Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Emergency Management Radio Systems Operations SECURE - HF

For the State of Washington:

The Operations SECURE (State Emergency Communications Using Radio Effectively) high frequency (HF) net (also known as CEMNET II) is a secondary emergency back-up communications capability for intra- and inter-state use.

Operating on eight discrete frequencies, point-to-point long-range communications between the state EOC and fixed or mobile HF stations can be established as needed. Currently, in addition to the state EOC, fixed HF stations are located in each Washington State Patrol (WSP) district communications center.

The HF frequencies assigned are:

2.326 MHz (Upper Sideband (USB))
2.411 MHz (USB)
2.414 MHz (USB)
2.587 MHz (USB)
2.801 MHz (USB)
5.192 MHz (USB)
7.801 MHz (USB)
7.935 MHz (USB)

New Clay Co NC EMS Repeater Licensed

On October 21, 2006, the FCC approved the license for a new Clay County, NC, EMS repeater. Here are the details:

Callsign WQFW517
Repeater output 151.0325 MHz
Repeater input 156.0000 MHz
Licensed on 10/21/2006 with one additional mobile only frequency of 153.9650 MHz.

More information when this system gets on the air.

New Great Smoky Mountain NP Repeater



Yesterday I discovered a new ranger dispatch repeater for the Great Smoky Mountain National Park of 169.725 MHz (P25 exclusive). The park has very recently changed over to their new P25 system.

Other P25 frequencies include: 167.150, 169.0875, 169.550, 170.5125, 171.1625 MHz.

Unit numbers heard include: 400/502/700/710.

Btown Intercepts 11-27-2006

From the Btown Monitoring Post a few interesting intercepts with the POTUS airborne for overseas.

HF Intercepts (Mode is USB unless otherwise indicated)

HF-GCS Network
11175.0 Andrews AFB, MD, working Rocco 61 who was requesting latest message traffic, Andy said no current message traffic @1625 USB. Passed last traffic at 0759Z, then said there was new traffic - EAM broadcast at 1629 told Rocco to standby for higher precedance traffic, Andy passes - 7WB7KM (28c EAM).
11175.0 Andrews @ 1634 7W7UKU 28c EAM, then Andy @ 1637 finished up with Rocco 61.
11175.0 Andrews @ 1647 7WTB6Z 28c EAM
11175.0 Offutt AFB, NE, working McClellan, CA with radio check @ 1655.
11175.0 Global NCS with an all frequency net announcement - listening watch @ 1705, including frequencies.
11175.0 Offutt working Tiger 14 (calling Mainsail) @1720.
11175.0 S4JG working Offutt @ 1726, radio check.
11175.0 Tac callword Brass? @ 1830 passing along 7WOQYZ 28c EAM.
11175.0 Andrews @ 1909 with KJORZ7 6c EAM followed by KJEKJC 6c EAM.
11175.0 S4JG radio check @ 1911 with Offutt.
11175.0 S4JG radio check @ 1926 with Andrews

UHF Intercepts
254.300 Poison 11 working ATL ARTCC (Hinch Mountain RCAG)
256.850 Milsat downlink - Unid SS males (NFM).
269.950 MilSat downlink - OM testing (NFM) around 1722 several times, possible Nighthawk activity.
276.500 Unid units air refueling established tracks – AR-216 Boomer
295.800 Unid units air refueling established tracks – AR-633A/B Boomer
363.100 Raptor 26 (F-22) w ATL ARTCC (CHA RCAG).
Poison 11 w ATL ARTCC (CHA RCAG) QSY to 254.300.

All times UTC, HF frequencies in kHz, VHF/UHF frequencies in MHz.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Worldwide-Restricted Frequency List

Activity on the frequencies listed below is limited to the description that accompanies it. Any other usage is "TABOO." This is known within the DoD community as the "TABOO" frequency list.

