MT Fed Files

Super Bowl XLVI Monitoring Post

2012-01-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a look at my hotel room monitoring command post near Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. I'm also monitoring from inside the secured areas of the stadium where I am working.

Radios include the GRE PSR-500 and PSR-600, PRO-96, Uniden 396XT and the Optocom black-box receiver. And additional PSR-600 and 396XT are working over in the office at the stadium. The PSR-600 and Optocom are set up to log frequencies while I am away from the hotel.

CBP To Fly ROV's Along Southwest US Border

2012-01-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

The CBP is looking for vendors to help operate airborne remotely operated vehicles along the southwestern US border area:

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/article/25519/cbp_vendor_assess_operations_unmanned_aircraft_sys

The CBP Office of Air and Marine (OAM) currently operates such airborne platforms along the nation’s land borders and maritime approaches.

Here is a link to the CBP posted information on what they are calling the Wide Area Aerial Surveillance System (WAASS):

https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=fdb77d01ebbdeb5a5821d56bb535a27a&tab=core&_cview=1

Super Bowl XLVI Indianapolis

2012-01-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

Things are starting to come together in Indy for the Super Bowl on February 5th. All indications are that this event will have much of the same federal law enforcement activity as past Super Bowl events.

Several news articles concerning the security for the event have been published, including this one:

http://www.wibc.com/news/story.aspx?ID=1627838

Not much new information, but there are references to more hand-held devices being used for this Super Bowl than in past events. This might indicate some decrease in routine radio traffic for this event, but we shall see.

http://www.disaster-resource.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1596&Itemid=128

http://www.indystar.com/article/20111217/NEWS11/312170004/Super-public-safety-effort-planned-Super-Bowl?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|IndyStar.com|p

And it appears that S.A.F.E. will be handling crowd management this year:

http://www.safemanagement.net/

UPDATE:

Wednesday, January 25th, the Regional Operations Center opens:
Indianapolis officials on Wednesday opened a regional operations center for the coordination of law enforcement response to world-class events, including the Super Bowl.
The purpose of the center is to facilitate regional coordination and increase efficiency across all levels of law enforcement agencies in the event of emergencies.
The facility is at 200 N. Shadeland Ave., inside what once was Eastgate Mall. Marion County's emergency operations center will move to the new facility, with the existing EOC at 47 S. State St. serving as a backup facility.
Mayor Greg Ballard and Public Safety Director Frank Straub touted the facility as a good example of partnership between federal, state and local authorities.
Authorities plan to monitor a series of cameras at all hours, giving law enforcement agencies real-time information so they can shift crews as needed more easily.
The FBI will also house an intelligence operations center in the facility in the event of terrorism or other large-scale incidents

IWN Project Stopped? UPDATE

2012-01-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

I recently came across what appears to be evidence of a halt in the Integrated Wireless network (IWN) project. A statement made by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa is posted on the US Senate web site here:

http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/testimony.cfm?id=e655f9e2809e5476862f735da16b59e3&wit_id=e655f9e2809e5476862f735da16b59e3-0-1

In this statement of May 4th, 2011, Senator Grassley mentions a "stop work" order being issued for the IWN program, and officially "suspended" by the Department of Justice Wireless Management Office. The statement portion pertaining to the IWN appears below.

The statement also indicates that the project "will end without completing it's original goal". So does this mean the IWN project is officially stopped and finished? I'm still searching for confirmation on this question. We will have to see what the future brings. Stay tuned...

Oversight Hearing of the Department of Justice

Prepared Statement of Ranking Member Chuck Grassley

U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Hearing onOversight of the Department of Justice

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Integrated Wireless Network (IWN):

I would also like to discuss what appears to be a newfailed IT procurement at the department. The integrated wireless network program (IWN) was recently suspended bythe Department of Justice and it appears that the project will end withoutcompleting its original goal to integrate the wireless radios for all federallaw enforcement agencies. The IWNprogram was designed to implement a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commissionand create a single interoperable communication system between federal lawenforcement agencies. However, theInspector General, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Officeof Management and Budget have all expressed concerns with the program and labeledit as high risk. To date, hundredsof millions of dollars have been spent, and there is no part of the countrywhere all federal law enforcement radios are interoperable. The contractors have argued, asexpected, that they just need more money and time and there are rumors that thedepartment now wants to issue sole source contracts to companies just to buyequipment. I want to know moreabout this stop work order and whether the stop work order will simply be usedto sole source a contract for radios to vendors outside the original IWNprogram. I am concerned that thisprogram is starting to look a lot like other failed IT programs at thedepartment—hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars spent with nothing to showfor it.

UPDATE:

A source found this article on line from the Washington Post that indicates any further expansion of the IWN project is currently on hold:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/17/justice-department-shelves-upgrade-communications/?page=1&sms_ss=email&at_xt=4dab9ca93cb4f76a%2C0

According to the article sources, “given future funding uncertainty” the Justice Department was ceasing design work on the next stage, in Maryland and Virginia, and would not begin planning for the third stage deployment in the Midwest, which had been slated for 2012. Apparently there is enough funding to continue with the current IWN operation in the Washington DC National Capitol Region and the Pacific Northwest.

UPDATE II:
An article has appeared on-line that summerizes what I found earlier:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/mobile/232500144
This article links to a new report by the DpJ Office of the Inspector General. That report can be found here:
http://www.justice.gov/oig/reports/2012/a1210.pdf
Unfortunately, this report has much of the technical information that appeared in an earlier OIG report redacted for public release.

And more industry reporting on the subject:
http://mccmag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=7868

WDW Federal Frequencies?

2011-12-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

A source recently sent me some frequencies in use at Walt Disney World, near Orlando, FL. I was surprised to find out there was a federal facility, of sorts, on the grounds of WDW! The facility is the Shades of Green Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC), operated by the the US Army's Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC). Here are some links with more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Recreation_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_of_Green_(resort)

Here are the frequencies that have been identified as being in use at the Shades of Green:

406.1625 / 415.1625, D125 Security
407.2250 / 416.2250, D754 Maintenance
407.2750 / 416.2750, D703 Housekeeping
406.1750 / 415.1750, D365 Unknown

407.2375 MHz may also be in use, but no DPL tone value has been recorded.

So next time you are near Orlando, give these a listen...

Merry Christmas from The Fed Files

2011-12-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the great emails and reports from the loyal readers out there. Looking forward to more new and interesting federal intercepts in 2012!

Fed Files - January 2012 NYC Logs

2011-12-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

In the January 2012 Fed Files column, I published a list of frequencies I logged during a recent trip to New York City for work. I included it in the column as a representation of the "raw" data I get from logs collected during my trips, but I started to identify some of the obvious frequencies and who they are used by.

Unfortunately, I included the list without finishing my identification tasks, and several sharp MT readers offered some suggestions. So here is the New York City list that was in the column, but with as many of the frequencies identified as I can. Keep in mind that these are simply what computer logged, and some of the P-25 NAC values may be incorrect. However, I usually disregard any NACs that appear only once. The NAC values listed appeared multiple times in the logs.

If you have any additional information on the unknown frequencies, please pass it along!

163.3750, D065 - Input to USPS on 166.3750 MHz

164.1000, N001 – US Secret Service

164.3375, D251 – Postal Service Brooklyn

164.4000, N001 – US Secret Service PAPA

164.6500, N001 – US Secret Service TANGO

165.2125, N001 - US Secret Service MIKE

165.2375, N301 – DHS CBP NET 1

166.3750, D065 – US Postal Service Manhattan

166.5625, N301 – DHS CBP (B16)

166.8875, 103.5 - UN Security Base

167.1250, 114.8 – US Postal Service, New Jersey

167.4625, N207 – DHS ICE Regional Network

167.5125, N167 - FBI Newark B3/B4

167.7875, N653 – NYC FIO Federal Interoperability repeater

167.8875, 127.3 – Input to 164.1875 MHz, UN Security

168.3000, N167 – FBI H3/H4

168.8250, N167 – FBI H1/H2

168.8250, N730 -

168.8875, N167 – FBI B7/B8

168.9125, N935 - DHS ICE, New York City

169.4500, 100.0 – DHS, CBP Customs NET 2

169.6250, N167 – FBI (not previously logged)

169.7000, N864 – DoJ, US Marshals Service

169.7250, N864 – DoJ, US Marshals Service

169.9750, N167 – FBI Newark A1/A2

169.9875, N4F9 - Department of the Interior, Liberty Island/Ellis Island

170.3750, N167 – FBI G5/G6

170.4250, N167 – FBI G3/G4

170.4250, N730-

170.5500, N167 - FBI G7/G8

170.5500, N730 -

170.6250, N167 – FBI C7/C8

170.6250, N730 -

171.1750, N653 – NYC Federal Interoperability FIO 2

171.4625, N24F - Unknown agency

171.5500, N167 - FBI C3/C4

171.5500, N673

171.6875, N173

171.6875, N9C5 – DHS ICE Regional Network, New Jersey NJ-1

171.7250, N159 - DHS ICE Regional Network, New Jersey NJ-2

172.1875, N167 - FBI B3/B4

172.5250, N167 – FBI B1/B2

172.6625, N615 - Reported as US Marshals NY-2

173.6625, N167 – FBI A1

173.6625, N673

173.6625, N730

406.1125, 82.5 - UN Maintenance

406.1500, N293 – VAMC Brooklyn

406.3375, N482 – US Postal Inspectors RED Net

406.4250, 67.0 - VA Maintenance

406.5000, N020 - BoP Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn (*seemed to show this NAC on some transmissions)

406.5000, N2E1 - BoP Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn

406.9250, N020*

406.9250, N2E1 - BoP Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn

407.1375, N482 – US Postal Inspectors GREEN Net

407.2000, N293 – State Department Bureau of DiplomaticSecurity

407.4125, N1A3 - BoP Metropolitan Correctional Center,Manhattan

407.5000, 107.2 – VA NJ Maintenance

407.7250, N482 – US Postal Inspectors WHITE Net

407.7750, N482 – US Postal Inspectors BLUE Net

407.9500, N020*

407.9500, N2E1 – BoP Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn

408.1000, N0F0 – State Department Bureau of DiplomaticSecurity

408.1250, N293 – VAMC Manhattan

408.2000, N270 - Federal Protective Service

408.2125, N020*

408.2125, N2E1 - BoP Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn

408.3000, 74.4

408.4250, 67.0 - VA Manhattan, maintenance

408.5750, N020*

408.5750, N2E1 - BoP Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn

408.8125, N1A3 - BoP Metropolitan Correctional Center,Manhattan

409.0250, 110.9 – Postal Service Flushing/Nassau

409.3250, 67.0 - VA maintenance

409.6250, N293 – State Department Bureau of DiplomaticSecurity

409.7500, N020*

409.9000, N1A3 - BoP Metropolitan Correctional Center,Manhattan

409.9375, N482 – US Postal Inspectors BLACK Net

410.4125, N1A3 - BoP Metropolitan Correctional Center,Manhattan

411.7375, 67.0

412.9750, N293

413.4125, N293 – VA Medical Center, New Jersey

413.8625, CSQ – VA Medical Center - Paging

413.8750, 67.0

413.9750, D271

414.6875, D503

414.8750, 173.8

414.9000, 156.7 - DEA

415.9000, 74.4

416.1375, N482 – US Postal Inspectors, input to 407.1375 MHz

416.7250, N482 – US Postal Inspectors, input to 407.7250 MHz

417.2000, N270 – Federal Protective Service

417.6000, N293 – State Department Bureau of DiplomaticSecurity

417.6500, 103.5

417.9125, 192.8

418.3500, 141.3

418.6250, 156.7 – DEA

418.6750, 156.7 – DEA F4

418.7500, 156.7 – DEA F3

418.7875, D125

418.9250, D731

418.9375, N482 – US Postal Inspectors, input to 409.9375 MHz

418.9500, 156.7 – DEA

419.7875, 67.0

Some have asked about the N730 NACs appearing on some of the FBI repeaters. I have noted these NACs for several years now, especially when I have been monitoring the New Years Eve happenings in Times Square. I suspect some sort of Special Operation or Task Force may be using a different NAC on these repeaters, but nothing has been confirmed - just a guess...

USCG NET 411 Confirmed

2011-12-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

Back in April of 2010 I asked for some help in confirming some of the new UHF Coast Guard activity that has been monitored recently. There were reports that the Coast Guard helicopters in many areas are now carrying UHF land-mobile radios that are on various CG Nets in the 406-420 MHz band. The helicopters in the South Florida area were reported to be using NET 411, but the frequency was not known.

