I've been tinkering, but not entirely happy with the outcomes, the on-line help in CPS isn't the greatest and the bloody great phone book that passes as the owners manual for RSS leaves me sleepy
Steve
MCS2000 and Scan
Moderator: Queue Moderator
MCS2000 and Scan
Has anybody got any tips and advice on setting up scanlists on a MCS2000?
I've been tinkering, but not entirely happy with the outcomes, the on-line help in CPS isn't the greatest and the bloody great phone book that passes as the owners manual for RSS leaves me sleepy
Steve
I've been tinkering, but not entirely happy with the outcomes, the on-line help in CPS isn't the greatest and the bloody great phone book that passes as the owners manual for RSS leaves me sleepy
Steve
Depends on what you're trying to accomplish. I use my MCS for EMS agencies in two areas about 200 miles apart. I set up one scan list for when I'm 'home', and one for when I'm 'away'. I have both scan lists set up in a similar fashion. There are 5-7 channels in the list, and my selected channel is my priority. I have enables user-programmable scan list editing so I can tweak the list on the fly if I have a need to.
Bob, that's pretty much the same as I'd like to accomplish, in particular the user programmable scan list.Bob wrote:Depends on what you're trying to accomplish. I use my MCS for EMS agencies in two areas about 200 miles apart. I set up one scan list for when I'm 'home', and one for when I'm 'away'. I have both scan lists set up in a similar fashion. There are 5-7 channels in the list, and my selected channel is my priority. I have enables user-programmable scan list editing so I can tweak the list on the fly if I have a need to.
You wouldn't have a codeplug handy you could send to me so I can see how it's done?
Steve
I try to keep scan lists as short as possible. In general, Priority 1 is always set for "<SelChan>", and Tx designation is set for "<SelChan>". What this means is that whenever you key, even if the radio has stopped on a non-priority channel, you'll be transmitting on your selected channel (prevents inadvertent keying on the wrong channel), and the replies you get will override any non-priority traffic (else you won't be able to converse). We also make use of the "nuisance delete" function.
For instance, one Fire Department has two repeated channels: Ch. 1 is for dispatch and the first working incident; Ch. 2 is for a second working incident (or a long incident, to move the fireground stuff off Ch. 1); we also have two Mutual Aid channels ("White" is for inter-Fire Alarm Office traffic only and "Red" is for traffic between apparatus and portables of the various department's suppression forces).
Ch. 1 is tagged with a scan list as follows:
P1 = SelChan
NP's: Ch. 1, Ch. 2, White, Red.
Tx = SelChan
Ch. 2, White (which is RXO in the suppression force radios) and Red are tagged with a scan list as follows:
P1 = SelChan
P2 = Ch. 1
NPs: Ch. 2, White, Red
Tx = SelChan
This means that, while the radio is on Ch. 1 (working or in the stations), no dispatch will be missed, and if dispatch is quiet, the guys get a heads up on anything going on in the district.
If the radio is on Ch. 2 (working at an in-town incident), they will miss nothing on the fireground and virtually nothing on the dispatch channel, and still get something of the district information if the radio is otherwise not needed locally.
If the radio is on Red (working out of town on Mutual Aid or coverage), they will miss nothing on the mutual aid channel and virtually nothing on the home dispatch.
If the radio is still on Red (returned from out of town but forgot to reset selector to Ch. 1): high probability of not missing a dispatch call.
For instance, one Fire Department has two repeated channels: Ch. 1 is for dispatch and the first working incident; Ch. 2 is for a second working incident (or a long incident, to move the fireground stuff off Ch. 1); we also have two Mutual Aid channels ("White" is for inter-Fire Alarm Office traffic only and "Red" is for traffic between apparatus and portables of the various department's suppression forces).
Ch. 1 is tagged with a scan list as follows:
P1 = SelChan
NP's: Ch. 1, Ch. 2, White, Red.