Frequency (kHz)
490.0 GMDSS/METEOROLOGY AND NAVIGATION WARNINGS
500.0 GMDSS/DISTRESS AND CALLING
518.0 GMDSS/NAVTEX/METEOROLOGY AND NAVIGATION WARNINGS
2174.5 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
2182.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS
2187.5 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
3023.0 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH AND ESCUE
4125.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS AND SAFETY
4177.5 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
4207.5 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
4209.5 GMDSS/NAVTEX METEOROLOGY AND NAVIGATION WARNINGS
4210.0 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME NAVIGATION SAFETY
5680.0 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE
6215.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS AND SAFETY
6268.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
6312.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
6314.0 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SAFETY/GMDSS
8291.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
8364.0 INTERNATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE/SURVIVAL CRAFT
8376.5 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
8414.5 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
8416.5 GMDSS/INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SAFETY
12290.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
12520.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
12577.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
12579.0 GMDSS/INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION SAFETY
16420.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
16695.0 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY
16804.5 INTL DISTRESS/SAFETY
16806.5 GMDSS/INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SAFETY
19680.5 GMDSS/INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SAFETY
22376.0 GMDSS/INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SAFETY
26100.5 GMDSS/INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SAFETY

Frequency (MHz)
121.500 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/AERONAUTICAL EMERGENCY
123.100 INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY/SEARCH AND RESCUE
156.300 INTERNATIONAL SHIP/AIRCRAFT SEARCH AND RESCUE
156.525 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SAFETY/GMDSS
156.650 INTERNATIONAL SAFETY OF NAVIGATION
156.800 INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS AND SAFETY
243.000 AERO EMERGENCY/INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS/SEARCH AND RESCUE
406.050 SATELLITE EPIRB
1227.600 SATELLITE GPS DOWNLINK
1544.500 SATELLITE EPIRB FEEDER LINKS
1575.420 SATELLITE GPS DOWNLINK
1646.000 SATELLITE EPIRB

CSN Frequency Change

Carl Starnes, W4EAT, manager of the Carolinas Slow (CW) Net has announced that the net has been moved to 3571 kHz in response to the FCC's pending rebanding of 80m. The CSN serves both North and South Carolina and meets nightly at 8pm, running CW at 8-10wpm. The net is a great place to get some training in CW traffic handling and you might even find your code speed creeping upwards! The net's web page is http://home.carolina.rr.com/w4eat/csn.html if you'd like mor einformation.

As a reminder, other North Carolina Section Nets include:

7:45am, 3.926MHz: Carolina Morning Net (SSB) -
6:30pm, 3.923MHz: North Carolina Evening Net (SSB) -
7:00pm, 3.573MHz: Carolinas Net - Early (CW -- 20-22 wpm) -
7:00pm, 3.908MHz: Coastal Carolina Net (SSB) -
7:30pm, 3.923MHz: Tarheel Emergency Net (ARES Net -- SSB) -
8:00pm, 3.571MHz: Carolinas Slow Net (CW, 8-10wpm) -
10:00pm, 3.573MHz: Carolinas Net -- Late (CW, 15-18wpm)

73 and Happy Thanksgiving!
Tim Slay, N4IBNC Section Manager

W1AW to change its 80-meter digital frequency

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB025
ARLB025 W1AW to change its 80-meter digital frequency
ZCZC AG25

QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 25 ARLB025

From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT November 20, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB025
ARLB025 W1AW to change its 80-meter digital frequency

In response to the expansion of the 75-meter phone band down to 3600 kHz, W1AW will shift its 80-meter digital bulletin frequency down to3597.5 kHz, effective Friday, December 15, 2006.

The new frequency will be in use beginning with the regularly scheduled 6 PM EST (2300 UTC) digital bulletin on Friday December 15, 2006.

The old 80-meter digital frequency (3625 kHz) has been in use forwell over two decades. The expansion of phone privileges on 75 meters (as part of Report Order, WT Docket 04-140 (FCC 06-149)) prompted the change.

A possible change in the 80-meter CW frequency is being considered.

NNNN/EX

Omnibus" Amateur Radio Report and Order Takes Effect

SB QST @ ARL $ARLB027
ARLB027 "Omnibus" Amateur Radio Report and Order Takes Effect December 15

ZCZC AG27
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 27 ARLB027
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT
November 22, 2006
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB027
ARLB027 "Omnibus" Amateur Radio Report and Order Takes Effect December 15

With publication in the Federal Register November 15, the long-awaited changes to the amateur rules are set to take effect 30 days later, at 12:01 AM EST December 15. The so-called "Omnibus"Amateur Radio proceeding, WT Docket 04-140, includes a significant expansion of the 75 meter phone band and a variety of other changes.The highlights:

* For Amateur Extra class licensees, the 75 meter phone band will start at 3600 kHz, while Advanced class licensees start at 3700 kHz and Generals at 3800 kHz. The high end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band is now 3600 kHz (although CW is allowed on the entire band).

* On 40 meters, Amateur Extra and Advanced licensees will be ableto operate phone beginning at 7125 kHz, while Generals start at 7175kHz. The top end of the CW/RTTY/Digital band will be 7125 kHz (although CW is allowed on the entire band).

