This website is a one stop repository of all information required to access the Public Safety Network, learn more information about it, understand how it operates, who uses it and
what requirements are set out to access communications via the PSN - previously known as the Government Radio Network (GRN).
We also offer access to exclusive live streams to the PSN - which means you dont need to invest upwards of a thousand dollars for your own equipment and software.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WEBSITE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Government recently changed the NSW communications network used by a multitude of emergency and non-emergency agencies. This includes private companies such as Electric Companies, shopping centers and any other companies with the need to communicate over long distances via two-way radio.
Its using technology called P25 (Project 25) but is also referred to as APCO25 and is now the national standard in New South Wales and some other states.Those systems are referred to as Trunked Systems - remember that term. Trunking is an essential part of the PSN or previously GRN.
The latest upgrades have seen the PSN move to the Phase II system. The full technical description is APCO25 Phase I or II.
While some systems still use Phase I a majority of broadcast towers have now been upgraded (or enabled) Phase II. Some temporarily run on both systems at the same time. However, in order for a hobbyist to continue to listen to the PSN and its users, a Phase II capable scanner is an absolute requirement.
If you are in the market of buying a scanner ensure it is capable of receving APCO25 digital AND Phase II. Otherwise all you`d be able to listen to is Aviation, the occasional user still on Phase I and CB radio communications.
When in operation and used by agencies, talkgroups allow the logical grouping of radio users to ensure they can communicate with each other. Inside a talkgroup sharing takes place to allow all radio users of a specific talkgroup to speak to one another and to the operator if applicable.
If a user in for example the SES broadcasts a message in one of their assigned talk groups, all other users on that talk group are able to hear that message.
Think of it like a WhatsApp group. In scanning context this is important as we must know who the talkgroups belong to, lable each talk group and categorise it to understand who is being listened to.
The NSW Police force went ENC (encrypted) in the mid 2010s. This stops unwanted listeners to monitor those talkgroups, the unintended side effect is that the lack of oversight may breed corruption, coverups and secrecy. Everyone agrees that some channels are not meant for public ears such as special operations groups, drug enforcement, etc. However for most others it is merely a nuicance. Encryption works by using cryptographic algorithms, a topic which is complex but in simple terms, there are several different types of encryption methods such as end to end, Asymmetric Encryption and Symmetric Encryption.
Keys ti decode the encrypted voice channels are changed frequently and nearly impossible to break. Most importantly it is also HIGHLY illegal and any successful person with for example a stolen radio would get caught within hours as your location would be broadcast to everyone on that encrypted talkgroup.
I am not a lawyer but expect to spend many years in jail. Please do NOT email us asking how to decrypt transmissions. Those emails are marked as spam.
Every dollar will help maintain the YouTube Live Stream hardware and software ensuring that we can continue to improve archiving and live broadcast services
We started to serve the people of NSW in 2006 but opened this channel fairly recently. So if you appreciate what we do, please simply subscribe.
It will help us a lot. Mostly this is a one man show but we still strive to have daily live streams - especially during emergencies such as bush fires.
Scanner Australia has been online since early 2006. We`ve all come a long way from some childish display of useless information but also in technology. Everything over the 20 or so years has given me a lot of experience in scanning, software and hardware.
We hope you enjoy this new website, not because its flashy and has some cool sign up features, photo galleries, etc,etc but because its simple to get information, if what you need is not here, follow the Youtube links above, become a subscriber and I`ll be more than happy to help if you post on any of the videos in archive.
Ive always believed in free access to information that is not mine to begin with. Please keep in mind though I spent many many hours creating my own PSN database for Uniden scanners.
If this site helped you in any way, or I helped you, please consider a small donation. To do that check the links on the YouTube channel. Any money goes a long way to helping me maintain the servers and keep the hosting up. Times are tough.
Enough about "us". Enjoy.