Here is the information on how the US Navy will handle DST issues for Windows and Outlook Express users. Are you ready for the new DST changes on your PC?
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Beginning this year, Daylight Saving Time (DST) will start earlier and run longer than it used to, giving us a total of one more month of DST than in previous years. For most of the United States, DST will begin on the second Sunday in March and will run until the first Sunday of November. The new dates were set in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
While this new change will provide us with more usable hours of daylight and could possibly help us to conserve more energy, it could also lead to some technological glitches. That's because computers, cell phones and PDAs with internal clocks are programmed to automatically make the necessary changes on the dates in April and October when DST used to start and end.
“Like most computers, NMCI desktops and laptops are running Windows operating systems, which are programmed for the old daylight-saving time,” said Marie Greening, NMCI program manager. “To fix this, the NMCI enterprise will distribute a patch to the Windows operating system and Microsoft Outlook to ensure the time zone settings for the NMCI computer’s system clock and Outlook calendar are correct.”
The patch will be distributed via a Radia push in a phased approach between Feb. 26 and March 5. As a reminder, NMCI users do not have to leave their computer on at night to receive this patch. In addition to the patch, NMCI will distribute the Outlook Time Zone Update Tool. This tool only needs to be run if users operate their calendar from an Outlook personal folder (.pst) or for users with a Science & Technology or Thin Client seat. For more detailed information, read the full NMCI User Alert at www.homeport.navy.mil.
While this patch is designed to ensure that the computer’s system clock is correct, it is a good practice during the extended daylight-saving time period (between March 11 and April 1) to include the time zone in the subject line of all meeting requests. This will help ensure that all participants whether on the NMCI network or not, have the correct start time for meetings during this extended period only.
Cell phones, BlackBerries, PDAs (Personal digital assistants) and other handheld devices do not need a patch. Service providers will directly, and automatically, update the devices to ensure the correct date and time are displayed.
Please note that some NMCI sites do not recognize daylight-saving time. Hawaii, Arizona and Japan will not be affected.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Shuttle Launch Delayed
Hail Damage Forces Shuttle Atlantis Off Launch Pad
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA decided Tuesday to roll the space shuttle Atlantis off its launch pad and back inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Managers made the decision after a hail storm Monday damaged the orbiter’s External Tank. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April.
On Monday, a severe thunderstorm with golf ball-size hail caused what could be 1,000 to 2,000 divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. Further evaluation of the tank is necessary to get an accurate accounting of foam damage and must be done in the Vehicle Assembly Building, where the entire tank can be more easily accessed. The shuttle is expected to be moved off the pad by early next week.
Once an up-close look at the damage is complete, the type of repair required and the time needed for that work can be determined. Atlantis' flight, STS-117, to the International Space Station will be scheduled sometime after a Russian Soyuz spacecraft returns from the station. The Soyuz is delivering new station crew members and returning others back to Earth in late April. Adequate time is needed between the Soyuz undocking and the shuttle's arrival to the station.
STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault and mission specialists Jim Reilly, Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John "Danny" Olivas will continue training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, as they await a new target launch date. During the 11-day mission, the astronauts will work with the station crew and ground teams to install a new truss segment, unfold a new set of solar arrays and retract one array on the starboard side of the station.
Space Shuttle Program managers are gathered at the Kennedy Space Center for the traditional Flight Readiness Review for the mission. During the two-day meeting, NASA managers and engineers assess any risks associated with the mission and determine whether the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, will continue as planned.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA decided Tuesday to roll the space shuttle Atlantis off its launch pad and back inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Managers made the decision after a hail storm Monday damaged the orbiter’s External Tank. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April.
On Monday, a severe thunderstorm with golf ball-size hail caused what could be 1,000 to 2,000 divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. Further evaluation of the tank is necessary to get an accurate accounting of foam damage and must be done in the Vehicle Assembly Building, where the entire tank can be more easily accessed. The shuttle is expected to be moved off the pad by early next week.
Once an up-close look at the damage is complete, the type of repair required and the time needed for that work can be determined. Atlantis' flight, STS-117, to the International Space Station will be scheduled sometime after a Russian Soyuz spacecraft returns from the station. The Soyuz is delivering new station crew members and returning others back to Earth in late April. Adequate time is needed between the Soyuz undocking and the shuttle's arrival to the station.
STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault and mission specialists Jim Reilly, Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John "Danny" Olivas will continue training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, as they await a new target launch date. During the 11-day mission, the astronauts will work with the station crew and ground teams to install a new truss segment, unfold a new set of solar arrays and retract one array on the starboard side of the station.
Space Shuttle Program managers are gathered at the Kennedy Space Center for the traditional Flight Readiness Review for the mission. During the two-day meeting, NASA managers and engineers assess any risks associated with the mission and determine whether the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, will continue as planned.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
UK Amateurs on 501-504 kHz
Posted to the UDXF newsgroup by Robert Maskill, G4PYR:
Amateur Radio Full Licensees – Special Research Permits in the region of 501 kHz.
Ofcom has decided to permit a limited number of Amateur Radio Full licensees to operate under a Special Research Permit between 501 and 504 kHz for a 12 month period commencing from 1 March 2007.
This follows representations made by the Radio Society of Great Britain and negotiations with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Special Research Permits under a Notice of Variation to the Licence may be made available to holders of Full Amateur Licences on a case by case basis to applicants who can demonstrate a genuine interest in experimentation at these frequencies and provide adequate supporting documentation for assessment.
Due to the usage of the spectrum around 500 kHz, applicants should pay special attention to demonstrating technical and operational competence in terms of transmitting within the frequency and Effective Radiated Power (e.r.p.) parameters agreed with Ofcom. Previous experience at 73 kHz as well as 136 kHz will be considered desirable in this respect to ensure adequate steps are taken to limit any potential interference.
Ofcom will monitor any interference reports with a view to limiting numbers in the use of the band if necessary. In general, considerably lower e.r.p. levels than that permitted in the 136 kHz band are likely to be favourable and this will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that increased powers are necessary for research. On no account will an e.r.p. level of greater than – 10 dBW be permitted under any circumstance.
The standard application form (OfW306) for a Special Research Permit can be downloaded at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/applications/ofw306.pdf
Form OfW306 is also available on request from the Ofcom Licensing Centre at:
Ofcom Licensing Centre
Amateur Radio
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 7981 3131
Amateur Radio Full Licensees – Special Research Permits in the region of 501 kHz.
Ofcom has decided to permit a limited number of Amateur Radio Full licensees to operate under a Special Research Permit between 501 and 504 kHz for a 12 month period commencing from 1 March 2007.
This follows representations made by the Radio Society of Great Britain and negotiations with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Special Research Permits under a Notice of Variation to the Licence may be made available to holders of Full Amateur Licences on a case by case basis to applicants who can demonstrate a genuine interest in experimentation at these frequencies and provide adequate supporting documentation for assessment.
Due to the usage of the spectrum around 500 kHz, applicants should pay special attention to demonstrating technical and operational competence in terms of transmitting within the frequency and Effective Radiated Power (e.r.p.) parameters agreed with Ofcom. Previous experience at 73 kHz as well as 136 kHz will be considered desirable in this respect to ensure adequate steps are taken to limit any potential interference.
Ofcom will monitor any interference reports with a view to limiting numbers in the use of the band if necessary. In general, considerably lower e.r.p. levels than that permitted in the 136 kHz band are likely to be favourable and this will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that increased powers are necessary for research. On no account will an e.r.p. level of greater than – 10 dBW be permitted under any circumstance.
