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Re: BNSF To Begin Digital Radio Frequency Testing
Author: FresnoSub
Date: 08-23-2011 - 19:39
SLG Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Michael Lane Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I have a Uniden BC396XT handheld that can
> recieive
> > non-encrypted APCO-25 digital. Does anyone
> know
> > if the there is any possibilty that mine and
> other
> > current digital scanner models could receive
> RR
> > digital transmissions? If not, does anyone know
> if
> > Uniden or GRE can send firmware updates? Thank
> > you.
>
> Nope.
>
> Zero chance your Uniden 396XT will be capable of
> decoding NXDN.
A little more info on the digital format being used. According to one of the BNSF TELECOM "gurus," there are NO compatible scanners or receivers available to the general public (at least at a cheap cost). The Kenwood model sells for around $800 and the Icom model for around half that price. The only problem after purchasing one of these toys is that you can't get it programmed anywhere because the AAR frequency zone(s) will not be programmed into a non-railroad owned radio by th eKenwood service center. The Kenwood model can be direct keypad entry for up to 16 channels, however, but $800 is still a lot of money to spend just to hear a pissed-off conductor arguing with the dispatcher.
As for APCO-25, this is a digital format developed for public safety services and is not compatible with NXDN. As to why Kenwood and Icom are the two BNSF approved radios, well, it seems that that the NXDN format was a joint collaborative effort. The next step is to standardize the specification which will allow other vendors to provide NXDN compliant products. Possibly in a few years, there will be compatible scanners available, but for now, it's good to have a monopoly.
For the benefit of the railfan ham radio and commercial 2-way licensees, check out the NXDN forum at [www.nxdn-forum.com]
Lots of dry technical reading . . .
FS
-------------------------------------------------------
> Michael Lane Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I have a Uniden BC396XT handheld that can
> recieive
> > non-encrypted APCO-25 digital. Does anyone
> know
> > if the there is any possibilty that mine and
> other
> > current digital scanner models could receive
> RR
> > digital transmissions? If not, does anyone know
> if
> > Uniden or GRE can send firmware updates? Thank
> > you.
>
> Nope.
>
> Zero chance your Uniden 396XT will be capable of
> decoding NXDN.
A little more info on the digital format being used. According to one of the BNSF TELECOM "gurus," there are NO compatible scanners or receivers available to the general public (at least at a cheap cost). The Kenwood model sells for around $800 and the Icom model for around half that price. The only problem after purchasing one of these toys is that you can't get it programmed anywhere because the AAR frequency zone(s) will not be programmed into a non-railroad owned radio by th eKenwood service center. The Kenwood model can be direct keypad entry for up to 16 channels, however, but $800 is still a lot of money to spend just to hear a pissed-off conductor arguing with the dispatcher.
As for APCO-25, this is a digital format developed for public safety services and is not compatible with NXDN. As to why Kenwood and Icom are the two BNSF approved radios, well, it seems that that the NXDN format was a joint collaborative effort. The next step is to standardize the specification which will allow other vendors to provide NXDN compliant products. Possibly in a few years, there will be compatible scanners available, but for now, it's good to have a monopoly.
For the benefit of the railfan ham radio and commercial 2-way licensees, check out the NXDN forum at [www.nxdn-forum.com]
Lots of dry technical reading . . .
FS
