Page 1 of 2

PSEC scanner question

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 11:07 pm
by sp1989
I have a question. If RSO were to allow an un-encrypted TG for the public to listen to basic information, like OC's Red TG, what, if any, currently available scanner can scan the PSEC system? If I recall correctly, only one of the later GRE scanners could do it, which have been discontinued for now.

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 11:22 pm
by cvrules90
sp1989 wrote:I have a question. If RSO were to allow an un-encrypted TG for the public to listen to basic information, like OC's Red TG, what, if any, currently available scanner can scan the PSEC system? If I recall correctly, only one of the later GRE scanners could do it, which have been discontinued for now.
The only GRE scanner I know of is the PSR 800. Uniden now makes the BCD536HP which can also do it.

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 12:41 am
by brandon
I am using a PSR 800. It's not the easiest radio to work with, but I can confirm it works on the PSEC non-encrypted. Here is how it sounds. Not sure how it compares to the Uniden, as I have not used their newer models.

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 8:34 am
by cvrules90
brandon wrote:I am using a PSR 800. It's not the easiest radio to work with, but I can confirm it works on the PSEC non-encrypted. Here is how it sounds. Not sure how it compares to the Uniden, as I have not used their newer models.
You must be listening to one of the "Call" or ICIS talkgroups on the system.

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 8:52 am
by inlandpatch
brandon wrote:I am using a PSR 800. It's not the easiest radio to work with, but I can confirm it works on the PSEC non-encrypted. Here is how it sounds. Not sure how it compares to the Uniden, as I have not used their newer models.
wow that is really clear and i have NEVER heard anything LE related on the PSEC system, what channel were you listening to and what tower was it on?

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 5:45 pm
by sp1989
Dispatch calling Star 9-3 (the air unit), maybe it was repeated from an airband or other non-encrypted freq?

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 6:59 pm
by cvrules90
inlandpatch wrote:
brandon wrote:I am using a PSR 800. It's not the easiest radio to work with, but I can confirm it works on the PSEC non-encrypted. Here is how it sounds. Not sure how it compares to the Uniden, as I have not used their newer models.
wow that is really clear and i have NEVER heard anything LE related on the PSEC system, what channel were you listening to and what tower was it on?
I am also surprised to learn that you are hearing clear LE traffic. It could h ave been a patch or something that is clear.

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2014 8:26 pm
by inlandpatch
Now i probably know this answer and is a stupid question but would it be ever possible for dispatch or a time when they will turn off the encryption? is it as simple as a button that they can press?

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:21 am
by brandon
inlandpatch wrote: wow that is really clear and i have NEVER heard anything LE related on the PSEC system, what channel were you listening to and what tower was it on?
Hello. It was on ICS Law talkgroups. I would assume it came off the Central cell, but the talkgroup is likely heard countywide.
inlandpatch wrote: Now i probably know this answer and is a stupid question but would it be ever possible for dispatch or a time when they will turn off the encryption? is it as simple as a button that they can press?
As far as I can tell, all of the talkgroups are locked down to encrypted only. I have not seen it where the user can select like what some other agencies such as Border Patrol/FBI/DEA tend to do.

Re: PSEC scanner question

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 3:14 pm
by cvrules90
inlandpatch wrote:Now i probably know this answer and is a stupid question but would it be ever possible for dispatch or a time when they will turn off the encryption? is it as simple as a button that they can press?
Some systems in the US have selectable encryption but I don't think PSEC fits that category.