The standard application form (OfW306) for a Special Research Permit can be downloaded at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/amateur/applications/ofw306.pdf
Form OfW306 is also available on request from the Ofcom Licensing Centre at:
Ofcom Licensing Centre
Amateur Radio
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA
Tel: 020 7981 3131
CHU is it saved?
According to a post on UDXF 2/24/2007 by John Kasupski, "Canadian time station CHU is currently broadcasting an announcement to the effect that they have been licensed to continue broadcasting on 7.335 MHz (7335.0 kHz). Their 7335.0 signal here faded out on me but I just heard it on 3330.0 loud and clear." The announcement is as follows: "CHU has been licensed to continue broadcasting on seven point three three five megahertz."
What has interested me through all this CHU shutdown discussion on UDXF is a study conducted in Canada on adding a CHU2 site to provide coverage in the west of Canada. You can see the details of that study at http://cbc.am/CHU.htm.
And if you go to http://inms-ienm.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/time_services/shortwave_broadcasts_e.html
you will get the whole story about the 7335 kHz dilemma. Seems that this ute service doesn't belong in what is now a broadcast service frequency. Of course the shortwave broadcasters over the years muscled in on this former ute only portion of the spectrum. Wonder which US shortwave broadcaster complained?
Of course that would be very hypocritical on their part and would be like calling the kettle black with most of the US broadcasters occupying frequencies outside the normal broadcast spectrum and operating as secondary assignments on the freqs they are currently using.
But remember that shortwave broadcast are dying, even as the broadcasters scream for more spectrum space.
What has interested me through all this CHU shutdown discussion on UDXF is a study conducted in Canada on adding a CHU2 site to provide coverage in the west of Canada. You can see the details of that study at http://cbc.am/CHU.htm.
And if you go to http://inms-ienm.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/time_services/shortwave_broadcasts_e.html
you will get the whole story about the 7335 kHz dilemma. Seems that this ute service doesn't belong in what is now a broadcast service frequency. Of course the shortwave broadcasters over the years muscled in on this former ute only portion of the spectrum. Wonder which US shortwave broadcaster complained?
Of course that would be very hypocritical on their part and would be like calling the kettle black with most of the US broadcasters occupying frequencies outside the normal broadcast spectrum and operating as secondary assignments on the freqs they are currently using.
But remember that shortwave broadcast are dying, even as the broadcasters scream for more spectrum space.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
No Sunspots Feb 11-16, 2007
ARRL Propagation Forecast Bulletin 9 de K7RA
Sunspot numbers picked up a bit this week from 0 daily sunspot numbers for February 11-15. Currently the sunspot number is 25 for February 22, with only a lone visible spot, small sunspot 942, looking straight at us from the center of the visible solar disk.
Average daily sunspot numbers for our most recent reporting week (February 15-21) rose over eight points from the previous week to 14.6. Average daily solar flux was nearly unchanged, from 75 to 74.8.
Look for sunspot numbers and solar flux to rise over the next few days. Predicted solar flux for February 23-26 is 78, 80, 85 and 85. The predicted Planetary A index over the same period is 5, 5, 25 and 15. The Australian Space Forecast Centre predicts possible minor geomagnetic storms on Sunday, February 25. Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet to unsettled conditions for today, February 23, quiet conditions on February 24, active conditions February 25-26, unsettled to active on February 27, and unsettled for February 28.
Billy Michaud, AA1TT in Claremont New Hampshire operates a 5 watt 10-meter beacon on 28.269 MHz in grid square FN33uj. On February 14 Billy received a report from Ned Conklin, KH7JJ in Honolulu, that Billy's beacon was received with good signals at 2100z. Ned operates exclusively on 10-meters using a mobile whip clamped to the railing of his apartment's lanai railing. Ned says this is the first 10-meter beacon from the Eastern USA that he's heard in 2 years.
Billy reports that with the sunspot cycle at the bottom, he doesn't get many reception reports for his beacon lately, except for some sporadic E propagation. Billy has a web page devoted to his beacon at, http://home.comcast.net/~aa1tt/.
Mike Best, WD4DUG sent an article from Toronto's Globe and Mail about five satellites recently launched to study aurora. View it at, http://snipurl.com/1ao6g. David Moore sent an interesting article from the European Space Agency about the Ulysses spacecraft observing the sun. You can read about it at, http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMB3KBE8YE_index_0.html.
If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers, email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.
For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical Information Service at, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. For a detailed
explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/k9la-prop.html. An archive of past propagation bulletins is at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/. Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at, http://www.arrl.org/qst/propcharts/.
Sunspot numbers for February 15 through 21 were 0, 12, 11, 12, 26, 27 and 14 with a mean of 14.6. 10.7 cm flux was 73.6, 74.7, 75.3, 75.8, 74.9, 74.7, and 74.8, with a mean of 74.8. Estimated planetary A indices were 11, 6, 8, 5, 3, 2 and 1 with a mean of 5.1. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 15, 6, 7, 3, 2, 1 and 1, with a mean of
5.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Mystery Time Ticker on 5100 kHz
Last evening on the UDXF newsgroup, Jon in Florida posted a message regarding an apparent mystery time signal transmitting on 5100 kHz. From Jon's post:
"UnIDed station on 5100 kHz sending time pips and top of minute tone. No voice heard. I've noted this station on 5100 every night i've checked since first heard in early Dec (perhaps a bit earlier). 99.99 % sure its not a image or mixing productbecause i've checked useing 3 different types/brands of receivers. R75, WJ-8716 and Racal ra-6790/gm. heard on all 3. and using 2 different antennas. a t2fd cut for 3 MHz at 20 ft (and oriented for N/S signals), and a 21 ft verticle... Suspect something South-american.."
This morning I have fired up the San Antonio VEN DXTuners and it is there ticking away. Here is some of my observations that I just posted to the list of this station:
"Good signal at 1346 UTC. Will continue to check on some of the other receivers for other prop paths outside of South America, but that looks like a safe bet for now. Couple of notes: it appears this time signals is off about 7-8 seconds (slow) from NIST time. I am hearing the top of the minute tone off by that much. And I though there "may" be some sort of voice iD in there every few minutes but the audio modulation was way under the time tick if it is. I believe there may have been one just announced right before 1353. But I am not sure.
More...soon! Nice mystery." Any takers on who we have here. Email me at larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com.
"UnIDed station on 5100 kHz sending time pips and top of minute tone. No voice heard. I've noted this station on 5100 every night i've checked since first heard in early Dec (perhaps a bit earlier). 99.99 % sure its not a image or mixing productbecause i've checked useing 3 different types/brands of receivers. R75, WJ-8716 and Racal ra-6790/gm. heard on all 3. and using 2 different antennas. a t2fd cut for 3 MHz at 20 ft (and oriented for N/S signals), and a 21 ft verticle... Suspect something South-american.."
This morning I have fired up the San Antonio VEN DXTuners and it is there ticking away. Here is some of my observations that I just posted to the list of this station:
"Good signal at 1346 UTC. Will continue to check on some of the other receivers for other prop paths outside of South America, but that looks like a safe bet for now. Couple of notes: it appears this time signals is off about 7-8 seconds (slow) from NIST time. I am hearing the top of the minute tone off by that much. And I though there "may" be some sort of voice iD in there every few minutes but the audio modulation was way under the time tick if it is. I believe there may have been one just announced right before 1353. But I am not sure.
More...soon! Nice mystery." Any takers on who we have here. Email me at larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
March MT Express Now Available
MT Express subscribers - the March issue with our exclusive air show guide is now available. I want to thank all of you who contributed frequencies and information to this year's guide, our 8th annual edition. I think it is the best we have put together so far. And I would like to ask that any of my readers of this blog, please send along your frequency reports for any air show that you attend in 2007. Even if we already have the frequencies you hear on our list, please send them along anyway. I use these reports to verify information we have in our guide.
