the Super
Scout gives you no advantage over the Scout. |
|
| |
|
| How do I set my AR8000 for Reaction
Tuning with the Scout? |
|
The AR8000 needs to be set in VFO
mode Also, the Scout needs to read AR8000 upon power up.
|
|
| delete from here |
|
| What can the OptoCom decode? |
|
|
Tone controlled squelch signals such as CTCSS and DCS are non-predictively
decoded. LTR trunking is fully decoded. Motorola Trunking (Type 1, II,
etc) slow speed handshake. In Europe, multiple formats of 5 Tone (Select
Call). DTMF characters are stored in memory. A two level Data Slicer is
connected to the microprocessor for future use and also to the RS-232C
interface for PC decoding of FSK data.
|
|
| |
|
| How does this Mot Trunking compare with the Trunk
Tracker? |
|
|
First of all we do not decode the data channel. We decode what is known
as the "slow speed handshake" present on the voice channel. This data
provides the Talk Group(s) ID which can then be scanned for on other channels.
Slow Speed Handshake sounds like trunk following might be slow, is it?
It is slower than monitoring the control channel but plenty fast enough
to follow the conversation. Understand that this is the way in which LTR
trunking works and it is the same as scanning for a specific DCS code
on non-trunked systems. It works seamlessly because the decode time is
very short.
|
|
| |
|
| Wouldn't it be better to decode the Control Channel like
Trunk Tracker? |
|
There are major advantages to scan based trunk
following. First of all, we are not limited to a single system. Because
we scan for Talk Group ID we can scan any system where we might expect to
find it. In addition, we can scan Mot and LTR systems as well as non- trunked
channels at the same time.
|
|
| |
|
| Is it true that the OptoCom can operate when disconnected
from the PC? |
|
| Yes, because the OptoCom has non-volatile memory,
it is possible to download from 1 to 100 conventional frequencies that can
be scanned in what we term Store and Scan Mode. |
|
| |
|
| In addition to a PC, what else can control the OptoCom? |
|
| The Optoelectronics Scout can Reaction Tune
the OptoCom. There is also a control program for the Palm Pilot. The Palm
Pilot can provide complete control of the OptoCom for portable use. |
|
| |
|
| What about Software support? |
|
| The OptoCom will enjoy the most complete software
support of any PC controlled radio. ScanStar, Probe, Wavelengths, ScannerWare,
Radio Manager for Windows and ScanCat to name a few. |
|
| |
|
| What about upgrades? |
|
| New features can be easily added because of
the new Flash Based Microcontroller used. The Micro can be easily removed
and reprogrammed with the new features. While this can not be done by the
operator, it will be very reasonable because no hardware is added. |
|
| |
|
| Will Optoelectronics release the control codes for OptoCom? |
|
|
Everything except for the Motorola trunk following commands will be
released. ScanStar developed the Scan Based Trunk Following technology
and it will remain proprietary.
|
|
| |
|
| I have ScanStar software, will this work with the OptoCom
for Motorola Trunk following? |
|
| No, however the Optocom is supplied with Trakstar,
which is a version designed by ScanStar specifically for the Optocom and
Optotrakker. There is an upgraded version available directly from Signal
Intelligence. Please visit www.scanstar.com
for upgrade information. |
|
-->
| Xplorer FAQ Answers |
|
| |
|
|
My Xplorer is only recording the frequency, number of hits
and time and date into memory. How do I record CTCSS, DCS,
DTMF, LTR, Signal Strength and Deviation?
|
|
| To store those values into the Xplorer's
memory press the SHIFT and STORE buttons at the same time the
frequency is being received. This is the only way to accurately
record these values into memory due to CTCSS and Deviation settling
times. |
|
| |
|
| I have an older model Xplorer and would like to
upgrade it to the version that decodes LTR and has Frequency
Blocks. Is this possible? |
|
| Yes. The cost to upgrade is $100. This
price includes shipping back to you in the Continental US only.
|
|
| comment here |
|
| How do I set my AR8000 for Reaction Tuning with
the Scout? |
|
The AR8000 needs to be set in VFO mode Also,
the Scout needs to read AR8000 upon power up.
|
|
| delete from here |
|
| What can the OptoCom decode? |
|
|
Tone controlled squelch signals such as CTCSS and DCS are non-predictively
decoded. LTR trunking is fully decoded. Motorola Trunking (Type 1, II,
etc) slow speed handshake. In Europe, multiple formats of 5 Tone (Select
Call). DTMF characters are stored in memory. A two level Data Slicer is
connected to the microprocessor for future use and also to the RS-232C
interface for PC decoding of FSK data.
|
|
| |
|
| How does this Mot Trunking compare with the Trunk
Tracker? |
|
|
First of all we do not decode the data channel. We decode what is known
as the "slow speed handshake" present on the voice channel. This data
provides the Talk Group(s) ID which can then be scanned for on other channels.
