Discriminator output Decoding from Radio Frequency Scanners.The Discriminator output from a scanner is the raw, unfiltered signal that a scanner produces before it is sent to the audio stage for output through the speaker — also called the “baseband audio.” This discriminator source is required for applications such as Trunker, T4Win, UniTrunker, and DSD. Most scanners must have a simple modification made to them to feed the discriminator output to Data Slicers, or in the case of UniTrunker, a soundcard. Note that for providing a signal for ACARS decoding, a connection from an earphone or speaker output is all that’s required. This is because ACARS runs at a much lower speed, and the discriminator is not involved in AM reception. |
I have become interested in building the ULTIMATE CB RADIO so hence the research on this page.
This based on an existing CB Base Station I have already that works well on TX&RX.
The ubiquitous Uniden PC-122 Yellow Dotted HYBRID Icom IC-701
I want to add the latest means of actually viewing the RF and Audio on a computer screen LCD display similar to many latest Amateur radio transceivers similar to the ICOM IC-7300.Â
SEE MORE HERE on my ULTIMATE CB RADIO
How to modify your scanner or receiver with a discriminator output for FSK or PSK (e.g. POCSAG, FLEX, ERMES and AIS)
Why would you need a discriminator output?
If you want to monitor digital modes that use FSK or PSK (e.g. POCSAG, FLEX, ERMES and AIS), you get the best results if you use the unfiltered audio from your receiver. You can find that signal at the discriminator of your receiver. A discriminator is the ‘heart’ of an FM receiver. After the discriminator, audio filters and amplifiers follow that may heavily distort a digital signal. If you want to decode and monitor digital (FSK and PSK) systems seriously, a discriminator tap is an absolute prerequisite.
Only a few scanners have a discriminator output as a standard feature. In most cases, you need to ‘operate’ on your scanner to make the discriminator signal available to the outside world. On this site, you can find pictures and descriptions of over 200 scanners, receivers, pagers and (marine) VHF transceivers that I modified with a discriminator tap.
Â
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Bill Cheeks contribution to the Radio Scanner Hobby below
Â
– NOTE All external web addresses will unlikely work.
Some Geocities Archive data may be found by googling if you are lucky.
Feb 02, 1999 SCANDATA.FAQ 02/02/1999
This article/file is for the benefit of all.
(c) 1999 (All Rights Reserved) by:
Bill Cheek and -COMMtronics Engineering-
This file is for personal use only and may NOT be placed on
a CD-ROM nor any other media that conveys, stores, or
transports for any monetary cost including shipping &
handling, without expressed permission of the author. This
file can only be given away, absolutely free of charge, no
strings attached. If given away, it MUST be conveyed intact,
word-for-word with no editing, additions or deletions,
except as may be authorized in writing by the author.
-Bill Cheek-
Author
NOTE: This Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQ) file or article
is one of a series of FAQs that I regularly publish.
The complete list of FAQs is given below. If this one
doesn't answer your questions, try one or more of the
following additional FAQs:
1. Scanner Modifications FAQ: SCANMODS.FAQ
2. Scanner Data Decoder FAQ: SCANDATA.FAQ <--- This FAQ
3. Scanner Performance FAQ: SCANPERF.FAQ
4. Scanner S-Meter FAQ: SCANSMTR.FAQ
5. Scanner Radios FAQ: SCANRADS.FAQ
6. 4-Level FSK Decoder FAQ: 4LFSK.FAQ
7. Administrative FAQ: ADMIN.FAQ
You can grab the latest of any of my FAQs directly from my
Web site as follows:
ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bcheek/faqs.htm
=============================================
Bill Cheek's Scanner Data Decoding
Frequently Asked Questions File
=============================================
Contents
=========
01: What is a 'Discriminator Output' and 'baseband audio'?
02: How can I find the Discriminator Output in my scanner?
03: How do I connect to the Discriminator Output?
04: How do I build or acquire a SIMPLE decoder interface?
05: How do I build or acquire a BETTER decoder interface?
06: So how do I decode digital data from the airwaves?
07: How can I decode CTCSS, DPL, and DTMF from the airwaves?
08: Is it possible to "TrunkTrack" without a TrunkTracker?
09: What if I don't want to build my own Data Decoder Interface?
Questions and Answers
==========================================================
01: What is a 'Discriminator Output' and 'baseband audio'?
