Some new VHF channels were noted in the Houston, TX area recently:
163.8125 MHz, N864
173.7125 MHz, N293
There was some speculation that this may be a new US Marshals repeater setup, with various NAC's used on the input frequency. Indications are that this is being used in the Kansas City area. Further research is in order!
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
New DoD UHF Trunked System in Portland, OR
Although this is usually Larry Van Horn's domain, since it's in my backyard, I thought I would post about it!
A new P-25 trunked system is on the air in the area of the Portland International Airport. The system is apparently in support of operations at the Portland Air National Guard Base on the south side of the field.
Here are the system specifics from PRO96COM:
System ID : 00A
System Name : DOD USAF
WACN : 92195
Tower Number (Decimal): 101
Tower Number (Hex) : T0101
Tower Description : PORTLAND AIR BASE, PDX
Control Capabilities : Data,Voice,Registration
Call Sign(s) :
Timestamp : Fri Jul 05 15:12:18 2013
-Tables
#Format: Table ID,Base Freq,Spacing,Input Offset,Assumed/Confirmed,BandWidth
00,380.00000,0.00625,20.00000,"Confirmed",0.01250
-Frequencies
#Format: Channel,Usage,Frequency,Input Frequency,Hit Count
"00-0012","a",380.07500,400.07500,0
"00-0044","a",380.27500,400.27500,0
"00-0228","c",381.42500,401.42500,0
"00-0312","a",381.95000,401.95000,0
"00-0834","a",385.21250,405.21250,0
* For some reason the system is showing a 20 MHz offset for the input frequencies, but it is actually 10 MHz. I have seen this phenomenon on other 380 MHz DoD trunked systems.
As of this weekend, no radio affiliations were seen, and base operations on other, conventional 380 MHz channels appear to continue as usual. Not sure when this system is slated to become live, but it is on the air and audible throughout northwestern Portland and Vancouver, Washington.
A new P-25 trunked system is on the air in the area of the Portland International Airport. The system is apparently in support of operations at the Portland Air National Guard Base on the south side of the field.
Here are the system specifics from PRO96COM:
System ID : 00A
System Name : DOD USAF
WACN : 92195
Tower Number (Decimal): 101
Tower Number (Hex) : T0101
Tower Description : PORTLAND AIR BASE, PDX
Control Capabilities : Data,Voice,Registration
Call Sign(s) :
Timestamp : Fri Jul 05 15:12:18 2013
-Tables
#Format: Table ID,Base Freq,Spacing,Input Offset,Assumed/Confirmed,BandWidth
00,380.00000,0.00625,20.00000,"Confirmed",0.01250
-Frequencies
#Format: Channel,Usage,Frequency,Input Frequency,Hit Count
"00-0012","a",380.07500,400.07500,0
"00-0044","a",380.27500,400.27500,0
"00-0228","c",381.42500,401.42500,0
"00-0312","a",381.95000,401.95000,0
"00-0834","a",385.21250,405.21250,0
* For some reason the system is showing a 20 MHz offset for the input frequencies, but it is actually 10 MHz. I have seen this phenomenon on other 380 MHz DoD trunked systems.
As of this weekend, no radio affiliations were seen, and base operations on other, conventional 380 MHz channels appear to continue as usual. Not sure when this system is slated to become live, but it is on the air and audible throughout northwestern Portland and Vancouver, Washington.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
USCG on 167.6250 MHz?
A listener in Michigan is reporting he got a Close Call hit and heard P25 Coast Guard communications on 167.6250 MHz, N293. Here is the Radio Reference thread:
http://forums.radioreference.com/marine-monitoring-forum/269338-coast-guard-digital.html#post1993308
Even though I have never heard of that frequency being allocated to Coast Guard operations, it could be a new allocation for a special use channel. Some under-used frequencies, especially near border areas, can be utilized by agencies that you would normally not expect.