Tx = SelChan
Ch. 2, White (which is RXO in the suppression force radios) and Red are tagged with a scan list as follows:
P1 = SelChan
P2 = Ch. 1
NPs: Ch. 2, White, Red
Tx = SelChan
This means that, while the radio is on Ch. 1 (working or in the stations), no dispatch will be missed, and if dispatch is quiet, the guys get a heads up on anything going on in the district.
If the radio is on Ch. 2 (working at an in-town incident), they will miss nothing on the fireground and virtually nothing on the dispatch channel, and still get something of the district information if the radio is otherwise not needed locally.
If the radio is on Red (working out of town on Mutual Aid or coverage), they will miss nothing on the mutual aid channel and virtually nothing on the home dispatch.
If the radio is still on Red (returned from out of town but forgot to reset selector to Ch. 1): high probability of not missing a dispatch call.
Lot of good explanations - Thanks!RKG wrote:I try to keep scan lists as short as possible. In general, Priority 1 is always set for "<SelChan>", and Tx designation is set for "<SelChan>". What this means is that whenever you key, even if the radio has stopped on a non-priority channel, you'll be transmitting on your selected channel (prevents inadvertent keying on the wrong channel), and the replies you get will override any non-priority traffic (else you won't be able to converse). We also make use of the "nuisance delete" function.
For instance, one Fire Department has two repeated channels: Ch. 1 is for dispatch and the first working incident; Ch. 2 is for a second working incident (or a long incident, to move the fireground stuff off Ch. 1); we also have two Mutual Aid channels ("White" is for inter-Fire Alarm Office traffic only and "Red" is for traffic between apparatus and portables of the various department's suppression forces).
Ch. 1 is tagged with a scan list as follows:
P1 = SelChan
NP's: Ch. 1, Ch. 2, White, Red.
Tx = SelChan
Ch. 2, White (which is RXO in the suppression force radios) and Red are tagged with a scan list as follows:
P1 = SelChan
P2 = Ch. 1
NPs: Ch. 2, White, Red
Tx = SelChan
This means that, while the radio is on Ch. 1 (working or in the stations), no dispatch will be missed, and if dispatch is quiet, the guys get a heads up on anything going on in the district.
If the radio is on Ch. 2 (working at an in-town incident), they will miss nothing on the fireground and virtually nothing on the dispatch channel, and still get something of the district information if the radio is otherwise not needed locally.
If the radio is on Red (working out of town on Mutual Aid or coverage), they will miss nothing on the mutual aid channel and virtually nothing on the home dispatch.
If the radio is still on Red (returned from out of town but forgot to reset selector to Ch. 1): high probability of not missing a dispatch call.
Still can't work out how to put together a scan list on the fly though.
I have a need to take channels and combine them into a scan list at short notice (depends on the area I'm called to) but I can't work out how to set it up.
There'll soon be a bald spot from the head scratching
Steve
Set up a basic scan list (P1 = SelChan plus a couple of NP members) and tag it to every channel that doesn't have a good reason for having a special list. Then set the list to allow "OpSel" of the NP members, and set the menu to include a PROG|SCAN function. This way you will be able to add NP members to the list from any channel tagged with the list, and by definition you are redefining the P1 member each time you change channels.
Ok, thanks for that - I've managed to follow you and now am able to progam channels into the scanlist from the controls;-)RKG wrote:Set up a basic scan list (P1 = SelChan plus a couple of NP members) and tag it to every channel that doesn't have a good reason for having a special list. Then set the list to allow "OpSel" of the NP members, and set the menu to include a PROG|SCAN function. This way you will be able to add NP members to the list from any channel tagged with the list, and by definition you are redefining the P1 member each time you change channels.
Now the question is - how can I have channles in a set scan list AND be able to place them into a on the fly scan list?
S.
