Messages

76

10/11 meters / Re: Data Links, Paging Pagers 25-30 MHz [Via G8JNJ SDR]

« on: January 26, 2024, 2017 UTC »

Yessir, 26900 kHz 26.9 MHz paging system is powerful.  I'm not 100% sure where it is located, but it seems to have several different transmitters operating on that specific 26.900 MHz frequency, as when the band is open there's often various signal strength signals coming in. 

Do you often hear the POCSAG paging systems on 29.800 MHz and 29.900 MHz? 

77

VHF/UHF Logs, including satellites and radiosondes / VHF Low Band Logs 19 Jan 2024 Morning - G8JNJ SDR

« on: January 19, 2024, 1659 UTC »

Via UK based SDR.

29.7100 MHz FM - US LMR comms, Spanish language chatter
29.7400 MHz FM - FSK signal
29.7500 MHz FM - POCSAG paging pager signals - sporadic signals
29.7600 MHz FM - FSK signal
29.7650 MHz FM - Russian LMR, probably taxi cab dispatcher YL "Olga"
29.7700 MHz FM - US LMR business comms - Tail end of FM voice transmission
29.7800 MHz FM - FSK signal, continuous
29.7900 MHz FM - US LMR business comms, taxi dispatcher? 
29.8000 MHz FM - POCSAG paging pager system 29.8 MHz 29800 kHz
29.8150 MHz FM - French language, UNID LMR or freeband CB comms?
29.8400 MHz FM - FSK signal
29.8450 MHz FM - Data bursts, 4-5 kHz bandwidth
29.8500 MHz FM - OTH Radar, "horn" sound, 50 kHz bandwidth
29.8700 MHz FM - FSK data signal
29.8850 MHz FM - Data signal, weak
29.9000 MHz FM - POCSAG paging pager system 29.9 MHz 29900 kHz
29.9050 MHz FM - FSK signal
29.9150 MHz FM - Taxi cab radio dispatcher, Russian taxi radio comms YL
29.9550 MHz FM - Weak FM voice comms, land mobile (probably Russians)
29.9650 MHz FM - Taxi cab dispatcher, Russian YL Olga
29.9850 MHz FM - FSK signal
29.9950 MHz FM - FM carrier, weaker than the carrier or carriers on 30.000 MHz
30.0000 MHz FM - FM carrier
30.0000 MHz FM - Chirper signal
30.0000 MHz FM - Weak FM voice comms, probably military going by FM deviation
30.0000 MHz FM - Military FM comms, US military radio checks
30.0050 MHz FM - Russian taxi cab radio dispatcher "Olga"
30.0150 MHz FM - Weak FM voice traffic, LMR (narrowband FM) probably taxi cab or other business using export radios
30.0200 MHz FM - Tail end of CW ID, hospital paging system, Canada pagers 30.02 MHz
30.0250 MHz FM - Military comms, very short duration transmission
30.0350 MHz FM - Taxi cab radio dispatcher, Russian, YL
30.0500 MHz FM - Military FM voice comms (clear voice) - US military air to air? 400Hz hum in background
30.0500 MHz FM - Military FM voice comms - IDF
30.0550 MHz FM - MFSK data bursts, weak
30.0750 MHz FM - Military comms, possibly IDF
30.0950 MHz FM - Taxi cab radio dispatch, Russian taxi cab radio comms
30.1000 MHz FM - POCSAG pager signals, sporadic
30.1000 MHz FM - Military comms, sounds like helicopters, mention of "Crystal 2-2"
30.1050 MHz FM - Taxi cab radio dispatch, Russian language.  YL dispatcher "Olga"
30.1250 MHz FM - Military comms, encrypted secure voice, heavy fading
30.1500 MHz FM - Military chatter, known popular US military frequency
30.1500 MHz FM - US military, air to ground, talking about "Base leg"
30.1550 MHz FM - MFSK data bursts
30.2000 MHz FM - Weak FM voice, heavy FM deviation, likely military
30.2200 MHz FM - Tail end of CW ID, hospital paging system, Canada pagers 30.22 MHz
30.2250 MHz FM - Military FM comms, likely IDF
30.2500 MHz FM - OTH Radar, 60-70 kHz bandwidth, very strong
30.3000 MHz FM - Military comms, US mil, convoy operations
30.3200 MHz FM - Paging signals - UNID source
30.4000 MHz FM - Arabic?  UNID language, likely land mobile
30.4800 MHz FM - POCSAG paging - weak, UNID source
30.5000 MHz FM - Military comms, likely IDF
30.5500 MHz FM - FM military voice comms, UNID language
30.5800 MHz FM - US LMR comms, UNID user, possibly C.W. Wright Contruction KRT982
30.6000 MHz FM - FM military voice comms, UNID language
30.6000 MHz FM - US LMR comms, utility service - possibly water company out of New Jersey
30.6400 MHz FM - US LMR comms
30.6500 MHz FM - Military voice traffic, clear FM voice and then secure mode
30.6800 MHz FM - US LMR comms - dispatcher, dramatic fading
30.7000 MHz FM - US LMR, talking about directions and alternate routes, sounds like mobile to mobile
30.7200 MHz FM - US LMR business radio service - bus or van dispatcher
30.7400 MHz FM - US LMR comms - business - bus dispatch
30.7500 MHz FM - Encrypted military voice chatter
30.7600 MHz FM - US LMR comms - bus / van dispatch
30.7600 MHz FM - US LMR comms, heavy construction or ready mix concrete
30.7800 MHz FM - US LMR comms, CW ID on frequency (no voice heard)
30.8000 MHz FM - Weak LMR two way comms, UNID source
30.8200 MHz FM - US LMR comms, bus / van dispatch
30.8400 MHz FM - US LMR comms, English and Spanish, UNID user
30.8750 MHz FM - Data bursts
30.8750 MHz FM - POCSAG paging pager system
30.8800 MHz FM - US LMR comms, business radio service
30.9000 MHz FM - POCSAG paging pager signals
30.9000 MHz FM - Military FM voice traffic, heavy fading, UNID user
30.9200 MHz FM - US LMR business radio service
30.9600 MHz FM - US LMR business radio chatter
31.0000 MHz FM - OTH Radar - "horn" sound, 100 kHz BW
31.0000 MHz FM - US LMR business radio comms, heavy fading
31.0000 MHz FM - Military FM voice chatter, lots of encrypted traffic
31.0250 MHz FM - Military FM voice - US military 150Hz tone noted