* There are no changes to the 20 meter band.

* On 15 meters, the General class phone band now starts at 21275 kHz.

* On 10 meters, Novice and Technician Plus licensees can now operate CW/RTTY/Digital from 28000 kHz to 28300 kHz.

* In addition, Novices and Tech Plus licensees can use CW only onthe same frequencies as General and Advanced licensees on the 80, 40 and 15 meter bands: 3525 kHz-3600 kHz; 7025 kHz-7125 kHz and 21025kHz-21200 kHz.

The Report & Order as published in the Federal Register clarified two items that had raised some concerns when it was first released October 10: That the 80/75 meter band split applies to all three IARU Regions, and that FCC licensees in Region 2, which includes North America, can continue to use RTTY/data emissions in the 7075-7100 kHz band. Several controversial aspects of the proceeding are still to be resolved, although the FCC is working on an erratum for the inadvertent elimination of J2D emissions of more than 500 Hz bandwidth. The Commission intends to release the erratum by the December 15 effective date.

The FCC also took several other miscellaneous actions.

NNNN/EX

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving to Our Military & Blog Readers


I want to wish all the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday, that will be celebrated here in the US tomorrow November 23. Thank you for your service to this country.

Happy holiday also to all my Btown MP Blog readers. Unless there is major breaking news, we will be enjoying the holiday tomorrow with my family and will not be posting to the blog.

Best to all of you, 73 and good hunting,

Larry, N5FPW

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Miscellaneous HF Logs from Down Under

Here are some miscellaneous HF intercepts from our reporter down under, Mr. Eddy Waters:

4498.50 16 TONE MODE USB JAPAN MODEM
6317.50 CW-MORSE CW KODIAK RADIO NOJ
6364.00 CW-MORSE CW INDONESIA MIL P50
7039.40 CW-MORSE CW MAGADAN M
7644.20 ARQ-E3 RTTY FRENCH FORCES RFVI
7726.00 CW-MORSE CW NUMBERS STATION
7816.00 CW-MORSE CW CHINA MILITARY YZL6
7862.00 VOICE USB NUMBERS CUBA
7887.00 VOICE USB NUMBERS CUBA
8010.00 VOICE USB NUMBERS CUBA
8027.00 VOICE USB AUS NET
8140.00 VOICE AIRCRAFT USB VIRGIN OPERATIONS
8375.00 NUMBERS USB NEW STAR CHINA
8423.00 CW-MORSE CW VLADIVOSTOK RADIO UFL
10871.80 CW-MORSE CW PETROPAVLOVSK P
10990.68 16 TONE MODE USB JAPAN MODEM 16
13528.40 CW-MORSE CW MAGADAN M
16332.40 CW-MORSE CW MAGADAN M
18296.70 ARQ-E3 RTTY DJIBOUTI FR FORCES RFQP
18980.00 CW-MORSE CW INDONESIA MIL P50
20048.10 CW-MORSE CW VLADIVOSTOK F

Foreign Government HF Logs from Down Under

From our reporter Down Under, Mr. Eddy Waters:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Moscow Mode: MS5-12
4752.0 4840.0 4841.0 4860.0 5374.0 5453.0 6520.0 6682.0 6905.0 6907.0 6931.0 7062.0 7575.0 7581.0 7608.0 7735.0 7738.0 7937.0 7977.08068.5 8337.0 8443.5 8525.0 8612.0 9100.0 9144.5 9232.0 9239.5 9931.0 10129.0 10158.5 10301.0 10388.0 10428.0 10430.0 10432.5 10657.010714.0 10720.0 10728.0 10808.0 10856.0 10941.0 10976.0 10983.0 11064.0 11100.0 11128.0 11448.0 12192.0 12809.0 13060.0 13404.0 13427.013544.0 13906.0 13965.0 14600.0 14900.0 15955.0 16002.0 16941.0 16976.0 18052.0 19642.0 20333.0 20448.0

FSB Moscow Mode: CROWD-36
6780.5 8091.5 10234.5 10507.5 10530.0 13385.0 13432.0 13478.0 14108.0 14397.0 14687.0 16151.0 16282.0 18053.0 18247.0 18254.5 18272.518349.5 19232.0 20375.5

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Pyongyang, North Korea Mode: ARQ
6758.5 18046.5 18523.5

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Sofia, Bulgaria Mode: MFSK 8-tone
16332.5