There is only one scan list associated with each "personality" in your zone list; so I don't know what you mean by an "on the fly" scan list. If you have set P1 = SelCHan, then flipping to any channel will put it in that scan list sort of "on the fly." Otherwise, to add a non-selected channel to the selected channel's scan list, you have to go through the PROG SCAN menu item.
Here's the issue with what you seem to want to do:
1) have multiple scan lists in the radio covering different channels in your radio.
2) have the ability to change the channels in the list mentioned in #1
3) Have the ability to modify these scan list to include channels that are alraedy in other scan lists so that you can listen to them, but also have them accessable when you change channels (thus changing scan lists.)
What you need to do in this instance is go one of two routes:
1) take all your channels and assign them to one scan list. You can then have any channel you want programmed into the radio that has that same scan list assigned to it in your scan list. This will not allow you to quickly change your scan list based on what channel you are on, but will allow you to program those channels you may not listen to all that often in and out of scan list.
2) Create a duplicate set of channels that you would like to be combined into the scan list at one point or another, and then you'll be able to assign them on the fly.
I gave up on having multiple scan lists in the MCS/Astro radios. It can get too confusing, and I don't change it enough to justify it. Every channel I have programmed into the radio is on scan list one. If I decide I need to adjust it, I select whatever channel i want in the radio(s) and then it'll be in my scan list till I reprogram the radio, or take it out.
RememberL: Nusiance delete is your friend.
I would strongly advise setting all your channels to one, and building your scanlists as you need to make changes.
If that's not within practicality, then, well, you'll just have to enter a lot of data in 2-3 times, and give each personality an assingment to zone/channel, as well as to the other scan lists.
-Alex
1) have multiple scan lists in the radio covering different channels in your radio.
2) have the ability to change the channels in the list mentioned in #1
3) Have the ability to modify these scan list to include channels that are alraedy in other scan lists so that you can listen to them, but also have them accessable when you change channels (thus changing scan lists.)
What you need to do in this instance is go one of two routes:
1) take all your channels and assign them to one scan list. You can then have any channel you want programmed into the radio that has that same scan list assigned to it in your scan list. This will not allow you to quickly change your scan list based on what channel you are on, but will allow you to program those channels you may not listen to all that often in and out of scan list.
2) Create a duplicate set of channels that you would like to be combined into the scan list at one point or another, and then you'll be able to assign them on the fly.
I gave up on having multiple scan lists in the MCS/Astro radios. It can get too confusing, and I don't change it enough to justify it. Every channel I have programmed into the radio is on scan list one. If I decide I need to adjust it, I select whatever channel i want in the radio(s) and then it'll be in my scan list till I reprogram the radio, or take it out.
RememberL: Nusiance delete is your friend.
I would strongly advise setting all your channels to one, and building your scanlists as you need to make changes.
If that's not within practicality, then, well, you'll just have to enter a lot of data in 2-3 times, and give each personality an assingment to zone/channel, as well as to the other scan lists.
-Alex
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G'day Alex - you probably wouldn't believe the codeplug if I sent it to you!alex wrote:Here's the issue with what you seem to want to do:
1) have multiple scan lists in the radio covering different channels in your radio.
2) have the ability to change the channels in the list mentioned in #1
3) Have the ability to modify these scan list to include channels that are alraedy in other scan lists so that you can listen to them, but also have them accessable when you change channels (thus changing scan lists.)
What you need to do in this instance is go one of two routes:
1) take all your channels and assign them to one scan list. You can then have any channel you want programmed into the radio that has that same scan list assigned to it in your scan list. This will not allow you to quickly change your scan list based on what channel you are on, but will allow you to program those channels you may not listen to all that often in and out of scan list.
2) Create a duplicate set of channels that you would like to be combined into the scan list at one point or another, and then you'll be able to assign them on the fly.
I gave up on having multiple scan lists in the MCS/Astro radios. It can get too confusing, and I don't change it enough to justify it. Every channel I have programmed into the radio is on scan list one. If I decide I need to adjust it, I select whatever channel i want in the radio(s) and then it'll be in my scan list till I reprogram the radio, or take it out.