Of course stay tuned to this blog for updates, schedules and frequency changes as the season moves on.
Of course stay tuned to this blog for updates, schedules and frequency changes as the season moves on.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
920 Rescue Wing practice astronaut rescue 2-13-07
920th Rescue Wing pararescuemen treat astronauts' injuries in a Mode 7 Exercise simulated orbiter crash at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Feb. 13. The exercise allowed rescue workers to train in egress and encompassed NASA, the 45th Space Wing and Air Force Reserve's 920th RQW, both at Patrick Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Cathleen Snow)
Reservists from Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing here took part in a Mode 7 Exercise at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Feb. 13.
Helicopter crews from the wing's 301st Rescue Squadron provide range security during space shuttle launches. Pararescuemen in the wing's 308th RQS are on standby to rescue and treat astronauts if a space shuttle veers off the Cape Canaveral runway during a landing.
During the exercise, 920th HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters airlifted NASA firefighters and Air Force Reserve pararescuemen to a remote training site for them to practice their egress and medical skills.
Airmen in Air Force Space Command's 45th Space Wing, the host unit at Patrick AFB, also took part in the exercise.
The 920th RQW's wartime task is combat search and rescue of downed allied aircrew members
Air Force supports NASA mission to study auroras
Airmen from the 45th Space Wing supported the Feb. 17, 2007, launch of a Delta II booster carrying five NASA probes on a mission called "THEMIS," which will study auroral substorms, an avalanche of solar wind powered magnetic energy that intensifies the northern and southern lights.
"We made history. This was the largest number of NASA scientific satellites launched on a single booster. It was a tremendous joint effort between the Air Force, NASA and industry," said Col. Tom Bouthiller, 45th Space Wing vice commander. "Congratulations to NASA and all of our mission partners on a great start to an endeavour that will help us unlock the mysteries of the auroras."
The 45th SW provided launch base and eastern range support that helped ensure public safety and mission success via instrumentation such as radar, telemetry, communications and meteorological systems.
THEMIS is an acronym for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms. The THEMIS mission goal is to help scientists further understand how and why these space storms create havoc with satellites, power grids and communications systems.
You can learn more about the THEMIS mission at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/themis/main/index.html
Friday, February 16, 2007
No Spots Today
And that's the solar weather on the sun today - no sunspots on the visible side to earth. Sunspot count for Feb 16, 2007 = Zero!
Globalstar Satellite Problems
From the ARRL North Carolina Section Monthly News Summary:
Our served agencies are increasingly relying on satellite phones for back up communications and some think it has lessened the need for HF and the other services provided by amateur radio. You should refer your emergency management contacts to a recent SEC filing made by Globalstar. The performance of the S-band power amplifiers in the company's satellites is degrading, likely to due radiation exposure. Globalstar is working to reorient the satellites in order to reduce the impact of the problems and plans to start replacing the satellites in 2009. But there is apparently a significant chance that the new satellites won't be up in time and that
sometime in 2008 substantially all of the Company's currently in-orbit satellites will cease to be able to support two-way communications services!
Our served agencies are increasingly relying on satellite phones for back up communications and some think it has lessened the need for HF and the other services provided by amateur radio. You should refer your emergency management contacts to a recent SEC filing made by Globalstar. The performance of the S-band power amplifiers in the company's satellites is degrading, likely to due radiation exposure. Globalstar is working to reorient the satellites in order to reduce the impact of the problems and plans to start replacing the satellites in 2009. But there is apparently a significant chance that the new satellites won't be up in time and that
sometime in 2008 substantially all of the Company's currently in-orbit satellites will cease to be able to support two-way communications services!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Oil and Gas HF ALE Networks - 2/15/2007
Here are some HF frequencies reported recently for various oil and gas companies.
3336.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
4190.0 Western/Southern Africa Oil Industry USB
4390.0 Congo Brazzaville Offshore Oil USB
5036.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
5410.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
5418.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
5500.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
5807.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
6500.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
6790.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
6981.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
7739.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
7759.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
7818.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
7969.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/USB
7980.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
8086.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
9315.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
10211.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
10244.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/USB
10275.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
10285.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
11466.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
3336.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
4190.0 Western/Southern Africa Oil Industry USB
4390.0 Congo Brazzaville Offshore Oil USB
5036.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
5410.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
5418.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
5500.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
5807.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
6500.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
6790.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
6981.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
7739.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
7759.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
7818.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
7969.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/USB
7980.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
8086.0 Nigerian Oil NNPC ALE/USB
9315.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
10211.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
10244.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/USB
10275.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
10285.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
11466.0 Sonatrach - Algeria ALE/LSB
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Marine Coast Radio Communications Website
Are you interested in HF marine communications? Then you need to download the two marine band frequency list below courtesy of coastalradio.org and Robert Maskill, G4PYR.
MF Coastal & Maritime Stations 1608 to 4000 kHz (last update 2-8-2007): http://www.coastalradio.org.uk/coastmf.pdf
MF W/T Coastal Radio Stations 305 to 574 kHz (last update 2-2-2007):
http://www.coastalradio.org.uk/500khz.pdf
You will find all sorts of HF marine goodies on Robert's Coastal Radio Communications website at http://www.coastalradio.org.uk/index.htm. This site is well worth the visit and I highly recommend it.
MF Coastal & Maritime Stations 1608 to 4000 kHz (last update 2-8-2007): http://www.coastalradio.org.uk/coastmf.pdf
MF W/T Coastal Radio Stations 305 to 574 kHz (last update 2-2-2007):
http://www.coastalradio.org.uk/500khz.pdf
You will find all sorts of HF marine goodies on Robert's Coastal Radio Communications website at http://www.coastalradio.org.uk/index.htm. This site is well worth the visit and I highly recommend it.
UK Coast Guard Broadcast
If you are interested in monitoring Marine Safety Information (MSI) broadcast from the United Kingdom Coast Guard then checkout http://www.coastalradio.org.uk:80/cgbctimes.html. This page has details on all three schedule broadcasts made by the UKCG.Schedule A - Full Maritime Safety Information broadcast, including new Inshore Forecast and Outlook, Gale Warnings, Shipping Forecast, WZ Navigation Warnings, SUBFACTS & GUNFACTS where appropriate, 3 Day Fisherman's Forecast when and where appropriate.
Schedule B - New Inshore Forecast plus previous Outlook, Gale Warnings.
Schedule C - Repetition of Inshore Forecast and Gale Warnings as per previous Schedule A or B broadcast plus new SWW.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
German Radio Callsign List
Jim (MPJ) posted this morning (February 22, 2007) on the UDXF a nice list of German HF callsigns including military units. Thanks Jim.
