>>> Continued from previous message
   Fleet Maps and IDs
TrunkTracker comes with 15 default fleet maps which the user can
elect for Type 1 and other non-Type II systems (the BC-235 defaults to
Type II where no maps need to be set). Select one of the 15 maps, using
the DATA and HOLD/LIMIT keys (it only takes a couple of keystrokes and
only needs to be set once) and you're off. There is also a USER
DEFINABLE mode for those sophisticated users who wish to enter their
own custom maps.
In this article we've used the term "Group"; however, "talkgroup"--or
in the case of Type1 users, "fleet" and "subfleet"--would be more
appropriate terminology. Fleet and subfleet pertain to a hierarchical
structure of the system users, i.e. your local fire department might
operate a fleet, with the subfleets consisting of the various
operations of the department:
FLEET 1 FIRE DEPARTMENT Subfleet 1 Fire Dispatch Subfleet 2 Fire
Operations Subfleet 3 Fireground 1 Subfleet 4 Fireground 2 Subfleet 5
Arson Squad Subfleet 6 Supervisors
As a fire captain changes "channels" on his handheld radio, he
accesses different subfleets and therefore the group ID he will use
changes as well. (Individual unit IDs stay the same;however, TrunkTracker
does not make any special use of this feature.)
For Type II systems, which are apparently the newer and more advanced
networks, no fleet map is required, as there is a flat hierarchy.
TrunkTracker defaults to Type II mode and, after you've programmed the
frequencies, all you need to do is hit the SEARCH key and you're
trunking.
The DATA key is also used to identify the bank in which you're
trunking, since the bank indicators, which are active in the
conventional mode, are normally used as either channel
activity indicators or as Scan List indicators in the trunking mode.
   Future Models
One question that will undoubtedly arise is why didn't Uniden address
other trunking protocols, such as Ericsson/GE's EDACS system? EDACS is
a public safety trunked system that is used in Denver, New Orleans, and
other areas. This system is actually more of a nightmare to monitor
conventionally, as beeps and buzzing tones and sometimes even jingles
are broadcast over the air, along with the voice transmissions.
There are, however, far more Motorola trunked public safety systems
than there are Ericsson systems. And, Uniden has acquired rights to the
unique G/WIZ technology, which eliminates the excruciating (to
non-system users) beeps and buzzing of GE/Ericsson systems, for use in
future scanners. In the meantime, G/WIZ boards can be installed in
your BC-235, and in most other scanners, as an after-market device.
In addition to the BC-235, other TrunkTracker models are
planned. While the 235 is scheduled to be available in late March or
early April, the base-model Bearcat 895, a significant upgrade
to the BC-890, should be available by this summer. While the outer case
of the BC-895 will look exactly the same as the 890, the display and
internal operations are quite different. The 895 will have 30 trunking
indicator lights, built-in CTCSS (with tone encode and tone reading
planned), a signal strength meter, and an RS-232 port for
computer download and control. More TrunkTracker scanners are now in
the planning stage, but they are quite a ways in the future at this
time.
   The Bottom Line
Uniden must be commended for this bold step they have taken. While
Uniden may have taken a few shots in the past, the company has wowed
the industry with a technological advancement that is stunning in its
importance as well as in its easy-to-use interface.
Scannists have failed to credit Uniden with the fact that it is not
interested in competing with the manufacturers of $2000 receivers.
There are only so many customers for Rolls Royces.  But, with
TrunkTracker, Uniden has actually leapfrogged its high-end competitors
with a radio that, while relatively inexpensive, is, in many ways, far
more valuable and innovative than any receiver manufactured in the last
15 years. TrunkTracker is, perhaps, the most significant industry
advancement since the programmable scanner. It couldn't have
come at a better time for the hobby.
Certain trade names mentioned in this article are the respective
property of their owners.
 * SLMR 2.1a * 
--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.10 
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