31.0400 MHz FM - US LMR business comms, weak, heavy QRM from OTH radar
31.0500 MHz FM - Military radio - encrypted voice / secure mode
31.0600 MHz FM - US LMR business - dispatch service, van service?
31.0800 MHz FM - US LMR business radio service
31.1000 MHz FM - Caught tail end of a FM voice signal, likely not military
31.1000 MHz FM - Weak LMR business comms, at least two different users on frequency
31.1000 MHz FM - US LMR comms - fire mutual aid radio network 131.8 Hz PL tone
31.1200 MHz FM - US LMR comms, bus dispatch, very strong 100.0 Hz usual user on 31.12 MHz
31.1200 MHz FM - US LMR comms, second group on frequency, sounds like construction company 31.120 MHz FM
31.1250 MHz FM - Military comms, secure voice (digital)
31.1500 MHz FM - Military FM voice activity, mixing with POCSAG paging signals on same frequency
31.1500 MHz FM - POCSAG paging signals - probably Greek pager network 31.15 MHz FM
31.1750 MHz FM - Military comms, mix of secure voice and regular FM
31.2000 MHz FM - US LMR business radio service comms, busy
31.2000 MHz FM - US LMR comms - facilities management or landscaping company
31.2000 MHz FM - Latin American LMR - taxi dispatcher Spanish with MDC1200 burst, 203.5 Hz PL
31.2400 MHz FM - US LMR comms - business - bus dispatcher, good signal
31.2400 MHz FM - US LMR comms, YL dispatcher talking about bringing it back to base
31.3200 MHz FM - Paging signals - POCSAG pager
31.3250 MHz FM - EPAR traffic light control data polytone - French 31 MHz band datalink
31.3600 MHz FM - US LMR comms, UNID user
31.4000 MHz FM - UNID LMR comms, probably US business radio
31.4400 MHz FM - US LMR business - bus or van dispatcher
31.4800 MHz FM - US LMR business radio chatter, UNID user
31.5000 MHz FM - Military FM voice chatter, also lots of encrypted traffic
31.5750 MHz FM - Chirper
31.6000 MHz FM - FM voice military chatter, US mil, unknown location
31.6750 MHz FM - Military comms, secure voice (digital)
31.7000 MHz FM - Spanish language, likely Latin American LMR comms business radio system
31.7250 MHz FM - POCSAG paging, UK hospital pager systems
31.7500 MHz FM - POCSAG paging, UK hospital pager systems
31.7600 MHz FM - US LMR - heavy construction, truck to base dispatcher
31.7750 MHz FM - POCSAG paging, UK hospital pager systems
31.8000 MHz FM - FM military comms, sporadic voice, mostly secure digital voice signals
31.9000 MHz FM - Military FM net, UNID language
31.9200 MHz FM - US LMR - Spanish language chatter
31.9500 MHz FM - Data signals, probably military tactical data link
31.9600 MHz FM - US LMR business radio chatter
32.0000 MHz FM - Data bursts
32.1000 MHz FM - US mil net, radio checks, sounds like range control or similar comms
32.1800 MHz FM - Latin American LMR - Costa Rica taxi cab company 77.0 Hz PL and 141.3 Hz PL
32.2000 MHz FM - Military comms, secure voice mode - strong
32.2250 MHz FM - FM military voice, US or Canadian military
32.3000 MHz FM - US military, range control or similar comms
32.3250 MHz FM - Chirper, S7 to S9 very strong
32.4750 MHz FM - Chirper
32.7500 MHz FM - Military comms, secure voice mode, busy
32.9000 MHz FM - Military comms, possibly US military
32.9400 MHz FM - Latin American LMR - Costa Rica taxi cab company 77.0 Hz PL and 141.3 Hz PL
33.0000 MHz FM - Fax or data stream, probably related to Asian fishery radio networks 27.5 MHz - 39.475 MHz FM
33.0200 MHz FM - US LMR business radio - bus dispatcher
33.0600 MHz FM - US LMR business radio service
33.0800 MHz FM - US LMR business radio chatter - dispatcher
33.1000 MHz FM - US LMR business radio - bus dispatcher
33.2000 FM - Data bursts, similar to those heard on other 33 MHz frequencies
33.3000 MHz FM - Military comms, FM voice, likely IDF
33.3200 MHz FM - US LMR comms, business or public safety user
33.4000 MHz FM - Strong data signals, previously noted on 33.4 MHz and other frequencies
33.4500 MHz FM - US mil, heard "hotel mike uniform"
33.5000 MHz FM - Military comms, very loud FM deviation, UNID langauge
33.5600 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.5800 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.6000 MHz FM - POCSAG paging signals, unknown source
33.6400 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.6800 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.7000 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.7400 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.7500 MHz FM - Data bursts
33.7600 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33 MHz fire band
33.7800 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.8000 MHz FM - Data bursts, 16-18 kHz bandwidth
33.8000 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.8400 MHz FM - Constant data stream, previously noted on 33.4 MHz and other frequencies
33.8600 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.8800 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.9000 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.9200 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.9400 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.9600 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
33.9800 MHz FM - US fire rescue dispatch LMR 33MHz fire band
34.0500 MHz FM - US military radio checks, 150Hz tone noted
34.1000 MHz FM - US military comms, heavy fading, possibly range control