Recently a Coast Guard helicopter was heard in the South Florida area calling on 413.025 MHz, NAC293 and confirmed that this frequency is indeed NET 411. Here is a list of what I have confirmed in the UHF band so far. These UHF channels are usually P-25 using a NAC of 293 and simplex:

406.5000
406.5625
406.5750
406.6000
406.8000
406.8125
406.9750
407.6250
407.9250
407.9750
408.4000
409.0000
409.1875
409.2000
409.3500
409.8250
410.0250
410.3750
411.3750
411.7875
412.9750 - NET-409
413.0000 - NET-410
413.0250 - NET-411
413.0375
414.7625
415.6250
415.7750
415.8250
415.9250
416.2250
416.3875
416.4750
416.5500 - NET-4xx
416.5750
416.5875
416.6000
416.6375
416.7000
416.7125
416.8500
416.9250
416.9375
417.0000
418.3500
418.4375
418.4500
419.1250
419.6000
419.6500
419.8000
419.8250
419.8500
419.9750

Cain Gets SS Protection

2011-11-18T08:20:00.001-08:00

News reports are indicating that Herman Cain, GOP candidate for President, has started receiving protection from the US Secret Service.

“Secretary Napolitano at the request of the Cain campaign consulted with congressional advisory committee which today authorized protection for Cain.” – George Ogilvy, Secret Service spokesman.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68638.html

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/11/herman-cain-to-get-secret-service-protection-nancy-pelosi-ribs-perry-the-bubble-primary-the-pm-note/

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/herman-cain-u-s-secret-service-detail-unruly-reporters-hounding-officials-article-1.979787

h http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2011/1118/Herman-Cain-receives-Secret-Service-protection

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2063085/Herman-Cain-gets-Secret-Service-Protection-receiving-death-threats.html

At this point, only President Obama and Cain are receiving protective details from the Secret Service. No reports from the field of any call signs or radio traffic related to this detail.

Denver / Laramie Area Federal Logs

2011-11-16T19:01:00.001-08:00

I recently traveled to Denver and drove up to the Laramie, WY area for work. While driving I was able to log some federal activity.

163.6250 MHz, 151.4pl - ICE repeater at Denver International (DEN), used by TSA
165.2875 MHz, N650 - BATFE
166.3000 MHz, 110.9pl - Rocky Mountain National Park
166.5875 MHz, N301 - CBP at Denver International (DEN)
167.4625 MHz, N167 - FBI, north of Denver?
167.7250 MHz, N385
167.9250 MHz, N555 - Western Area Power Administration (WAPA)
172.9000 MHz, N001 - TSA at Denver International (DEN)
418.6750 MHz, 156.7pl - DEA F4

Once north of the Denver area, I came across some federal channels that are apparently a trunked site that is part of the statewide WyoLink system. This site is called the Cheyenne Water Tank site:
169.6250 MHz, N1A3
169.7125 MHz, N1A3
169.7750 MHz, N1A3
170.0750 MHz, N1A3
170.3625 MHz, N1A3

Came across this VHF trunked system belonging to F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne. The listing for this system at Radio Reference shows only one site for this system in Cheyenne, but I picked up a second site as well:
138.1625 MHz, N150
138.2625 MHz, N150
138.4625 MHz, N150
138.8875 MHz, N150, P-25 System 154, Site 001

138.3375 MHz, N151, P-25 System 154, Site 002

And finally, while driving through the Cheyenne area, came across these conventional channels:
165.1125 MHz, NDEA
173.4625 MHz, NDEA
Yes, the P-25 NAC showed as "DEA". The frequencies are used by the Wyoming Air National Guard, so my guess is someone at the radio shop had a sense of humor.

Federal Spectrum Under Scrutiny

2011-10-18T10:11:00.001-07:00

http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/125416

Over 1500 MHz worth of frequency spectrum assigned to the federal government is being considered for broadband data use.

While many of these chunks of radio spectrum are used for non-voice data, links and video surveillance, the 406.1 to 420 MHz band is heavily used for both federal and military trunking and conventional radio systems. Keep an eye out for upcoming changes in this band...

Atlantic City, NJ

2011-10-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

During a recent trip through the Atlantic City, NJ area, I came across a few new federal frequencies:

163.1000, N167 - FBI, might be regional task force. This channel is active is many places across the country right now.
163.2250, 100.0pl - US Fish & Wildlife Service running surveillance on roadside fish sale. At one point the channel was called "FARA Local" or something that sounded like that. Any ideas?
164.5625, N293 - US Coast Guard, NET 117.
165,1375, CSQ - NJ Air National Guard at ACY. Sounds like aircraft maintenance.
167.7750, N9C5 - DHS ICE Regional network
168.7500, N167 - FBI
172.2125, N9C5 - DHS ICE Regional network
172.8125, D754 - FAA or ANG - Patched to ACY ground.
172.9000, D315 - FAA Tech Center at Atlantic City International Airport. This is the analog portion of a mixed-mode repeater.
172.9000, N315 - FAA Tech Center, this is the P-25 side of the repeater.
173.4875, N293 - Someone at ACY, heard a "Clear To Lauch" message for ANG F-16's.
173.7875 - Unknown
345.0 MHz, AM - US Coast Guard helicopter ops.

Another POTUS Bus Tour

2011-10-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

President Obama starts another bus tour of North Carolina and Virginia, beginning next Monday in Asheville, North Carolina;

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20111012/NEWS01/310120043/Obama-revisiting-Asheville-part-bus-tour?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage

Unknown if the Secret Service will be using the mega-buses they recently purchased for these bus tours.

Although I have family in Asheville and visit there often, I will miss this event...

Atlanta P-25 UHF System

2011-09-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Over a month ago I was working north of Atlanta and found what appeared to be a multi-site, P-25 trunked system in the federal 406-420 MHz UHF band.

There are two UHF systems in the Atlanta metro area currently - a 4 site Motorola Type II system operated by the Federal Protective Service and used by Dobbins Air Reserve Base, and another Motorola Type II system operated by the Bureau of Prisons.

This new system is showing that it has 4 networked sites on the air. The site info I have so far:

System ID - 3B9
WACN - BEE00
NAC - 3B1
Site 101 - 406.1125, 407.8125, 409.3000, 410. 0375
Site 102 - 408.8375
Site 103 - 406.7750, 408.4375, 408.6375
Site 104 - 408.8375
(Yes, both sites 102 and 104 show the same frequency for the control channel. They must be located far enough apart to re-use some frequencies.)

Traffic monitored so far has only used two talk groups, TG 100 and TG 200. The users are still unknown but traffic so far is mostly security checks to various building numbers. Radio procedure sounds possibly military. Also the broadcast band plan of the trunked system shows a 380 MHz channel level, so more circumstantial evidence of it being possibly DoD.

While there are several US Army installations around the Atlanta area, including Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem, they were reported to be using the FPS trunked system. Monitoring of the FPS trunked system showed no connectivity or patches to this P-25 system.

More information as it becomes available.

Operation Mountain Guardian 9/23/11

2011-09-21T04:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.douglas.co.us/Operation_Mountain_Guardian_Emergency_Exercise.html

Operation Mountain Guardian is a terrorism-based emergency response drill that will be taking place in the Denver area this Friday, September 23rd. The drill involves many public safety agencies in the Denver Metro area and will include participation by federal agencies, including the FBI and Federal Protective Service.

This represents a rare opportunity to monitor the activities of the different agencies and see what is being used for communications. Be sure and keep an ear on the federal interoperability channels, as well as the DoJ "25-Cities" repeaters in the Denver area:

“DEN IO N” 170.6625 MHz (DENVER NORTH)
“DEN IO E” 171.9875 MHz (DENVER EAST)
“DEN IO C” 171.4375 MHz (DENVER CENTRAL)
“DEN IO S” 172.1875 MHz (DENVER SOUTH)
“DEN IO W” 167.2625 MHz (DENVER WEST)

CBP Aquires New Blackhawks

2011-09-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Customs & Border Protection Office of Air & Marine (OAM) has acquired 4 new UH-60M helicopters that were modified by the US Army at their Aviation and Missile Research Center at Redstone Arsenal near Huntsville, Alabama:

http://blog.al.com/huntsville-times-business/2011/09/black_hawk_helicopter.html

Mexican Cartel Radio Network

2011-09-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

I have encountered news reports in the past that suggested some of the Mexican drug cartels were utilizing a wide-area, encrypted radio system to outsmart both the Mexican and US authorities. It appears that the Mexican military was able to take down this network:

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/09/marines-dismantle-los-zeta.html

http://gizmodo.com/5840412/mexican-commandos-just-took-down-this-secret-drug-cartel-radio-grid

9/11 Anniversary Alerts

2011-09-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

With the 9/11 10-Year Anniversary coming up tomorrow, many are speculating about the heightened security around the country, including federal and military installations.

There are news media reports that some "unsubstantiated yet credible" threats that have caused some increase in local, state and federal law enforcement activity. Keep searching the federal frequency bands for possible activity over the next 48 hours or so...

New USCP Radio System

2011-09-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

The US Capitol Police are one of the federal agencies in the Washington, DC area that are still running analog radios. They have received some criticism for not yet upgrading to the federally backed APCO-P25 digital standard. But there appears to be change on the way.

A bid has been posted from the US Navy in Lakehurst, NJ for a multi-channel VHF P-25 system:

https://www.fbodaily.com/archive/2011/01-January/15-Jan-2011/FBO-02359641.htm

This system is part of the USCP radio modernization program and will be used by the US Capitol Police in the DC area. Some frequencies have been posted that are related to this new system:

Channel Number Transmit Receive
1 169.5750 162.2500
2 169.8375 162.6125
3 170.1375 162.8000
4 170.3750 163.1625
5 170.5750 163.6000
6 171.0000 164.0125
7 171.4125 164.3250
8 171.7875 164.6125
9 172.3875 164.8125
10 172.6875 165.0375
11 172.9625 165.5375
12 173.1625 165.7750
13 173.4750 166.2250
14 173.8125 166.4250

In addition to these trunked system frequencies, the bid proposes some "Travel Channels" to be used outside of the coverage of the DC system;

Travel 1: TX 168.3500 RX 163.1000

Travel 2: TX 173.5250 RX 166.4500

Travel 3: TX 173.8750 RX 166.4750

Unknown P-25 UHF System

2011-08-13T05:43:00.000-07:00

I'm down in the Norcross, GA area with the PGA Championship Golf TV coverage this week, and started picking up a UHF trunked system I have no info on.

I'm getting a control channel on 406.7750 MHz, P25 System ID of 3B9, WACN BEE00, Site 103. It shows connected to Site 101 (406.1125), Site 102 (408.8375) and Site 104 (408.8375). I'm thinking there might be some military connection as the tables show a 380 MHz band available.

It's not coming in super strong up here northeast of Atlanta, but it is consistent. None of these frequencies or system information shows up in Internet searches or Radio Reference.

My first thought was that they could be upgrading the Federal Protective Service trunked system in Atlanta to P-25. It is also a 4 site UHF system. But, when I drove up from the airport last week I don't recall coming across these trunked sites in my initial scan/search of the federal bands.

Anyone want to take a guess at who or what this system is and where it's located?

Border Activity

2011-08-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

In addition to DHS Border Patrol traffic, some listeners have reported activity that may be related to National Guard support of border enforcement.

From Eagle Pass, Texas comes a report of 391.0500 MHz, P25 with a NAC of N500. The report says the traffic is encrypted full time and not from Laughlin AFB.

Reports also mention some unknown type digital traffic in the 380-400 MHz bands that are not P-25, and rumored to be coming from Piedras Negras, Mexico.

UPDATE!
An alert reader pointed out that there is a wide-area TETRAPOL trunked system used by the Mexican Federal Police Forces, which may account for the unknown type digital traffic in the 390-400 MHz band.

Upcoming POTUS Bus Tour

2011-08-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

An upcoming bus tour of the Midwest US has been announced by the White House. President Obama will embark on a three-day tour from August 15 through 17. The administration said Wednesday that the trip had long been planned, but wouldn’t outline an itinerary:

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/175185-obama-plans-august-bus-tour-of-midwest

There is a line in the story that mentions that the "Secret Service purchased two armored buses for its fleet earlier this year". This could be an interesting opportunity for some listeners along the bus tour route to see what they have incorporated in these buses for communications.

UPDATE:
Apparently the buses mentioned in the above article were purchased from this company:
http://www.hemphillbrothers.com/

They list several political tours as well as some federal government agencies as clients.

NOT the Presidential Tour bus, but an interesting possibility:

UPDATE 2!

Well, not much reported from monitoring the POTUS bus tour of the midwest, but did get a real picture:

Bureau of Prisons Changes

2011-07-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing reports of changes occurring in some of the US Bureau of Prisons (BoP) UHF radio systems in use at federal prison facilities. In some cases some frequencies have been changed, in others the entire system seems to have been replaced.

Most recently I heard from a source in Southern California that the Metropolitan Correctional Center San Diego may have a new radio system going on line. A new Motorola control channel was heard on the air on 408.6125 MHz, with a System ID of F008. Later the control channel moved to 410.0000 MHz with the same System ID.

The original MCC trunked system in San Diego uses these frequencies:
System ID 6426
408.3000
411.0250
412.5759
414.1250

It would appear that the system is being replaced to conform with the federal UHF 9 MHz channel offset, with repeater outputs being at the low end of the spectrum, and the repeater inputs being +9 MHz.

