Just came up with some additional DEA UHF channels that had been previously unheard.
First, I received a report of DEA activity in the Boston area using 413.9750 MHz as an input to a 419.4250 MHz repeater. Both frequencies were using a NAC of N156. This would not only be reversed from other reports of a repeater on the 413 frequency with an input of 419, but it does not conform to the federal 9 MHz repeater offset.
Secondly, I was able to confirm that the DEA in El Paso, Texas is using 409.8250, 409.9500 and 410.8125 MHz, all with a NAC of N156. The 410.8125 MHz frequency had not been reported before.
Here then is my current list of "new" P-25 digital DEA channels in use in some areas of the country:
409.6250 MHz, N156 - Repeater, Possible F1
409.6750 MHz, N156 - Repeater, Possible F6
409.8125 MHz, N156 - Repeater, Possible F7
409.8250 MHz, N156 - Repeater, Possible F8
409.9000 MHz, N156 - Repeater, Possible F9
409.9500 MHz, N156 - Repeater, Possible F10
410.4125 MHz, N156 - Repeater/simplex, Possible F11
410.8125 MHz, N156 - Repeater
411.1250 MHz, N156 - Simplex (SPLX 1)
411.1500 MHz, N156 - Repeater/simplex?
412.2000 MHz, N156 - Simplex (SPLX 2?)
412.5250 MHz, N156 - Simplex
413.9750 MHz, N156 - Repeater/Simplex (SPLX 3)
414.2000 MHz, N156 - Simplex (SPLX 4)
414.4500 MHz, N156 - Simplex (SPLX 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
419.4250 MHz, N156 - Input to 413.9750 repeater
419.9750 MHz, N156 - Input to 413.9750 repeater?
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
New Radio Systems for RNC in Tampa
While not specifically federal, this article describes the new radio systems that will be installed to support the Republican National Convention in Tampa this summer;
http://mccmag.com/onlyonline.cfm?OnlyOnlineID=318
There was this line in the article;
"Additionally the subcommittee is adding components to support federal agencies in the VHF band."
http://mccmag.com/onlyonline.cfm?OnlyOnlineID=318
There was this line in the article;
"Additionally the subcommittee is adding components to support federal agencies in the VHF band."
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Des Moines, IA Area Logs
While working in the Des Moines, IA area I logged a few active federal frequencies.
165.2875, N650 - BATFE NET 1
167.8625, CSQ - VAMC Paging (Nationwide assignment)
170.8000, N293
172.9000, N001 - TSA at Des Moines International Airport
407.8375, N293 - VA Medical Center Police
416.1375, N482 - US Postal Inspectors, input to 407.1375 (GREEN Repeater)
419.0375 - Sounded like TRBO digital mode
There also appears to be quite a few channels at a major Postal Service sorting & bulk mail center:
406.3750, D065
407.3375, 103.5 pl
408.0000, 67.0 pl
409.7375, 114.8 pl
410.2000, D065
414.7250, D306
The busiest appear to the from the Iowa Air National Guard base at the Des Moines airport (KDSM). Since my last visit to the area, the frequencies have gone from analog to P25 with full time encryption! Here is what was found:
163.4625, N300 - Base Security
163.4875
163.5125, N200 - Base Fire & Crash Response
163.5375, N850
163.5875, N100 - Civil Engineering
165.0375, N450
165.1125, NA00 - POL Trucks
165.1375
165.1625
173.4125, N350
173.4375, N250 - Munitions
173.5375, N400 - Maintenance
173.5625
165.2875, N650 - BATFE NET 1
167.8625, CSQ - VAMC Paging (Nationwide assignment)
170.8000, N293
172.9000, N001 - TSA at Des Moines International Airport
407.8375, N293 - VA Medical Center Police
416.1375, N482 - US Postal Inspectors, input to 407.1375 (GREEN Repeater)
419.0375 - Sounded like TRBO digital mode
There also appears to be quite a few channels at a major Postal Service sorting & bulk mail center:
406.3750, D065
407.3375, 103.5 pl
408.0000, 67.0 pl
409.7375, 114.8 pl
410.2000, D065
414.7250, D306
The busiest appear to the from the Iowa Air National Guard base at the Des Moines airport (KDSM). Since my last visit to the area, the frequencies have gone from analog to P25 with full time encryption! Here is what was found:
163.4625, N300 - Base Security
163.4875
163.5125, N200 - Base Fire & Crash Response
163.5375, N850
163.5875, N100 - Civil Engineering
165.0375, N450
165.1125, NA00 - POL Trucks
165.1375
165.1625
173.4125, N350
173.4375, N250 - Munitions
173.5375, N400 - Maintenance
173.5625
Friday, June 01, 2012
Federal Lands Fire Management Plans
After what seemed like a long drought, with virtually no federal fire information found on-line, many federal fire planning documents are starting to be posted publicly on various Internet sites. Some have been compiled and posted on the Radio reference Federal Monitoring forum.