34.1500 MHz FM - Military FM - unmodulated carrier signal, no voice heard, probably radio checks
34.2250 MHz FM - Military voice comms, FM voice
34.4750 MHz FM - Military comms, probably IDF
34.7000 MHz FM - UNID military FM comms
34.7750 MHz FM - Military FM comms, mixing with secure (encrypted) digital voice
34.8000 MHz FM - Military FM comms - likely IDF
34.8000 MHz FM - Digital signals, identical to those on 34.85 MHz
34.8500 MHz FM - Military data signals, possibly Russian targeting info
34.8500 MHz FM - Digital signals, probably military (see also: 34.8 MHz)
34.9000 MHz FM - Military net, Canadian military possible user
34.9500 MHz FM - Data bursts, similar to those heard on 33 MHz and 35 MHz
34.9750 MHz FM - Data signals, FSK "chirp"
35.0000 MHz FM - Military FM voice, also secure mode
35.0400 MHz FM - US LMR - business band itinerant frequency, sounds like construction crews
35.0400 MHz FM - US LMR - more than one user on 35.04 MHz frequency
35.0500 MHz FM - US mil comms, helicopters or aircraft
35.0600 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.1000 MHz FM - US LMR - ready mix concrete?
35.1000 MHz FM - Military FM voice comms, US military
35.1500 MHz FM - Military net - secure voice
35.2000 MHz FM - Paging
35.2500 MHz FM - FM military signal on frequency, unable to ID language
35.2800 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio - construction dispatch
35.3000 MHz FM - Strong data signals, previously noted on 35.400 MHz
35.3200 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter - bus, van or taxi dispatcher
35.3500 MHz FM - Military FM voice, US mil comms, 400Hz aircraft hum noted
35.3500 MHz FM - Military comms, secure voice mode (data)
35.3500 MHz FM - Data signals, similar to data noted on 33.4 MHz and 35.4 MHz
35.3600 MHz FM - POCSAG paging pager signals
35.4000 MHz FM - Data signals, previously monitored on this frequency
35.4400 MHz FM - Data bursts, weak POCSAG noted in the background
35.4500 MHz FM - Military FM voice, US military
35.4600 MHz FM - POCSAG paging signals pager
35.5000 MHz FM - Military data bursts, datalink and/or secure voice net
35.5400 MHz FM - POCSAG paging signals pager 35 MHz band
35.5400 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.5500 MHz FM - POCSAG paging signals - unknown source
35.5500 MHz FM - Military FM comms, clear voice
35.5500 MHz FM - Military data signals, targeting info or secure voice mode
35.5600 MHz FM - POCSAG paging pager signals 
35.5800 MHz FM - US LMR, weak signals, heavy fading
35.6000 MHz FM - Military data signals, targeting info or secure voice
35.6500 MHz FM - FM military net, IDF? 
35.7000 MHz FM - US LMR, very short transmissions, UNID user
35.7200 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.7400 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.7500 MHz FM - FM military comms - US mil, air to air
35.7600 MHz FM - US LMR, weak two-way radio comms heard
35.7800 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.8000 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.8000 MHz FM - Military data signals, targeting data or secure voice comms
35.8200 MHz FM - US LMR comms, dispatcher heard talking to mobiles
35.8400 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter, maybe highway maintenance?
35.8500 MHz FM - Military FM comms, US military
35.8800 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.9000 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.9000 MHz FM - Military FM voice chatter, likely IDF
35.9200 MHz FM - US LMR, weak comms heard
35.9250 MHz FM - Data bursts, probably military
35.9400 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.9600 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio chatter
35.9800 MHz FM - US LMR - business radio system
36.0500 MHz FM - Weak voice comms, probably land mobile, UNID
36.1000 MHz FM - Military FM voice, possibly range control, US military
36.1250 MHz FM - Military data signals
36.1750 MHz FM - Weak military FM signals
36.2500 MHz FM - Data signals, likely military data link, previously monitored on/near this frequency
36.3000 MHz FM - FM military comms, 150 Hz tone, probably US military
36.3250 MHz FM - Chirper
36.3250 MHz FM - Data bursts, tell-tale "BUZZ" 16-18 kHz bandwidth
36.4000 MHz FM - Data bursts, similar to those noted on 33 MHz and 35 MHz
36.4250 MHz FM - Chirper, strong, off the air at 1447 UTC
36.4250 MHz FM - UNID voice comms underneath the FM chirp signal, Russian LMR?
36.4750 MHz FM - MFSK 5-frequency data bursts, SCADA?  narrowband signal
36.4750 MHz FM - Russian taxi cab radio dispatch, very weak
36.5000 MHz FM - Latin American LMR - taxi cab dispatcher, known user of this frequency 74.4 Hz PL
36.5250 MHz FM - Russian LMR - taxi cab radio dispatcher
36.6500 MHz FM - Data bursts, likely military secure voice or targeting link tactical data link
36.7500 MHz FM - Data signals, likely secure voice mode (military radio net)
36.9000 MHz FM - Military FM comms, IDF (likely) heavy fading
36.9250 MHz FM - Military FM radio comms, unsure of language, 150 Hz tone
37.0000 MHz FM - MFSK data bursts, UNID source
37.0200 MHz FM - US LMR - Police dispatch, 146.2 Hz PL
37.1000 MHz FM - Military FM signal noted, UNID user or source
37.1000 MHz FM - US military range control, weak