German Callsigns
DCF39 Deutsche-Telekom, Electrical Supply Control, Burg bei Magdeburg
DCF42 DGPS, Mainflingen/Potsdam
DCF49 Deutsche-Telekom, Electrical Supply Control, Mainflingen
DCF60 IfaG (Hydrographic Institute [?]), Mainflingen/Potsdam
DCF77 D-Telekom Mainflingen (Time/Freq Standard)
DDAxx Weather Service (Meteo)
DDHxx Weather Service (Meteo)
DDKxx Weather Service (Meteo)
DEKxx Red Cross Net
DEK23 Red Cross Berlin
DEK25 Red Cross Stuttgart
DEK26 Red Cross Düsseldorf
DEK30 Red Cross Quickborn
DEK88 Red Cross Bonn
DHJxx Grengel Meteo
DHJ47 Airforce Mönchengladbach
DHJ48 Airforce Ramstein
DHJ51 Defence Geophysical Office Bonn/Berlin
DHJ53 Navy Wärnemünde
DHJ57 Navy Schönhagen
DHJ58 Navy Glücksburg
DHJ59 Navy Wilhelmshaven
DHJ61 Navy Flensburg
DHJ62 Navy Neustadt
DHJ63 Navy Todendorf
DHJ66 Navy Eckenförde
DHJ70 Navy Wilhelmshaven
DHJ78 Navy Nordholz
DHJ82 Navy Parow
DHJ84 Navy Wangerooge
DHJ97 Navy Sammelanruf
DHL61 River Police Wilhelmshaven
DHL62 River Police Emden
DHM21 Navy Staberhuk
DHM22 Navy Warfare School, Bremerhaven
DHM33 Navy Munitions Depot Kiel
DHM35 Navy Munitions Depot Wilhelmshaven
DHM36 Navy Officers' College Wilhelmshaven
DHM41 Naval Weapons School Kappeln
DHM42 Glücksburg Rescue
DHM44 Grengel Meteo
DHM45 Naval Communications Staff Flensburg
DHM64 Navy Darsser Ort
DHM72 Grengel Meteo
DHM82 Kiel Research Establishment
DHM85 Navy Marlow
DHM91 Airforce Münster
DHN33 Navy Command North, Kiel
DHN37 Grengel Meteo
DHN49 Navy Command West, Wilhelmshaven
DHN53 Navy Wilhelmshaven-Hafen
DHN66 NATO Geilenkirchen
DHO23 Airforce Landsberg
DHO26 Navy Communications Centre, Rostock
DHO32 Airforce Wunstorf
DHO35 Naval Air CommCen, Eggebek
DHO38 Navy Satterland-Ramsloh
DHO46 Navy Olpenitz
DHO54 Army Communications Intelligence Centre, Trier
DHO60 Naval Air CommCen, Rensburg-Hohn
DHO66 Naval Operations Centre, Glücksburg
DHO69 Navy Eckernförde
DHO71 Navy Kap Arkona
DHO73 Navy Marienleuchte
DHO79 Navy Helgoland
DHO80 Navy Olpenitz-Hafen
DHO94 Navy Kiel-Hafen
DHO95 Navy Cuxhaven
DMK German Diplomatic Service
DQZ28 Coastguard Neustadt/Holstein
DRPG2 Naval Special Warfare Group, Eckernförde
And from the MT Milcom callsign database - In the spirit of sharing with my fellow ute/mil buffs, below are some German military unit callsigns from my mil callsign database.
DHJ23 / NORTHAG Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ36 / NORTHAG Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ37 / CENTAG Heidelberg, Germany
DHJ38 / Fm/EloAufklRgt 220 Donauwörth, Germany
DHJ39 / Heeresamt Köln, Germany
DHJ40 / HFlgBrig 3 Mendig, Germany
DHJ41 / LTG 61 FÜGrp 1 Landsberg, Germany
DHJ42 / LTG 61 FÜGrp 2 Landsberg, Germany
DHJ43 / JaBoG 32 Lechfeld, Germany
DHJ44 / III. Korps Koblenz, Germany
DHJ46 / I. CATAC et FAFA Lahr, Germany
DHJ49 / BMVg Bonn/Berlin, Germany
DHJ50 / I. Korps Munster, Germany
DHJ54 / MarA Landtestanlage Bremen-Vegesack, Germany
DHJ55 / HQ 7th (US) Army Heidelberg, Germany
DHJ56 / FüUstBrig 900 Rheinbach, Germany
DHJ60 / KdoTrpVersM Abt. FüMi Eckernförde, Germany
DHJ64 / DTA MND (C) Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ65 / UKdo 8 Zweibrücken, Germany
DHJ67 / HöhKdoBeh LW GefSt Köln, Germany
DHJ68 / HQ CINCUSAFE Wiesbaden
DHJ69 / JaBoG 31 Nörvenich, Germany
DHJ72 / 4. ATAF Kindsbach, Germany
DHJ73 / II. GE/US Korps Ulm, Germany
DHJ74 / Kdo 2. LwDiv Birkenfeld, Germany
DHJ75 / WBK III / 7. PzDiv Düsseldorf, Germany
DHJ76 / MFG 5 Airbase Kiel, Germany
DHJ77 / HfFlgRgt 35 Mendig, Germany
DHJ80 / WBK IV / 5. PzDiv Mainz, Germany
DHJ81 / PzLehrBrig 9 Munster, Germany
DHJ83 / HöhKdoBeh LW GefSt Köln, Germany
DHJ85 / PiBrig 20 Minden, Germany
DHJ86 / Deutscher Wetterdienst - MilZentr. Offenbach, Germany
DHJ87 / TerKdo Nord Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ88 / AfWG Limsdorf, Germany
DHJ89 / PzBrig 23 Augustdorf, Germany
DHJ90 / LwUstGrpKdo Nord Munster, Germany
DHJ91 / British Army Of The Rhine (BAOR) Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ92 / CCFFA Baden - Oos, Germany
DHJ93 / CENTAG Pirmasens, Germany
DHJ94 / 4. RCAF Fighter Wing Söllingen, Germany
DHJ95 / WBK VI / 1. GebDiv München, Germany
DHJ96 / 3. RCAF Fighter Wing Zweibrücken, Germany
DHJ98 / JaBoG 33 Büchel, Germany
DHJ99 / KdoTrpVersM - Testsendungen Germany
DHM24 / FüUstBrig 4 Berlin, Germany
DHM25 / LTrspKdo - FüUstGrp Munster, Germany
DHM26 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM27 / PzGrenBrig 41 Eggesin, Germany
DHM28 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM29 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM30 / SOC Brokzetel, Germany
DHM31 / Naval Radio List/Sylt, Germany
DHM32 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM34 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM37 / SOC Uedem - Kalkar, Germany
DHM38 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM39 / PzGrenBrig 38 Weißenfels, Germany
DHM40 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM43 / IV. Korps Germany
DHM46 / WBK V / 10. PzDiv Sigmaringen, Germany
DHM47 / 2. ATAF Air Base Weeze - Laarbruch
DHM48 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM49 / LogBrig 4 Unna, Germany
DHM50 / LogBrig 2 Germersheim, Germany
DHM51 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM52 / SanBrig 4 Fritzlar, Germany
DHM53 / HFlgRgt 36 Fritzlar, Germany
DHM54 / LwKdo Süd Meßstetten, Germany
DHM55 / WBK II / 1. PzDiv Hannover, Germany
DHM56 / WBK VII / 13. PzGrenDiv Germany
DHM57 / HFlgRgt 15 Rheine, Germany
DHM58 / 1. CanAirDiv Lahr, Germany
DHM59 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM60 / KLK / 4. Div Regensburg, Germany
DHM61 / PzGrenBrig 1 / VBK 22 Hildesheim, Germany
DHM62 / CINCENT Erbeskopf, Germany
DHM63 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM65 / MFuSSt Dollerup, Germany
DHM66 / MFuSSt Friedrichsort, Germany
DHM67 / MFuSSt Hürup, Germany
DHM68 / Frankenberg, Germany
DHM69 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM70 / MFuSSt Schortens, Germany
DHM71 / PzBrig 18 Oldenburg, Germany
DHM73 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM74 / LLBrig 31 Oldenburg, Germany
DHM75 / MFuESt Lütjenholm, Germany
DHM76 / MFuESt Wittmund-Harlesiel
DHM77 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM78 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM79 / Sammelanruf I. D/NL Korps Germany
DHM80 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM81 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM83 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM84 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM86 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM87 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM88 / FmABw bzw. AFmISBw Rheinbach, Germany
DHM89 / 2. ATAF Air Base Brüggen - Bracht, Germany
DHM90 / Comms Group Lahr, Germany
DHM92 / Sammelanruf II. Korps Germany
DHM93 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM94 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM95 / 1. Wing RCAF Lahr, Germany
DHM96 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM97 / NL Army Dillingen, Germany
DHM98 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM99 / Unassigned Reserved
And I will post more German military callsigns later in another post to this blogsite. As always any additions, corrections or updates you may have are always welcomed here. You can send them to larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com.