There is a growing interest in tapping the baseband audio
out of various scanners for decoding of a variety of
esoteric signals, including CTCSS, SCA, FSK, RTTY, FAX,
Pager data, and trunked system control data, etc.
By and large, such signals cannot be taken from TAPE REC
jacks, headphone jacks, and EXT SPEAKER jacks because of the
voice-band filters that are between the signal source and
these output jacks.
Therefore, it is necessary to tap the wider "baseband audio"
directly at the output of the NFM discriminator chip in your
scanner. This is the first step to successful data decoding
from the airwaves.
===============================================================
02: How can I find the Discriminator Output in my scanner?
Table 1 shows a list of scanners, the discriminator chip(s)
used in the scanner, circuit symbols of those chips, and the
baseband audio (discriminator output) pin.
If your scanner isn't listed in Table 1, then refer to Table
2 to find its discriminator chip. The chips listed in Table
2 are all known Discriminators used in scanners and wide
coverage receivers.
Between Tables 1 and 2, you should be able to find the NFM
discriminator and its output pin for any reasonably modern
scanner.
Corrections and additions to these lists are requested. See
my email and other addresses at the end of this file.
TABLE 1: SCANNER NFM DISCRIMINATOR CHIPS & PINS
Updated 01/28/99
DISCR/DET CKT BASEBAND
SCANNER CHIP TYPE SYMBOL AUDIO PIN
============== ============== ======= =========
unknown MPS5071 n/a 9
AR-1000 TA-7787AF IC-4 9
AR-2002 MC-3357P IC-4 9
AR-2500 TA-7761P IC-13 9
AR-3000 MC-3357P ? 9
AR-800 MC-3361N IC-200 9
AR-900 MC-3361N IC-201 9
AR-950 MC-3361N IC-201 9
AR-8000 NFM TK10489M or-85M U1 11
AR-8000 WFM/AM TA7792F U3 8
BC-80XLT MC3361B0 IC-101 9
BC-100XL MC-3359P IC-1 10
BC-100XLT TK-10421M-2 IC-401 11
BC-140XLT MC-3359P IC-1 10 *
BC-200XLT TK-10421M-2 IC-401 11
BC-205XLT TK-10421M-2 IC-401 11
BC-235XLT MC3361CDR2 IC-2 9
BC-250 ? IC-3 9
BC-2500XLT TK-10930VTL IC-201 12-FM 13-AM
BC-3000 NFM/AM TK-10930V IC-202 12-NFM 13-AM
BC-3000 WFM TK-10489M IC-203 11
BC-350A NJM-3359D-A IC-3 10
BC-400XLT NJM-3359D-A IC-1 10
BC-560XLT NJM-3359D-A IC-1 10
BC-700A NJM-3359D-A IC-3 10
BC-760XLT NJM-3359D-A IC-2 10
BC-800XLT MC-3359P IC-1 10
BC-235XLT MC3361CDR2 IC-2 9 *
BC-8500XLT MC-3361BP IC-9 9
BC-855XLT TK-10421M-2 IC-401 11
BC-890XLT NJM-3359D-A IC-3 10
BC-895XLT MC13371 IC-3 9 *
BC-950XLT NJM-3359D-A IC-2 10
BC-9000XLT MC3361B0 IC-8 9
BC-9000XLT WFM TK10489-MTL IC-9 11
BC-9000XLT AM LA1600A IC7 8 or 9 (?)