78

VHF/UHF Logs, including satellites and radiosondes / 32.180 MHz FM 32.940 MHz FM Alajuela Costa Rica Taxi Cab Radio Network

« on: January 16, 2024, 2240 UTC »

Great band opening indicators, 32.18 MHz and 32.94 MHz   VHF low band DX lowband VHF list early warning DX 28MHz 25-50 MHz.  These two frequencies are unique in that they are not within the US land mobile (LMR, Part 90) sub-bands of VHF low. 

32.1800 MHz FM 77.0Hz PL 77.0 Hz tone
32.1800 MHz FM 141.3Hz PL 141.3 tone
32.9400 MHz FM 77.0Hz PL 77.0 Hz tone
32.9400 MHz FM 141.3Hz PL 141.3 tone

Simplex system, both frequencies use 77.0 Hz and 141.3 Hz tones.  Base to mobile VHF low band system.  Alajuela Costa Rica - confirmed user and location. 

When activity is on these frequencies, the 31.200 MHz [203.5 Hz PL] taxi cab dispatch radio system plus

36.5000 MHz 74.4 Hz PL tone 36.500 MHz FM 36,500  36.5 MHz FM
38.6600 MHz 173.8 Hz PL tone 38.660 MHz FM 38,660 38.66 MHz FM

No doubt there are many others.  Use of 10 kHz spacing / 20 kHz spacing is pretty common.  Some 25 kHz / 12.5 kHz channel offsets noted in South America and the Caribbean (33.425 MHz FM out of Cuba, for example).   36.500 MHz is also used by military users worldwide for voice and data comms.  38.660 MHz is close enough to 38.650 MHz FM and 38.6625 MHz FM as well.    The 32 MHz, 34 MHz, 36 MHz and 38 MHz bands are used by US military and other militaries worldwide.  Use of these frequencies for non military land mobile is pretty common outside the USA.  For example, both the 37 MHz and 38 MHz bands are confirmed to be used by Russian taxi cab radio networks.

Are also often coming in.  The 32.180 MHz and 32.940 MHz taxi cab radio networks are confirmed as being in Costa Rica Costa Rican taxi cab radio radio taxi Alajuela Municipality, Costa Rica.  Alajuela Province Costa Rica

79

10/11 meters / Data Links, Paging Pagers 25-30 MHz [Via G8JNJ SDR]

« on: January 16, 2024, 1336 UTC »

16 January 2024
WORK IN PROGRESS


26.625 MHz FM 26625 kHz FM - Pager systems - POCSAG
26.630 MHz FM

27.450 MHz FM 27450 kHz FM - FM carrier, several data link systems and POCSAG systems on this frequency
27.495 MHz FM 27495 kHz FM
27.505 MHz FM 27505 kHz FM - Wideband 15-18 kHz bandwidth POCSAG paging 27.505 MHz 27.505MHz
27.510 MHz FM 27510 kHz FM - POCSAG paging signals, offset 27.5125 MHz 27.512MHz
27.550 MHz FM 27550 kHz FM - POCSAG pager network paging system
27.600 MHz FM 27600 kHz FM - Pager - sporadic signal 12 kHz BW
27.650 MHz FM 27650 kHz FM - POCSAG pager paging signals
27.650 MHz FM 27650 kHz FM - FM carrier - alarms, low power data links, unknown location
27.700 MHz FM 27700 kHz FM - POCSAG paging pager signals 27,7 MHz
27.720 MHz FM 27720 kHz FM - Paging systems pagers 27.72 MHz FM
27.740 MHz FM 27740 kHz FM - POCSAG paging pager signals - sporadic signal
27.750 MHz FM 27750 kHz FM - POCSAG paging pager systems 27.75 MHz
27.760 MHz FM 27760 kHz FM - Low power alarm and paging systems, Europe - paging signals noted
27.845 MHz FM 27845 kHz FM - Offset paging frequency, see 27848
27.848 MHz FM 27848 kHz FM - Paging POCSAG frequency 27.848 MHz 27.8475 MHz
27.850 MHz FM 27850 kHz FM - POCSAG pager signals, offset frequency - see 27.848 MHz 27.8475 MHz
27.885 MHz FM 27885 kHz FM - POCSAG pager paging signals - narrow and wide band POCSAG
27.890 MHz FM 27890 kHz FM - FSK signals, 27.889 MHz USB
27.900 MHz FM 27900 kHz FM - POCSAG paging pager signals
27.940 MHz FM 27940 kHz FM - Constant "pulsing" MFSK data signal with carrier tone on 27.941 MHz
27.940 MHz FM 27940 kHz FM - POCSAG paging signals on top of pulsing data signal
27.950 MHz FM 27950 kHz FM - Two-carrier FSK RTTY like data signal (27.95 MHz USB)

29.740 MHz FM 29740 kHz FM - FSK signal, 150Hz shift
29.745 MHz FM 29745 kHz FM - MFSK signals, sporadic
29.750 MHz FM 29750 kHz FM - POCSAG paging, sporadic
29.800 MHz FM 29800 kHz FM - POCSAG paging pager systems
29.855 MHz FM 29855 kHz FM - FSK signal, constant
29.878 MHz FM 29878 kHz FM - FSK signal - 29.8783 MHz FSK
29.900 MHz FM 29900 kHz FM - POCSAG paging pager systems

80

10/11 meters / 26.765 MHz AM Taxi Cab Radio Dispatch - Band Opening Indicator 5 January 2024

« on: January 05, 2024, 1809 UTC »

26765 AM the taxi lady is coming in nice and strong at 1800 UTC today 01/05/2024.

26.765 MHz frequency 26,765 26.7650 MHz 26.765MHz AM YL taxi dispatcher. 

81

10/11 meters / Re: PNI Escort HP 82 Handheld CB AM FM Multi-Norm Review

« on: January 05, 2024, 1741 UTC »

Dropped a search. Spotted your demo video.