German Callsigns
DCF39 Deutsche-Telekom, Electrical Supply Control, Burg bei Magdeburg
DCF42 DGPS, Mainflingen/Potsdam
DCF49 Deutsche-Telekom, Electrical Supply Control, Mainflingen
DCF60 IfaG (Hydrographic Institute [?]), Mainflingen/Potsdam
DCF77 D-Telekom Mainflingen (Time/Freq Standard)
DDAxx Weather Service (Meteo)
DDHxx Weather Service (Meteo)
DDKxx Weather Service (Meteo)
DEKxx Red Cross Net
DEK23 Red Cross Berlin
DEK25 Red Cross Stuttgart
DEK26 Red Cross Düsseldorf
DEK30 Red Cross Quickborn
DEK88 Red Cross Bonn
DHJxx Grengel Meteo
DHJ47 Airforce Mönchengladbach
DHJ48 Airforce Ramstein
DHJ51 Defence Geophysical Office Bonn/Berlin
DHJ53 Navy Wärnemünde
DHJ57 Navy Schönhagen
DHJ58 Navy Glücksburg
DHJ59 Navy Wilhelmshaven
DHJ61 Navy Flensburg
DHJ62 Navy Neustadt
DHJ63 Navy Todendorf
DHJ66 Navy Eckenförde
DHJ70 Navy Wilhelmshaven
DHJ78 Navy Nordholz
DHJ82 Navy Parow
DHJ84 Navy Wangerooge
DHJ97 Navy Sammelanruf
DHL61 River Police Wilhelmshaven
DHL62 River Police Emden
DHM21 Navy Staberhuk
DHM22 Navy Warfare School, Bremerhaven
DHM33 Navy Munitions Depot Kiel
DHM35 Navy Munitions Depot Wilhelmshaven
DHM36 Navy Officers' College Wilhelmshaven
DHM41 Naval Weapons School Kappeln
DHM42 Glücksburg Rescue
DHM44 Grengel Meteo
DHM45 Naval Communications Staff Flensburg
DHM64 Navy Darsser Ort
DHM72 Grengel Meteo
DHM82 Kiel Research Establishment
DHM85 Navy Marlow
DHM91 Airforce Münster
DHN33 Navy Command North, Kiel
DHN37 Grengel Meteo
DHN49 Navy Command West, Wilhelmshaven
DHN53 Navy Wilhelmshaven-Hafen
DHN66 NATO Geilenkirchen
DHO23 Airforce Landsberg
DHO26 Navy Communications Centre, Rostock
DHO32 Airforce Wunstorf
DHO35 Naval Air CommCen, Eggebek
DHO38 Navy Satterland-Ramsloh
DHO46 Navy Olpenitz
DHO54 Army Communications Intelligence Centre, Trier
DHO60 Naval Air CommCen, Rensburg-Hohn
DHO66 Naval Operations Centre, Glücksburg
DHO69 Navy Eckernförde
DHO71 Navy Kap Arkona
DHO73 Navy Marienleuchte
DHO79 Navy Helgoland
DHO80 Navy Olpenitz-Hafen
DHO94 Navy Kiel-Hafen
DHO95 Navy Cuxhaven
DMK German Diplomatic Service
DQZ28 Coastguard Neustadt/Holstein
DRPG2 Naval Special Warfare Group, Eckernförde
And from the MT Milcom callsign database - In the spirit of sharing with my fellow ute/mil buffs, below are some German military unit callsigns from my mil callsign database.
DHJ23 / NORTHAG Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ36 / NORTHAG Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ37 / CENTAG Heidelberg, Germany
DHJ38 / Fm/EloAufklRgt 220 Donauwörth, Germany
DHJ39 / Heeresamt Köln, Germany
DHJ40 / HFlgBrig 3 Mendig, Germany
DHJ41 / LTG 61 FÜGrp 1 Landsberg, Germany
DHJ42 / LTG 61 FÜGrp 2 Landsberg, Germany
DHJ43 / JaBoG 32 Lechfeld, Germany
DHJ44 / III. Korps Koblenz, Germany
DHJ46 / I. CATAC et FAFA Lahr, Germany
DHJ49 / BMVg Bonn/Berlin, Germany
DHJ50 / I. Korps Munster, Germany
DHJ54 / MarA Landtestanlage Bremen-Vegesack, Germany
DHJ55 / HQ 7th (US) Army Heidelberg, Germany
DHJ56 / FüUstBrig 900 Rheinbach, Germany
DHJ60 / KdoTrpVersM Abt. FüMi Eckernförde, Germany
DHJ64 / DTA MND (C) Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ65 / UKdo 8 Zweibrücken, Germany
DHJ67 / HöhKdoBeh LW GefSt Köln, Germany
DHJ68 / HQ CINCUSAFE Wiesbaden
DHJ69 / JaBoG 31 Nörvenich, Germany
DHJ72 / 4. ATAF Kindsbach, Germany
DHJ73 / II. GE/US Korps Ulm, Germany
DHJ74 / Kdo 2. LwDiv Birkenfeld, Germany
DHJ75 / WBK III / 7. PzDiv Düsseldorf, Germany
DHJ76 / MFG 5 Airbase Kiel, Germany
DHJ77 / HfFlgRgt 35 Mendig, Germany
DHJ80 / WBK IV / 5. PzDiv Mainz, Germany
DHJ81 / PzLehrBrig 9 Munster, Germany
DHJ83 / HöhKdoBeh LW GefSt Köln, Germany
DHJ85 / PiBrig 20 Minden, Germany
DHJ86 / Deutscher Wetterdienst - MilZentr. Offenbach, Germany
DHJ87 / TerKdo Nord Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ88 / AfWG Limsdorf, Germany
DHJ89 / PzBrig 23 Augustdorf, Germany
DHJ90 / LwUstGrpKdo Nord Munster, Germany
DHJ91 / British Army Of The Rhine (BAOR) Mönchengladbach, Germany
DHJ92 / CCFFA Baden - Oos, Germany
DHJ93 / CENTAG Pirmasens, Germany
DHJ94 / 4. RCAF Fighter Wing Söllingen, Germany
DHJ95 / WBK VI / 1. GebDiv München, Germany
DHJ96 / 3. RCAF Fighter Wing Zweibrücken, Germany
DHJ98 / JaBoG 33 Büchel, Germany
DHJ99 / KdoTrpVersM - Testsendungen Germany
DHM24 / FüUstBrig 4 Berlin, Germany
DHM25 / LTrspKdo - FüUstGrp Munster, Germany
DHM26 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM27 / PzGrenBrig 41 Eggesin, Germany
DHM28 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM29 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM30 / SOC Brokzetel, Germany
DHM31 / Naval Radio List/Sylt, Germany
DHM32 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM34 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM37 / SOC Uedem - Kalkar, Germany
DHM38 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM39 / PzGrenBrig 38 Weißenfels, Germany
DHM40 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM43 / IV. Korps Germany
DHM46 / WBK V / 10. PzDiv Sigmaringen, Germany
DHM47 / 2. ATAF Air Base Weeze - Laarbruch
DHM48 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM49 / LogBrig 4 Unna, Germany
DHM50 / LogBrig 2 Germersheim, Germany
DHM51 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM52 / SanBrig 4 Fritzlar, Germany
DHM53 / HFlgRgt 36 Fritzlar, Germany
DHM54 / LwKdo Süd Meßstetten, Germany
DHM55 / WBK II / 1. PzDiv Hannover, Germany
DHM56 / WBK VII / 13. PzGrenDiv Germany
DHM57 / HFlgRgt 15 Rheine, Germany
DHM58 / 1. CanAirDiv Lahr, Germany
DHM59 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM60 / KLK / 4. Div Regensburg, Germany
DHM61 / PzGrenBrig 1 / VBK 22 Hildesheim, Germany
DHM62 / CINCENT Erbeskopf, Germany
DHM63 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM65 / MFuSSt Dollerup, Germany
DHM66 / MFuSSt Friedrichsort, Germany
DHM67 / MFuSSt Hürup, Germany
DHM68 / Frankenberg, Germany
DHM69 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM70 / MFuSSt Schortens, Germany
DHM71 / PzBrig 18 Oldenburg, Germany
DHM73 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM74 / LLBrig 31 Oldenburg, Germany
DHM75 / MFuESt Lütjenholm, Germany
DHM76 / MFuESt Wittmund-Harlesiel
DHM77 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM78 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM79 / Sammelanruf I. D/NL Korps Germany
DHM80 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM81 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM83 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM84 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM86 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM87 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM88 / FmABw bzw. AFmISBw Rheinbach, Germany
DHM89 / 2. ATAF Air Base Brüggen - Bracht, Germany
DHM90 / Comms Group Lahr, Germany
DHM92 / Sammelanruf II. Korps Germany
DHM93 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM94 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM95 / 1. Wing RCAF Lahr, Germany
DHM96 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM97 / NL Army Dillingen, Germany
DHM98 / Unassigned Reserved
DHM99 / Unassigned Reserved
And I will post more German military callsigns later in another post to this blogsite. As always any additions, corrections or updates you may have are always welcomed here. You can send them to larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com.