Here are a few that you can check out and see if the documents are still there!
Big Cypress National Preserve:
http://www.nps.gov/bicy/naturescience/upload/FMP_2010_BigCypressNationalPreserve.pdf
Grand Teton National Park:
http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/documents/local-operations/teton-area/2012_Orientation_Guide_Visiting_Resources.pdf
The Jefferson County, Colorado Airtanker Base Operations Plan:
http://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch_centers/r2ftc/documents/JeffcoOpsPlan2012.pdf
A notice of changes to some frequencies used by the US Forest Service Region 5 in California:
http://www.wildlandfire.com/docs/2012/safe/cwcg-safety-alert-frequencies.pdf
Information on the Klamath Falls, Oregon Airtanker Base:
http://scofmp.org/kfifc/airtank/OpsPlan.pdf
A very large map of Western US dispatching boundaries:
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references/Western_US_Federal_Dispatch_Boundaries/Dispatching_Boundaries_West.pdf
The South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership Channel Plan can be found here:
http://www.scofmp.org/channelplan.pdf
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest frequency guide is here:
http://bmidc.org/files/wwradioguide.pdf
http://bmidc.org/files/2012%20Wallowa-Whitman%20National%20Forest%20Radio%20Guide.pdf
Fire frequency information for Malheur National Forest:
http://bmidc.org/files/2012%20Malheur%20National%20Forest%20Radio%20Guide.pdf
And Umatilla National Forest:
http://bmidc.org/files/2012%20Umatilla%20National%20Forest%20Radio%20Guide.pdf
More as I find them...
Here are a few that you can check out and see if the documents are still there!
Big Cypress National Preserve:
http://www.nps.gov/bicy/naturescience/upload/FMP_2010_BigCypressNationalPreserve.pdf
Grand Teton National Park:
http://gacc.nifc.gov/egbc/dispatch/wy-tdc/documents/local-operations/teton-area/2012_Orientation_Guide_Visiting_Resources.pdf
The Jefferson County, Colorado Airtanker Base Operations Plan:
http://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch_centers/r2ftc/documents/JeffcoOpsPlan2012.pdf
A notice of changes to some frequencies used by the US Forest Service Region 5 in California:
http://www.wildlandfire.com/docs/2012/safe/cwcg-safety-alert-frequencies.pdf
Information on the Klamath Falls, Oregon Airtanker Base:
http://scofmp.org/kfifc/airtank/OpsPlan.pdf
A very large map of Western US dispatching boundaries:
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references/Western_US_Federal_Dispatch_Boundaries/Dispatching_Boundaries_West.pdf
The South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership Channel Plan can be found here:
http://www.scofmp.org/channelplan.pdf
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest frequency guide is here:
http://bmidc.org/files/wwradioguide.pdf
http://bmidc.org/files/2012%20Wallowa-Whitman%20National%20Forest%20Radio%20Guide.pdf
Fire frequency information for Malheur National Forest:
http://bmidc.org/files/2012%20Malheur%20National%20Forest%20Radio%20Guide.pdf
And Umatilla National Forest:
http://bmidc.org/files/2012%20Umatilla%20National%20Forest%20Radio%20Guide.pdf
More as I find them...
Sunday, May 20, 2012
New UHF Trunked System - Las Vegas
I'm spending a little time searching the airwaves in the Southern Nevada region. I seem to have stumbled upon yet another 400 MHz trunking system in or near the Las Vegas area.
Tonight I came across a P-25 control channel on 408.2375 MHz, showing a NAC of N490, a System ID of 49D, Site 001 and a WACN of BEE00. The two voice channels seen are 407.8375 MHz and 409.5125 MHz. The system is currently showing that it is in "Site Trunking", so no other sites are displayed.
All communications so far have been clear. I did hear CONTROL do a roll call of units NH-1, through NH-5. Lots of first names as call signs and mentions of new furniture going in the pharmacy. My first thought might be the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, (Nellis AFB and the Department of Energy maintain medical facilities as well).
The federal UHF band is pretty saturated with multiple trunked systems and conventional channels. There are already 3 wide-area UHF trunked systems covering Nellis Air Force Base and their associated ranges (P-25), the National Nuclear Security Administration and their associated ranges (Motorola Type II) and the Nevada Test & Training Range (EDACS). The frequencies associated with this new system have not been logged by myself in the past.
UPDATE: It appears that this is the new radio system for the new Las Vegas VA Hospital on Pecos Road, scheduled to open in August of 2012. I was able to confirm that the control channel for this new trunked system was emanating from here.
Tonight I came across a P-25 control channel on 408.2375 MHz, showing a NAC of N490, a System ID of 49D, Site 001 and a WACN of BEE00. The two voice channels seen are 407.8375 MHz and 409.5125 MHz. The system is currently showing that it is in "Site Trunking", so no other sites are displayed.