I noted the power cable appears to have a screw to secure the power adapter. Seems that would be a good spot for a simple counterpoise wire assuming it is grounded to the PCB; or perhaps easily modified internally if not.

BTW, I have not exactly been active on 11m in quite awhile, but I still have not had an 11m FM QSO with anyone as far as I can remember.

It's a promising radio.  I did some more research on the Midland 75-822 handheld, and apparently the version being sold now is rev 2 or revision 2...and the modifications are...more complicated?  Maybe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAiHCweEhOU

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_crpjtc4Rc

among others

The PNI HP82 is a nice rig.  There's a decent amount of FM activity now.  Most of it seems to be on 26.805 MHz FM, but I've heard 26.795 MHz, 26.825 MHz and others with FM activity. 

I've worked stations on 26.805 MHz FM and a few others, including in-band legal channels and on 27.600 MHz FM, 27.605 MHz FM and a handful of others.  It's a lot of fun for sure.  27.6 MHz FM makes sense, and any radio with UK FM capability puts you on 27.60125 MHz FM for UK FM channel 1 so that works too.

82

10/11 meters / 11 meter band activity 25-26 MHz 5 Jan 2024

« on: January 05, 2024, 1644 UTC »

Another band opening today.  Lots of activity on 26.735 MHz AM, truckers talking about which "taco truck" is better, other discussion relating to fast food joints, traffic and other typical CB radio banter.  26735 is CB radio channel 19 "down one band" so it's very popular for truck drivers to use this frequency...simply flip the band switch from "D" to "C" on your export radio and leave the channel on 19. 

27.635 MHz is channel 19 up one band (Band E, or the upper channels, high band), but 26.735 MHz seems to be more popular. 

I've actually heard a lot of truck drivers on 25.835 MHz AM, which is channel 19 down 3 bands..so Band A on the standard export radio where the legal 40 CB channels is Band D.  26.285 MHz AM or channel 19 on band B is not as popular, likely because 26.285 MHz USB is promoted as the alternate SSB DX 11 meter CB calling frequency to 27.555 MHz USB. 

Several other 25 MHz - 26 MHz frequencies are currently active, including:

25.625 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatcher Spanish language
25.655 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatcher Spanish language
25.675 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatcher Spanish language
25.695 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatcher Spanish language
25.725 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatcher Spanish language
25.765 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatcher Spanish language
25.900 MHz AM - Broadcast station, 11 meter SWBC band, strong signal!
25.945 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatcher Spanish language
25.950 MHz FM - STL carrier signal, unmodulated FM "dead air"
25.985 MHz LSB - Freeband CB radio operators, Latin America
26.000 MHz LSB - Spanish speaking freeband 11m operators, good signals
26.005 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatcher Spanish language
26.015 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio chatter, OM drivers talking to each other, also YL dispatcher
26.035 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL dispatch Spanish speaking lady
26.105 MHz AM - Spanish speaking freebanders calling CQ
26.115 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - YL radio taxi dispatcher Latin America
26.225 MHz USB - Strong SSB freeband QSOs - previously active frequency
26.375 MHz AM - Lots of signals on top of each other, English and Spanish heard
26.405 MHz AM - Popular freeband AM frequency, US stations heard
26.500 MHz LSB - Spanish language freeband CB radio, busy
26.515 MHz AM - US stations, sounds like a business radio system, YL dispatcher
26.540 MHz LSB - stations that QSY'ed from 26.555 LSB
26.555 MHz LSB - Nonstop SSB signals, calling frequency - see also: 27.455 MHz USB
26.585 MHz AM - Mexican truckers, very busy
26.595 MHz AM - Mexican truckers
26.625 MHz AM - Somebody doing radio checks (English language, US stations)
26.655 MHz AM - US stations, maybe logging company comms?  Not sure
26.765 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch - very good signals today, can hear the drivers replying to her!
26.775 MHz AM - Truck drivers using export radios, sporadic signals
26.785 MHz AM - Truck drivers using export radios
26.805 MHz FM - FM Group frequency, stations working DX
26.815 MHz AM - Big big signals!
26.825 MHz AM - US and other stations working DX
26.835 MHz AM - US and other stations working DX
26.935 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch, YL taxi dispatcher Spanish language

83

VHF/UHF Logs, including satellites and radiosondes / Re: 31.100 MHz FM 131.8 Hz Fire Mutual Aid Network Test 1405 UTC 29 Dec 2023

« on: January 05, 2024, 1501 UTC »

Awesome.  It often booms in on the UK based and mainland Europe based online SDR receivers. 

31.100 MHz has lots of different traffic on it.  It's not as much as, say, the 31.120 MHz bus/van dispatch repeater (31.12 MHz FM is one of many of those frequencies) but its still quite active.  31.200 is very busy too, sometimes with multiple users coming in at once.  There's a somewhat local to me business user that uses 31.200 MHz and 31.240 MHz (both frequencies 136.5 Hz PL) for grounds maintenance.  A very local (to me) business uses 30.580 MHz, sometimes with carrier squelch (no tone), and ohter times with various tones, 71.9 Hz, 88.5 Hz and I believe a couple others. 

Lowband is certainly alive and well.  For some applications, it is just what the doctor ordered.