Also, reports of a new UHF trunked system have been reported on Radio Reference. A control channel has been heard on 406.2125 MHz in the Fresno County area. The control channel is reporting a System ID of EE2B. Not confirmed but the speculation is that it will be used by the new FCI Mendota:

http://www.bop.gov/jobs/index.jsp

http://www.justice.gov/jmd/2008justification/exhibit300/bop_fci_mendota_ca.pdf

DEA News

2011-07-31T09:28:00.001-07:00

A couple of items regarding the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

First, a reader sent me this link:

http://www.ok.gov/okwin/documents/OKWIN%20-%20Executive%20Committee%20-%20Meeting%20Minutes%20-%20%2807.22.11%29.pdf

This is a document containing the minutes from a meeting of the Oklahoma Wireless Information Network (OKWIN) Executive Committee. In these minutes, the DEA requested access and talk groups on the new statewide radio system. This quote appeared in these minutes:

"The DEA currently has UHF frequencies to conduct daily business. They really want to use the system for interoperability, but see the benefits of using the system for day-to-day business so it would be “nice to have.” The DEA coverage is limited in the NW and SE areas of Oklahoma, just as the OKWIN system is limited. So there is no great increase in coverage area for them. Also, the DEA plans on using a new VHF system planned in the future and then only maintaining a presence on the OKWIN system for interoperability."

This triggered some questions about the DEA moving to a VHF radio system. I think they are referring to the DEA's participation in the federal VHF Integrated Wireless Network (IWN), of which the Department of Justice is the primary user. The DEA is using the IWN in areas that it is operational. (In the Pacific Northwest, the DEA had their UHF radios taken away years ago.) But in areas that are not served by the IWN (which is most of the country), they not only remain on UHF, but have started to migrate to new P-25 UHF frequencies.

Which brings us to the second item, and updated list of the UHF P-25 channels that listeners in Texas and other Gulf states are hearing:

409.6250 MHz, N156 - Possible new F1
409.6750 MHz, N156 - Possible new F6
409.8125 MHz, N156 - Possible new F7
409.8250 MHz, N156 - Possible new F8
409.9000 MHz, N156 - Possible new F9
409.9500 MHz, N156 - Repeater, possible new F10
410.4125 MHz, N156 - Repeater/simplex, new 11?
411.1250 MHz, N156 - Simplex 1?
411.1750 MHz, N156 - Simplex
412.2000 MHz, N156 - Simplex 2?
413.9750 MHz, N156 - Simplex 3?
414.2000 MHz, N156 - Simplex, possible new 4 or 5
414.4500 MHz, N156 - Simplex, possibly new 5
418.3250 MHz, N156 - Simplex or possible input to 409.3250 repeater (not heard)
418.6250 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.6250 repeater
418.6750 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.6750 repeater
418.8125 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.8125 repeater
418.8250 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.8250 repeater
418.9000 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.9000 repeater
418.9500 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.9500 repeater

It's also possible that the DEA will be going to the nomenclature of NET and TAC channels that many other DoJ agencies are now using. The NET channels will be repeaters and TAC channels being simplex.

DMAFB Trunked System Update

2011-07-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

Just had a chance to monitor some changes at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. They have had a UHF Motorola trunked system there for a number of years, but now have started a separate P-25 UHF system as well.

The new system is using a System ID of 3F6 and the site at the base shows as Site 102. It is not showing as being networked with any other sites yet.

The frequencies are as follows:

409.2750
409.4500
409.5625
410.5625

All frequencies associated with this system were displaying a NAC of 3F0. These 4 frequencies were taken from the original DMAFB UHF system channels. It's unconfirmed, but this may be the start of converting the entire base to a single P-25 trunked system.

The system now has some limited users, and at least one talk group was being heard over both systems. But most of the activity is still on the original base trunked system:

http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=3711

Nellis AFB P-25 System Updates

2011-07-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Back in May, I posted some initial reports of an update to the UHF trunked system used by Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. You can find that post here.

I'm now in Las Vegas and have started monitoring and mapping this new system. The first item of note is that this is a separate, true P-25 trunked system and not part of the NNSA Motorola trunked system that Nellis was a subscriber to in the past. Some of the early information had listed this new System ID as "000F", but it is "00F", which indicates that it is a P-25 system (P-25 systems use a 3-digit system ID as opposed to a 4 digit ID used by Motorola Type II systems).

Here are the frequencies in use at Nellis now:

406.5000
406.7875
407.1875
407.3000
407.5000
407.8625
408.1500
408.9625
409.1125
409.5625
409.7125
410.6500

With the exception of 407.1875 and 407.5000, these frequencies were at one time all part of the NNSA Motorola trunked system that serves the entire southern Nevada area. This P-25 system appears to be standalone and is not networked to any other sites.

The original NNSA Site 10 that covered Nellis is now on the air on 408.3875 MHz, and appears to still be in use by a few users.

FEMA Mobile Units

2011-07-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Saw this web page on a recent list posting and thought it was interesting;

http://www.core77.com/blog/transportation/a_tour_of_femas_fleet_19969.asp

It's a nice look at FEMA's Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) command units and the various versions and sizes that they come in.

UPDATE: Fixed the messed up link I had earlier.

CBP Announce New MEA

2011-07-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today its new King Air 350, twin engine Multi-role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA), providing the Department of Homeland Security unmatched capabilities to patrol the skies along the nation’s land and maritime borders.

Full story here:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/national/06102011.xml

Another 414.5625 Report

2011-07-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

I have monitored some encrypted P-25 transmissions in the Houston area on 414.5625 MHz with a NAC of N168. Others have also heard it in use in the Charlotte, NC area. I've recently received a report of encrypted traffic on this same frequency in the Boston area, however reports are that the NAC was showing N169. It's possible that whatever agency this is has multiple NACs for different repeaters in the area.

Still no indication as to what agency this is...

Royals Visiting California

2011-07-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

Members of the British Royal Family will visiting the Southern California area this coming week, and it could make for some interesting monitoring.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will arrive in Los Angeles on July 8. Their schedule calls for several days of travel and appointments around LA and other cities;
http://www.kcoy.com/story/14924375/schedule-released-for-royal-visit-to-california

Both Secret Service and Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security have possible involvement in security operations for the Royal visit, but media reports have mentioned the DoS as being the agency for this trip.

If scanning the visit, be sure and keep an ear on local and CHP channels for activity, and search the UHF federal band (406-420 MHz) for State Department activity. And don't forget there will most likely be some British Royal security presence as well. The last time I ran into British VIP security in the US they were using some 160 MHz frequencies.

For a list of Secret Service channels, you can check my previous post,
http://mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com/2008/02/secret-service-frequency-list.html

Here is a quick list of possible Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security frequencies. They should be all P-25 digital and utilize a NAC of either N293 or N0F0. Be sure and let me know what you hear active:

406.3750

407.2000

407.5000

407.6000

407.8625

408.1000

408.4000

408.6000

409.1500

409.5250

409.6000

409.6250

409.7000

411.0750

411.1500

411.4250

412.0000

412.2875

415.9000

416.2000

416.2250

417.6000

417.8500

418.0500

418.0750

418.4500

418.5250

418.5750

419.3000

NYC Updates on RR

2011-06-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Some additional, anonymous federal frequencies have been added to the New York City frequency database on Radio Reference:

http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?aid=3378

Sifting through the updates, I spotted a couple of interesting items. First, if the contributor is accurate, several VHF P-25 channels that I have caught in the past using a NAC of 864 are identified as being the US Marshals Service, New York. They have been active, but due to encryption, the identity was unknown. Also unknown if this is a NAC used by the USMS nationwide.

Secondly, there are 9 VHF channels listed as being "Federal Interoperability" frequencies. I have noted one or two of these frequencies active during the weekly tests, but some of these are previously unknowns, or used by other agencies. Keep an ear on these and let me know if they are active;

164.4750, N653 (Also used by the National Parks Service in New Jersey)
166.5375, N653* (See Update below)
166.7500, N653
167.3500, N653
167.7875, N653 FI/O 1 (Weekly interoperability roll call tests heard here)
168.6625, N653
171.1125, N653
171.1750, N653 FI/O 2 (Heard during New Years Eve in Times Square events)
172.2875, N653

The frequency of 414.7500 MHz, 82.5pl was also utilized for interoperability tests in the past.

UPDATE!
It slipped past me initially, but I was reminded that the frequency of 166.5375 MHz is actually the input to the BATFE nationwide repeater of 165.2875 MHz. The BATFE uses a NAC of 650 on the repeater output, but uses various NAC's from 650-65A on the inputs. I suspect that they are using 166.5375 MHz, NAC 653 as the input to the BATFE repeater in the area, and the listener assumed that the NAC of 653 meant it was part of the Federal Interop channels.

Also, the inputs for the two known federal interop repeaters are not among the channels that were posted on RR. The input to the 167.7875 MHz repeater is 164.7375 MHz, and the input to the 171.1750 MHz repeater is 162.2875 MHz.

EPA Flys Over Dallas

2011-06-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Apparently in preparation for the celebrations of the Dallas Mavericks NBA Championship, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be doing low-level flights over the downtown Dallas, Texas area;

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43404526/ns/local_news-dallas_fort_worth_tx/t/dont-be-alarmed-low-level-flyovers/

The flights are for sampling air and other environmental readings in order to detect anything unusual that might be released, either intentionally or accidentally.

The next Fed Files column will feature a profile of EPA radio channels. I have not received any information on what the EPA flights in Dallas might be using.

TSA Conducts Multi-State Exercise

2011-06-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

If you think the TSA only functions at your local airport, think again:

http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/536701/TSA-conducting-security-exercise-.html?nav=5002

http://wvgazette.com/News/201006160894

As of Wednesday, June 15th, eports are that this was a multi-state exercise involving the VIPR (Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response) teams. The exercise involved inspections of power and chemical plants, rail terminals and shipping terminals, lock and dam complexes and natural gas pipelines. The exercise also involved local and state agencies as well.

DEA Changes in Dallas

2011-06-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

Listener reports from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex seem to indicate that the DEA is starting to use some of it's new P-25 UHF frequency assignments there.

After many reports from the Houston area and other Gulf regions of the new UHF frequencies, reports are that 413.9750 MHz, NAC156 is in use around DFW. The original UHF channels are also still in use in analog mode as well.

For a complete listing of what's been found on the new UHF channels so far, check out this previous blog post:
http://mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com/2011/02/more-new-dea-uhf-p-25.html

POTUS Visit to Joplin, MO

2011-05-28T12:07:00.001-07:00

After the terrible devastation of the tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri, it appears that a presidential visit is on tap for Sunday, May 29th. A TFR has been issued for the area:

http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_5046.html

If anyone is in the area and can provide any details of emergency communications in the Joplin region following the disaster, please pass them along to us at the Fed Files!

Las Vegas NNSA TRS Updates?

2011-05-24T09:22:00.001-07:00

I am seeing posts over on Radio Reference that there may be changes afoot for the Las Vegas area UHF trunked system operated by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Until recently, the NNSA operated the wide-area UHF trunked system that was utilized by Nellis AFB as a subscriber agency.

Now reports are that a new UHF trunked system has come on the air, using the System ID of 00F, NAC of 00F. Site 1 is reported using these frequencies:

406.5000
406.7875 CC
407.1875
407.3000
407.5000
407.8625
408.1500
408.9625
409.1125
409.5625
409.7125
410.6500

Some replies indicate that this new system is a separate system for military use only and that Nellis will no longer be a subscriber to the NNSA system,

If anyone in the Las Vegas area can keep me posted on this change, please send them along to The Fed Files.

UPDATE:
I took a look at the frequencies that have been posted as part of this new "000F" trunked system and see that most of them were part of the NNSA trunked system site 10, that was assumed to be located and service Nellis Air Force Base. 410.6500 MHz, was logged with some activity in Las Vegas a while back, but was not part of the NNSA system as far as I could tell.

So I'm wondering if Site 10 of the NNSA system is still on the air on any frequencies? They might have migrated the Nellis site off to it's own system, since it was probably the busiest site in the NNSA system.

There was a post on Radio Reference that indicated this was a move towards providing common trunked systems for Nellis AFB, NAS Fallon and US Navy carrier operations. Not sure if this makes any sense, but I have no information on this change as being part of any larger Navy system.

NE Florida USCG

2011-05-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

I'm in the Jacksonville, FL area for a while and caught some Coast Guard traffic on both VHF and UHF channels recently.

162.3250 MHz, N293 NET111 - SECTOR JACKSONVILLE with various CG assets. SECTOR in the clear, but field units always encrypted.

412.9750 MHz, N293 NET409 - SECTOR JACKSONVILLE with what seemed to be CG helicopters, usually CG6xxx numbers. Again, SECTOR JAX in the clear with others secure. The NET number was confirmed by the SECTOR JAX radio operator, and also confirms another rumor that the CG UHF channels are being used primarily by airborne assets of the Coast Guard.