All communications so far have been clear. I did hear CONTROL do a roll call of units NH-1, through NH-5. Lots of first names as call signs and mentions of new furniture going in the pharmacy. My first thought might be the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, (Nellis AFB and the Department of Energy maintain medical facilities as well).
The federal UHF band is pretty saturated with multiple trunked systems and conventional channels. There are already 3 wide-area UHF trunked systems covering Nellis Air Force Base and their associated ranges (P-25), the National Nuclear Security Administration and their associated ranges (Motorola Type II) and the Nevada Test & Training Range (EDACS). The frequencies associated with this new system have not been logged by myself in the past.
UPDATE: It appears that this is the new radio system for the new Las Vegas VA Hospital on Pecos Road, scheduled to open in August of 2012. I was able to confirm that the control channel for this new trunked system was emanating from here.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
414.5625 Mhz Continued
Over the last few years I've seen reports of, and heard myself, some encrypted P-25 transmissions on 414.5625 MHz. Reports have come from Houston, Boston and Charlotte, NC of the same type traffic. The agency is unknown and traffic is, so far, entirely secure.
Initially the traffic reports had a P-25 NAC of N168 being heard, but lately the same frequency has been seen until N169 as well. Also have seen reports of what might be the same agency using 414.7500 MHz, also with a NAC of N169. 414.7500 MHz has traditionally been known as a US Postal Inspectors frequency and it is assigned to them nationwide. However, it is not an exclusive assignment. The various branches of the Department of Defense have some limited allocations of the same frequency, as well as the Bureau of Prisons.
My initial guess it might be one of the DoD Special Investigative agencies, or a DoD security detail of some sort. I have run into various DoD security details on various UHF channels over the years.
UPDATE:
I have been told by reliable sources that the frequency of 414.5625 does show some allocations to the US Postal Service in the Government Master File, but nothing else. So this could be some new assignment or some sort of special use by the Postal Inspectors. More as we find it!
Initially the traffic reports had a P-25 NAC of N168 being heard, but lately the same frequency has been seen until N169 as well. Also have seen reports of what might be the same agency using 414.7500 MHz, also with a NAC of N169. 414.7500 MHz has traditionally been known as a US Postal Inspectors frequency and it is assigned to them nationwide. However, it is not an exclusive assignment. The various branches of the Department of Defense have some limited allocations of the same frequency, as well as the Bureau of Prisons.
My initial guess it might be one of the DoD Special Investigative agencies, or a DoD security detail of some sort. I have run into various DoD security details on various UHF channels over the years.
UPDATE:
I have been told by reliable sources that the frequency of 414.5625 does show some allocations to the US Postal Service in the Government Master File, but nothing else. So this could be some new assignment or some sort of special use by the Postal Inspectors. More as we find it!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Chicago NATO Summit
The NATO Summit is getting cranked up this week in Chicago. The Summit occurs on May 20 & 21, but preparations are already underway. It should provide some interesting listening for those in the area. I have already started to receive some reports of testing on known Secret Service and other federal frequencies.
Here is a links to some information regarding the NATO Summit:
http://securechicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NATOSecurityTransportationPlan.pdf
And a thread on Radio Reference that contains some good information:
http://forums.radioreference.com/chicago-metro-area-discussion/239345-up-coming-nato-communications-where-listen.html
UPDATE:
Just passing through Chicago today (5/15), changing planes @ ORD today and heard some testing on a couple of Secret Service channels in the clear. Person testing mentioned that it was a "Matrix test, 1, 2...".
5/17 - Hearing reports of "NATO" units on 166.7125 MHz. The frequency has been logged previously in Chicago as the North Chicago VAMC police.
Monday, April 23, 2012
DHS Annouces Multi-Billion $ Radio Contract
Watch for continued changes in DHS radio systems in the near future:
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20120413_8705.php?oref=rss
This contact may have been spurred on by the ending of the DHS involvement with the federal IWN radio system. The DHS is now free to develop and expand existing radio systems, including the continuing upgrade from analog to APCO P-25 digital.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20120413_8705.php?oref=rss
This contact may have been spurred on by the ending of the DHS involvement with the federal IWN radio system. The DHS is now free to develop and expand existing radio systems, including the continuing upgrade from analog to APCO P-25 digital.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
National Guard "Operation Phalanx" Along Border
Here is an item regarding National Guard troops being used for border protection:
http://www.gsnmagazine.com/node/26129?c=border_security
The ongoing program called "Operation Phalanx" will be shifting from ground based National Guard troops to airborne border observation and support with CBP. National Guard personnel will include about 200 troops who will provide mobile aerial detection and monitoring across all four southwest border states, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
The article also mentions that the CBP Office of Air & Marine is attempting to upgrade their Blackhawk helicopters to newer UH-60L models.
http://www.gsnmagazine.com/node/26129?c=border_security
The ongoing program called "Operation Phalanx" will be shifting from ground based National Guard troops to airborne border observation and support with CBP. National Guard personnel will include about 200 troops who will provide mobile aerial detection and monitoring across all four southwest border states, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.