German Non Directional Beacon Changes
Michael Oexner posted to the UDXF newsgroup on Jan 11, 2007, the following beacon updates for NDBs in Germany:
EDDS from: 2007/01/23 10:05 until: PERM
STUTTGART NDB SG 306 LOCATOR (L) COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN.
EDDS from: 2007/01/26 09:01 until: PERM
STUTTGART L SY 384 COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN.
EDRZ from: 2007/01/08 12:00 until: PERM
ZWEIBRUCKEN NDB ZBN 435 NDB COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN.
EDDV from: 2007/01/18 00:01 until: PERM
HANNOVER LO HAE 332 COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN.
EDDG from: 2006/12/31 09:48 until: 2007/02/28 23:00
MUENSTER/OSNABRUECK/GREVEN NDB MST 305 KHZ OUT OF SERVICE.
EDLW from: 2007/01/03 11:20 until: 2007/03/31 23:59 EST
DORTMUND-WICKEDE NDB DWI 357 NDB OUT OF SERVICE.
EDGG from: 2006/12/21 00:41 until: 2007/02/15 12:00
LICHTENAU NDB LAU 341 OPERATING WITH REDUCED RANGE 15NM.
EDDS from: 2007/01/23 10:05 until: PERM
STUTTGART NDB SG 306 LOCATOR (L) COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN.
EDDS from: 2007/01/26 09:01 until: PERM
STUTTGART L SY 384 COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN.
EDRZ from: 2007/01/08 12:00 until: PERM
ZWEIBRUCKEN NDB ZBN 435 NDB COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN.
EDDV from: 2007/01/18 00:01 until: PERM
HANNOVER LO HAE 332 COMPLETELY WITHDRAWN.
EDDG from: 2006/12/31 09:48 until: 2007/02/28 23:00
MUENSTER/OSNABRUECK/GREVEN NDB MST 305 KHZ OUT OF SERVICE.
EDLW from: 2007/01/03 11:20 until: 2007/03/31 23:59 EST
DORTMUND-WICKEDE NDB DWI 357 NDB OUT OF SERVICE.
EDGG from: 2006/12/21 00:41 until: 2007/02/15 12:00
LICHTENAU NDB LAU 341 OPERATING WITH REDUCED RANGE 15NM.
Friday, February 09, 2007
NOLA Area Finally Achieves PS Interoperability
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, I wrote an editorial in Monitoring Times magazine critical of public safety radio system interoperability in the Gulf Coast region. New Orleans, Slidell, and Biloxi/Gulfport/Harrison County were all using the M/A-COM ProVoice EDACS trunk systems and it was only a matter of time before this choice was going to cause a crisis.
First, let me clear the air. I am not against M/A-COM or its trunk systems per se. I am deeply concerned about using a non-standard digital protocol such as Open Sky and ProVoice. If public safety agencies want to use a M/A-COM trunk system -fine, do it! Just don't use one of the proprietary digital protocols.
The M/A-COM Provoice digital standard is not compatible with the APCO P25 digital standard which FEMA, DoD, US federal government agencies, the State of Louisiana and other parish public safety agencies in the Katrina disaster area use. When the system failed in New Orleans it caused major problems for the first responders of the city. They had to resort to 800 MHz Mutual Aid simplex channels, and car to car relay of radio traffic in order to communicate.
New Orleans, Slidell, and PS agencies in Harrison County, MS were all on my P25 Hall of Shame List (shame on them for using a system which is NOT interoperable). You can see these editorials on the Monitoring Times website.
Incorporating lessons learned in the chaotic aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina, law enforcement agencies in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes can now communicate with each other using one radio system. On Monday (February 5), the parishes brought online a shared 700-megahertz digital radio system paid for with federal disaster funds and grant money from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
You can read the complete Times Picayune story on this event online at:
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-19/116962458198400.xml&coll=1
There were a lot of lessons learned from the Katrina disaster. But this is one that every Public Safety Agency in this country using a non-P25 digital standard should read and heed. From the Picayune article I quote, "The coordinated system also means that if out-of-state first responders come in as they did after Katrina to aid the locals, they'll be able to communicate as well with a bit of reprogramming of their own equipment."
Unfortunately, there are still major problems on the Gulf Coast. Harrison County, MS (including Biloxi and Gulfport) continue to use their ProVoice system even though most all of their neighbors and a new statewide system will be P25 compatible. This is exactly the same scenario that caused major problems in New Orleans. Hancock County, the county just west of Harrison on the Louisiana border has now installed a new P25 trunk system. Jackson County, the other Gulf Coast county just east of Harrison, is using a mixed mode (analog/P25) trunk system. Hey, Harrison County do you think it is time to wake up! I think it is time for the federal government to NOT sink one more dime of taxpayer money in that county until they become interoperable with the rest of the area.
In the state capital of Mississippi - Jackson, the original plan to upgrade to a ProVoice digital system by M/A-Com has been scrapped after issues were raised by the Hinds County E-911 Commission regarding legal concerns. Plans have now been made to switch Jackson over to the Hinds County Motorola ASTRO System. This will enable true interoperability between Jackson, and the surrounding area. At least someone in Mississippi is using some common sense. Are you listening Harrison County?
The new Mississippi statewide system, known as MWIN, will be a Motorola P-25 700 MHz trunk radio system. This system will be used by ALL state of Mississippi public safety agencies, with county and municipality subscription possible. MWIN will be tied in to the MEMA and Fish & Wildlife satellite radio nets for interoperability.