TSA Frequency Updates Here!

2011-04-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

Since I featured a list of TSA frequencies heard at various airports in the March 2011 Fed Files, I decided to post the list here and update it with frequencies that have been sent to me. If you have any additional TSA channels you have found active, send them along.

Always assume that the TSA at your local airports will have some of these four frequencies in use:
166.4625 MHz
169.3000 MHz
172.1500 MHz
172.9000 MHz

Here are additional channels that have been identified as being TSA operations. If the channel is designated with a CTCSS tone, it is an analog channel using voice-inversion scrambling. P-25 channels are noted with the appropriate NAC. The analog channels are usually the security checkpoint screeners using Icom F-50v radios. The additional P-25 channels are usually the operators of the full-body scanners communicating with the checkpoints. The operators of these devices are located in a separate area away from the security checkpoints.

Boston, MA (BOS)

163.3125, 136.5 PL

166.2875, N001

166.4625, 103.5 PL

168.0875, N003

168.9625, N001

169.1625, N001

169.1625, N003

171.7625, 146.2 PL

172.1500, 103.5 PL

172.1500, 123.0 PL

Chicago, IL O’Hare (ORD)

165.0750, 123.0 PL
165.0750, 131.8 PL

166.4625, 103.5 PL
166.2875, N004 (presumed TSA, not yet confirmed)
168.9625, N001 (presumed TSA, not yet confirmed)

169.1625, 123.0 PL

169.1625, N001

169.3000, 136.5 PL

172.1500, 103.5 PL

172.1500, 123.0 PL
172.1500, 136.5 PL
172.9000, 136.5 PL

Cincinnati, OH (CVG)
166.2875, N003 - Scanner operators
169.1625, N003 - Scanner operators
172.9000, N001

Denver, CO (DEN)

163.6250, 151.4 PL – Behavior Detection Officers using ICE repeater at DEN airport

166.4625, N001 – Scanner operators

172.1500, 123.0 PL

172.1500, 131.8 PL

172.1500, 136.5 PL

Dallas / Ft. Worth, TX (DFW)

168.0875, N004

169.9125, 123.0 PL – TSA Terminal E

170.3375, N001 – TSA “Coordination Center”

170.9375, N004

173.7750, N004

Gulfport/Biloxi, MS (GPT)

172.9000, 162.2 PL

Houston, TX Hobby (HOU)

166.2875, N003

169.1625, N001

Houston, TX Bush (IAH)

169.3000, 123.0 PL

Indianapolis, IN (IND)

169.3000, 136.5 PL

172.1500, 146.2 PL

172.9000, 151.4 PL

Jacksonville, FL (JAX)

169.3000, N001

172.1500, 146.2 PL

172.9000, 162.2 PL

Las Vegas, NV (LAS)

166.2875, N002

166.4625, N001

168.0875, N002

168.9625, N001

168.9625, N002

Los Angeles, CA (LAX)

166.7875, 123.0 – Terminal 3

168.9625, N001

168.9625, N002 - Scanner operators

169.1625, N001

172.1500, 131.8 – Terminal 7

Philadelphia, PA (PHI)

168.0875, N002 - B Concourse scanner operators

168.8375, N002 - C Concourse scanner operators

Portland, OR (PDX)

169.3000, 146.2 PL – Checkpoint D-E

172.1500, 123.0 PL – Checkpoint A-B-C

San Francisco, CA (SFO)

162.2750, 131.8 PL

172.9000, 123.0 PL

Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)

172.1500, 123.0 PL

172.1500, N001

St. Louis, MO (STL)

169.1625, 123.0 PL

172.1500, N001

172.1500, 123.0 PL

Seattle, WA (SEA)

168.6125, N001 - Behavior Detection Officers
172.1500

Tampa, FL (TPA)

169.3000, 123.0 PL

172.1500, 123.0 PL

Washington, DC Reagan National Airport (DCA)

172.1500, 136.5 PL

TSA to TRBO?

2011-04-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

I recently received a report of someone hearing what sounded like MOTO TRBO digital traffic on 172.9000 MHz in the Southeast Florida area. This frequency is one of the primary TSA channels used at airports across the country.

It would be strange for the TSA to move to TRBO digital radios, as they are part of the Department of Homeland Security, which is committed to utilizing APCO P-25 digital modes for federal interoperability and have been using P-25 digital radios since they came into existence. Plus the TSA has recently tested the addition of OTAR (over-The-Air Re-keying) of the encryption keys on their P-25 radio systems.

However, since the TSA also decided a few years ago to start equipping security checkpoint screeners with Icom F-50V radio with analog voice-inversion, I guess anything is possible.

Has anyone else caught what might be TRBO digital on any TSA channels? Looking for updates...

FEMA Deploys to Texas Wildfires? -UPDATE

2011-04-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

In a rare move, FEMA has declared the Texas wildfires a "Major Disaster" and deployed a mobile command post to the Mineral Wells, Texas area.

Monitors report that the FEMA CP is probably one of the MERS Teams vehicles. They have spotted a mobile truck with two pneumatic masts that support communications antennas. No mention was made in the reports I saw of any satellite dishes, but most if not all of the FEMA mobile units carry satellite dishes.

Only frequencies heard so far that might be connected to the FEMA deployment were 163.1000 MHz and 866.0125 MHz. More as reports come in...

UPDATE - It appears that the original source now says this may not be FEMA's mobile command post operating on location in Texas, despite that fact that Texas has requested FEMA assistance in the fires:

http://texas.onpolitix.com/news/44593/femas-major-disaster-declaration-rare-for-texas-fires

The mobile units spotted in the Mineral Wells area has been described as not looking like the FEMA MERS vehicles I mentioned above. However, reports continue to indicate plenty of state and federal frequencies are in use in the firefighting efforts. You can follow the updates at this link on Radio Reference:

http://forums.radioreference.com/texas-incidents-breaking-news/141626-n-texas-wild-fires.html#post1523455

UPDATE II - Here are some additional frequencies passed along to me by a source on the ground. These were monitored near the Possum Kingdom Lake fires:

163.1000 MHz, CSQ - Aircraft/direct
166.9375 MHz, CSQ - Air-attack to ground units/main/direct/VERY active
168.0125 MHz, CSQ - Aircraft/direct
168.0500 MHz, CSQ - Ground units/direct
168.1000 MHz, 123.0 PL - Command/operations/repeater and direct/heard from
70 miles away either east or west.
168.2000 MHz, CSQ - Ground units/direct

DoJ Buys E.F. Johnson Radios

2011-04-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fbi-to-deploy-ef-johnson-project-25-radios-73710702.html

The Department of Justice Wireless Management Office has purchased an unknown number of E.F. Johnson branded P-25 radios. This report indicates these radio will be used primarily by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

NCAA Final Four Houston

2011-04-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

From the looks of the on-line posting, the Final Four games in Houston this past weekend were loaded with local and federal radio action. As I posted, a lot of federal law enforcement activities were planned for the weekend of the Final Four games, called by some as "Super Bowl levels" of federal planning.

The folks in and around Houston did a nice job of keeping the scanners going and even posted what they heard in a wiki article on Radio Reference:

http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/NCAA_Final_Four_2011

One interesting item that was noted during all the activities was some clear traffic that referenced some Department of Energy personnel involved with federal activities, possible monitoring for radiation levels. There was some activity noted on 171.2000 MHz, analog, and that is a nationwide DoE allocation. I did not see anything noted, but would not be surprised if there was some Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) activity during the weekend as well...

Justice Department "25 Cities Project"

2011-03-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

I've written about the DoJ "25 Cities" federal interoperability project in several Fed Files columns, but thought I would post some information here as well.

Some information on the “25 Cities Project” is available on the Internet, but much of it has not been updated in years, and may not reflect the actually current project status:

http://www.npstc.org/documents/commtech/CommTech%20Presentation%2025%20Cities.pdf

http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/files/ric/Publications/wirelesscomm_ritter.pdf

http://www.search.org/conferences/2006interop/DOJ%2025%20Cities%20Fact%20Sheets.pdf

http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/default.asp?Item=1518

Web pages and documents available on line now do not have any frequency information available in them, but confirmation from local monitoring and some have verified frequencies for these DOJ radio systems. Here is a rundown of the cities involved in the “25 Cities” project, and what the known radio systems are. Unless noted with a CTCSS tone squelch value, all these repeaters are using P-25 digital mode with a P-25 Network Access Code or NAC of N653.

ATLANTA, GA

“ATL FIO” 170.4750 MHz

BALTIMORE, MD

“BAL FIO” 170.6625 MHz

BOSTON, MA – UPDATE!

Reports from local listeners in the Boston area have reported that the “Boston FIO” channel has had very little use in recent times. The frequency was derived from a US Coast Guard channel used for natural gas terminal operations, but since the Coast Guard has started using the new P-25 “CG NET” channels, traffic on this frequency has pretty much dried up.

“BOS FIO” 165.3250 MHz

“BAPERN FIO” 167.4375 MHz, 167.9 pl–patch to BAPERN 470.7875

“BPD FIO” 158.9100 MHz

CHARLOTTE, NC

Federal agencies in the Charlotte region have access to the large Charlotte-Mecklenburgh County trunked radio system. A cache of portable 800 MHz trunked radios is provided to agencies such as DHS CBP & ICE, DEA, US Marshals Service, the Secret Service and the North Carolina Air National Guard.

CHICAGO, IL

“CG CMD C” 171.6875 MHz (CHICAGO COMMAND CENTRAL)

“CG CMD N” 170.8125 MHz (CHICAGO COMMAND NORTH)

“CG CMD S” 171.4375 MHz (CHICAGO COMMAND SOUTH)

“CG TAC C” 172.2125 MHz (CHICAGO TACTICAL CENTRAL)

“CG TAC N” 168.8875 MHz (CHICAGO TACTICAL NORTH)

“CG TAC S” 168.9125 MHz (CHICAGO TACTICAL SOUTH)

DALLAS/FORT WORTH, TX

“DFW EAST” 170.7250 MHz

“DFW WEST” 171.4375 MHz

DENVER, CO – UPDATE!

Originally the project described the Denver Metro area as being served by a pool of 800 MHz trunked radios programmed to operate on local public safety trunked systems. It now appears that the 25 Cities Project has opted to install 5 VHF P-25 repeaters located around the Denver metro area.

“DEN IO N” 170.6625 MHz (DENVER NORTH)

“DEN IO E” 171.9875 MHz (DENVER EAST)

“DEN IO C” 171.4375 MHz (DENVER CENTRAL)

“DEN IO S” 172.1875 MHz (DENVER SOUTH)

“DEN IO W” 167.2625 MHz (DENVER WEST)

DETROIT, MI - UPDATE!

In the first version of the 25 Cities Project, federal interoperability in both the Detroit area and Michigan statewide was supported through the Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS). However, new information indicates that Detroit will also be getting a stand-alone VHF repeater for federal interoperability communications.

“DET FIO” 170.5625 MHz

NORFOLK/ HAMPTON ROADS, VA

The Hampton Roads/Norfolk metropolitan area is using a single VHF repeater for federal interop use. Listeners have reported both clear and encrypted traffic on this channel, as well as weekly check-ins between the various agencies utilizing this system.

“HRN FIO” 165.7000 MHz

HONOLULU, HI – UPDATE!

In addition to having access to the local public-safety radio systems, federal agencies in Honolulu have several VHF repeaters for federal interoperability. The “LE-4” repeater is part of the NTIA nationwide interoperability channels available to both federal and non-federal agencies.

“HNL FIO” 170.6250 MHz

“HNL FIO 2” 168.9875 MHz

“LE-4” 168.1125 MHz, N68F

“HNL FIRE” 154.280 MHz, D364

HOUSTON, TX

Two VHF repeaters in the Houston area are now available for federal agency interoperability. These frequencies have also been referred to by FBI units as “L1” and “L2”, which are the channel numbers in the FBI radios that were originally testing these repeaters. The channel names are short for COMMAND and PATCH.

“HOU CMD” 170.7250 MHz

“HOU PAT” 171.4375 MHz

JACKSONVILLE, FL

A single VHF repeater serves the Jacksonville area federal interoperability needs. This repeater can be patched to other area pubic safety radio systems if needed. The US Navy facilities in Jacksonville and Mayport have control stations that access this repeater.

“JAX FIO” 171.4375 MHz

LOS ANGELES, CA – UPDATE!

