Page Type: REFERENCE
A group of radio scanners operates as a "cluster" when all of the scanners are programmed to receive the same channels, and the scanners operate collaboratively via Multisync to efficiently receive transmissions on these channels. Each cluster is associated with a "cluster number", channels are assigned for reception to a particular cluster (by number), and scanners within a cluster (with the hub and number as part of its Rangecast ID) are programmed to match the programming assigned to the cluster.
WHAT IS A CLUSTER?
A group of radio scanners operates as a "cluster" when:
a) all of the scanners are programmed to receive the same channels, and
b) the scanners operate collaboratively via Multisync to efficiently receive transmissions on these channels
The scanners in a cluster must be connected to PCs on the same LAN (local area network), so that the software controlling the scanners can communicate with low latency to coordinate scanning patterns and signal reception for optimal efficiency. (In many cases, the scanners are all connected to the same PC; but it is permitted to use multiple PCs on the same LAN.)
Note: There is one circumstance where the programming of scanners within a cluster may not be identical. A cluster is allowed to contain a mix of scanner models (the scanners do not need to be identical), but some channels can only be received by certain models of scanner. In this circumstance, it is possible that some channels assigned to the cluster may be omitted from the programming of some scanners (those scanners that are physically unable to receive the channels.) This is permitted, although it will invalidate the accuracy of the "Cluster Metrics" report that is used to evaluate performance of the deployed set of radios (to determine, for example, if additional radios are needed to reliably receive all content on these channels.)
WHAT IS A CLUSTER NUMBER?
A unique two-digit number is assigned to each "cluster" within a hub. Using this number, in the forms that define the scanner programming for a hub, channels are assigned to a specific scanner cluster (not specific scanners). When scanners are automatically programmed in the field, the scan list is set to match what is on file for the cluster to which the scanner belongs.
The Rangecast ID for each scanner (established on the Configuration screen, shown below) must include the number of the cluster in the second field. (The first field is the name of the hub; the third field is a single upper-case letter identifying the specific radio within the cluster.)
SYMPTOM