RememberL: Nusiance delete is your friend.
I would strongly advise setting all your channels to one, and building your scanlists as you need to make changes.
If that's not within practicality, then, well, you'll just have to enter a lot of data in 2-3 times, and give each personality an assingment to zone/channel, as well as to the other scan lists.
-Alex
I'm using the existing codeplug from the Dept. I work for (which is statewide and a combination of Smartnet and PMR) which already has a few different scanlists in it.
On top of all this I'm adding conventional channels that are specific to my part of the State - the trick (for me at least) is to try and build onto the original with as little operational change as possible.
I'll keep nutting away at it - I guess eventually I'll get it knocked into shape
If you care to see what the original codeplug looks like, drop me your email address and I'll send you a copy.
Steve
H E L P!alex wrote:Here's the issue with what you seem to want to do:
1) have multiple scan lists in the radio covering different channels in your radio.
2) have the ability to change the channels in the list mentioned in #1
3) Have the ability to modify these scan list to include channels that are alraedy in other scan lists so that you can listen to them, but also have them accessable when you change channels (thus changing scan lists.)
What you need to do in this instance is go one of two routes:
1) take all your channels and assign them to one scan list. You can then have any channel you want programmed into the radio that has that same scan list assigned to it in your scan list. This will not allow you to quickly change your scan list based on what channel you are on, but will allow you to program those channels you may not listen to all that often in and out of scan list.
2) Create a duplicate set of channels that you would like to be combined into the scan list at one point or another, and then you'll be able to assign them on the fly.
I gave up on having multiple scan lists in the MCS/Astro radios. It can get too confusing, and I don't change it enough to justify it. Every channel I have programmed into the radio is on scan list one. If I decide I need to adjust it, I select whatever channel i want in the radio(s) and then it'll be in my scan list till I reprogram the radio, or take it out.
RememberL: Nusiance delete is your friend.
I would strongly advise setting all your channels to one, and building your scanlists as you need to make changes.
If that's not within practicality, then, well, you'll just have to enter a lot of data in 2-3 times, and give each personality an assingment to zone/channel, as well as to the other scan lists.
-Alex
Finally trimmed enough surplus channel data out of the codeplug for it to load without protest - but I'm in trouble with the scan lists.
There are a number of scan lists already enabled within the radio (the Dept. default codeplug) but when I try to make it work I just go around in circles......
I'm almsot starting to doubt whether the scans were correctly set up in the first place by the original programmer....
I really need somebody who knows their way around a MCS2000 codeplug who can advise me on this.
Steve
Re: MCS2000 and Scan
Still having trouble and looking for help - even the basics seem to escape me - like how do I enable a scan list?tomsdad wrote:Has anybody got any tips and advice on setting up scanlists on a MCS2000?
Steve
From what I can glean from CPS and the RSS book - I enable SCAN either by assigning it to a button or to a menu item?
Is that correct?
Because I'm unable to select scan either way......
Steve
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Bugs Bunny
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2001 4:00 pm
G'day Bugs - enabled where?Bugs Bunny wrote:Are you sure the selected personality has scan enabled. If not, the radio will not scan, since it is looking for the scan list and there is none.
Bugs
By selecting a personality in the scan list?
Or,
Iin the check box in the conventional personality where you set what number scan list the personality belongs to?
Steve
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Bugs Bunny
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2001 4:00 pm
Here you go:
Lets say you have a zone called QP with 16 channels in it.
Channel 1 is referenced to Personality 1
Channel 2 is referenced to Personality 2
......
Channel 16 is referenced to Personality 16
__________________________
Personality 1 has the scan list set to 1
Personality 2 has the scan list set to 2
Personality 3 has the scan list set to none
_________________________________
Scan list 1 has Priority Members set to OP/SEL
It also has Non-Priorirty Members set to OP/SEL
Scan list 2 has Priority Members set to list, sames as Non-Prioirty
_____________________________
Now when the radio is set to Channel 1 in Zone QP, you will be able to scan and modify the scan list members.