BCT-7 MC3361BD IC-2 9
HX-1000 TK-10420 U-201 9
ICF-SC1PC TA3116FN IC-401 9
ICF-SC1 TA3116FN IC-401 9 *
Icom IC-2SRA MC-3372 ? 9 *
Icom R-1 NFM TK-10487 DET-A IC-1 11
Icom R-1 WFM TA-7787AF DET-B IC-1 9
Icom R7100 Said to be "top of R230 on main PCB" *
MR-8100 NJM-3359D-A IC-3 10
MX-5000 MC-3357P IC-4 9
MX-7000 MC-3357P IC-4 9
PRO-2002 MC-3357P IC-101 9
PRO-2003 MC-3357P IC-104 9
PRO-2004 NFM/AM TK-10420 IC-2 9 (TP4)
PRO-2004 WFM KB4419A IC-1 6 (TP3)
PRO-2005 NFM/AM TK-10420 IC-2 9 (TP2)
PRO-2005 WFM KA2243N/HA12413 IC-1 10 (TP1)
PRO-2006 NFM/AM TK-10420 IC-2 9 (TP2)
PRO-2006 WFM KA2243N/HA12413 IC-1 10 (TP1)
PRO-2011 TK-10420 IC-1 9
PRO-2020 MC-3357P IC-101 9
PRO-2021 TK-10420 IC-2 9
PRO-2022 MC-3361N IC-1 9
PRO-2023 NJM-3359D-A ? 10
PRO-2024 MC-3361N IC-2 9
PRO-2025 NJM-3359D-A IC-1 10
PRO-2026 NJM-3359D-A IC-7 10
PRO-2027 MC-3361N IC-2 9
PRO-2028 NJM-3359D-A IC-2 10
PRO-2030 NJM-3359D-A IC-3 10
PRO-2032 MC-3361 IC-2 9 (TP5)
PRO-2035 NFM/AM TK-10420 IC-2 9 (TP2)
PRO-2035 WFM KA2243N/HA12413 IC-1 10 (TP1)
PRO-2040 MC3361BP IC-2 9
PRO-2041 MC3361N IC-301 9 *
PRO-2042 NFM/AM TK-10420 IC-2 9 (TP2)
PRO-2042 WFM KA2243N/HA12413 IC-1 10 (TP1)
PRO-2050 MC3361CDR2 IC-2 9 *
PRO-23 MC-3361BD IC-1 9
PRO-24 MC3361BP IC-2 9 *
PRO-26 NFM/AM TK-10930V IC-14 12-NFM 13-AM
PRO-26 WFM TK-10489M IC-16 11
PRO-31 TK-10420 IC-1 9
PRO-32 TK-10420 IC-101 9
PRO-34 TK-10420 IC-101 9
PRO-35 TK-10421M-2 IC-401 11
PRO-36 TK-10420 IC-101 9
PRO-37 TK-10420 IC-101 9 (TP103)
PRO-38 MC-3359P IC-1 10
PRO-39 MC-3361N IC-201 9
PRO-41 MC-3359P IC-1 10
PRO-42 MC-3361N IC-2 9
PRO-43 TK-10427/-10420 IC-301 9
PRO-44 MC-3361N IC-201 9
PRO-46 TK-10421M-3LT IC-401 11
PRO-49 MC3361BP IC-2 9
PRO-51 MC-3361BD IC-1 9
PRO-60 ? IC-301 9
PRO-62 KA3361 IC-301 9 *
PRO-64 MC3361N IC-301 9
PRO-66 MC3361N IC-2 9 (TP3) *
PRO-90 MC3361CDR2 IC-2 9
R-1600 NJM-3359D-A IC-2 10
R-4030 TK-10421M-2 IC-401 11
SC1PC TA3116FN IC-401 9
SC1 TA3116FN IC-401 9 *
SR-15 TK-10421D-2 IC-1 9
StandardCCR708A TK-10420D Q602 9 *
TurboScan 2 3130-6056-502 U-201 10 or 16
WiNRADiO NFM MC-3372D U2 9 TP20
WiNRADiO AM/WFM TA-7640AP U5 9 TP29
WiNRADiO SSB LM324M U6 1
Yaesu FRG-9600 MC-3357P ? 9 *
=====================================================
* Not personally verified by me
TABLE 2
DISCRIM OUTPUT
CHIP PIN
========= ======
KA3361 9
MC13371 9
MC3357P 9
MC3359P 10
MC3361 9
MC3372D 9
MPS5071 9
NJM3359DA 10
TA3116FN 9
TA7640AP 9
TA7761P 9
TA7787AF 9
TA7792F 8
TK10420 9
TK10421D 9
TK10421M 11
TK10427 9
TK10485M 11
TK10487 11
TK10489M 11
TK10930V 12
CXA1111N 21 AM/WFM Only
HA12413 9 WFM Only
KA2243N 9 WFM Only
KB4419A 6 WFM Only
Once you locate the discriminator in your scanner, you have
to make its output conveniently available on the exterior
chassis, much like a headphone or tape recorder jack.
Figure 1 below shows how to determine the pin numbering
system for most integrated circuits. Looking at the marking
side of the chip, there is either a notch or nook at one
end, and/or an embedded "dot" off to one side at one end.