84

VHF/UHF Logs, including satellites and radiosondes / VHF Low Band Logs [UK Based RX G8JNJ SDR] 5 January 2024

« on: January 05, 2024, 1444 UTC »

29.7100 MHz FM - Spanish language, likely Part 90 LMR or
29.7250 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio comms, previously logged on this frequency
29.7750 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter, sporadic signal
29.7950 MHz FM - Weak FM voice signal, likely land mobile system, taxi cab comms 29.795MHz FM
29.8000 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter, fair to weak
29.8000 MHz FM - POCSAG paging signals, often full scale
29.8050 MHz FM - Taxi cab dispatch, Russian language, Russian taxi cab YL Olga dispatcher
29.8250 MHz FM - Constant FSK data signal on frequency
29.8250 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio comms fishing fleet radio 29.875 MHz FM CSQ
29.8500 MHz FM - OTH Radar, 16-18 kHz BW, strong "horn" sound in NFM mode 29.85 MHz
29.8750 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio comms fishing fleet radio 29.875 MHz FM CSQ
29.9000 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter 29.900 MHz FM
29.9000 MHz FM - POCSAG paging signals 29.9 MHz paging
29.9250 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter, deep fades 29.925 MHz FM [CSQ]
29.9550 MHz FM - Taxi cab dispatch, Russian language, Russian taxi cab YL Olga dispatcher
29.9650 MHz FM - Russian taxi cab radio dispatch, YL dispatcher SIO 222
29.9750 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter, SIO 333
30.0000 MHz FM - FM carrier - 29.9995 MHz 29.9996 MHz
30.0000 MHz FM - FM carrier with "chirp"
30.0200 MHz FM - Modulated CW ID, probably Canadian hospital paging system
30.0200 MHz FM - POCSAG paging burst, Canadian on-site hospital pager
30.0250 MHz FM - UNID language military comms
30.0750 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter 30.075 MHz FM [CSQ]
30.1000 MHz FM - US military comms
30.1050 MHz FM - Russian taxi cab radio dispatch - YL Russia LMR PMR 30.105MHz
30.1550 MHz FM - MFSK data signal, very deep fades
30.3750 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter 30.375 MHz FM [CSQ]
30.5500 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio comms 30.550 MHz FM [CSQ]
30.5800 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - construction company 30.58 MHz FM
30.6250 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter 30.625 MHz FM [CSQ]
30.6400 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR, bus or taxi dispatcher
30.6600 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - tail end of a CW ID
30.6800 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - bus or van dispatch, good signals
30.7750 MHz FM - Asian fishing fleet radio comms 30.775MHz CSQ
30.8000 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter - CSQ no tone 30.800 MHz FM SIO 333 at 1414 UTC
30.8750 MHz FM - POCSAG paging signals, UNID source location
30.9200 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR, New England accents
30.9500 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio comms, known active frequency 30.95 MHz FM
31.0000 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - business radio comms
31.0000 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter
31.0800 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - Business comms
31.1000 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - Public Safety, Fire Rescue Mutual Aid Network 131.8 Hz
31.1000 MHz FM - Asian fishing fleet comms, fishery radio network - CSQ with FSK data bursts
31.1200 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - Business - School bus or rideshare dispatch, very strong signal 100.0 Hz 151.4 Hz WPYJ841
31.1500 MHz FM - POCSAG paging pager signals, possibly from Greece
31.1750 MHz FM - Asian fishing fleet comms, 31.175 MHz FM [CSQ]
31.2000 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - sounds like highway maintenance - "417 to 8"
31.2000 MHz FM - Latin American LMR / PMR taxi cab dispatcher Spanish YL dispatch
31.2400 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - YL dispatcher
31.3800 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR, business radio chatter
31.4200 MHz FM - UNID user, Spanish language, probably taxi cab dispatch unknown location
31.4250 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter 31.425 MHz FM [CSQ]
31.4250 MHz FM - FM carrier with chirp effect
31.4400 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR, construction dispatch
31.4800 MHz FM - US Part 90 LMR - bus or van dispatcher
31.6000 MHz FM - Military radio comms, strong FM deviation 31.6 MHz FM
31.6250 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter 31.625 MHz FM [CSQ] very good signals at 1427 UTC
31.6750 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter 31.675 MHz FM [CSQ]
31.7500 MHz FM - UK on site hospital pager paging POCSAG
31.7750 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio comms fishing fleet fishermen 31.7750 MHz FM [CSQ]
31.7750 MHz FM - UK on site hospital pager paging POCSAG
31.8000 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio comms, very popular frequency 31.800 MHz 31.8MHz
31.9000 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio comms, sporadic signals
32.0500 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter 32.05 MHz FM [CSQ]
32.1800 MHz FM - Taxi cab dispatch, Costa Rica - 77.0 Hz and 141.3 Hz tones
32.4750 MHz FM - Asian fishery radio chatter
32.5500 MHz FM - OTH Radar "Buzz" sound, 100 Hz BW
32.9400 MHz FM - Taxi cab dispatch, Costa Rica - 77.0 Hz and 141.3 Hz tones

85

10/11 meters / FM CB Activity - 26.805 MHz FM 1630 UTC 4 Jan 2024

« on: January 04, 2024, 1655 UTC »

Strong signals coming in locally and via the W3HFU KiwiSDR on 26.805MHz FM free band CB FM calling frequency.

There doesn't seem to be much, if any, in-band FM mode activity at least at the moment. 

The "usual suspects" are active as well:

26.555 MHz LSB - Spanish language calling frequency, very busy
26.575 MHz AM - Mexican trucker frequency, basically nonstop activity
26.585 MHz AM - Just as busy as 26.575MHz
26.615 MHz LSB - Weak SSB chatter on this frequency, Spanish language
26.655 MHz AM - US stations, possibly hunters / hunt club radio comms
26.735 MHz AM - US truck drivers using export radios, this is Channel 19 "down one band" and often has trucker chatter on it
26.765 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch, YL dispatcher - the usual LMR / PMR user of this frequency 26765 AM 26.7650 MHz AM
26.785 MHz AM - US freeband CB radio chatter
26.915 MHz AM - the usual activity on this frequency