But Harrsion County, Mississippi, is only a small drop in the non-interop bucket. Another shocking interop issue is found in the state of Florida. And in this case it isn't a county issue, but it is a statewide law enforcement trunk radio system, known as SLERS, that was bought, installed and operated by the state of Florida. Yep, they are using the same system that New Orleans used that caused such a problem during Katrina - a M/A-COM ProVoice trunk system.
Imagine a hurricane hitting Florida and the state law enforcement agencies not being able to talk to any of the feds unless they give the feds a radio to use on their non-interop radio system. Same applies to all the county and municipal agencies who aren't on this system which is 99% of the state's PS agencies. There needs to be some serious questions asked about public safety by the taxpayers of Florida and the media.
But Florida is not alone. In future missives on this blog, I will uncover other shocking agencies that are either using non-standard digital protocols and have plans in the works. When will this government officials learn the hard lessons of New orleans and Katrina?
First, let me clear the air. I am not against M/A-COM or its trunk systems per se. I am deeply concerned about using a non-standard digital protocol such as Open Sky and ProVoice. If public safety agencies want to use a M/A-COM trunk system -fine, do it! Just don't use one of the proprietary digital protocols.
The M/A-COM Provoice digital standard is not compatible with the APCO P25 digital standard which FEMA, DoD, US federal government agencies, the State of Louisiana and other parish public safety agencies in the Katrina disaster area use. When the system failed in New Orleans it caused major problems for the first responders of the city. They had to resort to 800 MHz Mutual Aid simplex channels, and car to car relay of radio traffic in order to communicate.
New Orleans, Slidell, and PS agencies in Harrison County, MS were all on my P25 Hall of Shame List (shame on them for using a system which is NOT interoperable). You can see these editorials on the Monitoring Times website.
Incorporating lessons learned in the chaotic aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina, law enforcement agencies in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes can now communicate with each other using one radio system. On Monday (February 5), the parishes brought online a shared 700-megahertz digital radio system paid for with federal disaster funds and grant money from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
You can read the complete Times Picayune story on this event online at:
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-19/116962458198400.xml&coll=1
There were a lot of lessons learned from the Katrina disaster. But this is one that every Public Safety Agency in this country using a non-P25 digital standard should read and heed. From the Picayune article I quote, "The coordinated system also means that if out-of-state first responders come in as they did after Katrina to aid the locals, they'll be able to communicate as well with a bit of reprogramming of their own equipment."
Unfortunately, there are still major problems on the Gulf Coast. Harrison County, MS (including Biloxi and Gulfport) continue to use their ProVoice system even though most all of their neighbors and a new statewide system will be P25 compatible. This is exactly the same scenario that caused major problems in New Orleans. Hancock County, the county just west of Harrison on the Louisiana border has now installed a new P25 trunk system. Jackson County, the other Gulf Coast county just east of Harrison, is using a mixed mode (analog/P25) trunk system. Hey, Harrison County do you think it is time to wake up! I think it is time for the federal government to NOT sink one more dime of taxpayer money in that county until they become interoperable with the rest of the area.
In the state capital of Mississippi - Jackson, the original plan to upgrade to a ProVoice digital system by M/A-Com has been scrapped after issues were raised by the Hinds County E-911 Commission regarding legal concerns. Plans have now been made to switch Jackson over to the Hinds County Motorola ASTRO System. This will enable true interoperability between Jackson, and the surrounding area. At least someone in Mississippi is using some common sense. Are you listening Harrison County?
The new Mississippi statewide system, known as MWIN, will be a Motorola P-25 700 MHz trunk radio system. This system will be used by ALL state of Mississippi public safety agencies, with county and municipality subscription possible. MWIN will be tied in to the MEMA and Fish & Wildlife satellite radio nets for interoperability.
But Harrsion County, Mississippi, is only a small drop in the non-interop bucket. Another shocking interop issue is found in the state of Florida. And in this case it isn't a county issue, but it is a statewide law enforcement trunk radio system, known as SLERS, that was bought, installed and operated by the state of Florida. Yep, they are using the same system that New Orleans used that caused such a problem during Katrina - a M/A-COM ProVoice trunk system.
Imagine a hurricane hitting Florida and the state law enforcement agencies not being able to talk to any of the feds unless they give the feds a radio to use on their non-interop radio system. Same applies to all the county and municipal agencies who aren't on this system which is 99% of the state's PS agencies. There needs to be some serious questions asked about public safety by the taxpayers of Florida and the media.
But Florida is not alone. In future missives on this blog, I will uncover other shocking agencies that are either using non-standard digital protocols and have plans in the works. When will this government officials learn the hard lessons of New orleans and Katrina?
Thursday, February 08, 2007
XSS ALE Net Continues to Mystify
Sam on the UDXF newsgroup this morning (2/8/2007) posted his latest round of intercepts on the infamous XSS HF ALE net. He even managed to observe a two way conversation between the XSS ALE Address (probable net control and dominate sounding station) and unid XKY ALE Address.
Some other ALE Addresses that Sam and others have logged include:
XAS / XBC / XDV / XFY / XGJ / XGP / XHK / XHZ / XKA / XKD / XKW / XKY / XJF / XJT / XJP / XJT / XJV / XLG
I should note that the ALE addresses above are static as they are being used over again over a long time period. Thanks Sam for your continued diligence in monitoring this mystery.
Here is the latest list of frequencies for this net: 2199.0 2217.4 3161.0 3227.4 3280.0 4166.4 4226.5 6243.0 6425.0 8108.5 8126.4 10360.0 10458.0 12057.5 12333.0 14510.0 16553.5 18405.0 20300.0 20965.0 kHz.
One theory about this net is that it may be associated with NATO in Europe, but there still is no definitive proof of this. If you have any insight, drop us a note at larryvanhorn @ monitoringtimes.com. I am interested in hearing from some of the readers of this blog.
Intelsat is Changing its Lineup
As of 1 February 2007, Intelsat will change the names of 16 of its 51 satellites. The name change is part of our integration efforts, and is being implemented based in part on consensus feedback and recommendations from our customer community.The changes being implemented are the following:
1. Galaxy (G) replaces the Intelsat Americas (IA) brand
2. Intelsat (IS) replaces the PanAmSat brand (PAS)
3. Unique or joint venture satellites, such as SBS-6, Horizons or APR, will retain the same name.
New Satellite Names Conversion Table
Effective 1 Feb 2007
Location / Current Name / New Name / Acronym
129°W / IA-7 (Telstar 7) / Galaxy 27 / G-27
121°W / IA-13 (Telstar 13) / Galaxy 23 / G-23
97°W / IA-5 (Telstar 5) / Galaxy 25 / G-25
93°W / IA-6 (Telstar 6) / Galaxy 26 / G-26
89°W / IA-8 / Galaxy 28 / G-28
58°W / PAS-9 / Intelsat 9 / IS-9
45°W / PAS-1R / Intelsat 1R / IS-1R
43°W / PAS-3R / Intelsat 3R / IS-3R
43°W / PAS-6B / Intelsat 6B / IS-6B
26°E / PAS-5 (Arabsat 2C) / Intelsat 5 (Arabsat 2C) / IS-5
45°E / PAS-12 (Europe*Star 1) / Intelsat 12 (Europe*Star 1) / IS-12
68.5°E / PAS-7 / Intelsat 7 / IS-7
68.5°E / PAS-10 / Intelsat 10 / IS-10
72°E / PAS-4 / Intelsat 4 / IS-4
166°E / PAS-8 / Intelsat 8 / IS-8
169°E / PAS-2 / Intelsat 2 / IS-2
Future / IA-9 / Galaxy 19 / G-19
Future / PAS-11 / Intelsat 11 / IS-11
Future / Galaxy 17 / Galaxy 17 / G-17
Future / Galaxy 18 / Galaxy 18 / G-18
Future / Horizons 2 / Horizons 2 / H-2
You can download a pdf version of the conversion table above at http://www.intelsat.com/network/satellite/new-names.asp
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
U.S.-Funded TV Marti Soon To Be Seen In Cuba
By Matthew Borghese - All Headline News Staff Writer
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006380622
February 6, 2007 7:38 p.m. EST
Miami, FL (AHN) - TV Marti, the U.S.-funded station aimed at ending the communist regime in Cuba, may soon be showing up on televisions in Havana.
