Rangecast FAQ
[FAQ-1111] Use of the RCDB (Rangecast Channel Database) query utility


Page Type: REFERENCE


OVERVIEW

The RCDB query utility is a website available for looking up channel information from the master channel database used in the HTML5 Rangecast system.


METHOD

1. Go to the RCDB query utility:

https://admin.rangecast.com/beta/build/rcdb-query.php

2. Fill in parameters to make a request. All fields are optional, just fill in enough to filter the nationwide database in a way useful for your application.




An explanation of the fields:

a) ID (matches channel, group, system, or county)

All channels are indexed in a system/group/channel hierarchy. Each system, group, and individual channel has a unique ID in the database. You may enter such a code into this field, to limit the search in this way.

For example, if you know the CID (channel ID) for a particular channel (e.g. T180416) you may enter that value here, to get detailed information on that single channel.

Similarly, if you know the SID (system ID) for a particular trunked system, you may enter that value here, to get a list of all talkgroups on the system.

Note: These ID codes (SID for system, GID for group, CID for channel) are shown in te results of a database query. It is sometimes useful to make an initial query, then come back here with the ID for a system or group to view related channels.


b) Agency Type (1 or 2 characters)

All channels are associated with an agency type (e.g. Fire Dispatch, or Public Works) from a short list of common uses of broadcast channels in the United States. Each agency type is represented with a code (e.g. F1 for Fire Dispatch, W for Public Works), as listed at the bottom of the RCDB query page. To filter results by agency type, enter a code here.

In the case of two-character code types, you may enter the first letter only, to catch all agency types that begin with that letter. For example, you may enter 'F' to filter for any fire channel (including the specific channel types of fire dispatch, fire tactical, and fire talk.)

c) State/Province (2-letter code)

Most channels are associated with a state or province, and you may limit the query to a specific state/province by entering the standard postal code. Some channels are 'interstate' (not associated with a state or province), and these use the code "IS".

d) County Name (text, not case sensitive)

Most channels are associated with a particular county. If you enter text in this field, the search will be limited to counties matching your text. (Note: the name does not need to be complete, county names including your text will match.)

e) Text Match (matches channel, group, or system; not case sensitive)

For all channels, there is a text name associated with each level of the system/group/channel hierarchy under which the channel is indexed. If you enter text in this field, the search will be limited to channels where your text appears anywhere in these system, group or channel text names.

This is a good way to find channels if you know part of the expected name (e.g. a city name) but don't know how the channels may be indexed in the database.

f) Frequency (MHz, with decimal point) or Talkgroup. First box to match, both for range

All channels are associated with a frequency (if conventional) or talkgroup number (if trunked). This two-box field lets you limit your query to a specific frequency or talkgroup, or a range of frequencies or talkgroups.

To limit to a specific value (e.g. talkgroup 14512), put the value in the first box (and leave the second blank.)

To limit to a range (e.g. 155.25 to 155.75 MHz), put the minimum value in the first box, and the maximum value in the second box.

Note: for entering a frequency, a decimal point is required. Thus, for 154 MHz, enter "154.0" or "154.000", not "154". Numbers without decimal points are assumed to be talkgroup codes.

3. When your form is complete, press "Query RCDB".

This will produce a table listing matching channels













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