Slow Speed Handshake sounds like trunk following might be slow, is it?
It is slower than monitoring the control channel but plenty fast enough
to follow the conversation. Understand that this is the way in which LTR
trunking works and it is the same as scanning for a specific DCS code
on non-trunked systems. It works seamlessly because the decode time is
very short.
|
|
| |
|
| Wouldn't it be better to decode the Control Channel like
Trunk Tracker? |
|
There are major advantages to scan based trunk
following. First of all, we are not limited to a single system. Because
we scan for Talk Group ID we can scan any system where we might expect to
find it. In addition, we can scan Mot and LTR systems as well as non- trunked
channels at the same time.
|
|
| |
|
| Is it true that the OptoCom can operate when disconnected
from the PC? |
|
| Yes, because the OptoCom has non-volatile memory,
it is possible to download from 1 to 100 conventional frequencies that can
be scanned in what we term Store and Scan Mode. |
|
| |
|
| In addition to a PC, what else can control the OptoCom? |
|
| The Optoelectronics Scout can Reaction Tune
the OptoCom. There is also a control program for the Palm Pilot. The Palm
Pilot can provide complete control of the OptoCom for portable use. |
|
| |
|
| What about Software support? |
|
| The OptoCom will enjoy the most complete software
support of any PC controlled radio. ScanStar, Probe, Wavelengths, ScannerWare,
Radio Manager for Windows and ScanCat to name a few. |
|
| |
|
| What about upgrades? |
|
| New features can be easily added because of
the new Flash Based Microcontroller used. The Micro can be easily removed
and reprogrammed with the new features. While this can not be done by the
operator, it will be very reasonable because no hardware is added. |
|
| |
|
| Will Optoelectronics release the control codes for OptoCom? |
|
|
Everything except for the Motorola trunk following commands will be
released. ScanStar developed the Scan Based Trunk Following technology
and it will remain proprietary.
|
|
| |
|
| I have ScanStar software, will this work with the OptoCom
for Motorola Trunk following? |
|
| No, however the Optocom is supplied with Trakstar,
which is a version designed by ScanStar specifically for the Optocom and
Optotrakker. There is an upgraded version available directly from Signal
Intelligence. Please visit www.scanstar.com
for upgrade information. |
|
-->
| OS456/OS456 Lite FAQ Answers |
|
| |
|
|
What is the difference between the OS456Lite and the old
OS456?
|
|
| The OS LITE allows for computer control
of a PRO 2005/2006, however you are not able to decode CTCSS,
DCS, or DTMF. In addition, it is not possible to get signal
strength reading. |
|
| |
|
| Why was the OS456 discontinued? |
|
| The OS456 was discontinued due to a
needed part no longer being available. |
|
| comment here |
|
| How do I set my AR8000 for Reaction Tuning with
the Scout? |
|
The AR8000 needs to be set in VFO mode Also,
the Scout needs to read AR8000 upon power up.
|
|
| delete from here |
|
| What can the OptoCom decode? |
|
|
Tone controlled squelch signals such as CTCSS and DCS are non-predictively
decoded. LTR trunking is fully decoded. Motorola Trunking (Type 1, II,
etc) slow speed handshake. In Europe, multiple formats of 5 Tone (Select
Call). DTMF characters are stored in memory. A two level Data Slicer is
connected to the microprocessor for future use and also to the RS-232C
interface for PC decoding of FSK data.
|
|
| |
|
| How does this Mot Trunking compare with the Trunk
Tracker? |
|
|
First of all we do not decode the data channel. We decode what is known
as the "slow speed handshake" present on the voice channel. This data
provides the Talk Group(s) ID which can then be scanned for on other channels.
Slow Speed Handshake sounds like trunk following might be slow, is it?