TV Marti has signed a $195,000 deal with WPMF-TV in Miami, which will broadcast programming for six months on equipment powerful enough to allow Cubans with satellite dishes, which have been outlawed, to pick up the station.
Cuba's communist party newspaper, Granma, has spoken out against the move, saying, "They are trying new ways to get their meddlesome and subversive messages, designed to destabilize the Cuban revolution, seen and heard in our country."
"The authorities of our country, with the support of the vast majority of the people, are taking and will take the necessary measures" to make sure the programming doesn't reach Cuban televisions.
TV Marti hit the air on March 27, 1990, and operates as an element of the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), along with its sister station, Radio Marti. The stations are remnants of the Cold War-era anti-communist radio networks like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) which were broadcast into the Soviet Union in an attempt to help bring down the Iron Curtain.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006380622
February 6, 2007 7:38 p.m. EST
Miami, FL (AHN) - TV Marti, the U.S.-funded station aimed at ending the communist regime in Cuba, may soon be showing up on televisions in Havana.
TV Marti has signed a $195,000 deal with WPMF-TV in Miami, which will broadcast programming for six months on equipment powerful enough to allow Cubans with satellite dishes, which have been outlawed, to pick up the station.
Cuba's communist party newspaper, Granma, has spoken out against the move, saying, "They are trying new ways to get their meddlesome and subversive messages, designed to destabilize the Cuban revolution, seen and heard in our country."
"The authorities of our country, with the support of the vast majority of the people, are taking and will take the necessary measures" to make sure the programming doesn't reach Cuban televisions.
TV Marti hit the air on March 27, 1990, and operates as an element of the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), along with its sister station, Radio Marti. The stations are remnants of the Cold War-era anti-communist radio networks like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) which were broadcast into the Soviet Union in an attempt to help bring down the Iron Curtain.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
District to link all responders over radio
Courtesy of Alan Henney and the SCAN-DC group:
Original article at:
http://www.examiner.com/a-547737~District_to_link_all_responders_over_radio.html
By Michael Neibauer, The Examiner (Feb 5, 2007 3:00 AM)
WASHINGTON - Two dozen District government agencies outside police and fire still can’t coordinate over the city’s public safety radio network more than five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
But the D.C. Unified Communications Center has prepared an upgrade under a recently awarded one-year, $199,960 contract with D.C.-based consultant Telecommunications Development Corp. The deal calls for the development of an intra-District interoperability plan for 23 agencies within D.C. currently using the 800 MHz Radio Network.
“This effort will permit agencies that would not normally have the ability to communicate with one another the means to do so with the implementation of this project,” UCC spokeswoman Debbie Know said.
The government is pleased with its current emergency radio system, but it does have deficiencies, Knox said. Secondary responders were never linked, she said, leaving those agencies with no direct capability to communicate with members of the perspective communities, dispatch or local support staff via the 800 MHz radio network.
The D.C. Department of Health, for example, a vital agency in the case of a bioterrorism attack or virus outbreak, can communicate with RFK Stadium security, the Emergency Management Agency and the D.C. Department of Transportation. But it can’t talk to police or fire over the existing network, Knox said.
“Communications is one of the biggest issues and problems with emergency response, particularly for something on the magnitude of a 9/11,” said D.C. Council Member Phil Mendelson, chair of the judiciary committee. “So this would be part of a comprehensive effort to improve the ability of all responding agencies to talk to each other.”
The District’s first responders seamlessly communicate with each other and others in the National Capital Region through the Motorola SmartZone 800 MHz network. The NCR was recently given high marks for its interoperable communication technology and operating procedures in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security scorecard.
mneibauer@dcexaminer.com
Original article at:
http://www.examiner.com/a-547737~District_to_link_all_responders_over_radio.html
By Michael Neibauer, The Examiner (Feb 5, 2007 3:00 AM)
WASHINGTON - Two dozen District government agencies outside police and fire still can’t coordinate over the city’s public safety radio network more than five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
But the D.C. Unified Communications Center has prepared an upgrade under a recently awarded one-year, $199,960 contract with D.C.-based consultant Telecommunications Development Corp. The deal calls for the development of an intra-District interoperability plan for 23 agencies within D.C. currently using the 800 MHz Radio Network.
“This effort will permit agencies that would not normally have the ability to communicate with one another the means to do so with the implementation of this project,” UCC spokeswoman Debbie Know said.
The government is pleased with its current emergency radio system, but it does have deficiencies, Knox said. Secondary responders were never linked, she said, leaving those agencies with no direct capability to communicate with members of the perspective communities, dispatch or local support staff via the 800 MHz radio network.
The D.C. Department of Health, for example, a vital agency in the case of a bioterrorism attack or virus outbreak, can communicate with RFK Stadium security, the Emergency Management Agency and the D.C. Department of Transportation. But it can’t talk to police or fire over the existing network, Knox said.
“Communications is one of the biggest issues and problems with emergency response, particularly for something on the magnitude of a 9/11,” said D.C. Council Member Phil Mendelson, chair of the judiciary committee. “So this would be part of a comprehensive effort to improve the ability of all responding agencies to talk to each other.”
The District’s first responders seamlessly communicate with each other and others in the National Capital Region through the Motorola SmartZone 800 MHz network. The NCR was recently given high marks for its interoperable communication technology and operating procedures in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security scorecard.
mneibauer@dcexaminer.com
Thursday, February 01, 2007
New HF Road Construction Net Uncovered - Update
The gang on UDXF have uncovered another fascinating HF ALE network. On Jan 29 Jim (MPJ) identified the HF ALE network associated with the ALE addresses that Sam had reported on 5378.0 kHz ALE/USB. Jim identified this net as a HF net associated with the Colas S.A. Road Contrustion Company working out of Algeria. On Jan 31 Kristian via UDXF reported a new frequency for this net of 8061.0 kHz.
Frequencies (USB/ALE): 5378.0 and 8061.0 kHz
Some of the ALE addresses reported for this net include:
BISKRACOLAS4 / Biskra, Algeria
COLASCOLAS4 / Unknown location
ELOUEDCOLAS4 / El Oued, Algeria
ILLIZICOLAS4 /Illizi, Algeria
MOBRRTCOLAS4 / Unknown location
XOB / Unknown location
COLAS d'Algérie is a road-building company with contracts to replace that country's deteriorating road system. Thanks for the hard work guys. Nice get.
Frequencies (USB/ALE): 5378.0 and 8061.0 kHz
Some of the ALE addresses reported for this net include:
BISKRACOLAS4 / Biskra, Algeria
COLASCOLAS4 / Unknown location
ELOUEDCOLAS4 / El Oued, Algeria
ILLIZICOLAS4 /Illizi, Algeria
MOBRRTCOLAS4 / Unknown location
XOB / Unknown location
COLAS d'Algérie is a road-building company with contracts to replace that country's deteriorating road system. Thanks for the hard work guys. Nice get.
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