Trunker Setup
Last Updated: 07/25/03
This page assumes you have read the documentation for Trunker. If you haven't, the documentation can be found on Lindsay Blanton's web page at http://www.trunkedradio.net/digital.htm.
This page will describe how I set up my scanners and computer to run Trunker using the Optolinx by Optoelectronics. This setup also works with other programs that require a data slicer for decoding digital data.
To see an image of Trunker in action monitoring the City of Baton Rouge system, click here.
The equipment I used was my computer, a PRO-2006 with an Opto OS-456, an ICOM R8500, and an OptoLinx. The figure below shows how the cables were made and where they were connected. While I used the scanners I had available, the same basic configuration will work with other scanners. This is just one of the many possible combinations of scanners that can be used with Trunker.
If you don't have a computer controlled scanner you can omit the PRO-2006. You won't be able to monitor the system, but you can still use Trunker to collect data and IDs on trunked systems.
Notes:
1. The OptoLinx switch settings are as follows:
Switch 1 |
Switch 2 |
Switch 3 |
Switch 4 |
Up |
Up |
Up |
Down |
Some Optolinx models have only 2 switches. On these models you can disregard switches 3 and 4.
2. The OS-456 board baud rate is set to 19200. Changing the baud rate will require a change to the "TrackEnv.ini" file (see below). Also you may need to change the COM port if you use a port other than COM1.
3. To use the AGC port you must set an internal jumper on the R8500 to get the discriminator output (no soldering required). This is documented in the R8500 manual. For other scanners you will need to do a discriminator tap mod for your particular scanner. Information on doing this can be found at various locations on the web.
4. The "TrackEnv.ini" file is set as follows:
TRACKSLICERPORT=COM1
TRACKSLICERPIN=DSR
TRACKSLICERMODE=NORMAL
TRACKSCANPORT=COM1
TRACKSCAN=OPTO
TRACKSCANPARK=147.345
TRACKSCANBAUD=19200
NOEMERGENCY=1
The TRACKSCANPARK and NOEMERGENCY settings are not critical to the operation of Trunker. The TRACKSCANPORT, TRACKSCAN, and TRACKSCANBAUD settings are critical only if you are using a second scanner to monitor conversations.