The article also mentions that the CBP Office of Air & Marine is attempting to upgrade their Blackhawk helicopters to newer UH-60L models.
North Carolina / South Carolina Logs
I recently made some driving trips in the Asheville and Raleigh, NC areas, as well as driving south to Augusta, GA though South Carolina. Here is what I logged while traveling:
166.2250, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
162.6125, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
164.3750, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
164.7625, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
165.2875, N650 - BATFE NET 1
166.0000, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
166.8875, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
167.8625, CSQ - VAMC paging in Asheville & Augusta
167.9250, CSQ - Paging from DoE Savannah
168.6750, 131.8 pl - USFS "COLUMBIA" Dispatch, Greenville, SC area
169.5500, N4C5 - GREAT SMOKEY MTN National Park "CLINGMANS DOME"
169.7375, D031 - Security patrols, ROMEO units, Raleigh - Durham area
169.9750, weak near Augusta area
170.5625, 71.9 pl - Security patrols, Raleigh - Durham area
170.9125, N130 - Near Columbia, SC on I-26
172.1875, N130
172.5000, N4C5 - GREAT SMOKEY MTN National Park "MT. STERLING"
172.7250, D051 - Blue Ridge Parkway "MT. MITCHELL", analog
172.7250, N120 - Blue Ridge Parkway "MT. MITCHELL", digital
172.7500, N130 - Blue Ridge Parkway "DOUGHTON MTN"
173.5875, N130 - US Army Corps of Engineers
173.6875, N130
173.7625, N130 - Blue Ridge Parkway "RICH MTN"
173.8125, 151.4 pl
406.1125, N010, P-25 TRS 01C
406.1375, Winston - Salem area
406.2750, N293
406.8125, N216 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
407.0125, N216 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
407.0500, Motorola Control Channel, TRS C514, Raleigh - Durham area
408.1250, N010
408.2500, Motorola Control Channel, TRS E721, Columbia, SC?
408.8125, N210 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
408.8125, N216 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
409.5625
409.7375, 107.2 pl - Winston - Salem area
410.0125
410.2125
410.3250, N352 - Raleigh - Durham area
410.5625, N010 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
410.8125, N142 - Raleigh - Durham area
410.8500, 127.3 pl
416.8750, 118.8 pl
166.2250, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
162.6125, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
164.3750, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
164.7625, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
165.2875, N650 - BATFE NET 1
166.0000, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
166.8875, N085 - Savannah DoE TRS
167.8625, CSQ - VAMC paging in Asheville & Augusta
167.9250, CSQ - Paging from DoE Savannah
168.6750, 131.8 pl - USFS "COLUMBIA" Dispatch, Greenville, SC area
169.5500, N4C5 - GREAT SMOKEY MTN National Park "CLINGMANS DOME"
169.7375, D031 - Security patrols, ROMEO units, Raleigh - Durham area
169.9750, weak near Augusta area
170.5625, 71.9 pl - Security patrols, Raleigh - Durham area
170.9125, N130 - Near Columbia, SC on I-26
172.1875, N130
172.5000, N4C5 - GREAT SMOKEY MTN National Park "MT. STERLING"
172.7250, D051 - Blue Ridge Parkway "MT. MITCHELL", analog
172.7250, N120 - Blue Ridge Parkway "MT. MITCHELL", digital
172.7500, N130 - Blue Ridge Parkway "DOUGHTON MTN"
173.5875, N130 - US Army Corps of Engineers
173.6875, N130
173.7625, N130 - Blue Ridge Parkway "RICH MTN"
173.8125, 151.4 pl
406.1125, N010, P-25 TRS 01C
406.1375, Winston - Salem area
406.2750, N293
406.8125, N216 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
407.0125, N216 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
407.0500, Motorola Control Channel, TRS C514, Raleigh - Durham area
408.1250, N010
408.2500, Motorola Control Channel, TRS E721, Columbia, SC?
408.8125, N210 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
408.8125, N216 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
409.5625
409.7375, 107.2 pl - Winston - Salem area
410.0125
410.2125
410.3250, N352 - Raleigh - Durham area
410.5625, N010 - Augusta area, Ft. Gordon TRS?
410.8125, N142 - Raleigh - Durham area
410.8500, 127.3 pl
416.8750, 118.8 pl
166.5125 MHz Mysteries
For those who have been into federal monitoring for a while, the frequency of 166.5125 MHz should appear familiar. It has been long known as the White House Communications Agency SIERRA channel, (inside info seems to indicate this now may be known as ALPHA). It always seemed to be used by the WHCA advance teams when they were in town getting ready for a visit from the VP or POTUS.