The notch, nook, or dot signifies the end that starts with
Pin #1 and ends with whatever the highest numbered pin
happens to be. Most IC's have 8, 14, 16, or 18 pins.
FIGURE 1
TYPICAL NFM IC CHIP PINOUT
NFM DISCR
16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 10uF/16v Baseband
| | | | | | | |----+[|------> Audio Out
+------------------------+
| | /-------> Ground
| TOP VIEW | |
Notch \ LABEL | |
/ Dot SIDE | ^
| O | Scanner
| | Ground
+------------------------+
| | | | | | | |
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
NOTE: Figure 1 shows the baseband audio tap on Pin 9,
though the pin number will vary from one chip
to the next.
==============================================================
03: How do I connect to the Discriminator Output?
HOOKUP PROCEDURE
================
If you need the raw NFM Discriminator baseband audio signal
for external purposes, the best way to access it is via a
jack installed in a convenient, unobtrusive location on the
scanner. Use Figure 1 as a general guide.
1A BASE SCANNERS: Install an RCA or other jack in a desired
place on the scanner's external case, typically the rear
panel.
1B HANDHELD SCANNERS: If you can find the space, use a
standard monaural 1/8" phone jack or a 3/32" mini phone
jack. Some scanners are so cramped inside that even
these won't fit. In that case a strip of 3 pinline
sockets can be melted into the plastic case and wires
soldered to the inside protrusions.
The middle pinline socket is not connected to anything;
it's just there as strength and support for the pinline
plug you make, with the shield ground soldered to one
end and the audio- center soldered to the other end:
GND---o o o---NFM DSCR (audio)
"Break-apart" pinline plugs/sockets are available from
Mouser, DigiKey, and Hosfelt.
Digi-Key: p/n A208-ND (800) 344-4539
Hosfelt: p/n 21-274 (800) 524-6464
Mouser: p/n 151-5520/5530 (800) 346-6873
These little puppies are good for a lot of hacker needs,
so get a supply!
2. Connect the shell or outer frame part of the jack to
scanner chassis ground. (Use one end socket for pinline
connections)
3. Connect the (+) leg of a 10-uF tantalum capacitor (Radio
Shack #272-1436) to the Discriminator output Pin. (Capacitor
should be tantalum, but can vary in value from 2.2-uF to
10-uF at a voltage rating of 16-35 vdc.)
4. Connect the center conductor of a shielded coax (RG-174,
etc) or shielded mic cable to the (-) leg of the
capacitor. NOTE: if the distance from the NFM tap to the
jack is less than 3", then a single unshielded hookup
wire will do fine.
5. Connect the shield of the cable at this end to a nearby
PCB ground trace or spot.
6. Connect the center conductor of the other end of this
cable (or single hookup wire) to the center or hot lug
of the jack.
7. Connect the shield of the cable at that end to the
ground lug of the jack.
8. Fabricate or buy a shielded patch cable with one end to
mate with the new jack on the rear of the scanner at
that end....and the other end to mate with whatever jack
is on the tape recorder, processor, decoder, or whatever
device is to be connected at the other end.
Now you are ready to connect a data decoder interface to the
baseband audio output jack. See Figure 1 above.
=================================================================
04: How do I build or acquire a simple decoder interface circuit?
If you want to decode trunk control, MDT, some pager, fax and/or
other digital signals, you will need to build or buy a simple
2-Level FSK Interface to go between the NFM Discriminator/
Baseband Audio of the scanner and a standard PC serial port.
See Question #5 for a more sophisticated 4-Level FSK Interface.
If you are not capable of building your own, or if you
don't have the time to mess with it, I can supply either
a Kit of all essential parts and detailed instructions,
and you build it yourself, OR I can supply an assembled/
tested Decoder Interface, built inside a DB-25 shell and
connector with a 3 ft shielded cable terminated with an
RCA plug. See Question #9 for details.
The DB-25 shell connects directly to a DB-25 comport on the
PC, or, if your comports are DB-9's, you can get a
DB25-to-DB9 adapter for it. You should, however, be able to
make your own following the below instructions.
This is a tried and true Data Interface circuit that's good
for everything we've tried, including a wide variety of
scanners. External power is not required. This circuit
draws its power from the comport. It is similar to the
"Hamcom" and "data slicer" interfaces, but is optimized for
more scanners and more applications.
