TRUNKER.EXE V3.x
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The TRUNKER V3.x project has under went some major revisions recently.
The present OFFICIAL RELEASE is V3.4.2.
A BETA test version, V3.7, is being released for public beta testing. To review, goto the TRUNKER BETA page. UPDATED: 5/29/98
The EDACS ETRUNK version documentaion can be found on the ETRUNK Page. UPDATED: 5/29/98
Documentation and setup info can be found on the TRUNKER DOCUMENTATION page.
Download
Download TRUNKER.EXE V3.42 - OFFICIAL RELEASE
Download ETRUNK.EXE - ETRUNK EDACS TRUNKER
What do I need to connect to my scanner to interface TRUNKER?
You need a direct tap of the discriminator of your scanner. This needs to be connected to the Data Interface on the External Devices page, via the circuit listed in the PD POCSAG pager program, via an Optoelectronics OptoLinx interface, or the MFJ Enterprises MFJ-1213 interface. Connection of the OptoLinx should be done as follows:
Connect the audio cable from the discriminator output of the second receiver to the AUX IN jack on the front of the Optolinx Interface.(A stereo plug MUST be used (for AR8000); otherwise the Optolinx opens the squelch of the AR-8000. Trunker will still drive the AR-8000 if a mono plug is used, but your squelch will remain open throughout the process. The second ring on the stereo plug closes the squelch circuit.) Copyright 1997 & Courtesey of: Scott Halligan halligan@capecod.net
Connection of the MFJ-1213 interface requires that the interface be modified so that data appears on either CTS (Pin 5) versus DTS (Pin 6) or on BOTH CTS & DTS (Pins 5 & 6). Trunker requires data on CTS (Pin 5) to function. You may modify the MFJ-1213 to worh with Trunker, PD, MDT et al. by jumpering Pins 5 & 6 together inside the unit.
Will TRUNKER work with the line out or external speaker jack of my scanner?
NO! You MUST have a direct tap of the discriminator output for TRUNKER to work.
What do I need to make an AOR AR8000 do 2 scanner trunk tracking?
You need to connect the AOR AR8000 to the RS-232 port COM1 of your PC running TRUNKER V3.x. You will also need to provide the correct levels for serial data coming from the PC to the AR8000. This can be done via various line driver devices such as the MC1488/MC1489 and Maxim MAX232 series. You may also want to check out a one way interface at : http://www.hollis.co.uk/john/ar8000sl.html
WARNING: DO NOT PLUG THE OUTPUT OF THE RS232 COM PORT DIRECTLY INTO THE AR8000! ! YOU WILL DAMAGE THE RADIO! The AR8000 uses TTL Levels versus RS-232 levels!
One user has found the following to work:
"Two Scanner TrunkTracking with the AOR AR-8000 scanner and the
Optoelectronics Optolinx Interface" Copyright 1997 & Courtesey of: Scott Halligan halligan@capecod.net
Hardware Requirements
AR-8000 Scanner
Optoelectronics Optolinx Interface
2nd receiver (preferably with discriminator audio output)
Serial cable (Optolinx to AR-8000)
Serial Cable (Computer COM1 to Optolinx)
Audio Cable - 1/8" STEREO plug to suitable connector for hookup to 2nd receiver's discriminator output
Steps to Success
- The computer to Optolinx serial cable will require modification. On the cable end THAT CONNECTS TO YOUR SERIAL PORT, remove the connection from pin 5 of your DB25, or pin 8 of your DB9. Those connections are no longer required. For the DB25, your CTS output (pin 6) must be moved to
pin 5. For the DB9, your CTS output (pin 9) must be moved to pin 8. Bottom line: Ensure your CTS output is on PIN 5 of a DB25 connector, or PIN 8 of a DB9 connector. Again, these modifications are to be made at
the cable end that is closest or connects to your computer's COM1.
- The Optolinx to AR-8000 cable also requires modification. Only pins 2,3, and 4 (Tx-in, Rx Out, and ground) require connection for Trunker to drive the AR-8000. Pins 5,6, and 7 should NOT be connected. Looking at the serial connection on the back of the AR-8000, pin 7 is to the left,
and pin 1 to the right. For a temporary test, a simple piece of scotch tape covering pins 5,6, and 7 should do the trick. Once convinced the system works, the user can then modify his/her FFC cable appropriately.
Those with customized serial connections to the AR-8000 shall have to construct the appropriate cable using only pins 2,3,and 4.