However, some reports have this channel active in areas and times when no VIP visits were planned or ever occurred. As I mentioned in my logs of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, local listeners heard encrypted traffic on this frequency several weeks prior to the Super Bowl. While I guessed that they have have been scouting locations for a possible Super Bowl visit from POTUS, I have heard a couple reports from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of traffic on this frequency with more activity and longer operations that might be expected from the WHCA. One report heard some clear activity with what sounded like airborne surveillance operations, highly unlikely for the WHCA.
As far as I can tell, the frequency is an exclusive allocation to the WHCA and I've not logged any other agencies operations on this channel. But there might be a possibility that this frequency is in some Secret Service radios and they may just have decided to use it for some of their operations. There has long been an assumption that the Secret Service has some WHCA channels in their radios, as they two agencies often interact on many Executive Protection details.
Clearly, more information is needed. But keep an ear on 166.5125 MHz and see if it gets busy in your area.
However, some reports have this channel active in areas and times when no VIP visits were planned or ever occurred. As I mentioned in my logs of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, local listeners heard encrypted traffic on this frequency several weeks prior to the Super Bowl. While I guessed that they have have been scouting locations for a possible Super Bowl visit from POTUS, I have heard a couple reports from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of traffic on this frequency with more activity and longer operations that might be expected from the WHCA. One report heard some clear activity with what sounded like airborne surveillance operations, highly unlikely for the WHCA.
As far as I can tell, the frequency is an exclusive allocation to the WHCA and I've not logged any other agencies operations on this channel. But there might be a possibility that this frequency is in some Secret Service radios and they may just have decided to use it for some of their operations. There has long been an assumption that the Secret Service has some WHCA channels in their radios, as they two agencies often interact on many Executive Protection details.
Clearly, more information is needed. But keep an ear on 166.5125 MHz and see if it gets busy in your area.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Super Bowl XLVI Monitoring Logs
In the May issue of Monitoring Times, the Fed Files column contains my scanning logs from Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis this past February. I figured I'd post it here and see if anyone had anything to add or identify some of the unknowns I picked up while in Indy!
123.0250 AM Area helicopter multicom channel
123.0500 AM Area helicopter multicom channel
136.3750 AM CBF OAM VHF "COMPANY"
148.0000 CSQ Unknown agency
162.3250 Unknown
162.5875 Unknown
162.7625 N293 Unknown agency
162.8750 N023 DHS Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), input to 170.1
162.8750 N293 Unknown agency
162.9125 N069 DHS ICE, input to 171.2500
162.9750 N293 Unknown agency
163.1000 N167 FBI
163.1125 N496 Unknown agency, input to 170.7875
163.1250 N301 CBP
163.1875 N167 FBI
163.2000 N023 Unknown agency
163.2375 Unknown
163.7000 N169 ICE TAC 1
163.7250 N169 ICE tactical channel
163.8625 N167 FBI, input to 167.5375
163.9000 N167 FBI, input to 170.9375
163.9375 N167 FBI A6 input
164.1000 N301 CBP VACIS Operations
164.3500 NE03 Possible Department of Energy
164.4500 Possible EPA using DES encryption?
164.6500 N001 USSS TANGO
164.7875 N169 ICE TAC 4
165.2375 100.0 CBP NET 1 analog
165.2375 N301 CBP VACIS Operations
165.2875 N650 BATFE NET 1
165.3750 N001 USSS CHARLIE
165.5125 N301 CBP
165.6875 N301 CBP VACIS Operations
165.7250 N293 Unknown agency
165.8000 CSQ Unknown agency
166.4375 N325 CBP DNET 1 input
166.4625 103.5 Possible TSA use at stadium, analog
166.5125 P-25 WHCA ALPHA, reported weeks prior but nothing heard during.
166.5875 100.0 Unknown
166.5875 N301 CBP DNET 12
166.6750 141.3 Unknown
167.0000 N100 Unknown agency
167.0250 N169 Possible ICE tactical channel
167.2125 N167 FBI
167.2125 N167 FBI A1
167.2875 167.9 FBI
167.3125 167.9 FBI
167.3875 N167 FBI
167.4125 167.9 FBI
167.5375 N167 FBI D6
167.5625 N167 FBI
167.7625 N167 FBI
167.7625 N167 FBI A6
168.0000 141.3 Related to the 166.675 MHz?