Two standalone VHF P-25 repeaters in the Los Angeles area service the 25 Cities Project:

“LA FIO 1” 163.1000 MHz

“LA FIO 2” 172.4125 MHz

In addition to these federal repeaters, the Los Angeles Regional Tactical Communications System (LARTCS) has been providing interoperability between federal, state and local agencies. The federal “25 Cities” frequencies listed above do not appear to be part of the LARTCS. Here is a rundown of the LARTCS frequencies that can be patched together:

California National Guard 036.5000 MHz

HEAR 155.3400 MHz

NALEMARS 155.4750 MHz, 156.7 PL

Coast Guard Channel 23A 157.1750 MHz

LA INTEROP D 159.0300 MHz

LA INTEROP C 159.1800 MHz

Federal UHF I/O 406.8000 MHz, 156.7 PL

LACSO MA-1 483.5875 MHz, 186.2 PL

LACSO MA-2 484.0875 MHz, 186.2 PL

LACSO MA-3 483.7875 MHz, 186.2 PL

LACSO MA-4 484.1375 MHz, 186.2 PL

LACSO MA-5 484.0625 MHz, 186.2 PL

I-CALL 866.0125 MHz, 156.7 PL

CLEMARS 8 868.5125 MHz, 156.7 PL

MIAMI, FL

“MIA FIO” 171.4375 MHz

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN – UPDATE!

The original rundown of cities for the 25 Cities Project did not include the Minneapolis / St. Paul Metro area. Since then, the Twin Cities have apparently been elevated to be among the 25 “high-risk” cities (Sharp Fed Files readers will note that this brings the total number of cities to 26!). Both of these repeaters were heard on the air during the Republican Convention in late 2008:

“FEDCOM MP” 170.6250 MHz

“FEDCOM SP” 171.6125 MHz

NEW ORLEANS, LA

“NOLA FIO” 171.4375 MHz

NEW YORK CITY, NY – UPDATE!

The Big Apple has three repeaters available as a federal interoperability system. The VHF repeaters are using P-25 digital and the UHF repeater is analog. Also, I was recently advised of another VHF P-25 channel that might be linked to these. The frequency 173.8625 MHz, N653 was heard active, but unknown if this is a permanent part of the NYC Federal Interoperability nets.

“NYC FIO” 167.7875 MHz

“NYC FIO2” 171.1750 MHz

“NYC FIO” 414.7500 MHz, 82.5 PL

PHILADELPHIA, PA

“PH FIO” 171.4375 MHz

PHOENIX, AZ

Federal interoperability communications in Phoenix can use multiple radio systems. One is the Inter-Agency Radio System, or IARS. This is a series of VHF and UHF repeaters tied together to link agencies with dissimilar radio bands. Federal agencies also have radio consoles and portable radios on the Phoenix Regional Wireless Network (PWRN) and the Mesa Trunked Open Arizona Network (TOPAZ).

PORTLAND, OR

Federal agencies operating in the Portland area have access to the local 800 MHz public safety trunking systems. There are talk groups allocated for the various agencies sue, as well as control stations and radios available. The federal IWN trunked system is operational in and around the Portland metro area and there is some interconnection available between the IWN P-25 trunked system and the Portland area 800 MHz radio systems.

SAN DIEGO, CA

San Diego area federal agencies can make use of the San Diego City and County 800 MHz trunked systems with control station and portable radio access. Communications dispatchers also have the ability to patch from their trunked systems to some federal “mutual aid” or “multi-agency” channels. These channels are not directly related to the “25 Cities Project”, but are part of the DHS Border Patrol P-25 network throughout southern California. Listeners have reported patches between these federal frequencies and other agencies:

“MA-4 SP” 166.9125 MHz, N245

“MA-4 PM” 167.3750 MHz, N249

“MA-4 DM” 167.5250 MHz, N247

“MA-4 MCC” 167.7250 MHz, N244

“MA-4 CP” 170.8375 MHz, N248

“MA-1 CP” 171.1750 MHz, N362

“MA-1 PM” 172.2875 MHz, N363

“MA-1 SP” 172.4500 MHz, N148

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – UPDATE!

The Bay Area recently received some upgrades to their federal interoperability system. There now appear to be 2 VHF and 2 UHF federal repeaters in both analog and P-25 digital:

“SF FED-V” 171.6127 MHz

“SF FED-U” 410.4125 MHz

“SF MA V-A” 168.7625 MHz, 167.9 pl

“SF MA U-A” 409.0125 MHz, 167.9 pl

In addition to these federal repeaters, the interoperability system includes these state and nationwide public safety channels:

“CELMARS 7” / “LLAW” 045.8600 MHz, 156.7 pl

“SF MA T-A” 483.1375 MHz, 156.7 pl

“8TAC94” 851.0125 MHz, 156.7 pl / 866.0125 MHz, 156.7 pl

SEATTLE, WA

The Seattle / Tacoma, WA metropolitan areas are served with several large 800 MHz trunked radio systems. Federal interoperability in these cities relies on control stations and portable radios that can access these trunked systems. It also involves patches to these systems as well as the federal IWN trunked system.

ST.LOUIS, MO

“STL CALL” 171.4375 MHz

“STL TAC” 171.6875 MHz

TAMPA, FL

“TAM FIO” 171.6875 MHz

WASHINGTON, DC

“DCIO 1” 159.1500 MHz, MPD Citywide Patch

“DCIO 2” 168.8750 MHz

In addition to the above interoperability channels, there were plans for three additional repeaters, but they do not appear to be on the air at the time I compiled this list. Can anyone in the DC area confirm any activity on these frequencies?

“DCIO 2 N” 173.7500 MHz

“DCIO 2 S” 168.0875 MHz

“DCIO 2 W” 166.7875 MHz

Upcoming Final Four in Houston

2011-03-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

A recent article from the Houston Chronicle talks about expected security plans for the NCAA Final Four events:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkc/men/7488677.html

Although it mentions that the security operations will be of "Super Bowl proportions", the NCAA events in Houston do not appear to be declared a National Security Special Event, as Super Bowls and other large pubic events have been.

According to the article, multiple federal agencies will be assisting state and local law enforcement with security, so start searching for activity. The game is scheduled for the first week in April, 2011.

Securing Presidential Communicnations - SCIF

2011-03-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting story from the BBC concerning how they secure Presidential communications while traveling the world with a portable Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF);

Barack Obama's top secret tent

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12810675

Integrated Wireless Network Faces Cancelation

2011-03-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

Once again, the future of the Justice Department's Integrated Wireless Network (IWN) is in doubt due to proposed budget cuts:

http://www.fiercegovernmentit.com/story/dojs-iwn-faces-cancelation/2011-02-28

The linked article also contains a link to this interesting IWN document, containing some additional details of the proposed system layout and the new sites around the National Capitol Region;

http://assets.fiercemarkets.com/public/sites/govit/iwnreport.pdf

POTUS Visit to Portland

2011-02-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

On February 18th, President Obama made a visit to the Portland, Oregon area, specifically the Intel Ronler Acres campus near Hillsboro Stadium. I was unable to be in town when the visit occurred, but was able to catch some traffic from the Advance Teams in the days prior to the visit. I was also able to spot the motorcade rehearsing the routes out of Portland International Airport on the day before the POTUS arrival.

Here is what was active:

164.6500, N001 - USSS TANGO
164.8875, N001 - USSS OSCAR
165.3750, N001 - USSS CHARLIE
166.5125, N001 - WHCA ALPHA
167.0375, N001 - USSS Executive Protection Detail *

In the past I have received many emails complaining that when the President or other dignitaries visited the areas that they never heard anything on the usual Secret Service channels. As I have explained in past Fed Files columns, the Secret Service tends to set up low power and simplex radio systems in areas that are needed rather than try and cover large areas with temporary repeaters.

* - Thanks to all that emailed me information on the "name" of this channel and 167.0125 MHz. The opinion seems to be that 167.0125 MHz is the Vice Presidential Protection Detail, and 167.0375 MHz is the Presidential Protection Detail., called VPPD and PPD. However, I have heard both frequencies used at events/situations where neither the P or VP are in the field, so they do get used for other things, apparently...

DHS to Launch Harris Multiband Radio Pilot in Phoenix, AZ

2011-02-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate will launch a 30-day pilot of Harris multiband radios in the Phoenix area, starting Feb. 23rd. More information can be found here:

http://radioresourcemag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=6696

NIFOG Version 1.4 Now Available

2011-02-16T07:29:00.000-08:00

The latest version of the National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG) is now available from the Department of Homeland Security.

http://www.dhs.gov/files/publications/gc_1297699887997.shtm

Version 1.4 is now the most up to date version, with some additional information added. Get it while it's still available for download!

More New DEA UHF P-25

2011-02-14T21:35:00.000-08:00

More new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) P-25 channels are being reported active along the Gulf Coast area. Most of the new channels appear to be active in and around the Houston area, but now I'm seeing reports along the Gulf from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle of new active frequencies.

During my recent visit to Arlington for the Super Bowl, the DEA still appears to be using the old UHF channel plan and are still analog.

Still looking for some P-25 repeaters using the 418.750/409.750 frequencies, which I haven't heard of yet.

Here is a quick rundown of some of the new activity:

409.6250 MHz, N156 - Possible new F1
409.6750 MHz, N156 - Possible new F6
409.8125 MHz, N156
409.8250 MHz, N156 - Possible new F7
409.9000 MHz, N156 - Possible new F9
409.9500 MHz, N156 - Repeater
410.4125 MHz, N156 - Repeater/simplex
411.1750 MHz, N156 - Simplex
412.2000 MHz, N156 - Simplex
413.9750 MHz, N156 - Simplex
414.2000 MHz, N156 - Simplex, possible new F5
414.4500 MHz, N156 - Simplex
418.3250 MHz, N156 - Simplex or possible input to 409.3250 repeater (not heard)
418.6250 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.6250 repeater
418.6750 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.6750 repeater
418.8125 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.8125 repeater
418.8250 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.8250 repeater
418.9000 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.9000 repeater
418.9500 MHz, N156 - Input to 409.9500 repeater

Inside the Secret Service

2011-02-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

An interesting article in The Atlantic Magazine about the US Secret Service. Several communications issues discussed, so it's well worth the read:

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/03/inside-the-secret-service/8390/

163.2125 MHz

2011-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

While up on Rocky Butte in Portland, Oregon on Friday, I picked up 163.2125 MHz, N100 conventional P-25 traffic. All encrypted so I don't know who is using this. I noted that I had heard this and 163.6375 MHz active in December of 2006 here in Portland as well.

The frequency is a newer allocation, so I don't have any history on it. It has also been heard active with the same NAC of 100 in Southern California and Washington DC.

Ao anyone hearing 163.2125 MHz active near you?

CBP Provides Air Support over Super Bowl XLV

2011-02-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Nice video presentation highlighting the CBP Office of Air and Marine participation in covering Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas last week:

http://nemo.cbp.gov/opa/videos/2011/spbl_xlv.wmv

I was outside the stadium while these shots of the Blackhawk helicopter orbiting the stadium were shot and should have some ground level stills in an upcoming Fed Files column.

TSA Halts Screening Partnership Program

2011-01-31T10:16:00.000-08:00

The TSA has decided to halt the expansion of the Screening Partnership Program, which allowed airports to choose private security screeners in place of the TSA screeners:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/01/29/tsa.private/index.html?hpt=T2

There are currently 16 US airports that have opted out of using TSA security screeners. They are:

• San Francisco International Airport (KSFO)
• Kansas City International Airport (KMCI)
• Greater Rochester International Airport (KROC)
• Sioux Falls Regional Airport (KFSD)
• Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC)
• Tupelo Regional Airport (KTUP)
• Key West International Airport (KEYW)
• Charles M. Schultz-Sonoma County Airport (KSTS)
• Roswell Industrial Air Center (KROW)
• Frank Wiley Field (KMLS)
• Sidney Richland Regional (KSDY)
• Dawson Community (KGDV)
• L.M. Clayton (KOLF)
• Wokal Field (KGGW)
• Havre City County (KHVR)
• Lewiston Municipal (KLWS)

The March edition of Monitoring Times Fed Files column will contain additional details of the TSA communications.

Super Bowl XLV Update

2011-01-30T09:32:00.001-08:00

Haven't had much time to update the blog, but things are starting to get busy here in Arlington. Some radio systems checks have been heard, as well as some military units checking communications.

Things will be getting busier as the big game day approaches. Hopefully I will have some time to play with the scanners!

US Forest Service Radio Purchase

2011-01-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

The US Department of Agriculture / US Forest Service has purchased a large number of P25 radios from RELM Wireless Corp:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/relm-wireless-receives-15-million-order-from-us-department-of-agriculture-forest-service-112930354.html

As I have mentioned in some of the recent Fed Files columns, the US Forest Service has began to upgrade system infrastructure in US Forests near me for P25 operation. Some USFS systems in other areas have been operating in P-25 digital already.

Super Bowl XLV

2011-01-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Things are starting to ramp up for federal activity related to Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas this February. There were rumors of the possible installation of some sites of the federal IWN (Integrated Wireless Network) in the Dallas Metroplex prior to Super Bowl. However it appears that money and time issues got the best of the proposal.

170.6250 MHz, N167 and 170.9375 MHz, N167 have both been noted as "new" frequencies for the area. They very well may be additions to the are for the Super Bowl, but will remain in place after the big game is over. Also, there have been reports of activity on 171.4375 MHz, a nationwide federal interoperability channel. 170.6625 MHz, N167 had been noted before the new year in Dallas, also a new channel for the area.