Also, some are thinking this might be a special channel for interoperability with the FBI, since it falls in the 167 MHz area that we are used to seeing their communications in. However, many of the frequencies in the 167-168 MHz area are not exclusive allocations to the Justice Department or the FBI, and can be assigned to other agencies. Also, there are plenty of existing federal interoperability channels already in the FBI and Coast Guard radios that are available for use by both agencies.
UPDATE!
Another listener now states that CG Sector Toledo has been using 167.1125 MHz, N293 for some of their operations. The channel has been identified by users as "AG-101".
http://forums.radioreference.com/marine-monitoring-forum/269338-coast-guard-digital.html#post1993308
Even though I have never heard of that frequency being allocated to Coast Guard operations, it could be a new allocation for a special use channel. Some under-used frequencies, especially near border areas, can be utilized by agencies that you would normally not expect.
Also, some are thinking this might be a special channel for interoperability with the FBI, since it falls in the 167 MHz area that we are used to seeing their communications in. However, many of the frequencies in the 167-168 MHz area are not exclusive allocations to the Justice Department or the FBI, and can be assigned to other agencies. Also, there are plenty of existing federal interoperability channels already in the FBI and Coast Guard radios that are available for use by both agencies.
UPDATE!
Another listener now states that CG Sector Toledo has been using 167.1125 MHz, N293 for some of their operations. The channel has been identified by users as "AG-101".
Thursday, June 13, 2013
FBI Frequency Updates Added
At the suggestion of a blog fan, I have started to add FBI frequency updates to the various agency pages at the top of the Fed Files blog. Since the FBI does not operate on a standard, nationwide channel plan, listing the various known FBI channels by US city should provide some idea of what frequencies are used where.
I have just started, so things may look a little sparse for a while, but I will be adding more as I have time. Also, if you have any FBI frequencies for your area, please pass the along and I will add them to the list.
I have just started, so things may look a little sparse for a while, but I will be adding more as I have time. Also, if you have any FBI frequencies for your area, please pass the along and I will add them to the list.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
New DEA UHF - UPDATE!
I recently received some information on another new UHF channel associated with the DEA transition to P-25.
412.5750 MHz, N156 has been heard in use in Mississippi as a simplex air-to-ground channel.
UPDATE!
I just received information that there is a new DEA repeater on 406.6000 MHz, N156. It is located in southern Mississippi, specific location unknown as of now.
The DEA list on the top of the blog home page has been updated with this new information.
412.5750 MHz, N156 has been heard in use in Mississippi as a simplex air-to-ground channel.
UPDATE!
I just received information that there is a new DEA repeater on 406.6000 MHz, N156. It is located in southern Mississippi, specific location unknown as of now.
The DEA list on the top of the blog home page has been updated with this new information.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
New York City FIO2
For a while now, I had confirmed that 171.1750 MHz, N653 was officially designated as NYC Federal Interop 2. However, I had never heard anyone using it.
But when I arrived in town this last week, I heard a couple of days of traffic from some group moving around the NYC area. They were a large enough group that they had to take separate ferries when they were using the Staten Island ferry. It sounded like some sort of escort. The only call sign I caught was "1A7", so no idea what agency it was. I did also hear "Topside" a couple of times, but not sure if it was a call sign or just telling someone where they were on the ferry!
But when I arrived in town this last week, I heard a couple of days of traffic from some group moving around the NYC area. They were a large enough group that they had to take separate ferries when they were using the Staten Island ferry. It sounded like some sort of escort. The only call sign I caught was "1A7", so no idea what agency it was. I did also hear "Topside" a couple of times, but not sure if it was a call sign or just telling someone where they were on the ferry!
Boston Area Mystery Aircraft
Many media outlets are carrying stories about Boston area residents being disturbed by low-altitude, "mysterious" aircraft at all hours. Here is one such story:
http://theaviationist.com/2013/05/12/fbi-planes-boston/
Officially, the FBI and Boston officials are not confirming anything about these flights, but anyone checking the aircraft N numbers, or paying attention to federal radio traffic in the area are pretty likely to figure this one out...
http://theaviationist.com/2013/05/12/fbi-planes-boston/
Officially, the FBI and Boston officials are not confirming anything about these flights, but anyone checking the aircraft N numbers, or paying attention to federal radio traffic in the area are pretty likely to figure this one out...