2-LEVEL DATA DECODER INTERFACE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
Copyright (c) 1998 Bill Cheek <Revised 12/04/98>
Note 4 COM2
Computer
Serial Port
Scanner |<------circuit----------------->| DB25 DB9
==== ===
Note o----o--|<--------o----->20 DTR 4
5 Note 1 | | 1N4148 |
NFM 10-uF |\ | o--|<--------|--o--> 4 RTS 7
>-----+|[------o----|2 \ | | | |
DSCR | | \ o--+|[-->>> | | Note 9
100k | |LM 7 \ 10-uF | |
>--o--/\/\/----o |741 6 >----------o---|--|--> 5 CTS 8
GND | | / | | |
o--/\/\/--o------|3 4/ Note 2 | | |
| 3.3k | | / | | | |
| Note 8 | |/ | Note 3 | | |
| o-----------|----/\/\/----o | |
| | 100k | |
| | | |
o---------------------|-----------------|--|--> 7 Gnd 5
| | | |
| o-------->|-------o | o-<2 TxD 3
| 10-uF | 1N4148 | |
o-------------+|[-----o-------->|----------o |
| |
| Circuit |
o--->>>Ground o--------------------------o
| |
- -|- - - - - - - - -|- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
| o-------------o
| |
| | Optional for TrunkFollower
| | Control of a second scanner
^ ^ (See Note 10 and Q&A #8)
Gnd RxD
COM3
or other
port for Trunk
Follower control
LEGEND:
|
--o-- = soldered connection/junction
--o = turn of the trace in the drawing
|
--|-- = crossover (no connection)
+|[ = capacitor, polarized (note the +)
>| = diode (anode->|-cathode)
|< = diode (cathode-|<-anode)
-/\/\/- = resistor
-->>> = ground
NOTES:
1. Use tantalum capacitors, +|[ polarity as shown
2. Radio Shack's LM-741 op-amp works fine. Others might not!
3. Use 1/4 or 1/8 watt resistors to conserve space
4. Build circuit on a trimmed and fitted piece of perf
board inside a DB-25 shell for max efficiency and space
savings. DB-25 connects to PC's comport and a shielded
cable from the scanner goes to the input; shield is
ground and center is audio.
Hi-res laser printed Instruction Sets available with precise
schematics, drawings, perfboard layout, graphics, wiring,
and solder points. Inquire: [email protected] or see:
ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bcheek/decode.htm
5. Many handheld scanners have no space to install a phone
jack for the NFM Discriminator Output. For such tight
spaces a strip of 3 pinline sockets can be melted into
the plastic case and wires soldered to the inside
protrusions. The middle pinline socket is not connected
to anything; it's just there as strength and support
for the pinline plug you make, with the shield ground
soldered to one end and the audio-center soldered to
the other end:
GND---o o o---NFM DSCR (audio)
6. For base scanners, install a female RCA jack on rear
panel.
7. For handheld scanners where there is space, use a 3/32"
mini or a 1/8" standard monaural phone plug.
8. 3.3k is an optimized value for most scanners. If the
baseband audio output measures less than 0.350-V AC, with a
voltmeter set to AC-volts at a 1v range, you should decrease
the 3.3k resistor to 2.2k, or even 1k if if the measurement
is under 0.250v AC.
I measured 0.150v AC out of the baseband audio tap in a
Sony ICF-SC1PC handheld scanner. The required resistor
from U1 Pin 3 to ground worked out to 1k.
The NFM baseband audio signal of most scanners should
show 0.400v AC or higher, in which case the 3.3k resistor
is just right.
9. Connect the interface to a comport on the PC. Plug the
input cable in to the scanner's NFM Discriminator
Output Jack. Tune to a desired signal and run the
decoder software of your choice.
10. If you are interested in using the "data decode"
scanner to control or "TrunkFollow" a second scanner,
then run a pair of wires off the Data Decoder Interface
from unused TxD (Pin 2) and Ground (Pin 7) out the back
of the circuit. This pair of wires will feed the RxD
and Ground pins of another COMport on the PC.
=================================================================
05: How do I build or acquire a BETTER decoder interface?
First, understand that you may not need or want a "better"
decoder interface. The 2-Level Data Decoder Interface given
just above is ample for most everything except "FLEX" and
ReFLEX" pager signals. There may be other exceptions, but
they are few and far between. In most cases, the simpler
2-Level FSK Data Decoder Interface will be all you need.