On channel 2, you will be able to scan, but not modify the list.
On channel 3, you will not be able to scan.
__________________________________
Hope that clarifies where the scan has to be enable.
Bugs
Lets say you have a zone called QP with 16 channels in it.
Channel 1 is referenced to Personality 1
Channel 2 is referenced to Personality 2
......
Channel 16 is referenced to Personality 16
__________________________
Personality 1 has the scan list set to 1
Personality 2 has the scan list set to 2
Personality 3 has the scan list set to none
_________________________________
Scan list 1 has Priority Members set to OP/SEL
It also has Non-Priorirty Members set to OP/SEL
Scan list 2 has Priority Members set to list, sames as Non-Prioirty
_____________________________
Now when the radio is set to Channel 1 in Zone QP, you will be able to scan and modify the scan list members.
On channel 2, you will be able to scan, but not modify the list.
On channel 3, you will not be able to scan.
__________________________________
Hope that clarifies where the scan has to be enable.
Bugs
Thanks Bugs, that puts it into a context that helps me;-)
I'm still not sure about scan list 1 in the example you give - if I want to add any other channel that is not tagged to another scan list to scan list 1 - then those channels have to be tagged to scan list 1 in their personality?
So, if a channel is already tagged to another scan list - I can't use it in scan list 1?
But I can duplicate it's personality and tag that to scan list 1?
I'm thinking the answer to the 3 above is yes?
Now to add some more confusion into the mix...
The original codeplug that I'm building on seems to have set it's scan lists up as a voting scan - but.....
None of the channels within the scan list are scan enabled in their personalities?
Getting there slowly.....
Steve
I'm still not sure about scan list 1 in the example you give - if I want to add any other channel that is not tagged to another scan list to scan list 1 - then those channels have to be tagged to scan list 1 in their personality?
So, if a channel is already tagged to another scan list - I can't use it in scan list 1?
But I can duplicate it's personality and tag that to scan list 1?
I'm thinking the answer to the 3 above is yes?
Now to add some more confusion into the mix...
The original codeplug that I'm building on seems to have set it's scan lists up as a voting scan - but.....
None of the channels within the scan list are scan enabled in their personalities?
Getting there slowly.....
Steve
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Bugs Bunny
- Posts: 226
- Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2001 4:00 pm
Steve,
Any channel can be added to the scan list, if the scan list has been set up to allow operator selected. BUT the personality can only have one scan list slaved to it.
Now from personal experience, I don't like to work on someone else's codeplug. While it may be a bit more work, I would start anew. Built up the codeplug the way you want it, therefore you can customised it the way you want.
Bugs
Any channel can be added to the scan list, if the scan list has been set up to allow operator selected. BUT the personality can only have one scan list slaved to it.
Now from personal experience, I don't like to work on someone else's codeplug. While it may be a bit more work, I would start anew. Built up the codeplug the way you want it, therefore you can customised it the way you want.
Bugs
Bugs, sorry for not getting back to you sooner - interstate trip, then I had a couple of days off and foolishly thought it was a good time to "upgrade" to XP:-(Bugs Bunny wrote:Steve,
Any channel can be added to the scan list, if the scan list has been set up to allow operator selected. BUT the personality can only have one scan list slaved to it.
Now from personal experience, I don't like to work on someone else's codeplug. While it may be a bit more work, I would start anew. Built up the codeplug the way you want it, therefore you can customised it the way you want.
Bugs
Got the on the fly scan selection set using your info - thanks for that!
Re: the codeplug - not looking for some poor bunny (pardon the pun) to program it for me - rather somebody who knows their way around them to comment on how they were originally set up - my opinion is that the way they were set to do vote scan is incorrect, but my knowledge isn't sufficient to back that opinion with fact.
Cheers!
Steve