I will try to provide updates prior to the big game, and a complete wrap-up will appear in the May 2011 Fed Files column in Monitoring Times magazine.

DEA Updates

2011-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Some additional information has surfaced about the new UHF federal frequencies used by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). As we have previously reported in the Fed Files blog, the DEA will be re-channeling their UHF frequencies and have started using these new frequencies in Texas and other southern US areas.

The frequency of 409.8250 MHz, N156 has been heard from the Houston area, but reports were that it is most likely a repeater in the outlying areas and not in Houston. 409.9000 MHz, N156 has been confirmed as a repeater, referred to as "Channel 9" on the west side of Houston.

Also, New Orleans now has a new P-25 DEA repeater on 409.6250 MHz, N156. This is the first confirmation of the new DEA channels being used outside of Texas.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T09:33:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year from the Fed Files! Once again I was working at Times Square in New York City on New Years Eve helping broadcast the event. I had some time to scan and got a few hits on federal frequencies. Some were most likely normal New York City area frequencies, but a few were new. Here is a quick look at what I was able to log. Most of the communications were encrypted, but a few bits and pieces were in the clear. Quite a few radio checks were heard on the 167.7875 MHz Federal Interoperability repeater.

162.0250 MHz
162.3375 MHz
162.7375 MHz, N167
164.4000 MHz, N001 - USSS PAPA
164.7750 MHz, N167*
165.2375 MHz, N310 - CBP
165.9250 MHz, N167* Used at All Star Game simplex
167.4625 MHz, N207
167.7875 MHz, N652 - NYC Federal Interop VHF
167.7875 MHz, N94C
168.2250 MHz, N167 - NYC FBI G1/G2
168.3000 MHz, N167 - NYC FBI H3/H4
168.8250 MHz, N167 - NYC FBI H1
169.7250 MHz, N864*
170.3750 MHz, N167*
170.4250 MHz, N167 - FBI G3/G4
170.6250 MHz, N167
170.6250 MHz, N730
170.9000 MHz, N167
171.1750 MHz, N653 - Perhaps the input to 167.7875 MHz repeater?
171.2000 MHz, N293
171.5500 MHz, N167*
171.6875 MHz, N9C5 - DHS ICE Network
171.7250 MHz, N159
172.6625 MHz, N615
173.6625 MHz, N167 - NYC FBI A1

The frequencies noted with an asterisk were heard last year in Times Square as well. I'm not sure if these are normal NYC area FBI frequencies or not. Perhaps some local listeners can confirm these. But things were definitely hopping this New Years.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the Fed Files and Monitoring Times readers out there!

Another New DEA P-25 Frequency Found

2010-12-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

Listeners in the Houston, Texas region have reported finding another active P-25 frequency that is most likely a new DEA channel.

410.4125 MHz, N156 has been heard active and at this time is presumed to be a repeater in the downtown Houston area. All comms so far on this channel have been reported as being encrypted.

This appears to be part of the move by the DEA to follow the new 9 MHz repeater offset in the federal UHF band. In theory, the input frequency to this repeater should be 419.4125 MHz, but that has not been confirmed yet.

I also forgot to post a previously heard simplex channel, 414.4500 MHz, N156. Also being reported in the Houston area.

Not sure why Houston seems to be the area chosen for the rollout of the new P-25 frequencies, while most of the rest of the country appears to still using the standard UHF channels.

DC Area IWN Rollout Without DHS

2010-12-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

An interesting article has appeared on line talking about the roll out of the new IWN DC area overlay trunked system:

http://psc.apcointl.org/2010/11/29/agencies-in-d-c-area-will-be-able-to-communicate-on-radio-system/

As I posted back in September, the new VHF IWN trunked sites started to appear recently in the Washington DC area, and will serve various subscriber agencies, primarily the Department of Justice. However, the article linked above indicates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will not be participating in the DC area system.

Some DHS agencies are participating in the original IWN sites in the Pacific Northwest, with CBP Customs and Border Patrol being heavy IWN users along the US-Canada border areas.

LA USSS Back On The Air

2010-12-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

On Monday, November 30th, while waiting for a flight at LAX airport, I had time for some scanning. While searching the federal bands I happened to catch some radio techs doing checks on the Los Angeles area US Secret Service radio sites. This comes after one of the sites serving the LA Metro area was destroyed by wildfires in August, 2009.

I caught some clear radio checks on:

165.2125 MHz, N001 - MIKE
165.3750 MHz, N001 - CHARLIE
165.7875 MHz, N001 - BAKER
171,7625 MHz, N001 - Input to BAKER repeater on Mt. Disappointment

I missed the radio checks, but other listeners reported:
164.4000 MHz, N001 - PAPA
164.6500 MHz, N001 - TANGO
164.8875 MHz, N001 - OSCAR

When they were finished, one technician proclaimed that they were "finally back on the air after a year and a half!"

New Border Patrol in Arizona

2010-11-27T08:17:00.001-08:00

In the November issue of Monitoring Times, I mentioned a number of VHF P-25 repeaters that had been heard on the air in Southern Arizona over the past summer. It now appears that even more new frequencies are on the air and are being used extensively by CBP Border Patrol.

Since my last visit to the Tucson area last spring, there has definitely been an increase in activity on these new frequencies, but the traditional Border Patrol channels in the 163 and 168 Mhz range have become used less and less. If you live in the Southern Arizona area, start searching for new frequencies. Here is a list of what is being heard now:

163.6250 MHz, N206
163.7000 MHz, N201
166.7375 MHz, N30E
168.8250 MHz, N302 - RED MOUNTAIN
168.8250 MHz, N330 - WIDE AREA
168.8250 MHz, N710 - WIDE AREA
169.1625 MHz, N293 - CBP AIR 4 (More on this frequency in the January Fed Files!)
169.5500 MHz, N203 - TUBAC AREA BORDER PATROL ON 1-19
169.9375 MHz, N330
169.9375 MHz, N653 - GILIO 1
170.3500 MHz, N130 - WIDE AREA INTEROP
170.3500 MHz, N20C - WIDE AREA INTEROP
170.3500 MHz, N230 - WIDE AREA INTEROP (Nogalas, AZ)
170.3500 MHz, N340 - WIDE AREA INTEROP
170.4375 MHz, N301 - AJO
170.4375 MHz, N130 - AJO
170.4375 MHz, N230 - Far East Arizona
171.0375 MHz, N201
171.1875 MHz, N110
171.3250 MHz, N20C
171.6625 MHz, N210
172.0625 MHz, N20A
172.7625 MHz, N210
173.1750 MHz, N209
173.1875 MHz, N110
173.1875 MHz, N230 - INTEROP MT. LEMMON
173.5000 MHz, N20B
173.6125 MHz, N210 - May be input or simplex, called "SCAN 3"
173.6500 MHz, N206
173.7375 MHz, N130
173.9375 MHz, N304

This appears to be a major move towards a new network of Border Patrol and CBP operational repeaters that may continue across the southern United States, and along the lines of what has been in use along the Southern California region for quite some time.

FPS Chnges & Updates Continue

2010-11-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

UPDATE - Reports from the Northeast US are that many cites in FPS Region 1 (New England) have switched over to 408.2000 MHz repeaters from 417.2000 MHz. It also appears the region is now using a P-25 NAC of N201. Some stragglers may still be using 417.2000 MHz, but should change soon. These moves are to update the repeater frequencies to a new standard 9 MHz offset, meaning the repeater inputs should now be 9 MHz from the repeater output.

Besides the primary region-wide repeaters, be on the lookout for simplex or stand-alone repeaters that might be in use in some specialized federal properties.

Despite some areas of the country already using new frequencies and P-25 digital radio, some areas of the Federal Protective Service are still awaiting updates to the communications systems. Here is a recent request for bids on replacing and upgrading radio gear for FPS Region 7, which includes sites in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c7a1f275c2f159ee8ac22a9e024608fb&tab=core&tabmode=list&=

Quick Scan at IAD-Update

2010-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

Had some time between slights at Dulles International Airport on Wednesday and did a little searching while there. I managed to pick up several sites from the new IWN overlay system for the DC area, shows as System 010. The System 715 is part of the original IWN trunked system.

163.0500
167.4000
168.7625, N011 - SYS010, SITE 1001 (DC Mall Site)
168.9250
170.6250, N010 - SYS010, SITE 0301 (Bull Run VA Site)
170.9250, N719 - SYS715, SITE 0124 (Fairfax VA Site)
171.2750, N010 - SYS010, SITE 0201 (Independence Hill VA Site)
171.6250, N011 - SYS010, SITE 0701 (Fairfax VA Site)
173.9000, N011 - SYS010 (Gaithersburg MD Site)

414.5625 MHz

2010-11-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Over a year ago, while in the Houston, Texas area, I stumbled across some encrypted P-25 traffic on 414.5625 MHz, NAC 168. The traffic was simplex and have found no confirmed data on what agency might be using that frequency.

Recently another listener in the Houston area has reported hearing activity on that same frequency, also encrypted, so whoever it is, they are still in business.

However, now I have received a report from the Charlotte, North Carolina area of the same frequency and and NAC being used there. Again, always encrypted, so no agency identification has been determined yet.

Keep this one in your scan list and see if it is active near you!

World Series Game 2

2010-10-30T06:02:00.001-07:00

Things settled down a bit in our part of the broadcasting compound for the second game of the 2010 World Series. so I had some time to listen to the scanner more. Here is what was busy during the game:

157.1750 MHz - Marine channel 83A with Coast Guard units patrolling the waters outside the ball park. Call signs heard were MARINE 1, MARINE 2, PIKE and PIKE 2
162.3500 MHz - Weak P-25 or analog with DES. No confirmation of what it was.
163.6125 MHz, 127.3 pl - Speaker Palosi Capitol Police security detail at the game again.
166.4625 MHz, 100.0 pl - Unknown agency operating outside the ballpark. Somewhat informal conversations. Frequency is known as DHS Common or Treasury Common, but is found in most federal law enforcement channel plans.
170.7500 MHz, N293 - Unknown agency, encrypted full time
170.9250 MHz, N167 - FBI units, probably on location at the game. During game 1, heard some units in the clear and confirmed they were in the stadium. Game 2 and everyone was secure, but signal strength seemed to indicate they were still on location and simplex.

Other frequencies were heard as well, but probably did not have anything to do with the World Series:
163.1375 MHz, N293
163.3750 MHz, 192.8 pl
163.4125 MHz, 131.8 pl
165.2375 MHz, 100.0 pl - DHS Customs Net 1
165.2875 MHz, N650 - BATFE Net 1
165.4375 MHz, N302 - Unknown security operations
166.0500 MHz
166.3000 MHz, N325
166.7375 MHz, N293 - US Mint security
167.2125 MHz, 167.9 pl
167.7875 MHz
168.4875 MHz, N293
168.9125 MHz, N510
169.2000 MHz, 114.8 pl
169.5500 MHz, 100.0 pl - DHS Customs with OTAR
172.7000 MHz, N293

SF World Series Game One

2010-10-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'm in San Francisco for the 2010 World Series. We did game 1 on Wednesday night and only had a short time to listen to the scanner, but did find some federal activity in SF, some related to the events at the ball park...

162.6125, 127.3pl - US Capitol Police security detail for Speaker Palosi at the game.
164.4000, N001 - USSS PAPA-Active for FLOTUS visit to SF on Monday.
165.2125, N001 - USSS MIKE-Active for FLOTUS visit to SF on Monday.
165.3750, N001 - USSS CHARLIE-Active for FLOTUS visit to SF on Monday.
166.4625, 100.0 pl - Units outside stadium, not sure which agency.
167.0500, ?pl - What should be the FCC, simplex use around the stadium.
170.9250, N167 - FBI special event units on location in stadium.

Thats all so far, but will update with anything new from Game 2...

New TSA P-25 Frequency at BOS

2010-10-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

I know the blog postings seem to be stuck in TSA mode these days, but I post 'em as they come in to me...

I've received confirmation of a new TSA P-25 digital channel in use at Boston Logan Airport, BOS. The frequency is 166.2875 MHz, N001, simplex. They seem to be using this frequency to coordinate passengers going throught the millimeter-wave X-ray machine, also known as the full-body scanner.

This is a new frequency for the TSA channel line up, joining a whole bunch of new frequencies that have turned up with the new Icom radios.

More TSA Radio News

2010-10-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of news items regarding TSA and their radio communications.

This item has some details about the purchase of the Icom F-50V radios as part of the efforts to equip everyone at the airport security checkpoints with radios. The article indicates that the original purchase was for 10,000 radios:

http://radioresourcemag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=6260

Secondly, this item describes how the TSA is interested in adding OTAR (Over-The-Air Re-keying) of their existing radios:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=7ed6d706b0f60fd6c019983e9d417567&tab=core&_cview=0

If you download some of the linked documents in this page, it describes the test procedures that indicate the OTAR encryption keys will be provided by the Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Key Management Facility.