168.1125 N68F Federal Interoperability LE-4
168.5875 N169 ICE TAC 2
168.8375 N293 CBP AIR 1
168.9625 N293 Unknown agency
169.2625 N293 Unknown agency
169.5500 N325 CBP DNET 12 input
169.5625 Unknown
169.7250 N167 FBI
170.1000 N023 DHS ICE
170.4375 N167 FBI
170.4875 N167 FBI
170.7500 N293 US Marshals Service, Indianapolis Federal Courthouse
170.7875 N496 Unknown agency
170.9125 N167 FBI
170.9375 N167 FBI, A5
171.2000 NE03 Possible Department of Energy use
171.2000 N293 Unknown agency
171.2500 N069 ICE NET 1, repeater
171.3875 CSQ USPS Bulk Mail Center, Truck Operations
171.6875 N293 Unknown agency
171.7750 N167 FBI
171.9500 N293 Unknown agency
172.1750 Unknown, possible data bursts
172.9000 N001 TSA at Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
228.9000 AM Combat Air Patrol
238.2000 AM Combat Air Patrol, TAC channel
260.9000 AM Combat Air Patrol
350.0250 AM CBP OAM UHF "3"
380.7875 NFM Possible DoD land mobile use
383.4750 NFM Possible DoD land mobile use
406.1375 127.3 Possible US Postal Service
406.2000 N201 Federal Protective Service, Region V
407.7250 N482 USPS Postal Inspection Service
407.7750 N482 USPS Postal Inspection Service
407.8375 N174 VAMC Maintenance
408.0375 N263 VAMC Police
408.9375 D162 Unknown
409.0750 D364 Unknown
409.2750 127.3 Possible US Postal Service
410.2000 127.3 USPS Bulk Mail Center, downtown Indianapolis
410.3000 156.7 Unknown
410.8750 146.2 Unknown
411.5250 127.3 Probably USPS operations
411.5500 127.3 Probably USPS operations
414.7250 Unknown
414.7375 D074 Unknown
415.0750 91.5 Unknown
416.7250 N482 USPS Postal Inspection Service, input to 407.7250
416.8375 N174 VAMC, input to 407.8375
417.0375 N263 VAMC, input to 408.0375
418.5250 Unknown
418.6000 136.5 Unknown
418.7750 100.0 Unknown
123.0250 AM Area helicopter multicom channel
123.0500 AM Area helicopter multicom channel
136.3750 AM CBF OAM VHF "COMPANY"
148.0000 CSQ Unknown agency
162.3250 Unknown
162.5875 Unknown
162.7625 N293 Unknown agency
162.8750 N023 DHS Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), input to 170.1
162.8750 N293 Unknown agency
162.9125 N069 DHS ICE, input to 171.2500
162.9750 N293 Unknown agency
163.1000 N167 FBI
163.1125 N496 Unknown agency, input to 170.7875
163.1250 N301 CBP
163.1875 N167 FBI
163.2000 N023 Unknown agency
163.2375 Unknown
163.7000 N169 ICE TAC 1
163.7250 N169 ICE tactical channel
163.8625 N167 FBI, input to 167.5375
163.9000 N167 FBI, input to 170.9375
163.9375 N167 FBI A6 input
164.1000 N301 CBP VACIS Operations
164.3500 NE03 Possible Department of Energy
164.4500 Possible EPA using DES encryption?
164.6500 N001 USSS TANGO
164.7875 N169 ICE TAC 4
165.2375 100.0 CBP NET 1 analog
165.2375 N301 CBP VACIS Operations
165.2875 N650 BATFE NET 1
165.3750 N001 USSS CHARLIE
165.5125 N301 CBP
165.6875 N301 CBP VACIS Operations
165.7250 N293 Unknown agency
165.8000 CSQ Unknown agency
166.4375 N325 CBP DNET 1 input
166.4625 103.5 Possible TSA use at stadium, analog
166.5125 P-25 WHCA ALPHA, reported weeks prior but nothing heard during.
166.5875 100.0 Unknown
166.5875 N301 CBP DNET 12
166.6750 141.3 Unknown
167.0000 N100 Unknown agency
167.0250 N169 Possible ICE tactical channel
167.2125 N167 FBI
167.2125 N167 FBI A1
167.2875 167.9 FBI
167.3125 167.9 FBI
167.3875 N167 FBI
167.4125 167.9 FBI
167.5375 N167 FBI D6
167.5625 N167 FBI
167.7625 N167 FBI
167.7625 N167 FBI A6
168.0000 141.3 Related to the 166.675 MHz?