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Dalai Lama Visit
The Dalai Lama is attending an environmental conference in Portland, Oregon this week. The Department of State Diplomatic Security Service was handling the motorcade & security for the visit and was heard using 409.5250 MHz, N293.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Arlington TX Logs
Spend a few days in the Arlington, Texas area and logged a bit of federal activity while there:
165.2125, N001 - US Secret Service MIKE - Bush (43) Protection Detail at Rangers game
165.3750, N001 - US Secret Service CHARLIE
167.2625, N167 - FBI
168.3375
170.6750, N167
170.9375, N167 - FBI
171.6125, N167 - FBI
172.9000, N001 - TSA at Dallas Love Field
173.6000, N156 - DEA VHF repeater
173.7000, N156 - DEA VHF repeater
173.7250, N156 - DEA VHF repeater
173.8125, N167 - FBI
I will be back in June and try for some more catches then...
165.2125, N001 - US Secret Service MIKE - Bush (43) Protection Detail at Rangers game
165.3750, N001 - US Secret Service CHARLIE
167.2625, N167 - FBI
168.3375
170.6750, N167
170.9375, N167 - FBI
171.6125, N167 - FBI
172.9000, N001 - TSA at Dallas Love Field
173.6000, N156 - DEA VHF repeater
173.7000, N156 - DEA VHF repeater
173.7250, N156 - DEA VHF repeater
173.8125, N167 - FBI
I will be back in June and try for some more catches then...
Thursday, May 02, 2013
More VHF DEA?
When in the Dallas - Ft. Worth area, I stumbled upon some additional VHF frequencies that might be DEA related.
While the DEA continues to utilize the UHF federal spectrum for it's primary communications, there have been some VHF federal channels that are utilizing the same P25 NAC of N156 that their UHF channels use. These frequencies have been noted in multiple areas of the country, but mostly in North Central Texas. The guess at the time is these are used for interoperability with other federal agencies, or perhaps a local task force. Confirmation is difficult, as all the communications have been encrypted. And so far, the only evidence that this activity is DEA related is the N156 NAC.
Previous reports have the following frequencies in use, all using the P25 NAC of N156:
Here is a link to the current DEA frequency list:
http://mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com/p/dea-frequency-updates.html
While the DEA continues to utilize the UHF federal spectrum for it's primary communications, there have been some VHF federal channels that are utilizing the same P25 NAC of N156 that their UHF channels use. These frequencies have been noted in multiple areas of the country, but mostly in North Central Texas. The guess at the time is these are used for interoperability with other federal agencies, or perhaps a local task force. Confirmation is difficult, as all the communications have been encrypted. And so far, the only evidence that this activity is DEA related is the N156 NAC.
Previous reports have the following frequencies in use, all using the P25 NAC of N156:
173.6000, N156
173.7250, N156
173.8625, N156
In addition, I have heard 173.6750 & 173.7000 MHz used with the same NAC.
Here is a link to the current DEA frequency list:
http://mt-fedfiles.blogspot.com/p/dea-frequency-updates.html
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Southern Border Radio Traffic
A recent story on Fox News here linked to a web site that claimed to be posting recordings of clear Border Patrol radio traffic from along the southern United States.
The site, called "Secure Border Intelligence", http://secureborderintel.org/arizona_audio.html, shows links to daily compilations of clear radio traffic along the Arizona border area. My personal experience has shown that the Border Patrol traffic on the newer P-25 digital repeaters in the area is mostly encrypted. But some field units, particularly aviation units, are sometimes not using encryption while working the border.
The group apparently is aiming to show that illegel border crossing activity continues at a hefty pace, despite claims by some in the government that the border is more secure. The archived audio is presented much later than it occurred, so not much real time intelligence can be gleaned from it. But I'm sure this will fan the flames in the controversy over encrypting law enforcement radio traffic and the mobile computer apps that allow users to monitor police radio traffic.