One could speculate on why the TSA needs to have OTAR. Almost none of the P-25 radios used by the TSA are using encryption, although they are all capable. Some airport locations are using encrypted communications full-time, but many are not. This request, along with a request from TSA for RF tracking devices, seem to indicate a more aggressive technical requirement that just airport security checkpoints.

More "New" TSA Analog Frequencies

2010-10-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Since the addition of the Icom F-50V radios to the TSA security checkpoints at US airports, some new frequencies have started showing up. These new frequencies are not part of the original TSA channel plan that is in all of the P-25 radios the TSA is using.

Recently I found two additional frequencies in use. First, at San Francisco International airport (SFO), I found the contract TSA look-alikes there using the FT-50V radios on 162.2750 MHz, 131.8pl with voice inversion. On another recent trip I found the TSA at Los Angeles International airport (LAX) in Terminal 3 using 166.7875 MHz, 123.0 pl, also with voice inversion.

Anyone got any additional TSA channels we haven't posted yet? Pass them along to us at Monitoring Times!

170.3375 MHz in Dallas - TSA?

2010-09-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

I have received some reports of a new P-25 digital channel being heard in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.

Reports are that 170.3375 MHz, NAC001 has been heard with clear traffic that seems to make references to possible TSA operations at DFW Airport in Grapevine.

This frequency does not appear in the previously known TSA frequency assignments, however, DFW Airport had always had some non-standard TSA radio operations. 169.1625 MHz and 169.1875 MHz have previously reported as being used but the TSA at DFW. Apparently they were concerned about TSA frequencies used at Dallas Love Field would interfere with operations at DFW.

New Federal VHF Trunking - Update

2010-09-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

I recently posted that listeners were reporting many new VHF P-25 trunking sites starting to go live in the northern Virginia and Washington DC areas. Some additional information has been posted.

Here is what we know so far - The trunked system is showing a System ID of 010, WACN of BF58A, and at least 7 sites found so far. Only one talk group has been reported so far, TG 9301 doing radio checks.

168.2625 - Site 6-001
168.4875 - Site 8-001
168.6250 - Site 6-001
168.8250 - Site 6-001
168.8875 - Site 10-001
169.6000 - Site 2-001
170.6250 - Site 3-001
170.6625 - Site 1-001
170.8625 - Site 14-001
170.8750 - Site 2-001
170.9125 - Site 3-001
171.2750 - Site 2-001
171.5375
171.6250 - Site 7-001
171.7750 - Site 4-001
171.9875 - Site 11-001
172.0125 - Site 12-001
172.6250 - Site 5-001
172.6375 - Site 12-001
173.9000 - Site 14-001

So who does this system belong to? There is some evidence that this is the new National Capitol Region overlay of the Justice Department's Integrated Wireless Network (IWN). Although this system is utilizing a different System ID and WACN than the original IWN sites, this may be the next step to expanding the system to different regions of the country. Most of these frequencies are from the same new allocations and Justice Department allocations pool that the legacy IWN sites are using.

In the Justice Department budget requests for 2011, one of the major goals of the IWN is listed as,
"... the first Region 1 IWN implementation is scheduled to go live (e.g., receive authority to operate and begin transition of users to the new system) in the National Capital Region (Washington, D.C. and proximate areas), in late 2010."

The document this quote came from is available here:
http://www.justice.gov/jmd/2011justification/pdf/fy11-lewc-justification.pdf

More information as it becomes available.

VHF Trunking in Northern Virginia?

2010-09-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

I just spotted a post over on Radio Reference that someone is hearing "P25 control channels" on multiple VHF federal frequencies. No system ID, site ID, WACN or NAC information accompanied the frequencies that were posted.

Here are the frequencies that were posted:
168.8250
170.8625
170.9125
171.5375
171.6250
171.9875
172.6375
173.9000

I'd love to get some additional information from someone else that hears these so we can try to determine what they are. Many of these frequencies are being used in the federal Integrated Wireless Network (IWN) VHF trunked system in operation in Oregon and Washington. This possibly could be an expansion of the IWN sites in the DC area, but more information is needed.

Gifford-Pinchot National Forest

2010-09-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

I recently spent some time near the Gifford-Pinchot NF Headquarters in Vancouver, WA. Us locals have been trying to piece together some of the new P-25 frequencies that have been heard recently. While I was there I searched for VHF or UHF frequencies coming from the tower there. Here is what I found active during my time near the tower:

406.3875 MHz, 136.5 PL
406.5750 MHz
408.5750 MHz
408.9875 MHz, N788
415.3875 MHz, 114.8 PL
415.4250 MHz, 162.2 PL
415.5250 MHz, N4F9
415.5750 MHz, N4CE
415.5750 MHz, N459
417.9875 MHz, N68F
418.1875 MHz, N47C
419.7875 MHz, N4F9

During the afternoon weather forecast broadcast, multiple channels were all transmitting at the same time. I did not find any active VHF transmissions from the tower while I was there. The frequency 415.5750 MHz showed two different NAC's, probably depending on something like what site they were controlling. Others have noted that the analog link frequencies sometimes have different CTCSS tones also.

We are still trying to figure out what VHF repeaters are associated with what UHF links. The work continues...

408.1875 MHz in Las Vegas?

2010-09-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

On my last couple of trips to the Las Vegas area have found 408.1875 MHz keyed up continuously with no voice. The P-25 channel is showing a NAC of N001.

The frequency is listed as part of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) UHF trunked system used through out southern Nevada by multiple agencies, including Nellis AFB.

Anyone know why this is keyed up all the time?

NGC 'Border Wars'

2010-09-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

For those who have not seen it yet, I can highly recommend the National Geographic Channel's "Border Wars", airing on Wednesday nights.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/border-wars/all/Overview?sicontent=0&sicreative=5276946532&siclientid=804&sitrackingid=162443759&source=banner_semgngc_144

This is the second season of the program, which follows the front line activities of the Customs & Border Protection division of the Department of Homeland Security. Last season focused on CBP activity along the Arizona-Mexico border. This season has been located along the southern Texas - Mexico border along the Rio Grande.

DHS CBP Officers to Operate in France

2010-09-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have previously asked about US CBP officers operating in Canadian pre-clearance areas, but now it appears they are being sent to France to help advise on potential high-risk passengers:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100902/ap_on_re_eu/eu_france_us_airport_security

NASA GRIP Experiment

2010-09-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

The Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) experiment is being conducted by NASA using various aircraft and flying missions surrounding Hurricane Alex:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hurricanes/missions/grip/main/index.html

South Florida monitors report that a NASA DC-8 is staging out of Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) for these missions.

In additon to the DC-8 aircraft, the NASA operated Global Hawk departed Edwards AFB to rendezvous with Hurricane Earl in the Atlantic Ocean.

Still awaiting any reports from listeners of NASA GRIP related communications.

UPDATE: Here is a link to the flight track of the NASA Global Hawk aircraft:

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/NASA872/history/20100901/2030Z/KEDW/KEDW

ARINC delivers new Huey II helicopters for CBP

2010-08-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

According to this article, DHS CBP has taken delivery of 3 new helicopters for its Office of Air & Marine:

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/node/21300?c=border_security

At one time the CBP air force was operated under the name Air & Marine Division. Then it appered to be reduced to simply CBP Air and Marine, but is being referred to as the CBP Office of Air & Marine (OAM). According to the writers of this article, the CBP Office of Air and Marine operates more than 260 aircraft of various types and nearly 200 maritime vessels from 80 sites around the country

The helicopters were upgraded and delivered by ARINC. ARINC Inc.provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government agenices. Many scanner listeners will recognize ARINC as a provider of voice and data communciaions systems for commercial airlines.

CBP Customs in Canada

2010-08-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a quick trip to Montreal and passed through the US Customs Pre-Clearance at Toronto's Pearson Airport (YYZ). I spotted a CBP Customs officer at the end of the Pre-Clearance area with a VHF Astro Saber radio. While waiting for my departing flight to the US, I listened to see if I could fingure out what they might be using there, but had no success.

I have been told that CBP Customs officers at Vancouver (YVR) use the CBP Customs NET 1 frequency (165.2375 MHz), but I have never caught them while in Canada. Anyone confirmed any usage of VHF channels by CBP at YYZ?

POTUS Visit to Seattle

2010-08-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

I was unable to make the trip up to Seattle to monitor the arrival of President Obama on Tuesday, but I did get some reports from folks on the ground there.

Here is what was reported active near Boeing Field, where Air Force 1 arrived;
164.8875 MHz, N001 - OSCAR
165.3750 MHz, N001 - CHARLIE
167.0125 MHz, N001
167.0375 MHz, N001
169.5125 MHz, N001 - WHCA SIERRA

I still have not come up with a standard "name" for the 167.0125 and 167.0375 channels that have been used by the Secret Service for a few years now. They are sometime referred to as POTUS protection detail channels, but they are often used where the POTUS or VPOTUS are not present.

Also, 165,7625 MHz, P25 with a NAC of N167 was reported active at Boeing Field. Unknown who exactly this might have been.

In addition to the conventional channels, there was some speculation as to who might be using the IWN, the federal VHF trunked radio system in the Seattle area. Locals set up to monitor the system activity reported nothing unusual on the trunking sites they were monitoring, but the IWN system very rarely seems to simulcast activity on sites other than the ones the users are affiliated with. Also, although the local Seattle field office of the Secret Service undoubtedly has IWN radios, it's doubtful the traveling POTUS protective detail has access to the IWN on these types of trips.

I did get to hear the departure of the Oregon Air Guard F-15's sent to intercept the incursion of the restricted airspace near Seattle. The alert flight (callsign ROCK) was launched from PDX airport and apparently went super-sonic to get up to there in a hurry, causing all kinds of phone calls about sonic booms and explosions!

US Troops Deployed to Border

2010-07-31T15:56:00.000-07:00

National Guard troops are beginning their deployment along the US-Mexico border. Troops will be deployed in Texas, New Mexico , Arizona and California to help support the Border Patrol with border security.

Monitors along the border areas can check for additional frequencies that might be in use by the National Guard troops. I have heard that some troops have received training in the use of the DHS CBP digital radios prior to being deployed.

Previous troop deployments to the border areas in Texas have included some additional antennas being installed at the Border Patrol checkpoints along major highways. The old checkpoint near Laredo, Texas had what appeared to be a military style VHF low-band antennas, most likely for the National Guard SINCGARS radios, operating from 30-88 MHz.

More From USFS Mt. Hood

2010-07-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

In past blog posts I have mentioned some changes taking place in the Mt. Hood National Forest and Gifford-Pinchot National Forest areas of northwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington state.

I have been searching through the UHF federal bands lately as new P-25 links keep showing up as the radio work continues. I just installed a new UHF Yagi antenna to try and help pull in some of these UHF frequencies. Here's what I found today:

406.3875 MHz, 136.5 pl - USFS Columbia Dispatch
407.1375 MHz, N482 - US Postal Inspectors, Portland
408.2000 MHz, N107 - Federal Protective Service, Portland
408.8125 MHz, analog carrier
408.9875 MHz, N788
409.1875 MHz, N555 - USFS Columbia Dispatch
410.7875 MHz, analog
412.8375 MHz, analog - May have been US Corps of Engineers
414.0375 MHz, analog, Should be one of the UHF federal interoperability naional calling channels. I heard someone heard finishing a test count, "3,2,1, test out...", but did not catch a PL tone.
416.1375 MHz, N482 - US Postal Inspectors, repeater input

More as the new antenna sucks it in!

Palm Springs Area Update

2010-07-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

I spent a few days in the very warm Palm Springs area for work last week. I had only a few brief periods to scan the federal bands and came up with these. Some I have identified thanks to the work of the Southern California listeners who send me updates. A couple I haven't figured out for sure.

163.6250,N141 DHS BORDER PATROL-INDIO
164.9375,103.5 USFS ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST - ADMIN NET
165.2875,N650 DOJ BATFE NET 1
166.6375,N183 DHS BORDER PATROL-TEMECULA EAST
166.9125,N245 DHS BORDER PATROL-MA 4 SANTIAGO PEAK
166.9750,97.4 DOI BLM?
168.8000,N170 DHS BORDER PATROL-JIOPSP JOINT OPS
169.8750,123.0 USFS-SAN BERNARDINO NF?
169.8750,151.4 USFS-SAN BERNADRINO NF?
170.2250,103.5 ?
171.4750,103.5 USFS-SAN BERNARDINO NF?
171.6250,N153 DHS BORDER PATROL?
172.2250,103.5 USFS SAN BERNARDINO NF-ADMIN NET
172.3750,103.5 USFS ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST
172.9000,N001 DHS TSA @ KPSP
173.7125,167.9 FBI SURVEILLANCE OPS, SOME DES
415.0750,CSQ USFS LINK
419.5250,167.9 RELATED TO 172.7125?

