nordhavn wrote: ↑11 Sep 2017, 15:22
We use Motorola dp1400's at work . I have no idea what frequencies they are on I've asked if I can see the paper work that goes with them but not a lot of information on them . I believe they are mototbo . What would I need to listen to them or even transmit , would any of the cheap Chinese ones be OK ?
Here's the boring bit, but worth pointing out.
It sounds like you have been very open with your employer if you've asked them for the info on the radio system. That's good because meddling with a radio system - even adding an unauthorised radio to the system can result in dismissal in most companies.
Nevertheless, the fact is that they might not know themselves and it might be managed by radio comms company.
If they use a radio comms company who supply, program and manage their radio fleet they won't have given the underlying spec. to their client, your employer, unless they've specifically asked for it. And even then it's in their remit of duty of care not to release this information if it could be open to abuse in any way.
If you just want to listen in, then that's really no bid deal. But if you want to add to the system, then get it in writing before you do anything that could compromise your job. Worse still, the system might not actually belong to your employer and might be on rental or lease. If you tamper with any radio equipment or add unauthorised non-type approved equipment you could be liable to prosecution either by the company who owns it or by Ofcom under the misuse of radio communications equipment legislation.
So always ensure you're 100% transparent and always get it in writing that you're authored to do whatever you want to do.
That's the boring bit over.
normal wrote: ↑12 Sep 2017, 01:48
You can check the OFCOM WTR site to see if you can find a radio licence issued to the company.
Officially, access to the Ofcom WTR seems to have disappeared and does not appear to be returning any time soon. There are other sources of this info, including the relatively new monthly CSV download. But nevertheless, this does not give you all the information you need as it's just the frequencies - not the CTCSS or colour codes/talk groups etc. So whilst it gives you some info to listen in, that's all you really get from this source.
Scott_93 wrote: ↑11 Sep 2017, 17:06
Easiest option is to lay your hands on a copy of the mototrbo CPS and read from the radio ... Programming cable is a standard micro-USB cable, below the earpiece connector is a rubber flap, get a flathead under it and pull the flap out and you'll see the connector.
Indeed, this is by far the easiest way to read a Motorola DP1400 radio. You need a micro-USB cable with a thin plug. The type that comes with a Samsung or Sony smart phone usually fit ok. You can obtain the MOTOTRBO software from many sources online. It's good to note however, any radio with a firmware version below 2.0 requires MOTOTRBO v13.6 or below and radios with firmware version 2 and above require MOTOTBO v14 and above.
Another thing to note is that the DP1400 (and all MOTOTRBO radios) might have a programming password. If it does, there is absolutely no way to read, or even write, to that radio. Motorola have tightened up the MOTOTRBO security so, without that password, there is virtually no way to ready or write to that radio ever again.
Scott_93 wrote: ↑11 Sep 2017, 17:06
DP1400 don't work with enhanced privacy or cap+, some don't even do digital.
Here's a top tip. The
Motorola DP1400 is available in two flavours, analogue only and analogue-digital hybrid. If it's an analogue only version, they must and can only be using it in analogue*. Look on the back of the radio, if the model number is MDH01JDC9JC2AN it's a VHF analogue-only DP1400, if it's MDH01QDC9JC2AN, it's a UHF analogue-only DP1400. If it's MDH01JDC9JA2AN (VHF) or MDH01QDC9JA2AN (UHF) it is a digital-analogue hybrid radio and you're none the wiser.
* Caveat: DP1400 analogue can be upgraded to a digital radio, but it's so expensive no-one ever does it.
humaxf1 wrote: ↑13 Sep 2017, 13:57
What you need to sniff DMR is a Surecom 401 PLUS (must be the plus version as it has a digital mode). It won't give you TG or CC or SL but it will display the frequency.
Scott_93 is right, there's no way it's a Cap+ and DP1400 does not support any additional enhanced privacy. And as
humaxf1 said, you can read it using a cheap Surecom 401 PLUS. However as
humaxf1 also correctly identifies is that it won't give you the Talk Group or Colour Code so still only 1/2 the info you need.
So the best approach is to, with the consent of your employer, contact whoever supplied the radios. Be 100% up front with them about what you intend to do.
You will most likely find that they'll be 100% happy with your listening in, and might even give you a hand by providing the programming info you need. And they might even help you to add more radios to the system. One thing is for sure, unless they have genuine cause for concern, they will unlikely be difficult and will usually help in any way they can.