Secondly, understand that the more sophisticated 4-Level
FSK Data Decoder Interface cannot and does not replace the
simpler 2-Level version. If you want the 4-Level interface,
that's fine, but you'll need the 2-Level, too.
If you are not capable of building your own, or if you
don't have the time to mess with it, I can supply either
a Kit of all essential parts and detailed instructions,
and you build it yourself,
OR
I can supply an assembled/ tested 4-Level Data Decoder
Interface, built inside a project box with a DB-9 output
jack on one end and an RCA jack on the other end. You
will need to provide your own shielded cable terminated
with an RCA plug on one end to mate to the box and
whatever connector on the other end to connect to the NFM
Discriminator Baseband Audio Output on your scanner.
You will also need to provide a shielded straight-thru
9-cond serial cable with a male DB9 plug on one end to
mate to the 4LFSKDDI box and whatever connector on the
other end to mate to the chosen PC serial port.
You may also have to provide your own +/- dual polarity
power supply. (Two 9v batteries can suffice.) See
Question #9 for more details.
I'm not sure yet how to present the 4-Level FSK Data Decoder
Interface circuit as a plain ASCII schematic like shown above
for the simpler 2LFSKDDI circuit. So for now, I have to refer
you to the Web Sites that support this circuit with graphics,
text, and/or software support. You should research these sites:
geocities.com/SiliconValley/Horizon/6063/
http://www.qsl.net/pa3eik/4lev_fsk.htm
geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/4039/
geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/4039/PINFO.HTM
geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/4039/IINFO.HTM
geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/4039/POCFLEX.ZIP
geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Lab/9339/
geocities.com/SiliconValley/Network/8916/4levelm.gif
I now have available a detailed Instruction Set on the
4LFSKDDI for those who find the above sites a little too
technical to handle. I can also provide Kits of essential
parts, less enclosure and power supply. See Q&A #9.
==================================================================
06: So how do I decode digital data from the airwaves?
First, you tap the Discriminator Output in your scanner.
Then build the desired Data Decoder Interface and connect
it to the Discriminator Output. Then connect the other
side of the Decoder Interface to a com/serial port on your
PC. Lastly, run the software that decodes the particular
type of signal that you want to decode.
In general, it takes different software for different
kinds of signals, and I can't possibly cover them all
here. I will suggest that you start out with a free
program called TRUNKER that decodes the control data of
Motorola trunking systems. This is one of the easiest
to set up and get working; therefore, it makes a good
test "platform" to prove up all your work before you
venture into bigger and better things. Motorola trunk
systems are fairly common now.
TRUNKER and a good set of documentation and limited
support for it can be found at the following Web Sites:
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/1060/beta.htm
or
web2.airmail.net/lblant1/dfw/digital.htm
Apparently it is possible to decode certain kinds of data
from the airwaves without a decoder interface - just
software! For info on decoding MDT signals with nothing
more than a Windows PC and a sound card, check out:
geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/Facility/7646/
=============================================================
07: How can I decode CTCSS, DPL, and DTMF from the airwaves?
That is strictly up to specialized hardware and/or
software that kind of goes beyond the scope of this FAQ.
Lots of software is out and about that will do it, and
there are even possibilities for "roll your own"
hardware decoders.
But the first thing you'll need is the "baseband audio"
output that is described in Questions/Answers #1-3
above. The Data Decoder Interface described in Q/A #4 is
good ONLY for trunking and pager types of data; not
CTCSS, DPL, and DTMF, unfortunately.
In fact, it takes specialized hardware and/or software
to decode each of CTCSS, DPL, and DTMF; and each is as
different as night and day.
Some scanners come equipped for CTCSS decoding, but most
do not. And none come equipped for DPL or DTMF that I
know of.
For more information about retrofitting CTCSS and DPL
decoders to your scanner, contact:
Communications Specialists, Inc.
426 West Taft Avenue
Orange, CA 92865-4296
(800) 854-0547 Fax (800) 850-0547
(714) 998-3021 Fax (714) 974-3420
WEB: http://www.com-spec.com/
For a low-cost "roll-your-own" DTMF Decoder (hardware)
there is a nice project done up in great detail in one
of the back issues of the monthly WORLD SCANNER REPORT
newsletter, V3N10. Backissues are always available at a
nominal cost. See:
ftp://ftp.cts.com/pub/bcheek/products/prodinfo.zip
There are other hardware and software solutions for
decoding DTMF that I may include here later as I get the
information verified and added.