It is slower than monitoring the control channel but plenty fast enough
to follow the conversation. Understand that this is the way in which LTR
trunking works and it is the same as scanning for a specific DCS code
on non-trunked systems. It works seamlessly because the decode time is
very short.
|
|
| |
|
| Wouldn't it be better to decode the Control Channel like
Trunk Tracker? |
|
There are major advantages to scan based trunk
following. First of all, we are not limited to a single system. Because
we scan for Talk Group ID we can scan any system where we might expect to
find it. In addition, we can scan Mot and LTR systems as well as non- trunked
channels at the same time.
|
|
| |
|
| Is it true that the OptoCom can operate when disconnected
from the PC? |
|
| Yes, because the OptoCom has non-volatile memory,
it is possible to download from 1 to 100 conventional frequencies that can
be scanned in what we term Store and Scan Mode. |
|
| |
|
| In addition to a PC, what else can control the OptoCom? |
|
| The Optoelectronics Scout can Reaction Tune
the OptoCom. There is also a control program for the Palm Pilot. The Palm
Pilot can provide complete control of the OptoCom for portable use. |
|
| |
|
| What about Software support? |
|
| The OptoCom will enjoy the most complete software
support of any PC controlled radio. ScanStar, Probe, Wavelengths, ScannerWare,
Radio Manager for Windows and ScanCat to name a few. |
|
| |
|
| What about upgrades? |
|
| New features can be easily added because of
the new Flash Based Microcontroller used. The Micro can be easily removed
and reprogrammed with the new features. While this can not be done by the
operator, it will be very reasonable because no hardware is added. |
|
| |
|
| Will Optoelectronics release the control codes for OptoCom? |
|
|
Everything except for the Motorola trunk following commands will be
released. ScanStar developed the Scan Based Trunk Following technology
and it will remain proprietary.
|
|
| |
|
| I have ScanStar software, will this work with the OptoCom
for Motorola Trunk following? |
|
| No, however the Optocom is supplied with Trakstar,
which is a version designed by ScanStar specifically for the Optocom and
Optotrakker. There is an upgraded version available directly from Signal
Intelligence. Please visit www.scanstar.com
for upgrade information. |
|
-->
| OS535 FAQ Answers |
|
| |
|
|
When installing my OS535 board I noticed there is an orange
wire and a blue wire. Which wire is which?
|
|
| The blue wire is the Analog wire,
and the orange wire is the Audio wire. |
|
| comment here |
|
| Why was the OS456 discontinued? |
|
| The OS456 was discontinued due to a needed part
no longer being available. |
|
| comment here |
|
| How do I set my AR8000 for Reaction Tuning with
the Scout? |
|
The AR8000 needs to be set in VFO mode Also,
the Scout needs to read AR8000 upon power up.
|
|
| delete from here |
|
| What can the OptoCom decode? |
|
|
Tone controlled squelch signals such as CTCSS and DCS are non-predictively
decoded. LTR trunking is fully decoded. Motorola Trunking (Type 1, II,
etc) slow speed handshake. In Europe, multiple formats of 5 Tone (Select
Call). DTMF characters are stored in memory. A two level Data Slicer is
connected to the microprocessor for future use and also to the RS-232C
interface for PC decoding of FSK data.
|
|
| |
|
| How does this Mot Trunking compare with the Trunk
Tracker? |
|
|
First of all we do not decode the data channel. We decode what is known
as the "slow speed handshake" present on the voice channel. This data
provides the Talk Group(s) ID which can then be scanned for on other channels.
Slow Speed Handshake sounds like trunk following might be slow, is it?
It is slower than monitoring the control channel but plenty fast enough
to follow the conversation. Understand that this is the way in which LTR
trunking works and it is the same as scanning for a specific DCS code
on non-trunked systems. It works seamlessly because the decode time is
very short.
|
|
| |
|
| Wouldn't it be better to decode the Control Channel like
Trunk Tracker? |
|
There are major advantages to scan based trunk
following. First of all, we are not limited to a single system. Because
we scan for Talk Group ID we can scan any system where we might expect to
find it. In addition, we can scan Mot and LTR systems as well as non- trunked
channels at the same time.
|
|
| |
|
| Is it true that the OptoCom can operate when disconnected
from the PC? |
|
| Yes, because the OptoCom has non-volatile memory,
it is possible to download from 1 to 100 conventional frequencies that can
be scanned in what we term Store and Scan Mode. |
|
| |
|
| In addition to a PC, what else can control the OptoCom? |
|
| The Optoelectronics Scout can Reaction Tune
the OptoCom. There is also a control program for the Palm Pilot. The Palm
Pilot can provide complete control of the OptoCom for portable use. |
|
| |
|
| What about Software support? |
|
| The OptoCom will enjoy the most complete software
support of any PC controlled radio. ScanStar, Probe, Wavelengths, ScannerWare,
Radio Manager for Windows and ScanCat to name a few. |
|
| |
|
| What about upgrades? |
|
| New features can be easily added because of
the new Flash Based Microcontroller used. The Micro can be easily removed
and reprogrammed with the new features. While this can not be done by the
operator, it will be very reasonable because no hardware is added. |
|
| |
|
| Will Optoelectronics release the control codes for OptoCom? |
|
|
Everything except for the Motorola trunk following commands will be
released. ScanStar developed the Scan Based Trunk Following technology
and it will remain proprietary.
