TSA - All Frequency Updates Here!

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.

I discovered I had several TSA related lists going on the bog, so from now on, this will be the most up to date.

All TSA Updates will be updated to this blog post.

If you have any additional TSA channels you have found active, send them along.

When searching for TSA activity, 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

In addition, here are some of the "secondary" frequencies that have been identified as TSA at various airports:
166.2875  MHz
166.7875  MHz
168.0875  MHz
168.8375  MHz
168.9625  MHz
169.1625  MHz

Here are additional channels that have been identified at various airports 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.

Asheville, NC (AVL)
172.9000, N001

Atlanta, GA (ATL)
172.9000, N001

Bloomington, IN (BMI)
172.9000, N001

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
168.9625, N001

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

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

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

Des Moines, IA (DSM)
172.9000, N001 - repeater

Ft. Meyers, FL (RSW)
169.3000, N001
169.3000, 123.0 PL - Checkpoint C
172.9000. N001

El Paso, TX (ELP)
166.2875, N002 - Backscatter X-ray operators
172.1500, N001

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 PL – Terminal 3

168.9625, N001

168.9625, N002 - Scanner operators

169.1625, N001

172.1500, 131.8 PL – Terminal 7

Nashville, TN (BNA)

168.0875, 123.0 PL

172.9000. N001

Philadelphia, PA (PHI)

168.0875, N002 - B Concourse scanner operators

168.8375, N002 - C Concourse scanner operators
171.7625, 131.8 PL - B & C Checkpoints

Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
168.0875, N003
170.1625, N001 - Terminal A Backscatter X-ray operators

Portland, OR (PDX)

169.3000, 146.2 PL – Checkpoint D-E

172.1500, 123.0 PL – Checkpoint A-B-C

(Also using talk groups on the IWN trunked system)

Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)

172.1500, 123.0 PL

172.1500, N001

San Francisco, CA (SFO)

162.2750, 131.8 PL

172.9000, 123.0 PL

172.9000, N001 - Wide area repeater serving San Francisco and Oakland airports

San Antonio, TX (SAT)
172.9000, N001
 
Santa Anna, CA (SNA)
172.1500, 123.0 PL
172.1500, 131.8 PL
172.9000, N001
172.9000, 146.2 PL
172.9000, 151.4 PL


 St. Louis, MO (STL)

164.7875, 131.8 PL - A Checkpoint
169.1625, 123.0 PL

172.1500, N001
172.1500, N004

172.1500, 123.0 PL

Seattle, WA (SEA)

168.6125, N001 - Behavior Detection Officers
172.1500

Tampa, FL (TPA)

166.2875, N001 
168.0875, N004
169.1625, N001
169.3000, N009
169.3000, 123.0 PL
169.3000, 131.8 PL
169.3000, 136.5 PL - Terminal C
172.1500, N001
172.1500, N002
172.1500, N003
172.1500, N004

172.1500, 123.0 PL - Terminal F
172.1500, 131.8 PL - Terminal E
172.1500, 136.5 PL
172.9000, N001 - New wide area repeater
172.9000, N002
172.9000, 151.4 PL - Terminal A
172.9000, 162.2 PL

Tucson, AZ (TUS)
166.4625, N001
169.3000, 123.0 PL


Washington, DC Reagan National Airport (DCA)

172.1500, 136.5 PL
172.9000, N001
172.9000, N013

TSA to TRBO?

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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..