The WiNRADiO Digital Suite is awesomely capable of
decoding CTCSS and DTMF. See: http://www.winradio.com
For scanners in general, though, it all starts with a
tap to the "baseband audio" point, so read over Q&A 1-3
above for the details.
=============================================================
08: Is it possible to "TrunkTrack" without a TrunkTracker?
It didn't used to be, but times do change and YES! It is
now possible to track the trunks without a 'real'
TrunkTracker Scanner, and better, for that matter!!!
Like the other subjects in this FAQ, it all begins with
a Data Decoder Interface. See Q&A #4 and Note 10 in that
answer for the tiny extra addition you need to make to
the Decoder Interface.
Next, you need a PRO-2004, PRO-2005, or PRO-2006
scanner, although we hope to add other scanners to the
list in due time. For now, it's one of those three.
NOTE: It is possible to track the trunks with a
AR-8000 and perhaps with one of the Opto
Interfaces, but these are specialized situations
where detailed info must be found elsewhere.
Then you need a CE-232 Scanner/Computer Interface (or
its predecessor, the HB-232). You will also need the
hot, new Windows program for the CE/HB-232 called
Pro-Turbo.
Lastly, you need one fairly modern computer, Pentium 133
or better, for the easiest way to track the trunks, but
there is another way almost as easy, if you have two
computers, one a 486DX2/66 or better and the other, a
PC-386 or better.
There are other requirements, too, but the above are the
main ones. It is beyond the scope of this FAQ to spell
out all the details, but the V8N9 issue of the monthly
World Scanner Report tells it all. You can order this
or any other back issue of the World Scanner Report
since Jan-91, including 6-mo and 1-yr subscriptions.
You can also download a more detailed text file on
TrunkFollowing with the PRO-2004/5/6 from my FTP site at:
ftp://ftp.cts.com/pub/bcheek/ce-232/trnkscan.txt
For more information on the Pro-Turbo software for the
HB/CE-232, contact:
Paul E. Turton
RR # 3; Wainfleet, Ontario Canada L0S 1V0
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Web: http://www.iaw.on.ca/~jabba/pro-turbo.htm
For more information on the CE-232 Interface, you can
download a file called PRODINFO.ZIP from:
ftp://ftp.cts.com/pub/bcheek/products
or you can view and download all the individual files
from the \CE-232 directory. Or, you can ask for it as
an e-mail file attachment from: [email protected]
or see the information in my signature box below.
But yes, it is now possible to track the trunks without
a TrunkTracker scanner, and do it better than any of the
"real" TrunkTracker scanners! The cost can be a lot
less than the cost of a real TrunkTracker, too. The cost
largely depends on what you already have, or can
scrounge up, but at worst, it's well within the budget
of many scannists.
================================================================
09: What if I don't want to build my own Data Decoder Interface?
See further below if you are intested in a 4-Level Data
Decoder Interface. First is info on the 2LFSKDDI:
2LFSKDDI
========
There isn't much of a technical obstacle to "rolling your
own 2-Level Data Decoder Interface, but if lack of time,
tools, or access to the parts is an obstacle, then you can
acquire one in either of two ways:
NOTE: We can supply the 2LFSKDDI detailed Instruction Set
alone for $5, ppd, USA and $7, ppd, foreign.
1. Kit of essential parts (you build it): $15 + $8 S&H
Includes:
3 ea Capacitor; tantalum; 10-uF/16v:
1 ea D-sub Plastic Hood/shell; DB25
1 ea DB25 connector; female; solder pin
2 ea Resistor; 100-k; 1/4-watt
1 ea Resistor; 3.3-k; 1/4-watt
4 ea Diode; silicon; 1N4148
1 ea Op-amp; LM741CN; 8-pin DIP
1 ea Perfboard; pre-cut, notched, trimmed to size
1 ea Shielded cable; 3-ft; w/RCA plug
1 ea Detailed printed instruction set, complete with
graphics, photos, tables, and "what if's"...
1 ea 3.5" floppy disk w/shareware & freeware decoder
programs and utilities.