The site, called "Secure Border Intelligence", http://secureborderintel.org/arizona_audio.html, shows links to daily compilations of clear radio traffic along the Arizona border area. My personal experience has shown that the Border Patrol traffic on the newer P-25 digital repeaters in the area is mostly encrypted. But some field units, particularly aviation units, are sometimes not using encryption while working the border.
The group apparently is aiming to show that illegel border crossing activity continues at a hefty pace, despite claims by some in the government that the border is more secure. The archived audio is presented much later than it occurred, so not much real time intelligence can be gleaned from it. But I'm sure this will fan the flames in the controversy over encrypting law enforcement radio traffic and the mobile computer apps that allow users to monitor police radio traffic.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
ACY Coast Guard Activity
I had a couple of days to hang out at Atlantic City International (ACY) and caught some Coast Guard helicopter training activity.
On two consecutive days there were 2 HH-65C Dolphin helicopters running air intercept training. Both departed each day from the Coast Guard ramp at ACY. They did not identify themselves by their CG number, which is how I am used to hearing normal Coast Guard air units ID themselves. In this case, they used BOUNCER 1 & BOUNCER 2 as their flight call signs, and used 237.9 MHz and 345.0 MHz as an air-to-air tac channel. On the way back to base, I caught 164.3000 MHz, CSQ as the base aircraft maintenance channel. 412.9750 MHz, N293 (NET 409) was used for radio guard while the birds were in flight.
On two consecutive days there were 2 HH-65C Dolphin helicopters running air intercept training. Both departed each day from the Coast Guard ramp at ACY. They did not identify themselves by their CG number, which is how I am used to hearing normal Coast Guard air units ID themselves. In this case, they used BOUNCER 1 & BOUNCER 2 as their flight call signs, and used 237.9 MHz and 345.0 MHz as an air-to-air tac channel. On the way back to base, I caught 164.3000 MHz, CSQ as the base aircraft maintenance channel. 412.9750 MHz, N293 (NET 409) was used for radio guard while the birds were in flight.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
LAX Stopover Logs
Just some quick logs from a layover at LAX between flights. Plenty of clear traffic during the short time I was listening, even on the FBI nets!
3/21/13
163.1375, N293 - USCG NET 113
163.6750, N217 - CBP Border Patrol
166.9125, N245 - CBP MA-4
167.2250, N374
167.4625, N167 - FBI A5
167.6625, N167 - FBI A7
168.8000, N170 - CBP JIOP
168.8250, N104 - CBP Charlie 100
172.4500, N148 - CBP MA-1
172.9500, N293 - FAA
3/21/13
163.1375, N293 - USCG NET 113
163.6750, N217 - CBP Border Patrol
166.9125, N245 - CBP MA-4
167.2250, N374
167.4625, N167 - FBI A5
167.6625, N167 - FBI A7
168.8000, N170 - CBP JIOP
168.8250, N104 - CBP Charlie 100
172.4500, N148 - CBP MA-1
172.9500, N293 - FAA
Friday, February 22, 2013
March Fed Files Correction
In the most recent Fed Files column, there is a list of VHF frequencies at the end of the column that are not identified as to what they are. Sorry that these were not identified more clearly.
These frequencies are allocations available for use by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for their conventional radio operations. These are currently in use, at least until the new UHF P25 trunked system takes over, and even then there will still be some non-trunked channels in use.
Here is a list of the TVA allocations:
I will have more on the TVA trunked radio project in a future Fed Files.
These frequencies are allocations available for use by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for their conventional radio operations. These are currently in use, at least until the new UHF P25 trunked system takes over, and even then there will still be some non-trunked channels in use.