27.420 MHz LSB - US freeband CB radio chatter
27.445 MHz USB - Spanish language comms, some QRM from 27.45 MHz
27.450 MHz LSB - US freeband CB radio comms, fair signals
27.455 MHz USB - Spanish language calling frequency, see also: 26.555 LSB
27.475 MHz AM - Possible taxi cab radio dispatch, interesting frequency choice
27.485 MHz AM - Spanish language taxi cab dispatcher, YL dispatcher with heavy SSB QRM
27.515 MHz LSB - Caribbean calling frequency, The Knight Patrol!
27.525 MHz LSB - Caribbean area chatter, distinctive accent
27.555 MHz USB - Calling frequency, active
27.575 MHz AM - Taxi cab radio dispatch, heavy QRM from SSB
27.625 MHz LSB - US stations, very weak
27.635 MHz AM - US truckers using export radios, sporadic activity (see also: 27.185 MHz, 26.735 MHz, 25.835 MHz, etc.)
27.655 MHz USB - Spanish language freeband CB radio comms
27.665 MHz USB - Spanish speaking freeband CB chatter
27.695 MHz LSB - Extremely strong Latin American informal QSO
27.725 MHz LSB - Spanish speaking freeband CB 11m comms
27.725 MHz USB - Spanish speaking freebanders
27.735 MHz AM - Radio taxi dispatch, Latin America - YL taxi dispatcher, Spanish language
27.745 MHz AM - Radio taxi dispatch, Latin America - YL taxi dispatcher, Spanish language
27.755 MHz AM - Radio taxi dispatch, Latin America - YL taxi dispatcher, Spanish language
27.765 MHz LSB - Spanish language chatter
27.785 MHz AM - Radio taxi dispatch, Latin America - YL taxi dispatcher, Spanish language
27.815 MHz AM - Radio taxi dispatch, Latin America - YL taxi dispatcher, Spanish language
27.905 MHz AM - Radio taxi dispatch, Latin America - YL taxi dispatcher, Spanish language
27.915 MHz AM - US truck drivers, very dramatic fading

Update:  at 1650 UTC, 26.805 MHz FM is still active.  I also noted a mixture of AM, FM and LSB signals on CB Channel 40 frequency 27.405 MHz.

There is also an unmodulated carrier wave signal on 27.145 MHz, plus two different data signals, one centered on 27.144 MHz, the other centered closer to 27143.5 kHz 27.1435 kHz.  Their bandwidths are within the RCRS regulations either way.

86

10/11 meters / PNI Escort HP 82 Handheld CB AM FM Multi-Norm Review

« on: January 02, 2024, 1427 UTC »

So I picked one of these up a couple months ago.  They do not have an "export mode" or "RU mode" - at least the firmware in the version I have does not. 

It does, however, have the following bands ready to go.  It's legal to use in the USA under Part 95 in both regular old AM mode and FM mode on the standard 40 channels in the EU band.  Set it to CE band and it does the same legal 40 channels but is locked in FM mode only.

EU band 40 channels 26.965 MHz - 27.405 MHz - same as American CB radio band and export radios "Band D" - AM and FM modes

CE band 40 channels 26.965 MHz - 27.405 MHz - identical to EU band and the US FCC mid band, but is FM mode only

DE band 80 channels 26.565 MHz - 27.405 MHz - this is the German 80 channel CB band, which is also legal in several other countries in addition to Germany.  Channels 1-40 are identical to the EU band and the American CB radio band, AM and FM modes are allowed on channels 1-40, 4w AM carrier, 4w FM.  Channels 41-80 are FM only.  Channel 41 is 26.565 MHz and Channel 80 is 26.955 MHz.  Straight 10 kHz sequence with no skipped channels 26.565 MHz, 26.585 MHz, 26.595 MHz, 26.605 MHz, 26.615 MHz, etc. up to 26.925 MHz, 26.935 MHz, 26.945 MHz and 26.955 MHz. 

UK band 40 channels 27.60125 MHz - 27.99125 MHz - this is the UK FM 27/81 band.  4w FM, straight 10 kHz channel sequence, 27.60125 MHz to 27.99125 MHz.  27.78125 MHz is channel 19.  No skipped channels or out of order channel numbering for channels 23, 24 and 25.  In UK mode, pressing the AM/FM - BAND button once switches you between the UK FM 40 channel band and the CE band (CEPT European standard 40 channel mid band FM CB radio allocation, that is, the standard 26.965 MHz - 27.405 MHz allocation, FM only).  Whichever channel you're on on the UK FM CB band, it will flip you down to that channel on the CE band, which is sort of a neat feature. 

I2 band 34 channels  26.875 MHz - 27.265 MHz - Italian "I2 CB Band" - 34 channel band.  This is one of two 27 MHz 11 meter CB bands available in Italy.
Channels 1 to 23 are identical to the US band/CEPT CB band/EU mid band FM.  All channels allow use of AM and FM modes.  Channels 26 to 34 are the non-standard channels, channel 24 and 25 are standard CB channels, but are numbered in a non-standard way.

Channel 24 is 27.245 MHz - normally this is Channel 25
Channel 25 is 27.265 MHz - normally this is Channel 26
Channel 26 is 26.875 MHz
Channel 27 is 26.885 MHz
Channel 28 is 26.895 MHz
Channel 29 is 26.905 MHz
Channel 30 is 26.915 MHz
Channel 31 is 26.925 MHz
Channel 32 is 26.935 MHz
Channel 33 is 26.945 MHz
Channel 34 is 26.955 MHz

So Italy has non-standard CB channels available by using the I2 band.

IN band 27 channels 26.965 MHz - 27.275 MHz.  India CB radio 27MHz band Indian CB radio allocation.  5w AM / 5w FM power output.  Identical to the standard channel plan for channels 1-27.  Yep, it even follows the out of order channel numbering for 23, 24 and 25. 