Optional upgrade or add-on items:
* A. Shielded cable; 6-ft; w/RCA plug + $2.00
* B. Shielded cable; 12-ft; w/RCA plug + $4.00
C. Port Adapter; DB25 male-to-DB9 female + $7.50
(adapts 25-pin Interface to 9-pin comport)
* Instead of the standard 3-ft cable w/RCA plug
-=OR=-
2. Assembled/tested 2-L Decoder Interface $40 + $8 S&H
Includes:
1 ea Data Decoder Interface built into a DB25 shell
with standard 3-ft shielded cable w/RCA plug.
1 ea Detailed printed instruction set, complete with
graphics, photos, tables, and "what if's"...
1 ea 3.5" floppy disk w/shareware & freeware decoder
programs and utilities.
Optional upgrade or add-on items:
A. Built with 6-ft shielded cable and RCA plug + $2.00
B. Built with 12-ft shielded cable and RCA plug + $4.00
C. Port Adapter; DB25 male-to-DB9 female + $7.50
(adapts 25-pin Interface to 9-pin comport)
D. Custom enhancements/designs per your specs +$10/up
4LFSKDDI
========
CAVEAT: It may be illegal to decode certain 4LFSK signals.
You must determine that for your self and cease
interest in the subject if not legal in your area.
If you are intested in a 4-Level FSK Data Decoder Interface
we have a detailed Instruction Set ready to go, as well as a
Kit of Essential parts, less enclosure and power supply.
Assembled and Tested units are not ready yet, but.....I may
have available some built/tested prototype units that have
been proved fit for consumption.
One or more of the following may be available:
1. Instruction Set Only - you build from it.
8-pages of hi-res laser printed text, charts,
photos, drawings, and detailed, hand-holding
guidance: Price: $5, ppd, USA; $7, ppd, foreign
2. Kit of Essential Parts, plus detailed Instruction Set
from (1) above, less enclosure and power supply. See my
4LFSK.FAQ file for details, or the following web site:
ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bcheek/4lfsk.txt
Price: $20 + $8 S&H, USA; $20 + $15 S&H foreign
3. Kit of Essential Parts, incl power supply. Price: TBA
4. Assembled/Tested 4LFSKDDI, less power supply. Price: TBA
5. Assembled/Tested 4LFSKDDI, incl power supply. Price: TBA
TO ORDER: Use e-mail, fax, or postal mail per the
information in my signature box below. MC/VISA or
M.O. preferred. Personal and company checks okay,
but shipment delayed until bank clearance. No
COD's and no shipments to PO Boxes or mail drops.
Alaska, Hawaii and foreign shipping extra.
TERMS: All sales are final; no returns-no refunds. 30-day
Performance Warranty on the Assembled/ Tested
Decoder Interface is strictly limited to Motorola
SmartNet trunked data signals using TRUNKER.EXE
despite that it will work on many other kinds of
data, too. We just can't support it all. Repair
or replacement at our option during that 30-day
period. No warranty on Kits.
Not responsible/liable for illegal use of this
information and/or these products; nor for any
consequences thereof. You must determine
lawfulness of these products for your applications
and region and not use them, if illegal.
Use of this information and/or these products is
100% exclusively at your own risk.
You must determine suitability and fitness of
purpose of these products to your needs. I will
not accept responsibility or liability for any
damage or loss that results from use of these
products, nor for damage or loss that results from
connecting these devices to a scanner and/or a
computer.
You must determine all risks and accept all
consequences of any damage to hardware and/or data
stored in the computer.
============================================================
That's it for now. I will keep this FAQ updated. If you
see things that need to be added to it, by all means, let me
know. If this FAQ fails to address your question(s), then
hit me with 'em again, but be specific. And be detailed
with symptoms and observations if you need tech support on
mods or troubleshooting and diagnosis. Use e-mail.
Copyrighted (c) 1999 (All rights reserved) Revised 02/02/99
------------------------------------------------ --
Bill Cheek - President/CEO/Publisher \ /
COMMtronics Engineering/World Scanner Report \ /
Box 262478 ~ San Diego ~ CA ~ 92196-2478 \ /
Voice: 619-578-9247 (1:30-5:30pm, PST, weekdays \/
Fax: 619-578-9247 (any time) /\
/ \
ftp.cts.com/pub/bcheek / \
ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bcheek / \
------------------------------------------------ --
========================END OF FILE===========================
RIP BILL CHEEK - A true radio enthusiast and gentleman.