|
|
| |
|
| I have ScanStar software, will this work with the OptoCom
for Motorola Trunk following? |
|
| No, however the Optocom is supplied with Trakstar,
which is a version designed by ScanStar specifically for the Optocom and
Optotrakker. There is an upgraded version available directly from Signal
Intelligence. Please visit www.scanstar.com
for upgrade information. |
|
-->
| Micro DTMF Decoder FAQ Answers |
|
| |
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| I have held my DTMF Decoder up to
the telephone receiver but it did not capture DTMF digits. Can
you tell me why? |
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| The microphone on the DTMF decoder
needs to hear the tones being transmitted. Most telephone receivers
do not send out the DTMF tones at a loud enough level for the
DTMF decoder to hear them. |
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| comment here |
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| Why was the OS456 discontinued? |
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| The OS456 was discontinued due to a needed part
no longer being available. |
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| comment here |
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| How do I set my AR8000 for Reaction Tuning with
the Scout? |
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The AR8000 needs to be set in VFO mode Also,
the Scout needs to read AR8000 upon power up.
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| delete from here |
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| What can the OptoCom decode? |
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Tone controlled squelch signals such as CTCSS and DCS are non-predictively
decoded. LTR trunking is fully decoded. Motorola Trunking (Type 1, II,
etc) slow speed handshake. In Europe, multiple formats of 5 Tone (Select
Call). DTMF characters are stored in memory. A two level Data Slicer is
connected to the microprocessor for future use and also to the RS-232C
interface for PC decoding of FSK data.
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| How does this Mot Trunking compare with the Trunk
Tracker? |
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First of all we do not decode the data channel. We decode what is known
as the "slow speed handshake" present on the voice channel. This data
provides the Talk Group(s) ID which can then be scanned for on other channels.
Slow Speed Handshake sounds like trunk following might be slow, is it?
It is slower than monitoring the control channel but plenty fast enough
to follow the conversation. Understand that this is the way in which LTR
trunking works and it is the same as scanning for a specific DCS code
on non-trunked systems. It works seamlessly because the decode time is
very short.
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| Wouldn't it be better to decode the Control Channel like
Trunk Tracker? |
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There are major advantages to scan based trunk
following. First of all, we are not limited to a single system. Because
we scan for Talk Group ID we can scan any system where we might expect to
find it. In addition, we can scan Mot and LTR systems as well as non- trunked
channels at the same time.
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| Is it true that the OptoCom can operate when disconnected
from the PC? |
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| Yes, because the OptoCom has non-volatile memory,
it is possible to download from 1 to 100 conventional frequencies that can
be scanned in what we term Store and Scan Mode. |
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| In addition to a PC, what else can control the OptoCom? |
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| The Optoelectronics Scout can Reaction Tune
the OptoCom. There is also a control program for the Palm Pilot. The Palm
Pilot can provide complete control of the OptoCom for portable use. |
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| What about Software support? |
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| The OptoCom will enjoy the most complete software
support of any PC controlled radio. ScanStar, Probe, Wavelengths, ScannerWare,
Radio Manager for Windows and ScanCat to name a few. |
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| What about upgrades? |
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| New features can be easily added because of
the new Flash Based Microcontroller used. The Micro can be easily removed
and reprogrammed with the new features. While this can not be done by the
operator, it will be very reasonable because no hardware is added. |
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| Will Optoelectronics release the control codes for OptoCom? |
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Everything except for the Motorola trunk following commands will be
released. ScanStar developed the Scan Based Trunk Following technology
and it will remain proprietary.
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| I have ScanStar software, will this work with the OptoCom
for Motorola Trunk following? |
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| No, however the Optocom is supplied with Trakstar,
which is a version designed by ScanStar specifically for the Optocom and
Optotrakker. There is an upgraded version available directly from Signal
Intelligence. Please visit www.scanstar.com
for upgrade information. |
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