PL band 40 channels 26.960 MHz - 27.400 MHz - Polish CB radio channel plan.  Poland CB allocation -5 kHz or the "zeros".  Identical to the EU / CEPT / FCC standard US 40 channel band plan, except every channel frequency is -5 kHz.  So Channel 1 is 26.960 MHz, Channel 2 is 26.970 MHz, Channel 3 is 26.980 MHz, Channel 4 is 27.000 MHz...up to Channel 38 being 27.380 MHz, Channel 39 is 27.390 MHz and Channel 40 is 27.400 MHz.  AM and FM modes are allowed. 

Counting the 40 UK FM channels + German 40 additional FM channels, there's 80 non-standard channels available right there.  Yes, there's also the Polish channels, but that 5 kHz offset isn't that much of a help in most situations as far as finding a clear frequency, at least in AM and FM mode.

I think I might get myself one or two Midland 75-822 handhelds, or one of the other PNI handhelds and do some range testing.  I know the Midland 75-822 can be easily modified to cover the 120 channel "low/mid/high" bands - or Band C/Band D/Band E. 

26.515 MHz - 27.855 MHz total coverage

Low band / Band C - 26.515 MHz - 26.955 MHz
Mid band / Band D / legal FCC CB band / 26.965 MHz - 27.405 MHz
High band / Band E  27.415 MHz - 27.855 MHz.
 
I believe it also can be switched to do the 80 channel German CB radio allocation and the UK FM CB channels as well.   The issue is, of course, that the German band extra channels are FM only. 

87

VHF/UHF Logs, including satellites and radiosondes / Re: 31.100 MHz FM 131.8 Hz Fire Mutual Aid Network Test 1405 UTC 29 Dec 2023

« on: January 01, 2024, 2040 UTC »

I did a little research and this is a full repeater, 131.8 Hz CTCSS tone 131.8 PL frequency 31.1000 MHz.  District 8 Fire Operations [Worcester County].    It is patched both to a countywide trunking system and a UHF repeater on 453.7500 MHz, 94.8 Hz PL.   The name of the channel is “OPS” or “Worcester Fire Ops”.  Fire District 8 ops.  So it’s a three-way interconnect, analog low band on 31.1 MHz, analog UHF on 453.750 MHz and digital voice on the trunking system. 

It seems like a very hybrid approach, the county uses a mix of UHF analog, digital trunking and lowband as well as high band VHF.  Lots and lots of 33 MHz band usage for dispatch, tone outs, paging and simulcasting another radio channel or talkgroup.  The 33 MHz band is actually broken down into sub-bands. 


33.020 MHz - 33.100 MHz
and
33.420 MHz - 33.980 MHz

20 kHz spacing (33.02 MHz, 33.04 MHz, 33.06 MHz, 33.08 MHz, 33.10 MHz…up to 33.94 MHz, 33.96 MHz and 33.98 MHz)

are allocated to public safety on a primary basis under Part 90 of the FCC rules.  The 33.120 MHz to 33.4 MHz portion is allocated to business radio.  33.420 MHz is assigned to low power simplex operations as well as operational fixed stations (low power, I believe power is limited to 10 watts or maybe 25w).   


The 31.100 MHz frequency itself is actually assigned to both public safety land mobile users and business radio service land mobile users under Part 90 FCC rules LMR / PMR regulations 31.1 MHz is shared with Public Safety Radio Pool, along with

30.860 MHz
30.900 MHz
30.940 MHz
30.980 MHz
31.020 MHz
31.060 MHz
31.100 MHz (duh)
31.140 MHz


Plus a handful of higher frequencies, namely 35.020 MHz and the old IMTS 35 MHz / 43 MHz pairs. 

88

VHF/UHF Logs, including satellites and radiosondes / 31.100 MHz FM 131.8 Hz Fire Mutual Aid Network Test 1405 UTC 29 Dec 2023

« on: December 29, 2023, 1411 UTC »

Worcester County, Mass. fire mutual aid network radio system test, call outs to individual stations on the network and radio checks.  Test complete at 1407 UTC (907 local time).  Good signal on 31.1000 MHz FM 131.8 Hz PL tone - WQEW233 license / callsign, ID "Worcester Fire" over the air.  31.1 MHz FM PL=131.8Hz.   

Received via G8JNJ online SDR receiver - receiver located in the UK.  Signal strength S5-S7 with minor fading.  Nice FM audio on VHF low band. 

Frequency 31100 kHz FM 31,100 FM 31.1000 FM CTCSS 131.8Hz 131.8 tone


This frequency is used for all sorts of purposes, but it was nice and clear with about a S2-S3 noise floor. 

89

VHF/UHF Logs, including satellites and radiosondes / Russian military comms 30.025 MHz FM 1245 UTC [Via G8JNJ SDR] 29 December 2023

« on: December 29, 2023, 1252 UTC »

Lots of Asian fishery traffic all over the band right now, especially below 33 MHz or so.

Noted wide deviation FM voice on 30025 FM 30.025 MHz FM.  Solid 18-22 kHz wide.  Russian military traffic.  Not Russian taxis (although there are lots of those all over 25-30 MHz right now too).  First appeared on frequency at 1245 UTC, active until 1250 UTC or 1251 UTC.  Nice strong signal, SIO 444. 

Weak fishery radio network chatter also on frequency 30.0250 MHz FM [CSQ]. 

90

10/11 meters / 26.765 MHz AM Taxi Cab Radio Dispatch - Band Opening Indicator 27 December 2023

« on: December 27, 2023, 1634 UTC »

26765 kHz AM 26.765MHz AM Mexican taxicab radio coming in mid-morning (US east coast time) on a handheld receiver.  Fair amount of activity on the legal 40 CB band and the upper channels as well.

26.765 MHz AM is a nice band opening indicator as the YL dispatch lady taxi lady comes in basically daily.  Mexican taxi cab radio dispatch 26.7650 MHz AM.