168.1125 N68F Federal Interoperability LE-4
168.5875 N169 ICE TAC 2
168.8375 N293 CBP AIR 1
168.9625 N293 Unknown agency
169.2625 N293 Unknown agency
169.5500 N325 CBP DNET 12 input
169.5625 Unknown
169.7250 N167 FBI
170.1000 N023 DHS ICE
170.4375 N167 FBI
170.4875 N167 FBI
170.7500 N293 US Marshals Service, Indianapolis Federal Courthouse
170.7875 N496 Unknown agency
170.9125 N167 FBI
170.9375 N167 FBI, A5
171.2000 NE03 Possible Department of Energy use
171.2000 N293 Unknown agency
171.2500 N069 ICE NET 1, repeater
171.3875 CSQ USPS Bulk Mail Center, Truck Operations
171.6875 N293 Unknown agency
171.7750 N167 FBI
171.9500 N293 Unknown agency
172.1750 Unknown, possible data bursts
172.9000 N001 TSA at Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
228.9000 AM Combat Air Patrol
238.2000 AM Combat Air Patrol, TAC channel
260.9000 AM Combat Air Patrol
350.0250 AM CBP OAM UHF "3"
380.7875 NFM Possible DoD land mobile use
383.4750 NFM Possible DoD land mobile use
406.1375 127.3 Possible US Postal Service
406.2000 N201 Federal Protective Service, Region V
407.7250 N482 USPS Postal Inspection Service
407.7750 N482 USPS Postal Inspection Service
407.8375 N174 VAMC Maintenance
408.0375 N263 VAMC Police
408.9375 D162 Unknown
409.0750 D364 Unknown
409.2750 127.3 Possible US Postal Service
410.2000 127.3 USPS Bulk Mail Center, downtown Indianapolis
410.3000 156.7 Unknown
410.8750 146.2 Unknown
411.5250 127.3 Probably USPS operations
411.5500 127.3 Probably USPS operations
414.7250 Unknown
414.7375 D074 Unknown
415.0750 91.5 Unknown
416.7250 N482 USPS Postal Inspection Service, input to 407.7250
416.8375 N174 VAMC, input to 407.8375
417.0375 N263 VAMC, input to 408.0375
418.5250 Unknown
418.6000 136.5 Unknown
418.7750 100.0 Unknown
Friday, April 13, 2012
DEA on VHF?
While I continue to receive reports of the DEA transitioning to new P-25 frequencies in various parts of the country, I have seen two reports of what they believe to be new P-25 DEA channels in the VHF hi-band.
Both 173.6000 MHz, N156 and 173.7250 MHz, N156 have been reported with encrypted traffic in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The P-25 NAC appears to be what is steering listeners to believe it is the DEA. Although I have seen other federal agencies utilizing the same analog CTCSS tone of 156.7 Hz that the DEA used, I have not seen other agencies using a P-25 NAC of N156 yet.
There have been subtle indications of a possible move from UHF to VHF by the DEA. I'm also wondering if they have some new multi-band radios and have set up some VHF operations for interoperability with other Justice Department agencies.
The frequencies themselves are previously unassigned or had unknown assignments. 173.6000 MHz, N653 is being used as part of the Federal Interoperability project in Southern California.
UPDATE:
Add another unknown to this network - 173.8625 MHz, N156 has been heard in use in the same region.
Both 173.6000 MHz, N156 and 173.7250 MHz, N156 have been reported with encrypted traffic in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The P-25 NAC appears to be what is steering listeners to believe it is the DEA. Although I have seen other federal agencies utilizing the same analog CTCSS tone of 156.7 Hz that the DEA used, I have not seen other agencies using a P-25 NAC of N156 yet.
There have been subtle indications of a possible move from UHF to VHF by the DEA. I'm also wondering if they have some new multi-band radios and have set up some VHF operations for interoperability with other Justice Department agencies.
The frequencies themselves are previously unassigned or had unknown assignments. 173.6000 MHz, N653 is being used as part of the Federal Interoperability project in Southern California.
UPDATE:
Add another unknown to this network - 173.8625 MHz, N156 has been heard in use in the same region.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
CBP "Integrated Towers" Project
The US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has begun soliciting bids on what it is calling "integrated fixed towers":
https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=9e350553fcd23dae89edc56dca8510e1&tab=core&_cview=0
These manned towers will be placed at strategic locations along the Arizona/Mexico border and will house various radar. communications and surveillance electronics that will help CBP with tracking illegal border crossings. The first of the towers is scheduled to be installed near the Nogalas, AZ CBP area of responsibility.
This may be the next version of the so-called "virtual fence" project that Boeing failed to deliver to CBP a few years ago. More information on this latest project can be found here:
http://www.gsnmagazine.com/article/25958/q_a_cbp’s_“integrated_fixed_towers”_program
http://www.gsnmagazine.com/node/26063?c=communications
https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=9e350553fcd23dae89edc56dca8510e1&tab=core&_cview=0
These manned towers will be placed at strategic locations along the Arizona/Mexico border and will house various radar. communications and surveillance electronics that will help CBP with tracking illegal border crossings. The first of the towers is scheduled to be installed near the Nogalas, AZ CBP area of responsibility.
This may be the next version of the so-called "virtual fence" project that Boeing failed to deliver to CBP a few years ago. More information on this latest project can be found here:
http://www.gsnmagazine.com/article/25958/q_a_cbp’s_“integrated_fixed_towers”_program
http://www.gsnmagazine.com/node/26063?c=communications
Saturday, April 07, 2012
US Marshals Service
For several years now, the US Marshals Service, part of the Department of Justice, has been utilizing the FBI radio communications network for US Marshals operations. Initially, it seemed that the Marshals were just utilizing the same frequencies as the FBI operations. However, there now appears to be evidence that the US Marshals, or some other FBI units are starting to use some of the same frequencies, but are using a different P-25 Network Access Code (NAC).