- Connect the audio cable from the discriminator output of the second receiver to the AUX IN jack on the front of the Optolinx Interface.(A stereo plug MUST be used; otherwise the Optolinx opens the squelch of
the AR-8000. Trunker will still drive the AR-8000 if a mono plug is used, but your squelch will remain open throughout the process. The second ring on the stereo plug closes the squelch circuit.)
- Ensure that the AR-8000's serial settings are set for 9600 baud, CR/LF mode. This is accomplished by the FUNC/LOCAL key combination. If you've been using the Optolinx to control your AR-8000, these settings
should already be in place.
- Optolinx dipswitch settings should be as follows:
#1 - off/up position
#2 - on/down position
#3 - off/up position
#4 - off/up position
- When you are convinced all cables are properly modified and connected, tune the second receiver to an 800 MHz trunked system data channel. Turn on the AR-8000. Start Trunker. Tests have shown that the
invert feature of Trunker MUST be used for the Optolinx to do its job. In other words:
C:>TRUNKER INVERT
If all is wired properly, the AR-8000 should go into VCO mode (just a frequency displayed on the screen with "REMOTE" flashing) and should begin tracking talkgroups.
Problems?
1. If you feel that all connections are proper and the AR-8000 is not tracking, those who use the FFC cable should ensure proper seating of the connection to the AR-8000. This was a problem I discovered in the
early stages of experimenting with this setup. Bottom line is the FFC cable stinks!
2. Ensure Trunker was started in INVERT mode.
Otherwise the entire process is relatively easy. Those still experiencing problems may feel free to drop me a note at halligan@capecod.net, and I'll try to help as best I can. I am not of an overly technical bent but I can get you thru the basics in any case.
Good luck and enjoy! Copyright 1997 & Courtesey of: Scott Halligan halligan@capecod.net
I have working system, MDT etc. work, but TRUNKER does not decode a data channel?
Try running TRUNKER with the command line: TRUNKER INVERT
This should allow TRUNKER V3.x to decode your datastream. This is just radio dependent on whether you will need this command line or not.
Will an RS2004/5/6, or RS2035/2042 with an OS456/535 do trunk tracking?
At this time NO, TRUNKER V3.x does not send commands to any scanner other than AOR AR8000. It should be possible to get a RS2004/5/6 or RS2035/2042 with the OS456/535 boards to do this. If you would like to provide source for this operation, please contact the TRUNKER V3.x team.
Does TRUNKER V3.x support the PROgramit or any other computer interface capable scanner?
At this time NO, TRUNKER V3.x does not send commands to any scanner other than AOR AR8000. Again, it should be possible to provide this to any computer controlled scanner. If you can provide information on commands etc. for the various interface(s) please contact the TRUNKER V3.x team.
Support
For questions, bugs, problems on TRUNKER V3.x only! Email trunkerv3x@mailexcite.com With Subejct of &Quot;Trunker V3.3", MINUS the quotes. Any email received with out this Subject line will not reach the support staff.
When sending in reports be sure to include:
Processor & Speed
Memory (RAM)
Operating System & Version
Scanner used
Program Display: OOS, Data Accuracy, etc..
THANKS to all those who tested the BETA versions of the TRUNKER V3.x!
Notice: R.E. Christian is not the author of this software. This web page is simply providing a method for the author to distribute the software to the scanner community. No monies and/or credit is received or requested.
Warning: This page contains information which if used improperly will violate Federal Law. This information is presented for persons to monitor communications for which they are a party to and/or authorized to receive. These options may also require the performance of modifications to circuitry of your scanner, and should only be performed by qualified persons. The author of this page makes no warranty to the use of this information which may result in damage to your scanner. Use at your own risk!
Copyright © 1997 & 1998 Neal R. Fildes, All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrical, chemical, optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
All Trademarks referenced are the property of the respective companies, reference made only for clairifaction of products. This page is NOT affliated with Motorola in any way. Motorola, SmartNet, SmartZone, Privacy Plus, Type I, Type II, Type IIi, ASTRO, MTS2000, and MTX2000, STX-200, MTX-200 are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc.
Ericsson, AEGIS, and EDACS are registered trademark of Ericsson, Inc.
GE is a registered trademark of General Electric Corporation
Multi-Net, EF Johnson, and LTR are registered trademarks of EF Johnson, Inc.
Trunktracker, BC235xlt, BC295xlt, Bearcat, and Uniden are registered trademarks of Uniden Corporation