169.8250 P-25

2010-07-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

While driving to the airport in Portland, OR today, I came across at least two mobile units talking on 169.8250 MHz, simplex, P-25 NAC293. From the conversations they were definitely not from the area and were looking at maps trying to figure out how to get through Portland on I-84 to I-5 northbound.

This caught my attention because this frequency is part of the assignments used by the US Geological Survey at Mt. St. Helens, (http://mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com/2010/05/usgs-mt-st-helens-frequencies.html). A few times a year, listeners in the Portland area have reported weak P-25 traffic on the USGS channels, but we could never figure out where it was coming from.

No real idea who these guys are with, but one mentioned that one of the vehicles in their convoy was a "full sized truck". One unit also pointed out a "tower" and said that they had "worked on those lines before". Don't know if they meant power or RF type of tower.

The frequency could be any number of agencies, mostly Department of the Interior agencies, including USGS, BLM, Bureau of Mines, etc..

More TRBO Digital on Federal Frequencies

2010-07-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

I just received a report of confirmed use of the MOTOTRBO digital mode on 409.7375 MHz, somewhere in the Southern California (LA) area. MOTOTRBO is a propriatory digital radio product sold by Motorola, and appears to be gaining favor with hospitals, casinos and possibly some non-law enforcement federal opertions.

I have not copied any TRBO traffic on that frequency in my past SoCal visits, but have heard what I suspect to be TRBO digital on 407.3375 MHz and 413.5250 MHz, which I highly suspect to be coming from the VA Medical facility along I-5 north of San Diego.

Back in May, while in Las Vegas I heard many transmissions on 406.9375 MHz that sounded a lot like the known MOTOTRBO users in my home area. I've heard several other federal users, including 406.6625 MHz, the Federal Reserve Branch in Chicago, 407.9375 MHz coming from somewhere in the Seattle/Tacoma area, and 409.4375 MHz confirmed as coming from the VA Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.

USFS Columbia Dispatch Using P-25 Digital

2010-06-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

Over the last year or so there have been rumors of upgrades to the radio systems used by Mt. Hood National Forest and Gifford-Pinchot National Forest in northwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington. They have apparently combined some of the radio dispatching and are now identifying as "Columbia Dispatch" in the two National Forests, but so far no new frequencies have been discovered - until a couple of weeks ago.

The two national forest areas utilize VHF repeaters and UHF point-to-point links for radio communications. Recently the frequency of 417.9875 MHz, N68F has sometimes been heard carrying the dispatcher in P-25 digital. The frequency should be paired with 408.9875 MHz, but we haven't heard anything on that link yet. The P-25 NAC of N68F is interesting, as this NAC has previously been identified as being used on the federal interoperability systems.

Despite being a digital link, the VHF frequencies are all still analog. However, this may indicate that they have upgraded the core of the system to digital and can flip the switch at any time!

A while back I found this document on line that lists the frequencies for some of these UHF links:
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=7d3481f79285eab7adb988ff06dfa778&tab=core&_cview=1

According to the frequencies listed on this document, the 417.9875 MHz link is to Mt Mitchell in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest.

DOJ LEWC Budget

2010-06-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Found this document on the web with some updated information on the Integrated Wireless Network (IWN) and what might be next:

http://www.justice.gov/jmd/2011justification/pdf/fy11-lewc-justification.pdf

It is not noted when this document was released, but a couple of interesting items are listed;

* The Southern California Border Patrol system, formerly referred to as the EVRP (Encrypted Vice Radio Project) when it began, is apparently now apparently considered part of the total IWN project. This document refers to the San Diego IWN, but I have not seen or heard any evidence that this conventional P-25 system of repeaters throughout the southern California border area is using trunking technology yet. But several times the IWN has been described as a combination of trunked and conventional technology.

* Planned expansion of the NCR (National Capitol Region) section of the IWN. Deployment of the IWN in the Baltimore area is scheduled for late 2011.

* System planning and design for the Western Great Lakes and Chicago areas is in the 2011 budget.

* Continued implementation of the IWN Systems Operations Center and Region 1 Regional Management Center for interconnection between the IWN and other networks.

Despite not seeing or hearing much new in the IWN project, there are definitely advances being made.

Federal Cell Phone Jamming

2010-06-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

A recent mention in another radio forum lead me to this article from Toronto, Canada:

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontog20summit/article/821623--g20-security-to-jam-cellphone-signals?bn=1

Although the article is specifically about the use of mobile cell phone jamming "bubbles" at the Canadian G20 events, the same technology surely has been in use at US based events.

There has been much discussion over the years about the WHCA mobile communications vans around the Presidential motorcades and how they have jamming capabilities. There has not been much said in the media about the use of cell phone jammers by the US Secret Service or WHCA and certainly no mention of getting exemptions from federal law forbidding such jamming.

I have not yet been able to confirm or deny the use of cell phone jamming at POTUS events and such. There were rumors of such jamming at the last set of political conventions in Denver and St. Paul, but I had no personal confirmation of any intentional interference of cell systems. There were areas inside the secured buildings that were considered "RF Sensitive" and cell phones were not allowed, however...

Denver Federal Scanning

2010-06-11T09:42:00.001-07:00

Just had some short time with the radios during a recent trip to the Denver area. Here's some of what I was able to catch:

162.2250, CSQ - US Postal Service
165.2375, 100.0 - DHS CBP Customs with some OTAR
166.2750 - Mixed mode P-25 and analog, probably US Mint
166.4625, CSQ - Unknown agency doing aerial survellance
166.5875, 100.0 - DHS CBP Customs with more OTAR
167.4625, N167 - Denver FBI
167.6875
168.4625
168.5250 - Unknown agency, heard multiple DTMF tones
169.0000
170.1000, N167 - More FBI?
170.6750, N875 - Unknown agency
170.7500 - US Marshals Federal Courthouse
413.9250 - Federal Reserve

In addition to these conventional channels, heard lots of traffic on the Federal Front Range Trunked system that serves Denver and Buckley ARB. Also caught the UHF system at the Federal Correctional Institution aat Englewood.

Border Patrol Birthday

2010-05-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Today, May 28th, marks the 86th anniversary of the United States Border Patrol. It was originally started in 1924 to combat the illegal entry of aliens, contraband, and the flow of illicit liquor from Mexico and Canada into the United States. The El Paso Border Patrol Sector began operations on July 1, 1924 as the first uniformed division of the Immigration Bureau.

For frequencies that the CBP Border Patrol are using these days, check out this previous Fed Files Blog post:

http://mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com/2007/03/cbp-border-patrol-update.html

Arizona Border Activity

2010-05-27T11:09:00.001-07:00

Down in Arizona on a short vacation and have been observing some new and previously unknown frequencies active. The usual CBP Border Patrol and Customs channels are busy as always. But the unknown ones, mostly encrypted, keeping the users unknown for now, but I've got some guesses:

163.6250 MHz, 151.4 pl - Still hearing an analog Border Patrol repeater somewhere.
167.8250 MHz, N293 - Western Area Power Administration (WAPA - http://www.wapa.gov/)
167.9250 MHz, N293 - WAPA
167.9750 MHz, N293 - WAPA
168.8250 MHz - Heard with multiple NAC's of N167, N340 & N710
169.9375 MHz, N330
170.3500 MHz, N340
170.4375 MHz, N230 - Reported as a repeater in Nogales, AZ
173.0500 MHz, N001
173.1875 MHz - Heard with both N001 and N230
409.4000 MHZ, N910
414.9750 MHZ, N115

I suspect the 169.9375, 170.3500, 170.4375 and 173.1875 might be DHS ICE repeaters.

US Fish & Wildlife Activity

2010-05-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Reports from the Georgia Coast are that US Fish & Wildlife Service is active with Loggerhead Turtle tracking and support activities. I have not had much luck catching FWS traffic on the radios, so this information interested me.

Here are some of the active frequencies:
169.8250 MHz
171.6500 MHz
172.4500 MHz - USFWS Skidaway repeater
172.6500 MHz

These repeaters are apparently linked and all activity was reported as P-25 digital (sorry, no NAC data).

USGS Mt. St. Helens Frequencies

2010-05-21T09:39:00.001-07:00

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State, the US Geological Survey had an open house at their facility in Vancouver, WA;

http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/30Years/CVO_openhouse_flyer.pdf

Thanks to those who were able to attend the open house, here is a list of the US Geological Survey frequencies in use at the Cascades Volcano Observatory:

164.6750 MHz - Link to North repeater
167.0750 MHz, 110.9 - North repeater input
167.0750 MHz, 127.3 - South repeater input
168.4250 MHz - Mt. St. Helens North & South repeaters
169.8250 MHz - USGS simplex

More Federal MOTOTRBO?

2010-05-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

I recently came across what sure sounds like another federal frequency using the proprietary MOTOTRBO digital mode.

In Las Vegas I heard many transmissions on 406.9375 MHz that sounded a lot like the known MOTOTRBO users in my home area. I've heard several other federal users, including 406.625 MHz, the Federal Reserve Branch in Chicago, 407.9375 MHz coming from somewhere in the Seattle/Tacoma area, and 409.4375 MHz confirmed as coming from the VA Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.

FPS in Phoenix

2010-04-29T11:58:00.001-07:00

After searching through the UHF federal band many times during my past visits to Phoenix, I finally caught the Federal Protective Service. They are using 409.4000 MHz, NAC920. Seems like they are not as busy as some areas of the country, so they have eluded my searches in the past. But it just proves the point that you need to have patience when looking for those elusive federal frequencies!

So Cal I-10 Road Trip

2010-04-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to drive across I-10 from Ontario, CA to Phoenix, AZ this weekend. I was trying to confirm more of the CBP Border Patrol P-25 system, which continues to be used ONLY in Southern California. As soon as I crossed into Arizona, all the regular Border Patrol frequencies came back in use.

I had the scanners running and logging during the trip, but was not able to positively ID everything. Here is a quick listing of what was heard;

162.2500 N132 PALM SPRINGS AREA
163.5125 131.8
163.5250 114.8
163.6250 N141 PALM SPRINGS AREA
163.6250 N001 CBP BORDER PATROL ARIZONA
163.7000 N001 CBP BORDER PATROL ARIZONA
164.2750 N293 WESTERN AREA POWER ADMIN-PHOENIX
164.7500 85.4 SKIP FROM MEXICO?
165.6000 110.9
166.0125 D114
166.3750 103.5 BLM - SO CAL
166.8500 N310 PHOENIX
166.9125 N245 CBP MA-4 SP - PALM SPRINGS AREA
167.2125 N167 ARIZONA
167.3375 N167 FBI PHOENIX
167.3625 N167 FBI PHOENIX
167.4500 N137 CBP CALEXICO EAST - SO CAL
167.5125 N167 FBI PHOENIX
167.6500 N135 SO CAL (CBP EL CENTRO EAST USES NAC 237)
167.7625 N167 SO CAL
167.7750 N125 CBP BP - PALM SPRINGS AREA
168.0875 N710 SO CAL
168.1750 103.5 USFS
168.4750 100.0 USFS
168.8250 N104 CBP - SO CAL
168.8250 N710 PHOENIX
169.3000 N710 SO CAL - ?
169.8875 N430 ARIZONA/PHOENIX
170.3500 N340 ARIZONA/PHOENIX
170.5875 D156 PHOENIX
170.6000 N133 PALM SPRINGS AREA
171.3250 N410 PHOENIX AREA
171.4750 103.5 SAN BERNARDINO NF
171.6750 103.5 JOSHUA TREE NP?
171.8500 D445 PALM SPRINGS AREA
171.9250 162.2 ARIZONA/PHOENIX
172.9000 N001 TSA PALM SPRINGS / PHOENIX
172.9000 N013 TSA PHOENIX
173.0500 N670 PHOENIX
173.1000 N330 ARIZONA
173.1625 N209 CBP BLUE 1 - PALM SPRINGS CAREA
173.5000 N50B ? ARIZONA
173.5500 N167 PHOENIX
173.7125 N167 PHOENIX
173.7125 N730 PHOENIX
173.8375 N167 PHOENIX
173.8875 N508 SO CAL
173.9375 N340 ARIZONA/PHOENIX

More Coast Guard UHF?-Updated!

2010-04-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have received information that 412.9750 MHz, NAC293 is being heard around the Boston, MA area. This frequency has been identified in the San Francisco area as being used by the Coast Guard as "NET 409".

Reports are that so far all traffic is encrypted P-25, and this frequency is new to the area.

These new UHF channels are part of a radio upgrade program for Coast Guard law enforcement and homeland security activity. But we still don't have a good handle on other frequencies that might be in use, so keep searching!

UPDATE - Bits and pieces of information continue to come in. First, the frequency of 413.0250 MHz, NAC293 has been heard active in the Southeast Florida area. It has been encrypted full time so positive ID has not been made. From a separate source, I have confirmed that Coast Guard assets in the Miami / Ft. Lauderdale area do indeed have UHF radios installed in them. They have been reported as using "NET 411", but no one has yet confirmed the frequency. Does NET 411 = 413.0250 MHz? We shall see if anyone can connect these pieces.