Transitioning to a digital or trunking radio system

Applies To: Departments Transitioning to Digital, Trunked, MotoTRBO, or NXDN Radio Systems

When transitioning from an analog radio system to a digital or trunked radio system, follow these hardware and programming guidelines to ensure uninterrupted eDispatches audio alerts.

Key Transition Requirements

Pager Tones Required: eDispatches still requires audio pager tones to trigger alerts. Notify eDispatches immediately if tone frequencies change.
Single Talkgroup Focus: Monitor only your primary dispatch talkgroup to prevent secondary radio traffic from interfering with tone detection.
Compatible Audio Source: Existing analog VHF/UHF scanners cannot decode digital transmissions. You will need to provide your own digital-compatible scanner or connect directly to a digital radio or console audio source.

Radio System Comparison

System Type	Monitored Data	Description	Example
Conventional	Frequency	A single fixed radio frequency (MHz) for continuous communication.	853.2125 MHz
Trunked	Talkgroup ID (TGID)	A virtual channel code dynamically assigned to active frequencies.	TGID 38032 ("Fire Network")

Locating Your Talkgroup ID (TGID)

Radio Technician / Administrator: Request the master list of System IDs, Control Frequencies, and dispatch TGIDs from your system manager.
Public Databases: Reference verified radio enthusiast databases such as RadioReference.com for public agency TGIDs.

Self-Service Audio Source Options

To feed dispatch audio into your eDispatches system, choose one of the following self-managed configurations:

Option 1: Customer-Supplied Digital Scanner

You may use your own digital or trunking-capable scanner and program it to monitor your agency's primary dispatch talkgroup or frequency. Depending on your radio system type, gather and program the following parameters from your radio administrator:

Digital/Analog Trunked: System ID, Site ID (hex/decimal), Talk Group ID (TGID), State, County
Digital Conventional: Frequency, NAC
MotoTRBO / DMR: Frequency, Color Code, Group (TGID), Slot (TDMA)
NXDN (NEXEDGE): Frequency, RAN (Radio Access Number)

Tip: Ensure your scanner is locked onto your single dispatch talkgroup or channel (via "Hold" or a dedicated single-channel scan list) so it does not miss incoming pager tones while scanning other traffic.

Option 2: Direct Console or Radio Connection

Connect your eDispatches audio input directly to a dedicated audio output on your agency's dispatch console, base station, or existing digital receiver. See our Console or Alternate Audio Connection guide for wiring and audio level specifications.

Note for Unication Users: Departments using Unication pagers can utilize the amplified charger base audio output to feed dispatch audio, or program custom audio files for tone dispatching.