Here is a list of the TVA allocations:
40.3100
40.3700
40.4300
40.4900
40.5300
40.5700
40.6100
40.6500
40.6900
40.7300
40.7700
40.8300
40.8700
162.0250
163.0500
163.1250
163.1500
163.1750
163.3750
164.2500
164.4750
164.5750
164.7250
164.7500
166.2250
166.2500
166.2750
166.3250
166.3750
166.6375
166.8250
166.8750
167.0250
167.0750
167.1000
167.1250
167.1500
167.1750
168.2250
168.2750
168.3250
168.4750
168.5750
169.4000
169.6250
169.6750
169.7250
170.0250
170.0500
170.0750
170.1500
171.3875
171.6500
171.7000
171.7500
172.0250
172.4250
172.4500
172.4750
172.5750
172.6250
172.6500
172.7500
173.0500
173.7625
I will have more on the TVA trunked radio project in a future Fed Files.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
NBA All Star Game
The NBA All Star game is coming up this week in Houston, Texas. The event is getting some federal agency protection, as many large public events are these days. Some postings on the Houston area scanning lists have some potential activity listed in relation to the All Star activities:
161.2050 MHz, 146.2 - Amtrak Police K9 units
168.5875 MHz, N169 - ICE National Tactical 2
171.4375 MHz, N653 - Federal Interoperability 2 "Patch"
171.6125 MHz, N167 - FBI
171.6875 MHz, N167 - FBI
172.2125 MHz, N167 - FBI
172.2875 MHz, N167 - FBI
More as it becomes available.
161.2050 MHz, 146.2 - Amtrak Police K9 units
168.5875 MHz, N169 - ICE National Tactical 2
171.4375 MHz, N653 - Federal Interoperability 2 "Patch"
171.6125 MHz, N167 - FBI
171.6875 MHz, N167 - FBI
172.2125 MHz, N167 - FBI
172.2875 MHz, N167 - FBI
More as it becomes available.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Super Bowl XLVII Game Day
You can check out this CBS News video about Super Bowl XLVII security preparations here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50140183n
More later!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
CBP Border Patrol Changes in South Texas
As of the first days of 2013, the CBP Border Patrol along the Rio Grande River in South Texas appears to have migrated over to new frequencies and P25 digital radios.
According to some postings on Radio Reference, here are some of the new Border Patrol operational channels near Brownsville, Texas;
162.2875, NA50
163.0625, NA40
163.4750, NA61
163.5250, NA10
163.6500, NA60
163.9750, NA21
164.4375, NA51
164.7375, NA41
166.9875, N310
168.3875, N312
169.2625, N293 - CBP Air 3
169.5750, NA80
169.6000, NA20
169.6375, NA31 - Weslaco 2
169.6625, NA30 - Weslaco 1
170.1250, NA40
170.3375, NA50
170.4375, NA61
170.5375, NA40 - Harlingen 1
170.9875, NA60
171.1875, NA20 - McAllen
171.1875, NB20
171.3250, NA11 - Rio Grande City 2
171.3250, NA41 - Harlingen
171.6625, NA12 - Rio Grande City 1
171.6625, NA51
171.7125, NA22 - McAllen 2
171.9625, NA10 - Rio Grande City (?)
171.9875, N311
172.2375, NC20
172.2625, NA21 - McAllen 1
172.7125, NA60
According to some postings on Radio Reference, here are some of the new Border Patrol operational channels near Brownsville, Texas;
162.2875, NA50
163.0625, NA40
163.4750, NA61
163.5250, NA10
163.6500, NA60
163.9750, NA21
164.4375, NA51
164.7375, NA41
166.9875, N310
168.3875, N312
169.2625, N293 - CBP Air 3
169.5750, NA80
169.6000, NA20
169.6375, NA31 - Weslaco 2
169.6625, NA30 - Weslaco 1
170.1250, NA40
170.3375, NA50
170.4375, NA61
170.5375, NA40 - Harlingen 1
170.9875, NA60
171.1875, NA20 - McAllen
171.1875, NB20
171.3250, NA11 - Rio Grande City 2
171.3250, NA41 - Harlingen
171.6625, NA12 - Rio Grande City 1
171.6625, NA51
171.7125, NA22 - McAllen 2
171.9625, NA10 - Rio Grande City (?)
