MDC 1200 primer..?

[spock7230]

I've tried searching the forums for this information (it's probably there and I didn't do it right), but here goes:

1) I understand that the "F" character in the MDC signal is used for a wildcard, but what is an "E" in the first position used for? (IDs go from 0001 to DEEE, right?)

2) I've done QC2 decodes for some of my department's portables, and I gather that MDC can be used to "tone" separate groups of people (medics only, Engine 1, etc.). What hardware does the dispatch panel need to have to do this?

3) Basically, is there a document that spells out what MDC can and can't do?

Thanks,
Jim

[alex]

I've tried searching the forums for this information (it's probably there and I didn't do it right), but here goes:

1) I understand that the "F" character in the MDC signal is used for a wildcard, but what is an "E" in the first position used for? (IDs go from 0001 to DEEE, right?)

2) I've done QC2 decodes for some of my department's portables, and I gather that MDC can be used to "tone" separate groups of people (medics only, Engine 1, etc.). What hardware does the dispatch panel need to have to do this?

3) Basically, is there a document that spells out what MDC can and can't do?

Thanks,
Jim

To answer question 1):

I think you can do EEEE, I'm not sure.

However, the way the wild card paging works, is if you set your radios up to do:

001[0-E] and then page 000F, that will cause all radios that are programed in that group to beep/alert to that page.

So, if you setup your MDC plan accordingly, and make sure that you group the portable/mobile radios together, you could use wild card pages to selectively page individual groups of radios.

You can use the wildcard in other parts of the MDC ID, or just do FFFF and page everyone and their mother.

Play around a bit, XTS's and HT1550/HT1250's can insert a * by pressing the * key, providing they are both full keypad/model III radios, and unlimited calling is enabled in the codeplug.

-Alex

[HumHead]

An MDC call with an "E" at the beginning denotes a group call. In this format the next digit is the fleet ID, and the last two digits are the group.

So- Paging E123 would page all radios in group 23 of Fleet 1. E2FF would page all radios is fleet 2, etc.

Your console would need some type of encoder in order to send MDC1200 calls and acknowledgments. Depending on your specific console, the features may be built in, or may require integration of a third party unit, such as those made by Cimmaron Technologies

[spock7230]

Depending on your specific console, the features may be built in, or may require integration of a third party unit, such as those made by Cimmaron Technologies

Thanks, guys.

I'm not completely certain, but I believe the console is a CentraCom II. Would one of the Cimmaron modules still work in this? It's probably a moot point anyway, since the panel is under the control of the police chief and he's likely to say "no" to the idea...