Most FBI operational channels using P25 digital mode are using a NAC of N167. Some known FBI channels are now starting to show users with another NAC, in some cases N864. Since most of this traffic is encrypted, positive identification of the users is not possible, but reports from the New York City area have perhaps identified the N864 operations as "possibly" being US Marshals. This same NAC is being reported in other cites as well, and additional P-25 NACs have been seen on known FBI radio channels.
If these different NACs are exclusive to US Marshals units or perhaps a joint USMS/FBI task force is also unknown. In addition, there have been reports of some VHF simplex channels historically used by the US Marshals, such as 162.7875 MHz and 163.2000 MHz, being used with a NAC of N839.
So if you have the ability, keep an eye out for any unusual P-25 NACs on known DoJ channels in your area. We shall see if there is any pattern to the NACs used or any information on the users.
Most FBI operational channels using P25 digital mode are using a NAC of N167. Some known FBI channels are now starting to show users with another NAC, in some cases N864. Since most of this traffic is encrypted, positive identification of the users is not possible, but reports from the New York City area have perhaps identified the N864 operations as "possibly" being US Marshals. This same NAC is being reported in other cites as well, and additional P-25 NACs have been seen on known FBI radio channels.
If these different NACs are exclusive to US Marshals units or perhaps a joint USMS/FBI task force is also unknown. In addition, there have been reports of some VHF simplex channels historically used by the US Marshals, such as 162.7875 MHz and 163.2000 MHz, being used with a NAC of N839.
So if you have the ability, keep an eye out for any unusual P-25 NACs on known DoJ channels in your area. We shall see if there is any pattern to the NACs used or any information on the users.
South Central Oregon Fire Channel Plan
Here's a nice listing of frequencies used by the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership. It contains both statewide and federal agency frequencies:
http://www.scofmp.org/channelplan.pdf
http://www.scofmp.org/channelplan.pdf
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Monitoring Times on Kindle
For those of us with Kindle e-readers, some good news. Monitoring Times magazine is available for the Kindle through the Kindle store. Although MT is available electronically as a PDF file, it is difficult to read on the original Kindle e-readers. (I haven't seen how the PDFs look on the Kindle Fire.)
The first issue available is the March 2012 issue and is a test to see how popular it will be. The Kindle version is formatted as text-only at this point, which works better me than trying to read the PDF version on a Kindle.
Give it a try and let the folks at Monitoring Times know what you think!
The first issue available is the March 2012 issue and is a test to see how popular it will be. The Kindle version is formatted as text-only at this point, which works better me than trying to read the PDF version on a Kindle.
Give it a try and let the folks at Monitoring Times know what you think!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
GOP Campaign Update
As noted in previous postings, both of the current front-running Republican presidential candidates are now receiving protective details from the US Secret Service.
Some initial reports have started trickling in about hearing some Secret Service communications frequencies active at recent campaign stops. Frequencies heard were 165.3750 MHz (CHARLIE), 165.7875 MHz (BAKER) and possibly 165.6875 MHz.
It's important to note that these protective details will generally be smaller and will not use multiple radio channels as with the details of those in elected office. Also, there should not be any White House Communications Agency (WHCA) activity at these events, as they have no responsibility for political candidates.
Finally, news media reports have reveled what are reported to be the "code names" that are assigned to the principles of the protection details. Here is what is being reported:
JAVELIN: Romney
PETRUS: Santorum
However, these have not been officially confirmed by the US Secret Service at this time.
Some initial reports have started trickling in about hearing some Secret Service communications frequencies active at recent campaign stops. Frequencies heard were 165.3750 MHz (CHARLIE), 165.7875 MHz (BAKER) and possibly 165.6875 MHz.
It's important to note that these protective details will generally be smaller and will not use multiple radio channels as with the details of those in elected office. Also, there should not be any White House Communications Agency (WHCA) activity at these events, as they have no responsibility for political candidates.
Finally, news media reports have reveled what are reported to be the "code names" that are assigned to the principles of the protection details. Here is what is being reported:
JAVELIN: Romney
PETRUS: Santorum
However, these have not been officially confirmed by the US Secret Service at this time.
Monday, March 05, 2012
G8 Summit Moved
There were folks planning on being in the Chicago area for the upcoming G8 Summit, May 18 & 19, to monitor the action. News is that the summit meeting have now been moved to Camp David:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/obama-shifts-location-of-g-8-summit-from-hometown-of-chicago-to-camp-david/2012/03/05/gIQAsm9CtR_story.html
Apparently the NATO Summit, scheduled for May 20-21, is still on schedule to being in Chicago.
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Additional Secret Service Detail for GOP
In addition to providing protective details for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the US Secret Service will now be providing details for candidate Rick Santorum as well:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/26/santorum-to-receive-secret-service-detail/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/26/rick-santorum-secret-service_n_1303063.html
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2012-02-27/santorum-secret-service/53265660/1
No reports yet from monitors if they have been able to catch any radio traffic from the already operating Romney detail concerning possible code names.
No word on any possible Secret Service protection for candidate Ron Paul or Newt Gingrich.
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