XXXX,
Reading H.R.’s
correction on the Covert Communication
article I must correct him. He
cites 146.00MHz as the National Calling Frequency. That is incorrect. The
generally agreed upon simplex frequency (there is no law or regulation
requiring the use of any frequency as a National Calling Frequency) for calling
others known and/or unknown is 146.52MHz. Do a Google search for “amateur radio
national simplex frequency” and navigate to any of the top five or ten
citations and you will find that 146.52 is listed in each as the 2 meter
national simplex frequency. (There are many National Simplex Frequencies on
different bands.) The ARRL’s site is among those that list 146.52 as a
“National Calling Frequency”. In fact, H.R.’s frequency of 146.00MHz is listed
by the ARRL as in the range of frequencies used for the OSCAR satellite. It
wouldn’t be good to have a pile-up of callers there, especially during a period
of national or worldwide emergency. – Anonymous
HJL Adds: There are a number of standard simplex radio
frequencies that are used in Amateur Radio. Some are standard worldwide, some
nationwide, and some are simply local standards. For the most compatibility, I
would stick with those listed by the ARRL. The Band Plan
published by the ARRL is not binding, but it is a generally accepted practice
and an excellent place to start.
o o o
XXXX,
That is a great list.
Thank you for publishing. I’ve written a few of these on my emergency Yaesu ft
270r radio (that has been unlocked to cover commercial and marine channels). I
have found that writing the channels and a brief description on the battery
case in sharpie and covering it with clear coat provides a durable way to keep
these handy for when needed the most.
The question that I have
not found a good answer to: Do any government agencies (outside of the Coast
Guard) monitor these frequencies 24/7?
Specifically, I ask
because my radio exists solely for emergencies when my cell phone cannot call
for help. Specifically, I’m wondering about a medical issue while backpacking
or camping. Usually I am within radio range of the great lakes, so marine coast
guard channels typically are within range and Rx well.
When further inland, I
find that there is very little radio traffic with the exception of the weather
broadcasts. A dependable emergency frequency could prove valuable indeed under
these circumstances.
Do you or your readers
have any knowledge they could share? I typically am in Northern lower Michigan
FYI- I do intend to get
my Ham license, and I respect the hobby enough to not illegally use my radio.
However, when faced with a significant medical issue in the “back country”
(like a heart attack, stroke, or severe trauma) minutes could be significant
indeed! -TV
XXXX Replies: It is virtually impossible for any government
agency to listen to every possible frequency, even if you just limit it to well
known emergency use frequencies. The main problem is that many frequencies are
limited by propagation and geography, and the government just doesn’t have the
resources to focus on that. (Of course, they definitely seem to have the
resources to spy on your everyday life.) Many individuals make it their hobby
to monitor the common emergency channels, like CB 19 or Ham 146.52, but even so
there are many areas where contact just can’t be raised. I have had reasonable
success in placing a copy of the ARRL Repeater
Directory in my glove box.
Practically every Ham club or Ham repeater has a group of enthusiasts or at
least an individual who monitors 24/7 on their favorite repeater. As you travel
across the country, there are very few places where you can’t raise a local
repeater. In most cases, there may not be general chat in progress, but someone
is usually listening. I highly encourage EVERY person to get their Ham ticket.
From the Survival Blog
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