171.9875, N311
172.2375, NC20
172.2625, NA21 - McAllen 1
172.7125, NA60
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Super Bowl XLVII Preps in NOLA
Activity surrounding Super Bowl XLVII continues in New Orleans. There have been some indications of increased federal and military helicopter activity around the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the site of the big game.
Today we had multiple passes of the Department of Energy Bell 412 helicopter with what appear to be sensor pods on each side.
This photo is of a similar helicopter that was spotted overflying the Washington, DC area prior to the Presidential Inauguration.
UPDATE:
Beginning Thursday, 1/31 I finally started hearing some activity on the Federal Interop repeater on 171.4375 MHz, N653, known as "NO FIO", part of the DoJ 25 Cities Project. Many radio tests and some references to the "JTOC" or Joint Tactical Operations Center. I haven't been able to sniff out much pre-game information about the JTOC in New Orleans this year in the local media.
In addition to the many agencies on site here at the Superdome, one interesting one is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Security Police. They are providing K9 support at vehicle checkpoints. The SPR Security vehicles are sporting VHF hi-band antennas, but haven't heard anything specifically from them yet.
Today we had multiple passes of the Department of Energy Bell 412 helicopter with what appear to be sensor pods on each side.
This photo is of a similar helicopter that was spotted overflying the Washington, DC area prior to the Presidential Inauguration.
UPDATE:
Beginning Thursday, 1/31 I finally started hearing some activity on the Federal Interop repeater on 171.4375 MHz, N653, known as "NO FIO", part of the DoJ 25 Cities Project. Many radio tests and some references to the "JTOC" or Joint Tactical Operations Center. I haven't been able to sniff out much pre-game information about the JTOC in New Orleans this year in the local media.
In addition to the many agencies on site here at the Superdome, one interesting one is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Security Police. They are providing K9 support at vehicle checkpoints. The SPR Security vehicles are sporting VHF hi-band antennas, but haven't heard anything specifically from them yet.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Presidential Inauguration Updates
As things get busy in DC for the Presidential Inauguration, you can look for updates at this thread on Radio Reference:
http://forums.radioreference.com/washington-dc-radio-discussion-forum/258164-dc-2013-inauguration.html
I am headed to New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII coverage, so I will try and post some updates from the Big Easy over the next couple of weeks...
http://forums.radioreference.com/washington-dc-radio-discussion-forum/258164-dc-2013-inauguration.html
I am headed to New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII coverage, so I will try and post some updates from the Big Easy over the next couple of weeks...
Saturday, January 19, 2013
FEMA Net in NY/NJ Area?
Back in November, 2012 when I was in the Staten Island area right after hurricane Sandy hit, I noted several UHF FEMA frequencies that had P25 radio traffic right after federal aid started moving into the area. The one frequency that seemed to show the most "hits" was 407.6625, N421.
I'm back in the NYC area and am still hearing a lot of short transmissions on this frequency, but I'm not sure if this is a permanent FEMA repeater in the area, perhaps part of a wide-area FEMA network. I have also heard these same key-ups with no voice on the same frequency in the Atlantic City, NJ area.
The key-ups with no voice may be the repeaters being in a "vote-scan" mode that allows field radios to select the nearest repeater automatically.
UPDATE: Just to clarify, there is encrypted voice traffic on these repeaters, not just voiceless key ups...
UPDATE 2 - On my last two trips to the Atlantic City area, the key ups on 407.6625 are no longer being heard.
I'm back in the NYC area and am still hearing a lot of short transmissions on this frequency, but I'm not sure if this is a permanent FEMA repeater in the area, perhaps part of a wide-area FEMA network. I have also heard these same key-ups with no voice on the same frequency in the Atlantic City, NJ area.
The key-ups with no voice may be the repeaters being in a "vote-scan" mode that allows field radios to select the nearest repeater automatically.
UPDATE: Just to clarify, there is encrypted voice traffic on these repeaters, not just voiceless key ups...
UPDATE 2 - On my last two trips to the Atlantic City area, the key ups on 407.6625 are no longer being heard.
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