OptoTrakker Communications Decoder FAQ’s
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).